Evening fell.
Cao Jinxing headed home after his shift with the [Coiling Dragon Staff] and [Seven-Star Saber], picking up roast chicken and wine from the Gathering Immortals Residence for dinner along the way.
He had enjoyed their food last time, but the moment he reached his front door, he realized he had bought it too soon.
"Brother Cao."
Zhang Chengfeng was waiting outside his gate, with his steward Guan Chong behind him.
"What brings you here?"
Zhang Chengfeng was a busy man now. After formally taking over Windcloud Manor, he had to oversee every business matter, large and small, and barely had time to catch his breath.
He also enjoyed researching firearms, and that little hobby filled what spare time he had left. For most people, getting a chance to see him was next to impossible.
Zhang Chengfeng smiled and cupped his hands. "My father has just begun to recover from his illness. He specifically sent me to invite you over, Brother Cao... After eight years of suffering, he wants to thank you in person."
So that was it.
You should have said so sooner. I already bought the chicken...
"His injury damaged his vital foundations. Ten days or half a month won't be enough for him to recover."
Seeing that Zhang Chengfeng was as sincere as before, Cao Jinxing's expression softened slightly. "Better not put him through the trouble. Let him rest and recuperate. We can meet once he's fully recovered. Besides..."
Cao Jinxing sighed. "I have something to do tonight. I need to visit the Ghost Market to sell a few things and buy a few others while I'm there."
"The Ghost Market?"
Of course Zhang Chengfeng knew the place. His family even had a shop there, selling his specialty, the [Storm Pear Blossom Needles].
Zhang Chengfeng was a little disappointed, though he had expected as much. Cao Jinxing took everything in stride and had never made much of saving his father's life. Naturally, he would not attach much importance to their thanks.
"What do you want to buy, Brother Cao? Just say the word. Since my family happens to have a shop in the Ghost Market, why don't I..."
"Stop right there."
Cao Jinxing said, "I know you're rich, but those are separate matters. The rare medicinal treasures were part of our agreement, so those were your expense. As for everything else, you don't owe me anything. There's no need to spend money on me. Besides, these items have troublesome origins. Don't get yourself mixed up in it... All right, go back and look after your father. The capital hasn't been peaceful lately."
He started toward his house. There was still some time before the market opened, so he planned to fill his stomach first.
Zhang Chengfeng followed him.
Cao Jinxing stopped, his head beginning to ache. "Why are you so stubborn? I'm getting tired of saying this."
Zhang Chengfeng smiled. "The Ghost Market is full of hidden dangers. Plenty of brazen swindlers pass off inferior goods as quality wares, then flee afterward. They even dare to cheat high officials and dignitaries. Why not let me come along? I could lend a hand."
He called it lending a hand, but what he really meant was appraising the goods.
Remembering how ignorant he had been that morning, Cao Jinxing admitted that he did need someone knowledgeable to check things for him-he wanted to buy a good flute.
Someone who had money to spare certainly had no reason to shortchange himself.
Even if it's just for practice, I'm getting the best!
Cao Jinxing considered it. "Do you have time right now? Don't let this interfere with your work."
"Don't worry. I have plenty of time!"
Zhang Chengfeng's answer was firm. Brother Cao had so few wants that repaying him was almost impossible. Now that a chance to help had finally appeared, he would make time even if he had none!
"All right, then."
Cao Jinxing agreed and raised the roast chicken. "Want some?"
Before long, the sun had set.
With his stomach full and his thirst satisfied, Cao Jinxing went with Zhang Chengfeng to Fish-Eye Cave on Carp Mountain to wait for the market to open.
He wore a Flying Fish Uniform with an Embroidered Spring Saber at his waist, and his arrival immediately scared people away.
The cave entrance had been crowded, but everyone spontaneously cleared a space five zhang around him, leaving only Zhang Chengfeng at his side.
An Embroidered Uniform Guard.
A Deputy Qianhu, at that.
What were they waiting for? Get as far away as possible!
In the capital, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's reputation was second only to the Eastern Depot's in its infamy. Outside the capital, their positions were reversed.
Whether they ranked first or second, both were the organizations martial artists feared and loathed most.
Cao Jinxing paid no mind to everyone's stares.
Soon, the hour of the Dog arrived. Red lanterns were hung at the cave entrance, the gate opened, and the Ghost Market began trading.
"First, we'll sell the weapons and trade for some pills."
Cao Jinxing followed the crowd inside.
"Your items are unusual, Brother Cao. Ordinary shops won't dare accept them, and even if they did, they couldn't sell them... Why not go straight to a shop belonging to the Three Families? They have considerable resources and plenty of potent medicines."
Zhang Chengfeng offered his advice.
The Three Families he referred to were the Ghost Market's masters: the Wu, Chen, and Huang families.
"All right."
Cao Jinxing knew little about the Ghost Market, so naturally he took his advice. Zhang Chengfeng led him to a small three-story building called the Green Jade Tower.
"This shop belongs to the Huang Family. It specializes in buying rare treasures and exceptional weapons, and it carries plenty of potent medicines too. When my father was gravely ill, I bought a [Fortune Creation Pill] here."
"Oh?"
Cao Jinxing was startled and studied the little building closely. He had not expected them to command such resources!
As its name suggested, a [Fortune Creation Pill] could grant someone a new lease on life. In an instant, it could regenerate flesh, mend bones, cure illness, heal injuries, and restore martial power. It was exceedingly rare.
This was something that could save a life!
Lü Fu had given him a bottle, but it had contained only five pills. He had already used one, and the thought still pained him.
Anyone would hoard pills like these. If they could offer them for sale, it meant they had more! That alone showed the depth of their resources.
"Let's take a look inside."
Cao Jinxing strode in.
The middle-aged shopkeeper inside had noticed him long ago. As soon as Cao Jinxing entered, he greeted him with a smile and bowed with neither servility nor arrogance. "I am Xie An, shopkeeper of the Green Jade Tower. Greetings, Lord Qianhu. Your presence truly honors our humble establishment..."
"Let's skip the pleasantries."
Cao Jinxing waved a hand. "I have three things to sell. Do you dare take them, Shopkeeper Xie?"
Xie An paused, noticing what he carried-a long staff wrapped in white cloth, along with a black bundle.
"May I take a look?"
Xie An said neither yes nor no. Clever men knew better than to commit themselves too soon. Only fools spoke rashly for a moment's satisfaction.
Cao Jinxing nodded and handed over the bundle. "Look at these two first. If you can take them, we'll look at the staff. Otherwise, there's no point."
"..."
Growing even more cautious, Xie An carefully opened it. Inside were a short saber and a pair of gloves.
With his extensive knowledge, he recognized them at once!
The former was the hereditary token of Tyrant Saber Manor; the latter, the Darksteel Gloves belonging to Smiling Tiger of the Opera House's Twelve Zodiac.
Xie An's hands trembled!
Cao Jinxing smiled. "Can you take them?"
Xie An bowed, his manner becoming even more respectful, and gestured with his right hand. "Lord Cao, please take the seat of honor in our private room."
"Oh?"
Cao Jinxing raised an eyebrow. "You know me? That's strange. Including this visit, I've only entered the Ghost Market twice. Where did you hear of me, Shopkeeper Xie?"
"You jest, my lord."
Xie An said, "First you killed members of the Opera House's Twelve Zodiac, then wounded 'Firecloud Blade' Zhao Siyuan, and today you severely injured both the Bright Sect's Left Envoy of Light and its guardian Dharma King... Your fame is rising rapidly, Lord Cao. Even someone as poorly informed as I am has heard of you..."
"Heh."
Cao Jinxing chuckled meaningfully. "Interesting. Something I did this morning has already spread by evening. Either the Pacification Commission leaks like a sieve, or your connections reach everywhere, Shopkeeper Xie..."
Most people would have been frightened out of their wits by those words.
But Xie An wore an odd expression. "You misunderstand, Lord Cao. We aren't the only ones who know. Anyone with a few informants has heard... Do you know what lies three li due south of the Imperial Prison?"
"..."
Cao Jinxing's expression changed.
The Imperial Prison stood on the western stretch of Chang'an Avenue, not far from the Pacification Commission. Though it was some distance from residential areas, three li...
Xie An said, "Bird-and-Flower Alley, and the Under Heaven Residence Restaurant! It's a famous restaurant in the capital, packed every day. Three li is quite far for ordinary people, but for martial experts, it's only a few breaths away. The music of the zither rang out everywhere, and quite a few people heard it. No one dared approach, but several renowned martial heroes personally witnessed you severely injuring the Ape King with the [Heavenly Sword-Linked Finger]! You..."
"Enough, enough!"
Cao Jinxing hurriedly stopped him. This was practically public humiliation. "Sorry. I misjudged you..."
Looking utterly drained, he said, "Let's get back to business and put this behind us..."
Fuck!
How am I supposed to keep a low profile now?
The whole capital knows about this damn mess!
The Bright Sect must hate my guts!
What will the Zhao Family think?
What will the Yan Family think?
Goddammit!
He turned to Zhang Chengfeng. "You knew too?"
Zhang Chengfeng looked puzzled. "Of course. I thought you already knew..."
"..."
I didn't know a damn thing!
Cao Jinxing wanted to cry, but no tears came...
Before you continue