Chapter 20 Transactions

After entering this small settlement called "Xiamatown," the group of eight naturally attracted everyone's attention.

But contrary to Chen Jian's expectations, the people's focus was more on the four Holy Blood led by Xu Lie than on their "eccentric clothing."

Countless gazes converged on them, as if there was some mark on their faces.

At first, Chen Jian was perplexed, but upon thinking it over, he realized that Xu Lie and the others had just been here.

They had originally come from Jinling, and to go to Chuansha, they had to pass through here.

Since they had passed through, they would surely replenish their supplies here.

And when replenishing here, they likely wouldn't deliberately hide their intentions.

After all, by any stretch of imagination, the Holy Blood are considered superior beings on this land, relying on their special status to gather intelligence, acquire resources, and spread their doctrine. Thus, openly declaring their intent to "hunt monsters" is only natural.

This also explained why the residents of Xiamatown looked at them with skepticism and astonishment.

Thinking from their perspective, if it were them, they'd have the same reaction.

After all, they had only stayed in Chuansha City overnight.

In just one night, they had taken down a giant creature—it was terrifying just thinking about their strength.

----Huh?

Wait, isn't this self-praise?

Chen Jian chuckled wryly, instantly understanding why the Holy Blood Team referred to their team as the "Chosen Ones."

It turned out that they really had already categorized themselves as several levels above them...

While thinking this, Chen Jian followed Xu Lie towards a structure made of wood and broken bricks in the center of the town.

From the signs hanging outside the building, it seemed to be a hostel, modified from an old barracks, but with an additional hall-like facade.

Pushing the door open, Chen Jian immediately noticed the gun hanging on the wall.

95-1.

Chen Jian was startled, and without showing it, he gave his teammates a look. Taking advantage of Xu Lie's time communicating with the owner behind the iron counter, they moved straight towards the gun.

"...The receiver and barrel are rusted through, but the plastic parts remain intact. This is likely a common condition for most firearms in this world."

"But that's not the point. The point is, in our era, this gun hadn't been retired yet, but it was close."

"By estimating the time, it should have been completely replaced by the 191 within 20 years, leading to its complete disappearance."

"This means... the catastrophic event that destroyed this world happened around 2040, within a margin of plus or minus 10 years."

As Chen Jian finished speaking, everyone wore a heavy expression.

20 years..... This timeframe, compared to their original expectations, was indeed too short.

In fact, if they hadn't crossed over, they would have inevitably witnessed this disaster.

Not only that, but their family, friends, and comrades would have to face the disaster directly.

Would they feel helpless when we're not there?

A slight pang of melancholy flashed through their hearts, but after only a moment, He Shuo coughed, breaking the somber atmosphere.

"There's no point in considering that now—focus on the problem at hand."

"The 95-1 uses DBP-10 bullets, the same caliber as the 191."

"If we found a 95-1 here, we might also find bullets."

"We don't need too many; even a few hundred rounds can solve our urgent needs."

"I think we should communicate with the owner here first, to see what he has and what we can exchange for."

"Agreed."

Chen Jian immediately nodded, and the entire team quickly shook off their negative emotions.

Next, Chen Jian approached the counter, just in time to witness Xu Lie in the middle of a transaction with the owner.

"....Are you kidding me? 5 grams of gold for one bullet?"

"Do you know the bullets you previously sold me were defective? If not for sheer luck, I'd be dead by now!"

"This is a blasphemy against the Holy Blood! Do you understand what I mean?!"

The owner trembled as if sifting through grain, stammering in response.

"Sir... Sir... But this is already the lowest price..."

"Several scavengers died finding these bullets. The monster's nest is too terrifying. We, we..."

"I don't need to hear such nonsense!"

Xu Lie interrupted him again, then said:

"I have a scrap battery here to exchange for all your handgun bullets, the supplies I need, and two days of food and lodging."

"If you have any objections, feel free to tell me."

"I will report honestly to the Holy Blood Temple!"

Xu Lie's words were pronounced distinctly, leaving the owner dumbfounded.

He gaped for a long time before finally speaking in defeat:

"Fine.... It's all yours....."

Xu Lie swept all the bullets off the counter with satisfaction, as Chen Jian commented with amusement:

"You could've just taken them by force. Why bother trading?"

Xu Lie was unfazed by Chen Jian's teasing.

"In other settlements, we indeed wouldn't need to trade."

"But here is a trade point, and we must abide by trade rules."

"Alright, it's your turn now."

Saying that, Xu Lie stepped aside, and Chen Jian stepped forward, taking out a 5.8mm bullet to show the owner:

"I want this kind of bullet—however many you have, I'll take them all."

A hint of surprise flashed in the owner's eyes as he carefully took the new bullet with a soft metallic sheen and inspected it closely before replying:

"I have them!"

"I have 40 bullets like this."

"But, they're expensive."

"Since you came with the lords, I can offer you a discount... 15 grams of gold per bullet, how about it?"

Chen Jian didn't understand the pricing in this world, so he turned to Xu Lie. It wasn't appropriate for Xu Lie to intervene with his Holy Blood identity, so he simply shook his head, signaling that the price was exorbitant.

Catching Xu Lie's signal, Chen Jian didn't attempt to haggle with the owner.

Instead, he drew a QSW06 silenced pistol from his thigh, chambered a round, aimed, and fired in one fluid motion.

"Pop!"

With a soft pop, a small hole appeared in the wooden beam behind the owner.

The owner was startled and quickly ducked under the table.

His movements were agile, indicating he was no stranger to such situations.

Chen Jian's expression changed slightly, but ultimately, he didn't react.

He quickly ejected the bullet and placed the gun on the counter.

"This gun, in exchange for all your bullets."

"Deal!"

The owner poked his head out from under the counter, nodding eagerly, then ducked below again, rummaging around before pulling out a full case of bullets.

Confirming they were DBP-10, no doubt.

What surprised Chen Jian even more was the good condition of these bullets, aside from some oxidation, with no traces of rust.

This verified once and for all, who said steel bullets can't withstand rust?

Chen Jian was satisfied as he pocketed the bullets, leaving the pistol on the counter.

With the first experimental trade complete, the group of eight turned to leave the hall, heading towards the residential area at the back.

Xu Lie deliberately slowed his pace, sidling up to Chen Jian and saying:

"No matter how precious bullets are, they could never be more valuable than a gun."

"Moreover, that caliber of bullet is hardly used, it has no real value."

"If you gave me that gun, I could at least exchange it for hundreds of bullets for you."

"Chosen One, you understand too little of this world..."

When he finished, Chen Jian gave a mysterious smile.

Then, he replied:

"It's not that we understand too little about this world; it's that you understand too little about us."

"You don't get it, sometimes a trade is more than just a trade."

"It's testing the waters."