It is said that the number of shop assistants who have died because treasure appraisers killed and robbed them is not small.
Of course, there are harsher jobs in the real world than this one.
Gu Jianlin worked until past two in the morning. When there was no one around, he even tidied up the piled-up goods, truly understanding the hardships of the workers.
Fifteen minutes before the end of his shift, he asked the store manager for permission to take a brief trip to the bathroom.
He also took the opportunity to check out the so-called dormitory building and cafeteria.
For someone at his level as a handyman, besides buying his food, the only option was the dormitory cafeteria.
But at two o'clock, the cafeteria was closed, with only a few leaves of vegetables left.
Gu Jianlin took a look. The so-called Building B dormitory was an old-style tube-shaped building, where everyone could have a room. He was assigned to a spot at the end of the second floor, and he had the key in hand.
The cafeteria was on the first floor, where prices were much cheaper, but most of the time he had to fight with others for food.
The three stowaways came out rubbing their mouths and holding their stomachs. When they saw him standing at the door, they smiled.
Gu Jianlin didn't mind, turned around, and went back into the store.
The lights in the store were dim. Zhong Guoqing was still lecturing his daughter, "I'm telling you, we're almost getting through this. Once your uncle wins the boxing match, maybe we can scrape together enough money to get the three of us out."
This old man had a serious expression on his face, "As for those newcomers, you should keep your distance from them. Those three stowaways look like trouble. As for Xiao Gu and his brother... they obviously just entered the Dark World and haven't adapted yet. Kind of dumb, still thinking they can be good Samaritans."
Zhong Li mumbled, "But I think Xiao Gu seems quite nice..."
Zhong Guoqing glared, "I think you're a fool too."
He dug into his pocket and pulled out a wad of small bills with two crumpled tissues, "Take it. That dumb kid hasn't eaten all day. Old Liu's store might still be open."
When the old man handed over the money, he showed a face full of disdain and pain, "Damn it, hiring such a fool is really bad luck. If I don't teach him a lesson, he'll end up dead here sooner or later. I have to spend my own money to buy him food."
Zhong Li took the money with delight, her ponytail bobbing, "Okay, look at how it pains you. I'll help out at Uncle Zhang's tomorrow and earn the money back."
Saying that, she dashed off quickly.
Zhong Guoqing watched his daughter's disappearing figure and said, "Spend it wisely, buy those leftovers from the fridge!"
Zhong Li didn't turn back, "Got it!"
By the wall at the store's entrance, Gu Jianlin stood silently in the corner, looking at the brightly lit Forbidden Zone under the night sky.
He didn't say a word.
Deep in his consciousness, the distant summons sounded again.
The night's haze enveloped him like a fog, swallowing him.
When Gu Jianlin opened his eyes again, he was inside the tomb of the Qilin Immortal Palace.
He was sitting on a golden sarcophagus, and Qilin Horns grew from his head. The Ink Jade Mask with bone protrusions seemed fused to his face, his body covered in pitch-black Dragon Scales, breathing like a deep wind passing through a cave.
At the entrance of the tomb, two figures were kneeling.
No one would have thought it was these two who summoned him.
They had completely bypassed the Pharmacist.
"We request an audience with the Supreme."
Butcher and Moon Princess kowtowed to the ground, saying, "Thank you for granting us an audience."
Gu Jianlin looked down at them from above and said indifferently, "Speak."
Butcher breathed a sigh of relief. This life approaching its end, the reckless man seemed a bit unbridled, casually saying, "It's not easy. I thought Supreme would only respond to the Pharmacist's summons. Since we obtained the ancient token, we tried so many times, and this is the first time you've summoned us."
Moon Princess glanced at him, giving a meaningful look.
Gu Jianlin thought, so that's how it is, but he had never sensed a summons before.
It was probably because he had broken free from the restraints left by Candle Dragon Venerable.
At this point, Moon Princess spoke with a cool voice, "Reporting to the Supreme, we've uncovered some information this time."
Butcher hurriedly said, "That's right, that's right! Supreme, has your Qilin Wedge been lost?"
Gu Jianlin thought, as expected, it was because of this matter.
He didn't show much reaction, calmly saying, "Hmm?"
Butcher said, "In the real world, we found a Gu Master. This Gu Master seems to be hiding in the Immortal Palace, trying to use a Blood Sacrifice to worship a certain existence. But that existence is obviously not you, because the Ether Association has already engaged in conflict with that mysterious entity."
"That Gu Master knows about the Pharmacist entering the Qilin Immortal Palace. He believes the Pharmacist has obtained your Qilin Wedge and shows a strong desire for it."
He paused, "This Gu Master gives the impression that he will stop at nothing to get the Qilin Wedge!"
Gu Jianlin was stunned by what he heard.
Firstly, Butcher's words didn't match his character.
It seemed like he had been prompted in advance.
And the person behind this was most likely the Moon Princess beside him.
The most crucial point was, these two didn't reveal the real truth.
They even cautiously tested him at the start, asking if the Qilin Wedge was lost.
This was to confirm whether the Qilin Wedge was in the Supreme's possession.
Because the person that Gu Master truly sought was Gu Jianlin himself!
And not the Pharmacist!
Butcher and Moon Princess even resorted to deceiving a Supreme, hiding the truth about themselves.