Volume One, Chapter Seven: The Final Meal

Lin Yun carried the lunch box and turned to deliver the meal. This final meal was less of a last request and more like a funeral offering. It was his first time performing such a task, and he was curious to see what the prisoner looked like now. Prisoners who entered the Superpower Prison generally had only one ending: death.

Today’s "guest" was Zhang Ming, the old man who had orchestrated terrorist activities. Lin Yun felt no ripples of emotion; in fact, he was somewhat expectant. Although the death of this old man meant losing a source of experience points, it also meant he would get another chance at a lucky draw—a deal that was absolutely profitable.

In front of Cell No. 12, Zhang Ming sat with his back to the iron door, huddled in a corner like a stray dog.

"Zhang Ming, I’ve prepared good food and wine for you today. Eat while it’s hot." Lin Yun’s voice echoed through the empty corridor.

Hearing the commotion, Zhang Ming trembled and slowly turned around. His previous air of arrogance was gone, replaced by the visage of a mangled, ruined man. One eye had been gouged out, his hands were shackled, and his teeth had all been pulled. It seemed that even a high-level supernatural user could not withstand the torture of the interrogation room. Lin Yun sighed inwardly; the methods of the Superpower Prison were indeed ruthless when dealing with criminals.

Zhang Ming stared intently at the lunch box with his only remaining eye, seemingly understanding the situation. He was silent for a moment before suddenly speaking in a hoarse voice: "Young man, do me a favor, and I guarantee you a life of endless wealth and luxury."

The old man was actually conceding? Whenever they had met before, he had always been pointing fingers and cursing. Lin Yun did not respond, pretending to leave just to see what other tricks he had up his sleeve.

Seeing this, Zhang Ming struggled to drag his broken body forward, saying urgently, "The wealth I have accumulated in my lifetime is hidden in one place. As long as you agree to help me find someone and pass on a few words, I will tell you the location of the treasure."

"I have everything I need in prison; what use would I have for so much money?" Lin Yun scoffed.

"Nonsense!" Zhang Ming roared. "Money can make the devil turn the millstone. Can this hellhole compare to the glittering world outside?"

"Money can't buy experience points." Of course, Lin Yun kept this thought to himself.

Lin Yun was noncommittal to his words, simply shaking his head. "I like staying in prison. I don't need the things you’re talking about." With that, he turned and walked away without hesitation.

Zhang Ming grew desperate. He kicked the iron door of the cell frantically and roared at Lin Yun’s retreating back, "Don't be ungrateful, you brat! Even if you aren't interested in money, if you report the location of the treasure to the superiors, you could jump several ranks and have a bright future! Don't you want to come back and thank me?!"

Lin Yun didn't look back, laughing, "Still not interested."

Zhang Ming’s lone eye widened. "What exactly do you want? Superpower technique manuals? I have plenty! Three Level 6 techniques, two Level 5 ones, and even some Level 4s. As long as you nod and help me, I’ll teach them all to you!"

Unfortunately, Lin Yun had long since walked away and could not hear his shouting.

"Idiot, a truly short-sighted idiot!" Zhang Ming kicked the lunch box over in a rage, spilling the food all over the floor.

As Lin Yun walked out of the cell block, the sounds of Zhang Ming’s hysterical cursing and the clatter of breaking objects followed him. As long as he developed steadily in the Superpower Prison, power, wealth, and mighty abilities would all eventually be within his grasp. Why trade with a dying man for such trivial immediate gains? Besides, money could not increase his strength.

It was better to consult the *Prison Master’s Codex* and check the records of Zhang Ming’s crimes; he could easily find the treasure location mentioned, which was far more reliable than anything the man said. Who could guarantee that Zhang Ming wasn't setting a trap before his death, looking for someone to be his scapegoat? His own *Prison Master’s Codex* was much more dependable.

Zhang Ming would be executed tomorrow. After delivering the meal, Lin Yun found a quiet corner to consult the *Prison Master’s Codex* regarding Zhang Ming. As expected, it contained detailed records of the various terrorist activities Zhang Ming had conducted over the years, the wealth he had amassed, and where it was hidden. To ensure secrecy, Zhang Ming had even killed everyone involved in building the treasure vault and anyone who knew about it. These crimes were all recorded in meticulous detail by the *Codex*.

Lin Yun smiled slightly. With this treasure location, a promotion was in sight. A higher position meant greater power, which would make it easier for him to "manage" prisoners in the future. Zhang Ming had been partially right; Lin Yun was indeed not interested in the money itself, but he needed this massive treasure site to earn credit.

...

The news Lin Yun reported startled the Captain awake from his cozy nest. Ignoring the two beauties he was holding, he rushed to the Superpower Prison in a fluster.

"Is this news of yours true?!" His tone was hurried, filled with disbelief.

Lin Yun replied calmly, "It is absolutely true. I heard it myself when the old man was talking in his sleep."

"In his sleep? It might be true. And since the man is to be beheaded tomorrow, whether it's true or not, I have to go and see..." Captain Ren paced back and forth in the room, his face flushed with excitement. He had used every possible method to pry open Zhang Ming's mouth, but the old man’s resolve had been harder than steel. With the execution approaching, he had been desperate, thinking he would never get his hands on that treasure. Who would have thought that a lowly prison guard under his command would bring him such a massive surprise?

He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the wild joy in his heart. "I understand."

Seeing that the timing was right, Lin Yun added, "Captain Ren, if this turns out to be true, I’ve performed a great service."

"Thank you, Captain Ren." Lin Yun said the words of thanks but did not move.

Captain Ren frowned slightly. "Is there anything else?"

"Captain, if this is true, I’d like to ask you for two favors."

Captain Ren narrowed his eyes, a glint of sharpness flashing through them. "Let’s hear it."

"I want a Level 5 superpower technique, and could you please let other colleagues handle the meal deliveries? I really don't want to do that job anymore."

Lin Yun knew that leaders despised greedy subordinates, but they also didn't trust honest men who asked for nothing. To be too greedy was to be ignorant of the rules, but to not be greedy at all made one untrustworthy. Therefore, he had to be greedy, but in just the right amount.

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Yun felt a sharp gaze scanning him, as if trying to see through his soul. Lin Yun remained silent, waiting quietly.

After a long while, Captain Ren spoke slowly, "A Level 6 technique is fine, but don't even think about anything above Level 5. As for the meal delivery... you are currently still an auxiliary guard; let’s get you officially promoted first."

"Thank you, Captain!" Lin Yun thanked him quickly and turned to leave.

After Lin Yun left, a smile appeared on Captain Ren’s gloomy face. "This kid... he’s interesting."

Immediately, he summoned his trusted aides and quickly gathered his men, preparing to head to the treasure location.