Facing Jiang Yan's question, An Conghao slapped his forehead. "Boss Jiang, if you hadn't said anything, I'd almost have forgotten."
He then pulled out a sheet covered with densely packed names. "Boss Jiang, these are the experts I've screened. Only these can be bought with money."
Jiang Yan frowned at the remark and began scanning the list; each name came with the expert's papers and research results.
After studying it seriously for a moment, Jiang Yan flung the sheet to the floor and barked at An Conghao, "What kind of garbage is this? Even research on Expensive Neural Hypersensitivity is in here."
"Get me a new list—forget it, I'll pick them myself." Halfway through the order he changed his mind.
He couldn't be blamed. Ever since first seeing the Ghost Buddha strengthen humans, the idea of merging monster and human had taken root in his mind.
The path he walked and the things he did destined him to stand against humanity; that meant he needed power and allies—he wasn't so arrogant as to think he could take on all mankind alone.
According to the previous rule, every extra summon increased the negative-emotion cost of the next.
Later summons would take longer and longer, so he would research the creatures he called forth and use their abilities to manufacture a batch of humans endowed with monstrous powers.
These humans would be his natural allies, loyal and capable subordinates; after all, humans would never confide in something with a monster's appearance.
By studying these creatures' abilities, he might even develop a method of resurrection ahead of time.
"All right, I understand." Chided like this, An Conghao's face changed and he quickly lowered his head.
Now that Jiang Yan had proved he truly could bring them into the extraordinary, An Conghao had completely sided with him, casting himself as a lackey for the sake of transcendence.
Jiang Yan glanced at the surrounding Bodyguards, then at An Conghao. "Today everyone who used a buddha crystal is one of us. Give each of them two hundred grand, triple their wages; from now on they guard the estate. Order another hundred sets of body armor for them."
"Got it, Boss Jiang!" An Conghao nodded hurriedly; that amount of money meant nothing to him.
The moment the words left his mouth, every Bodyguard looked at Jiang Yan with gratitude—nobody dislikes money.
"Keep setting up the lab. Han Qi, you're with me from now on. Boss An, transfer some money into Han Qi's card for my use." Jiang Yan spoke to An Conghao and Han Qi in turn.
Having said that, Jiang Yan turned and left; Han Qi hurried after him.
Outside the estate, Han Qi asked respectfully, "Boss Jiang, where to now?"
Jiang Yan stopped, rubbing his chin. "Let's eat first. By the way, is there anywhere around here that's crowded yet discreet?"
"Crowded yet discreet?" Han Qi looked puzzled.
Jiang Yan regarded him calmly. "My hands are itching—know a convenient place to make a move?"
Han Qi, thinking it was some special quirk, quickly lowered his voice. "There's an Underground Fight Club on the northern outskirts; it should suit you, but it only opens at eight."
"Then let's go. Outside, don't call me boss—Mr. Jiang is fine." Jiang Yan headed for the car.
He needed to gather some negative emotions and fill the Ghost Buddha's belly… Time soon reached nine at night.
On the northern outskirts of Liuyang City, behind rows of cottages stood an isolated single-story house.
In front of it stretched a large open space packed with vehicles, including several million-yuan luxury cars.
More cars kept arriving at the back; men and women walked in hand in hand.
By the entrance stood four or five fierce-looking, tattooed bruisers in black short sleeves.
A skinny white-haired guy watched a middle-aged balding man enter with a pretty girl and leered, "Such a pretty chick following a guy old enough to be her dad—so cheap. Wish she'd follow me."
"Haha, with your dumb looks? Who'd follow you?" The other hulks burst into laughter.
"You bastards—what if I strike it rich someday!" The white-haired youth flushed crimson.
Just then a luxury car with a black body and white roof rolled right up to the entrance.
Seeing it, the white-haired thug found a target for his anger. "You blind? Can't you see you can't park here? Move it!"
As he reached to yank the door, a bald scar-faced bruiser in a black tank, tattooed with a fierce tiger, grabbed his shoulder. "You blind idiot? That's Boss An's car—plate Liao-88888!"
The white-haired kid froze, then shrank behind the bald man. Boss An wasn't someone a mere thug like him could offend.
Clack! The door opened. Out stepped Han Qi in a suit, 1.9 m of muscle straining the fabric.
The bald man quickly smiled. "Brother Qi."
Han Qi gave the white-haired kid an icy glance, nodded at the bald man, then trotted to open the rear door.
The bald man's eyes glittered. 'Is An Conghao here?'
But the one who stepped out was a young man in half-face sunglasses, slicked-back hair, white shirt and black trousers, exuding an unusual aura.
'Is this An Conghao's son?' Given Han Qi's respectful attitude, it was hard not to suspect.
Still, he forced a smile, hurried up and offered his hand. "I'm Zhao Li under Brother He. My man lacked discipline and offended you."
Han Qi looked at him. "Zhao Li, this is our Boss An's honored guest. Get us a good seat—now."
Behind Han Qi, Jiang Yan didn't even glance at Zhao Li. He walked straight up to the white-haired kid and stared until the kid lowered his head, fists clenched.
The snub irritated Zhao Li, especially after learning the guest's identity.
'Just some out-of-towner putting on airs.'
But he kept his smile. "Sure, Brother Qi, right away." He spoke into his walkie-talkie.
Still ignoring him, Jiang Yan kept looking at the white-haired youth.
Smack! Jiang Yan suddenly slapped the kid, the force sending him stumbling several meters to the ground.
The slap left the white-haired thug dazed, ears ringing.
Jiang Yan gave a cold smile. "Next time keep your eyes open."
Zhao Li started to flare up but Han Qi clamped a hand on his shoulder. "Just a small fry. Surely you won't offend us over him? Here, park my car." He tossed the keys.
At that, the other two hulks knew the kid had taken the hit for nothing.
Zhao Li forced a grin. "Brother Qi jokes. Let's not talk about it. Your seats are ready—come inside."
"Let's go." Jiang Yan walked in expressionless; Han Qi followed him inside.