novelraw Chapter 143: Did I Just Get Requested?
Chapter 143: Did I Just Get Requested?
This banquet wasn't a formal event, but rather an impromptu trading gathering without tedious explanations or auction procedures. Like a simple marketplace, amidst dancing, delicacies, and piano music, those wishing to trade would present supernatural items, and interested parties could exchange goods or money.
The security measures for this trading event consisted solely of a special Navigator's Eye installed on the ceiling, recording everything that occurred during the banquet. Should any unusual circumstances arise, the White Pigeon expedition ships would immediately trigger their alarm system to ensure the gathering's safety.
Probably nothing to do with me anymore... After finishing his duties at the dining table, Chen Qi stepped away and surveyed the banquet hall. As the bald head chef had mentioned, most attendees were from Moonstone City companies, with only a handful of pirates present. Excluding those few pirates, this was just an ordinary trading event.
A good opportunity... Chen Qi straightened his clothes. In the market, such commission-free trades were rare. Perhaps I could make a deal too... He retrieved two useless skill cards from his Backpack Card: 'Wyvern Charm' and 'Empty Skeletal Head' - both difficult to offload.
He wondered if these cards could be exchanged for something useful. In the Goldenfinch Kingdom, Wyvern Charm would definitely cause a frenzy... Chen Qi navigated through the noisy banquet, searching for a reliable buyer.
Just then, a hoarse, bitter voice caught his attention. "This old man only wants Phantom Affinity skill cards. Only emptiness can be exchanged for emptiness."
Chen Qi turned toward the voice's source. On the banquet floor sat an elderly man who looked completely out of place, wearing a damp white cloak and sitting cross-legged. His arms were as thin as withered branches, with seawater continuously dripping from beneath his cloak.
The aura of a third-tier Phantom Affinity transcendent - truly rare... That cloak suggested he might be from the Sea God Pirates! Members of both the Sea God Pirates and Black Whale Pirates appearing on the same ship? Are they planning retaliatory actions in coastal waters? Chen Qi pondered. The navy had recently achieved victory at Sea Monster Island, and the Blackfin Crew weren't docile kittens who would take a beating lying down. They were undoubtedly preparing major retaliatory operations!
Chen Qi recalled that around this time, the Blackfin Crew would occupy coastal islands to establish weather observation stations and claim territory within near waters. But more pressing than these matters was the skill card in the cloaked elder's hand.
A traveling merchant shouted, "Hey old man! I'll offer three million Shell Coins for that card!"Upon hearing the sum, the cloaked elder remained motionless, coldly repeating, "Only nothingness can exchange for the 'Nothingness' in my hand."
Chen Qi examined the card in the elder's hand. Its face was completely blank, while the back featured an inky black book with bloodshot eyes! The Void Book Affinity... Chen Qi was startled. As a strategy master, he recognized this card.
'Knowledge of Void,' a one-time Void Book Affinity skill card that eliminated the negative effects from overusing skill cards. The more frequently one used skill cards, the more it caused mental confusion and even madness. This was why even resource-rich nobles couldn't rapidly produce powerful transcendents - most had to gradually master supernatural arts through accumulated practice. 'Knowledge of Void' could cleanse these negative states from excessive skill card use!
Though 'Knowledge of Void' had limitations, for Chen Qi's accelerated development, this was an invaluable treasure. However, Phantom Affinity skill cards were as rare as Phantom Affinity transcendents. Many had tried purchasing it with money, only to be refused. Fortunately, he happened to possess a Phantom Affinity card.
Chen Qi approached, crouched down, and presented 'Empty Skeletal Head': "Can this skill card be exchanged?"
'Empty Skeletal Head' was a one-time skill that resisted mental attacks by abandoning thought, then triggered Blind Speech upon death. Useless to Chen Qi, but for Phantom Affinity transcendents, such seemingly worthless cards held great importance for their supernatural path.
The moment he saw the card, the cloaked elder's body emitted excited gurgling sounds. "Ritual, ritual..." He murmured, accepting the card: "Abandoning thought... excellent... I want..."
Without further ado, the cloaked elder swiftly handed 'Knowledge of Void' to Chen Qi to complete the trade. The instant the transaction concluded, Chen Qi felt numerous gazes lock onto him. 'Knowledge of Void' could fetch over ten million on the market - a card many nobles sought annually.
Before anyone could speak, Chen Qi coldly used the card to cut his finger: "Activate..." Before anyone reacted, 'Knowledge of Void' crumbled into ashes in his hand, merging with his blood.
[You have used Knowledge of Void.]
Sorry! This card's too important to me - not for sale! Chen Qi licked his lips in front of everyone. What an incredible feeling! Like having a sturdy ear pick meticulously cleaning out mental impurities. Complete physical and mental refreshment! Amazing!
Most Phantom Affinity skill cards were considered trash. Who'd have thought he'd encounter a Phantom Affinity transcendent for this trade? Witnessing this, the crowd shook their heads and abandoned any thoughts of seizing the treasure.
"This trading event does have some quality." After the trade, Chen Qi immediately moved through the banquet like a professional treasure hunter, scanning the crowd. Maybe he could find a high-tier Lamp or Shadow Affinity skill card! He began promoting his Wyvern Charm.
Anyone dreaming of marrying a dragon girl? Or becoming a dragon's spouse? Want some dragon cuddles? Wyvern Charm is what you need!
Just then, Siren's voice reached him again: "My little sister here is short on funds and selling Shadow Affinity skill cards! Any takers?"
Shadow Affinity! Chen Qi's attention snapped toward the source. The tall Siren stood behind a black-haired girl who sat on a chair with clear displeasure. Siren bent over, burying the girl's head between her ample bosom while using a slender index finger to stroke the girl's chin - like playing with a teddy bear. The black-haired girl looked utterly lifeless.
Chen Qi could tell this black-haired girl wanted to murder the Siren behind her, then chop her to pieces! She was also a third-tier transcendent, though her Affinity remained unclear...
Before Chen Qi could speak, Siren turned her head. She noticed Chen Qi again - and the water spirit atop his head: "Little chef, we meet again~ Want anything? Big sister will buy it for you~ Just lend me that water spirit on your head to play with~"
"Waku waku! (Stupid human!)" Water Spirit No.1 atop Chen Qi's head instantly puffed up angrily. It refused to be played with by anyone but its master! Even if others obtained its body, they'd never have its heart!
Siren, provoked by the water spirit's rejection, grew irritated. She was fragrant and beautiful! Since childhood, animals had adored her - cats, dogs, all loved her!
"I especially love resistant little creatures like this..." Siren said with a hint of coercion: "Little chef, 100,000 Shell Coins for one night with your water spirit! If it pleases me, maybe you can join me too~ Such chances are rare~"
As she spoke, Siren released a trace of third-tier transcendent aura mixed with perfume - threat and temptation combined! What a disgusting person... Chen Qi clenched his fists.
Meanwhile, the White Pigeon expedition ship's Gold-Tooth Captain and bald head chef nearby frantically blinked at Chen Qi. Siren was their VIP guest - displeasing her meant unthinkable consequences! To them, 100,000 Shell Coins for one night with a water spirit wasn't a bad deal.
The atmosphere grew tense. No, Water Spirit No.1 is my top working pet. Moreover, Siren belongs to Big Mom's pirate crew - once surrendered, retrieving the water spirit would be impossible. Chen Qi prepared to calmly refuse.
Suddenly, an icy voice shattered the tense atmosphere. The black-haired girl straightened her cards and coldly stated: "Sis, shut your mouth. We're not here to toy with men. If you're lonely, visit a host club. Don't embarrass yourself in public."
Someone's defending me? Chen Qi was stunned.
Embarrass myself? Siren looked down at the girl between her breasts. She just wanted to play, and got scolded!
The black-haired girl continued ruthlessly: "Besides, bullying a little chef? Have you no shame? What's fun about a little chef anyway?" As she spoke, the lifeless girl finally turned to see the chef's appearance.
Their eyes met. In that instant, the black-haired girl's small mouth slightly opened, her expression freezing as if beholding something unseeable! "This..."
The girl completely stiffened, her face twisting in extreme conflict. After three seconds of calm deliberation, she took a deep breath and coldly declared: "Little chef, come to my room. Now."
"???" Chen Qi frowned, glancing at his white chef uniform with gold trim. I'm a chef, not a host... Did I just get requested?