Chapter 056: Target Sighted!

Judy certainly did not disappoint him. She secured even more favorable terms, even insisting on clauses that required respect for the magician's performance—details important for a superstar's dignity. She was, in essence, laying the groundwork, preemptively smoothing the atmosphere between a wealthy corporate group on one side and herself, a spirited young star, on the other.

In truth, she need not have worried so much. While Li Lekang harbored some resentment toward these affluent types, he had no qualms about money itself. If they were willing to pay a high price for his act, he would, of course, maintain the utmost professional integrity.

Thus, the following day, the team rented out a hotel swimming pool. The client had specifically requested to see his water-walking performance. At the entrance, staff discreetly placed a “Cleaning in Progress” sign—a subtle way of announcing the area was reserved. Inside, the audience was comprised wholly of people from the Saint Group: a cluster of white suits surrounding one enormous man.

Though he had heard rumors about the employer’s size, Li Lekang was still amazed when faced with this veritable mountain of flesh. My goodness, what kind of feed produces someone like this?

He eyed the man through his sunglasses, surprised. Unlike those whose obesity rendered them weak and listless, this individual radiated a certain vigor, both in spirit and presence. His features exuded the aura of someone accustomed to power, exuding an immovable authority. If one had to compare him to a fictional character, it would surely be the Kingpin from the comics.

The giant's name was Rudolph, a former rotating chairman of the Saint Group. Why he was lounging around Las Vegas was anyone's guess, but that hardly mattered—so long as the check cleared.

Judy had already investigated the company: a diversified service conglomerate involved in consulting, investment, technology, and security. A non-listed company shrouded in mystery, but a major taxpayer and heavyweight nonetheless.

Rumor had it that the Saint Group was backed by a Christian organization—one of those “religious financial cliques” that had migrated from Europe in earlier times. In medieval Europe, religion was a lucrative business. Their best-selling product was the “indulgence”; if you wanted to enter heaven, you had to buy one from the church—the more you paid, the better your chances. Hence the old saying: “As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.”

Over the centuries, the church amassed unfathomable wealth—no one could truly tally it all. Some reports claim that, in America alone, Catholic institutions spend $170 billion annually—more than Microsoft’s yearly revenue.

Saint—or, more literally, “the Saints”—was obviously a religiously rooted organization. Of course, Li Lekang had no desire to untangle their mysteries; he only cared that they paid, and he performed. Worrying about anything more would be exhausting.

There was only one thing he found amusing: these people had hired a “devil” to perform Jesus’s miracle of walking on water for them! If anyone were to capture this scene in a painting, it would be a masterpiece of irony.

As the group’s gaze swept over him, Li Lekang’s smile blossomed. “Hello, my dear friends!” He was about to step forward and greet them when two men in white suits approached, scanning him for weapons with a device. This had been mentioned in advance—they were particular about security. Li Lekang shrugged; for this kind of money, he’d tolerate just about anything. When the scan was done, he was allowed through.

He stepped forward to pay his respects. The bald man standing with arms crossed merely nodded, while the fat man spoke: “Mr. Li, I hear you have a knack for clever tricks—walking on water, some trivial, blasphemous mockery of miracles. Do you think people actually believe it’s real?”

The words dripped with the fervor of a true believer, but Li Lekang was not offended. He smiled, “Of course it’s fake. But in many cases, I can make it so people can’t tell the difference.”

“Prove it,” the fat man said, casting his gaze to the side. “Anyone will do. You there—Sterl, my faithful right hand!”

The bald man stepped forward, face grave.

Then the fat man waved his hand again. “This stifling heat is intolerable—what are you all standing around for?” The command brimmed with authority, and his subordinates quickly fetched food from the nearby trays, handing it to a beautiful female assistant, who brought it directly to his lips.

To be eating like this at his size, and with such pomp? Li Lekang couldn’t help thinking, does this man really deserve to call himself a believer? Suddenly, a surge of curiosity swept over him.

Here was a man of immense power, surrounded by sycophants, indulging in gluttony and pride, commanding others at a whim, and attended by beautiful women…

He pushed his sunglasses up, switching them to soul-recognition mode. At first glance, nothing seemed amiss. But as he looked closer, Li Lekang was stunned by the vibrant spectacle before him.

Pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust—each one pulsed in dazzling colors, all intertwined and concentrated upon this enormous man! In all his days in the city of sin, he had never seen someone embody all seven deadly sins so perfectly—each one so outstanding. Such a rare specimen!

No wonder everyone around him was so on edge—one word and even the fiercest-looking men snapped to attention. With such power, his vices had inflated without limit.

Well now, such a gorgeously tainted soul—no wonder he seemed off at first glance. I could tell right away there was something unnatural about this guy.

Li Lekang mused to himself; the man’s soul was a swirling tapestry of all seven sins, forming a complete, dazzling whole—an absolute prize for any offering.

He could barely restrain himself from wondering how best to crack open the man’s skull.

Opportunities to collect all seven deadly sins in one soul were exceedingly rare—a true monster among men.

But unlike in video games, where one could simply charge in and eliminate the target in front of an audience or an army, such direct action was impossible in the modern world. Just looking at the people present, it was clear they were formidable; even if he could overpower them, in a society ruled by law, he’d be making headlines the next day—front page, no less.

No, patience was required. A man of such size and prominence could not easily hide. All he had to do was keep a close eye on him; sooner or later, that soul would be his.

Rudolph, wielding immense power, could never have imagined that the magician he had hired to perform clever tricks was, in fact, a visitor from Hell, plotting to claim his very soul.

Li Lekang removed his sunglasses, his smile growing even warmer—there was even a trace of affection in his eyes as he looked at the fat man, so much so that the ever-alert bald man beside him found it odd.

“The pool has been prepared in advance by the staff. Now, I would like to invite Mr. Sterl to assist me in completing this water-walking performance!”