Chapter 2080: Five-Eight Pawnshop

At this point, he could only use "Key Come." Although he knew the consequences might be more than he could bear, if he hesitated any longer, everyone here would die, and even the entire world might fall.

Just then, Mi Li's voice rapidly rang out, "Stop! Using 'Key Come' in your current condition will be fatal."

Zu An gave a wry smile. "There are always some people in this world who will do something even when they know it's impossible."

Sensing the determination in his tone, Mi Li knew he was truly resolved to die. She couldn't help but feel a surge of urgency. "Don't panic yet; there's another way. I'll teach you a move."

"What way?" Zu An was taken aback, completely unprepared for Mi Li's words. "Didn't you say before that you wouldn't interfere with me for the sake of my growth?"

Mi Li retorted in an exasperated tone, "That was because you still had a way out then, you just hadn't found it. In the current situation, even I can't see any escape for you, so naturally, I can't stand by and do nothing."

They had signed a soul contract; if one died, the other would also perish.

"Less talk, just remember these incantations..." Mi Li quickly recited some formulas. "This is the most suitable skill I could find for you right now. Although there will be a price, it's still within an acceptable range, and certainly much better than your 'Key Come'."

Zu An's expression was complex. "Are you really the Empress of Qin Shihuang?"

Even to him, the skill appeared profound and intricate. He had fought with the remnant soul of Qin Shihuang before, and while powerful, it was nowhere near Mi Li's current level.

"Do you still have time to think about such things?" Mi Li sneered.

Meanwhile, the Lord of Slaughter was attacking relentlessly. The Snow Maiden was helping to protect Qiu Honglei, but their precarious situation meant they could perish at any moment.

Zu An's expression turned serious. He quickly composed himself and began to form hand seals and chant spells according to Mi Li's instructions. Immediately, profound arcane arrays appeared around him, and it felt as if something in heaven and earth was resonating.

The Lord of Slaughter noticed what was happening. Having been ambushed by this boy several times before, its memory was fresh, and it worried Zu An might pull another trick. Unwilling to let him continue, it swiftly abandoned the two women and lunged toward him.

"Stop it quickly! Buy Ah Zu some time," the Snow Maiden said with a stern expression. She swept her sword forward, and suddenly the ground beneath them erupted, sending countless gigantic ice shards pressing down on the Lord of Slaughter.

The Lord of Slaughter tore the obstructing ice wall to shreds with a single swipe of its claw, but in the next second, even more ice and snow cages came hurtling its way.

It couldn't help but feel annoyed; this Snow Maiden seemed much stronger than before.

At this moment, Qiu Honglei also reacted, quickly unleashing various light-based skills. She knew her current strength was far too inferior to the Lord of Slaughter, so instead of choosing her usual powerful offensive skills, she opted for auxiliary abilities.

This unexpected approach worked wonders, and together with the Snow Maiden, she managed to temporarily hold back the Lord of Slaughter.

However, a question arose in her mind: why did the Snow Maiden also call him "Ah Zu," and with such natural familiarity in her tone?

After the two women bought him time, Zu An finally completed the move. A crisp bell sound suddenly rang out in the sky, followed by the heavens parting to reveal a pawn shop-like building.

It featured a tall counter with ancient-looking railings. Behind it, a smiling shopkeeper in a tuxedo stood, one hand pulling a nearby bell, which was clearly the source of the recent chimes.

Zu An's expression was odd. The pawn shop was clearly Chinese in style, yet the shopkeeper resembled a Western butler. The combination was truly bizarre.

"Heaven and Earth Pawnshop Number 58, at your service. My name is Paul, how may I help you?" The shopkeeper smiled politely at Zu An.

"Pawnshop Number 58?" The Lord of Slaughter, from a distance, froze. It seemed to recall a certain legend, and its expression was no longer so calm.

Zu An looked at the gilded characters "Pawnshop Number 58" on the pillar and, connecting it to the shopkeeper's name, wondered if NBA basketball was watched in other realms of the universe.

He quickly refocused and pointed at the Lord of Slaughter. "I want you to help me get rid of it."

The tuxedoed shopkeeper, Paul, examined the Lord of Slaughter and a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes. "Oh, it's a weapon forged by the gods themselves. A bit troublesome, but we can help, provided you can pay a sufficient price."

The Lord of Slaughter's expression finally changed. "Boy, if you're so capable, fight me fair and square! What kind of skill is calling for help?"

Rage points from the Lord of Slaughter.

At the same time, it looked at the pawn shop owner. "I have no grudge against your pawn shop. Why do you want to be my enemy?"

Shopkeeper Paul smiled slightly. "Our pawn shop is open for business, so naturally, we have no reason to refuse."

The Lord of Slaughter's eyes darted around. "Then I'll do business with you! This kid is so weak, and I'm much stronger than him. I can offer a lot more capital."

Shopkeeper Paul smiled and shook his head. "Business must, of course, be handled one by one. I was summoned by him, so naturally, I must take his business first. After his transaction is complete, then I can attend to yours."

Lord of Slaughter: "..."

"By the time you're done with his business, I might already be dead. How could I then have a chance to do business with you?"

It decided to strike first and lunged directly at the pawn shop.

It was accustomed to its own immense power and naturally had a right to be arrogant. While it had heard some legends about Pawnshop Number 58, it assumed they were exaggerated tales. It didn't believe such a paltry, dilapidated shop could truly be that formidable.

If it could shatter this space, Pawnshop Number 58 would naturally disappear.

Its massive body reached the small shop in the sky almost instantly. The shop looked like the most rudimentary ancient wooden establishment, with wooden tables, chairs, and even wooden railings that appeared as if a strong man could easily break them.

From any angle, the Lord of Slaughter could easily smash through this pawn shop and tear its occupants to shreds, especially since it had effortlessly toppled towering snow mountains just moments ago.

However, a shocking scene unfolded. With a thud, the Lord of Slaughter crashed into the pawn shop's railings. Its entire body was instantly bounced back, sending it sprawling on the ground, belly-up. Those seemingly flimsy railings remained completely undisturbed!

Seeing this, joy appeared on the faces of the Snow Maiden and Qiu Honglei. After all, this was something Zu An had summoned; the stronger the pawn shop, the better.

The Lord of Slaughter quickly struggled to its feet, let out an furious roar, and charged at the pawn shop once more.

In its long existence, when had it ever suffered such humiliation?

Just then, Shopkeeper Paul suddenly extended a gun from the window, pointing it directly at the Lord of Slaughter.

The Lord of Slaughter's movements instantly froze. Its body was visibly tensed, and its eyes showed extreme nervousness.

Zu An's eyes nearly popped out. The gun the shopkeeper was holding looked exactly like a 16th-century European flintlock musket from his previous life.

Such guns had short ranges and low power, far inferior to later, more advanced weapons.

Yet, such an ancient flintlock made the Lord of Slaughter feel as if it were facing a formidable foe?

Shopkeeper Paul said coldly, "Customer, do not break the rules."

The Lord of Slaughter gave an awkward laugh. "I was just joking, don't take it seriously, hahaha."

Zu An's heart stirred, and he quickly said, "It crashed into and attacked your pawn shop. Aren't you going to punish it?"

Hearing this, the Lord of Slaughter glared fiercely at Zu An. This fellow was truly wicked.

Rage points from the Lord of Slaughter.

Shopkeeper Paul smiled and replied, "Pawnshop Number 58 never does business at a loss. If no one pays us, even if it actually dismantled our pawn shop, we wouldn't proactively do anything to it. Of course, it would still have to pay for the damages."

Zu An: "..."

This pawn shop was certainly stingy.

"So, can we proceed with the business we just discussed?" He had initially harbored some doubts about the pawn shop's capabilities, but after witnessing that scene, he instantly gained complete confidence.

"We can help you deal with the target, but you need to pawn something of equal value to us," Shopkeeper Paul said, looking politely at Zu An.

"What do you need?" For some reason, being stared at by the shopkeeper made Zu An's hair stand on end. However, remembering Mi Li's assurance that the price was usually bearable, he temporarily calmed down.

"This Lord of Slaughter is very powerful; ordinary items probably won't be enough. How about this, I'll give you a discount: we only require your life, and additionally, your soul must serve as an apprentice in the pawn shop for five hundred years." Shopkeeper Paul maintained his professional smile, his expression as if to say he was already being very generous.

Zu An: "..."

The women: "..."

Mi Li was the first to explode in anger, speaking through Zu An: "That's not right! Your prices weren't nearly this high before!"

She couldn't reveal herself directly, but fortunately, she and Zu An were now in sync, making it convenient to speak through him.

Shopkeeper Paul looked at Zu An in surprise. "It seems Your Excellency is quite familiar with our pawn shop. Indeed, the prices weren't this high before, but there's inflation, you see, especially with the drastic price increase of Pumbaa meat these past few years."

Pumbaa is a spirit beast found throughout the realms of the universe, resembling a warthog. Its meat is exceptionally delicious and a highly acclaimed delicacy across all realms.

Mi Li was speechless. "Your Pawnshop Number 58 doesn't even sell Pumbaa meat!"

"But our boss loves to eat it! When Pumbaa meat prices rise, to afford it, we naturally have to raise our prices too."

Mi Li: "..."

Zu An was also quite speechless, never imagining that some experiences from his previous life would be universal even in this universe.

"Are you willing to pay this price? If not, this transaction will end. For us, time is very precious." Shopkeeper Paul raised his hand and checked his wristwatch, clearly indicating his regard for time.

While Zu An was hesitating, the Snow Maiden suddenly spoke up, "Can I pay the price you just mentioned instead?"

Zu An panicked, about to object, but Shopkeeper Paul had already shaken his head. "You have a very beautiful soul, but unfortunately, I'm not interested in women. This young hero's soul is more valuable."

Snow Maiden: "..."

Faced with the shopkeeper's urging, Zu An struggled internally. Activating "Key Come" could achieve the same effect, but his spiritual essence would shatter. With this pawn shop transaction, at least his spiritual essence would be preserved, and he'd be free after five hundred years. He didn't know which option to choose.

At this moment, the Snow Maiden secretly transmitted a message to Qiu Honglei: "Are you willing to sacrifice your life to save Zu An?"