Black Market

Biodata

Background / History

The Black Market publicly presents itself as a major merchant association, but is in fact an unrecognized underworld force with influence reaching from the imperial court to ordinary people throughout the Great Yu Kingdom. Its power expanded further as rebellions spread across the kingdom. Authorities have limited control over it, and its members are associated with illicit business and territorial lawlessness 2 5.

In Jiangning City, the Black Market controls most of the outer city, while the City Lord's Manor governs the inner city. The outer city houses traveling merchants, refugees, and martial artists; although it has a reputation for danger, its streets and markets can be orderly and prosperous under Black Market control 24.

During the hunt for Blood-Clad Cult member Xue Tu, Black Market fighters entered the battle after Xue Tu had killed several of their members. Led by a one-eyed man, they joined the conflict and pursued Xue Tu after his retreat 19. Following the raid on the Blood-Clad Cult's treasure vault, Xue Tu accused the Azure Profound Sect and the Black Market of looting it, provoking further conflict between the factions 21.

White Tiger Hall steward Liu Mang later brought Jiang Yuan to the Black Market headquarters and recruited him after witnessing his strength. The organization offered Jiang Yuan protection from both the Blood-Clad Cult and the Azure Profound Sect, while Liu Mang sought to secure a powerful martial artist for the hall 24 25. Jiang Yuan subsequently rose through its Jiangning branch, managing Sishui Street before replacing the slain Zhang Bo as a steward 29 34.

Organization

Hierarchy

The Jiangning branch also contains smaller divisions, including the Discipline Hall, Scripture Transmission Hall, Elixir Hall, and Accounts Hall 25.

Four Great Halls

Rules and Internal Practices

• Members above outer-disciple rank are formally registered and are not supposed to cause trouble freely outside the organization 25.
• The Black Market prizes strength over seniority. After Jiang Yuan killed Zhang Bo, Hall Master Zhu Hu gave him Zhang Bo's steward position under the principle that the slain had been too weak to retain it 34.
• Liu Mang warns that this apparent rule does not make advancement safe: internal interests are tangled, and a would-be challenger may be eliminated before they can replace a superior 34.
• Outer disciples are widely viewed as a mixed group of enforcers who bully commoners, contributing heavily to the Black Market's poor reputation 25.
• In practice, local power can override formal protection. Zhang Xiaoshan openly abused civilians on Black Market territory by claiming that his connection to deacon Zhang Bo made him “the law” 30.

Territory and Commerce

The Black Market's Jiangning branch dominates the outer city, collecting protection money and stall fees from merchants and residents who cannot readily enter or live in the inner city. For refugees and unregistered residents, its markets provide a means to earn a living, though the organization also profits by extracting fees from them 24 29.

White Tiger Hall's western district is assessed monthly against the other districts, with rewards and punishments tied to profit. Each steward is also individually evaluated on results 36.

Under Jiang Yuan's administration, White Tiger Hall reduced rents, replaced protection fees with membership fees, strengthened merchant protection, and introduced staff to handle reasonable requests from market traders 36 37. The reforms drew merchants and peddlers to the West District, filled its available stalls, and increased total revenue despite lower individual rents 39.

Relationships

• Jiang Yuan — Initially encountered Black Market men attempting to seize refugee porridge; later recruited by Liu Mang and elevated within White Tiger Hall after demonstrating exceptional martial ability and business skill 2 24 25 34 39.
• Liu Mang — White Tiger Hall steward who recruits Jiang Yuan, explains the organization’s structure and businesses, and becomes his principal contact within the Black Market 24 25 28.
• Zhu Hu — White Tiger Hall Master. He initially doubts Jiang Yuan's worth, then promotes him after Sishui Street becomes orderly and profitable 27 33 34.
• City Lord's Manor — Governs Jiangning's inner city, in contrast to the Black Market's influence over the outer city; the authorities are described as longstanding enemies of the organization 3 24.
• Azure Profound Sect — Fought alongside Black Market forces against Xue Tu, but became entangled in conflict after the Blood-Clad Cult treasure vault was looted 19 21.
• Blood-Clad Cult — Enemy faction whose member Xue Tu killed Black Market personnel, prompting the organization to intervene in the battle and pursue him 19.
• Zhang Bo — Black Tortoise Hall deacon killed by Jiang Yuan after seeking revenge for his nephew; his death allowed Jiang Yuan to inherit his steward position and assets 31 32 34.

Notable Quotes

“The Black Market has the Black Market's rules. Must I treat everyone who walks in as an honored guest?” — Zhu Hu 27

“We want only the strong and keep no trash.” — Zhu Hu 34