Shackles of Humanity

"Elemental Power?" Luo Kai was a little confused. ’What in the world is that?’

The middle-aged man had been watching him and, noticing the question in his eyes, explained, "An Element is a special power that exists within every living being, used to classify the attributes of all things. The myriad things in this world, in all their complexity, can be roughly divided into five types: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. The reason we humans are called the Spirit of All Things is that the key lies in the word ’spirit.’ That’s why some people also call Elemental Power the Five Elements Spiritual Power."

"The purpose of Elemental Coral is to potentially awaken a certain Elemental Power within a living being, such as manipulating water currents, creating fire from thin air, or moving boulders. Of course, some people are born with this Ability. Such people are powerful and mysterious, and they call themselves Elemental Masters."

Luo Kai was shocked beyond words and muttered, "Isn’t that just a Superpower?"

The middle-aged man nodded. "That’s right, it is a type of Superpower. Some powerful Fierce Beasts also possess this kind of Superpower. They can even topple mountains and part seas, instantly destroying an entire human city."

"Sigh!" The middle-aged man sighed again. "Unfortunately, only the fruits that split off from the Elemental Coral can be absorbed by living beings. Its remains are only useful for scientific research. Even so, they’re priceless. A remnant of Elemental Coral was once sold at the Imperial Auction House in Shangjing City for the astronomical price of several hundred million Star Dollars. This piece from the Xingma Kingdom, though small, is still worth over a hundred million!"

Everyone in the room’s heart began to pound. A hundred million Star Dollars... To put it simply, you could buy a small city in one of the poorer Lordship Kingdoms with that kind of money!

The middle-aged man then dropped another bombshell. "I’ve already found a buyer. They’re willing to pay one hundred million Star Dollars plus ten doses of Low-Level Gene Potion for this piece of Elemental Coral!"

Everyone’s face flushed, Luo Kai included. A Genetic Potion could significantly improve a person’s physical constitution. Even though these were just Low-Level Gene Potions, a quantitative change could lead to a qualitative one. Ten doses were enough to transform an ordinary person into a Superman.

Moreover, the refinement process for Genetic Potions was extremely complex and completely monopolized by the upper class. They always had a price but were never on the market. Most Lordship Kingdoms could only refine Low-Level Gene Potions. Only an Upper Country like the Dongyuan Upper Country could refine Mid-Level ones. As for High-Level Gene Potions, they were even rarer. It was said to be purely a matter of luck, with only about one high-level dose produced for every thousand mid-level ones successfully refined.

Compared to money, the Genetic Potions were a much greater temptation for people like them, who lived their lives on a knife’s edge.

"Mr. Shu, if I may ask, where is this piece of Elemental Coral now?"

The middle-aged man didn’t answer, his expression turning serious. "Alright, it seems you’re all very interested. If you’re willing to take on this job, you can stay. If not, you’re free to leave. You should all be clear on the rules. I hope those who leave will mind their words and actions."

After waiting a moment and seeing that no one intended to leave, the middle-aged man’s expression relaxed. "Good. Then we are all partners. Let’s introduce ourselves. My nickname is Shadow Mouse, and I’m somewhat skilled in stealth and tracking. You can call me Mr. Shu. I will be in charge of this operation."

Everyone began to introduce themselves. The three men in black robes were Fierce Beast Hunters registered with the Hunter Guild, nicknamed the She Mountain Three Tigers. They had been soldiers in their early years and were battle-hardened and experienced. They were sworn brothers and referred to each other as Boss, Second, and Third.

The Mutant with the tail was nicknamed Fur Monkey. He was a famous thief in Longyang City, known for his agility.

Luo Kai thought for a long time but didn’t know how to introduce himself. He could only say honestly, "My name is Luo Kai. I don’t have a nickname yet. I’m good at... I guess I’m good at fighting."

The three men in black robes gave him a strange look. No one in their line of work just gave out their real name. ’And what kind of skill is "fighting"?’

Only Fur Monkey had heard his name. He said loudly, "So you’re that Luo Kai! I heard you took out several of the Black-clothed Guards from Jiuyuan Farm Stronghold. Haha, not bad, not bad at all."

The middle-aged man chuckled as he looked at Luo Kai but didn’t ask any more questions. He knocked lightly on the table. The center of the solid wood tabletop slowly parted, revealing a 3D map molded from sand and dirt. The map depicted a small hill with many buildings marked on it, surrounded by small structures resembling watchtowers. It looked like a military camp.

Fur Monkey stared at the map in confusion, then his expression suddenly changed. "This looks like Tiger Head Slope. Don’t tell me the Elemental Coral is in the hands of the Dragon Shark Pirates!"

"That’s right. The Elemental Coral is in the hands of the Dragon Shark Pirates!"

The She Mountain Three Tigers exchanged a look. They all knew that great value naturally came with great risk. The one they called Boss said in a hoarse voice, "Mr. Shu, Tiger Head Slope is the Dragon Shark Pirates’ military garrison. I assume you already have a plan. Please, be direct with us."

Mr. Shu nodded lightly. "I have two plans. The first is to take it by force. Although the Dragon Shark Pirates have become a formal army, their discipline is lax and their members’ skills are uneven. If we strike at night, I estimate we have a thirty percent chance of getting away unscathed."

The Boss of the She Mountain Three Tigers shook his head. "The risk is too great. I’ve heard the Dragon Shark Pirates’ Third Commander, Pang Kun, is in that camp. Pang Kun was a powerful Martial Artist in his early days. He fled to the sea after committing a major crime and being put on the Body Technique Association’s wanted list. After changing his name, he became the Dragon Shark Pirates’ Third Commander. This man is incredibly powerful; we can’t face him head-on!"

Mr. Shu gave him a surprised look and smiled. "It seems the Hunter Guild knows a great deal about the Dragon Shark Pirates. You’re correct, Pang Kun is in the camp. The man became famous very early on. He has cultivated the Skin Refining stage of his Body Techniques to an extremely high level, to the point where even guns and cannons can barely harm him."

He paused, then continued, "My second plan is to use our wits. The Dragon Shark Pirates have been recruiting on a large scale recently. We find a way to disguise ourselves as new recruits and infiltrate. After we succeed, we can slip away unnoticed. The success rate for this plan is over seventy percent!"

The She Mountain Three Tigers nodded to each other. A seventy percent chance of success was worth the risk. The Boss smiled and said flatteringly, "Since Mr. Shu is the one who planned it, there’s no way it can fail."

"You flatter me. As for how we’ll divide the profits, we’ll discuss that after the job is done. You may all go back and prepare!"

The group briefly discussed the details, then took their leave one by one. The She Mountain Three Tigers also left separately. They were in the business of snatching food from a tiger’s mouth and had many enemies, so they were extremely careful about such details to avoid being wiped out in one go.

Only Luo Kai didn’t move. Mr. Shu sipped his tea, watching him with an unreadable smile.

The two looked at each other for a long while before Luo Kai finally broke the silence, asking doubtfully, "Have we met before?"

"Haha, Third Brother, it’s been a while! You’ve really changed!" Mr. Shu could no longer hold it in and burst out laughing.

Luo Kai shot to his feet, his voice filled with excitement. "You... you’re Li Gui!"

Li Gui stood up as well, grasping Luo Kai’s hand with a broad smile. "You should be calling me Second Brother, Third Brother. I heard all about you the moment I got back to Longyang City. Tsk, tsk. To think that you’re now a disciple of Liu Hou. A young hero, indeed!"

Luo Kai ignored his teasing and asked urgently, "What about Brother Shisan? Is he with you?"

Li Gui’s expression darkened, and he shook his head. "I was rescued by the Dragon Shark Pirates. That day, we were in the middle of the battle between the pirates and the Xingma Kingdom’s Cangya Fleet. Countless people died, and it was impossible to find anyone. I thought you and Eldest Brother were both dead. It wasn’t until I returned to Longyang County that I heard news of you."

Seeing Luo Kai’s pale face, he added comfortingly, "Don’t worry, Third Brother. Think about it. If we could survive, there’s no way Eldest Brother wouldn’t have made it, with his skills!"