The other party froze, then immediately understood. Even with his face covered, Xu Yunfan could still tell that he was overjoyed.
Once the money and goods had changed hands and the deal was settled.
The hemp-clothed youth turned and left without hesitation.
Xu Yunfan looked at the pitch-black silk cloth in his hand, then turned and swiftly left the Black Market.
A thin layer of frost coated Green Stone Bridge. The Crippled Old Daoist sat there calmly, wrapped in a shiny, oil-slicked cotton robe.
As Xu Yunfan crossed the stone bridge, the Crippled Old Daoist, still seated on his battered stool by the side, stretched out a wooden pole and barred his way.
The pole swept across in front of Xu Yunfan's knees, kicking up tiny shards of ice.
"Ten taels for admission."
Xu Yunfan was speechless. After a brief silence, he took out some silver from his robes and casually tossed it to the Crippled Old Daoist.
The Crippled Old Daoist caught it, weighed it in his hand, and found it full weight. He could not help baring his few old yellow teeth in a grin.
Seeing Xu Yunfan about to leave, the Crippled Old Daoist spoke up.
"Young man, seeing how straightforward you are, let me give you a word of advice. If you're leaving, leave quickly. Don't keep burrowing into the mountain forests, or you might twist an ankle. The Snow Rats have been causing quite a stir in the woods. If you step on a trap, don't blame anyone else."
Xu Yunfan paused, then continued onward.
"Thank you, Daoist Priest."
His speed abruptly increased, and he swiftly vanished into the darkness, disappearing from the Crippled Old Daoist's sight.
The Crippled Old Daoist chuckled and shook his head. The rotten wooden stool beneath him swayed with his