The stallholder was a young man lounging lazily in a rocking chair. His eyes lit up when he saw Tang Yan approach, and he immediately sat upright. "Brother, interested in Essence-Locking Jade?"
"How much?" Tang Yan asked.
"Barter only. Any rare treasure you have, bring it out and let me take a look!" the young man said cheerfully.
Tang Yan was considering what to offer when an aged voice rang out. "Young master, what do you think of this talisman? Crush it, and it instantly unleashes a ninth-grade King Rank strike. Immensely powerful and able to catch an enemy off guard, it's an excellent means of defending yourself and saving your life!"
Tang Yan turned to see a thin old man in black robes walking slowly toward them.
The old man's aura was tightly concealed. Even with his Heart of Taiji, Tang Yan still found it difficult to gauge his strength.
Although annoyed by the old man's interference, Tang Yan knew that on this cruel continent, there was no such thing as first come, first served, or rules of courtesy and propriety. The highest bidder won, nothing more.
If he wanted it, he had to offer something more tempting.
"Brother, your aura is sustained and your strength considerable. Even against a King Rank expert, you should be able to escape unscathed.
"Besides, you have a kindly face and probably few enemies, so you most likely wouldn't need it.
"On the Northern Spirit Continent, even a King Rank talisman isn't reliable. Only a strike from at least a Lord Rank expert truly counts as a life-saving trump card.
"For you, young master, this talisman is rather like chicken ribs-little meat to eat, yet a shame to throw away." Tang Yan sneered inwardly. *Old man, you were the first to act without