Chapter 309: Midnight Café

“The previous Book of Becoming a God had a clear flaw: it lacked elemental attributes. The void Divinity formed purely from divine energy was too fragile, resulting in weak deities. The next step is integrating elements. Snowstorm City, filled with ice and snow elements, happens to be the perfect place.”

Braving the wind and snow, Zuo Meng entered the frozen city.

The aftermath left Snowstorm City desolate. Endless snowfall blanketed the sky. Howling winds intertwined with icy architecture to form a stark landscape. Frost-coated storefronts lined the streets, their signs buried under snowdrifts. Glittering icicles hung from eaves, proclaiming the city’s bitter cold.

It was bone-chilling.

Zuo Meng walked through the streets, sensing the city’s aura. His thin clothing made him stand out among bundled-up pedestrians. A few passersby paused to stare before hurrying away, clutching their coats tighter.

Clang-clang-clang!

A tram rattled past, forcing Zuo Meng to sidestep. He observed the rushing crowds. Unlike Linmu City’s warmth, this place exuded frostiness – both in climate and people.

Midnight Café.

Through the glass, Zuo Meng saw a dozen patrons sipping coffee in isolated clusters. Lavish chandeliers illuminated the space while a tailcoated pianist played soothing melodies. Before he could enter, a guard blocked his path.

“This is private property, sir.”

Zuo Meng met the guard’s gaze, releasing a hint of his aura. Upon arriving, he’d already scanned Snowstorm City’s unique energies using his mastered rules, pinpointing this Underworld gateway disguised as a café – the ideal spot to find candidates surpassing Yu Mo.

The guard shuddered, then bowed apologetically. “My oversight. Please enter.”

Warmth embraced him as he stepped inside. Frost-defying glass doors and hidden Transcendent artifacts created luxurious comfort. Ordinary people outside glanced enviously at the opulent interior.

“Reservation, sir?” a server inquired.

“No.”

“Right this way.”

The server guided him to non-reserved seating on the right. Seven or eight Transcendent beings shot wary glances at the newcomer.

“The ‘menu’ will arrive shortly,” said the server, referring to Midnight Café’s transaction catalog offering everything from materials to identities. Snowstorm City dealt bluntly – anything could be bought at the right price.

“Any notable talents emerging recently?”

Zuo Meng had potential candidates: Li Lingyue of the Li Sisters, Yan family’s Fat Guy Yan Kuan, or even Ouyang family head Ouyang Qing as backup. None were currently in Linmu City, and his current powers couldn’t scan the entire Origin World. Teleportation remained limited despite his recent rule mastery.

‘Fat Guy Yan Kuan should be near Linmu City. Is he here?’

During the city alliance exhibition, Yan Kuan’s uncle had attended, but Zuo Meng’s incomplete Book of Becoming a God then left only faint traces. He casually generated spiritual treasures for trade – worthless to him, yet perfect bargaining chips.

“Genius? That’s vague. There’s a painter using sound to capture emotions, a musician diagnosing illness through melodies…”

The server listed irrelevant talents. Zuo Meng needed someone bearing great fortune to wield his Book – an unscientific concept he couldn’t explain.

“Other news?”

Before the server replied, a scarred man in black trench coat sat across Zuo Meng. “Interested in trading?”

“Sir, this violates protocol,” the server objected.

The scarred man flung a stack of bills – 10,000+ Transcendent Realm trading points. “Enough now?”