Chapter Six: The Unusual Zhong Kui
The Bull Demon King said, “Watch as I show you how to be human.” With that, he raised his staff and brought it down. Wang Zixuan stood her ground, unflinching, head held high and stubborn as ever.
The King of the Underworld called out, “Great Sage, spare her! Grant me this small favor.” At the very last moment, the King of the Underworld rescued Wang Zixuan. Though she lost the fight, the tale of her fiery temper and her reputation for standing up for what's right quickly spread. After all, who was the Bull Demon King? Even he wasn't beyond her reach. That's how daring she was—call it courage if you want. But that's a story for another time.
With a mere show of force, the King of the Underworld drove off the Bull Demon King. Turning back, she was about to admonish Wang Zixuan for causing yet another headache. But Wang Zixuan, knowing a lecture was coming, slipped away with an earth-escape spell. Before leaving, she shouted, “Big Sis, thanks for this! I’ve got things to do. I’ll bring you a gift next time I visit!”
The King of the Underworld shook her head and murmured, “Ah, this batch of subordinates is truly hard to manage!”
She boarded her car and hurried toward the auction house. Along the way, Zhong Kui called to check if she was alright and assured her that the item she wanted was still there, telling her not to worry. No sooner had she arrived than Zhong Kui appeared at her side.
Nervously, Zhong Kui asked, “But are you really planning to buy this black technology? Are you truly set on avenging Lin Xiaowan? If Heaven finds out, wouldn’t that be dangerous?”
Striding quickly inside, Wang Zixuan replied, “If you really thought it was impossible, why tell me? If it weren’t for not wanting to trouble the King of the Underworld or give anyone ammunition against her, I would’ve already acted. Take what isn’t yours, and you’ll pay it back sooner or later. Do what you shouldn’t, and there’ll always be consequences. No need to say more—I know you’re just worried about me. As for the rest… never mind.”
By the time these words were spoken, they’d reached the private room on the auction house’s second floor. Zhong Kui hurried ahead, gesturing for her to enter. Wang Zixuan picked a seat near the auction platform, stretching her long legs out onto the table. She didn’t notice the strange, almost mischievous smile flickering over Zhong Kui’s face.
Wang Zixuan asked, “How long until that item comes up?”
Zhong Kui settled in and, savoring the scented tea, replied slowly, “It should be soon—just two or three lots away.”
Something seemed off to Wang Zixuan. Since her arrival, Zhong Kui had been acting strange, though she couldn’t pinpoint exactly why. As she pondered, a striking hostess in a cheongsam wheeled a cart to the center of the stage. With a flourish, she presented the item on the tray, placing it in the display case. In the center of the tray sat a tiny chip. Wang Zixuan’s attention sharpened instantly.
The auctioneer announced, “This is the brainwave communicator. With it, you can converse without words or gestures—direct brainwave communication. It may even work with some animals and unknown forces. Tempted? Place your bids! The starting price is one thousand universal credits, with a minimum bid increment of one hundred.”
Wang Zixuan turned and asked Zhong Kui, “What’s the exchange rate between universal credits and our currency?”
Zhong Kui replied, “They don’t accept our money. Even if they did, the rate would be terrible. I’m using RMB—it’s about five to one.”
“So the starting price is five thousand, then. That’s quite cheap,” Wang Zixuan remarked.
Zhong Kui could only smile bitterly and pointed to a few blond bidders below.