novelraw Chapter 189: Guest, Come Visit Again Sometime
Chapter 189: Guest, Come Visit Again Sometime
"Guest~ You must understand, we're all legitimate businessmen here. We can't easily accept weapons of questionable origin unless you tell us..." The Chameleon forced an overly cheerful smile, radiating sunshine like a man who'd just found a girlfriend, gesturing for someone to bring Chen Qi a cup of tea. This person before him seemed to have significant backing—he needed to restrain his temper.
"You wouldn't want to know." Chen Qi cut him off.
The arms dealers behind the Chameleon were affiliated with the Blood Blade Pirates. Weapons from the Beiguo Meteorological Bureau? They'd take as many as they could get.
The Chameleon silently lowered his head. Clearly, the other party had no intention of revealing the origins of these weapons. But regardless, being able to acquire such weapons indicated this second-tier Transcendent had backing from a formidable armed faction—one bold enough to oppose the Beiguo Meteorological Bureau.
The Meteorological Bureau was primarily an investigative and exploratory organization. Unlike the Beiguo Navy, they adhered to neutrality—unless it involved their missions, they rarely took initiative. But neutrality didn't equate to weakness.
The Beiguo Meteorological Bureau always repaid grievances. Within their ranks were numerous assassination experts, along with multiple classified forbidden artifacts. Many arrogant pirates who'd offended them had mysteriously vanished at sea.
Acquiring so many weapons not only demonstrated the power behind this person but also their audacity! To dare strike against the Meteorological Bureau—weren't they afraid of being sliced up and turned into specimens? Could they be from the Blackfin Crew? Or perhaps major corrupt elements within the Meteorological Bureau itself?
The Chameleon felt he was brushing against some ruthless major organization. Silently calculating the weapons' value, he finally said:
"Guest, these weapons must have all traces erased when used, otherwise they'll invite unwarranted attacks. I can only offer eight million Shell Coins! You can check—no one will offer higher recently!"
Eight million? A reasonable but lowball price... Chen Qi glanced lightly at the Chameleon. Though the merchant sensed unfathomable backing behind Chen Qi, his instincts as a risk-taking businessman drove him to push the price down. After all, every deal affected his wallet. Regardless, this was a newcomer to his shop.Chen Qi produced Little Crow's card—issued by the Shell Affinity Organization, a universal VIP pass indicating certain capabilities. With a trace of mockery, he said:
"With the Blood Blade Pirates and Blackfin Crew currently locked in fierce combat, weapons are in high demand. The price seems low, doesn't it, Chameleon?"
So he hadn't been intimidated, and even had underworld credentials—this one came prepared... The Chameleon nervously rubbed his hands. Dealing with dangerous people like this was his least favorite activity: "Apologies, I miscalculated earlier. Eleven million Shell Coins."
Chen Qi remained silent, stroking his chin.
The Chameleon felt a phantom pain in his own jaw: "Twelve million."
Twelve million—an exceptionally high price. Chen Qi accepted the deal.
With trembling hands, the Chameleon counted out a standard bag of gold coins: "Please visit us again."
As Chen Qi took the bag and prepared to leave after verifying the amount, the Chameleon suddenly called out:
"Guest, wait a moment!"
"?"
Chen Qi turned back. Was the Chameleon reneging? Twelve million was somewhat inflated—ten would have been fair.
The Chameleon plastered on a smile: "Guest, though I don't know who backs you, if you ever need assistance, visit our black market. Recently, many require help—pirates, navy personnel—we strive to provide all services."
The Chameleon couldn't pinpoint Chen Qi's identity. But his intuition suggested either a veteran hunter group dismissed for misconduct, or a special organization from another kingdom. Recently, official personnel from other nations had been arriving at the Witch Sea for its resources—the Goldenfinch Kingdom's Canaries, the Black Blood Empire's vanguard, or the White Tower Kingdom's Knowledge Hunters.
Whichever it was, showing goodwill meant potential future collaboration. With the Blood Blade Pirates' leader missing and the Blood Lady constantly weeping, they desperately needed fresh blood—perhaps even a new leader! Recruiting a wild combat organization wouldn't be bad.
The Chameleon smiled slightly: "Guest, feel free to return for future business."
Chen Qi nodded faintly, understanding the implication. Despite his bravado, the Chameleon's Blood Blade Pirates, leaderless, couldn't afford new enemies. His black market was undoubtedly Blackore City's finest—an ideal trading spot for the foreseeable future.
Surveying the surroundings, Chen Qi noted numerous ongoing transactions. He had purchases to make. Following memory, he approached an elderly vendor and spent 500,000 on a gramophone that played the Song of Silence—a hidden treasure of this black market. While the device itself wasn't valuable, its recordings could significantly enhance meditation and inspiration-based skill training.
Next, he invested five million in a high-tier Lamp-affinity meditation technique called "Candleflame"—the best second-tier meditation card for boosting inspiration, spiritual energy capacity, and sensory range for inspiration-based skills.
Lamp-affinity techniques are absurdly expensive... Chen Qi mused. A few casual steps had vaporized another 5.5 million Shell Coins.
After shopping, Chen Qi emerged from the underground market, following the mall's path to its terminus—the Hunter Agency. Here awaited a rare opportunity: forbidden techniques accessible at second-tier strength.
Armed hunters populated the building inside and out. Established by the Hunter Association, this was where players grinded for experience and money—a haven for freelance hunters. Most company-less hunters couldn't risk daily Rift expeditions, especially as Dimensional Tides intensified the dangers. Thus, many opted for missions to earn meager incomes.
Entering the smoke-and-alcohol-filled room, Chen Qi saw mission papers littering the floor. Some hunters drank heartily, boasting about red-light districts where noble maids might be encountered; others pondered solutions to Rift-borne diseases. A bank-uniformed clerk smiled at the bar, ready to serve.
Most high-reward missions were snatched up by meddlesome Blood Blade Pirates, major corporations, or veteran hunter teams. Scanning the room, Chen Qi noted mostly first-tier Transcendents with few seconds-tiers. Remaining missions involved bodyguarding, infidelity investigations, lost cats, or handling stolen goods—essentially, this was a beginner zone.