Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Chapter 69: The Black Market

Gu Sheng paid two coins to listen to the storyteller and stood there for a while.

Mr. Li’s storytelling style was somewhat similar to Mr. Zhang’s from before. He also talked about the Fire Worship Sect and the Flying Thunder General, but his version had some discrepancies compared to Mr. Zhang’s.

Additionally, there were some local rumors from Canghe County.

Not much was fresh or new.

Originally, Gu Sheng had hoped to glean some fragments about last year’s turmoil in the county from the storyteller, but Mr. Li didn’t dare to even touch on the subject.

Recalling Mr. Zhang’s passing, Gu Sheng immediately understood a bit more.

He sighed lightly to himself, feeling somewhat bored and disappointed, shaking his head as he walked away.

Back at the side courtyard, Gu Sheng carefully stored the remaining hides and made meticulous preparations for his disguise. He headed to the place where he had sold the bow last time.

It was still the same alley.

After knocking and entering the courtyard, Gu Sheng stated his purpose:

"I was referred by Brother Knife. I want to go to the black market."

Upon hearing this.

The old man with the somber expression immediately raised his head and scrutinized Gu Sheng with a hint of surprise.

"Brother Knife is dead. Were you one of his old friends?"

Gu Sheng froze for a moment, then nodded slightly.

The old man didn’t press further and said in a deep voice:

"The rules are simple. If you want access to the black market, pay one tael of silver to get a token for entry."

Gu Sheng didn’t hesitate and handed over twenty large coins to the old man behind the counter.

After counting the money, the old man bent down and rummaged under the counter. Soon, he tossed a dark wooden token onto the counter in front of Gu Sheng.

On it were the characters for "black market." _{freewёbn૦νeɭ.com}

"At 12:45 AM, take this token and head to Black Dog Alley. Someone there will guide you in. Do not cause trouble in the black market; your life will be at risk otherwise."

"Additionally, the black market only recognizes tokens, not people. If your token is lost, you’ll need to apply for a new one."

The old man gave him these instructions before closing his eyes and resting.

Gu Sheng pocketed the token and turned to leave.

"Now that Brother Knife is gone, you can just say Old Xu referred you in the future."

The old man’s voice suddenly came from behind. Gu Sheng paused for a moment, nodded, and pushed the courtyard gate open to leave.

He didn’t know where Black Dog Alley was, but after asking around a bit, he quickly found its location.

Returning to the secluded courtyard.

By then, the evening had grown darker, and villagers who had been out began to return one after another.

Gu Sheng rested quietly in the yard. Without Gu Renxu’s help, he didn’t have such favorable conditions this time. He refrained from practicing martial arts and instead pondered his upcoming night trip to the black market.

"Everyone who frequents the black market is shady or dangerous, and there are even martial artists among them. I must remain especially vigilant, especially against poisons and devious items like lime powder..."

Gu Sheng meticulously considered every potential point of oversight.

Nightfall descended swiftly.

12:45 AM.

The surrounding area was silent.

Gu Sheng took out the night travel outfit he had prepared in advance and put it on, wrapping his face tightly, leaving only his eyes exposed.

He listened carefully for any noise around him, then deftly vaulted over the courtyard wall.

The streets were enveloped in darkness, lit only faintly by moonlight. From afar, the sound of the town crier could be faintly heard.

While Canghe County officially enforced a curfew.

In practice, patrols were lax, and for someone like Gu Sheng, a martial artist, avoiding them was not difficult.

Following the direction to Black Dog Alley, Gu Sheng moved swiftly and cautiously.

"Top-grade antiseptic medicine, only half a tael per bottle! Excellent for stopping bleeding and healing wounds!"

"Divine weapons, sharp and unmatched! Walk by, don’t miss out!"

"I have a peerless martial skill book here, only one tael per volume! My family has fallen on hard times, selling it with great reluctance!"

...

Various shouts of merchants echoed around him.

Gu Sheng found it quite intriguing. If one set aside the somewhat dim torchlight and the scene of people in black clothing and veils, it was hardly different from an ordinary marketplace.

But he knew that nine out of ten of these people were ruthless killers.

Caution was paramount.

He watched carefully.

Among the stalls, those selling medicine powders and weapons were the most popular. Aside from these, there were stalls with odd and unconventional items. However, the stalls with martial skill books were mostly ignored; even when someone approached, they quickly shook their heads and left.

After observing for a while longer, Gu Sheng gained a general understanding of the black market’s situation and stopped at a particular stall.

"Look here, don’t miss out! Divine medicine for Body Refining Realm martial artists—Body Refining Ointment! Premium quality, only one tael per portion! Buy ten portions and get one free!"

The stall owner was shouting enthusiastically.

He was one of the rare people in the black market not concealing his face. His pale, round face, paired with his slightly plump physique, stood out.

Seeing Gu Sheng linger at his stall, the owner’s eyes lit up, and he greeted him with a smile:

"Sir, how about some Body Refining Ointment?"

Gu Sheng glanced down at the Body Refining Ointment on display and deliberately rasped his voice:

"Your Body Refining Ointment—is it genuine?"

The plump middle-aged man smacked his chest resoundingly.

"Rest assured! If I dare show my face in this place, I guarantee authenticity. I work for Pill Master Ge Qing. If I dared to deceive anyone, I’d have been hacked to death long ago!"

Clearly, he had confidence and showed no fear of revealing his wealth.