Qin Zhaoming, who was interrogating the muscular man, summarized with disbelief:
"So, you simply followed me because you coveted my spirit stones?"
"Yes. Rumors circulated that Sir Qin had earned over 50 spirit stones in the past half year..."
The more he heard, the more infuriated he became. These damn robbers always lacked conscience.
Countless experiences of exploitation during his time as an ordinary person surfaced, making his blood boil.
Smack!
Partly to vent his anger, he struck the back of the man's head hard.
"Damn it! So what if I earned 50 spirit stones? You planned to kill me and steal them?"
"N-no! How could you say such frightening things! I just followed you out of curiosity about how you earned so many spirit stones."
"Sigh. Coming here because of some nonsense you heard. I only have 3 spirit stones right now."
"What?"
"50 spirit stones my ass! That damn rumor you heard is fake."
It wasn't a lie. After buying the Qi Condensation Pill with the 20 spirit stones he had saved over half a year, he was completely broke.
"That's impossible! Don't lie to me!"
It was absurd watching him get angry as if he had been deceived by a swindler.
What right did a murderous robber have to make such an expression? It was so beyond common sense that he couldn't even get angry.
Clicking his tongue, Qin Zhaoming asked again:
"Fine. Who did you hear this false rumor from?"
Though his tone was indifferent, as if he didn't care, this question was the true purpose for capturing the man.
Indeed, his income was unusually high for someone at Qi Refinement level 2.
Finding that out wasn't particularly difficult. Anyone who paid attention and observed could know.
However.
That also required the effort of observation.
How would anyone know what a beggar boy usually did? Taking interest itself was abnormal!
'Who could it be?'
Several suspicious individuals came to mind—from Fang Yi, the owner of the Spirit Elixir Pavilion, to the gatekeeper with whom he had formed a grudge at the Zeyang Sect.
"W-who, you ask?"
"I'm asking who told you that I had a lot of spirit stones."
While maintaining a calm expression, he focused on the tracker's words.
"Uh... I just happened to overhear it while drinking at a brothel. I don't really know."
"Tsk. Useless fellow. Then tell me who this elder brother you mentioned earlier is."
Gulp. The man's Adam's apple bobbed.
The answer to this question would determine life or death. Perhaps realizing this fact, he spoke with a tense voice:
"Our elder brother treasures his subordinates like his own life. So please be wise—"
"Shut up. Keep it short."
"Q-Qing Hualan! A master at Qi Refinement level 7. It's Qing Hualan!"
"...You called her 'elder brother,' but it's a woman's name? Are you still trying to deceive me?"
"It's not a lie! Our brother himself told us to call him 'elder brother'!"
Qin Zhaoming frowned.
Though he couldn't recall who it was, he felt like he had heard the name somewhere.
If he, who was not well-informed, knew the name, it meant this person was quite famous.
Qing Hualan.
After quietly pondering, he nodded. He stood up, brushing himself off, and looked down at the man.
"Good. I'll remember that. Ah, by the way, what's your name?"
"W-Wang Xin, but why do you need my name...?"
"If I'm going to make a tombstone for you, I should at least know your name."
Wang Xin, who had been blankly staring as if not understanding, bulged his eyes. He struggled with his armless body.
"Save me! You said you'd spare me if I answered well!"
"When did I say that? I did consider it, but I think it's better to kill you after all."
"Eek! You son of a bitch!"
To the man glaring at him like an innocent victim, he said:
"How pathetic. Coming to rob and kill me, but acting so wronged when it's your turn to suffer."
"You! If you kill me, my elder brother will surely avenge me! You won't die peacefully—"
Slash!
He cut the man's throat with a single stroke as he cursed until the end.
Though his bloodshot eyes were filled with hatred, they held no power. He would simply be buried in a pile of dirt, forgotten.
Even the spurting blood couldn't reach him. Blocked by spirit qi, it fell to the ground with a splash.
"I'll wait."
Having responded to the man's last words, Qin Zhaoming surveyed the surroundings.
He had spent too much time on the interrogation.
The power of the Concealment Talisman was nearly depleted. Soon, demon beasts attracted by the smell of blood would gather.
Before leaving the place.
He collected all the gifts left by Wang Xin.
He swept up everything from the flying sword rolling on the ground to the pouch at his waist.