42: Return to the Old Ghost Hall

The heavy alloy door of the “Hive” slowly opened, then closed behind him.

Lin Yu walked in front, having changed back into his cheap black cloak.

Zhao Tianyang followed behind him, never missing a step.

He had already changed into a form-fitting black combat suit, a spare provided in the bunker's locker.

With all attributes at five hundred points, he exuded a restrained yet dangerous aura.

He was no longer the dying man cowering in a corner, but a drawn blade, silent and sharp.

Even without a profession... he was incredibly powerful!

His full attention was focused on the slender figure in front of him.

The two, one in front and one behind, re-entered the chaotic crowd of the Black Market's “Junkyard”.

The surrounding clamor and filth could not affect them in the slightest.

Zhao Tianyang's aura caused the oblivious hooligans to instinctively steer clear.

Lin Yu's objective was clear.

He passed through several alleys, finally stopping in front of a familiar door.

Old Ghost Hall.

“Ding-a-ling—”

The sound of wind chimes rang out.

Lin Yu pushed the door open and entered.

The strong scent of herbs remained.

Behind the counter, the Old Ghost, wearing a bird-beak mask, was absentmindedly arranging a row of test tubes.

Those three genuine potions were the culmination of his life's work.

And he had just given them away.

During this time, every second, he had been oscillating between regret and anticipation.

He heard the wind chimes but didn't look up.

“Not open today. If you want to buy something, come back tomorrow...”

He stopped halfway through his sentence.

He saw the familiar black cloak.

It was that lunatic!

The Old Ghost's heart gave a sudden leap, almost dropping the test tubes in his hand.

He's back!

He's back so soon?

Is he here to add more investment, or... to tell him that he failed and he's lost everything?

The Old Ghost gripped the counter, forcing himself to calm down.

His gaze swept past Lin Yu and landed on the person behind him.

A young man in a black combat suit, tall and straight, with a calm aura.

Such powerful vitality!

This physique, this mental state... definitely an elite among elites!

How could such a person be following that lunatic?

The Old Ghost's mind raced.

A newly hired bodyguard?

No, that's not right.

The Old Ghost looked at the young man's face, feeling a sense of familiarity.

Where had he seen him before?

Zhao Tianyang felt the Old Ghost's gaze. He took a step forward, standing beside Lin Yu, and bowed slightly.

“Boss.”

The address was utterly respectful.

The Old Ghost's attention was instantly captivated by that face.

He stared intently at Zhao Tianyang.

This face... this face... deep in his memory, a pallid, bloated, deathly face slowly overlapped with the distinct, vibrant face before him.

Impossible!

Absolutely impossible!

It's Zhao Tianyang!

The Zhao Tianyang whom he had declared would not live for another month, whom even a Great Immortal could not save!

The Old Ghost's body began to tremble uncontrollably.

As a seasoned alchemist, he could clearly perceive Zhao Tianyang's current state of life.

It wasn't a simple recovery!

That vitality was robust and immense, at least ten times stronger than Zhao Tianyang was before he abused potions!

The energy fluctuations within his body... Strength, Agility, Constitution... each had reached a terrifying value!

This was... a complete transformation!

This was... a miracle!

A 'buzz' sounded in the Old Ghost's mind, and it went blank.

He knew better than anyone what it would take to pull Zhao Tianyang back from the brink of death.

Ten Life Serums?

That would be a drop in the bucket!

That would just let him die with some dignity!

To completely clear the potion toxins that had permeated his bones and rebuild his hollowed-out physical foundation, at least a hundred would be needed!

That would be tens of millions!

But now?

Not only was Zhao Tianyang alive, but he was also stronger than before! Ridiculously strong!

This was no longer a problem that tens of millions could solve!

Those three genuine potions?

Yes! Those three potions!

But even those three potions only boosted attributes; they couldn't have this kind of resurrection effect!

And how much time had passed?

Less than two days!

A miracle created in two days?

The Old Ghost's breathing became incredibly rapid, and the face beneath his bird-beak mask was contorted by extreme shock.

He remembered what Lin Yu said when he left.

“Don't worry, your good fortune is still to come!”

Good fortune... this is good fortune?

This was immense wealth!

This was a heaven-sent opportunity!

“Haha... Hahahahaha...”

The Old Ghost suddenly burst out laughing.

As he laughed, he tore off the bird-beak mask from his face and slammed it to the ground.

“Bang!”

The mask shattered.

He revealed a face flushed with ecstasy, even somewhat ferocious.

He bet right!

He bet right!

This was the most correct, most insane, and most brilliant investment he had ever made in his life!

He had staked his entire fortune and gained a ticket to a new world!

“Boss!”

The Old Ghost darted out from behind the counter, moving with an agility uncharacteristic of an old man.

As soon as he heard Zhao Tianyang's address, he immediately changed his own. Even if he had to forcibly tie himself, he would tie himself to Lin Yu's ship!

He rushed to Lin Yu's front, his body trembling from over-excitement.

“You... you're back!”

He wanted to say something, but didn't know where to begin.

All words seemed pale and powerless in the face of this miracle.

He could only repeat himself.

“It's good... it's good you're back!”

Lin Yu watched his undignified state, showing no reaction.

Everything was within expectations.

If you want a horse to run, you have to show it grass.

And it had to be the best grass, the kind no one else had.

He walked to a chair nearby and sat down. Zhao Tianyang immediately stood behind him like an iron tower.

Lin Yu reached out and placed three genuine potions on the table.

Giant Strength Elixir (Original).

Windwalkers Breath (Original).

Heart of Stone (Original).

Seeing these three potions, the Old Ghost's ecstatic expression instantly froze, turning deathly pale.

He wanted a refund?

He wanted his investment back?

As this thought appeared, the Old Ghost's heart felt as if it were gripped by an invisible large hand, almost stopping its beat.

“Boss! What are you...?”

The Old Ghost's voice trembled. He was flustered and completely at a loss.

“These three potions are my tribute to you! You absolutely must not...”

“I'm not here for a refund.”

Lin Yu interrupted him.

The Old Ghost was stunned, half of his anxiety subsided, but he still watched Lin Yu nervously.

Lin Yu pointed to the three potions on the table.

“I ask you, if you were to decipher the formulas for these three potions, how many would you need as research materials?”

Decipher the formula?

The Old Ghost's professional instincts were awakened. He looked at the three potions, and the emotion on his face quickly shifted to professional and solemn.

He pondered for a moment.

“Boss, you think too highly of me. These three are the top-tier originals on the market; their formulas are the highest secrets of major pharmaceutical companies. Forget deciphering them, even being able to imitate seventy to eighty percent of their effects would be enough to establish a sect.”

“Three...” The Old Ghost gave a wry smile, “With three, I don't even have the confidence to analyze their basic components. Every attempt is a consumption, and the failure rate is too high. I can't guarantee anything. That's also why I've collected them for so long but never dared to touch them.”