Black Market

"Join the Black Market?"

Jiang Yuan frowned and glanced at Liu Mang, surprise on his face.

Liu Mang actually wanted to invite him into the Black Market?

What was this about?

This was no respectable sect.

Seeing Jiang Yuan's confusion, Liu Mang smiled. "Brother Jiang, I know you're an upright man and have some prejudice against our Black Market. But we hold venerable seniors of high virtue like you in the highest respect. We would never do those hypocritical things where we put on one face before you and another behind your back."

"This invitation to Brother Jiang is entirely sincere."

"Besides..."

At this point, Liu Mang glanced at Jiang Yuan and continued, "Brother Jiang seized the Blood-Clad Cult's treasure and killed an Azure Profound Sect disciple. I'm afraid there's little room for you in the martial world now."

"Of course, others may fear the Blood-Clad Cult and the Azure Profound Sect, but our Black Market isn't afraid of them in the slightest!"

"As long as you join us, I doubt they'd dare come to the Black Market looking for trouble!"

Liu Mang patted his chest and spoke boldly.

He was not exaggerating. The Black Market's influence spread throughout the Great Yu Kingdom, and its disciples outnumbered those of any major sect. No one would be willing to offend the Black Market just to kill an old man.

Moreover, though the Black Market's reputation was poor, it was notoriously protective of its own. Everyone knew that.

Liu Mang's words stirred Jiang Yuan's heart. He was genuinely tempted.

Still, he had some reservations. "Brother Liu, I'm an old man. I'm not suited for fighting and killing anymore."

"Brother Jiang, you've misunderstood again."

Liu Mang smiled. "We in the Black Market are all businessmen. There will be plenty of great business deals ahead, and we don't like fighting and killing. With Brother Jiang's experience in the martial world, you'll surely make something great of yourself!"

"Don't like fighting and killing?"

Jiang Yuan's lips twitched. This fellow really dared to say anything.

The underworld didn't like fighting and killing?

Then who did?

Still, if he could truly borrow the Black Market's influence without being forced to commit crimes like murder and arson, it really was not a bad option.

Besides, he truly had no other choice.

After all, no ordinary sect would take in an old man like him, would they?

"Fine. Since Brother Liu is so sincere, if I keep refusing, I'll seem unable to appreciate your kindness."

Jiang Yuan hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing.

"Hahaha... good!"

Liu Mang was overjoyed. "It's wonderful that you're willing to stay, Brother! Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet the Hall Master!"

"Someone, bring wine and food!"

"Tonight, I'm going to have a good few drinks with Brother!"

The sky gradually darkened.

A banquet had been laid out in Liu Mang's residence, piled high with chicken, duck, fish, meat, mountain delicacies, and seafood.

Liu Mang personally poured Jiang Yuan a drink and smiled. "Brother Jiang, today's meal is to welcome you. In the future, I may even need your support."

"You're too polite, Brother Liu."

Jiang Yuan raised his cup and drained it in one gulp, a smile appearing on his face as well.

After three rounds of wine, Liu Mang began talking freely.

He told Jiang Yuan everything about the Black Market, down to the smallest detail.

The Black Market's Jiangning City branch had four major halls, named after the four divine beasts: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. Beneath them were several smaller halls, such as the Discipline Hall, Scripture Transmission Hall, Elixir Hall, Accounts Hall, and so on...

The branch had one Branch Master and one Deputy Branch Master. Below them were the Hall Masters, Deputy Hall Masters, and stewards of the four great halls and the smaller halls. Beneath them came each hall's inner disciples and outer disciples.

Everyone above the rank of inner disciple was formally registered and could not casually cause trouble outside. Discipline among them was relatively strict.

The lowest-ranking outer disciples were thugs and menial workers. Their numbers were enormous, but they were a mixed bag of fish and dragons, often bullying men and tyrannizing women. This was also why the Black Market's reputation was so poor.

In addition, they would recruit some martial-world experts as guest elders, though only those of relatively high standing qualified.

Liu Mang swore that if Jiang Yuan joined the Black Market, his status would not be lower than Liu Mang's. At the very least, he could become a steward—perhaps even something higher.

It was clear that Liu Mang truly wanted Jiang Yuan to join them.

On one hand, Black Market stewards had recruitment quotas, and bringing in strong experts earned additional rewards.

On the other hand, he was simply far too curious about Jiang Yuan.

Back when Jiang Yuan had extorted Li Ren and Li Yi, Liu Mang had sent people to investigate him.

He had not realized it until he investigated, but once he did, the discovery gave him quite a fright.

An utterly ordinary old storyteller had suddenly displayed unfathomable strength, with one method after another emerging without end. He was just like a peerless master who had withdrawn from the martial world.

In particular, that masterful swordsmanship and body-tempering art that made him impervious to blades and spears had truly opened Liu Mang's eyes!

When he saw Jiang Yuan effortlessly kill Xue Tu and Zhou Yun,

he decided that he had to win Jiang Yuan over!

With this in mind, Liu Mang took advantage of the wine. As he placed food into Jiang Yuan's bowl, he tested the waters with a smile. "Brother, don't laugh at me, but after seeing that art of yours that makes you impervious to blades and spears today, I'm truly envious."

"More than a dozen blades struck your body, yet you were completely unharmed. Just what divine art was that?"

So this was what he'd been waiting for?

Jiang Yuan picked up a piece of braised pork and slowly chewed it without answering.

Little brother.

This was his cheat. Even if he wanted to teach it, Liu Mang wouldn't be able to learn it.

Liu Mang seemed unwilling to give up. He offered another toast and smiled.

"Don't misunderstand, Brother. I'm simply curious. You know that we martial artists fear ambushes and hidden schemes most of all. If I could learn this move of yours, wouldn't I have more confidence when roaming the martial world in the future?"

Jiang Yuan set down his chopsticks and looked at him.

"You really want to learn?"

"I do!"

Liu Mang's eyes lit up. "Brother Jiang, you're willing to teach me?"

Jiang Yuan raised his cup and leisurely took a sip. Suddenly recalling that he still had Palm Thunder waiting to be cultivated, the corner of his mouth curled up. "Easy enough. If Brother Liu wants to learn, what reason would I, as your elder brother, have not to teach you?"

"This art is called the Great Sun Thunder Body. I devised it in my younger years. It's not some particularly remarkable art."

"I'll bring you along next time I cultivate."

"Oh, really? Brother, you're truly my own blood brother!"

Liu Mang grew excited, nearly rising from his seat to swear brotherhood with Jiang Yuan through the rites of the eight bows.

"Hey, don't get excited yet. This art isn't difficult to cultivate, but it is somewhat torturous. Not everyone can endure it."

Jiang Yuan gave him a solemn warning.

"Hahaha..."

Hearing that, Liu Mang assumed Jiang Yuan was trying to scare him and burst into laughter. "Brother, you underestimate me. I, Liu Mang, am a true man. What cultivation could possibly be too much for me to bear?"

"Bring it on!"

Jiang Yuan smiled without speaking and slowly nodded.

A true man?

When the lightning tempered his body, even a true man would become a grandson!

"Brother, I'm too happy today. Take this Essence Origin Pill as a small token of my regard!"

In high spirits, Liu Mang took a pill bottle from his robes and handed it to Jiang Yuan.

"Essence Origin Pill?"

Jiang Yuan was slightly stunned. Why did this thing sound a little off?

"Just take it, Brother. It'll definitely be useful."

Liu Mang leaned close to Jiang Yuan with a grin that was oddly lewd.

Jiang Yuan looked utterly baffled, but naturally, he would not refuse something delivered right to his door. He immediately tucked it into his robes.

The two drank several more cups, and the more they spoke, the more they found each other to their liking.

Whenever the conversation turned to something amusing, bursts of laughter rang out.

Only deep into the night did Jiang Yuan, supported by Liu Mang, return to the room that had long been prepared for him.

"Brother, enjoy yourself. Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet the Hall Master."

Liu Mang said with a grin.

With that, he shoved Jiang Yuan into the room, where he fell onto something soft.

With a creak, the door closed.

Jiang Yuan groggily opened his eyes. Candlelight flickered all around him, casting a faint glow, while waves of floral fragrance drifted beneath his nose.

Looking carefully, he found two young women standing in the room. Their beauty could eclipse the moon and shame the flowers, and they were dainty and charming.

Beside them stood a bathing tub large enough to hold three or four people. The hot water had already been prepared, with fragrant rose petals floating atop it.

Damn it, this was the Black Market for you. They really knew how to have fun.

Now he finally understood why that brat had acted so sleazy when giving him the Essence Origin Pill.

"My lord, shall we begin right away, or...?"

The two young women shyly lowered their heads and asked in soft voices.

"No rush."

Jiang Yuan coughed. Being called "my lord" so suddenly still felt a little unfamiliar.

But that was fine. He would get used to it.

"My lord, allow us to help you change."

The two women stepped forward and carefully removed Jiang Yuan's outer robe. Then, supported by the pair, he entered the bathing tub with them.

Throughout the entire process, Jiang Yuan was thoroughly relaxed.

He had lived seventy years. What was wrong with enjoying himself a little?