The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

Raising his hand, a vague, misty snake silhouette coalesced in his palm. Zhu Haomiao glanced at the man with the twisted expression and sighed softly.

Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs is such a pity…

But I need gold coins now, so I have to wrong you...

"No! Don't come any closer, ah ah ah ah ah!!!"

Noticing the icy, ghostly gleam in the young man's eyes, the shifty-eyed man let out a shrill scream, curling up in the furthest corner of the cell, howling hysterically.

On the other side, Zhu Haomiao flicked his hand, and the sinister snake shadow turned into a streak of light, piercing into the man's chest, instantly eliciting an inhuman, sharp shriek.

Immediately, Zhu Haomiao's five fingers curled in a menacing spiral, as if gripping something invisible, and clenched tightly!

Pop~

In the void, as if something had been squeezed till it burst, the man a few meters away, spasming and contorting, suddenly froze up, his entire body slowly relaxing, his dull pupils gradually expanding and losing focus.

[Book of Black]: Devouring Source Quality, [Essence] +0.5

[Lust] +162

[Lust]: LV.0→LV.2 (12/200)

[Essence] +2

[Qi] +1

[Greed Coin] +12

Slowly exhaling a mouthful of turbid air, Zhu Haomiao glanced at the man on the ground slowly losing breath, then turned around and left without hesitation.

Just as he reached the prison door, Yan Yunsheng approached, holding a stack of documents.

"Sir, these are the confessions extracted under interrogation. The mastermind behind the attack on you was someone from the [Transportation Pavilion], intending to seize your family assets..."

"Your steward's son was set up by them, owing ten thousand taels of gambling debt, which was why they colluded together."

Taking the file from Yan Yunsheng's hand and scanning it ten lines at a glance, Zhu Haomiao couldn't help but frown slightly.

The [Transportation Pavilion], the grandest and most luxurious casino in the Imperial City!

Previously, Li Lin had lost most of his family fortune there and was deep in debt.

Unexpectedly, their appetite was so great that they wouldn't even spare the last [Pingyang Marquis Mansion]...

Then, recalling Li Lin's previous character, Zhu Haomiao was relieved.

A timid, weak three-year-old holding a thousand gold in a bustling market would inevitably attract hungry wolves hoping to snatch it away.

The deterrence of the [Pingyang Earl] title might have some effect on civilian forces, but for the myriad "shareholders" behind the complex [Transportation Pavilion], it paled...

Thinking of this, new doubts arose in Zhu Haomiao's heart.

The [Transportation Pavilion] is a massive interests conglomerate, from imperial relatives to people from all walks of life, almost all powerful figures in the Imperial City hold shares in it.

This incident could not be a collective decision by the [Transportation Pavilion]; otherwise, there would have been no need for such complications, with a thousand better ways to devour [Pingyang Marquis Mansion].

Therefore, I must unravel the threads to identify the group within [Transportation Pavilion] plotting against me for precise counteraction.

Otherwise, when faced with external threats, the entire [Transportation Pavilion] could unite against me as one!

With my current strength, I am not yet capable of suppressing such a massive entity!

As the young man furrowed his brows in contemplation, Yan Yunsheng couldn't help but speak up to advise him.

"Sir, the forces behind the [Transportation Pavilion] are complex and tangled, and those masterminding this affair surely belong to just one faction among them. We should best investigate quietly, not to alert the enemy."

"Once we identify the culprits, we can have targeted revenge!"

By now, his fate completely tied to Li Lin's, Yan Yunsheng had fewer reservations, wholeheartedly helping the young man strategize and plan.

Having toiled at the grassroots for over a decade, Yan Yunsheng was more comprehensive and thorough in his considerations, earning nods of agreement from Zhu Haomiao.

"Alright, help me keep track of this matter and report any developments at any time."

"Yes!"

Affectionately patting Yan Yunsheng on the shoulder, Zhu Haomiao lifted his foot to leave but suddenly remembered something, instructing.

"Oh, a death row prisoner in the cell suddenly succumbed to heart disease in fright, you handle it."

Upon hearing this, Yan Yunsheng shuddered all over but soon calmed down, nodding solemnly.

"Rest assured, my lord, I will handle it cleanly and beautifully!"

Unconsciously showing a smile of appreciation, Zhu Haomiao nodded in satisfaction: "Don't worry, there are no internal or external injuries; it was indeed fright that killed him, possibly an evil spirit causing trouble, but in any case, it has nothing to do with us."

Understanding the underlying meaning of the young man's words, Yan Yunsheng nodded seriously.

"Understood."

"Hmm, I'll leave it to you."

Once again patting Yan Yunsheng on the shoulder, Zhu Haomiao turned and left.

......

10 [Greed Coins] fell like golden streams of light, merging into Zhu Haomiao's body surface like bubbles, creating circle after circle of Principle Ripples.

[Circulation Transporting Method]: LV.1 (entry-level)→LV.3 (Mastery)

[Qi] +4

[God] +3

[Dexterity] +3

Nearly ten years of virtual memories surged into his mind like a tide, as if he had really undergone long-term cultivation in an instant, mastering the true essence of the cultivation technique.

Hoo~

Slow and prolonged deep breaths, Zhu Haomiao attempted to circulate the cultivation technique, the surging Inner Breath flowing through his meridians, continuously devouring the surrounding Spiritual Energy with each breath in and out.

Threads of soothing coolness spread through his flesh, and his previously burning meridians and muscles gradually calmed down.

The pain receded, and a serene, refreshing sensation enveloped his body and mind, gradually lulling the young man into a state of semi-sleep meditation, his breathing becoming increasingly long and ethereal.

The next morning, Zhu Haomiao opened his eyes, feeling refreshed, and stretched with a series of crisp cracks from his joints.

Crack~

Moving his limbs, Zhu Haomiao was pleasantly surprised to find significant improvement in his injuries after a night of breathing cultivation.

The foremost reason, of course, was the enhancement when [Lust] rose to LV.2, restoring the supernatural authority!

However, an unnegligible factor was also the nurturing and healing effect of the [Circulation Transporting Method]!

This cultivation technique seemed to have created a magical chemical reaction with the [Lust] authority...

As the young man sighed in sentiment, he suddenly discovered an even greater surprise.

After just one night, his All Attributes had increased by as much as 0.5 points!

Even in his current specialized [Pupation] state, compounded by [Deep Sleep], this level of efficiency should not be possible.

Stunned, Zhu Haomiao involuntarily turned his gaze to the [Circulation Transporting Method].

Perhaps... I've been too reliant on the supernatural authority of Original Sin, overlooking the importance of cultivation techniques.

From now on, I'll replace sleep with nightly cultivation practice...

With newfound insight, Zhu Haomiao started dressing and washing, filled with gentle anticipation.

The cold well water splashing on his face invigorated his spirits. The young man dried off, and catching his reflection in a bronze mirror, was suddenly startled.

How come I suddenly look much more handsome?!

In the next moment, Zhu Haomiao realized this was the passive modification effect of [Lust] on the spirit and body!