Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

All kinds of business in the Capital was finished.

However, Leo stayed in the city for a full week because he had to take care of Yue Yue and gave her some briefing. Jessica played a big part to teach her and fix her appearance.

"This is... me?"

As a result, she was transformed from a prostitute to a young woman with a slender and elegant figure.

Her long gray hair was tied in a ponytail, and her pale face was clear and beautiful. Her body was soft and curvy, and her small breasts were hidden under a thin shirt.

Because Leo had expected to recruit some members, he also brought a low-level bodysuit that could be worn without needing Nanites in one's body. It was a slash and bullet proof, better than some artifacts spreading around.

So, he gave her the one that fit her body and new clothes, so she could look decent and professional.

"Here. Now, you have to work and focus on improving yourself. I have given you a bit of my knowledge and technique, so it's your job to master them and grow." Jessica put down a stack of books and papers on the table. "This is the basic information you need. Learn them, and we'll start the training. Knowledge is important."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Being in a secretary mode once again after so long, she didn't hesitate and acted professionally.

"Y-Yes."

Nodding, Yue Yue stared at the pile of papers, her eyes full of determination. She was still timid and shy, but her expression was bright and hopeful.

Someone who thought they had lost everything but given a chance to regain a better future would have bigger motivation and more determination.

Leo was sitting in the corner, smiling at the sight.

In the last few weeks he had been in the Capital, many things had happened.

One was his trip to the brothel with Emperor Sheng and the aftermath. Jessica had tried to act differently and seduce him. It was a strange behavior that was unlike her.

After a bit of investigation, he realized that it was the effect of the drug she had been drinking. Something that Chiaki secretly put in her tea to make her more compliant and open. And the scariest thing was the fact Jessica didn't realize it, which made her Nanites unable to cure it completely.

However, after his punishment and a long lecture, Jessica was back to normal and apologized. He had to punish Chiaki next when he returned to Chengdu. Talking about returning...

'I have to make a plan to connect Yang Ji and Hollowed Insect.'

To ensure his second identity wasn't discovered, he needed to find a way to bring them together. The plan itself was easy, but he wanted to keep Yang Ji in the Capital to make an illusion to the Supreme Evil followers that their target was sitting nicely.

But no matter how much they tried to find him, he wouldn't find Yang Ji. And making a connection between Leo and Yang Ji would be crucial in his future plan.

Preparation was necessary. And to start it...

"I need your cooperation in something, Master Ming. I will properly pay for the help in the form of a product idea, something that will give you more profit than the current product you are selling."

Leo was sitting across the richest and most powerful merchant in the city, or even in Central Plains. The man was a middle-aged man with a strong build, his face was sharp and his eyes were full of interest.

And he was one of two people who knew his real identity as Leo. So his cooperation was necessary in this plan.

"Oh? That's a big promise. Are you going to sell me the method to make this 'pistol' you gifted me in the past? I will gladly help if that's the case." He nodded and rubbed his chin, smiling dubiously.

"Please, that will be too much. The balance of this world would crumble if I teach you how to make that pistol. Martial artists would be obsolete if a normal person can use that weapon to kill other people."

"I understand. Well, what can you offer me then?"

"Something better." Leo grinned and pulled out a stack of papers, handing it over. "This is the basic design and description of a tool that can control fire. It's still in the prototype phase, but it's something that will give a new wave of invention and prosperity."

Ming Yuchan took the scroll and looked at it, his eyes wide and his expression amazed.

"What is this?"

"Something that can control fire, like a flint or a lighter, but much more efficiently. It's something that will make firewood or other flammable objects unnecessary. Imagine how easy it will be to cook on it. Every household will buy this tool."

What Leo showed to Ming Yuchan was a prototype of a wonderful tool called a stove. And not just any stove... But a stove that used oil or liquid as its source of fuel.

It was something that could change the world for now.

And since Ming Yuchan was the richest and most successful businessman in the city, he had a lot of money and power to make his dreams come true.

"Not only the tool itself, you can sell its fuel and the rope used to light the fire. The profit will be enormous. And if you're the first to sell it, your name will be known in history."

A convenient tool that everyone could use.

In this age, people usually were still cooking using a clay stove or a wood stove. It was time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the process was dirty. Food created by a fire pit was always smoky and greasy.

But the stove was different.

It could heat the food evenly and quickly, without wasting a lot of firewood or leaving a mess. It was perfect and convenient, and the taste was much better.

"Not only that, look at the second scroll." Leo grinned and waited, watching Ming Yuchan's expression as he looked at the design.

A complex expression appeared on his face, his eyes narrowed and his brows furrowed.

"Is this...?"

"A cooking tool designed to fit the stove. There is no need to use a large pot or a cauldron anymore. This tool will do the job for you, and the result will be tastier. No more greasy and smoky food. And the best part is, it's easy to clean and won't leave a mess."

A wok, a frying pan, and a pot to cook rice. They were the main kitchen tools that could be used with the stove, and the cooking process was faster and easier.

With the new technology and innovation, anyone could become a chef and create a delicious meal.

"If you want to try the rice and meal cooked using these, I have it in my storage ring right now. Of course, the result depends on the cook, but I prepared two meals prepared by the same person using different stoves and equipment. Let's see which one is better."

"Interesting. Show me, please."

Leo nodded and pulled out two dishes, both in a bowl covered with a lid. He had asked for Yue Yue to cook for him using the usual stove in the inn and the one he made using the stove.

The result was clear and obvious.

One dish was much more moist and fluffy, while the other was dry and had a strong smoky smell. Ming Yuchan tried both and his eyes focused on the one made by the stove.

"This is amazing. The rice is moist and fluffy, and the flavor is well-balanced. Although there is this... earthy smell, it doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, it's better than the previous one."

"You can also sell this stove and the tools used to cook with it. But... I want part of the profit." Leo grinned and held out his hand. "We have a deal?"

"Of course. This will change the world. But, let's keep it a secret until we get the prototype done. I want to know how to mass-produce it."

"No problem. I can help you with that. You just have to find the materials and the place. I will send a machine that can help with that." Leo crossed his legs, his smile brighter. "Well, you can start preparing for it. I will send someone to help you. And of course, the payment."

"Thank you. I will help you with your plan to the best of my abilities. In fact, I will find a body double for you too."

"That would be perfect."

Laughter echoed in the room, and the two men drank tea and discussed the plan.

***

Meanwhile, back in Chengdu, in an underground arena, a young woman was fighting against a beast. She was swinging an axe larger than her body with ease and killing the giant lizard.

Blood was flying everywhere, and the sound of her axe hitting the ground and the monster's scales was loud. The barbarian wearing modern clothes grinned ear to ear as she raised her axe, shouting and laughing.

She was a wild and dangerous person, and she was always fighting, never stopping.

In her head, a voice was always echoing, telling her to fight and win. It was a strange voice that didn't belong to her, but she couldn't refuse it. A barbarian lived to fight. And fight, Lee Hae-In did.

"Haha! This is great!"

The audience was cheering, and the beast was finally dead, its head separated from its body.

Watching from the audience seat counting the money gained from the fight was Sherly. Her lips curled upward as she heard the clinging sound of Gold Coins being poured into a sack.

The audience was cheering and waving, and her smile grew wider as she saw Lee Hae-In approaching her. She stood up and greeted the barbarian known as Crazy Bitch.

"Good job, Lee Hae-In. You did it again."

"It's nothing." She grinned and wiped the blood off her axe, slinging it on her back. "I am hungry."