Chapter 40: The Easy Money
Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin
Ye Mo dragged two bodies into the forest, searching them for valuables. He found only about $1000 in cash. He left their cards behind, but took a sharp-looking knife as a souvenir. He then used fireball techniques to incinerate the bodies, reducing them to charred remains. He sighed; his low-level fireball technique couldn't completely obliterate them. He envisioned the ease of disposal with a more advanced technique.
With a flick of his wrist, he created a pit, deposited the bodies, and covered them with earth. He hadn't buried his victims before, but the several thousand dollars he’d received made it worthwhile.
After disposing of the robbers, Ye Mo headed straight for the mountains, leaving the woman waiting by the road. She followed, finding him farther into the forest. If she'd been slower, she would have lost sight of him.
Ye Mo stopped when he heard her call. Her surprise was evident. She assumed he'd fled in fear, but his calm demeanor contradicted that.
“You’re not afraid of me?” she asked, approaching him.
Ye Mo adjusted his bag and smiled. “Are you going to kill me?”
“No, you haven’t offended me. I don’t like killing people,” she replied, shaking her head.
“Then why should I be scared?” Ye Mo asked, his expression suggesting he found her question odd. She observed his ordinary, clean appearance; he looked like a student, perhaps a little older than twenty, presenting no immediate threat. Her years of experience honed her perception of strength, and she sensed none in him.
“You’re very bold. But if you’re not afraid of me, why were you running into the mountains?”
“Is this mountain your home? Can I not go inside?”
…
She stumbled over her words, yet his slightly aggressive tone didn't anger her. She smiled. “Okay, you’re right. Let’s get to know each other. I’m Wen Dong—Wen for ‘hearing,’ Dong for ‘winter.’”
“Ye Mo,” he replied simply, unsure of her intentions.
“Do you know why I called to you?” Wen Dong asked, answering herself before he could. “It’s because I approve of you. As you saw, I’m not ordinary. If you want, I can introduce you to a master.”
Ye Mo waved his hand. “No need. If you’re done, I’m leaving.”
“Don’t be in such a hurry. You don’t know how powerful some people are. We’ll talk about a master later. I have a job right now. Are you interested? The pay is much better than burying two bodies.”
Remuneration? Ye Mo reflected on the several thousand dollars he'd earned and his current financial needs. If she offered more, assisting her wouldn't be a problem. His second-stage Chi Gathering cultivation meant he wasn't afraid of her. Moreover, his upcoming cultivation would leave him little time for money-making.
“Tell me about the job, and how much you'll pay?” His priority was payment. Sufficient funds would alleviate many concerns.
Wen Dong said, “Ten kilometers north, there’s a road leading to Xiang Shan Valley’s tourist spot. At a small hotel there, I have two cases. You just need to help me carry them and complete the transaction.”
“With me, you’ll be safe. Just hand over the cases; you don’t need to speak. The payment is $50,000. What do you say?”
Fifty thousand dollars for carrying a case? This was far easier than his previous endeavors selling charms and providing treatments. He wasn't worried about being tricked; he believed no one could kill him, and even if stronger than him, no one could stop him if he chose to leave.
“Fine, I’ll do it, but we can’t go too far. I have other things to do,” Ye Mo agreed instantly. Seeing his confidence, Wen Dong remarked, “Not bad. You're decisive; someone who can do big things. I like that! The deal takes a few hours by road, and after it is completed, you won’t be bothered.”
Wen Dong led the way, her light steps belied the mountainous terrain. She slowed to accommodate Ye Mo's pace, surprised by his stamina. Were it not for his lack of martial arts appearance and elegant hands, she would've suspected he was in the same field.
After an hour, they reached a more frequented mountain road, with occasional passing cars. They quickly caught a bus to Xiang Shan Valley, a famous Chinese tourist spot, though less popular than others due to missing persons and accidents.
Ye Mo sensed a significantly higher concentration of spirit Chi in Xiang Shan Valley than in Ning Hai. He wished to stay and cultivate, if it weren't so close to Ning Hai. The bus stopped halfway up the mountain. Wen Dong went to retrieve the items, quickly returning with a car.
“I have it. Get in,” she said casually. Ye Mo’s spirit sense, though limited to a few meters, detected nothing amiss in the car, except for two extra cases in the backseat. He scanned the cases. One contained an assault rifle (possibly an AK series); the other held documents and a strange device.
Wen Dong was pleased with his unquestioning compliance, wondering if his boldness was usual or due to inexperience. She voiced a concern, “Ye Mo, when we go inside, don’t worry if people are watching. Just follow my instructions and hand over the case.”
“I know,” Ye Mo replied, surmising an exchange involving the device and documents. Wen Dong's calmness indicated no danger, and even if there were, he wasn't afraid. This deal would leave him free to cultivate.