Chương 216: The Black Market

Behind the massive gates, the scene was indeed incredibly bustling. It was no different from the underground commercial basements Song Que used to frequent in his past life. The only difference was that the forms of entertainment here were a bit darker and gloomier. There was bartering of goods, gambling, and even a life-and-death arena where people could slaughter each other at will. It lacked nothing.

The shouts of martial artists, the flirtatious giggles of women, and the scantily clad girls soliciting business truly made Master Song's eyes swim.

"Remember, you absolutely must not attack anyone or destroy anything in here at random, otherwise no one will be able to save you. The master of this place, Lord Yama, is a powerful Eighth-Grade Meridian Opening Realm martial artist. Furthermore, experts are as common as clouds under his command; they are not people we can afford to provoke," Nine Nethers coldly reminded them.

"Understood, My Lord!" Song Que and the others immediately shuddered and offered their guarantees. After leading the five of them around for a quick tour to get a basic understanding of the place, Nine Nethers then led them away. When exiting, they were once again led blindfolded, but this time they emerged in a completely different location. By the time the hoods were removed, the six of them found themselves standing in the middle of a desolate forest.

"Everyone, this humble one will take his leave!" Having completed their task, the two ghost envoys who led them here immediately cupped their hands in farewell, simultaneously executing their lightness skills to vanish into the darkness.

"Let's go!" Nine Nethers didn't say much. He gave a low shout and similarly darted away, leaving the other five to hurriedly follow. It wasn't until they reached a desolate mound quite a distance away that the group finally stopped again. Nine Nethers then spoke up:"You have just seen the Black Market. Rumor has it that this place has many exits and is extremely secretive. Which path you take depends entirely on the organizers' arrangements to prevent conflicts among the guests.

However, the people there owe me a few small favors. I can at least guarantee that they will arrange for those targets to exit through the same path we took today." Hearing this, Blood-Robed was overjoyed:"That is enough. My ghost servants can sense a person's aura within a one-mile radius. As long as the target isn't too far away, they won't escape."

"Hmph, the other party also has two First-Tier experts. Are you confident they won't slip away?"

"Brother Nine Nethers, rest assured. This humble one can guarantee that our side will definitely kill one of them. As for the other one and their subordinates, I'll have to trouble you to figure out a way." Pondering for a moment, Nine Nethers finally gave a cold snort:"Hmph, then it's settled. Remember what you promised me."

"Naturally, I remember. Once the matter is completed, one bottle of Jade Blood Pills and three Yin-Yang Nine-Revolutions Heaven-Reversing Pills will definitely be offered with both hands."

"That would be best!" Only then did Venerable Nine Nethers nod in satisfaction. Having appeased this guy, Blood-Robed turned to Song Que and instructed:"This Venerable still has matters to attend to. Remember the location. Wait for me at the original rocky wasteland tomorrow at the same time. Do not be late."

"Understood, Venerable!" Leaving behind a few words, their group paid no further attention to Song Que and left together once again. Through Lightning's observation, Song Que saw that Blood-Robed and Nine Nethers headed back toward the Black Market, while the other three ran in the opposite direction, presumably heading back into Duling City. Unable to gather any more useful information, he didn't linger either. He immediately retraced his steps back to his camp to rest peacefully.

Although Old Blood hadn't specified the details of the job, it wasn't hard to guess their intentions from their words. These guys were going to attend the Black Market auction tomorrow, set their sights on a specific target in advance, and then ambush them to kill and rob. As for exactly who it was, that would only become clear tomorrow. That dog Blood-Robed actually took out three Yin-Yang Nine-Revolutions Heaven-Reversing Pills all at once today.

Weren't those the same pills that Lu Chengcai had dug out the hearts of children to refine for him last time? Who knows how many innocent lives these bastards had murdered! If it weren't for Song Que's powerful mental fortitude today, he might not have been able to suppress his killing intent and would have struck that thieving dog right on the spot. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. But this guy must die, and he must die soon.

Old Master Song silently made a resolution........ The next evening. With nothing to do, Song Que didn't step out of his tent for the entire day, focusing solely on resting and preserving his energy. For meals, he simply ate the dry rations he had brought along. Waiting until the sun went down behind the mountains, he once again headed out to the desolate rocky wasteland to wait for Blood-Robed and the others. Familiar with the route, they followed Nine Nethers into the Black Market once again.

Today, the popularity and crowds inside were several times more bustling than the day before. Looking around, there were people everywhere. After taking just a few steps, his Domain sensed an unfathomably deep aura radiating over, making even Old Master Song feel a slight chill. At a rough count, there were no fewer than twenty First-Tier experts gathered here today. One must know that the entire Lingjiang Commandery only had a total of five First-Tier experts!

He hadn't investigated Duling Commandery thoroughly, but the numbers shouldn't be drastically different. For this place to attract so many people today, it could be said that the bosses' business model was extremely successful. Surrounded by big shots, 'Baby Song' obediently followed closely behind Blood-Robed and Nine Nethers today. With two First-Tier experts in their group, they were considered a top-tier force here, and no one was blind enough to provoke them.

By the time their group arrived, the timing was just about right. Not long after, today's auction commenced. The organizers cleared away the gambling tables and set up several VIP booths surrounding the life-and-death arena on three sides. That spot was essentially transformed into the auction stage. Riding on Old Blood's coattails, Master Song was invited into a spacious VIP booth right in the very front. On the table lay a token bearing the number '3'.

It was one of the booths with the best viewing angles to observe the items on stage at will. Once everyone was officially settled, a bell chimed. A martial artist, wearing a mask just like everyone else, walked onto the stage.

"Greetings to all esteemed guests, and welcome to the Black Market's Autumn Auction. On behalf of Lord Yama, we extend our deepest respects to you all. May everyone arrive in joy and return in satisfaction. I am Hungry Ghost, and I will be the auctioneer for today's event." No one replied, nor were there any cheers or applause. Hungry Ghost on stage was used to this. Showing no surprise, he continued:"Without keeping our esteemed guests waiting any longer, I shall commence this auction.

The first item is a Famed Weapon, the Rainstorm Sword! Forged from star sand, this sword weighs 30 catties and 5 taels. The blade is 9 inches long and as thin as a willow leaf. It is an unmissable item for fellow Daoists who favor fast swords. The starting bid is 30, 000 taels. Begin!"

"The Rainstorm Sword? Isn't that the signature weapon of Great Hero Cheng Yingjun? I heard he went after the Jiangyang Bandit, Lu Jin, last month and hasn't been heard from since. Could it be..." As soon as Hungry Ghost finished speaking, someone in the crowd below let out a startled gasp. The entire hall fell dead silent, everyone casting bizarre looks at the person who had just shouted. In a far corner stood an old man and a youth.

The old man, whose hair was speckled like morning frost, was terrifiedly covering the mouth of the young man beside him. Despite the mask, everyone could sense the terror on the old man's face underneath.

"Esteemed Lords, I am truly sorry, truly sorry! This junior is ignorant; please forgive him!" Saying this, he continuously bowed deeply. The atmosphere was deathly quiet. Standing on the stage, Hungry Ghost didn't say a word, his gloomy eyes staring straight at them. After a moment of silence, he spoke coldly:"Our rule here is that we do not ask about the origins of the items. The Black Market only guarantees to sell the item exactly as described. After it leaves this place, we bear absolutely no responsibility.

I will only repeat this one more time: I hope that fellow friends will no longer ask questions unrelated to this auction."

"The auction continues. The starting bid is 30, 000 taels of silver. Does anyone bid higher?"

"32, 000."

"35, 000." …. The atmosphere began to liven up again. No one paid attention as the old man and youth, like birds frightened by the twang of a bow, grabbed each other's hands and quickly scurried away. All eyes were focused on the item on stage. As more people joined the bidding, the Rainstorm Sword was eventually won by a First-Tier martial artist for the price of 43, 000 taels.

"Next is a medicinal pill that increases the probability of condensing true Qi—the Qi Gathering Pill. The starting bid is 15, 000. Begin!" With the successful transaction of the first item, Hungry Ghost's enthusiasm surged, and he shouted excitedly. As item after item was brought out, the crowd below gradually fell into a feverish state. The goods were of all sorts of bizarre varieties: weapons, pills, poisons, pets, hidden weapons... and even slaves and martial artists supplied for those cultivating demonic arts.

It could be said that as long as it fetched a high price, these people dared to sell absolutely anything. At this moment, seeing the 'items' being brought onto the stage, Old Master Song's eyebrows knitted slightly. They were called items, but they were actually two people. Two young girls, only about ten years old. Their faces and figures were identical; they were clearly a pair of twins. On the stage, Hungry Ghost began his sales pitch:"Everyone, please look at the twins on stage.

These two girls come from a prestigious and wealthy family. From a young age, they have been taught all sorts of etiquette and manners. Furthermore, look at their faces and their figures! This old man can guarantee that when they grow up, they will both be devastating beauties. Truly worth looking forward to." While speaking, Hungry Ghost's hands weren't honest, randomly groping the two girls. This terrified the little girls on stage, causing them to shrink back and hug each other tightly in fear.

The thin clothing barely covering their bodies rode up, revealing skin as white as mutton-fat jade underneath. Below the stage, quite a few lecherous individuals drooled and swallowed hard.

"Hehe, furthermore, as you can all see, these two girls already have some 'substance' to them right now. If you buy them, you can immediately enjoy them. I'm sure they will bring plenty of joy to the buyer. All in all, buying them won't be a loss, and the price is very reasonable. The starting bid is 5, 000 taels. What are you waiting for? The auction begins!"

"6, 000." …

"8, 000." The price was much lower compared to the other items sold today. Many people who had originally just come to watch the fun couldn't resist joining the bidding. Very quickly, the price approached 10, 000 taels. Sitting below, looking at the helpless, despairing, yet unwilling eyes of those two little girls, Old Master Song couldn't help but feel a pang of compassion in his heart. After hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and decided to speak up.