Chapter Twenty-Seven: Angel

As dusk gradually settled, the vendors began to pack up their stalls, and the crowds dwindled. Many people had gathered around Ling Tian to watch the spectacle and perhaps laugh at his predicament, but none had any intention of buying. A few even wanted to take photos with Ling Tian and post them online, but he promptly chased them away.

The elderly man looked up at the sky and said, "Brother, it’s getting late. Why don’t we head back and return tomorrow?" Ling Tian nodded in agreement; it was indeed late, and he had expended much of his vital energy today—he needed to return to the welfare home and restore his strength. "Sir, you go ahead. I’ll tidy up and leave soon," Ling Tian replied with a smile. He wished to linger a bit longer; he would never give up until the very end—that was a hallmark of the mercenary’s character.

The old man chuckled, "Brother, I feel a strong connection with you. Perhaps we’ll meet again someday. Rest assured, I won’t reveal any information about you, and I can guarantee that no one else will either." Suddenly, two figures approached from the distance—a man and a woman.

Upon seeing them, the old man’s expression became somewhat peculiar. He stood up hastily, packed his things in a hurry, and said to Ling Tian, "Something urgent has come up; I must go." He had intended to chat more with Ling Tian and exchange contact information, but the sudden arrival of these people made him anxious.

Before Ling Tian could reply, the old man hurriedly departed with his belongings, leaving Ling Tian puzzled.

By now, the man and woman had reached Ling Tian’s stall. The man was impeccably dressed and strikingly handsome, but the arrogance on his face was rather off-putting. The woman was sweet and adorable, dressed in simple shorts and a t-shirt, her hair falling over her shoulders, giving her an impression of pure innocence.

Though her beauty fell just a shade short of Mu Qingcheng’s, she was still undeniably exceptional.

As they approached, the man muttered quietly, "That silhouette looks familiar. I heard the patriarch of the Situ family often strolls around here after retirement—could it be him?"

But An Qi’s attention was wholly fixed on the talismans valued at a hundred thousand. To dare ask such a price, perhaps they were crafted by a true master.

An Qi hurried to Ling Tian, scanning the area, and realized that every other stall was either gone or packing up—only Ling Tian’s remained. Her gaze fell instantly on the talismans, and she could tell at a glance that Ling Tian’s talismans were different from any she’d seen before.

"Boss, how do you sell your talismans?" An Qi crouched down, staring dazedly at the last two talismans—a warding charm and a protective charm. Familiar with talismans from her frequent inquiries, An Qi had purchased over a hundred, yet none had ever been truly effective.

But these two struck her as different, though she couldn’t quite explain why. Good things always stand out; sometimes, you can sense their quality by intuition alone, and talismans are no exception.

A buyer had arrived!

Ling Tian pointed to the warding charm and said, "This is a warding charm; it can drive away evil spirits and negative energy." Then, pointing to the other, he continued, "This is a protective charm; it can shield you from a single disaster. Both talismans can only be used once."

An Qi quickly asked, "Are you the one selling those outrageously priced talismans?" Ling Tian nodded. "One for a hundred thousand. No bargaining."

Yuan Li, trailing behind An Qi, sneered, "This junk isn’t even worth a dollar apiece, and you dare ask for a hundred thousand? Why not just rob a bank?"

Ling Tian looked up sharply, his lip curling in disdain. "Get lost, don’t interfere with my business. That’s my first warning."

An Qi turned to Yuan Li and said, "How many times have I told you not to follow me?"

"Qi Qi, I’m only worried you’ll be cheated." Yuan Li swiftly adopted a caring expression, his face changing so quickly that Ling Tian was impressed—the boy could rival any actor, switching emotions on a whim, truly insincere. "I know your cousin’s situation has troubled you. I’ve already arranged for people to seek out experts..."

Before Yuan Li could finish, An Qi interrupted, "Mind your words. Qi Qi is not a name you can use so lightly. And I’ve made it clear—there is no possibility between us."

Yuan Li’s face darkened, cursing inwardly: Damn woman, there’s nothing I’ve ever wanted that I haven’t gotten. Sooner or later, I’ll have you. Once I get you into bed, I’ll make sure to savor every moment.

Despite his malicious thoughts, his expression remained sincere, and he said apologetically, "An Qi, it’s because I care for you that I overstepped. But I really don’t want you to be tricked by this scam artist."

Ling Tian could see clearly that Yuan Li was a spoiled rich kid pursuing An Qi, but she had no interest in him.

"That’s your second warning," Ling Tian said coldly, giving Yuan Li a piercing look before continuing, "Buy if you want, otherwise leave. Don’t waste my time."

An Qi, consumed with worry over her cousin’s illness, would not let slip any chance to restore her cousin, no matter how slim. "Sir, I’ll buy them. Do you accept a check or bank transfer?" Her voice was sweet and gentle.

"Transfer, please. Here’s my account number," Ling Tian replied, taking a bank card from his pocket and handing it to An Qi.

Yuan Li saw that An Qi was determined to buy and realized he ought to step in. He quickly took out his phone and said to Ling Tian, "I’ll pay. I’ll transfer the money via mobile banking."

Ling Tian waved his finger at Yuan Li. "I won’t sell to you."

"You just want money, don’t you? I can pay double," Yuan Li said, his face darkening.

Ling Tian waved his finger again. "Don’t think a few filthy bills will let you show off in front of me. Double, triple—even a million, I won’t sell. I can’t stand your pretentiousness."

"You..." Yuan Li, son of a real estate tycoon, was accustomed to being above it all—no one had ever dared speak to him this way, especially not a humble street vendor, and certainly not in front of the woman he liked.

"Miss, rest assured, it’s well worth the price. There’s only one caveat: the level of these talismans isn’t very high, so their effect won’t be dramatic. Of course, mine are far superior to mere showpieces." Ling Tian explained patiently. "When you use a talisman, you must stain it with your blood. After casting it, silently recite the word 'Lin' from the Nine Syllable Mantra."

Initially, An Qi just wanted to try her luck, but after hearing Ling Tian’s instructions, she began to believe him—at least a little.

"I understand. I’ll transfer the money now." An Qi would rather risk losing a hundred thousand than forfeit any chance to cure her cousin.

Once the transfer was complete, Ling Tian picked up both talismans and handed them to An Qi. "You’re so anxious for your cousin’s sake; you have a kind heart. So this protective charm is my gift to you. Just wear it, and if danger comes, it will activate automatically and shield you from harm."

An Qi smiled, as pure and radiant as a lily blooming in a secluded valley, full of sacred grace.

"Thank you!" she said, carefully placing the talismans in her shoulder bag.