Soul pact

"I don't quite understand … You said that we can even bring people out to work for us … That doesn't seem feasible" Liu Ping said.

"Follow me, you'll know soon" Wang Wei said.

The two of them soon reached the end of the path.

There was a grand hall in front of them. A huge screen floated in the middle of the hall. Many people surrounded the screen, looking at something.

A mechanical voice boomed and echoed throughout the hall. "Capture Mission No. 9012 has failed."

"Attention please!"

"Attention please!"

"Capture target: Li Zhangxue, about to become a Sword Saint, with the support of the elders of the sect. She is now unfathomably dangerous. Keep her for observation, do not capture her."

"I repeat, Li Zhangxue has entered an unstable state. It is extremely difficult to turn her into a card. Do not capture her for now."

Wang Wei stood where she was and listened attentively. Her expression gradually became serious.

"We planned for so many years and had at least seventy percent confidence, but we failed at the last moment … Why do I feel that something is wrong …" She said softly.

Liu Ping stood behind her obediently and looked at the screen.

The screen showed Li Zhangxue's appearance, followed by lines of introduction, "Rejuvenation stage Sword Cultivator of the Asure Heavens Sect."

"About to become a Divine Transformation Cultivator."

"About to break through the realm of the sword and become a Sword Saint." "Character Status: Missing."

"— Capture Mission No. 9012 failed!"

Liu Ping did not say a word, but he recalled everything that happened last night.

Li Zhangxue was poisoned.

All the male cultivators heard the news and went to find her.

The eldest Senior Brother gave her medicine and a sword.

Eldest Senior Brother failed the mission and fled back to the company.

A flash of light flashed across Liu Ping's heart.

So that was the case.

Everything was to capture Li Zhangxue!

Li Zhangxue's appearance stayed on the screen for a while, then turned into a line of small words and flew into a ranking list.

Liu Ping looked and saw a line of words on the ranking list, "Most valuable soul." Li Zhangxue was ranked eleventh on the ranking list.

As for the first place, Liu Ping's gaze moved up the list and finally stopped at the first line.

"Character Evaluation Number One:"

"Target Name:???"

"Gender:???"

"Identity: Master of the demonic Path."

"Description: This is an existence that can command the entire demonic path. It is rumored that he possesses countless cultivation knowledge and can ascend to the higher realms at any moment. However, no one has been able to find any clues about him."

"Anyone who provides clues will receive the Cultivation World's Spirit Stone reward: 1000 pieces."

… So I'm also on the list.

Was he that valuable?

Top of the list?

Although he knew that he shouldn't, Liu Ping still couldn't help but feel secretly pleased.

Wang Wei looked back at him and smiled. "See? We can actually absorb the people inside into the company — in the form of slaves. "

" But why would they be willing to be our slaves? "Liu Ping asked.

"Card masters." Wang Wei spat two words.

Liu Ping laughed and praised, "You're really powerful."

'How dare you put me at the top of the slave list!?'

But if that's the case, are card masters the same as slave masters?

"The power of cards is limitless and represents a certain level. It's a rule that even deities have to acknowledge. However, it's not that easy to become a card user" Wang Wei said.

"How do I become a card user?" Liu Ping asked.

Just as Wang Wei was about to answer, an electronic voice came out of nowhere: [Manager Wang, the elite tactical squad of Area C has been assembled, awaiting your orders.] The door at the side of the hall opened.

Inside was a spacious airship dock.

Dozens of people in combat uniforms stood in a row, seriously looking at Wang Wei.

Wang Wei's smile became even wider.

— — -who doesn't like their subordinates to get everything ready early? In order to make everyone understand this preference of mine, a total of 15 lives were sacrificed. Fortunately, it was worth it.

Wang Wei told the few dozen armed men: "It's been verified, the information is true."

"You will follow the Night's Watchers and move out immediately. Tonight, you will protect Dark Mist Town, don't let it be swallowed by the world of death, and also investigate the situation of the first act."

"After 20 minutes, the town's reconstruction team will be ready. They will be responsible for the reconstruction and upgrading of Dark Mist Town, and you will need to protect it tonight — — - the entire night will depend on you." "Understood?"

everyone shouted in unison. "Understood!" Wang Wei waved her hand, and a ship quickly landed on the balcony.

She turned her head to look at Liu Ping and said seriously, "Liu Ping, as a Night's Watcher, you failed to protect Dark Mist Town. This is your dereliction of duty. However, you have obtained extremely valuable information. After you complete this guide mission, I will waive your punishment and even reward you. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Liu Ping said.

"Lastly, do you have any other questions?" Wang Wei asked.

"I do have one" Liu Ping hesitated.

"Speak" Wang Wei said without hesitation.

"Can I become a card master?" Liu Ping asked.

It was quiet all around.

Liu Ping realized that everyone's expression had become very strange.

Suddenly — — "Hahahaha!"

"Hahaha, this kid is an idiot!"

"As expected of someone from the wilderness."

"I heard that he's a scavenger, hahaha, how interesting."

"He's indeed a blank piece of paper."

"How stupid, how stupid!" Everyone burst into laughter.

Liu Ping was confused by the laughter, and he couldn't help but look at Wang Wei.

Wang Wei laughed and said: "You have to pass the tests of the gods before you have the chance to become a card master. This is a very serious matter. Under normal circumstances, you have to make a considerable amount of contributions to the company, and also need someone to recommend you."

"I see, I took it for granted" Liu Ping sighed.

Suddenly, a voice came from afar: "Do you really want to become a card master?"

Liu Ping and Wang Wei looked over, and saw a man wearing a cultivator's robe walking towards them.

Wang Wei's eyes lit up, and she laughed: "Luo Sheng! Why are you dressed like this? Are you going to enter the cultivation world again? "

"The matter with Li Zhangxue was my mistake. I want to go in again and think of a way to make up for it" Luo Sheng said and nodded at Liu Ping.

"I didn't expect to see you so soon. I thought that I would have to wait for a long time" Liu Ping said.

"I did a divination and discovered that I have some bad relations with you … I'm guessing that it's because I haven't paid you enough, which is why fate is giving me such a dark omen" Luo Sheng said.

Liu Ping stared at him blankly, not understanding what was going on.

What? What are you worried about? I've already screwed you over. You'll be fine from now on!

Luo Sheng stared at him, then suddenly said, "You're too young, so you don't understand the dangers involved. However, I've decided to repay you for saving my life and sever all ties between us." He took out a thick book and placed it in front of Liu Ping.

"I would like to recommend Liu Ping to the Goddess of Agony. I would like to ask the Goddess of Agony to activate the Soul Trial for him."

The grand hall lost all sound as Everyone fell into a daze.

The book emitted layers of light and floated in front of Liu Ping.

Wang Wei's body suddenly emitted a faint aura of authority.

She became serious and said, "The Goddess is busy fighting the Evil God. I'm afraid she won't have time to personally descend. I'll activate the Soul Trial for him."

"Sorry to trouble you." Luo Sheng gave Wang Wei a look.

Wang Wei walked in front of Liu Ping, gently lifted his hand, and pressed it against the book.

Lines of burning words appeared in front of Liu Ping's eyes.

[An extremely harsh Soul Pact has appeared. If you succeed in the following trial, you will be recognized by the Gods and have the qualifications to become a card master.]

[If you fail, your soul will belong to the Goddess of Agony and you will be her slave forever.]

Liu Ping silently asked, "Has anyone passed this trial?"

Another line of burning words appeared.

[Although harsh, this is indeed a rule recognized by the Gods. Out of every million challengers, there will occasionally be one person who succeeds.]

[Through the analysis of the relevant rules, this Sequence has discovered the following truth: There are many ways to become a card master.]

[The one you're facing is the harshest one.]

Wang Wei said, "Liu Ping, you've obtained an extremely rare opportunity. As long as you pass the Soul Trial, you can become a card master. Are you willing to participate in this trial?" She and Luo Sheng both held their breaths and stared at Liu Ping.

Liu Ping smiled happily saying "Of course I'm willing." Boom! A ray of light flew out from the book and enveloped Liu Ping as it shot into the sky.

Wang Wei and Luo Sheng stood where they were and looked in the direction where Liu Ping disappeared.

An illusory image appeared above the hall, revealing a majestic spire.

"It's too hasty. He has a lot of potential. It's a pity to waste it like this" Wang Wei said softly.

"I've already failed once. Only by offering his soul to the Goddess can I make up for my mistake" Luo Sheng said.

"The Goddess does indeed like this type of young soul with great potential, but …" Wang Wei sighed and said,

"If he succeeds … then the company will have another reserve card master and the Goddess will only be satisfied with my recommendation. She won't punish me. This child will also be grateful to me." Luo Sheng smiled.

Wang Wei said, "So that's how it is. You've always been so meticulous in your planning. Why did you fail to capture Li Zhangxue?" Luo Sheng's smile froze.

He lowered his head and said darkly, "That is a very strange matter. Even now, I still don't understand …"

Liu Ping stood where he was and looked around.

The familiar streets, the familiar buildings, and even the familiar city walls.

This was Dark Mist Town.

No.

Dark Mist Town had been reduced to ruins.

How could there be a town that looked exactly like Dark Mist Town?

There wasn't a single person on the streets. Only the bar at the end of the road was still lit.

Liu Ping thought for a bit, then walked to the entrance of the bar.

He pushed the door open and entered.

 The bartender was sitting behind the counter, pouring a glass of wine. Other than him there was no one else in the bar.

"Liu Ping, you shouldn't have come." The bartender said without looking up.

"Why?" Liu Ping said as he walked to the counter and sat down.

"You performed very well in the battle. You are a Night's Watcher with great potential. You shouldn't hope to pass this Soul Trial. It will destroy everything you have." The bartender said.

Liu Ping smiled and said, "Thank you for taking care of me in the past. I'm very grateful … but I remember that you died."

The bartender replied: "That's right. I was supposed to guard Dark Mist Town for three months, but I failed." He took out a bunch of Cards from under the counter and showed them to Liu Ping one by one.

The first card was the Archmage Karadur, the second was the Exorcist Old K, the third was the Heavy Armor Warrior Qilu, the fourth was the Shield Knight Alger, all the Night's Watchers, even the town guards, miners, blacksmiths, winemakers, brothels, and so on appeared as cards on the wide mahogany table.

They lined up neatly, looking at Liu Ping with a sorrowful expression.

— — -so they were all Cards of the bartender!

Liu Ping's eyelids twitched a bit as his expression became solemn.

The bartender sighed and said, "I have such a complete set of cards, but I still failed. Right now, I can only bet everything to the gods."

"What's your bet?" Liu Ping asked.

"The gods are only interested in one thing in our bodies." The bartender looked at Liu Ping quietly and spat out two words, "Our souls."