Virus King - Chapter 61

Chapter 61: The Investment of the God of Trade! Dual-Profession Scroll!

TL: Yang

The black and red mycelium carpet covering Chen Bai instantly vanished!

Even the Zombie Claws retracted back into his body.

Even though this was only a projection walking the world, what he faced was an authentic deity!

And not just any deity, but a rather powerful one.

Leaving everything else aside, purely from a wealth perspective, perhaps only the Dwarven God of Craftsmanship and Steam could match this one.

Speaking beside a being like this, there was no need to worry about interference from any lesser zombies.

Indeed, the moment this figure appeared, it was as if all else had been blocked off from the outside world.

“It’s an honor to meet you, esteemed one!”

Chen Bai smiled slightly, and this left the deity in front of him momentarily surprised.

“You know of me? An interesting human from Blue Star?”

For this god, who was most appreciative of investments, wealth, treasures, and the respect and flattery of others, Chen Bai did not hold back his praise.

“Of course, I once glimpsed your divine name in the smallest of clues! With the God and Devil Trial Grounds descending upon Blue Star, you will undoubtedly walk among it, providing all participating Evolvers with the most essential aid and unparalleled generosity in trade!

Among the gods across all realms, even the Creator of Light himself does not compare to your benevolence! Alas, as a mere human, I am unable to become your most devoted follower…”

Words of flattery poured from Chen Bai’s mouth without reservation.

In his previous life, this Goblin God had been one of the most intriguing and harmless deities.

It was precisely because of this that, unlike other gods who arrived on the trial grounds with restrictions on their avatars and projections, this Goblin God could move about freely.

Just as Chen Bai’s words fell, even this experienced Goblin God couldn’t help but scratch his head, humbly waving a hand.

“Oh, it’s nothing; I am but a mere merchant. Though my divine power fills my entire divine kingdom and my trading association spans countless realms,

And though innumerable traders recite my revered name in their transactions and every contract-bound one prays for my witness,

It is nothing remarkable!

At first, I thought that, with the trial grounds just beginning, there would be nothing interesting on Blue Star.

But I did not expect to meet an interesting little fellow like you! Here, take this. This is a gold membership card from my Goblin Merchant Guild, offering a 12% discount on any item purchases!”

Well now, just a bit of flattery, and he’d gotten something like this.

Chen Bai was thrilled, accepting the gold card with joy. Truly, there were many benefits at the dawn of the apocalypse!

In his last life, countless Evolvers had figured out this God of Trade’s personality. By then, flattery had lost much of its effect, and gaining benefits was far from simple!

“Alright, since you are the first native human I’ve met in this new trial ground, and you know my revered name, you must naturally understand my powers. So, is there anything you wish to trade with me?”

With that, the God of Trade directly presented Chen Bai with a list!

And as Chen Bai’s gaze fell upon the items on the list, his breath caught in his throat.

[Scroll of the Thunder Strider (S-Rank): A powerful profession that harnesses thunder to temper the body and wield destructive lightning. Not only can it annihilate enemies with lightning, but it also possesses formidable close-combat abilities!

Exchange Price: S-Rank voucher, 1 million gold coins!]

[Kiss of Death (S-Rank): A legendary sniper rifle usable only by firearms professions!

Crafted by the Dwarven God, close friend of the Goblin God of Trade, Redo!

However, the God of Death is highly displeased with this weapon’s name and has repeatedly requested it be renamed, to no avail. Annoyed beyond measure, the Dwarven God eventually entrusted it to the God of Trade, Redo, for sale.

Exchange Price: S-Rank voucher, 3.2 million gold coins!]

[….]

The staggering prices left Chen Bai speechless, but it seemed that the Thunder Strider scroll had always been in this God of Trade’s possession?

In his last life, the Thunder Saint, the one in Group Chat No. 001 known as the “Five-Strike Lightning Successor,” had held this Thunder Strider profession, hadn’t he?

Interesting.

Chen Bai carefully scanned the list from top to bottom, and the God of Trade waited patiently without a hint of urgency.

Only after reading through the entire list did Chen Bai turn off the paid recording feature available to Evolvers since the descent of Cosmic Will.

Of course, he couldn’t afford these items! But while he couldn’t afford them, he could still make the group chat members jealous. He intended to let them all have a good look and drool over them.

With this thought, Chen Bai directly uploaded the video.

It was clear that Chen Bai wasn’t interested in these items. Even those cheaper, lower-tier E and F-Rank equipment didn’t catch his eye. He shook his head.

“My apologies, Lord Redo, but I can’t afford any of the things worth having!”

Redo nodded, unsurprised.

“The trial grounds of gods and demons have only just appeared; it’s normal for Evolvers to have little currency on hand. But if that’s the case, then there’s not much I can do. Regardless, your gold card will still be useful in the future. If you encounter another of my projections or an established branch of my merchant association, feel free to use it anytime!”

Now that he had finally encountered this God of Trade, how could Chen Bai let him leave so easily?

With a slight smile, he said, “Lord Redo, although I can’t afford your treasures, I’ve heard that every god descending onto the trial grounds has a representative. And you, no doubt, have come with investment in mind…”

The Goblin God’s brows rose in surprise as he glanced at Chen Bai.

“You know quite a lot! So, you’re looking for some of my prized possessions?”

Chen Bai spread his hands, “I heard you possess a treasure coveted by the gods, something no Evolver could refuse! Especially once they know of its existence!”

Redo’s initially departing figure stopped, and he remained seated on the bench, carefully sizing up Chen Bai and glancing at the zombies Chen Bai had slaughtered in the square.

Then he chuckled, “You want that treasure? I’ve already seen your potential, but it’s still not enough! As you know, besides trade, my greatest passion is investment!

But investments must bring returns! How can I be sure that you’ll bring me a return greater than that treasure? You should know its value!

With an investment of this magnitude, I must proceed carefully. Even if you’re a devoted admirer of mine, that won’t be enough!”

Chen Bai smiled slightly, understanding what was needed. “Tell me how to prove myself, and I’ll follow your instructions!”

“Little one, you didn’t think I’d hand over something so valuable after just one test, did you? Let me think about this!” Redo’s expression was troubled, yet he seemed excited.

The Goblin God, indifferent to most other things, was passionate about only two: trade and investment.

Chen Bai knew from his previous life that the scale of investment varied greatly. Once, a being of Emperor level had a deeper connection with this Goblin God and received an unimaginable early investment.

However, as that emperor had recounted, even his S-Rank investment wasn’t the best that the Goblin God had to offer.

As mentioned before, the trial grounds of gods and demons presented unimaginable opportunities!

This deity, president of the wealthy Goblin Merchant Guild and God of Trade, had gone all in to invest in those with potential on Blue Star.

And the most valuable item was far more than just an S-Rank tool!

Chen Bai’s eyes flashed with ambition, a fierceness even greater than Song Ziqiong’s.

Redo thought for a moment, then finally spoke.

“The talent of an Evolver forms the foundation of their strength. High talent may not dictate future achievement, but higher-tier talents certainly have greater potential! With an investment of this scale, I don’t want it to be my worst loss.

So, first, I need to be sure your talent is worthy of investment!”

Talent?!

In his previous life, Chen Bai would have failed this first hurdle immediately; his E-Rank Virus Immunity talent wouldn’t have convinced this God of Trade no matter how much he flattered him.

But now…

Chen Bai smiled, unhesitant, as he displayed his talent.

“Hm? Huh?!”

Two voices rang out, one astonished, then another stunned. The Goblin God’s gaze shifted to Chen Bai in disbelief.

“Well, well! No wonder you’re so confident! An SSS-Rank talent?! Even among the gods…”

He trailed off, shaking his head in wonder, and after a moment added, “But your talent is rather unusual, unlike any I’ve known. No wonder the Cosmic Will has taken such interest in Blue Star’s trial grounds…”

To think your talent isn’t of the prophetic type!

Interesting! Very interesting! Hahaha, I hadn’t expected to meet such a fascinating little fellow so soon after arriving on Blue Star. But it’s still not enough. Let me think a bit more, little one!”

As he watched Redo deep in thought, Chen Bai’s pupils contracted sharply. Had he revealed too much?!

It seemed that despite Redo’s carefree demeanor, he wasn’t to be underestimated. He had instantly noticed that Chen Bai, a native Evolver, knew too much.

But fortunately, in all his previous times, this deity had never acted against his own principles…

Had this been another god’s projection, Chen Bai would have dared not say as much.

Smack!

The goblin slapped his forehead.

“I’ve got it! To be honest, I hadn’t planned on investing that item so soon, but you, little one, are indeed a fantastic investment prospect!

If it weren’t for that item, based on your earlier performance and talent alone, I’d be happy to invest an S-Rank item in you right now!

But since it’s that item you want—just now, I witnessed your talent and abilities. However, to survive and grow in the trial grounds of gods and demons, talent alone isn’t enough; you also need a spirit of exploration and adaptability! Do you know why I brought my projection here first?”

Chen Bai paused, surprised.

Now that he thought about it, he truly had no idea.

Although this Goblin God was known to have several avatars, why did he appear at Jiangcheng University first?

Seeing Chen Bai’s confusion, the God of Trade chuckled slyly.

“If you did know, I’d have started suspecting something strange about you! From what I sensed, a secret realm has just emerged here.

Within this realm, a unique creature of great research value has appeared—something potent enough to match your strength!

If you can locate it, slay it, and bring me a part of it, then you’ll have cleared this stage!”

A secret realm at Jiangcheng University?

In his past life, there had been numerous secret realms around Jiangcheng, but Chen Bai had experienced the apocalypse right on the university campus. If a secret realm had emerged at Jiangcheng University at the start of the outbreak, he surely would have known about it!

Could this goblin just be making an excuse to avoid giving him the item?

Chen Bai felt a hint of skepticism.

But he also knew the God of Trade’s principles. Compared to any capitalist on Blue Star, this deity had an impeccable commitment to his contracts—after all, he was the god of contracts.

So what was this really about?

Just then, a special dialogue box appeared before him.

[The Goblin God of Trade, Redo, has issued you an SSS-Rank mission: “Ultimate Investment” Part 1. Do you accept?]

Chen Bai pursed his lips, then gritted his teeth and chose Yes!

He couldn’t pass up a chance like this without at least trying.

Seeing that Chen Bai had accepted the mission, Redo grinned again.

“You’ve got courage. Even if you can’t fulfill my request, I’ll still keep an eye on you! Here, take this. Once you’ve completed the mission, you can summon my projection at any time. Just try not to keep me waiting too long, alright? This item—I’ll hold onto it for now.”

This put Chen Bai at ease, knowing that in his past life, this particular item had reportedly never been invested, even after decades.

In fact, many who’d interacted with the goblin suspected he was just holding onto it to string others along.

Chen Bai then asked, “My lord, could I take a look at the item?”

With a chuckle, the goblin didn’t mind. With a casual flick of his wrist, a unique item appeared before Chen Bai, its attributes and description lighting up in his view.

[Dual-Profession Transfer Scroll!]

[Special Item—SSS Rank]

[Goblin Industry, the pinnacle of alchemical technology! This allows an Evolver to hold two professions simultaneously, with combined growth attributes! All attributes and skill bonuses are fully effective, making it the prized possession of the Goblin God of Trade, Redo.]

Chen Bai let out a breath as he gazed at the scroll. The goblin waved a hand.

“Good luck, you interesting little fellow! One last piece of advice—this secret realm’s appearance might just be linked to your talent. So be cautious!”