I was just fishing, how did I become a Great Old One?

Royal Dragon Bay, Villa No. 13.

The black Maybach slowly pulled up at the door, and Su Qingge personally drove the "strange" master and servant couple home.

"Mr. Jiang, you've really gone to a lot of trouble today."

Su Qingge looked at Jiang Li, who was holding the dusty jar, with a complicated expression.

Just half an hour ago, this guy not only "physically persuaded" the organizers to give him the out-of-control C+ grade cursed item, the "Screaming Pot," for free, but also casually bought a large bundle of long beans, two pounds of red peppers, and a large bag of coarse salt at the roadside vegetable market.

The intention is already quite clear.

He really intends to use this demon pot, which seals countless vengeful spirits, to pickle green beans!

"Oh, what's the big deal? The jars were free, and the green beans were only 1.5 yuan a pound."

Jiang Li grinned from ear to ear. "Miss Su, why don't you stay for dinner tonight? I'm planning to make stir-fried minced pork with pickled green beans. Although it will take a few more days to pickle, I can make something else first."

No, no thanks.

Su Qingge glanced at the jar that was still trembling slightly, as if it were crying silently, and felt a chill run down her spine.

That container holds tens of thousands of vengeful spirits! Won't eating green beans pickled in this stuff cause mutations?

Although she believed that Jiang Li's methods could suppress the evil spirits, she simply couldn't get over the psychological hurdle.

"I still have some things to do at the bureau (writing a report), so I'll head back now."

Su Qingge jumped into the car as if fleeing and sped away.

"This neighbor is still too polite."

Jiang Li shook his head, picked up the jar, and led Da Huang into the villa.

……

Upon returning home, Jiang Li immediately threw the "broken jar" into the kitchen sink.

"Big Yellow, watch the fire, don't let this thing get away... I mean, don't let it roll onto the ground and break."

Jiang Li rolled up his sleeves and picked up a steel wool pad and dish soap.

"I don't know where they found this jar, it's full of black mud! It's so filthy!"

He turned on the tap, and the water rushed into the jar.

"Sizzle sizzle—"

The moment the water touched the jar wall, it was as if it had been dripped into boiling oil, instantly boiling and emitting plumes of black smoke.

That was the reaction of the vengeful spirits clinging to the inner wall of the [Screaming Pot] when they encountered "pure water" (tap water). They tried to resist, trying to pull this human who dared to desecrate the pot into an illusion.

Countless distorted human faces emerged from the black smoke, roaring silently at Jiang Li.

"Holy crap! What's that smell?!"

Jiang Li frowned and fanned himself. "This stinks! It smells like a dead rat rotting in there! This boss is definitely a shrewd businessman; no wonder he gave it to me for free!"

Under Jiang Li's "filter," those terrifying vengeful spirits and black smoke were nothing more than the musty smell and dust emanating from years of accumulated grime.

"Looks like we'll have to take drastic measures."

Jiang Li grabbed the entire bottle of dish soap, poured in half a bottle of "Mr. Muscle" (a powerful stain remover), and finally picked up a steel wool pad and began to scrub the inside of the jar frantically.

"Scrub it clean! Make it spotless!"

"Squeak—squeak—"

The steel wool rubbed against the ceramic wall, making a tooth-grinding sound.

Each friction was accompanied by a piercing scream (which could only be heard by those with high spiritual vision).

The vengeful spirits that had clung to the altar wall for thousands of years were forcibly scraped off by Jiang Li's physical cleaning, which was filled with "killing intent," and flushed down the drain along with the filth.

"ah--!!!"

The magic pot was trembling; it felt as if its "skin" was about to be rubbed off.

This human has incredible strength! And the silver silk ball (steel wool) he's using actually has anti-magic properties?!

Ten minutes later.

Jiang Li looked at the brand-new jar with satisfaction.

The once dull and gloomy magic pot has now been polished to a shine and even has a fresh lemon scent (dish soap smell).

"This looks much better."

Jiang Li wiped his hands and began preparing the pickled vegetables.

Wash and dry the long beans, then cut them into sections.

Finely chop the red chili peppers.

Smash the ginger and garlic.

"Big Yellow, come help me hold it down, why is this jar always wobbling?"

Jiang Li complained as she stuffed green beans into the food.

Big Yellow came running over excitedly, pressing its two front paws against the mouth of the jar.

It looked down and glanced inside.

The once arrogant and domineering vengeful spirits were now cowering in a corner at the bottom of the jar, watching the huge green strips (beans) and white crystals (salt) falling from above, and letting out desperate cries.

"Woof!" (Behave yourselves or I'll eat you all!)

Big Yellow growled threateningly.

The jar stopped moving instantly.

Jiang Li stuffed the green beans to the brim, then sprinkled a thick layer of coarse salt on top, poured in cooled boiled water, and finally even poured in two ounces of Erguotou (saying it was to sterilize and enhance the flavor).

"This liquor is very strong; hopefully it will suppress the musty smell."

Everything is settled.

Jiang Li found a large bowl, placed it over the mouth of the jar, and then added a ring of water around the rim of the bowl to seal it.

"Perfect!"

He patted the jar. "It'll be ready to eat in three to five days. I'll stir-fry some pickled green beans and minced meat for Xiaoyu then; that's her favorite."

……

It was late at night.

Jiang Li was fast asleep upstairs, snoring loudly.

In the kitchen, the [Screaming Magic Jar] (the active sauerkraut jar) placed in the corner began to stir.

As a C+ grade cursed object, it possesses a certain degree of self-awareness.

The humiliation it suffered during the day had enraged it to the extreme!

It was a terrifying creature that turned a small town into a dead zone overnight! And now it's being used to pickle green beans?!

Moreover, the green beans had too much salt and garlic added, making them so spicy that their very soul was aching!

"Unforgivable...unforgivable..."

The magic pot began to vibrate slightly, and ripples appeared in the water seal on the rim of the bowl.

It will fight back! It will make this foolish human pay the price!

A black, resentful aura tried to push aside the large bowl, wanting to permeate the entire villa, create terrifying illusions, and drive the people inside insane and dead in their dreams.

"Gulp..."

The large bowl was pushed open with a small crack.

Just then.

"Tap, tap, tap..."

A soft footstep sound came from behind.

The magic pot stopped moving instantly, pretending nothing had happened.

Big Yellow walked into the kitchen like a ghost.

It ignored the magic pot and went straight to the large double-door refrigerator.

Big Yellow skillfully pried open the refrigerator door with its paws, and cold air rushed out.

In the refrigerator, besides the vegetables and drinks that Jiang Li bought, there was also a half-empty bucket of [Abyss Leeches] (cut into pieces) on the bottom shelf.

In the corner of the refrigerator, there was a black object wrapped in plastic wrap.

That's... the remaining half of the head from that [Abyssal Giant Mouth Anglerfish]!

Big Yellow came to steal food.

It glanced at the magic pot in the corner, a hint of disdain in its eyes.

"Woof..." (Be quiet, don't wake up your owner, or I'll get scolded too.)

Magic Pot: "..."

It sensed the oppressive presence emanating from the Tindaros Hound, the aura of a superior predator.

But that's not the worst part.

The scariest thing was... the fish head in the refrigerator.

Although the fish head was dead and frozen solid, it still retained a trace of the residual power of a peak C-level overlord.

At this moment, the fish's unseeing eyes were staring intently at the magic pot through the plastic wrap.

It was as if to say, "Hey bro, you're in too? I was here first, so I know the proper etiquette."

The magic pot completely chickened out.

What kind of monsters live in this house?!

This dog is a time-space hunter, the refrigerator is freezing the Abyss Overlord, and there seems to be a vengeful spirit that isn't quite dead yet in the pool outside...

It silently closed the gap that had been opened.

Making a sauerkraut jar... is actually quite nice, at least it's safe.

……

Early the next morning.

Jiang Li got up and immediately ran to the kitchen to check on his pickled cowpeas.

"Hmm, it's well-sealed, no leaks."

He nodded in satisfaction, then opened the refrigerator to get the milk.

"Huh? One of these sausages is missing?"

Jiang Li counted them with a puzzled look.

He turned to look at Big Yellow, who was lying by the door pretending to be asleep, and noticed a suspicious oil stain on the corner of its mouth.

"Big Yellow! Did you steal my sausage?!"

"Woof!" (I didn't! I'm a dog! I don't eat pork!)

Big Yellow looked completely innocent.

"Forget it, I can't be bothered to argue with you."

Jiang Li took out her phone and glanced at the date.

"Today is Saturday, and Xiaoyu is home on holiday."

His mood instantly improved. "Perfect, I'll take her shopping today and buy her some clothes. This girl is so frugal, still wearing her high school uniform pants to university."

Jiang Li changed his clothes, drove his Land Rover, and headed straight for Jianghai University with Da Huang in tow.

……

Wanda Plaza, downtown Jianghai.

The weekend was bustling with people.

Jiang Li held Jiang Xiaoyu's hand, with Da Huang following behind (to prevent it from scaring people, Jiang Li put a ridiculous pair of sunglasses on it, making it look like a guide dog).

"Brother, the clothes here are so expensive..."

Jiang Xiaoyu hesitated when she saw the prices in the shop window, which were often several thousand yuan.

"Expensive? What's so expensive about it? Your brother's got money now!"

Jiang Li waved his hand generously, "Try on whichever one you like! No need to look at the price tag!"

He pushed Jiang Xiaoyu directly into a women's clothing store that looked very high-end.

"Welcome!" The sales assistant greeted us warmly.

Jiang Xiaoyu was a little hesitant, but with Jiang Li's encouragement, she still picked out a few dresses and went to the fitting room.

Jiang Li sat on the sofa in the rest area, drinking the lemonade provided by the store while playing with Da Huang.

Just then, a commotion arose at the shop entrance.

"Make way! Make way, all of you!"

Several bodyguards dressed in black suits and wearing sunglasses rudely pushed aside the customers at the door and then stood in two rows at the entrance.

Immediately afterwards, a young man dressed in flamboyant clothes and covered in designer brands walked in with a heavily made-up woman on his arm.

"Honey, I've got my eye on this store. Clear everyone out; I want to have the whole place to myself and take my time choosing."

The young man chewed gum, looking arrogant.

"Yes, Young Master Zhao."

The woman responded sweetly, then said to the manager, "Did you hear that? Young Master Zhao wants to book the whole place. Everyone else, get out of here!"

The store manager looked troubled: "This... Young Master Zhao, this isn't according to the rules, there are still customers trying on clothes..."

"Rules? In Jianghai City, I am the rule!"

Zhao Shao sneered, pulled a black card from his pocket, and slammed it on the counter. "I'll buy all the clothes here! Now, get those poor bastards out of here!"

The bodyguards immediately stepped forward and began to drive away the customers in the store.

"Get out! Get out! Didn't you hear me?"

The customers, though angry, dared not speak out and could only slink away.

Soon, the bodyguards arrived in front of Jiang Li.

"Kid, take your dog and get lost!"

The bodyguard looked down at Jiang Li and reached out to grab his collar.

Jiang Li was drinking water when his mood was interrupted, and he frowned slightly.

"roll?"

He put down his water glass and looked up at the bodyguard.

"Whose dog are you? Why do you bark so rudely?"

Big Yellow, who was lying on the ground bored, immediately raised its head and bared its teeth at the bodyguard when it heard this.

"Woof!" (Who's the dog? Who are you calling a dog?)

The bodyguard was startled by Big Yellow's mouthful of sharp fangs, but quickly recovered and became furious.

"Damn it! You won't listen to reason, so here you are! Throw him out!"

He reached out and grabbed Big Yellow's collar.

"Snapped!"

Jiang Li's hand moved with lightning speed, grabbing the bodyguard's wrist.

"Don't touch my dog, it has a bad temper and is easily stressed."

Jiang Li said calmly, applying slight pressure to his hand.

"Ouch! It hurts! It hurts!"

The bodyguard felt as if his wrist was being clamped by iron clamps, as if his bones were about to break, and he uncontrollably knelt down.

The commotion caught Zhao Shao's attention.

"Oh ho? There's someone who knows martial arts here?"

Zhao Shao pushed away the woman in his arms, walked over, and looked Jiang Li up and down.

"Kid, do you know who I am? How dare you touch my men?"

Who you are is none of my business.

Jiang Li released his grip, and the bodyguard collapsed to the ground like a limp rag.

"All I know is that everything has its order. My sister is still trying on clothes; even if the King of Heaven himself came, he'd have to wait."

"Hahaha! What a boastful tone!"

Zhao Shao laughed angrily, "In Jianghai City, no one has ever dared to speak to me, Zhao Tianba, like that! I think you're tired of living!"

His eyes turned cold, and a strong surge of spiritual energy suddenly erupted from his body.

C-rank Awakened!

Moreover, it's a rare [Beast-type Berserker Demon Bear]!

Zhao Shao's body rapidly expanded, his clothes were torn, black bristles grew on his skin, and his hands transformed into giant bear paws.

"roar--!!!"

He roared and slapped Jiang Li on the head. If the slap landed, an ordinary person's head would explode like a watermelon.

The shop assistants screamed in fright and scattered.

However, Jiang Li sat on the sofa without moving.

He simply sighed and picked up a stainless steel fork from the fruit plate.

"Why do rich people these days like to play with transformations? All this furry stuff, doesn't it get hot?"

Just as the giant bear paw was about to strike.

"call out!"

The fork slipped from Jiang Li's hand.

"Pfft!"

A muffled thud.

The small fork that was originally used to eat fruit turned into an armor-piercing bullet, instantly piercing through Zhao Shao's supposedly invulnerable bear hand. With its momentum undiminished, it carried him backward and pinned him firmly to the supporting pillar behind him!

"Awooo—!!!"

Zhao Shao's roar turned into a scream as he stared in horror at his hand, which was pinned to the wall, blood flowing down the pillar.

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone stared at the young man who remained seated calmly on the sofa, as if he were a monster.

Jiang Li clapped his hands, stood up, and walked over to Zhao Shao.

"If a naughty child doesn't behave, they need to be disciplined."

He looked at Zhao Shao's face, which was contorted with pain (but had returned to human form), and said with a smile:

"Now, can we try on the clothes quietly?"

Just then, the fitting room door opened.

Jiang Xiaoyu walked out wearing a light blue dress, turned around, and looked at Jiang Li expectantly.

"Brother, is it good?"

The murderous aura on Jiang Li's face vanished instantly, replaced by a doting smile.

"Beautiful! Absolutely stunning! She's like a fairy descended from heaven!"

He ignored the mess around him and Zhao Shao pinned to the wall, and took out his bank card from his pocket and handed it to the terrified store manager.

"Swipe the card! This set, and the others from before, I'll take them all!"

"Oh, by the way, I'll pay for the hole in the wall too."