Su Xiaobai made his way to the busiest area of Base 18.
It was only upon arriving that he realized, in the heart of this bustling place, there existed such a lawless zone!
Between two buildings, a door had been installed.
Warrior security guards stood watch at the door.
Warriors with spiritual energy fluctuations could enter freely, but ordinary people had to undergo inspection…
Just as Su Xiaobai had guessed, many who entered the black market were disguised—they clearly didn't want their faces remembered or to attract unwanted attention.
Su Xiaobai was no different.
Though he had some strength, he was far from being at the top. If a mid-tier martial general appeared, he'd only be able to flee; against a high-tier martial general, even escaping would be impossible!
When he stepped through the door, it was as if he had entered a new world!
The noise in his ears surged instantly, and in front of him lay a bustling, lively street.
"So this is the black market…" Su Xiaobai muttered, his eyes wide with curiosity as he looked around.
On the roadside, some people had casually laid out clothes and placed rare treasures or beast materials they had stumbled upon, hawking them loudly.
Others had rented proper booths, displaying weapons that glimmered with spiritual energy.
Some had even opened large storefronts, specializing in selling or acquiring various materials.
Moreover, Su Xiaobai noticed electronic screens hanging on walls everywhere, constantly flashing buy and sell notices:
"High price for 9 carapaces of the Rainbow Scorpion! –B9 booth"
"Seeking Frost Panther pelts in bulk, long-term orders welcome! –C56 booth"
"Looking to buy Flame Tiger claws, fair prices guaranteed! –A199 booth"
"Recruiting for a team to hunt Yellow Tone Mice in Yellow Tone Valley, interested parties come quickly! –E85 booth"
"Selling the corpse of a Mystic Hide Beast, bring offers, fools stay away! –A45 booth"
From these postings, it was clear the black market had been established for quite some time, already evolving into a free trade market.
However, due to government and family regulations—and for the sake of maximizing profits—the black market remained a secretive place.
If not for this invitation from the Beast Treasure Pavilion, Su Xiaobai wouldn't have known such a place existed!
"Boss, how much for this Stone Treasure?"
Spotting a key ingredient for refining the One-Origin Heaven-Opening Pill, Su Xiaobai immediately inquired.
The stall-keeper gave Su Xiaobai a glance and quoted a price outright.
That's too expensive!
A single Stone Treasure costs at most 400,000 on the outside. Recently, someone had been sweeping up herbal supplies, leading to a shortage. Otherwise, Su Xiaobai wouldn't have had to come to the black market to buy it… But as expected of the black market, the price was doubled!
Su Xiaobai turned and left without hesitation. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel·fire.net
"Hey, hey, hey! At least make a counteroffer!"
The stall-keeper called out when he saw Su Xiaobai leaving.
Su Xiaobai decisively named the upper limit of the market price.
"If I could sell it for 400,000, it'd be long gone!"
"All right, let's meet in the middle: 600,000!" The stall-keeper tried to negotiate.
"450,000." Su Xiaobai relented slightly.
"500,000! Don't push it, buddy. This is the black market—let me earn a little, alright?"
The stall-keeper sighed.
In the end, the deal was sealed at 500,000.
After this experience, Su Xiaobai's subsequent purchases went much smoother.
His strategy was simple: no matter the quoted price, he immediately slashed it in half. Then, they'd negotiate a middle ground to finalize the deal.
"With these materials, I can refine at least five batches of One-Origin Heaven-Opening Pills!"
Su Xiaobai's eyes sparkled.
If each batch produced four or five perfect-grade pills, and considering the pill-doubling effect he could achieve…
Su Xiaobai was poised to make a huge profit!
But he wasn't satisfied yet.
He didn't stop at the One-Origin Heaven-Opening Pill; he also purchased materials for other fourth-tier pills. If it couldn't be found outside, he bought it all in the black market!
"All sorts of rare treasures, weapons, but barely any techniques…"
The black market was vast, but after a full tour, Su Xiaobai found very few stalls selling techniques.
Even when techniques are available, they are basic or intermediate-level; there are no advanced techniques to be found!
Techniques are unlike other items.
For most items, their value can be clearly determined and priced accordingly, leaving little room for negotiation.
Techniques, however, are different.
Unless someone explicitly stated whether a technique was intermediate or advanced—and unless you practiced it yourself—how could you discern its quality?
As such, techniques were rarely sold, nor were they often bought.
"No choice. It seems even the black market doesn't have advanced techniques for sale. I'll have to find another way!"
Su Xiaobai had finally grasped the reality of the situation: advanced techniques were practically priceless.
Moments later, he arrived at the entrance to the Beast Treasure Pavilion.
The pavilion stood out within the black market, resembling the warrior hall in grandeur.
As a major chain present across various bases, its immense power was beyond doubt.
"Sir, are you here to purchase beast materials?"
Even the receptionist at the counter was a genuine beginner warrior—and a beautiful woman at that!
"I'm here in response to an invitation from your pavilion master."
Su Xiaobai handed over the gilded invitation.
The woman's expression shifted upon seeing it. Her demeanor became even more respectful.
"Please follow me, sir!"
She led Su Xiaobai to an elevator, taking him to the pavilion master's office.
After knocking, they heard a voice from within: "Come in." The receptionist opened the door and led Su Xiaobai inside.
Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man with sharp brows and a commanding presence that exuded the aura of a beginner martial general. Even without speaking, he radiated an overwhelming authority.
Su Xiaobai assumed this must be the pavilion master.
However, the office wasn't empty.
On a sofa opposite the desk sat a veiled woman with mesmerizing eyes.
Her attire was reminiscent of ancient times, exuding an ethereal grace.
Even with her face hidden, Su Xiaobai could tell she was a stunning beauty.
But Su Xiaobai's attention finally settled on the elder standing behind the woman.
"A high-tier martial general!"
Su Xiaobai's heart skipped a beat.
A high-tier martial general acting as a steward… What kind of background does this woman have?