roccoschili Chapter 149 - 130: Trip to the Black Market (Part 3)
Chapter 149 - 130: Trip to the Black Market (Part 3)
’That makes sense. A business like this really needs the protection of a powerful force, or it could be shut down at any moment.’
Fang Qingyuan nodded, and Shi Yuanzhe continued to explain:
"The biggest difference between the Black Market auction and other auctions is that the entire process is anonymous. Everyone will be disguised, so even acquaintances won’t recognize one another. You pay for the item and take it on the spot. Afterward, you’re free to leave or stay as you please—it’s entirely up to you."
Shi Yuanzhe then went on to explain many of the security measures. It was clear he knew exactly how to address Fang Qingyuan’s concerns. After a short while, Fang Qingyuan was convinced and nodded in agreement, deciding to attend.
Upon receiving Fang Qingyuan’s confirmation, Shi Yuanzhe was elated, no doubt anticipating another hefty commission from him.
Once they returned to Sea Gate Island, they finalized the details for the Black Market auction. Three days later, Shi Yuanzhe gave Fang Qingyuan a token and departed.
The trip to the Black Market had to be made alone, so it was no longer appropriate for Shi Yuanzhe to accompany Fang Qingyuan.
Four more days passed. That evening, Fang Qingyuan took out a Magical Artifact in the form of a cloak designed to conceal his presence and draped it over himself. The cloak was pitch-black, covering him completely from head to toe. It could block the Divine Sense of any Cultivator below the Foundation Establishment realm, and would alert him if a Foundation Establishment Cultivator tried to probe him.
After putting on the cloak, Fang Qingyuan went to a mirror. He saw that the figure reflected back at him would be unrecognizable even to a close acquaintance, as long as he avoided any of his characteristic movements.
Beneath the cloak, a smile tugged at the corners of Fang Qingyuan’s mouth. He looked over at Jinbao, who was staring blankly. An idea struck him. He ordered Jinbao to shrink down, then stuffed the smaller Jinbao under the cloak against his back. Instantly, Fang Qingyuan took on the appearance of a hunchbacked Cultivator.
’Now the disguise is even more perfect. Jinbao will have to be a bit uncomfortable for a while, but I can’t leave it behind, and I certainly can’t have it out in the open. Otherwise, what would be the point of this whole disguise?’
And so, Fang Qingyuan left his abode and made his way to the Sea Gate Island Marketplace. He found an inconspicuous spot and infused the token from Shi Yuanzhe with his Spiritual Power.
A moment later, a Cultivator in the late-stage of Qi Cultivation approached and led Fang Qingyuan to the seashore just outside the Marketplace. Before long, a pitch-black flying shuttle arrived. After ushering Fang Qingyuan into the cabin, the shuttle quickly sped away from Sea Gate Island.
When Fang Qingyuan emerged from the cabin an unknown amount of time later, he found himself in a place resembling a massive cavern. He was standing in the center. Looking around, he saw tunnels branching out in every direction. Every so often, a flying shuttle would emerge from one of the tunnels, deposit a Cultivator, and then return the way it came.
Staring at the immense scale of the operation before him, Fang Qingyuan felt no desire to speak. Just then, he noticed an elderly Cultivator standing before him, though he hadn’t seen him approach. The old man’s face was unremarkable, but he possessed an astonishing Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivation. Without a word, he extended a hand toward Fang Qingyuan, palm up, as if demanding something.
Fang Qingyuan understood at once. He took out the token Shi Yuanzhe had given him and placed it in the old man’s hand. The old man smiled and finally spoke:
"First time here?"
Fang Qingyuan remained silent at the old man’s question. The old man simply chuckled at his reaction and said:
"It’s good to be cautious on your first visit. You’re doing well. But if your identity is exposed later, we will not be held responsible for anything that happens."
After offering this piece of advice, the old man stepped aside, allowing the silent Fang Qingyuan to pass through the doorway behind him.
As Fang Qingyuan stepped through the door, he realized the Black Market auction had already started. On the stage before him, a young woman was being led forward for all to see. Her head and face were completely hooded, but from the neck down, she was utterly naked. Her figure was voluptuous, and she was being presented to the crowd.
"A prime Dual Cultivation Furnace! A sixteen-year-old virgin at the Second-Layer of Qi Cultivation. Beauty guaranteed!"