Abyss Walker

Chapter 268 The Black Market (Part 1)

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling sat in a corner of the tavern, their posture relaxed, but their eyes were as sharp as a falcon's, constantly scanning the tavern.

They knew that in such a chaotic place, gathering information was just as important as their own safety.

The old man's appearance broke the tranquility of the tavern; his tattered robe and weathered face contrasted sharply with the shrewd glint in his eyes.

His arrival caused some whispers among the people in the tavern; clearly, this old man was no ordinary person.

The old man walked to the bar, ordered the strongest drink, and began chatting with the bartender.

The "Netherworld Forest" he mentioned immediately caught the attention of Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling. This place name was related to a legend that had recently been circulating in Zhongzhou, which made them prick up their ears.

"Have you heard? The 'Ghost Forest' outside the city has been quite unsettled lately. Some travelers say they've seen strange shadows there, and others claim to have heard eerie whispers."

The old man's words sparked a murmur of discussion in the tavern.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling exchanged a glance, both having made their decision. They planned to secretly follow the old man after he left, hoping to obtain more useful information from him.

Just then, a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes caught their attention on the other side of the tavern.

Her clothes were adorned with jewels, making them exceptionally dazzling. Her demeanor was elegant, and every movement exuded a noble air.

She seemed to be searching for someone, her gaze sweeping across the tavern before finally settling on Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling. She walked gracefully towards them, a captivating smile on her face, her eyes revealing an unfathomable intention.

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling watched the woman approach warily. They knew that in such a place, everyone might be hiding secrets.

“You two don’t look like locals. I’m an intelligence broker from ‘Sky Trace City.’ Perhaps I can provide some information that might interest you.” The woman’s voice was deep and charming, and her eyes revealed a hint of cunning.

The woman's suggestion made both Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling realize that they might have encountered a valuable source of information. Yun Muhan smiled slightly, his smile carrying a hint of wariness and shrewdness.

“We are indeed interested in some information, but we also want to know the price.” Yun Muhan’s voice was calm, without revealing any eagerness for the information.

The woman sat down with graceful and confident movements, took a scroll from her sleeve, and gently placed it on the table. "This is the latest intelligence on 'Sky Trace City' and its surrounding areas. For adventurers like you, this information could be priceless."

Her voice was deep and charming, and her eyes revealed a hint of cunning; she was clearly very confident in her products.

Dugu Jianling remained silent, his hand lightly resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to respond to any unforeseen events. His sharp gaze observed the woman's every move, ensuring Yun Muhan's safety.

Yun Muhan opened the scroll and began to read it carefully. The scroll recorded a series of recent events, including some secret transactions, the movements of unknown forces, and some possible treasure locations.

This information was indeed very valuable to them, but Yun Muhan knew that the value of intelligence was often as high as its price.

"How much is this?" Yun Muhan closed the scroll, his voice calm, revealing no interest in its contents. He knew that in such transactions, remaining calm and discreet was key; they couldn't let the other party see their thirst for information.

The woman smiled, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes. "I have a special offer for you. You do me a small favor, and this information will be your exchange."

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling knew that such deals often came with risks, but they also understood that sometimes taking risks was necessary to obtain information. They decided to accept the deal, but remained vigilant in case it was a trap.

"Deal." Yun Muhan answered succinctly, his eyes revealing unwavering determination.

The woman's smile widened; she knew she had successfully secured two powerful allies. "Well then, let's begin. Your first task is to retrieve an item that was stolen from the 'black market'."

Yun Muhan and Dugu Jianling nodded. They were well aware that the 'black market' was a place in Tianzong City brimming with both danger and opportunity. It was a breeding ground for illegal transactions and a hub for the circulation of all sorts of secrets and rare items.

They knew that every transaction here could be an adventure, but it could also bring unexpected rewards.

Guided by the lady, they left the bustling tavern and stepped into the night of Skyfall City. The streetlights gradually thinned out, and they wandered through several secluded alleys.

These alleyways were narrow and dark, with only the occasional lantern or distant light providing a faint glow. Their footsteps echoed on the cobblestones, a stark contrast to the surrounding silence.

Finally, they arrived at a hidden entrance. This entrance was concealed behind a seemingly ordinary shop and was difficult to find without careful searching.