Chapter 163: The Black Market Wasn’t That Easy to Handle
“Two fellow Daoists!”
After being mocked, Qin Feng’s face turned somewhat ugly. His Qin Family was a grand Foundation Establishment clan, yet they had already humbled themselves to visit multiple times.
His expression turned dark as iron, but Qin Feng still wished to make a final attempt. Gritting his teeth, he said:
“I, Qin Family, am willing to buy it back at sixty percent higher than the original price. Fellow Daoists, just take this as forming good karma with my Qin Family. In the future, should anything arise, my Qin Family has four Foundation Establishments, and we will certainly lend our full assistance.”
When he spoke the last sentence, Qin Feng’s words already carried a hint of threat.
In Qin Feng’s eyes, Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin, these drifting cultivators, were merely gamblers blessed with luck. As for the so-called six Foundation Establishments of the black market, they were nothing more than profit-driven alliances.
Compared to clans like his own, who shared the same bloodline, they were insignificant and could never amount to anything.
Although Lin Chang’an and Old Hu usually appeared easy-going, at this moment, being threatened, both of their gazes turned cold.
“You Qin Family may have four Foundation Establishments, but do you take us for mere Qi Refining cultivators who are easy to bully?”
Old Hu revealed a fierce glint in his eyes. He was someone who had carved his path through slaughter.
Lin Chang’an spoke even colder: “It was you who sold off your clan property and betrayed Tianxuan City. No one forced you.”
“If you dare to use the so-called Qin Family to threaten us, then you must carefully consider the consequences of offending us!”
In an instant, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu both released killing intent, scaring Qin Feng so much that his face turned deathly pale. His lips trembled, and in the end, under the oppressive baleful energy of two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, he forced out a stiff smile.
“Fellow Daoists misunderstand, I had no such intention.”
…
At last, watching Qin Feng leave dejected after failing to pressure them, Hu Jin’s expression grew grave.
“Brother Lin, we must be cautious these days. Though the Qin Family has fallen, they are still a Foundation Establishment clan and possess some hidden foundations.”
“Rest assured, Old Hu.”
Lin Chang’an’s expression remained calm. If they relented every time someone claimed to be a fellow Daoist, then what of all the risks they had taken before?
So, not only Old Hu, but even Jia, who usually just wanted to live peacefully, cursed Qin Feng as shameless when he heard of this.
As the saying went, cutting off another’s means of livelihood was like killing one’s parents.
They bore such great risks, and the spirit stones they earned were meant to pave the way for their future Dao.
If they were to hand it over at a cheap price, would that not be akin to a grudge that blocked their cultivation path?
Everyone they informed about this matter was firmly against it.
Afterward, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu went to Many Treasures Pavilion in Tianxuan City to purchase several sets of second-rank high-grade magical robes.
Many Treasures Pavilion.
“Tsk tsk, Talisman Master Lin truly has an extraordinary bearing. Normally, you are too casual, but in this green robe, you resemble Master Lu from back in the day.”
As Lin Chang’an changed into a green robe, Shopkeeper Wind, smiling broadly, complimented him.
Old Hu could not help but grow envious.
“Shopkeeper Wind, you can’t just praise Brother Lin. I, Old Hu, haven’t exactly been stingy when buying your wares.”
Seeing Old Hu act the clown, Shopkeeper Wind also smiled and nodded.
“But of course, Fellow Daoist Hu. This pale-golden robe suits your temperament perfectly.”
Looking at Old Hu preening as he examined himself, Lin Chang’an shook his head. Old Hu’s burly figure only made the golden robe stand out too gaudily.
“Enough, Shopkeeper Wind, you sure know how to speak pleasing words. I, Old Hu, only wanted to hear some flattery, but wearing something this flashy is no good.”
In the end, Old Hu chose a moon-white robe and a set of gray combat attire.
Lin Chang’an selected the green robe and a set of black, neat battle clothes.
“Brother Lin, dressed all in black, don’t tell me you intend to become a robber cultivator? That’s risky business.”
At Old Hu’s teasing, Lin Chang’an only smiled and nodded.
“Who knows? If someday you encounter a black-robed robber, Old Hu, make sure to recognize me clearly.”
The two glanced at each other and burst into hearty laughter.
A true confidant was hard to find. More importantly, having earned a fortune together, everything seemed brighter in their eyes.
…
Three months later, Tianxuan City’s Core Formation Celebration.
The entire city bustled with excitement. Nearly every notable Foundation Establishment cultivator within the city attended.
Even the great sects and clans of the Seven Kingdoms sent people across vast distances to congratulate Tianxuan City’s True Lord Su on his Core Formation.
This scene allowed Lin Chang’an and the rogue cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms to witness Master Lu’s influence firsthand. The title of the Seven Kingdoms’ number one rogue cultivator was well-deserved.
Yet, seeing such grandeur, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
“Perhaps at his peak, Master Lu commanded such presence. But this time, the great sects and clans likely covet the profits left after the beast tide.”
Otherwise, why would so many travel from afar? To put it bluntly, Tianxuan City’s beast tide had lasted nearly a year.
The abundance of demon-beast resources was unmatched across the Seven Kingdoms.
Who wouldn’t want a share, exchanging their own resources for cheap demon-beast materials?
“Brother Lin, do you think we’ll ever have such a day?”
At the banquet, Old Hu’s eyes shone with longing as he gazed upon the grand Core Formation celebration.
Lin Chang’an, however, focused his gaze upon the pile of gifts.
“Old Hu, how much do you think they’ll receive in gifts from this celebration?”
At Lin Chang’an’s voice-transmission, Old Hu’s attention shifted.
Looking at the mountain of gifts, brought by sects, clans, and guilds, Old Hu’s eyes revealed naked envy. He and Lin Chang’an exchanged glances and began calculating in their minds.
“Brother Lin, if we one day reach Core Formation, we must hold a grand celebration too.”
Lin Chang’an nodded firmly, causing Yun Yao, seated at the same table, to fall into silence.
When did these two start sharing the same rotten ideas?
Meanwhile, Old Ghost sat with his head lowered, but his eyes never left Lihuo Palace, filled with merciless killing intent.
He Yan, having taken advantage of the beast tide along with years of accumulation, had successfully advanced to mid-stage Foundation Establishment, his face glowing with joy.
Jia, once anxious about the future, finally set his heart at ease seeing a new Core Formation cultivator rise in Tianxuan City.
Indeed, with Su Miaoyin’s Core Formation, Tianxuan City now had successors, stabilizing hearts.
Seeing Su Miaoyin’s graceful bearing after Core Formation, Lin Chang’an was momentarily lost in admiration.
At the same time, the cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms beheld the legendary figure of an era—Master Lu, now with graying temples and aged appearance.
It was regrettable, yet Master Lu wore a bright smile, looking every bit the elder pleased with a worthy successor.
…
Although the situation in Yue Kingdom remained unstable, with Master Lu now having a successor, Tianxuan City had found stability.
Massive amounts of demon-beast materials flooded the markets, along with the goods brought by the guilds of the Seven Kingdoms.
For a time, Tianxuan City became a convergence of all resources, truly broadening horizons.
Its reputation as a sanctuary for rogue cultivators spread widely, living up to its name.
After the celebration, Su Miaoyin brought the third-rank Blackwater Turtle to support Xuanyin Pavilion on the frontlines.
A newly advanced Core Formation cultivator wasn’t frightening, but one who commanded a late-stage third-rank Blackwater Turtle and possessed high-grade magical treasures—this revealed the profound heritage of the number one rogue cultivator.
Time passed. No matter how turbulent the outside world became, at least Tianxuan City remained peaceful.
【Lifespan: 80/248】
【Realm: Mid-stage Foundation Establishment (27/100)】
“In one’s later years, to be mid-stage Foundation Establishment with steady progress—this is not bad at all.”
In the black market, from a loft window, Lin Chang’an looked down at the bustling rogue cultivators outside and nodded in satisfaction.
At his age, to possess such cultivation was already a legend among rogue cultivators.
Though he could not compare with Master Lu’s legendary stature, in a small place like Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace, his name was widely known.
“Brother Lin!”
At this moment, Old Hu entered with a grim expression, his face full of anger.
This puzzled Lin Chang’an.
“Old Hu, who provoked you? That shouldn’t be.”
Recently, after their businesses paid off, they had all earned heavily. Old Hu had lost all interest in hunting demon beasts.
With these resources, they could cultivate in peace for years.
Not to mention, there was also the black market business.
Yet today, Old Hu came storming in, full of fury, slamming the table with clear rage in his eyes.
“Brother Lin, I finally understand why that Qin fellow is so shameless. I was wondering, how could a family with over a hundred years of heritage act with such foolishness—”
“Turns out that Qin fellow already knew he would offend us. That bastard actually joined forces with others to open a black market in the western district.”
As Old Hu furiously pointed outside, Lin Chang’an was first stunned, then finally understood the situation.
So Qin Feng, that Qin Family, had joined hands with others to establish a black market in the western district.
That explained why he had acted so foolishly before, daring to risk offending them.
As the saying went, peers were enemies. The Qin Family had long prepared to enter this business.
“So that’s how it is.”
Once Lin Chang’an understood, he shook his head. A black market, if managed well, would surely attract the envy of others.
It was normal for others to imitate, though it did mean some of their business would be taken away.
“Brother Lin, do you think I, Old Hu, am a petty man?”
At this moment, Old Hu angrily picked up his spirit tea, downed it in one gulp, and snorted.
“It’s just that Qin fellow is utterly sinister and shameless. Luckily, we held our ground and refused to give in back then, or else we really would’ve let that Qin brat take advantage.”
“Enough, Old Hu. At the end of the day, we’ve made our profits. And think about it: since the Qin Family lost their foundation in Tianxuan City, they had to find a way to make a living. Otherwise, how would they support all those people?”
Lin Chang’an chuckled, waved his finger, and caused the teapot to refill Old Hu’s cup.
“Besides, running a black market isn’t that easy. We may not be business geniuses, but we dared to take the gamble and seized the opportunity early on.
The Qin Family—whoever they’ve partnered with, how many resources could they possibly have? After these years of development, our foundation is already solid. Could a mere newly opened black market shake us?”
At Lin Chang’an’s words, Old Hu finally calmed, though he still muttered his complaints.
“Still, Brother Lin, you really have the right mindset. But that Qin fellow shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s invited six Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators, claiming to have ten Foundation Establishments presiding.
This black market of his is certainly being hyped up, and it might indeed affect us in the future.”
Originally, Old Hu didn’t care if the Qin Family opened a black market. He wasn’t so domineering as to forbid others from doing so.
It was simply that Qin Feng had been so disgusting earlier.
Lin Chang’an only shook his head, flicked his finger, and floated another cup of spirit tea before Old Hu.
“Old Hu, think about it. Back when Tianxuan City was in chaos, how much did we risk when we started this black market? And now, with the city stable, the value of our shops has multiplied.
So the Qin Family recruited six Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators. Do you really think the black market is that easy to run?”
Seeing the meaningful smile on Lin Chang’an’s face, Old Hu gradually calmed, as if he suddenly understood something, and revealed a look of realization.
He downed the tea in one gulp, then gave Lin Chang’an a thumbs up.
“Brother Lin, your mind turns fast. We’re no good at business, but when the six of us first invested, each of us had strong foundations.
Especially Daoist Yun and Brother Lin—you both put in so many spirit stones that it made people envious. I thought I had saved some wealth, and I was proud of it, but compared to the two of you, I truly underestimated the world.”
Hearing Old Hu’s praise, Lin Chang’an only waved it off with a smile.
“Nowadays, starting a black market would require at least ten times the investment we made back then. And after opening, how did we carve out our place?”
This stirred Old Hu’s memories, making him nod.
“It was our joint effort. Old Jia and I relied on our contacts, while Old Ghost and Fellow Daoist He Yan gathered plenty of under-the-table resources. Of course, Daoist Yun and Brother Lin were the key.
Brother Lin, your wide network even brought in a second-rank alchemist, which directly attracted many second-rank talisman masters and alchemists. That was how our black market made a name for itself. And Daoist Yun was incredible too, even bringing in strategic resources…”
Seeing Old Hu realize the truth, Lin Chang’an smiled.
In reality, the so-called second-rank alchemist was just a cover he used to sell his own talismans and pills.
But in the eyes of outsiders, it was “Alchemist Elder” who attracted the crowds, making the black market instantly famous.
“Now tell me, Old Hu. As for the Qin Family, though they’re a century-old clan, what do they rely on? On their failed departure from Tianxuan City?
I remember the Qin Family burned quite a few bridges when they left. Now, to run a black market, they can only rely on rogue cultivators.”
The two looked at each other and both smiled.
If one didn’t think about it, it was nothing. But upon reflection, their black market succeeded because they had the right time, the right place, and the right people—all three aligned.
Meanwhile, Qin’s black market was the exact opposite, lacking all three.
“Now that you put it this way, we had time, place, and people on our side, not to mention a bit of luck. Let’s see if that Qin fellow has any luck left.”
At this, Old Hu wore a gloating smile.
Having none of the advantages, if they lacked luck as well, then they would surely fall flat.
“Indeed. Just as you said, the six Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators Qin recruited are ordinary, nothing more than figureheads.
Most likely, this black market has already drained their family fortunes. The only question is how long they can last.”
Lin Chang’an spoke calmly, watching events unfold with indifference.
Did they really think running a black market was easy?
He had secretly, under various disguises, sold second-rank talismans and pills, accounting for nearly eighty percent of the goods. This was equivalent to more than ten cultivators skilled in second-rank arts.
That was not something that could be imitated.
“Brother Lin, then we shall wait and see. That Qin fellow really isn’t worth a damn.”
Old Hu laughed heartily, raising his teacup, and suddenly felt much more at ease.
They weren’t saints. When faced with someone who had offended them, they had no qualms about wishing misfortune upon him.
On this, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu understood each other well and had no need to conceal their gloating.
Naturally, they lived however felt most comfortable.