Qing Chen had originally planned to browse the Market Ward and buy a few Upper Grade First Tier spirit talismans for protection.
If he was lucky enough to find a Top-Grade Defensive Dharma Artifact, especially a suit of inner armor worn close to the body, that would be ideal.
But after hearing Su Zixuan describe the black market, his mind immediately began turning.
The truly good goods in the Market Ward's shops had probably long since been snapped up by people with connections.
A secret black market like this, however, mingled fish and dragons, with more goods of unknown origin. He might really come across rare treasures unavailable outside.
With that thought, Qing Chen said in a low voice, "In that case, perhaps I should investigate this dueling arena myself. But we must proceed cautiously. Tell me the arena's rules in detail first, then we'll decide."
Su Zixuan acknowledged him, then went over everything she had learned about betting at the dueling arena, eligibility for entering the black market, and the auction's rules once more, leaving out no detail.
Only then did Qing Chen learn that the token she held actually allowed her to bring one additional person inside.
"Good. Tonight, you and I will go see it for ourselves." Qing Chen made up his mind, his tone as decisive as severing iron with a blade.
That night, the moon was hidden and the stars were sparse.
Qing Chen and Su Zixuan concealed their auras as they threaded through the shadows of secluded alleyways in the Market Ward.
The farther they went, the quieter their surroundings became.
Following the Command Token's cryptic guidance, they finally stopped before a courtyard that appeared to have been abandoned for years.
Moss covered its walls, and its wooden gate was weathered. Unless someone deliberately