The clock struck midnight as the rain grew heavier.
Inside the antique shop, Morrow carefully stored away the jade figurine.
This figurine was his biggest bargain in recent times—with just a little maneuvering, it could fetch a decent price.
This was more or less how the shop made its profits.
However, most of the shop's earnings were handed over to Morena, while Morrow himself was more interested in the lingering aura on antiques or handmade artworks.
After placing the box containing the jade figurine into the cabinet, Morrow shut the door and glanced at the tightly closed main entrance before checking the clock on the wall. It was already past midnight.
"Saixin should be back by now."
Thinking that his hardworking employee would return soon, Morrow set about boiling a pot of water.
Saixin was the only employee in his shop—diligent, obedient, and never rebellious, making him exceptionally easy to exploit.
Earlier that morning, Morrow had sent Saixin to meet with a client. Barring any mishaps, he should be returning soon with a few pieces of handmade artwork.
At the moment, the first Tree Ring was already fully charged. Though there was no visible reaction, Morrow still intended to continue absorbing aura to see if he could activate the second Tree Ring.
After all, even if the antiques or artworks lost the aura clinging to them, their resale value wouldn't be affected.
Morrow poured hot water into tea leaves and filled Saixin's thermos before settling onto the sofa.
Once Saixin returned, he'd first check if the newly acquired items carried any aura…
Then, it would be time to flee overnight.
The only question was—what choice would Saixin make?
Would he firmly declare his loyalty, or take the money and part ways?
Given his personality, it was likely the former.
A faint smirk tugged at Morrow's lips as he gazed at the door, battered by the sound of rain.
Time passed silently.
Half an hour later, amidst the howling wind and rain, another sound emerged.
Hearing the noise, Morrow knew Saixin had returned. He rose to his feet, a faint smile on his face.
Creak—
The door swung open.
A tall, broad-faced man strode casually into the shop.
It was Saixin.
His black suit was soaked from the rain, and he carried two cases in his hands.
"Boss, we hit the jackpot!"
Saixin closed the door behind him, his rugged face breaking into an excited grin.
Morrow's eyes flickered imperceptibly toward Saixin's right foot as it stepped into the shop, and for a split second, his smile faltered.
But he quickly regained his composure, gesturing toward the counter beneath the display cabinet where he had placed the thermos of tea.
"Good work. I made you some tea."
"Heh, boss, you're always so thoughtful. No wonder the sisters next door are head over heels for you."
Saixin set down the cases containing the goods and walked over with a broad smile.
Morrow's brow arched slightly, but he paid no mind to Saixin's teasing. Casually, he asked, "What took you so long?"
"The rain was too heavy—got stuck in traffic on the way back."
Saixin picked up the thermos, unscrewed the lid, and took a gulp of tea.
"Yeah… the rain is pretty heavy."
Morrow's gaze remained calm as he studied Saixin's profile, his hand slipping to the small of his back to retrieve a handgun.
Though both he and Saixin were Nen users, they always carried firearms.
There were many situations where a gun came in handy.
Like right now—
Morrow suddenly raised the gun and fired at the space beside Saixin.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three shots in quick succession.
The first was deliberately aimed wide, while the next two were directed at Saixin's lower back.
Saixin's pupils contracted as he leaped aside, narrowly dodging the bullets meant for his spine.
"Boss?"
After dodging the bullets, he looked at Morrow with confusion and bewilderment.
What greeted him, however, was Morrow closing the distance with a charging elbow strike.
The confusion on Saixin's face faded rapidly as he raised his arm to block at the last moment.
Thud.
A heavy, muffled sound echoed as elbow met forearm.
The clashing forces, amplified by aura, sent visible shockwaves rippling through the air.
Saixin had lost the initiative. Though he managed to block the elbow strike at the final moment, the impact still sent him reeling backward.
He retreated until his back nearly touched the floor-to-ceiling window. While his body didn't make contact, his aura, still in an offensive state, did.
Crash.
Under the invasive force of the aura, the entire window shattered, allowing the wind and rain outside to surge in.
Standing with his back to the storm, Saixin stared expressionlessly at Morrow and asked, "How did you figure it out?"
"At first, I just had a question mark in my mind."
Morrow aimed his gun at Saixin, frowning. "But now I'm certain."
"Heh."
Saixin grinned with a hint of foolishness, realizing why Morrow had intentionally fired a warning shot earlier.
Morrow's frown deepened. "Drop that pathetic imitation."
"What a failure. I thought my disguise was flawless."
Saixin slowly wiped the smile off his face and asked curiously, "So, what exactly gave me away so quickly?"
"You stepped in with your right foot earlier."
Morrow's gaze was icy.
He wasn't joking.
Because Saixin was a firm believer in divination, always neurotically checking his fortune the day before.
And today, past midnight, Saixin's divination result was clear—
Whether entering or exiting, he must lead with his left foot, or else face a week of misfortune.
As for why Morrow knew this so well—
It was because Saixin would tirelessly share every detail of his divinations, trying to drag him into that world.
Unaware of this, Saixin assumed Morrow was just brushing him off and replied flatly, "Oh, is that so..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!—
Morrow suddenly emptied the magazine, the rapid gunfire sending bullets flying toward Saixin.
A flicker of irritation rose in Saixin's chest. Swaying his body, he dodged the incoming bullets while creating distance.
According to the intel he'd gathered, this antique shop owner was an Enhancer. So after the second attack, his strategy was to create space.
On one hand, he wouldn't give Morrow another chance to close in. On the other, he was waiting for his partner to show up.
More importantly—
His transformation ability required a bit of time and space to deactivate.
Additionally, without canceling it, he couldn't utilize 100% of his aura output.
Saixin retreated into the street, expecting Morrow to pursue. Instead, he saw Morrow remain inside the shop even after emptying his gun, as if the earlier aggression had just been an act.
Cautious and conservative by nature, huh...
Saixin smirked. In that case, he could safely deactivate his transformation now.
As the thought crossed his mind, Saixin stood in the pouring rain, raised his left hand, and began rhythmically twirling his index finger while humming a tune.
Inside the antique shop...
Morrow threw away the pistol and then witnessed the actions of the fake Saixin. At first, he felt puzzled, but soon realized the other party must be canceling some imitation or transformation ability.
Under his gaze, the fake Saixin's aura surged and swirled.
In just a second or two, the fake Saixin's appearance and body underwent a dramatic transformation.
In his place stood a bare-chested, bald man wearing only boxers.
The man was slightly smaller in build than Saixin, with numerous hollows of varying sizes covering his body.
Staring at the man who had canceled his ability, Morrow's pupils constricted in shock.
A member of the Phantom Troupe…
Bonolenov?