15: black market

While he was immersed in his research, Seventeen brought news regarding the Hundred Treasures Pavilion caravan.

“Steward Wu sent someone with an invitation, asking the Master to meet at Wangjiang Tower tomorrow at noon for a chat. His tone was quite polite.

Additionally, Guard Zhao has been appearing frequently in the city's martial arts hall district lately, seemingly inquiring or sparring.”

“Reply to Steward Wu that I will be there on time.” Lin Mo put down the animal skin parchment rubbing, a flicker of thought crossing his eyes.

Wangjiang Tower was a famous restaurant in Qingyuan Town, built overlooking the river with quite beautiful scenery.

At noon the next day, Lin Mo brought only Four with him and arrived for the appointment on time.

Steward Wu was already waiting in a private room, and Guard Zhao was also present.

Upon seeing Lin Mo, Steward Wu stood up with a beaming smile to welcome him: “Young Master Lin, I hope you have been well. Have you grown accustomed to living in Qingyuan Town?”

“Thanks to Steward Wu’s blessings, it is acceptable.” Lin Mo exchanged pleasantries and took his seat.

After three rounds of drinks, Steward Wu gradually steered the conversation toward the main topic: “Young Master Lin is a talent of heaven-sent genius; staying confined in Qingyuan Town is truly a waste of your potential.

I wonder what plans you have for the future, Young Master? Do you intend to settle and develop long-term in Qingyuan Town?”

“I do have such an intention. Qingyuan Town has a flourishing martial culture and many opportunities. I, Lin, am looking for a suitable path to take a step further,” Lin Mo replied ambiguously.

Steward Wu and Guard Zhao exchanged a look, then Wu said: “To be honest, this old man’s invitation today was at the request of my firm's owner.

The owner heard of your deeds, Young Master, and admires you greatly. If you intend to make a name for yourself in Qingyuan Town or even the prefectural capital, our firm may be able to provide some assistance.”

“Oh? The owner of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is too kind; I, Lin, am flattered. I wonder... what would I need to do?” Lin Mo knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.

“The Young Master is a straightforward man,” Steward Wu laughed.

“Actually, there is no need for you to do anything specific. It is just that our firm’s business spans several prefectures, and it is inevitable that we have goods to transport and personnel coming and going, requiring safe and reliable protection.

If you can establish a firm foothold here and possess a certain level of influence to act as mutual support for our firm, it would naturally be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Furthermore, the owner is quite curious about your talents. If you achieve great things in the future, perhaps... there will be possibilities for deeper cooperation.”

This was an investment, as well as a period of observation.

The Hundred Treasures Pavilion saw his youthful potential and was willing to provide some Early Stage conveniences in exchange for returns and possible deep cooperation once he grew stronger.

For the current Lin Mo, this was undoubtedly timely assistance.

“I am grateful for the high regard from the owner and Steward Wu. I have noted the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s goodwill. Should I succeed one day, I will not forget today’s kindness.” Lin Mo raised his glass and gave his promise.

This kind of loose Alliance was exactly what he needed at the moment.

Steward Wu’s smile grew even wider. After a few more casual remarks, he said as if casually: “I heard the Young Master went to the Jubao Tower a few days ago? Did you gain anything?”

Lin Mo’s heart stirred, and he said frankly: “I was lucky enough to purchase a stalk of three yang grass, which is of some help to my Cultivation. There was also a tattered ancient scroll with strange writing that I am still studying.”

“three yang grass is indeed a good thing for nourishing Origin Qi.” Steward Wu nodded, then lowered his voice.

“That Jubao Tower does occasionally leak some curious items, but the waters there are deep.

If you are interested in ancient artifacts, Young Master, you might want to pay more attention to the Ghost Market in the west of the city. The items there are more varied and it's hard to tell real from fake, but one can occasionally find treasures. You just need to be extra careful.”

“Ghost Market?” Lin Mo noted the name.

“On the nights of the new and full moon, after the hour of the rat, people gather to trade in the abandoned Tile Market area in the west of the city. Many things that cannot see the light of day circulate there.

If you are interested, Young Master, you can have Old Zhao accompany you for a trip; he is quite familiar with that place.” Steward Wu glanced at Guard Zhao.

Guard Zhao nodded slightly: “If you have need, Young Master Lin, I can act as a guide. However, the Ghost Market is a mix of dragons and snakes; one must be cautious.”

“Thank you for the guidance, Steward Wu and Master Zhao.” Lin Mo thanked them sincerely. This information was very valuable.

The banquet ended in a harmonious atmosphere.

Upon parting, Steward Wu presented Lin Mo with a VIP card for the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, which could be used for certain conveniences and discounts at various branches.

Returning to his residence, Lin Mo synthesized what he had gained today, and his thoughts became increasingly clear.

The connection with the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was tentatively established, providing a useful, if not entirely stable, ally.

The information about the Ghost Market provided a new channel for acquiring resources.

The research on the animal skin parchment pointed toward a path of using the System's insights and feedback to crack profound knowledge.

“Next, there are several key priorities,” Lin Mo said to the core Death Warriors gathered together.

“First, put all efforts into studying the animal skin parchment. Combine it with all accessible ancient texts and knowledge to strive for an early deciphering of more effective content.

Second, Six, begin attempting to use the three yang grass to prepare medicinal baths or pills. Start with extremely small doses for testing, and once confirmed safe and effective, gradually roll it out to all Death Warriors involved in Cultivation.

Third, prepare to participate in the next Ghost Market trade. The goals are clear: look for clues related to the text and diagrams on the animal skin parchment, more special medicinal herbs, and the possible existence of more systematic martial arts knowledge, even if it is incomplete.”

He paused and continued: “At the same time, we cannot rely solely on the outside.

Four, you will lead the cultivation group. Based on our current foundation, increase the intensity of practical combat training and simulate killings in various environments.

I need you not only to be able to Cultivate, but to be able to fight and adapt to various missions.

Five, your blacksmithing studies cannot stop. Try to forge some more suitable and sturdy personal weapons or tools.

Two and Three, the intelligence network must continue to extend outward. Focus on marking the properties, personnel movements, and conflict events of the major powers within Qingyuan Town.”

“Furthermore...” Lin Mo looked out at the bustling streets outside the window, “it is time to consider establishing a more formal and stable identity and stronghold in Qingyuan Town.

A martial arts hall apprentice? A merchant guild guard? Or... opening a small shop of our own?”

What he needed was a shell that could reasonably exist while concealing the activities of the Death Warriors and the flow of resources.

This shell had to be low-profile enough, yet able to come into contact with sufficient information and foot traffic.

“First, we will get a clear picture of the Ghost Market, obtain more resources, and increase our strength. Then, we will decide in what manner we will truly take root in Qingyuan Town,” Lin Mo made his decision.

It was the night of the new moon; the moon was hidden and stars were sparse.

Just after the hour of the rat, the abandoned Tile Market area in the west of the city became quietly active, like a waking giant beast.

Dim lanterns hung under dilapidated eaves, casting flickering shadows.

Sacks or straw mats were spread on the ground, displaying all sorts of items.

Figures moved about, talking in low voices. Transactions were conducted in the shadows, with rarely any loud shouting.

The air was thick with the smell of dust, herbs, rusted metal, and a faint, lingering scent of blood.

This was the Ghost Market of Qingyuan Town.

Under Guard Zhao’s guidance, Lin Mo quietly entered this area, bringing Four, Two, Three, and the newly summoned Seventeen (Basic Olfactory Enhancement).

Seventeen’s ability might lead to unexpected discoveries in such an environment of complex odors.

Several of them wore simple disguises; Lin Mo even wore a wide-brimmed bamboo hat.

Guard Zhao was clearly no stranger to this place, and he introduced some unspoken rules and factions to watch out for in a low voice.

“Those stalls over there are backed by the Grey Rat Gang, specializing in selling gold and silver jewelry of unknown origin.

In that area to the east, there are a few dealing in medicinal herbs; they are half-real and half-fake, and they are ruthless and black-hearted.

See that One-eyed Old Man? He often has some bizarre bones and stones. It's said he recognizes some ancient artifacts, but he has a strange temper and high prices...”

As Lin Mo listened, his gaze swept over the stalls one by one.

There were burial jades stained with soil, rusted sabers and swords, bottles and jars of eerie colors, dried animal and plant parts, and even some fierce living creatures tied with iron chains.

Most traders were secretive, their eyes wary.

His primary goals were clear: find clues related to the animal skin parchment, special medicinal herbs, and martial arts-related manuals or items.

He had Two and Three spread out to keep an eye on suspicious characters and transactions.

Four followed closely by his side, while Seventeen worked hard to distinguish the various scents in the air.

After passing a few stalls, Lin Mo bought several relatively rare supplementary herbs listed by Six. The prices were much cheaper than in regular pharmacies, though the quality was slightly poorer and would require further processing by Six.

At another stall, he saw several pieces of dark-colored metallic Ore with strange patterns. After Five observed them from a distance and signaled they might be useful, Lin Mo bought those as well.

When passing the One-eyed Old Man’s stall, Lin Mo came to a halt.