Chapter 53: A Shameful Escape

Chapter 53: A Shameful Escape

The shopping mall was shrouded in a suffocating silence.

The once constant hum of the elevator had ceased, as had the relentless footfalls from every direction. Even the cries for help had vanished without a trace.

But the quiet within the mall was far from peaceful.

A nauseating stench permeated every inch of the space. On the fifth floor stood a group of people, their faces pale, bodies starting to decompose. They blocked the passageway, seemingly not allowing anyone to pass.

These individuals appeared to have been dead for some time, but they had just recently emerged from various corners of the mall. To call them people wouldnt be accurate they were more like ghosts.

Mr. Calm, a local business owner, was petrified. He couldnt bear to witness the horrific sight before him. His mind repeatedly chanted prayers, seeking protection from the celestial beings, promising to offer more incense in return once he got out of this nightmare.

After some time, he realized there were no more movements around him, and he was still alive and unharmed. However, he knew his survival wasnt due to his prayers but because of Miless intervention.

Mr. Calm, stop playing dead. Open your eyes, Miles said. Dont ignore my words from before. Your safety is temporary. Whether you can leave here alive is uncertain. But if you agree to pay me for my services, I can ensure each one of you leaves here alive.

Carefully, Mr. Calm opened his eyes and looked around. Spotting the decomposing bodies, his heart skipped a beat. But seeing Miles, a living person, he sighed in relief.

Can you really guarantee my survival? he asked.

Are you doubting my skills, Mr. Calm? Did you not see who saved you earlier? Stay down, its safe for now, Miles responded.

Lying nearby, Ethan chimed in, Dont underestimate him due to his youth. Hes an important figure in Dachang City. You can trust him. Besides, no one else can ensure your survival. The situation has surpassed my capabilities. So I recommend you let Miles guide you out. Unless youre stingy, ignore my suggestion.

He decided to be the good guy, steering the lucrative business opportunity toward Miles, as he had no capability to take it.

How about it? Think it over, but dont take too long. Ill give you at most ten minutes. Im leaving then, Miles glanced at his phone for the time.

He wasnt going to wait until dark. Once night fell, the place would become a deathly realm, doubling the danger.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Mr. Calm cautiously asked, So, how much are you charging for your services? Would five million suffice?

After all, he would rather give the money to this young man than Ethan. At least he could form a connection, make a friend. After all, the man was a key figure in Dachang City, a person of stature.

Though the five million stung, it paled in comparison to the value of his life.

Alright, five million it is. Miless eyes lit up.

Given your impressive door-locking stunt earlier, Ive decided to give you some special attention, Miles remarked, flashing a thumbs-up at Master Catch.

If it hadnt been for his door-locking antics, none of this wouldve happened. Everyone could have escaped, and there would have been no need for so many casualties.

I I, Master Catch stuttered, his face a curious blend of fear and anger. After a long pause, he finally spoke begrudgingly, I only have a little over three million on me. Thats all I have; the rest is in my safe at home. Ill give it all to you, just get me out of here. I admit my previous actions were wrong. Can I apologize?

Master, what are you talking about? Do you think Im the kind of person who is driven by greed? Mr. Calm has already offered five million. As a Feng Shui master, your wealth is surely considerable. So, lets settle on a good omen number eight million. Ill get you out of here. If you dont have the cash on hand, you can use other items as collateral, Miles proposed.

Master Catch shivered, but eventually transferred over three million to Miles. He also handed over a wristwatch, a jade pendant, a luxury car key, and other miscellaneous items to make up for the rest.

Ive accumulated over ten million. Now, Im one of those detestable rich people, Miles chuckled as he checked the balance notification on his phone.

Without his ability as a spirit controller, he would have never been able to earn such a sum, not even in decades or a lifetime of studying and working. But as a spirit controller, he had managed to earn so much in just one day.

No wonder foreign spirit tamers often worked like mercenaries, taking on high-risk, high-reward assignments. The allure was undeniable.

Young man, when will you get us out of here? Mr. Calm asked, a sense of urgency in his voice.

Now, Miles responded, pocketing his phone.

He stepped into the storeroom and retrieved the front door key from Sister Pears corpse.

Follow me, but remember what I said earlier stay low, keep your back to the floor.

How are we supposed to walk with our backs to the ground? Mall Manager Li asked.

Miles explained, Ever seen a caterpillar? Its pretty much the same. Its like swimming on your back, quite easy actually.

What? You want us grown-ups to slide around on our backs like children? You must be making fun of us. Youre standing and walking around just fine, Li retorted, his pride hurt.

Miles replied, Im the one in charge here and have the ability to handle these spirits. Do you? If you feel this is embarrassing, feel free to stand up, but I wont be responsible if you die.

Li fell silent. He then began to push himself along the ground with his feet, sliding quickly like a caterpillar.

Like this? he asked.

Thats right, just like that. Youre quite good at it, sliding smoothly and swiftly. Well done, Miles nodded approvingly.