Ghost Catching System

The Dragon King’s whiskers trembled, and a twitch was visible at the corner of its mouth. It was the first time it had encountered such a situation. A mortal actually possessed a fragment related to the Dragon King—specifically, a fragment of the Dragon King Sword, which was of utmost importance to it.

No, I must find a way to keep this lad. If I let this opportunity slip by, who knows how long I’ll have to wait.

The Dragon King said, ”This thing is of no use to you. How about I exchange something for it with you?”

Chu Hao’s expression changed, taking on the look of a shrewd businessman. He said, ”I wonder what the Dragon King would like to exchange? Let’s make one thing clear first: if it’s Water-Transforming Beads, I want a dozen, or don’t even bother.”

What the hell! He wants a dozen of those?

Those things are converted from Divine Power; getting even one a year is already very good.

The shadow of the Dragon King floated about, and a painting scroll fell from mid-air. The Dragon King said, ”This is a painting by the Qianlong Emperor himself, a unique piece in the world. Will it suffice in exchange for your fragment?”

A Qianlong painting scroll? This was painted by an ancient emperor; it’s of inestimable value!

The few people beside him were incredibly tempted, looking eagerly at Chu Hao.

Chu Hao almost swore at the dragon. This Dragon King is too stingy! What is all this nonsense?

”What do I want a Qianlong painting scroll for?” Chu Hao said. ”Dragon King, are you running low on Magic Artifacts or something? It seems I’ve overestimated you.”

This little bastard! What kind of nonsense is he spouting?

A sword fell from mid-air, and the Dragon King said, ”This is the Cangyu Sword, the personal sword of Taoist Zuo Ci.”

Zuo Ci? This man was a legendary figure, a Fangshi from the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He was versed in the Five Classics and also understood astrology and Daoist magic, including the Liu Jia. Legend said he could command ghost gods and conjure food while seated in meditation.

Chu Hao picked up Zuo Ci’s personal sword, and the System sent a notification.

”DING... Rare personal sword discovered. It is ancient, with 95% damage. Recycling it will earn 1,000 Pretentiousness Points.”

Damn it, another broken sword.

Chu Hao glanced sideways at the Dragon King, his expression full of disdain.

Made uncomfortable by the look, the Dragon King said gruffly, ”Little brat, why are you looking at me sideways? Do you look down on this sword? This is Taoist Zuo Ci’s personal sword—Zuo Ci, who was almost on par with Laozi himself!”

Chu Hao was deeply disappointed. He said, ”In my mind, the Dragon King possessed countless treasures: the Seawyrm Sea Calming Needle, the Six-Chained Golden Armor of yesteryear—all top-notch treasures, all crafted by the Dragon King’s hand. Now it seems I was wrong. The Dragon King isn’t as wealthy as I thought. Are you just a collector of junk?”

”DING... Host has successfully shown off, rewarded with 400 Pretentiousness Points.”

What the hell!

The others were dumbfounded. Is Chu Hao actually ridiculing the Dragon King? A collector of junk?

Indeed, that phrase completely enraged the Dragon King. Thunder roared above the Dragon King Temple, a domineering aura surged, and a fierce wind raged outside.

The others were terrified, thinking the Dragon King might kill them all to ensure their silence.

The Dragon King bellowed in anger, ”How dare you say I collect junk? This is unbearable! Let me show you what a real treasure is. If you can take it away, I’ll give it to you!”

This scene seems somewhat familiar, Chu Hao thought. In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong also managed to take away the Seawyrm Sea Calming Needle in a similar fashion.

Chu Hao waved his hand and said, ”Please, start your performance.”

The Dragon King, furious and fuming, saw Chu Hao looking down on it so arrogantly. It coiled its dragon body, and inside the Dragon King Temple, a golden iron rod appeared.

This iron rod was stunningly luxurious. Its golden patterns seemed naturally formed, as if every detail had been meticulously crafted to be exquisitely delicate. The moment it appeared, fierce winds and torrential rain battered Jiulong Town.

Everyone’s jaws dropped to the floor.

This golden iron rod is all too familiar! Could it be the Ruyi Golden Hoop, the hallmark of the Great Sage Equal to Heaven from various New Year’s films?

Chu Hao exclaimed in shock, ”Is this the Great Sage Equal to Heaven’s Ruyi Golden Hoop?”

Ju Desheng immediately knelt and said, ”Dragon King, I’m not easily impressed, but you have my utmost respect!”

”Is it really the Ruyi Golden Hoop?” Zhang Qin’ai was wide-eyed and dumbfounded.

The Dragon King said, ”This is not the Ruyi Golden Hoop.”

Everyone’s faces fell with disappointment. It wasn’t the Golden Cudgel? Our hearts are broken!

The Dragon King scoffed, ”This is the River Stabilizing Divine Needle, which I have named the Dragon King Stick.”

Chu Hao: ”...”

Zhang Qin’ai and the others: ”...”

This name is too lame, isn’t it?

Or are we just too dirty-minded, thinking of it as the Dragon King’s ’stick’?

Chu Hao cleared his throat and asked, ”What’s so special about this Dragon King Stick?”

The Dragon King smiled and said, ”This is the River Stabilizing Divine Needle. During the time of Yu the Great’s water control projects, a piece of Divine iron was left over from the core of the Earth Veins. My ancestor acquired it and forged this divine rod. It weighs 1,350 catties. Forget a little brat like you; even I would have to exert myself to lift it.”

A crowd of people gaped. The Golden Cudgel weighed 13,500 catties, which was ten times heavier than the River Stabilizing Divine Needle.

But still, the Golden Cudgel is, after all, a legendary Divine Artifact, and this River Stabilizing Divine Needle is also quite incredible. Just how heavy is 1,350 catties?

A bag of rice weighs 100 catties. Can you imagine carrying thirteen such bags at once? How many people in the world could do that?

Not to mention, the River Stabilizing Divine Needle is a weapon. Just picking it up isn’t enough; you have to be able to wield it.

Chu Hao asked, ”Can it grow larger and smaller?”

The Dragon King said proudly, ”Of course, it can. My ancestor, inspired by the concept of the Golden Cudgel, imbued it with Divine Power. It has a spirit. As long as the Dragon King Stick acknowledges its wielder, it can change its size.”

Isn’t this an exceptionally precious treasure?

Chu Hao’s mouth watered as he touched the River Stabilizing Divine Needle, and the System sent a prompt.

”DING... Magic Artifact-grade Divine iron discovered. Can be exchanged for thirty thousand Pretentiousness Points.”

Damn!!

Thirty thousand Pretentiousness Points!!

Chu Hao’s mouth split into a wide grin. Seeing him laughing so idiotically, he looked like a complete fool to the others.

The Dragon King snorted, ”Kid! This is my treasure. If you can take it away, it’s yours.”

Chu Hao laughed heartily, ”Dragon King, those are your words.”

The Dragon King snorted coldly. He simply didn’t believe a mere mortal had the strength to lift the Dragon King Stick. A weight of 1,350 catties was no joke.

The crowd gasped. Is Chu Hao really planning to lift it?

Chu Hao gently tapped the River Stabilizing Divine Needle, producing a crisp metallic sound that was strangely invigorating.

Chu Hao grabbed the River Stabilizing Divine Needle with all his might, but to his surprise, it didn’t move an inch.

The Dragon King laughed heartily. ”Kid, give up! You can take either of the two items I offered earlier.”

Chu Hao was also shocked. This Divine iron was indeed extremely heavy. All its mass was concentrated into this single rod; its weight felt unnervingly dense.

Chu Hao hurriedly communicated with his thoughts, ”System, buy me a Great Strength Vajra Talisman.”

The System replied, ”There are two types of Great Strength Vajra Talisman. One is temporary and lasts for five minutes; the other is permanent. Which one do you want to buy, Host?”

Chu Hao asked, ”How much for the permanent one?”

The System answered, ”The permanent one costs 5,000 Pretentiousness Points and can provide the Host with 1,000 catties of strength.”

Chu Hao cursed, ”What a rip-off! Why is it so expensive? Fine, I’ll buy it.”

”DING... Host has purchased the Great Strength Vajra Talisman, spending 5,000 Pretentiousness Points. Remaining Pretentiousness Points: 400.”