American Exorcism Male God

The box was slowly opened by Ailent, and both Chen Lin and Chen Feihe leaned in to look. Inside were two tightly wrapped portraits, depicting a flame beast such as they had never seen before.

"This is an exorcism artifact personally created by our boss, featuring the Exorcism Sacred Beast known as Fire Gui," Ailent said with a hint of pride.

Not every exorcism studio can produce and sell exorcism artifacts, let alone ones of such high quality.

There were a total of three Fire Gui portraits. Xu Yi had one with him at all times, and the remaining two were for sale at the studio.

"Buy it! Buy it!" Chen Feihe stared at the Fire Gui portrait, an inner voice urging him on.

He had a fondness for calligraphy and paintings, with a substantial level of appreciation. Although the painting before him was not as exquisite as those by famous masters, it was still a fine work of art.

But none of that was important. He could feel the essence of the painting, a hard-to-describe meaning. Having encountered several exorcism artifacts before, he was fairly certain the Fire Gui portrait in front of him was most likely a "genuine" one.

Chen Lin glanced at the Fire Gui portrait and curled his lip.

Exorcism artifact? Nothing but trickery to fool people!

He had never seen any of those gods or ghosts throughout his life, taking the tales from the Spiritual Exploration Daily as mere stories.

He knew the witch Zhang, and they had even cooperated. When Zhang was exposed, they helped smooth things over.

"How much is this Fire Gui portrait?" Chen Feihe asked tentatively.

He had brought money with him, ready to fully support their case, just as it was his nature not to hesitate.

But the price of exorcism artifacts was usually not cheap, and he wondered if he had brought enough money with him that day.

"Only 100,000, it's an introductory price offered only since we just opened for business, and it's very likely to increase later," Ailent replied softly.

Chen Feihe's eyes widened, not because the artifact was too expensive, but because it was too cheap.

He had seen an exorcism artifact before which felt far inferior to the Fire Gui portrait in front of him, yet it had sold for more than 80,000 and was eagerly snapped up.

Chen Lin's mouth twitched. Was this palm-sized portrait made of gold or what?

Even if it were made of gold, it wouldn't be worth 100,000, right? 100,000 US dollars could buy a pretty decent house.

"Only a fool would buy it," Chen Lin muttered to himself.

"I'll buy them all!" Chen Feihe said as he carried a case to the table, opened it, and revealed a case full of cash.

Chen Lin's eyes bulged as he watched Chen Feihe. Had Chen Feihe lost his mind, or was he playing a shill?

Ailent shook his head, "The boss said, each person can only buy one!"

Chen Lin sneered inwardly, seeing through the farce. Was this not a typical scam?

He was familiar with such ploys. The next step would likely be Chen Feihe persuading him to help purchase another, followed by others rushing to buy, offering even higher prices.

Out of greed, many would then think that since so many people were vying for it, could they possibly sell it for an even higher price?

And that would be falling right into the trap.

Chen Feihe abruptly stood up, pulled out 100,000 US dollars from the case, hastily grabbed a Fire Gui portrait and quickly walked out the door, almost as if he was running.

Chen Lin was stunned. Why wasn't he playing the game as expected? He was still here, the perfect mark, yet Chen Feihe just left? Was this a new trick?n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Then he realized awkwardly that no one was paying him any attention, as Ailent simply went about collecting the US dollars on the table.

Could it really be genuine? Chen Lin stared at the Fire Gui portrait in the case, his curiosity piqued. He reached out to pick it up for a closer look.

Ailent did not stop him. Though he didn't like the guy, it wouldn't be good for business to just kick him out.

The moment Chen Lin's fingertips touched the Fire Gui portrait, his body shuddered violently.

A cloud of black mist surged from behind him, within which a huge rat could be faintly seen, emitting a piercing shriek.

Chen Lin felt an immediate lightness, as if a weight of thousands of pounds had been lifted from his shoulders, and an indescribable sense of relief washed over him.

Ailent noticed the anomaly in the portrait. The Fire Gui within seemed to come alive, eyes wide with rage, the flames entwining its body flowing incessantly.

He moved the case aside with the speed of lightning and "smacked" it shut.

Ailent felt a bit pained. Only upon touching the Fire Gui portrait would the exorcism effect be revealed.

But each Fire Gui portrait had a limited amount of exorcism power, and if it was depleted, the portrait would become ineffective.

The brief few seconds just now had consumed at least one-thirtieth of the power in the Fire Gui portrait.

"Looks like I need to get an isolation cabinet!" Ailent sold this kind of exorcism portrait for the first time and had no experience.

Chen Lin watched helplessly as the box was taken away, the feeling of bearing a heavy burden returning to him.

If you're always carrying a burden, you might not feel it after getting used to it, but once it's lifted, feeling the ease and then having to bear it again, that pain is doubled.

"You must save this painting for me! I'm going to get the money right now!" Chen Lin sprinted away.

Even a fool like him knew the exorcism portrait in front of him was the real deal, and what was worse, it seemed like he had been targeted by something like an evil spirit.

Chen Lin ran as fast as he could, as if there were dozens of people chasing him with watermelon knives.

In fact, both situations were similar, running from murder to save one's life, and now rushing back to get money to buy a magic artifact for exorcism, was also to save his life.

Chen Lin, box in hand, gasped for breath as he charged toward the Holy Flame Studio, feeling a bit tired and wanting to stop for a rest.

He turned his head and, startled like a rabbit, immediately quickened his pace.

Chen Feihe also carried a box, with a person beside him. Where else could Chen Lin not understand the other's intention? They were heading back to Qinghe Hall to buy all the Fire Gui portraits.

Chen Feihe had also spotted Chen Lin. Seeing the box in Chen Lin's hand, he instantly understood the situation and, casting aside his dignity, urged to quicken the pace.

Both arrived at the studio door almost simultaneously, and seeing several luxury cars parked out front, they suddenly had a bad premonition.

Chen Lin strode into the studio and asked anxiously, "I've brought the money, where's the Fire Gui portrait?"

Ailent, busy copying something, looked up at Chen Lin, "Sorry, you're too late. The Fire Gui portrait has already been sold."

"Sold! Who bought it? Didn't you say you'd save it for me?" Chen Lin was a bit jumpy but didn't dare offend Ailent and could only pace anxiously in place.

Ailent couldn't be bothered to answer, head down busy with his own affairs.

"When will the next Fire Gui portrait be available? Can I reserve it?" Chen Lin took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

Ailent handed him a notebook, "Leave your name and contact number here."

Chen Lin took the notebook and was instantly dumbfounded. It listed a long string of names – easily over ten people.

The sound of cars turning off came from outside, and a man in a suit stepped through the gate, clearly a successful person at first glance.

"Excuse me, is this Holy Flame Studio?"

"Yes, sir, please come in!" Ailent hurried to greet him.

Seeing more people arrive, Chen Lin grew even more panicked. When Ailent passed by, he lowered his voice and said quickly, "I can pay more, how about 150,000? Buy one for me!"

Pay more? Ailent glanced disdainfully at Chen Lin.

The batch that came earlier offered 200,000 just for a chance to move up the waiting list. You think 150,000 is enough for on-the-spot goods? Wishful thinking.

"I heard your studio is selling some kind of exorcism portrait; I wonder if you still have any, and the price is negotiable." The new arrival looked like he wasn't bothered about money.

"Sir, I'm very sorry, but we're currently out of Fire Gui portraits. You can leave a contact, and if we get new Fire Gui portraits, I will contact you," Ailent had repeated those words several times already.

He had still underestimated how well-informed these high-society individuals were; he only let out a hint of information, and it had elicited such a huge response.

"The function of the Fire Gui portrait shouldn't be just about making money; more importantly, using the Fire Gui portrait could allow connections with more influential people." Ailent's eyes grew brighter.

He had already thought of the correct way to sell the Fire Gui portraits!

"If only I'd grabbed someone off the street to help me buy the Fire Gui portrait!" Chen Feihe was filled with regret.

Chen Lin was even more regretful; what Chen Feihe lost was just an exorcism artifact, what he lost might be a lifeline!

"President Feihe, perhaps you could part with it…"

Before Chen Lin could finish, Chen Feihe had already strode away, without giving Chen Lin a second glance.

Chen Lin didn't want to leave either and sat on the couch watching Ailent entertain the guests, thinking of waiting until there were fewer people to negotiate with Ailent again.

Without resolving the anomaly on him, he wouldn't be able to sleep well tonight.

Just then, Chen Lin saw a girl in a strange witch costume walk in, and when she passed by him, she stepped back two steps, muttering softly, "Why does this guy reek of dead rats?"

Chen Lin was suddenly jolted awake, springing up from the couch.

If he couldn't buy the Fire Gui portrait, he could look for an exorcist! After all, this was an Exorcism Studio!

"Master, save me!" Chen Lin rushed toward Lisa, calling out loudly.