Assembling the Team

The moment Gu Qingshan stepped into the town, a battered old book appeared in front of him.

It sized him up and rasped, "All honored guests may enter the Black Market directly. Only newcomers like you need me to explain things and direct you where to go."

"Sorry for the trouble," Gu Qingshan said.

The old book swayed twice. "This is my job, so there's no need to thank me—now, let's begin."

It cleared its throat. "Which faction are you from?"

"...I don't serve anyone."

"I already know what happened at the gate," the old book said with a tut. "So you're a loner without any backing, and a hapless one at that. What a pity."

"..."

"Then, as someone who came to the Black Market alone, what number currency do you carry?"

"I—"

Gu Qingshan stopped short.

What money did he have?

The only chest of Number Seven Currency he'd had had gone to pay for the boat fare.

Now he was completely broke.

Tossing that chest of money away had felt great at the time, but now he was in an awkward spot.

Judging by the old book's attitude, if he admitted he had no money, he'd probably be thrown out on the spot.

So Gu Qingshan forced himself to say, "I use Number Seven Currency. Uh, I have a chest of it."

The old book sighed and sneered, "Number Seven Currency? You're a grown man and still using such low-grade money. What a pity."

"Can't be helped. That's why I came to the Black Market to look for opportunities," Gu Qingshan said, playing along.

The old book said, "I have two suggestions for you. First, you can wander around town. Buy anything at all, and you'll spend every last bit of your money."

"Second, head left. Six