Could the Five Elements Cycle truly allow energy to circulate, generate corresponding elemental energies, and thereby enable one's own energy to recover?

But how could this Five Elements energy transformation be achieved?

Su Ping believed that the Beast Tamers and Breeders of the Dragon Nation must have attempted this, not just those who created these schematics. They too must have tried to transform the power of the Five Elements.

So, under these circumstances, how could one ensure a successful and equivalent exchange of power?

It was possible that an initial one hundred percent Fire Attribute energy, after transformation—Fire creates Earth—would only yield fifty percent Earth Attribute energy.

That was to be expected.

However, on the most crucial energy circuit diagram, this draft only showed a vague shadow.

Clearly, what followed was the part where one had to pay.

Su Ping narrowed his eyes.

He was genuinely interested now.

He hadn't even considered that his luck might be in.

Mechanical Pet Beasts were one thing. Perhaps the only application of the energy structure formed by the Five Elements Cycle in these schematics was to use machinery to create a mechanized energy body.

The perfect test subjects would be Mechanical Pet Beasts. And that was precisely what the Zhang Family Brothers had thought and done.

But for Su Ping, it wasn't necessarily the same.

Su Ping's goal had always been very clear: his little Paperman, Qian Yi!

Just the other day, he'd had an idea about swords with various Attributes for his little Paperman, and now, an energy device schematic based on the generative and destructive cycles of the Five Elements had appeared before him.

"Heh heh, how about it, little brother? This thing is a steal, right?"

"How much?"

"Heh heh, twenty-eight million!"

Su Ping glanced at the two men, then said indifferently, "I'm not talking about the schematics you're offering to others. I'm referring to the originals you obtained. I want all the original items! Tell me, where did you get this from, and what's the story behind it?"

At his words, the expressions of both men changed.

"The originals? What originals? Little brother, you must be joking!"

"You expect me to believe that the two of you could research such a profound Five Elements energy transformation method on your own? Judging by the ancient text on this, it must have come from some Secret Realm, right? I presume you received guidance from someone more knowledgeable, who helped you convert this Five Elements cycle energy transformation diagram into one for a Mechanical Pet Beast energy generator. This schematic might look reliable at first glance, but in reality, it's very difficult to fully implement on Mechanical Pet Beasts, right? Hand over the originals. If you're willing to sell, I can offer you a very good price!"

Su Ping smiled faintly. He wasn't concerned about the money. He was only worried that these two might have missed some crucial information while copying, which could lead to errors in his research later on.

However, as expected, both men shook their heads in unison.

Su Ping continued, "I know all about your business. What, aren't you afraid I'll report you?"

Upon hearing this, the burly man showed no panic and simply replied coolly, "We haven't done anything illegal. How could you report us?"

Su Ping laughed. He actually disliked using underhanded tactics he himself disdained. However, the two weren't wrong. They weren't breaking the law, merely exploiting others' curiosity and desire to unravel mysteries for their own profit.

So, Su Ping patiently explained to them, "I don't need to report you to the Enforcement Bureau, and I won't. I'll have you know, I'm acquainted with Vice President Wang of the Mechanical Association!"

At this point, Su Ping took out the psychic disturbance device. "This device was given to me by the Mechanical Titan Haotian! It can not only disrupt Psychic Perception but also record audio and video, and offers life-saving defensive capabilities! This proves I'm telling the truth."

At these words, the two men pursed their lips.

"I won't report you to the Enforcement Bureau," Su Ping continued, "but you just mentioned Director Shen. He took benefits from you and got you backdoor entry into the Mechanical Association, even though you aren't registered members."

Hearing this, the two men's faces turned even paler.

"I can speak to Vice President Wang. What do you think will happen to Director Shen then? I don't need to spell it out, do I? I'm a very reasonable person. But as for Director Shen, well, I don't know him, so I can't say what will happen to him. Furthermore, I can guarantee you a hundred times over that Director Shen absolutely wouldn't dare seek revenge on me! But guess what? If he's forced out of the Mechanical Association, and you two get off scot-free, how do you think he'll view you then?"

As Su Ping's words landed, the two were utterly flabbergasted.

They truly hadn't fathomed it. In their minds, they should have been in an unassailable position. How had they ended up hanging by a thread, all because of this youngster who barely looked old enough to shave?

A smile touched Su Ping's lips as he continued, chuckling, "So, if you take out the items and sell them, they're yours—things you harvested from a Secret Realm. Trading them is perfectly legitimate! I'm offering you a way out!"

The burly man and his younger brother exchanged glances, both seeing the reluctance in each other's eyes. But at this moment, it seemed they had no other choice.

So, looking at this young, yet sharp-witted individual before them, the burly man could only say resentfully, "Kid, you're too despicable!"

Su Ping was stunned by his words. It was the first time in his life he'd been described this way.

I'm despicable?

Su Ping was shocked. He had merely stated objective facts, yet he was being called despicable.

Had these two fellows ever really seen what true despicability was?

Given his background and status, he was dealing with two individuals who, while not outright swindlers, were certainly not aboveboard. He hadn't resorted to a Mechanical Descent to seize their findings by force. In the eyes of outsiders, his current approach—which was already quite restrained—would likely be seen as ridding the public of a nuisance. After all, Su Ping had never truly intended to obliterate them. In the end, these two couldn't be considered truly fraudulent or wicked, so such extreme measures weren't warranted.

Yet, to these two, his words were "despicable"?

Su Ping was displeased. Thus, he looked at the two men, his expression darkening.

"So, are you selling or not?"

"Sell! I'll sell, alright?!"

Damn it, the young man and the burly man were out of options. After traveling far and wide for so many years, this was truly the first time they had encountered someone like him. And it had to be said, Su Ping had indeed convinced them.

Then, the two of them produced a small box.

When the box was opened, sure enough, what appeared before his eyes was an obviously ancient, thread-bound book. However, besides this book, underneath it lay an object about the size of a human head. It was somewhat similar to a Bagua compass used by feng shui masters in his previous life. But there were distinct differences.

Su Ping narrowed his eyes slightly, but before he could get a better look, the man in front of him handed it over.

He picked up the thread-bound book. Upon opening it, he frowned. Not only was it written in ancient script, but it also seemed to be an even older form of writing, much of which was completely unintelligible.

Clearly, this item predated the Liang Dynasty, perhaps by a very long time!

Su Ping narrowed his eyes slightly. "How much?"

"One hundred million..." the young man boldly blurted out an astronomical price.

However, the burly man beside him merely raised an eyebrow and said, "Thirty million will do."

The young man turned his head in astonishment.

Su Ping was also taken aback and looked again at the burly man.

The latter seemed to have recovered from his earlier indignation. After some thought, he said, "I know you must be an important person. If it weren't for this incident, my brother and I would likely never have crossed paths with someone like you in our entire lives.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Zhang Chaoqun, and this is my younger brother, Zhang Bufen. Heh heh. Our ancestors specialized in exploring various Secret Realms...

"Sometimes, we manage to acquire certain items, but they're difficult to sell..."

Su Ping was momentarily stunned, then it dawned on him. So this pair, the Zhang Family Brothers, were essentially the civilian counterparts to the official Touch Gold Officers of the Qintian Monitor—private tomb raiders?

Su Ping narrowed his eyes slightly. "Here's the deal. I don't have time today, and I won't be in the Magic Capital for much longer, so I can't meet with you separately again. However, I'm very interested in what you have. After New Year's Day, come to Linzhou and find me. We can discuss the origins of these items thoroughly then. If I'm satisfied, I certainly won't treat you unfairly!"

"That... Alright!"

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