The Proprietor's Invitation

The short, stout man froze on the spot, glancing from Hu San to the fragments in Chen Mo's hand, his expression a mix of shock and uncertainty.

Could these fragments truly hold some secret he had failed to perceive?

Yet, those two pedants just moments ago had both insisted the spiritual energy was completely exhausted!

The Green-Robed Brother Wang and the white-haired elder also furrowed their brows, lost in thought.

They knew of Hu San; he was a well-connected middleman in the Ghost Market, backed by a mysterious big boss.

He was willing to pay ten thousand silver dollars?

Could these fragments really possess some unique research value?

Even Chen Mo's body stiffened, though countless thoughts raced through his mind in an instant.

Sell? Or not sell?

Ten thousand silver dollars was no small sum for him right now; it could resolve many of his resource issues.

But the sudden appearance and offer from Hu San were far too abrupt and strange.

Had he seen through something?

Or was he simply gambling, or perhaps harboring some other motive?

The process of the Moonlight Treasure Mirror absorbing the inheritance was extremely secretive, and the shattering of the jade slip was perfectly logical; he did not believe the other party could discern the truth.

Chen Mo slowly raised his head, his face still wearing that dejected expression, his eyes filled with wariness and doubt.

"Ten thousand? Just for these... fragments?" He deliberately emphasized the word "fragments," his tone dripping with disbelief.

"That's right! Ten thousand in silver notes! Or materials of equal value, if you prefer!"

Hu San patted his chest, his small eyes fixed intently on Chen Mo's face. "Young brother, how about it? You won't lose out on this deal! You can't trade this pile of shards for anything else, and they only draw unwanted attention. Why not exchange them for solid silver dollars? Wouldn't it be more convenient to buy whatever pills or materials you need?"

The gazes of those around them converged on Chen Mo, filled with envy, curiosity, suspicion, and the undisguised greed of the stout man and his companions.

If he truly took those ten thousand, it would be a windfall!

"Fine, I'll sell!"

Chen Mo lifted his head, loosened his hand from his chest, and opened his palm to reveal the grey, dull fragments of the jade slip.

"Heh heh, that's the spirit! Those who adapt to circumstances are the wise ones!"

Hu San's smile widened. He hurriedly pulled a bulging leather wallet from his robes and nimbly counted out ten beautifully printed thousand-dollar silver notes. "Notes from Huitong Bank, redeemable upon presentation, honest and fair! Why don't you count them, young brother?"

Chen Mo took the silver notes, his fingertips brushing over the rough paper and the raised textures to confirm they were genuine before silently tucking them away and handing the fragments to Hu San.

Hu San took the fragments and immediately pulled out a soft silk cloth to wrap them up, tucking them into an inner pocket close to his chest with a care as if he were handling a priceless treasure.

Watching this, many in the crowd curled their lips, more convinced than ever that Hu San was either insane or obsessed with the fragments.

"Deal struck! You're a straightforward man, young brother!"

Hu San secured the fragments and cupped his hands in a salute, his face returning to that shrewd smile. "By the way, young brother, my master is quite the expert on antiques and has a particular fondness for items with such history. Would you do us the honor of coming to meet him? It's right here in the Ghost Market, not far away."

"My master loves to befriend young talents like yourself; perhaps he could offer some guidance or discuss other business."

As these words fell, the crowd went silent once more.

Hu San's master?

That mysterious figure rumored to be the power behind the scenes in the Ghost Market?

He actually wanted to see this young man who had struck dumb luck only to fall just as quickly?

The few young masters were left dumbfounded.

They had felt a sense of balance restored—and even a bit of schadenfreude—when they saw Chen Mo's jade slip shatter.

But in the blink of an eye, that pile of junk in their eyes had sold for ten thousand silver dollars!

Ten thousand silver dollars!

That was enough for their group of young masters and misses to squander for quite some time!

Even more absurdly, after buying the fragments, Hu San actually wanted to take him to meet the master behind it all?

Li Jinrong's mouth hung open, the expression on his chubby face shifting from mockery to astonishment, and then to stifled resentment.

He had spent a fortune on the Yin Stone Seal only to pull out waste, while this guy pulled a pile of treasures from a cheap stone, sold the fragments for a sky-high price, and even caught the eye of a big shot?

Was there no justice in this world?

The Green-Robed Brother Wang and the elder exchanged a glance, both seeing the same suspicion in the other's eyes.

They had heard whispers of Hu San's master—one of the truly weighty figures in the Ghost Market who rarely showed his face. Why would he suddenly be interested in a young man selling fragments?

Could it be... that the value of those fragments far exceeded their imagination?

Chen Mo felt a chill in his heart.

As expected, those ten thousand silver dollars were not free.

Was this a blessing or a curse? Had he seen through the secret?

Or was it simply curiosity or an attempt at recruitment?

He pondered for a moment, his face showing a perfectly measured hint of hesitation and flattery: "This... This Humble One only succeeded by luck; I am unworthy of the title of talent. Your master is too kind, but... This Humble One has urgent matters to attend to..."

"Oh, no need for such modesty, young man!" Hu San waved his hands hurriedly, his tone growing even more eager, "My master is just ahead at the Rain-Listening Pavilion, it's only a few steps away. Rest assured, it is just a meeting, there is absolutely no malice."

"It might even be of great benefit to your... well, your future, perhaps?"

His words carried a hidden meaning, and his eyes swept pointedly toward the malicious gazes surrounding them, especially those of the short, stocky man and his cohorts.

Is he implying that he can offer protection?

Thoughts raced through Chen Mo's mind.

Refuse?

The other party clearly held significant power; in this Ghost Market, a blunt refusal would likely cause them to turn hostile immediately, and it would make it seem as though he had something to hide.

Accept? The path ahead was unknown, and the outcome was impossible to predict.

But at the moment, he seemed to have no better choice.

Since the other party could send Hu San, it was clear they had already set their sights on him.

He glanced at Hu San's face—seemingly enthusiastic but actually brooking no refusal—and then took a look at the group of people eyeing him like tigers, finally nodding his head.

"Then I shall accept your kindness. I will trouble you to lead the way, Mr. Hu."

"Not at all, not at all! This way, please!"

Hu San beamed, stepping aside to make a gesture of invitation, his attitude quite respectful.

Chen Mo followed Hu San toward the area of the Ghost Market where the buildings were more orderly.

Li Jinrong watched the two figures depart, unable to snap out of his daze for a long while, until Li Zhong gave him a firm tug: "Third Young Master, we must leave quickly!"

"Leave? That kid... he..." Li Jinrong was still somewhat unwilling.

"This place is too full of trouble; we cannot stay long! Whether it is a blessing or a curse for that young man to be invited by the Rain-Listening Pavilion is unknown, but we cannot get involved any further! We must leave the Ghost Market immediately!"

Li Zhong's tone was ironclad and brooked no argument.

Seeing the nervous expressions of his guards, Li Jinrong said no more and allowed himself to be ushered toward the exit.

Yet, just before leaving, he couldn't help but glance back one last time in the direction where Chen Mo had disappeared, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

The short, stocky man and his companions watched helplessly as Chen Mo was led away by Hu San, stamping their feet in anger, yet they dared not intervene.

They knew the reputation of the Rain-Listening Pavilion well; it was not something they could afford to provoke.

They could only spit in frustration, curse under their breath, and quickly disperse to find another way.