Chapter 84: Take the Money and Leave

"Then what about me? I just came to admire the scenery, yet I was schemed against and now you're going to turn me into a flower? I'm very frightened, very agitated, and can't stand any more shock." Zhang Kai replied with a look of panic, even exaggerating his breathing and letting his voice tremble.

The woman bared her teeth.

Damn, could you be any more obvious? Your hands aren't even shaking.

After observing for a moment and realizing she wasn't completely confident in stopping this man from going all out, the woman decisively gave up on force. She forced a smile and looked at the little girl, saying, "Muji, hurry up and bring out the antidote."

The little girl pouted, but dared not argue. She obediently entered the great tree, and before long, emerged holding a crystal flower.

She crushed it, and the crystal flower released a shimmering aura that enveloped Zhang Kai. However, Zhang Kai's mana surged, blocking the crystal powder from coming any closer.

Then Zhang Kai shouted angrily, "Poisoning me again? You're poisoning me! I'm so scared! I'm going to press the nuclear button!"

"This is the antidote, it cures the Blackwood poison," the woman explained, visibly annoyed.

How fake, this bastard.

"Who can tell if that's true or not? I don't care, I'm terrified right now! Unless I get some compensation, I won't get better!" Zhang Kai yelled.

The woman bared her teeth.

So all this fuss was just for a reward?

Men.

"What do you want?" the woman asked, staring at Zhang Kai.

Zhang Kai pointed at her. "I want you."

The woman: "..."

"Don't go too far. I won't tolerate humiliation," she said coldly.

Without another word, Zhang Kai plunged his hand into his phone.

"Wait. This is just a projection—my true form can't come out. What use am I to you?" the woman protested, aggrieved.

"You see? You won't even give me a projection. You still dare to say you're sincere? You're obviously lying to me. All of you are liars. I'll take us all down together," Zhang Kai threatened.

"Sister Mei, maybe you should just give in," the little girl couldn't help but say.

"Shut up!" the woman glared at her. "This is all your fault! If you say one more word, I'll deal with you later."

Then she looked back at Zhang Kai. "Fine, I agree. This projection is yours from now on. But you must swear that the events of the Netherworld will not be repeated in the demon realm."

Zhang Kai smiled. "Deal. Now you can give me the antidote." With that, he put his phone away.

The woman scowled and glanced at the little girl.

Resigned, the little girl returned to the great tree, brought out another crystal flower, crushed it, and let the powder drift over Zhang Kai.

It was miraculous—when the crystal flower dust settled on him, Zhang Kai felt the strange vitality in his body quickly recede, vanishing without a trace in an instant.

"You see? Isn't this nice? From now on, we're family. Little one, your Blackwood Bowl is great—give it to me. And do you have any more Wood Spirit Nectar? I'll take two tons," Zhang Kai said, beaming at the little girl.

The little girl's eyes widened. "Two tons? Are you dreaming? After years of collecting and using it, I've only got a bit over a hundred jin left. Where would I get two tons?"

"Then make it a hundred jin," Zhang Kai promptly revised.

The little girl: "..."

"Give it to him," the woman said with a blank expression.

Zhang Kai grinned. "See? My woman says to give it to me."

"What did you say?" The woman glared at Zhang Kai, her gaze dangerous.

Zhang Kai shot her a glance. "Who do you belong to now? Are there still rules?"

The woman: "..."

"Almost forgot. Come here," Zhang Kai beckoned her over.

She said solemnly, "Are you sure?"

Zhang Kai replied, smiling, "I don't like women who talk back. That's a man's prerogative. Do it again, and I'll have to teach you a lesson."

The woman bared her teeth but dared not speak again.

Her true form was formidable, but as a projection, she was at a disadvantage.

And this man before her? He was ruthless enough to cause chaos in the Netherworld without a second thought.

His smiling demeanor was even more terrifying.

She stepped over to Zhang Kai.

He put his arm around her.

Her body stiffened.

"That's better. You must understand the bigger picture. Don't lose your temper so easily—you'll age faster," Zhang Kai said with a smile, then looked at the dumbfounded little girl. "Your turn. I'm pressed for time, so hurry."

The little girl said, "Do you know who she is? Treat her like this, and when all living things revive, you'll be doomed."

Zhang Kai grinned. "Shouldn't you worry about yourself first? Believe it or not, the demon realm will be finished before me."

The little girl was speechless and quickly turned away.

Before long, she brought over a wooden jar and handed it to Zhang Kai.

"It's all here. Take it," she said coldly, looking at Zhang Kai as if she were seeing a dead man.

Zhang Kai took it without ceremony and said, "Let this be settled, then. Remember, don't go around harming people. Young girls should keep a little innocence."

Young girls?

The little girl pouted.

I existed before your ancestors were even a wisp of air.

"Let's go, come home with me. From now on, you belong to me. It has nothing to do with your true form. If you don't behave, I can teach you," Zhang Kai said to the woman, smiling as he pulled her closer. Then he called out loudly, "Old Bronze, open the door!"

The next moment, a vortex enveloped Zhang Kai, and he vanished from sight.

When he reappeared, he was already at the entrance of the Copper Gate Monster at the bottom of a lunar crater.

The Copper Gate Monster gave Zhang Kai a strange look.

Aunt Liu glanced at the woman, her expression changing. She muttered to herself, "So I underestimated him—this man is bold beyond measure."

"Aunt Liu, this is Big Blossom. Take her back and train her. She'll be my personal maid from now on," Zhang Kai said, pushing the woman toward Aunt Liu.

The woman glared at Zhang Kai again.

When did I get saddled with this ridiculous name?

Zhang Kai noticed her look and smiled. "Just gave it to you. Consider it a farewell to your past and a fresh start. It's easy to remember and pleasant, very fitting."

The woman fell silent, glancing at the Copper Gate Monster.

So it was this thing that opened the door.

The Copper Gate Monster's face darkened.

What could I do, stuck here?

Aunt Liu forced a laugh, not daring to comment, and led the woman straight back to the tent space.

Zhang Kai then looked at the Copper Gate Monster and said with a smile, "Old Bronze, we'll be neighbors from now on. I'll drop by for a visit from time to time and bring you good wine."

The Copper Gate Monster remained silent.

If it had a choice, it would move out tonight.

Transforming into Ultraman again, Zhang Kai flew toward Earth.

He teleported instantly, evading satellite surveillance, landed in a deserted spot near his hometown, reverted to human form, and walked to the side of a street, where he hailed a ride home.

At home, his father was absent, his brother at school; only his mother and sister were there.

His return left his mother speechless. The look in her eyes seemed to say she'd raised her eldest son into a good-for-nothing.

"Mom, don't look at me like that. I was just passing through, so I came home to rest for a day or two. Your son is busy with his career now—I'm making money," Zhang Kai explained.

His mother smiled and said, "Actually, you came back at just the right time. Aunt Xu has been wanting to introduce you to someone these past two days. I saw the girl's photo—she's quite pretty. She sent you messages but you didn't reply. Since you're home now, go meet her tomorrow. If you like her, you can settle down, start a family, and follow the proper steps."

Zhang Kai: ???

I thought I was the one bringing you a surprise, but you surprised me first.

And it's not even New Year's yet.