Chapter 86: A Missed Chance

Lately, Gao Jing felt increasingly pressed for time.

His journey on the Path of Transcendence was just beginning. His exploration of the Great World still didn’t reach beyond a corner of Shan Yue Village.

The new world stretched vast and boundless, brimming with countless opportunities and wonders.

Gao Jing hungered for true power.

The kind where fish leap freely in endless seas, eagles soar through endless skies—real power and freedom.

But strength didn’t fall from the sky. It demanded relentless effort and struggle.

It also needed the profits from trading between his two worlds.

Gao Jing divided his time: cultivating, charging the Bronze Anchor, gathering Power of Faith, personally buying Coarse Salt and Peanut Brittle, plus handling business talks and social dealings.

There simply weren’t enough hours.

Entrusting minor tasks to others became his only choice to better use his precious time.

His current plan was setting up a trading company in the Provincial Capital.

Everything related to buying or selling goods could run through this company once established.

Owning millions yet fighting store queues for Peanut Brittle? Ridiculous.

Starting the company was easy. Finding the right person to manage it? That was tricky.

Gao Jing carried world-shattering secrets.

He needed an utterly reliable helper—someone competent yet discreet.

Though he knew many people, real friends were few.

Zhang Hongyuan wasn’t exceptional, but his integrity was solid.

Rumors lately suggested he was struggling at work.

So Gao Jing made a discreet offer moments ago.

Zhu Lili shut it down before Zhang Hongyuan could respond.

Gao Jing didn’t mind, though he felt slight regret.

Don’t force things, he reminded himself.

He fully understood Zhu Lili’s thought process.

Her employer, Golden Radiance, had powerful new owners now with glowing prospects.

Zhang Hongyuan finally stood near a promotion.

Jumping ship for Gao Jing’s uncertain venture? Too massive a gamble right now.

This wasn’t about friendship.

Pure practicality.

Zhu Lili clearly feared Zhang Hongyuan might impulsively agree.

Right as his years of toil at Golden Radiance bore fruit?

All down the drain.

Understanding her worries didn’t change reality.

Zhang Hongyuan effectively sided with Zhu Lili’s silent refusal. Gao Jing wouldn’t pound his chest swearing, “Stick with me! Luxury cars within a year, mansions in two, life’s summit in three!”

Dragging him aboard felt wrong.

Frankly, their friendship hadn’t reached such trust.

Just… poor timing.

Their friendship, luckily, wouldn’t suffer for it.

The hotpot dinner, though, stayed joyful.

Gao Jing and Zhang Hongyuan emptied a case of Corona.

Gao Jing paid entirely.

They parted ways outside Yintai Plaza, both couples.

Zhang Hongyuan watched Gao Jing hop into a taxi with knitted brows.

He understood Gao Jing’s offer came goodwill.

But Zhu Lili wasn’t wrong either.

Torn, he hesitated.

“Let’s walk.”

Zhu Lili cheerfully linked his arm. “Movie time! Extra rewards back home tonight.”

He earned her generosity tonight.

Zhang Hongyuan discarded his doubts instantly. “Go!”

Well!

In life, staying happy mattered most.

“Where to, sir?”

The taxi driver asked Gao Jing moments later, in the front passenger seat.

Gao Jing snapped from thought.

He almost said “Minglan Grand View.”

Instead, the words switched. “Go to Huxi Old Street.”

“Got it!”

Huxi Old Street hugged Yunlan Lake’s western shore—

The Provincial Capital’s famed bar district.

Gao Jing returned to the “Time Remembered” bar.

He sat at the counter.

Familiar space. Familiar vibe. Familiar songs. The bartender? Familiar too.

Gao Jing tapped the counter softly. “A drink, please. Thanks.”

The bartender remembered Gao Jing better.

Despite few visits.

The memory showed crystal clear—

Right here.

Right before him.

This man once caught an outstanding beauty’s soul with just a look.

That rose-like beauty had always come alone.

Never left with any other man.

Now he was here again!!

Holding back his envy and bitterness, the bartender asked, “Scotch whisky as usual?”

There were many brands of Scotch whisky.

But at Old Times, only one kind existed.

“Yeah.”

Gao Jing nodded.

He picked up the glass before him and took a small sip of the crisp, rich whisky.

He sank into deep thought.

Gao Jing’s mind was still on farming Power of Faith.

He wanted to gain all Power of Faith at once to see if the Bronze Anchor would level up again.

Maybe new, stronger abilities would emerge.

But this wasn’t easy.

It really needed careful planning to spend his hard-earned money wisely.

The key was avoiding another disaster like Qiyu Live, where he wasted a fortune and only felt disgusted!

That method of gaining Power of Faith brought no joy.

Honestly, becoming a sports star was an excellent way to farm Power of Faith.

For the current Gao Jing, breaking world records was as simple as eating or drinking!

However, Gao Jing now faced a critical problem.

After becoming a Totem Warrior, his vital energy surged to unimaginable levels.

Gao Jing suspected his blood had undergone fundamental changes.

So, if he broke records in competitions, he’d inevitably face blood tests.

And not just once.

Later, people would demand his blood every few days, refusing him any refusal.

The consequences were truly unpredictable.

That path was completely blocked; no need to consider it anymore.

Besides, Gao Jing didn’t want to live under the spotlight, followed by paparazzi day and night.

Ending up as a hot search headline suddenly.

Just thinking about it made him feel dizzy.

He drained the whisky in one go and gestured for the bartender to pour him another.

Just then, Gao Jing suddenly caught a familiar fragrance.

His heart stirred involuntarily.

Gao Jing turned his head and saw a stunning woman taking the seat beside him.

Their eyes met.

The instant shock and blush on the woman’s face made him smile faintly.

Fate!

Gao Jing fixed his gaze on her and asked, “Can I buy you another drink?”

Under his intensely piercing gaze, the woman bit her lip softly.

Then she nodded.

After that night.

She found herself driven by an inexplicable feeling.

She visited Old Times several times more.

But never encountered Gao Jing again.

She thought she would never see Gao Jing again.

Yet tonight, she once more met those eyes that seemed to hold burning fire.

Both coincidence and an inevitable outcome!

She felt like a moth darting into fire, knowing full well collision would burn her to ash.

Yet utterly unable to resist the flame’s light and warmth.

After finishing her drink.

Without needing more words, they left the bar together in silent understanding.

Leaving the bartender alone behind the counter to eat lemons.

…