Chapter 42: Whoa, Killing and Dumping Corpses Is a Whole Discipline!

"I… I'm not…"

Seeing the old elf express opposition, Ji Ming immediately changed his words.

"Is that calling for mother?"

"I can call for mother too!"

In fact, he truly feels no mental pressure about this.

Anyway, his parents, who have gone their separate ways, are the same whether they're present or not, so it's better to find something reliable.

But the old elf is different.

One eye opened wide, its pupil bursting.

He inhaled cold air, and even his pallid face flushed with a touch of redness.

Beneath his constantly trembling pale lips, only one could be barely forced out from the few teeth clenched shut.

"You!"

Ah, why such a big reaction?

Ji Ming was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized.

Case solved, the shop owner was a half‑elf old lady!

The shop owner stammered for a while, then with a bang slammed the wallet forcefully in front of Ji Ming.

"Human, don't casually tease a being of elf lineage!"

After calming his breath, he regained that low voice.

"I need you to fetch a sheet of paper; it's right behind you!"

"Oh."

Ji Ming quickly put the wallet away and tore a clean white sheet for her.

This wasn't Ji Ming's spur‑of‑the‑moment idea, but a bait he thought through to test the waters.

If the shop owner accepts it outright, it indicates they could develop an employment relationship.

Anyway, he isn't worried about money; when trouble arises, spending to avert disaster will suffice.

If the shop owner pushes further, then see how many concessions are required.

If reasonable, negotiate a deal; if not, treat it like a meat bun hitting a dog, and then avoid it thereafter.

If the shop owner doesn't take…

Then why would she inexplicably be so kind to him?

All his experiences from childhood made Ji Ming not believe there's a free lunch in this world.

But he racked his brain and couldn't find any reasonable explanation.

The half‑elf's lapse quickly recovered; she used the paper to wipe the blood off the spear tip bit by bit.

Finally, her left hand twitched lightly; whether it was magic or an artifact, the vinewood spear vanished without a trace again.

Looking at the half‑elf shop owner whose expression returned to calm, as if numb and indifferent to everything, Ji Ming could find no clue at all.

Heh, it can't be; this old lady really wants to be his mother, huh.

Never mind, if I can't figure it out, I won't think about it.

He stepped out from behind the counter, looking at the corpses strewn outside the door.

"Shop owner, what should we do with these…?"

"Very simple."

The old elf walked to the doorway, stretched her body, letting the magical energy flow through her veins.

In almost an instant, she released another spell.

A faint green light brushed by like a breeze, turning the corpses and their clothing into dust.

Dust returns to dust, earth to earth, merging with the ground as one.

When the last trace vanished, she faced the pitch‑black night sky and whispered an explanation.

"Sunlight City is just such a place; being able to happily slay one's enemies already counts as kindness."

"If after killing, one can also dispose of the bodies without further humiliation, then that's a truly great person."

Observing all this, Ji Ming couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

Although, is it really that exaggerated? Doesn't this sound a bit…

Then he saw the old elf extend her hand again, gently flicking a finger.

A clang rang out, and all the thieves' weapons and loot fell onto the counter.

"As for these, consider them a thank‑you for the funeral preparations."

…So spot‑on, Grandma!

"I shall remember!"

Facing this frugal and kind elder like himself, Ji Ming respectfully bowed and then said sincerely.

"Shop owner, as I just said, I was forced to kill three thieves; could you also help me deal with them?"

The old elf looked at him for a long while.

"Buluowa."

Perhaps fearing his hoarse voice made Ji Ming unable to hear, she emphasized it again.

"My name is Buluowa; you may call me Buluowa… ma'am."

The final title was given a very obvious emphasis.

Ji Ming readily complied.

"Alright, Ms. Buluowa."

Then, you can lead the way.

Please!

Again stepping into the midnight-quiet street, though using a cane, Buluowa, who closely followed Ji Ming, was not slow.

All the beggars and bandits along the way had their perception obscured by her magic, completely failing to notice that two living people had just walked past them.

Soon, the two arrived at the place where Ji Ming had killed three foolish thieves.

One can only say that hunger is far more terrifying than disease and stench; in less than an hour, the corpses already showed clear signs of having been disturbed.

They lost control of their bowels from fright when they died.

Ji Ming couldn't help but pinch his nose, but Buluowa remained composed.

The strike was fairly clean, but the thrust was off here, missing the heart.

She even stepped closer, lowering her head to examine the corpse while giving an on-the-spot lesson.

The wound isn't deep enough; if it were a more advanced practitioner, they would have escaped.

Where?

One of Ji Ming's virtues is being receptive to advice; he quickly stepped forward a few paces, enduring the stench to learn.

It turns out that killing and dumping bodies is also a refined discipline, with many intricacies.

Ji Ming took the opportunity to carefully learn two techniques from Buluowa.

At least next time when performing euthanasia on someone else, there won't be any major mistakes.

All right.

After standing up again, Buluowa waved her hand and dissolved the corpse.

Yet amidst the dust, not even a trace remained.

Um, they probably came here because they were destitute and had no other choice.

That's understandable.

Buluowa nodded with a calm expression.

Since we've come this far, I'll just send you back directly.

Why not save a Breath-Sealing Talisman while we're at it?

Ji Ming performed another salute.

Thank you for your care.

However, following his usual social habit, upon reaching the clinic's entrance, Ji Ming called out again to Buluowa, who was about to turn and leave.

Rummaging through the counter, he found that only two bottles of the Fourth-Generation Rejuvenation Elixir remained.

After thinking, he took one bottle.

Tonight I've learned a lot from you; this is the latest medicinal concoction I've developed—please accept it…

Buluowa gently shook the bottle; as a magic adept, she could sense the miraculous vitality surging within.

She opened the lid, took a sniff, then closed her eyes.

As an apprentice apothecary still, this is a commendable achievement.

Ji Ming smiled.

Thank you for the recognition, but I don't intend to put this on public sale, so please keep it confidential.

Hmm, having this plan shows you're considerably smarter than I recall.

Putting the medicine bottle into her pocket, Buluowa nodded.

The shield will probably need another three days, human; I see you've almost scraped together enough money—remember to get ready.

Having said that, she gradually faded into the night.

Goodbye.

Ji Ming also waved his hand and returned to the clinic.

After carefully checking the doors and windows, he then sat comfortably on the sofa.

He smiled and sighed reflectively.

Either way, it seems we've formed another good karmic bond.

Just as he was about to replay tonight's events in his mind, he suddenly noticed a lizard lying on his counter, not knowing when it had appeared.

The fire-red lizard, with spines on its back, was now peering at him, its throat constantly pulsating.

Huh? This guy looks awfully familiar…

Ji Ming also drew his gaze; the two locked eyes, big eye to small eye.

Until he let out a stifled scream.

Ah!

Oh no, I forgot to deal with it!