Although offensive elements looked cooler in fights, Li Ban was trapped in a virtual world where death meant solitary confinement. He'd rather have an element with strong defense.
"This one's not bad."
But Li Ban knew his funds were limited, and good common-grade elements were even more expensive. As a buyer, he had to find faults to negotiate better.
"However... what do you mean by 'fusing to vital points'? This Iron Fish Scale isn't too small, is it?"
"Heh." Hai Dakui chuckled honestly. "You should know Iron Fish Scale is a defensive element among common-grade ones. If it were larger, it'd definitely be classified as fine-grade, costing at least several hundred taels."
Li Ban tapped the table with his finger. "Exactly how big is it? What level of attack can it withstand?"
"Ah? Young master also cultivates. How much it can withstand depends on your spiritual essence cultivation. But I can tell you even without cultivation, it's comparable to steel plate as thick as a finger."
"How big exactly?"
Seeing he couldn't evade the question, Hai Dakui reached into his robe and pulled out an object.
No wonder he'd been avoiding the question.
The Iron Fish Scale was just a palm-sized, semi-transparent gray scale.
If there were eight or ten pieces, they might make a tactical vest worthwhile.
But this small? Where could it possibly protect?
The human body was so fragile, full of vital points. Where would this scale even go?
"Can this Iron Fish Scale be moved?"
"That... no."
Seeing Li Ban's disappointment, Hai Dakui wasn't surprised. He'd had this scale for over half a year without selling it precisely because it was too small.
Still, he tried: "Young master, true, but once fused, the scale takes on your skin's color and texture. Completely undetectable. Perfect against sneak attacks. In these hard times, one must keep tricks up their sleeve."
Li Ban... felt tempted.
Inferior elements ranged from one to ten taels, while common-grade ones started at twenty.
This Iron Fish Scale was probably among the poorer common-grade elements.
With some effort and bargaining, he might afford it now.
Other common-grade elements would require eighteen months of savings.
But who knew where he'd be in Death Prison after eighteen months?
Just then, the teahouse waiter brought tea and peanuts.
The clink of porcelain decided Li Ban.
Now just to negotiate.
"How much for this Iron Fish Scale?"
Before Hai Dakui could answer, Li Ban added: "Don't say twenty taels minimum. Give me a real price or I walk."
Hai Dakui drained his cup.
"Fifteen taels! Young master, this is my most sincere offer."
"Ten."
Li Ban slashed a third off.
Hai Dakui's face twitched. "Young master, while this element's ordinary, it's certainly worth more than an inferior one."
Li Ban produced a cloth bag and placed it on the table, adding today's exchanged tael.
"Not just an inferior element, but a tael too. Eleven total."
Hai Dakui froze. Was this how bargaining worked?
Inferior elements ranged from one to ten taels, but only the valuable ones reached ten.
Considering Li Ban was from Death Prison, he reluctantly opened the bag instead of refusing outright.
Seeing its contents, he paused.
"A mimic rat's tail?"
Hai Dakui looked at Li Ban. "Can you decide this trade?"
Li Ban noticed the tail seemed special compared to other inferior elements.
"I can."
"Fine." Hai Dakui slapped his thigh. "Truth be told, fusing a mimic rat's tail harms the body, but its attached toxins have uses. Consider this friendship!"
He pushed the Iron Fish Scale toward Li Ban.
Picking it up, Li Ban heard his mission assistance system after so long:
[Detected element "Iron Fish Scale." Fuse?]
Not yet.
Responding mentally, Li Ban pocketed the scale securely.
Opposite, Hai Dakui hurriedly stowed the tail-containing bag, not forgetting the tael either.
"Li Ban. Currently a menial worker in Death Prison."
Li Ban formally introduced himself.
Recognizing this as response to his "friendship" remark, Hai Dakui laughed heartily.
"Good! You know my name. Unlike your official position, I'm just a common escort guard. If you ever need deliveries, find Anshun Escort westside."
Li Ban had no such needs yet but nodded.
Both satisfied with their trades, they left the Black Market White Market.
Though seemingly limited, Li Ban had decided upon hearing the scale could hide when fused.
He wasn't a frontline fighter—he needed protection against sneak attacks.
While head and torso defenses could be enhanced otherwise, the throat remained vulnerable.
Even full armor left necks soft for mobility.
So Li Ban resolved to secretly fuse the scale to his throat.
Palm-sized, it could cover trachea and arteries.
Back at the inn, Li Ban began cultivating without delay.
Next morning, still sunny, Li Ban first visited regular taverns, commissioning high-proof alcohol, then took the carriage back to Death Prison.
With snow barely melted, the road stayed rough.
Viewing the bleak landscape, Li Ban idly took out the Iron Fish Scale.
"The cat-woman said each identity advancement allows one element fusion. Now that I've advanced to menial worker, I should fuse a second."
Since this scale was for covert use, best fuse it before returning.
Holding it against his throat, he willed: Fuse element "Iron Fish Scale."
[Fusing element "Iron Fish Scale."]
[Fusion successful.]
The gray scale vanished from Li Ban's hands.
His neck still felt soft to touch.
But he knew this fragile organ now had finger-thick steel protection.
Successfully fusing his second element lifted Li Ban's mood.
Returning to Death Prison, he reported back to the tree-person jailers.
Passing the first floor, he tossed meat to the cat-woman.
Seeing the meat but Li Ban not stopping, she clung to the bars—always enthusiastic when receiving food.
"No problems? Come let sister check your cultivation!"
Having just fused his second element, Li Ban avoided exposure, staying distant while hinting: "Less meat from now on. Saving money."
"For what? Raising something?"
The cat-woman drooled.
"Raising? Now that I'm a menial worker, preparing new elements."
Her smile vanished instantly. "Why rush? Even if bought now, you must wait for next advancement to fuse. Better spend on strengthening your monkey-like frame."
Li Ban immediately turned back, frowning. "Next advancement? You said each advancement allows new fusion. I've advanced once already."
Scratching her straw-like hair, the cat-woman said, "Ah? Did I? Might've omitted—even if you fused one element without identity, advancing once doesn't permit a second. Only at second advancement."
"Attempting further fusion either fails outright or succeeds but kills you."
She stared seriously at Li Ban.
"Guaranteed death."