Over the next two days, Loa did not rush to dispose of that bag of hot "loot." He changed into clean coarse-cloth clothes. By now, he could perfectly control the aura he had forged through killing, and he mingled along several main commercial streets in Fenlai City's western and southern districts like an ordinary, slightly weathered young mercenary.
His objective was clear: get a feel for the prices and sales channels for "hard currency" such as Magic Crystal Cores.
First, he visited several large trading houses bearing signs such as "So-and-so Chamber of Commerce" and "United Trading Depot." Pretending he intended to sell a small quantity of low-rank Magic Crystal Cores, he made discreet inquiries with the managers at their counters. Their answers were much the same: the trading houses provided a complete service covering appraisal, valuation, purchase, or consignment, with guaranteed security, but charged a commission of ten to fifteen percent of the transaction value. Prices fluctuated according to the cores' ranks, elements, and purity, with the day's posted market rates as a reference. Their dealings were fair, but there was little hope of getting much of a premium.
Next, he checked out the black market. Its channels were discreet, and the cut was usually only around five percent. Prices could sometimes be a little above market rates, especially for goods of "special" provenance or sensitive elements. But the risks were equally obvious-there were no guarantees, and once money and goods changed hands, no one accepted any further responsibility. Criminals robbing criminals was commonplace, and he might even attract unwanted attention, leading to endless trouble.
After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, Loa quickly made his decision. Safety came first. Although the trading houses took a larger cut, their prices were clearly stated and their procedures proper. They often had