Chapter 55: The Consecration Brings More Than Just the Revival of Spiritual Energy

Watching as the old man’s condition improved, Sister Yun’s eyes gleamed with delight, and she grew even more excited. Turning to Zhang Kai, she smiled, “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I’ll prepare the contract for you right away.”

Zhang Kai simply smiled without replying.

Soon after, the transaction was completed.

With his contract in hand and nine million credited to his account, Zhang Kai rose to leave.

“Mr. Zhang.” At that moment, Sister Yun suddenly called out.

Zhang Kai turned to look at her.

Sister Yun said, “Is there only one piece of jade in your family? If you have more and wish to sell, I’d be interested. The price will not disappoint you.”

Zhang Kai replied with a smile, “Does the boss have a particular fondness for jade?”

Sister Yun explained, “Recently, there’s a need for a batch of top-grade jade. As long as it’s a fine piece, the price can be negotiated.”

Zhang Kai said, “Just like this elder here—only by carrying jade can one avoid a violent death?”

Hmm!

Sister Yun was taken aback, staring at Zhang Kai in astonishment.

“You’ve noticed?”

Zhang Kai chuckled, “I’m not blind, after all. Besides, I must say, while jade can nourish the body, it only treats the symptoms, not the root cause. The danger remains, and eventually, they won’t escape disaster.”

He glanced at the old man.

Though the faint dark aura had been expelled, the old man’s own energy seemed weaker, much like an oil lamp about to go out—a fundamental loss that could not be restored.

Hearing Zhang Kai’s words, Sister Yun shuddered, looking at him in awe.

Her voice trembled, “Can you tell what the problem is?”

Zhang Kai said, “I can see a bit. If my guess is correct, this whole street is experiencing similar cases to this elder.”

“That’s right, exactly so. And it hasn’t been long; it started quite recently, as if it’s some contagious disease. But strangely, it only happens on this street. Once someone leaves, it doesn’t spread, but the affliction worsens for the individual. Several elders have already succumbed. I happened to discover that jadeite, mutton-fat jade, and other high-quality stones have a suppressive effect on this illness, but the deeper the sickness, the less effective the stone becomes.” Sister Yun poured out her explanation in a rush.

When she finished, she looked at Zhang Kai with anticipation. “Mr. Zhang, do you have any insight into this problem? Is there any cure?”

Zhang Kai replied, “I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you. This is my first time encountering it, but I can see that the issue originates from antiques. Anyone who’s had close contact with antiques will develop this.”

Sister Yun was stunned. “How is that possible? Antiques have existed for years, and I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. After all, nothing stays unchanged forever. Take diseases, for example—they can mutate, and eventually, one becomes another. That’s normal, isn’t it?”

Sister Yun fell silent.

His words made sense, yet were hard to comprehend.

Antiques—when did they become harmful?

“Sir, do you have any way to help treat this problem? If you can cure it, I’ll agree to any condition.” Sister Yun looked at Zhang Kai with longing in her gaze.

Zhang Kai paused, then said, “Ten million. But I can’t guarantee a cure.”

“I agree,” Sister Yun answered without hesitation.

“Let’s go, then. Bring me to the person you wish to save.”

Sister Yun quickly said, “Alright, please follow me.”

She turned to the old man. “Mr. Chen, since the problem comes from antiques, it’s best you don’t come here for now. Keep the jade with you to ensure your safety.”

The old man protested, “That won’t do. Your grandfather needs it more. I have jade at home, no need to waste this.”

Sister Yun smiled, “Mr. Chen, I’ve always regarded you as family. I owe you for your care over the years. Besides, your condition only appeared here in my shop, so I have a responsibility to you. Keep the jade. I believe Mr. Zhang will help my grandfather regain consciousness.”

The old man looked at Zhang Kai.

Zhang Kai said, “If I can’t save her grandfather, the jade won’t help either.”

Hearing this, the old man gave Zhang Kai a long look and nodded. “Then I’ll shamelessly accept it. You’d best hurry—I’m worried her grandfather’s health won’t hold out.”

Leaving the shop, they got into a nearby Porsche. Sister Yun drove, leaving the street behind.

Along the way, Zhang Kai didn’t remain idle; he inquired about the situation.

He suspected that the emergence of this sinister aura from antiques was connected to his awakening of spiritual energy.

Through his questioning, Zhang Kai finally confirmed it.

The sinister energy appeared on the day he became a deity.

In other words, his ascension not only revived spiritual energy but also unleashed all sorts of chaotic phenomena.

This weighed heavily on Zhang Kai’s mind.

For this was only one instance—who knew what other variables might arise?

After half an hour, the Porsche arrived at a hospital.

Parking in the lot, Sister Yun looked at Zhang Kai. “Mr. Zhang, this is the place. My grandfather was the first to show signs. Though I gathered many jade artifacts, they couldn’t halt the changes. He’s been unconscious for two days, the doctors have issued a critical notice. My elders want to send him abroad for treatment, but opinions are split—they fear he won’t survive the trip. Now I’m grasping at straws, hoping you can help.”

Zhang Kai smiled, “Rest assured, since I’ve agreed, I’ll do my best.”

“Thank you,” Sister Yun said gratefully.

Getting out of the car, Zhang Kai was about to follow Sister Yun when Madam Liu suddenly exclaimed, “Goodness, this place is strange too! Are there so many sinister things in the world nowadays?”

Hmm?

Zhang Kai was stunned.

Was the hospital also afflicted?

Gathering his true energy, he surveyed his surroundings. What he saw astonished him.

The entire hospital was shrouded in a peculiar dark aura, no less than the street—and some buildings bore even heavier blackness, forming clouds above them that looked terrifying.

Just how many changes had his ascension brought?

With a heavy heart, Zhang Kai kept silent and followed Sister Yun.

They reached the inpatient building and entered a special care ward. Inside were several people, old and young, all silent, the atmosphere oppressive.

Seeing Sister Yun and Zhang Kai enter, everyone looked over. Among them, a silver-haired woman sitting by the bedside, her face troubled, rose and said, “Yun, why are you here?”

“Grandmother, I’ve brought someone to examine Grandfather.” Sister Yun announced directly.

The elderly woman looked at Zhang Kai in surprise.

He seemed so young—could he really help?

The others sized up Zhang Kai as well. A middle-aged man couldn’t help but say, “Yun, you know how fragile your grandfather is. He can’t handle any more strain.”

Sister Yun replied, “Uncle, rest assured, I’d never harm Grandfather. Besides, given his condition, I won’t give up even a shred of hope. I believe you feel the same way, don’t you?”

The middle-aged man hesitated, then fell silent.

“What’s your name, sir?” The elderly woman, persuaded, looked at Zhang Kai, forcing a smile and speaking gently, her demeanor that of a matriarch.

Zhang Kai smiled, “No need for formality, just call me Zhang. I’d like to examine the old gentleman now—he’s barely holding on.”

He turned his gaze to the elderly man in bed, his expression deep.

Channeling his true energy, Zhang Kai saw that several figures invisible to others lingered by the bedside. Their forms were vague, only distinguishable as male or female, and they emanated a sinister aura, apparently linked to the evil energy permeating the hospital.

The presence of these figures was causing the old man’s already frail energy to decline at an accelerated rate.