Chapter 574: A Risky Mission: The Soul Transaction
by xennovel“Because that monster is afraid of you, we thought to come seek your help.”
By now, Xia Chong had nearly said it all. Looking steadily at Lu Xin, she explained, “Our time is short. Based on how fast that mental monster moves, it won’t be long before it enters the chaotic central zone. At that point, capturing it will be extremely difficult. So we need you to help—coordinate with us to intercept it at a designated spot, driving it back.”
“If you can block its escape route, we can ambush its path of retreat and successfully capture it.”
“…”
At that moment, everyone finally grasped Xia Chong’s meaning, slowly digesting her words.
A soul transaction to forge hell.
Transforming oneself into a mental monster through a mysterious ritual…
All this sounds bizarre—and what’s even stranger is that the monster is actually afraid of Lu Xin?
They bowed toward Lu Xin’s direction and muttered curses as they walked off. What could that possibly mean?
……
Lu Xin didn’t overthink it. After a moment’s reflection, he realized that Xia Chong’s request wasn’t too difficult to fulfill.
About to agree, he suddenly remembered something and silently glanced at Han Bing.
Noticing Han Bing’s look, Xia Chong turned toward her and said, “The Captain of the Single Soldier unit already agreed to this earlier.”
Han Bing smiled and replied, “Of course, an agreement should be honoured. The Qinggang Cleanup Department is essentially a branch of the Research Institute, so some tasks are naturally shared. Besides, when it comes to special pollution, isn’t it our duty to help each other out?”
At these words, Xia Chong’s expression noticeably softened.
Though she still maintained a cool demeanor, it was clear her mood had lightened somewhat.
“But…”
Han Bing hesitated before adding, “A monster with a mental power level of 100,000 is truly formidable.”
Xia Chong nodded and continued, “We have a method to restrain it and a plan tailored just for it. The only challenge now is to encircle it—after all, if it escapes into crowded areas, things will get very messy.”
Han Bing nodded, “If it goes berserk, it will be utterly terrifying.”
Xia Chong mused, “With the strength of a Single Soldier, he shouldn’t be afraid of it…”
“Hmm…”
Han Bing glanced at Lu Xin and said, “Indeed, he shouldn’t be frightened.”
Seeing that she still appeared a bit hesitant, Lu Xin wondered why—aren’t they colleagues? Isn’t it natural to help one another?
While he pondered the matter, Han Bing, deep in thought, voiced her opinion.
“But regardless, this is a mission.”
She continued, looking squarely at Xia Chong, “Although we all technically work for the Research Institute, each High-wall City has its own duties. So our help comes with two conditions: first, you must provide us with written credentials for our report; and second, the payment terms must be agreed upon in advance.”
Lu Xin suddenly understood, casting an admiring glance at Han Bing.
Had it been him, he might have agreed immediately. But on second thought, Han Bing’s point was sound.
The materials and intelligence were provided by Central City—they couldn’t possibly verify them on their own.
Moreover, if something went awry during such an important mission, and another capture attempt failed, who would shoulder the responsibility?
Not to mention—the reward is equally important…
Han Bing’s words effectively clarified the division of responsibility between both sides.
Unexpected, huh…
For someone from a small company, such details might not matter much.
But Han Bing, coming from a major unit, handled such matters with ease.
……
……
“Division of responsibility?”
Hearing this, Xia Chong furrowed her brow slightly, “Are you questioning my integrity?”
“Since we asked the Captain of the Single Soldier unit to assist, we will take full responsibility.”
“We aim to complete this mission smoothly. If anything does go wrong, I will take the entire blame. Rest assured, I, Xia Chong, will never shirk responsibility.”
“…”
Her tone was serious, and no one doubted her words.
Xia Chong always had a face that betrayed no lies, and when she turned serious, it was impossible to doubt her sincerity.
Or rather, no one dared to.
After giving her guarantee, Xia Chong looked sternly at the Qinggang group.
The Qinggang members exchanged awkward looks.
Neither side said a word.
In the silence, Xia Chong’s face darkened, “You still don’t trust me?”
“Ah, no, no…”
Even Han Bing appeared a bit embarrassed, frantically waving her hands as she tentatively asked, “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“Forgetting what?”
Xia Chong replied, “Didn’t I already give you my guarantee?”
The expressions of the Qinggang members turned helpless.
Xia Chong frowned, then after a moment of thought, suddenly realized, “You mean the payment?”
At once, the Qinggang group exhaled in relief.
Their faces lit up as they quickly denied, “No, no—the payment isn’t a big deal…”
“Then how exactly is it calculated?”
“…”
Xia Chong took a deep breath and said with a blank expression, “I honestly hadn’t thought about that.”
“…”
The Qinggang people fell silent; there was no response.
Xia Chong continued, “Besides, the Research Institute’s reimbursement process is a hassle. I’d have to apply first and then wait for core approval…”
“…that takes at least half a month.”
“…”
The Qinggang group remained silent, unable to respond.
Even Lu Xin felt that the Research Institute was being excessively unreasonable, regretting his hasty agreement.
“How about this…”
After a long pause, Xia Chong suddenly decided, looking at Lu Xin, “I’ll pay you two million privately. How does that sound?”
“Two million?”
“Privately?”
Lu Xin abruptly raised his head, visibly moved.
This mission is simple enough, isn’t it?
According to Xia Chong, isn’t his only job to plant a spike right there?
And that is suddenly worth two million?
Logically, if they were willing to cover gas and meal expenses, even a two-hundred-dollar job would suffice…
And it’s a private deal?
Does that mean they don’t need to report it to higher-ups?
Han Bing was just as surprised, glancing covertly at Lu Xin and noticing his subtle excitement.
Excellent—Mr. Single Soldier clearly seems pleased.
Gecko’s eyes briefly sparkled as he sized up Xia Chong, and a smile slowly spread across his face…
…Who knows what he was thinking.
……
“So much money, and you’re just handing it over like that…”
With no reason to refuse, Lu Xin couldn’t help but ask, “Are the mission rewards in Central City always this high?”
He thought to himself; he had once received a reward from Central City, and it didn’t seem that high…
“Mission reward?”
Xia Chong pondered for a moment before saying, “Not bad. There’s a few million in total. After deducting the expenses and losses from this trip, it shouldn’t even be a loss.”
“?”
Lu Xin was genuinely puzzled, “Then what’s the point of coming out here?”
That question completely stumped Xia Chong.
She thought carefully for a while before hesitating, “When you have nothing better to do…”
The Qinggang members looked at each other in confusion. One of them even recalled hearing that a house in Central City is worth tens of millions. And wasn’t it that once Xia Chong joined the Research Institute, she was also eligible for a housing allocation?
That would mean she really doesn’t care about those few million at all…
After all, proper treatment is what matters most!
After a moment’s thought, Xia Chong suddenly looked at the Qinggang group, “What about you all?”
“Surely it’s not just for the reward, right?”
“…”
“Ah?”
The members from Qinggang began to look awkward, shaking their heads repeatedly, “That’s impossible…”
“We’re also here for…”
“Dreams?”
“Anyway, it isn’t for the money, or for any privileges, nor because we’ve been caught with a scandal…”
“…”
“If that’s the case, then this plan…”
Ignoring the awkward expressions on the Qinggang faces, Xia Chong turned to Lu Xin.
By now, all matters had been settled. Lu Xin felt at ease as he smiled, “No problem.”
He agreed without hesitation.
Not only was the reward generous, but the mission itself was highly enticing.
He wasn’t quite sure what this so-called soul transaction or forging of hell meant—but since it involved Number Seven, he had every reason to get involved. After all, Number Seven was already his sworn enemy. Besides, helping out by sabotaging the mission seemed perfectly justified. And he still had to collect his money for the guitar from her!
A rare, almost genuine smile flickered across Xia Chong’s face.
“Thank you, Mr. Single Soldier…”
She said this as she extended her hand toward Lu Xin, her face solemn.
“I should be the one thanking you…”
Lu Xin quickly reached out, shaking her hand and smiling, “After all, two million is at stake—your team isn’t likely to earn much from this trip anyway…”
“Not exactly. I need missions like this to prove myself and secure a promotion sooner.”
Xia Chong added, “Besides, since we joined under the Research Institute, we’re immediately eligible for housing allocation in Central City—it’s a win-win.”
“Housing allocation?”
This left Lu Xin and the others utterly dumbfounded.
They furiously pondered whether the houses in the two main cities of Central City might be worth tens of millions at the very least.
“Exactly. Isn’t that the baseline for treatment?”
Xia Chong smiled and called over the Restaurant Boss, “Let’s settle the bill.”
“Whatever they spent, I’ll cover it.”
“…”
Lu Xin watched from the sidelines, envy evident in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Han Bing glanced at him and suddenly grew concerned: should they apply for a reward increase for Mr. Single Soldier when they get back?
Noting his envious expression, she thought, ‘Hopefully he won’t be seduced by Central City’s perks and jump ship…’