Chapter 53

"Nothing, I'm fine." Jiang Zhendong waved his hand and suddenly looked at the TV.

"The local news: Mr. Jiang Zhenyue, a senior executive of the Sun Moon Group, has led his team to our Xinghua City for a business inspection. The mayor has set up a banquet at the Silver Horse Building to entertain them. Both sides are discussing a series of matters related to the construction of a pharmaceutical factory in Xinghua City..."

On the TV, at the top of the Silver Horse Building, the mayor was shaking hands with a middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man had a commanding presence, clearly a big shot. Even through the TV, one could feel his overwhelming aura and authority.

Father's expression grew increasingly grim.

Jiang Li immediately noticed this and frowned, a premonition rising within him: "Could it be that we have some connection with the Sun Moon Group? Otherwise, why would Father react so strongly?"

His mind was filled with confusion. But recalling the time he scored a "1" in vitality during the exam, and Father's mention of reclaiming his wealth, along with his brother's speculation, he realized that the Jiang family must be a prominent clan. Otherwise, how could Jiang Li have never seen his grandparents or great-grandparents, or any relatives, which would be unimaginable in modern society?

"Father, is there any connection between us and the Jiang family of the Sun Moon Group?"

He suddenly asked.

"No... no." Jiang Zhendong was taken aback, but everyone could tell he was not being sincere.

Jiang Li nodded, not pressing further. He was always sensible, unlike his brother who was always showing off, and he would never cause trouble for his parents.

He would only quietly cultivate, shielding his family from the storms.

The family was currently peaceful, but his sixth sense told him that a storm might be brewing due to the arrival of the Sun Moon Group.

The next day, Jiang Li returned to the Xuhua City black market, the Safety Building.

"Brother Jiang, you're back again?" The receptionist was still Gaoren.

"Have you heard that the Essence of Moon Spirit is going to be discounted?" Jiang Li asked as soon as they met.

"Brother, you're well-informed. The Sun Moon Group has set up in the Xuhua City black market and seems to be planning to transport goods here. However, the black market in Xuhua City has been around for many years, with numerous gangs and complex power structures. Even the Sun Moon Group finds it difficult to intervene. A strong dragon does not suppress the local snake. If you want to buy the Essence of Moon Spirit, I suggest you wait a few days and see how the market changes." Gaoren spoke diplomatically.

"A strong dragon does not suppress the local snake?" Jiang Li fell silent for a moment. "Do you have any drugs that can repair cells, increase cell division, and enhance life potential?"

"Increase cell division?" Gaoren was taken aback and sized up Jiang Li. "Brother, did you take some life-burning potions to gain quick strength, which shortened your lifespan?"

"Exactly." Jiang Li knew he couldn't hide it; Gaoren was very perceptive.

"That's indeed a tough situation. Generally, burning life potential can boost strength in the short term, but it often damages cells and shortens life. There are many such examples." Gaoren hesitated. "However, it's not impossible. You need to gradually recover, take more Essence of Sun and Moon, and it will take about three to five years to recover."

Indeed, it matched what the doctor had said.

"Is there any way to recover quickly?" Jiang Li asked.

"Then you can only use the Life Fruit." Gaoren sighed. "But it's very precious."

"Life Fruit?"

Jiang Li was taken aback.

"Yes, the Life Fruit. It's a fruit cultivated in space using advanced technology, which can increase the activity of human cells. For example, an old man who is about to die can extend his life by a few years after taking the Life Fruit. It's also a miraculous healing item, capable of saving lives and restoring vitality even from severe injuries. In the Elite Zone, it's used as a healing drug for major figures. It's a banned drug among banned drugs." Gaoren's eyes flickered. "We don't have it in the Safety Group right now, but if you want it, you can pay a deposit of 80 million. We'll get it for you."

"80 million for one?" Jiang Li frowned; he couldn't afford it. "Can you lower the price? Like 30 million?"

"Brother, you're putting me in a difficult position." Gaoren's face showed distress. "30 million doesn't even cover the shipping costs. Do you know how much it costs to transport the Life Fruit from the Elite Zone? 80 million is already the lowest price."

"Alright." Jiang Li turned to leave, unable to afford 80 million.

"Wait." Gaoren said again. "Brother, are you interested in being hired as a hypnotist by our Safety Group? What do you think? If you really want to recover quickly and make up for the damage to your cells, joining our Safety Group is the best choice."

"Alright, I can join. But let's be clear: first, I won't do anything illegal; second, I join as a free agent, without signing any contracts or being bound by any restrictions. If you need me, I'll help, and I'll be paid for each task." Jiang Li immediately set his conditions.

"Ah... that's a bit difficult." Gaoren was indeed hesitant. "To become a hypnotist for our Safety Group, you must sign a contract. Without a contract, we can't set a precedent."

"Is that so?" Jiang Li's eyes seemed to glow, staring intently at Gaoren, his hand moving slightly. "I say it's possible, and it is. What do you think?"

Meeting Jiang Li's gaze, Gaoren's face turned pale, and his eyes became hazy. "It's possible, if you say it's possible..."

"How much do you have in your bank account?"

"1.2 million..." Gaoren answered truthfully.

"Does the Safety Group have any Life Fruits?" Jiang Li asked again.

"Yes, only three." Gaoren was completely hypnotized, answering whatever was asked.

"What's the real price?"

"30 million per fruit, plus various transportation and risks, it's about 40 million."

"Alright, wake up." Jiang Li snapped his fingers.

Snap!

Gaoren woke up from the hypnotic state, his face turning grim. "You hypnotized me just now?"

"I just wanted to show you my capabilities." Jiang Li smiled. "Didn't you say that if I could hypnotize you, I would definitely qualify to sign with the Safety Group? You're a初级催眠师, right?"

"Amazing!" Gaoren's face changed, but he held back. "Yes, I'm a初级催眠师. Being hypnotized by you is something no初级催眠师 can do. Only a中级催眠师 can fully hypnotize me."

"I'm not a中级催眠师 yet." Jiang Li knew that中级催眠师 were all major figures. He could hypnotize Gaoren now entirely due to the Mind Emperor Seal and the Cosmic Brain meditation. "But I will soon reach that level!"

He was showcasing his potential to make Gaoren understand his value.

"The Safety Group has three Life Fruits, costing 30 million each, but you said you don't have them and quoted 80 million. I'm a regular customer, so don't be so greedy, okay?" Jiang Li smiled, grasping the other's pulse.

"Brother Jiang, as a businessman, I have to raise the price." Gaoren smiled bitterly. "If you want the Life Fruit, we must charge 80 million because it's hard to get and can only be obtained from the Elite Zone. The transportation risk is high."

"Still the same: no contract, no harmful actions, I'm a free agent." Jiang Li stuck to his principles. "Also, I will soon reach the中级催眠师 level, and then the price will be different."

"中级催眠师!" Gaoren thought about the earlier scene and still felt a chill. "Wait, I'll consult with the higher-ups."

Gaoren hurried to the side, activated his chip, and started a call.

Ten minutes later, he returned. "Brother Jiang, the higher-ups are very interested in you. Our boss wants to meet you. What do you think?"

"Lead the way."

Jiang Li was straightforward.

"Please."

Gaoren led Jiang Li to the top floor of the Safety Building. Click, click, a few buttons were pressed, and the door opened automatically. Two large men appeared and checked him thoroughly.

Passing through several layers of security, they arrived at a huge office. The first thing that caught the eye was a human-shaped armor, two meters tall, with a silver sheen, seamless, as if it were a single piece.

"Power Armor!"

Jiang Li was taken aback, knowing that this was a very powerful device. Even a normal person wearing it would be a formidable opponent.

Clearly, the Safety Group needed the power armor to suppress the gangs in the Xuhua City black market. This armor was impervious to bullets.

In the back of the office, an old man sat.

He was about seventy years old but didn't look old. He sat upright, exuding an aura of authority, clearly a major leader of the Safety Group.

Beside him stood several executives and a seductive female secretary, who looked at Jiang Li with curiosity.

"Mr. Chu, Mr. Jiang Huo has arrived."

Gaoren quickly introduced him.

"Hello, I'm Chu Shan." The old man nodded slightly. "You're interested in signing with our Safety Group and getting the Life Fruit?"

"Yes, Mr. Chu." Jiang Li nodded.

"Your hypnosis can actually hypnotize Gaoren?" The old man said. "Gaoren was personally trained by me and has reached the初级催眠师 level. If you can hypnotize him, it shows that your hypnosis is quite advanced. Let me test you."

As he spoke, the old man stood up.

With this movement, Jiang Li felt the room spin, centered around the old man. His vision blurred, and the old man's body seemed to grow larger, eventually blocking out the sky, like a demon god.

The old man didn't speak, didn't make any gestures, or use any body language. He simply stood up, creating a strong mental illusion.

What level of hypnosis was this?

It far exceeded Jiang Li's understanding of hypnosis.