Chapter 24: The Emergence of the Constellation Spiritual Treasure

In the light, I noticed that this room, no larger than 100 square feet, was filled with wooden display cabinets. Behind the glass doors, numerous ornate little boxes and various items were on display.

At a glance, I spotted agate, gold, and jade ornaments, each with distinct characteristics from various countries. They were incredibly detailed.

I couldn't help but think, 'How much are these things worth?'

I took a few steps forward to get a closer look, but suddenly noticed a faint black mist flash by!

I thought I found the right place!

"Ronald, have there been any new items placed here recently?"

Ronald smiled, "I really don't know. I'm not into these things, and I'm almost never home because of work, so my wife handles everything."

I guessed I'd have to find it myself.

I carefully examined each ornament that wasn't in a box but found nothing special about them.

It seemed like the good stuff was all hidden in the boxes.

Ronald went ahead and opened the first box for me. I walked over to check, but I must've touched something because with a "clang," I almost tripped and fell.

We both looked in the direction of the sound and saw a brass-colored goblet I had kicked, spinning on the floor.

"Looks like it didn't fit in the cabinet, so it was left outside," Ronald said, not thinking much of it. "The better stuff should be in this cabinet."

I nodded and reached out to put the goblet back.

As soon as my hand touched the goblet, a black mist suddenly rushed out, like an electric current instantly flowing into my body, making me shiver involuntarily and jump back.

"What happened?" Ronald was shocked.

This was a Malifact. And a very powerful one at that.

Some people might experience intense pain simply from touching a Malifact, with only a select few possessing the physical constitution to withstand it, myself included.

I've touched no less than ten Malifacts, and the only one that could attack me was this goblet.

"I've never seen this thing before," Ronald said, noticing my unusual reaction and paying attention to the goblet.

I took out a black thumb-sized stone from my pocket and rubbed it in my hand—Lorenzo gave it to me, saying that sometimes when encountering an impressive Malifact, rubbing this stone on your hand would have a miraculous effect.

After rubbing it a few times, I smelled a strong scent of blood rushing to my head, and I almost fainted.

I coughed violently a few times, feeling a bit better.

Then I reached out to grab the goblet again and easily picked it up.

Looking closely, I was immediately shocked! This was a short, wide brass-like goblet, about four inches high and six inches wide, with a mouth diameter of around three inches. It had several dark gold patterns on it, and squinting, I could see it was a crab, with the crab's two claws forming the handles of the goblet.

It was a uniquely shaped double-handled goblet.

I turned over the bottom of the goblet and saw a small piece of paper stuck in a crevice. I pried it out with my fingernail and opened it to see Ronald's name and birth date, along with a faint human figure.

The Malifact that almost killed Ronald and me tonight was found.

"Is it this?" Ronald looked shocked and incredulous.

I nodded. "The key is, do you know who gave this to your wife?"

Ronald shook his head. "I honestly have no idea. I'll ask her."

I quickly stopped him. "Let's think this through. When she comes back, you could subtly inquire about it, or say that a friend came over, liked this double-handled goblet, and took it to appreciate it. See how your wife reacts."

Ronald sighed. It seemed that tonight not only hit him physically and mentally but also challenged his worldview.

I gave him a few more instructions and then left.

Early the next morning, I went to Lorenzo's house and roughly recounted what happened last night, then took out the double-handled goblet.

At first glance, Lorenzo's eyes widened as if he had seen something incredible!

He looked at it briefly, then quickly walked to his study and searched for a while, coming out with a tattered piece of parchment. "Dennis, look, is it the thing on this?"

Seeing his serious expression, I quickly took it and saw that the parchment was already yellowed and peeling, but the outline of the goblet was still faintly visible. The features were so distinctive that it was easy to see that it was the crab double-handled goblet.

"Lorenzo, it's exactly it!"

Lorenzo heavily patted my shoulder. "Dennis, do you know what this is?"

I shook my head. "I only know it's a very powerful Malifact that almost killed me."

"This is one of the legendary twenty-four Zodiac Treasures! The Cancer Malifact—Cancer Double-Handled Goblet!"

"Really?"

I was thrilled as well. I never expected to stumble upon such a treasure!

"Absolutely!" Lorenzo exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he examined it closely. "Dennis, I can't believe I'm getting to lay eyes on a Zodiac Treasure in my lifetime. Thank you, Dennis!"

He said with tears in his eyes. I quickly stood up. "Lorenzo, since this is a Zodiac Treasure, I certainly won't keep it. I'll leave it with you for safekeeping!"

Lorenzo wanted to refuse, but I quickly persuaded him. After all, I was still young and couldn't handle such a treasure.

In the end, he relented and agreed to hold onto it for me.

He also discussed something with me—to reopen the café next to Fiona's witch doctor clinic.