Published at 1st of August 2024 8:38 am

Chapter 2227 Black Market

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2227 Black Market

A flash of white caught Yun Lintian's cyc - a handsome young man in pristine white robes stood beside him, a friendly smile gracing his features.

"Apologies for the intrusion, fellow traveler. I'm Xiao Hu from the Flying Tiger Sect." the young man greeted with a cupped fist. "Your composure amidst this anxious crowd piqued my curiosity."

Indeed, compared to the frenetic energy radiating from the surrounding figures, Yun Lintian appeared remarkably calm. This air of serenity sparked Xiao Ilu's interest in the newcomer's identity.

"Yun Lintian, a wandering cultivator," Yun Lintian replied, returning the gesture.

A flicker of surprise crossed Xiao Hu's face. Yun Lintian exuded an aura that belied his claim of being a mere unaffiliated cultivator. However, Xiao Hu wisely chose to forgo further inquiry.

"Your first visit to the Central Region?" he inquired instead.

"Indeed," Yun Lintian confirmed. "What about yourself?"

"This is my second time, but the first to participate in the competition." Xiao Ilu replied truthfully. "The Iloly Land competition is just around the corner, and I can't wait to witness the clash of titans."

"I've heard much about the competition. It's said to be a spectacle like no other." Yun Lintian said along.

"It is," Xiao Hu affirmed. "The strongest factions from across the Divine Realm send their most promising disciples to compete for a chance to enter the Holy Lands. The battles are legendary, the stakes are high, and the rewards are beyond measure."

He lowered his voice, a conspiratorial glint in his eyes. "I've even heard rumors of hidden treasures and ancient secrets being revealed during the competition."

Yun Lintian's interest piqued. "Hidden treasures and ancient secrets?"

Xiao I lu nodded eagerly. "That's what they say. Of course, it's all just speculation, but who knows what might be uncovered in the heat of battle?"

Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as a booming voice echoed through the hall. "Attention, all travelers! The teleportation formation to the Central Region is now active. Please form an orderly line and present your tokens."

The crowd surged forward, their cagerness palpable.

"Token?" Yun Lintian frowned, a flicker of confusion crossing his features. "Is one required?" Xiao Hu's surprise was evident. "You haven't procured one?" he blurted. "This time every year is a special period. You need a recommended token to utilize the teleportation service"

Yun Lintian furrowed his brow. Jiu Lang hadn't mentioned this crucial detail. "Where can I acquire one?" he asked.

A shadow of disappointment fell upon Xiao Hu's face. "I'm afraid it might be too late," he lamented, shaking his head. "Normally, the tokens are distributed by various factions and powers across the realm weeks in advance. With the competition just around the corner, it's highly unlikely that any remain.

Yun Lintian frowned slightly. "Are there any alternative means of transportation?" he inquired. Xiao Hu contemplated for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "There are, but they are far less efficient and considerably more perilous," he warned. "You could attempt to cross the vast expanse between realms on your own, but it would take months, if not years, to reach the Central Region."

He hesitated, then continued in a hushed tone, "Or, you could seek passage on a black market vessel. They operate outside the jurisdiction of the authorities, and their methods are often questionable, but they offer a faster, albeit riskier, route."

Yun Lintian weighed his options, his mind racing. Time was of the essence, and he couldn't afford to waste any more of it. "Where can I find these black market vessels?" he asked calmly. Xiao Ilu's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure, Brother Yun?" he questioned, a hint of concern in his voice. "The black market is a dangerous place, rife with deceit and treachery. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're truly desperate."

Yun Lintian spread his arms. "I am," he said gently. "It's like I have a better choice!

Xiao Hu sighed, a mixture of admiration and apprehension swirling within him. "Very well," he said, 'Follow me."

He led Yun Lintian through the bustling city streets, their pace quickening as they delved deeper into the labyrinthine alleyways and hidden passages that lay beneath the glittering facade of the Mythic Sea City.

They eventually arrived at a dimly lit tavern, its windows shuttered and its entrance guarded by burly figures with menacing auras. Xiao Ilu exchanged a few hushed words with the guards, who then stepped aside, allowing them to enter.

The interior of the tavern was shrouded in shadows, the air thick with the smell of stale ale and sweat. A motley crew of figures huddled in dimly lit corners, their eyes darting suspiciously as Yun Lintian and Xiao Hu made their way through the room.

Xiao Hu approached a cloaked figure seated at a secluded table, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. "I've brought someone who seeks passage," he said in a low voice. The cloaked figure nodded, his voice a raspy whisper. "I can provide transport, but cheap. And there are risks involved. Are you willing to accept those terms?"

Yun Lintian's eyes narrowed. "Name your price," he said, his voice steady.

won't be

The cloaked figure leaned forward, revealing a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to bore into Yun Lintian's soul. "A hundred thousand high-grade divine stones," he hissed. "And your silence. If you breathe a word of this to anyone, you'll be hunted down and eliminated."

Yun Lintian didn't flinch. He retrieved a pouch from his storage ring and tossed it onto the table. "Here's your payment," he said. "When do we leave?"

The cloaked figure pocketed the pouch, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Tonight, at midnight," he rasped. "Meet me at the docks, near the abandoned warehouse. And remember, silence is golden."

With that, he rose from his chair and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Yun Lintian and Xiao Hu alone in the dimly lit tavern.

Xiao Hu turned to Yun Lintian, his face etched with concern. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. "This is a dangerous gamble."

Yun Lintian nodded calmly. "I know the risks," he said. "But I have to take this chance."

Xiao Ilu fell silent for a moment. Then, with a curt nod and a cupped fist, he said, "Farewell, Brother Yun. May your journey to the Central Region be swift and successful."

Yun Lintian returned the gesture. "Thank you for the information, Brother Xiao. Perhaps our paths will cross again. In that case, consider the next drink on me."

"Sure," Xiao Hu replied. He cast one last, lingering look at Yun Lintian before turning and disappearing into the street.

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