Chapter 457: Chapter 49: Moon in the Well

South Fourth District, Black Water Lane, crudely constructed stone houses crowded closely together, the ground dirty and chaotic, with foul water flowing everywhere. Gray moss grew on the walls, and strange smells were prevalent all around. Despite this, it was also the most densely populated area in the South District, densely packed with all kinds of businesses. Women dressed scantily were seen everywhere at the street corner, soliciting passersby, while men greedily eyed them. However, they only dared to indulge their fantasies due to their lack of money, and were met only with scorn from the women.

Three-Eared Bar, Li Xin and Qi Badao walked into the bar. Unlike the noise outside, inside, patrons sat in groups of three or five, whispering amongst themselves, gesturing occasionally, but always speaking softly. Li Xin faintly heard many people conversing in Hera Language.

The owner was a woman with bold makeup, her face nearly over-saturated with powder, her blood-red lips giving the impression they could swallow a man whole, her eyes roaming over every customer with a decent figure.

“Sister Yan, two cups of Moon in the Well,” Qi Badao leaned familiarly against the bar, grinning cheekily, “Not seen you for a few days, Sister Yan, you’re glowing.”

As he spoke, he placed a Gold Lira on the table. Li Xin’s eye twitched at this, while Sister Yan, the establishment owner, gave Qi Badao a sardonic look, “What’s this kid’s background? Do you vouch for him? The head fee is five times.”

“Yes, a relative from the old village. I vouch for him, he’s come to buy some daily essentials and see the world.” Qi Badao chuckled, “I’ve already explained the rules; we’re all honest folks.”

“Not bad-looking, huh? I’ve got plenty of pretty girls here, guaranteed fun.” Sister Yan looked flirtatiously at Li Xin.

Qi Badao’s heart skipped a beat as Li Xin leaned against the bar, blinking his eyes, “Sister Yan, she has to be as pretty as you, or else she’ll be overshadowed.”

“Oh, you’re quite a tease, aren’t you? I’ve seen plenty of those pretentious brats from the Canon Law School—damn hypocrites. But you’re intriguing; you won’t need a guarantee. Just don’t break the rules in there, or nobody will be able to save you.” Saying this, she took out a shaker, poured several types of alcohol into it, and placed two cups of “Moon in the Well” in front of them.

Qi Badao picked up a drink and downed it in one go. Li Xin eyed the colorful drink, comparing it to the waste water flowing in the Underground City, but he also picked it up and drank it in one go. Hmm… the taste was surprisingly good.

“Right this way.” Sister Yan smiled seductively, and as they passed by, Li Xin even got a light pat.

They entered a narrow alley, quickly reaching its end. Without hesitation, Qi Badao walked straight towards the wall, passing through it, with Li Xin following suit.

Dragon Capital Black Market—Moon in the Well.

Here was a completely different street from Black Water Lane. The sky was dim, veiled in a faint mist, with buildings appearing hazy and indistinct, and crowds bustling about, all shrouded in gray or black robes. On both sides of the street were rows of shops, with many stalls set up at the entrances.

“Brother Li, the goods inside the shops are good, quality is generally assured, but they’re extremely expensive. The stuff from the stalls are cheaper, but there’s plenty of swindlers. You need to have a sharp eye; they sell everything.” Qi Badao spoke excitedly; he’s bought a good knife here before that proved quite useful, helping him join the Hundred Martial Hall, though it hurt for a long time when it got lost.

The Black Market is an extremely ancient secret organization; its name is simply Black Market, and it establishes secret markets in cities where hidden powers gather. As long as you abide by the laws of the Sixth Epoch, this place is where royal authority and divine authority must be avoided.

The Dragon Capital’s Black Market is codenamed ’Moon in the Well.’

Black Market Rules:

1. For all transactions occurring in the Black Market, the market tax is thirty percent of the transaction amount.

2. No organization or individual may engage in private fights within the Black Market; violators will be permanently expelled.

3. Non-Silver Market VIPs may not enter the Silver Market, and without invitation from the Gold Market, may not approach the Gold Market; violators bear the consequences.

Li Xin was curious about what sustains order in the Black Market, daring to be so imposing. However, since these rules have been operating for millennia, it’s probably unrelated to the quality of the patrons.

“Brother Li, it’s all up and down this street, feel free to choose. What do you want to buy?” Qi Badao also surveyed the surroundings. This ticket was quite expensive, and not buying anything seems a waste; he wanted to buy a sheath for his knife since he didn’t have enough money last time.

“Buy a tool that can summon Justin, for easier communication.” Li Xin replied; Justin, that evasive punk, is quite beloved by Aunt Fei and Xueyin and has considerable accomplishments, making it inappropriate to be rough with him.

“There are many tools for summoning Messengers like that; for a cat, a cat bell is the best.” Qi Badao knew a lot about such little gadgets, only in Celestial Capital, he couldn’t afford it. Now in Dragon Capital, he’s much better off.

Li Xin and Qi Badao both tactfully ignored the stores that seemed mysterious and imposing and came upon a stall featuring various secretive tools. Generally, they were sectioned into areas, with a weapon area, magic potion area, and small tool area. At each stall, the items were often few, and only small gems were offered.

“Boss, how much for this cat bell?” Qi Badao asked.

The owner, wearing a simple gray robe, with a small mustache, age indeterminable, replied, “Ten gold.”

Li Xin’s first reaction to this price was absurd, the second was, this Black Market is really ’black.’ He wondered if they needed workers; he’d like to join, thinking it’s way better than being a Night Patrol.

“Boss, don’t take me for a newbie, this bell’s workmanship is okay but I’m just using it to summon a pet, not for anything major. Don’t give me those gimmicks, give me something practical and economical.” Qi Badao shouted, though he lacked the presence he had in a regular market.

“You both don’t look like big customers, alright, let’s make a deal, five gold.”

“One gold, no more than one gold, not a penny more.”

“You might as well check out other places.” The owner waved them off impatiently.

Li Xin and Qi Badao turned away in synchronized fashion, and behind them came the owner’s call, “One gold, one gold. Brothers, brothers, stop, let’s make a deal.”

Li Xin and Qi Badao returned with smiling eyes. Li Xin chose a pink bell, thinking Xueyin would like it. As for Justin’s opinion, that’s irrelevant.

“Hey, hey, one gold is for ordinary ones, this pink one is the deluxe version. Look how refined, it’s got appeal, just one gold more.”

“Boss, it’s just painted; it’s meant for my sister, the others are too rough, not suitable. Besides, you just said one gold, make a deal, Boss, show generosity, bring you luck and fortune.” Li Xin chuckled while holding the pink bell.

“Little brother, though it’s just paint, the alchemical difficulty rises. You’ve got the knack for our business; alright, I like you, take it for one gold.” The mustached owner didn’t argue, and Li Xin handed him a Gold Lira, feeling a pang as he did.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep