"What kind of place?" Zhou Qi asked.
The waiter only shook his head with a smile, unwilling to elaborate.
Understanding his meaning, Zhou Qi pulled another banknote from his robes and slipped it into his hand without batting an eye.
The waiter looked down, and his eyes instantly lit up. He swiftly tucked the banknote into his sleeve, then glanced toward the shopkeeper to make sure no one was watching before turning back and lowering his voice, speaking even faster than before:
"At the old locust tree east of the city, someone will be waiting after the Hour of the Pig. Go there, and someone will naturally lead you inside. There's a shop over there that specializes in this Black Market business. Things are cheaper than outside, but the threshold is high. If you're not late-stage Qi Refining, they won't even give you the time of day."
Having said that, he casually retreated two steps and called out with a broad smile, "Enjoy your meal, sir! Just call if you need anything!"
Zhou Qi nodded, lifted his teacup, and slowly took a sip.
Three quarters into the Hour of the Pig, at the old locust tree east of the city.
During the day, this place was a bustling market, but now it stood empty. Only an ancient locust tree, thick enough for two people to encircle with their arms, rustled in the night wind.
Six or seven people were already standing beneath the tree.
Zhou Qi had changed into a gray robe and suppressed his cultivation to Foundation Establishment, First Layer as he slowly walked over.
His gaze swept over the group. There was a burly man in black, an elderly man wrapped in a cloak, and two others wearing bamboo hats that concealed their faces.
He suddenly realized that