Chapter 61: Interrogating Chen Cha

After a long silence, Zhu Xuanji let out a light laugh, steadying his emotions. “Interesting,” he said. Then he asked, “What is the origin of these mechanical monkeys?”

Zheng Shuangou frowned, unable to believe what he’d heard. “Are you saying, Lord Zhu, that the shadowy demonic cultivator used these mechanical monkeys to blow up the Immortal Palace?”

“I know about this,” Chi Dun interjected, his voice deep. He was well-informed, after all—when Fei Si presented his treasure to the city lord, he was right there. Chi Dun gave Zhu Xuanji a brief explanation.

Zhu Xuanji nodded slightly. “Take me to the Flying Disc Workshop,” he commanded.

At the Flying Disc Workshop, Chen Cha handed Ning Zhuo a large pile of spirit stones. “Brother Ning, these are your dividends from recent days,” he said.

There were seven or eight storage bags laid before Ning Zhuo, each filled to the brim with spirit stones. When Chen Cha and Ning Zhuo had originally agreed to cooperate, Chen Cha took only thirty percent, leaving seventy percent of the profits to Ning Zhuo, who didn’t have to pay for any raw materials.

The business of mechanical Explosive Monkeys had grown massive. Every mechanical workshop in the city worked nonstop, running at full capacity, yet demand still outstripped supply. This wasn’t the first time Ning Zhuo had collected his share.

Ever since Chen Cha had privately asked Ning Zhuo to transfer the inventor’s rights of the Explosive Monkey, he’d been riddled with guilt and too ashamed to face Ning Zhuo. Though he knew Ning Zhuo was skilled in mechanical arts, he never invited him to the workshop to participate in production. Their meetings were only for handing over dividends.

But this time, Ning Zhuo had come with another purpose.

“Old Chen, I have important business today,” Ning Zhuo began.

Chen Cha was briefly surprised, then said, “Just call me Chen. Brother Ning, speak freely—whatever you need, I’ll do my best to help!”

Ning Zhuo pulled out a mechanical monkey and placed it before Chen Cha, recreating a familiar scene that left Chen Cha stunned.

“Old Chen, take a look at this,” said Ning Zhuo. “I’ve been diligently cultivating the Five Elements Qi Law lately. I heard that mechanical monkeys are still far from meeting total demand, so I came up with a way to boost production.”

Chen Cha sighed. “This year’s situation is extraordinary.”

“In previous Fire Persimmon Festivals, we only harvested a portion of the fruit. With the Monkey Head Gang as the main force, it was enough. But this year, a demonic cultivator in the Golden Core stage fled into the city, forcing the city lord’s manor’s hand. All the persimmons must be harvested before dealing with the demonic cultivator to minimize losses.”

As he spoke, Chen Cha began inspecting the mechanical monkey.

Ning Zhuo explained, “I altered some material ratios, mainly adjusting the musculature…”

Listening to the explanation and examining the monkey himself, Chen Cha’s expression grew solemn. He looked up, gazing deeply at Ning Zhuo. If not for his guilt, he might have left in anger or even rebuked Ning Zhuo on the spot.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Cha’s face was filled with complexity. He cautioned, “Brother Ning, this is pure corner-cutting.”

“With your new scheme, you’ve greatly reduced the manufacturing steps, which does cut down work. But the resulting mechanical monkeys are much worse than before.”

“They’re prone to breaking during use, and the body melts at the slightest hint of heat.”

“I remember you came to consult me specifically to solve the problem of the musculature melting under heat.”

Ning Zhuo smiled. “Old Chen, that’s exactly the essence of my improvement!”

“Think about it—how many years can we sell these mechanical monkeys?”

“After this year, the market will be flooded with Explosive Monkeys. How many can we sell next year?”

“In business, you need steady, long-term flow.”

“These new Explosive Monkeys will break down quickly, ensuring those who need them will buy again.”

Chen Cha’s face darkened further. “I don’t share your view. Mechanical devices must prioritize quality; only then can you build a reputation and attract repeat customers.”

“Remember, we’re not the only ones making Explosive Monkeys. Others will copy us eventually. If our quality declines, we’ll lose the market.”

Ning Zhuo smiled indifferently. “Old Chen, with your connection to Lord Fei Si, what competition should we fear?”

Just as he was about to continue his persuasion, a voice suddenly rang out. “Oh? Chen Cha, what’s your relationship with Fei Si?”

“Who’s there?!” Chen Cha stood up immediately.

Ning Zhuo’s expression changed as well, and he moved to stand beside Chen Cha, fully alert.

The next moment, Zhu Xuanji pushed open the door, followed closely by Chi Dun and Zheng Shuangou.

Both Chen Cha and Ning Zhuo were stunned and hurried to bow in greeting. They recognized Chi Dun and Zheng Shuangou, but Zhu Xuanji was a stranger to them.

Zhu Xuanji lifted his badge and introduced himself. “I am Zhu Xuanji, a member of the Divine Constabulary, and a royal of the Southern Bean Kingdom. I am here to investigate the emergence of the Lava Immortal Palace.”

“Let me ask you—was the appearance of the Immortal Palace your doing?” Zhu Xuanji fixed his gaze on Chen Cha, golden light flickering in his eyes.

Chen Cha was utterly bewildered by the question! Only after two breaths did he manage to respond, forcing a bitter smile. “How could I possibly be involved in something as grand as the Immortal Palace?”

Zhu Xuanji frowned slightly, sensing that Chen Cha was not lying.

He pressed on, “How did you design the mechanical Explosive Monkey? How did you manufacture and sell them? I want every detail.”

“Um…” Chen Cha hesitated, then steeled himself and began to speak slowly.

He had barely gotten through half when Zhu Xuanji interrupted, “You’re lying!”

Instantly, Zhu Xuanji’s eyes blazed with golden light, and a Golden Core aura surged forth, enveloping Chen Cha and forcing him to the ground.

“How dare you, Chen Cha! In the presence of the Divine Constabulary, you still dare to conceal the truth?!” Zheng Shuangou thundered.

Chi Dun’s face was grim as iron. “Tell us everything, or you are an accomplice of the shadowy demonic cultivator!”

Terrified, Chen Cha turned pale, his body trembling uncontrollably.

“Please, sirs, allow me to speak—there is more to this story, and I am also aware of it,” Ning Zhuo hurriedly interjected.

“Oh?” In an instant, the three Golden Core cultivators focused their gazes upon him.

Zhu Xuanji spoke with layered meaning. “After we finish with Chen Cha, you will be questioned. But since you wish to speak now, do so—perhaps you can redeem yourself.”

In his special vision, both Chen Cha and Ning Zhuo appeared red-black, with Ning Zhuo even more so than Chen Cha.

Feeling the pressure, Ning Zhuo gritted his teeth. “Both Chen Cha and I have signed a contract. If we say too much, we risk backlash!”

“Lord Fei Si knows the truth.”

As soon as he said this, Ning Zhuo’s face turned white and blood flowed from his nostrils, a vivid testament to the ‘backlash’ he’d mentioned.

Zhu Xuanji, hearing the name Fei Si, raised his brows and glanced at Chi Dun. “Intriguing.”

Chi Dun replied hastily, “I’ll go consult the city lord at once.”

“No need—I am already here,” came Fei Si’s voice from outside the door.