"Guest~ You must understand, we're all legitimate businessn here. We can't easily accept weapons of questionable origin unless you tell us..." The Chaleon forced an overly cheerful smile, radiating sunshine like a man who'd just found a girlfriend, gesturing for soone to bring Chen Qi a cup of tea. This person before him seed to have significant backing—he needed to restrain his temper.
"You wouldn't want to know." Chen Qi cut him off.
The arms dealers behind the Chaleon were affiliated with the Blood Blade Pirates. Weapons from the Beiguo teorological Bureau? They'd take as many as they could get.
The Chaleon silently lowered his head. Clearly, the other party had no intention of revealing the origins of these weapons. But regardless, being able to acquire such weapons indicated this second-tier Transcendent had backing from a formidable ard faction—one bold enough to oppose the Beiguo teorological Bureau.
The teorological Bureau was primarily an investigative and exploratory organization. Unlike the Beiguo Navy, they adhered to neutrality—unless it involved their missions, they rarely took initiative. But neutrality didn't equate to weakness.
The Beiguo teorological Bureau always repaid grievances. Within their ranks were nurous assassination experts, along with multiple classified forbidden artifacts. Many arrogant pirates who'd offended them had mysteriously vanished at sea.
Acquiring so many weapons not only demonstrated the power behind this person but also their audacity! To dare strike against the teorological Bureau—weren't they afraid of being sliced up and turned into specins? Could they be from the Blackfin Crew? Or perhaps major corrupt elents within the teorological Bureau itself?
The Chaleon felt he was brushing against so ruthless major organization. Silently calculating the weapons' value, he finally said:
"Guest, these weapons must have all traces erased when used, otherwise they'll invite unwarranted attacks. I can only offer eight million Shell Coins! You can check—no one will offer higher recently!"
Eight million? A reasonable but lowball price... Chen Qi glanced lightly at the Chaleon. Though the rchant sensed unfathomable backing behind Chen Qi, his instincts as a risk-taking businessman drove him to push the price down. After all, every deal affected his wallet. Regardless, this was a newcor to his shop.
Chen Qi produced Little Crow's card—issued by the Shell Affinity Organization, a universal VIP pass indicating certain capabilities. With a trace of mockery, he said:
"With the Blood Blade Pirates and Blackfin Crew currently locked in fierce combat, weapons are in high demand. The price seems low, doesn't it, Chaleon?"
So he hadn't been intimidated, and even had underworld credentials—this one ca prepared... The Chaleon nervously rubbed his hands. Dealing with dangerous people like this was his least favorite activity: "Apologies, I miscalculated earlier. Eleven million Shell Coins."
Chen Qi remained silent, stroking his chin.
The Chaleon felt a phantom pain in his own jaw: "Twelve million."
Twelve million—an exceptionally high price. Chen Qi accepted the deal.
With trembling hands, the Chaleon counted out a standard bag of gold coins: "Please visit us again."
As Chen Qi took the bag and prepared to leave after verifying the amount, the Chaleon suddenly called out:
"Guest, wait a mont!"
"?"
Chen Qi turned back. Was the Chaleon reneging? Twelve million was sowhat inflated—ten would have been fair.
The Chaleon plastered on a smile: "Guest, though I don't know who backs you, if you ever need assistance, visit our black market. Recently, many require help—pirates, navy personnel—we strive to provide all services."
The Chaleon couldn't pinpoint Chen Qi's identity. But his intuition suggested either a veteran hunter group dismissed for misconduct, or a special organization from another kingdom. Recently, official personnel from other nations had been arriving at the Witch Sea for its resources—the Goldenfinch Kingdom's Canaries, the Black Blood Empire's vanguard, or the White Tower Kingdom's Knowledge Hunters.
Whichever it was, showing goodwill ant potential future collaboration. With the Blood Blade Pirates' leader missing and the Blood Lady constantly weeping, they desperately needed fresh blood—perhaps even a new leader! Recruiting a wild combat organization wouldn't be bad.
The Chaleon smiled slightly: "Guest, feel free to return for future business."
Chen Qi nodded faintly, understanding the implication. Despite his bravado, the Chaleon's Blood Blade Pirates, leaderless, couldn't afford new enemies. His black market was undoubtedly Blackore City's finest—an ideal trading spot for the foreseeable future.
Surveying the surroundings, Chen Qi noted nurous ongoing transactions. He had purchases to make. Following mory, he approached an elderly vendor and spent 500,000 on a gramophone that played the Song of Silence—a hidden treasure of this black market. While the device itself wasn't valuable, its recordings could significantly enhance ditation and inspiration-based skill training.
Next, he invested five million in a high-tier Lamp-affinity ditation technique called "Candlefla"—the best second-tier ditation card for boosting inspiration, spiritual energy capacity, and sensory range for inspiration-based skills.
Lamp-affinity techniques are absurdly expensive... Chen Qi mused. A few casual steps had vaporized another 5.5 million Shell Coins.
After shopping, Chen Qi erged from the underground market, following the mall's path to its terminus—the Hunter Agency. Here awaited a rare opportunity: forbidden techniques accessible at second-tier strength.
Ard hunters populated the building inside and out. Established by the Hunter Association, this was where players grinded for experience and money—a haven for freelance hunters. Most company-less hunters couldn't risk daily Rift expeditions, especially as Dinsional Tides intensified the dangers. Thus, many opted for missions to earn ager incos.
Entering the smoke-and-alcohol-filled room, Chen Qi saw mission papers littering the floor. So hunters drank heartily, boasting about red-light districts where noble maids might be encountered; others pondered solutions to Rift-borne diseases. A bank-uniford clerk smiled at the bar, ready to serve.
Most high-reward missions were snatched up by ddleso Blood Blade Pirates, major corporations, or veteran hunter teams. Scanning the room, Chen Qi noted mostly first-tier Transcendents with few seconds-tiers. Remaining missions involved bodyguarding, infidelity investigations, lost cats, or handling stolen goods—essentially, this was a beginner zone.
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