Chapter 2227 Black Market

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2227 Black Market

A flash of white caught Yun Lintian's cyc - a handsome young man in pristine white robes stood beside him, a friendly smile gracing his features.

"Apologies for the intrusion, fellow traveler. I'm Xiao Hu from the Flying Tiger Sect." the young man greeted with a cupped fist. "Your composure amidst this anxious crowd piqued my curiosity."

Indeed, compared to the frenetic energy radiating from the surrounding figures, Yun Lintian appeared remarkably calm. This air of serenity sparked Xiao Ilu's interest in the newcomer's identity.

"Yun Lintian, a wandering cultivator," Yun Lintian replied, returning the gesture.

A flicker of surprise crossed Xiao Hu's face. Yun Lintian exuded an aura that belied his claim of being a mere unaffiliated cultivator. However, Xiao Hu wisely chose to forgo further inquiry.

"Your first visit to the Central Region?" he inquired instead.

"Indeed," Yun Lintian confirmed. "What about yourself?"

"This is my second time, but the first to participate in the competition." Xiao Ilu replied truthfully. "The Iloly Land competition is just around the corner, and I can't wait to witness the clash of titans."

"I've heard much about the competition. It's said to be a spectacle like no other." Yun Lintian said along.

"It is," Xiao Hu affirmed. "The strongest factions from across the Divine Realm send their most promising disciples to compete for a chance to enter the Holy Lands. The battles are legendary, the stakes are high, and the rewards are beyond measure."

He lowered his voice, a conspiratorial glint in his eyes. "I've even heard rumors of hidden treasures and ancient secrets being revealed during the competition."

The interior of the tavern was shrouded in shadows, the air thick with the smell of stale ale and sweat. A motley crew of figures huddled in dimly lit corners, their eyes darting suspiciously as Yun Lintian and Xiao Hu made their way through the room.

Xiao Hu approached a cloaked figure seated at a secluded table, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. "I've brought someone who seeks passage," he said in a low voice. The cloaked figure nodded, his voice a raspy whisper. "I can provide transport, but cheap. And there are risks involved. Are you willing to accept those terms?"

Yun Lintian's eyes narrowed. "Name your price," he said, his voice steady.

won't be

The cloaked figure leaned forward, revealing a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to bore into Yun Lintian's soul. "A hundred thousand high-grade divine stones," he hissed. "And your silence. If you breathe a word of this to anyone, you'll be hunted down and eliminated."

Yun Lintian didn't flinch. He retrieved a pouch from his storage ring and tossed it onto the table. "Here's your payment," he said. "When do we leave?"

The cloaked figure pocketed the pouch, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Tonight, at midnight," he rasped. "Meet me at the docks, near the abandoned warehouse. And remember, silence is golden."

With that, he rose from his chair and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Yun Lintian and Xiao Hu alone in the dimly lit tavern.

Xiao Hu turned to Yun Lintian, his face etched with concern. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. "This is a dangerous gamble."

Yun Lintian nodded calmly. "I know the risks," he said. "But I have to take this chance."

Xiao Ilu fell silent for a moment. Then, with a curt nod and a cupped fist, he said, "Farewell, Brother Yun. May your journey to the Central Region be swift and successful."

Yun Lintian returned the gesture. "Thank you for the information, Brother Xiao. Perhaps our paths will cross again. In that case, consider the next drink on me."

"Sure," Xiao Hu replied. He cast one last, lingering look at Yun Lintian before turning and disappearing into the street.

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