113: Obtain the Curse-Breaking Pill

“But Host, greed is human nature, or more accurately, the underlying survival trait of all intelligent species.”

“They get a golden colt and still want its mother. A bottomless abyss has a limit, but a five-inch heart-gully is hard to fill—haven't your human proverbs long since revealed the truth?”

“Just like your previous life's research on the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust are humanity's original sins.”

“System, light and shadow naturally exist at the same time.”

Lin Chuping tapped the stone table with his fingertip, and the candlelight flickered into fragmented golden light in his pupils.

“The meaning of wisdom isn't to eliminate evil thoughts! It's to restrain nature with rules!”

“To protect goodwill with Systems!”

After Lin Chuping finished speaking, the System remained silent for a full three minutes, with blue light from hot data streams flashing across the holographic screen, possibly going to research human nature again.

He didn't know what the System's true form was, to actually be a philosophy enthusiast.

Although Lin Chuping had convinced the System using his knowledge from his previous life, he was still quite troubled about what to do next.

But one thing was certain: he had to do something, so as not to have transmigrated here for nothing.

“System, open the System Mall.”

“Mall Rank: 2

Items this period:

1. Transformation Pill: Are you still worried about your younglings being unable to transform? Buy one! With just one, even a domestic fowl can immediately transform.

Note: Transformation does not enhance intelligence; use with caution.

Price: 10,000 Incense Points (per pill)

2. Curse Breaking Pill: An essential item for home and travel! 99% of curses cleared with one click, keeping you far from bad luck and worries~

Price: 10,000 Incense Points (per pill)

3. Star Isolation Grand Formation: Absorbs the power of the stars and can isolate an entire area; even Great Emperor experts would have to go around it!

Price: 1 billion Incense Points

Note: Remaining refresh times today: 1”

Lin Chuping glanced at the System Mall with little hope, thinking he might find something like a contract Law to recruit subordinates, but... a Curse Breaking Pill!

It was a Curse Breaking Pill!

“System, you've gotten stingy!”

Before, the Nine Revolutions Soul Return Pill and the Amulet were sold as a package, like he was given a free vending machine. Although the one-time buyout price was a bit high, he didn't feel bad using them!

He could no longer remember how many Amulets and Nine Revolutions Soul Return Pills he had bestowed; they were piled high and countless in his space.

“Is it now popular to buy them one by one?”

“Friendly reminder: All products in this System are clearly priced, fair to all.”

“Heh.”

Lin Chuping sneered, his fingers rapidly swiping through the Void Realm.

“Let me see the instructions for use... 'Can break most curses in the world'? What does 'most' mean?”

The System suddenly popped up a flashing red box:

“Special Note: This product has reduced effectiveness against ancient divine curses, Heavenly Dao curses, and other special spell arts.”

“The System reserves the right of final interpretation.”

“...” Lin Chuping took a deep breath, “Alright, you're really something.”

“System, give me ten Transformation Pills first.” Lin Chuping gritted his teeth, “And three Curse Breaking Pills.”

“Ding! Consumed 130,000 Incense Points.”

“Current balance: 9.87 million Incense Points.”

“Friendly reminder: The Star Isolation Grand Formation is 9.9% off today.”

Lin Chuping looked at the two jade bottles, one emerald green and one vermilion, that suddenly appeared in his hand.

He shook them gently, and a crisp clinking sound came from within.

“System, do you misunderstand my strength? Forget 9.9% off, even if you broke its legs, I couldn't afford the Star Isolation Grand Formation!”

“The Host can take out a loan? I can offer you ultra-low interest here.”

Lin Chuping almost choked on his own saliva. He stared wide-eyed at the System interface: “A loan? You're getting into financial services now?”

The System interface suddenly transformed into a glittering golden loan contract:

“Incense Loan · Special Edition”

Loan amount: Up to 1 billion Incense Points

Annual interest rate: Only 18%

Repayment period: Up to 100 years

“Apply now and enjoy a first-year interest-free offer!”

Lin Chuping's mouth twitched: “An 18% annual interest rate? System, isn't this usury?”

“Friendly reminder: This loan interest rate is far lower than the average level of private lending.”

That was true. Private lending now still used 'nine out, thirteen back,' with an annualized interest rate of 329%. Compared to that, the Incense Loan was certainly much better.

But why did the System keep recommending he buy this Star Isolation Grand Formation?

He glanced at the two jade bottles in his hand, lowered his gaze in deep thought, and then suddenly sighed:

“System, let's negotiate...”

“How about this,”

A hint of cunning flashed in Lin Chuping's eyes, “I'll pay a down payment first, and the rest in installments...”

The System suddenly popped up a giant red exclamation mark:

“Warning: Host detected attempting illegal operation.”

“This System does not currently support installment payment services.”

Lin Chuping pouted: “Stingy.”

He stroked his chin. Since the System had introduced an Incense Loan to 'harvest his leeks,' he would just lie flat for a bit and let it experience the power of the modern 'lying flat' generation.

“System, I'm not using the Incense Loan, and I'm not buying any Star Isolation Grand Formation either.”

“Host, I'm very optimistic about you. I'm not even afraid you can't repay it, so what are you afraid of?”

Lin Chuping was amused by the System's sudden 'encouragement.' He raised an eyebrow: “Oh, System, are you changing careers to be a financial advisor?”

“This System is committed to providing comprehensive services to the Host.”

“Special Note: Purchasing the Star Isolation Grand Formation can unlock the hidden achievement 'Ruthlessly Rich'.”

“Hidden achievement?”

Lin Chuping scoffed, “System, did you secretly develop a game System too?”

Ever since the upgrade, the System's intelligence was approaching that of an elementary school student, and Lin Chuping had adapted well.

The persona he had created for himself was that of a lofty deity; although it lacked a bit of fun, a chat companion System perfectly filled that void.

“This System has merely optimized its product structure.”

The System stiffly changed the subject, “By the way, Host, would you like to check today's fortune? According to calculations, today you are advised to—”

“Advised to lie flat.”

Lin Chuping cut it off, staring at the dull gray icon of the “Star Isolation Grand Formation” on the interface, and suddenly chuckled softly.

“Seriously, Tong Ge, are you so persistent because there's some secret hidden in this Grand Formation?”

“No comment.”

The System reverted to its mechanical voice; it seemed this was a question beyond his authority.

Lin Chuping's finger hovered over the Incense Loan for a long time, but he eventually withdrew it.

In his previous life, he was almost tricked into taking out loans to buy a house and car. He didn't expect to transmigrate and still have to take out a loan to buy a Formation.

“Screw you!”

“Don't let me hear the word 'loan' again in this lifetime!”