https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-30-One-Step-Away-Aolifu-s-Arrival/13535187/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-32-The-Rules-of-the-Game-A-Transformed-Madame-Ellen/13535189/
Chapter 31: Living Body Modification Black Market Channel
Chapter 31: Living Body Modification Black Market Channel
Luo En responded with polite formalities, his sharpened keen perception catching subtle inconsistencies on Aolifu’s face.
There were faint, nearly imperceptible seams—surgical marks almost invisible to ordinary eyes. Yet under Luo En’s newly heightened Spirit Perception, they stood starkly clear.
Comparing Ma Kusi’s grotesque, stunted face to Aolifu’s near-perfect features, Luo En abruptly cut off his own thoughts. Dangerous associations were best left unexplored.
“Then I won’t disturb you further,” Aolifu bowed gracefully, executing an elegant farewell gesture. “I hope we meet again in the future.”
Ma Kusi followed his elder brother, casting one last glance at Luo En as they departed.
That look brimmed with complex emotions—a blend of pity for a doomed man, schadenfreude, and a twisted sense of vindictive satisfaction.
The gaze sent a chill down Luo En’s spine. His instincts screamed that Aolifu’s “courteous visit” boded nothing but trouble.
When their figures vanished down the corridor, Luo En exhaled sharply and gathered his belongings. Now that he was free, lingering here served no purpose.
Thanks to his elevated Spirit Perception, he could now detect residual mana traces left by Aolifu inside the Solitary Confinement Room—a lingering, eerie energy. A shiver ran down his spine. Better to leave quickly.
Whatever Aolifu’s game, Luo En knew his current strength still fell far short of challenging him.
Stepping out of the Solitary Confinement Room, he inhaled deeply. Though the Black Mist Jungle’s air still carried its distinctive metallic-sweet tang, for someone newly released, it felt almost luxurious.
“What exactly does that bastard want?” Luo En mused, deciding to return to his quarters first and consult Andie about recent events.
As he walked, he marveled at his transformation over the past fortnight. His spiritual energy’s qualitative leap had sharpened his perception so drastically that even his gait felt lighter, more fluid.
Passing candidate apprentices now appeared to his senses like flickering flames—each one’s spiritual energy strength and frequency clearly discernible. While other apprentices might take this ability for granted, for Luo En, it remained thrillingly novel.
Reaching his room, he found the lock undisturbed. No intrusions during his absence. Still cautious, he checked the subtle trap markers he’d left—small signs designed to reveal any tampering.
Reassured, he relaxed with a self-derisive chuckle. “Paranoia pays, I suppose.”
He began organizing his meager belongings. Compared to the Solitary Confinement Room, this humble apprentice dorm felt like a palace.
Before he could settle, urgent knocking interrupted him.
“Luo En? You’re back?” Andie’s voice called through the door.
Luo En raised an eyebrow. The Thirteenth Prince’s intelligence network worked fast.
“Come in, it’s unlocked.”
Andie entered, surprise on his face.
“I was eating in the Dining Hall when someone mentioned seeing you in the dormitory corridor. I had to check—did you spend extra Mana Shard Fragments? That’s quite extravagant…”
His words stopped mid-sentence, pupils contracting. “Wait—did you already…”
Luo En smiled. “Yes. I broke through.”
“Elementary apprentice?” Andie sucked in a sharp breath. “In the Solitary Confinement Room? That’s almost…”
His tone shifted from disbelief to reluctant acceptance. “But considering your recent pace, maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.”
Luo En gestured him to sit, briefly recounting his breakthrough—carefully omitting interface assistance.
“No wonder it’s you,” Andie said admiringly. “For most, that hellhole is torment. For you, it became a catalyst for focus and growth.”
A flicker of bitterness crossed his face. “Luo En, sometimes I wonder… how do you progress so rapidly?”
Luo En evaded the question, steering the conversation. “Tell me about Aolifu.”
Andie’s expression darkened instantly. “He visited you?”
Luo En nodded. “Came personally. He even spent Mana Shard Fragments to secure my release.”
“That’s ominous,” Andie lowered his voice. “Aolifu’s reputation here is… unsettling. A smiling tiger who delves into research most fear. Even high-ranking apprentices avoid him.”
“Specifics?” Luo En pressed.
Andie hesitated. “His focus is ‘Living Body Modification.’ Rumor says his lab’s test subjects are mostly slaves collected by Ma Kusi.”
Luo En’s mind flashed to Ai Mi Li, stomach tightening.
"But why you?" Andie frowned. “A petty spat between Ma Kusi and a candidate? That shouldn’t interest someone at his level.”
Luo En mused, “Perhaps related to Darend’s soundwave magic?”
“You think he’s interested in that research?”
“More than interested,” Luo En recalled Aolifu’s words. “He mentioned soundwaves and curses sharing methods to influence targets persistently.”
Still, a high apprentice targeting a recently breakthrough candidate… suspicious.
Silence settled as both pondered.
“Stay vigilant,” Andie warned. “Even our royal network avoids Aolifu’s schemes.”
Luo En nodded, appreciating the gravity.
“Oh,” Andie added, “the Black Market’s active again these past two weeks. Several candidates have… incidents.”
“Banned elixirs?”
“Same pattern—except this time, effects feel… controlled. Almost engineered.”
Luo En’s eyes narrowed. “You suspect Aolifu?”
“A guess,” Andie hedged. “But timing’s suspicious.”
Luo En feigned casual curiosity. “Wonder… does the Black Market trade in… specialized materials or formulas?”
(End of Chapter)
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