Matrix Survival: One random treasure chest per day

Chapter 293 Shameless Misaka Tsuchimuro (Super Discounted Chapter, I'm Sighing at the Author's Generosity!)

"I surrender! I admit defeat!" Misaka Tsuchiemon suddenly did something Li Zheng hadn't expected, throwing his weapon on the ground and raising his hands high.

He was cowardly in a straightforward and decisive way.

Li Zheng never expected that Misaka Tsuchimuro, who had been so arrogant when introducing himself, would admit defeat so easily when the situation turned against him.

What about your dignity as a master?
Where is the pride of your disciple, the Sword God Yagyu?
Did the dogs eat them all?
Or is the surrender just a pretense, and they're secretly plotting something nefarious?
Ultimately, this person is just a citizen of a country where life is good, but he has a very wicked heart.

Or maybe we should just kill him!

Li Zheng's eyes were blank for a moment, then sharpened again, the blue light increasing rather than decreasing, as if even the air itself was frozen.

You think he's trying to take advantage of your distraction by using his metal manipulation abilities to ambush you?

You're too naive, young man.

Compared to life, what are dignity and pride?
As long as you don't kill him, you can slap him twice in the slits and he won't even get angry, believe me?

Old Pu suddenly appeared, interrupting Li Zheng's spellcasting.

After calming down for a moment, Li Zheng looked at Misaka Tsuchimuro, who was shivering from the cold: "Are you really admitting defeat?"

Misaka Tsuchimon sniffled and declared with an air of righteous indignation, "We, the people of Yagyu Kenkan, never act tough; we admit defeat when we say we will!"

Li Zheng: "..."

So what the hell did you come here for?

He throws out a couple of trash words, then they fight, and when he sees he can't win, he just admits defeat and acts like it's perfectly normal.
This……

No, my values ​​can't take it anymore, I need to slow down first.

"Isn't your Dragon Kingdom supposed to treat prisoners of war well?" Misaka Tsuchimon asked cautiously. "Mr. Li wouldn't make things difficult for a defeated opponent, would he?"

Seeing his shameless attitude, Li Zheng said speechlessly, "I am a Chinese."

“Yes!” Misaka nodded.

"You're a mud-covered person."

"I never denied it." He nodded again.

Now Li Zheng was completely puzzled: "As a Muscovy person, you should know that the relationship between the two countries has never been harmonious, right?"

"I know." Misaka shivered. "Mr. Li, could you please dispel this power? I'm freezing."

"Sure, but if you try anything funny later, don't blame me for being ruthless." Li Zheng hesitated for a moment, then dissipated the chill that had gathered within him.

The source of the low temperature disappeared, and the temperature gradually rose.

Misaka took out two mink coats and wrapped them around herself, jumping around to keep warm, seemingly unafraid that Li Zheng would take the opportunity to kill her.

Li Zheng looked at him like he was a monkey. Only after he had almost shaken off the chill did he ask him, "You lost to me like this, don't you feel any guilt at all?"

"A burden?" Misaka Tsuchimon seemed to find it strange that Li Zheng asked such a question. "What's there to be a burden about? Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually very athletic."

Li Zheng was speechless on the spot. "You mud-covered guy, are you trying to talk to me about sportsmanship?"
If it weren't for the questionable refereeing decisions during the Olympics, I almost would have believed it.

Misaka Tsuchimon seemed to see what Li Zheng was thinking and scratched his head awkwardly: "I know that some mud-brick people have indeed embarrassed our country in international competitions, but those people do not represent everyone. After the competition, I visited each of those referees and guaranteed that they would not be out of the ICU for six months."

At that moment, looking at Misaka Tsuchimuro's gritted teeth, Li Zheng actually felt a slight sense of agreement.

What used to look repulsive now seems somewhat pleasing to the eye.

"Wait a minute!" Li Zheng suddenly realized, "Your Chinese is actually this fluent?"

He then realized that Misaka Tsuchimuro had been speaking Chinese since he admitted defeat, and his fluency made him, a Chinese person, feel ashamed.

She could practically get certified and become a TV host.

Misaka Tsuchimon said shyly, "Actually, I grew up in China, but after my father became an official, he went to live in the mud."

Li Zheng noticed that Misaka used the word "go" instead of "return".

A single word can make all the difference in meaning.

At this moment, Li Zheng felt a mix of emotions.

I never expected that after seeing so many pro-Japanese and Japanophiles online, I would actually run into a pro-drama person today?
This is going to be really funny.

Because of Misaka's current behavior, Li Zheng even felt embarrassed to do anything excessive to him.

Otherwise, wouldn't we be disappointing to our friendly people around the world?
Of course, as the saying goes: those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts.

Li Zheng did not completely trust Misaka Tsuchimuro; he still harbored some wariness towards him.

"Since that's the case, I won't make things difficult for you. Anyway, you can't beat me, and I don't want to kill you. Get lost before I change my mind. I haven't had dinner yet." Li Zheng waved him away and summoned back Xiao Ying, who was watching the battle, so that she could go to his residence and bring out his dinner.

Even though she was incredibly hungry, Sakura didn't sneak away to eat before Li Zheng took action. She waited patiently by the side until Li Zheng announced that dinner was ready. Only then did she excitedly rush into the residence with Pink Poli and bring out the food.

With the help of Pink Polly, Sakura was able to "transport" all eight or nine dishes at once, and then she ran to the bathroom to wash her hands.

Misaka Tsuchiemon had originally intended to linger and discuss the deal with Li Zheng, but the aroma of the food immediately roused him.

"Braised pork! Boiled fish? No, this smells like seafood like crab, and there's also spicy cabbage, stir-fried three kinds of vegetables, braised white fish, oh my god~ this tastes so good!" Misaka Tsuchimon swallowed hard, guessing almost exactly what Li Zheng's dinner would be based on the smell.

Now he was even more reluctant to leave, and shamelessly said with a hopeful look, "I haven't eaten either..."

"Then let's eat together?" Li Zheng's expression changed: "Did you think I would say that? Let me tell you, don't even think about it!"

"No way!" Misaka Tsuchimon said shamelessly, "Isn't our Dragon Country very hospitable?"

"Stop trying to get on my good side. You're a Mudman, don't call me 'China, China.' Have some shame, okay?" Li Zheng said irritably. "Besides, China treats guests well, not Mudmen. Please understand the difference between the two."

To be honest, Li Zheng really didn't want to invite Misaka Tsuchiemon to dine with him.

However, Misaka persuaded him with a single sentence.

"I've fought with an Olympic referee!"

"Okay, I'll share one with you."

Then Li Zheng and Xiaoying sat together, while Misaka Tsuchimon was given a separate portion of food not far away, and they each ate their own.

Misaka Tsuchimon had no objection to this, since he had successfully gotten a free meal today.

Picking up a piece of glistening braised pork, Misaka Tsuchimon hesitated to take a bite, sniffing it several times with a look of pure bliss before finally putting it in his mouth.

The moment Misaka Tsuchimon took a bite of the braised pork, tears welled up in his eyes: "I haven't had authentic braised pork in so many years since I came to Nido. It tastes just like the pork I remember!"

Upon hearing this, Li Zheng glanced at him sideways and said, "Your family must be quite wealthy, right?"

"Huh? Why do you ask that?" Misaka Tsuchiemon mumbled, chewing a mouthful of braised pork until it was mushy.

Li Zheng picked up a piece of meat: "This level of braised pork is not something that ordinary people can eat in China. As a native of China, I only got to taste it after I joined the Matrix."

The stove blueprint was obtained from a treasure chest. The dishes cooked using it are absolutely of state banquet chef caliber, something that ordinary people can't afford.

This is why Zhan Zhouzhou and the others went crazy for the food after tasting it; no one from the Dragon Kingdom could resist the temptation of delicious food.

If there is any, it must be not enough to eat.

"Hehe, my dad managed to climb up to an official position in the mud, so you tell me, isn't my family rich?" Misaka Tsuchimon smiled meaningfully. "Where do you think that 15.5 billion yen in funding went?"

"Understood." Li Zheng nodded slightly, without delving into the topic further.

Although Misaka Tsuchimon seemed unconcerned about sharing these "secrets" with Li Zheng, Li Zheng felt that hearing such gossip did not bring him the smug satisfaction of learning about the corruption of an enemy country; instead, it made him feel somewhat disheartened.

Do similar things not happen in China?

Cockroaches can be found in many places; the only difference is the number of them.

Muddy Country is one of the places with a lot of cockroaches. Dark corners can no longer contain them, so some areas are exposed to sunlight.

The Dragon Kingdom... is much larger than Nihong, and can accommodate far more cockroaches.

Instead of laughing at others, we should reflect on ourselves.

Otherwise, it would just be a case of the pot calling the kettle black. After a moment of silence, Misaka Tsuchiemon tasted each dish, slowing down his eating pace and savoring the food with leisurely pace.

Seeing that Li Zheng was having a meal with his pet and the atmosphere was somber, he asked, "Mr. Li, I hope you will seriously consider the previous proposal. For the sake of our Dragon Kingdom, I can apply to the internal department of Takamagahara for the highest price to trade with you."

Misaka Tsuchimon had not forgotten the purpose of his trip. Perhaps his utter surrender was merely a means to get closer to Li Zheng in order to achieve his trading objective.

"Let's leave the matter of the advance transaction aside for now." Li Zheng put down his chopsticks and said in a very serious tone, "But if I ever hear you add the word 'us' before 'Dragon Kingdom' again, I'll turn you into a hot air balloon in the underworld!"

"I'm sorry, I just admire your... cough... culture, that's why..." Misaka Tsuchimon's tone was full of apology.

"Heh." Li Zheng sneered, "The Dragon Kingdom can't withstand your admiration. From ancient times to the present, how much culture has been stolen from our country and claimed as our own because of your so-called admiration for other countries? If you continue to admire us, the Dragon Kingdom will soon have no traditional culture of its own."

Misaka Tsuchimon said seriously, "Please do not compare Muddy to the Thief Kingdom, Mr. Li. Although Muddy is not a good thing either, it is very shameful for a Muddy person to be mentioned together with the Thief Kingdom."

These words truly shocked Li Zheng.

To brazenly claim that one's own country is no good?

How is this behavior any different from that permissive mind?
Realizing this, Li Zheng suddenly became unfriendly towards Misaka Tsuchimon again.

Misaka was so engrossed in enjoying her food that she didn't notice the change in Li Zheng's mindset. She continued, "It's funny, but even though I'm a Nihon citizen, after living in Nihon for a few years, it's really hard for me to feel a sense of belonging to this country."

"Whether it's history taken out of context, the large number of anti-war relics enshrined in a certain society, or even the ideas that are usually instilled in the people as being against defeat rather than against war."

"I was deeply shocked when I first learned that most Nichkhun people did not oppose the invasion, but rather felt sorry for the defeat."

"It seems that in their minds, there is nothing wrong with acts of aggression; the biggest mistake is losing a war."

"I can't understand why, after making so many mistakes back then, Ni Hong has no desire to make amends now, and is even planning something..."

Misaka Tsuchiemon abruptly stopped talking to himself, realizing he had said too much, and obediently shut up.

"Didn't you always want to make the deal earlier? I can give you a chance." Li Zheng didn't know if what Misaka Tsuchiemon said earlier was from the bottom of his heart, and he wasn't interested in the information he had withheld at the end.

He suddenly realized that he might be able to obtain something necessary from this early transaction.

For example...

Swordsmanship Specialist!
Misaka Tsuchimon was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Where there's a will, there's a way. I knew Mr. Li wasn't such a heartless person."

"Don't be too happy yet, we need to discuss one thing first." Li Zheng said expressionlessly.

"Okay, go ahead." Misaka Tsuchiemon was unaware of what was about to happen.

“No matter what you want to buy or how much you want to buy, you must have at least one specialized skill in the things you use for trading,” Li Zheng said bluntly.

"Specialized skills?" Misaka Tsuchimon asked, puzzled. "You mean something like swordsmanship specialization?"

“That’s right,” Li Zheng added, “except for spearmanship and swordsmanship.”

"But... this ability can only be mastered through hard work. Mr. Li, do you want Takamagahara to arrange someone to guide you?" Misaka Tsuchiemon still didn't understand Li Zhengzhen's true meaning.

“Of course not!” Li Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly. “I only want what’s readily available.”

Misaka Tsuchimon suppressed his excitement: "Mr. Li, Takamagahara is very sincere, and I hope this deal can be completed."

"I am also very sincere."

“But… the conditions you’ve set are simply impossible to meet!” Misaka Tsuchiemon said. “I’ve never heard of a specialization ability being traded!”

A barely perceptible glint appeared in Li Zheng's narrowed eyes. Misaka Tsuchiemon's words indicated that Takamagahara had not yet obtained any items similar to a "memory releaser".

"I have my own methods, it just depends on whether you're willing." Li Zheng's lips curled into a slight smile, looking somewhat dangerous and unscrupulous.

Misaka Tsuchiemon still believed that Li Zheng was just making things difficult for him, and said with a hint of defiance, "Since that's the case, I don't need Takamagahara's consent. I can personally fulfill Mr. Li's conditions. I myself have mastered swordsmanship. As long as Mr. Li is capable, feel free to take it!"

"Alright!" Seeing that Misaka Tsuchimuro had taken the bait, Li Zheng immediately decided, "In that case, let's talk about what you want to trade and how much."

Misaka Tsuchimon looked suspicious. Could it be that Li Zheng really had the means to take away other people's special abilities?

Probably not?
Taking away genetic abilities would be understandable, but Misaka Tsuchiemon knows that some of the specialized abilities are already possessed by players before they enter the Matrix.

For example, when he entered the matrix, he had mastered swordsmanship. It was only through diligent study and practice, and with the help of data-driven ability analysis, that he was able to elevate his mastery to specialization.

This ability seems impossible to take away from players, no matter how it's handled.

Misaka Tsuchiemon was unsure of himself, after all, he was facing Li Zheng!

This man has a notorious reputation, so it's not surprising that he possesses any means necessary. Even if he were to come up with something extraordinary, it would seem quite reasonable.

Or... should we let someone else handle the transaction?
At this moment, Misaka Tsuchimuro chickened out once again.

Li Zheng smiled meaningfully: "Why isn't Mr. Misaka saying anything? Is it... that you're scared?"

are you afraid?

Of course he was scared. How could Misaka Tsuchimon not be scared?
It's one thing to agree out of spite, because Li Zheng might not have the means to take away the expertise.

But Li Zheng's confident demeanor was bound to intimidate people.
Li Zheng spoke again: "If you're scared, then leave. If this transaction fails, you can come back at the auction in three days."

Waiting for the auction?

If Takamagahara could have waited until then, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to send him over.

The auction will be held in three days, but the event will only last seven days.

In these three days, who knows how many of the mutant hunting activities will be completed by others.

Li Zheng must have some unique skills to be able to defeat Kunlun three times.

Gao Tianyuan was almost certain that everyone in Li Zheng's team was equipped with a levitation thruster, otherwise how could they have possibly taken Kunlun?

Misaka Tsuchimon hesitated for a long time, a sinister glint in his eyes. Since he wasn't sure if Li Zheng had such methods, perhaps... he should send someone else with a specialization over?

As far as he knew, there were several other players in Takamagahara who were also skilled in swordsmanship, and he had a good relationship with them, often discussing things together.

We can lure one person over, then silence them afterwards and pin the blame on Li Zheng, all without anyone knowing!

Having made up his mind, Misaka Tsuchiemon presented what Takamagahara wanted to trade this time, while also plotting how to trick others into coming over.

Li Zheng didn't care about all that. All he knew was that he was going to gain another skill today, and it would be his first specialty!
What Takamagahara wanted was mainly the air-lifting thrusters, a full fifty of them!
Li Zheng didn't have enough materials to make, so one of his conditions was that Takamagahara provide the necessary materials, and he would only charge processing fees and labor fees.

Well, since Takamagahara didn't know what materials the thrusters needed, Li Zheng tripled the amount of basic materials for each unit.

He originally wanted to ask for more, but considering that Takamagahara might not be able to provide that much, he reluctantly offered a price three times lower.

By the way, processing fees and labor costs are not included; those are separate prices.

After a series of discussions, all the terms of the transaction were finalized.

In addition to fifty buoyancy thrusters, they also requested fifty liters of intermediate culture medium and twenty culture dishes.

Li Zheng made a fortune trading petri dishes and levitation thrusters.

As for the culture medium...

The value of this thing is rather awkward, because part of the materials used to make the culture medium are actually feces, and only the "catalyst" is platinum-grade, which Takamagahara has never even heard of.

Li Zheng couldn't possibly ask them to transport excrement for him in exchange for something, could he?
Therefore, Li Zheng took the initiative to "lower the price" and exchange it for a large amount of gold-grade blood materials, which made Misaka Tsuchiemon extremely grateful.

You should know that culture medium is a platinum-level item, and it can be traded for with just gold-level blood. It's like a pie falling from the sky!
If Misaka Tsuchiemon knew that Li Zheng had several tons of catalysts, which were practically worthless, I wonder if he would still be grateful...

Li Zheng calmly said, "Since the price has been agreed upon, then Mr. Misaka can have Takamagahara deliver the goods."

He deliberately reminded them, "If you can't offer your expertise, this deal will be canceled, and you won't even get a drop of culture medium."

"Don't worry, Mr. Li, just wait five minutes, and I'll give you a satisfactory answer." Misaka Tsuchiemon put down his chopsticks and went to the side to contact someone else.

Five minutes later, the portal opened again in the room, and a tall, beautiful woman walked out.

"Misaka-kun, I'm here." The woman looked at Misaka Tsuchimon with eyes full of adoration.

Seeing this, Li Zheng's expression gradually became strange; he had already guessed what Misaka Tsuchiemon was going to do.

(End of this chapter)