Chapter 272: Chapter 272

Whether it was the memories Zhou Qiming had already revealed or the potentially missing ones, there were too many suspicious points. And his "special bond" with Administrator 4444 made him particularly easy to manipulate!

Previously, Jiang Ye had only harbored suspicions without clear understanding. But now, having confirmed that transferring the [Reincarnation Key] required Zhou Qiming as the "middleman"... this chess piece was almost certainly tampered with! And not in a way that could be detected through simple lie detection—meaning Zhou Qiming himself might be unaware of the manipulation!

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Facing Jiang Ye's doubts, Zhou Qiming frowned directly: "You're overthinking this. What capability do I have compared to the Nomadic Merchant? How could I possibly make the [Reincarnation Key] disappear right under his nose?" From his tone, Zhou Qiming didn't seem to be lying.

However, Jiang Ye still felt he needed to safeguard his interests regarding the [Reincarnation Key] transaction. Instead of arguing further with Zhou Qiming, he turned to probe the Nomadic Merchant: "You agreed to have the [Reincarnation Key] transferred to Zhou Qiming first before coming to you. Therefore, I believe the moment I lose the [Reincarnation Key], our deal should be fulfilled—meaning what I want should be in my hands simultaneously with the transfer." The subtext was clear: any subsequent issues wouldn't be his responsibility—the consequences would fall on the Nomadic Merchant.

Due to outsiders present, Jiang Ye avoided directly mentioning the "Clone Mirror." Fortunately, the Nomadic Merchant was reasonable too—he also didn't say "Clone Mirror," simply flipping his hand to produce a miniature framed pendant resembling a photo frame. A silver chain held the tiny frame, which swayed as he dangled it. "At the same time you transfer the [Reincarnation Key] to him, this will be yours," the Nomadic Merchant declared.

Only then did Jiang Ye nod, transferring the cross-shaped shadow from his left palm toward Zhou Qiming. Strangely, he didn't feel the actual "transfer" sensation—because right now, he and Zhou Qiming seemed to share the identity of Administrator 4444. The Reincarnation Key felt like it belonged to both of them simultaneously.

Zhou Qiming's left hand slowly received the cross. He casually clenched his fist, and the cross seemed to merge into his body. After switching death states to confirm the [Reincarnation Key] worked on him, he grinned at Administrator 4444: "Alright, I'll release now to sever our symbiotic connection." Their clasped hands gradually separated.

At that moment, Jiang Ye's sense of sharing the "Administrator 4444" identity with Zhou Qiming rapidly faded. With it disappeared his connection to the [Reincarnation Key]—he could no longer sense its existence. Worse, losing the key cost him his ability to switch death states and freely enter the [Reincarnation Graveyard]! Though his clone army remained there, he could only re-enter through [Clone Exchange].

Zhou Qiming appeared normal. Flipping his hand, the cross-shaped shadow reappeared in his palm. His glance at the Nomadic Merchant seemed to say: See? I wasn't lying—the [Reincarnation Key] really could transfer to me. When the merchant stayed silent, Zhou Qiming addressed Administrator 4444 again: "Now let's retry transferring the [Reincarnation Graveyard]. Maybe with the [Reincarnation Key], it'll work this time?"

Jiang Ye pondered briefly before clasping hands with Zhou Qiming again—this time secretly testing whether he could reclaim the [Reincarnation Key]. As Zhou Qiming had said while wearing the [Mask of Deceit], such bound item transfers required mutual consent. Even if he wanted it back now, Zhou Qiming's agreement was necessary—just as the initial transfer required his own willingness.

Yet even with the key, Zhou Qiming still failed to transfer the graveyard. "Still not working..." he frowned. "Seems the [Reincarnation Graveyard] isn't part of Administrator 4444's bound permissions..." Worried about displeasing the Nomadic Merchant, he quickly added: "But don't worry—with your power, accessing the graveyard is just a matter of time once you study the [Reincarnation Key]. When that time comes, you might still need me. Whatever's required then, I'll fully cooperate!"

On surface, Zhou Qiming was currying favor. In truth, he was subtly highlighting his unique value—his special bond with Administrator 4444. If he died before being useful again... that might inconvenience the Nomadic Merchant. His real hope was for the merchant to guarantee his safety—especially with the madwoman Lin Ling glaring nearby.

Lin Ling instantly saw through Zhou Qiming's scheme. Regardless of whether he'd been manipulated, he'd killed Yu Hu! He had to pay! She doubted the Nomadic Merchant would be swayed by such transparent flattery. Yet to her shock—

Right after Zhou Qiming spoke, Jiang Ye unexpectedly supported him seriously: "He's right. When you decipher the [Reincarnation Key] for graveyard transfer, you might need Zhou Qiming again. So for your own interests, nothing should happen to him before then..." Turning to Lin Ling with mediator-like demeanor, he added: "Left Alliance, we've questioned Zhou Qiming—with the [Mask of Deceit]. Killing Yu Hu wasn't his intent—he was manipulated. He's just a chess piece—the real culprit is whoever pulled his strings! So I plead for leniency—could you spare him, considering the Nomadic Merchant's standing?"

Silence engulfed the dim space. Lin Ling's eyebrow twitched as she stared oddly at Jiang Ye. Their prior interactions had been minimal—just during the underground graveyard bribery selection for Administrator 4444. Back then, he'd struck her as slightly clever, nothing more (though notably sociable—friendly with Huang Bo and Administrator 4444). Never had she imagined he'd plead for Zhou Qiming!

Looking at his student-like appearance (high school or college?), she wondered if student council ideals had brainwashed him into equating popularity with success. Even Zhou Qiming was baffled. Though Jiang Ye had gained the [Scar of Defiance] without incurring Lin Ling's wrath (a massive freebie), he couldn't believe Jiang Ye didn't recognize his original malicious intent! Yet here he was, repaying evil with kindness! Zhou Qiming couldn't fathom his motives—though it somewhat explained his social success (winning over Huang Bo and Administrator 4444). But if Jiang Ye expected gratitude... he'd be sorely mistaken! Zhou Qiming wasn't the thankful type—no honeyed words would sway him like they had those two. Besides—

Perhaps the Nomadic Merchant had already planned to protect him, making Jiang Ye's "support" mere opportunism. Sure enough, as Zhou Qiming thought this, the merchant voiced approval: "Makes sense. So I decree—this one's life is under my protection." He eyed Lin Ling casually: "Any objections?"

"......" Lin Ling internally cursed while maintaining a deadpan: "None."

"Good." The Nomadic Merchant smiled meaningfully. "I trust your word."

Zhou Qiming swelled with elation! Initially, he'd resented Jiang Ye for involving Lin Ling. Now, with the merchant openly shielding him, he had to thank Jiang Ye for it! His scheme to transfer the [Scar of Defiance] to Jiang Ye had backfired—but so had Jiang Ye's summoning of Lin Ling! Zhou Qiming gloated inwardly.

Jiang Ye also smiled secretly. His delay in converting Zhou Qiming into a clone stemmed from fearing his death would render the conversion pointless. Now, with Zhou Qiming's safety assured, he could proceed freely. Moreover, Zhou Qiming's special bond with Administrator 4444 made him an intriguing clone candidate—worthy of further study. With Lin Ling restrained from killing him... Jiang Ye could happily welcome this new clone :)

Poor Zhou Qiming remained unaware—soon enough, he'd join Huang Bo and Administrator 4444 in bowing beneath Jiang Ye's casual charm...