CHAPTER 77 - IMPORTANT DISCOVERY

Upon the mayor’s agreement to his proposition, Han Wu internally exclaimed, Bingo! His heart pounded with excitement as he told the mayor, “If it’s not too much trouble, I would prefer a greatsword.”

Weissenegger pondered his request for a brief moment and then nodded in acknowledgment. “Follow me.”

The mayor guided Han Wu to his private collection room, where a magnificent assortment of weapons was showcased. Although Han Wu was unable to access the detailed data of most of the items, he could clearly perceive the powerful aura emanating from within them. It was clear that every single weapon within the collection room was a Divine weapon!

Weissenegger led Han Wu to a section showcasing eight distinct greatswords. Han Wu carefully examined each one until his gaze fell upon a greatsword that was pitch black in color. The accompanying description indicated that this greatsword was crafted from dense dragon bones

Intrigued by this straightforward description, Han Wu reached out and touched the greatsword. Upon contact, the greatsword emitted a powerful roar, akin to that of a dragon, and a strange but powerful resonance coursed through Han Wu’s body.

Weissenegger was also visibly surprised by the display, having never encountered such a thing before. The evident resonance between Han Wu and the weapon suggested a deep compatibility, as if they were meant to be together. At the very least, the mayor found comfort in the thought that Han Wu was unlikely to damage or disrespect such a remarkable blade.

“I want this one,” Han Wu declared, deciding on the black greatsword, even though he could see others that looked way stronger. He knew that to exchange for a truly superior weapon, he would likely need to offer a God-tier weapon or artifact.

Since he was going to be staying in Zombie Town for a while, Han Wu concluded that establishing amicable relations with Weissenegger was a wise decision. Furthermore, the greatsword resonated deeply with his blood, indicating that it would enhance his physical power when wielded during combat. All in all, Han Wu understood that he had made a worthwhile transaction.

The mayor nodded in acknowledgement. “Alright. However, the cleaver on its own is not an equal trade for this weapon. You’ll need to add something else.”

Han Wu nodded in understanding and offered up three Rank 3 Gold Coinflowers and the tap dance notation. He consciously chose not to reveal his Rank 4 seeds, as he had plans for them.

Weissenegger glanced past the tap dance notation and focused on the Gold Coinflower seeds. “You may have the black greatsword in exchange for the cleaver and two of these Gold Coinflower seeds. Do you agree to these terms?”

Han Wu nodded with genuine happiness. He would have readily agreed to the exchange even if the mayor had requested all three of his Gold Coinflower seeds along with the tap dance notation.

The mayor accepted the seeds and expressed his satisfaction with the exchange, even offering Han Wu a piece of advice.

“Regarding this notation...” he commented, gesturing to the tap dance document, “perhaps your neighbor, Madam Haul, might find it interesting. If my memory serves me correctly, she was the renowned dancing queen of our town in her youth.”

“Is that so? Thank you very much for the information,” Han Wu replied, appreciating the mayor’s insight.

The notation itself was of no practical use to him, but he understood that it could be of immense worth to another individual. As it turned out, he had already been planning to speak with Madam Haul regarding the events of the previous night.

After departing from the mayor’s house, Han Wu quickly made his way back home. As he passed Xu Tie’s property, he noticed the Fire Dragon Grass coiling above the house, resembling an actual dragon. As fate would have it, Xu Tie was just leaving his house, likely on his way to sell his accumulated spoils. Although the two rivals were not openly hostile enough to engage in immediate combat upon encountering each other, they did cast unfriendly scowls in each other’s direction.

Xu Tie gestured proudly towards his thriving garden, displaying it for Han Wu to see.

“Look at this, Han Wu!” he remarked with a smug tone. “The gap in our scores is steadily widening. Look at how far ahead I’m getting, while you’re still just dragging along in third place. You should just throw in the towel now, and maybe, if I’m feeling generous, I’ll let you stay in the same classroom as Qin Shuang.”

Han Wu responded with a cold smile, his eyes unwavering.

“Oh, how very... considerate of you,” he said, his tone laced with sarcasm, “but hey, it’s still quite early in the competition. After all, it’s only the third day. The ultimate victor has yet to be determined.”

Xu Tie’s expression hardened, and he growled, “In that case, I will personally deliver a victory so overwhelming it’ll shut you up for good!”

Han Wu chose to ignore Xu Tie’s taunts and simply walked away. Upon reaching his own house, he did not enter but instead veered towards Madam Haul’s and rang her doorbell.

“Madam Haul?” he called. “Are you home?”

With Sun Qingnian’s assistance, Madam Haul slowly emerged from her house. Though she was seventy-years-old and her face was etched with wrinkles, her elegance was still evident. She moved with a confident gait, unlike the typical shuffle of an elderly woman.

Han Wu thought with a smirk, So she’s the one Sun Qingnian’s getting cozy with, huh?

“Ah, so you must be the new neighbor,” Madam Haul said. “My pookie has already informed me of everything that transpired last night. If you’ve come seeking compensation, you may as well leave now. I, Sannah Haul, have no intention of paying for your evident incompetence!”

Her voice was harsh and inflexible, making it clear that she would not negotiate. A frown creased Sun Qingnian’s face, but he was powerless to object, his survival currently dependent on her goodwill.

Adopting a more deferential tone, Han Wu spoke respectfully. “Madam Haul, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I am not here to ask for any compensation whatsoever. Rather, I came to witness the grace I have heard so much about. Mayor Weissenegger mentioned your former title as the Dancing Queen of this town, and I can now understand that his praise was well-deserved.”

Though her expression eased slightly, she still remained guarded. “Don’t you dare think for a second that I’m going to change my garden just because of your compliment.”

Han Wu offered a bitter smile, simultaneously impressed and intrigued as to how Sun Qingnian had managed to sweet-talk his rich, grumpy neighbor. Sensing that the negotiation was heading towards failure, he decided to play his final card.

He carefully retrieved the tap dance notation from his pocket and presented it to her.

“Madam Haul,” he said respectfully, “I recently stumbled upon this tap dance notation and thought you might want to take a look.”

Madam Haul, the former dancing queen, caught sight of the notation, and her gaze immediately sharpened with interest. She eagerly took the manuscript and became instantly absorbed in its contents after reading just a few pages.

“This... this is the long-lost Boogie Dance!” she exclaimed, her voice shaking. “Name any price—I’ll pay you anything, no matter the cost!”

Madam Haul was beside herself with excitement when she saw that notation. Years of fruitless searching had led her to believe she would never find it. She had come to terms with the idea that it would be her only lingering regret in life, never daring to hope she would witness it with her own eyes in her remaining years.

She decided right then and there she’d pay anything for that notation, even if it meant handing over her whole house! To her, that tap dance notation was worth more than all the money in the world.

Observing Madam Haul’s intense desire for the tap dance notation, Han Wu saw his chance. However, he wasn’t interested in just a one-time deal. Instead, he aimed to establish a lasting friendship with her, believing that this would lead to more favorable rewards over time.

“Madam Haul,” Han Wu said sincerely, “you are far too kind. Please consider this notation a gift from me. Should I happen to come across any more of these dance notations in the future, I will certainly bring them to you as well.”

A look of profound surprise spread across Madam Haul’s face, and the way she regarded Han Wu softened considerably. In that instant, she began to view him as if he were her own grandson.

“Little Han,” Madam Haul said, her voice now warm, “thank you for your wonderful generosity, and please forgive my earlier rudeness. From this moment on, you have to call me Sannah! I promise to be the best neighbor you could ever ask for!”

At that precise moment, a system notification chimed within Han Wu’s mind.

[Became friends with Dancing Queen Sannah Haul. Unlocking Sannah Haul’s personal shop. +30,000 points]

Han Wu’s eyes widened in astonishment. He had just stumbled upon a discovery of significant importance!