2: Market Turbulence and the Mysterious Black Robe

As one of the three major families in Wutan City, the Xiao Family’s residence was naturally extraordinary. High walls and grand courtyards, vermilion gates with copper studs, and two majestic stone-carved magical beasts stood guard at the entrance. The sharp-eyed and steady-breathed family guards displayed the demeanor of a great family.

However, when Xiao Yan led Xiao Chen through the main gate, Xiao Chen could clearly sense that the guards’ gazes towards Xiao Yan held an indescribably complex emotion: regret, indifference, and even a hint of imperceptible disdain. Xiao Yan seemed long accustomed to this, his expression unreadable as he merely quickened his pace.

“The place I live now is quite secluded and the conditions are simple. I hope Big Brother Xiao won’t mind,” Xiao Yan said, leading Xiao Chen through several corridors. The further they walked, the quieter it became, a stark contrast to the bustling prosperity they had left behind.

Finally, they stopped in front of a slightly dilapidated small courtyard. The courtyard wasn’t large, and some of the paint on the walls was peeling, but it was kept relatively clean.

“This is quite good, peaceful,” Xiao Chen said with a sincere smile. As an undocumented transmigrator, he was already grateful to have a roof over his head; he wouldn’t be picky.

Inside the house, the furnishings were even simpler: just a bed, a table, and a chair. Xiao Yan poured Xiao Chen a cup of water, a little embarrassed: “For now, there’s only plain water.”

“No matter,” Xiao Chen took it and drank a sip, his gaze, however, involuntarily falling on the seemingly ordinary, ancient black ring on Xiao Yan’s finger.

Yao Lao! The future Grandmaster Alchemist was currently residing in that very ring!

Xiao Chen’s heart rate quickened slightly. He suppressed the urge to immediately Scan the ring with the system; that would be akin to seeking death. Yao Lao’s soul power was immense, and even in his current weakened state, his perception far exceeded that of ordinary people. Any prying could trigger his alertness.

Now was not the time. He had to wait patiently.

“Big Brother Xiao, I noticed you were buying medicinal ingredients earlier. Are you interested in alchemy?” Xiao Chen put down his water cup and found a topic. He needed more information, and he also needed to demonstrate his “value.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s eyes dimmed slightly before returning to normal. He gave a self-deprecating smile: “I am interested, but unfortunately, I can’t even stabilize my Dou Qi right now. Alchemy? That’s a distant dream.” He didn’t elaborate on the true purpose of buying the medicinal ingredients, as the prescription for nourishing his meridians was given by Yao Lao and was his biggest secret and hope at the moment.

Xiao Chen nodded, indicating understanding, then changed the subject: “Actually, identifying medicinal ingredients doesn’t necessarily require high cultivation; it relies more on experience and discernment. My family… used to have some exposure to it. If Big Brother Xiao needs to buy medicinal ingredients in the future, perhaps I can lend a small hand, to avoid being cheated by unscrupulous merchants again.”

This was precisely the initial positioning Xiao Chen set for himself—a “technical” friend with some discernment, knowledge of medicinal ingredients, and worth befriending. It wouldn’t seem too abrupt, yet he could provide practical help and gradually integrate into Xiao Yan’s life.

Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Chen’s sincere eyes, recalling the scene in the market, and believed him seven or eight parts. At a time when he was alienated and scorned by everyone, such a kind-hearted peer appearing truly brought him a touch of warmth.

“Then I thank Big Brother Xiao in advance,” Xiao Yan clasped his fists. “You’re new to Wutan City. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

The two chatted for a few more moments, mostly Xiao Chen inquiring about the customs of Wutan City, and Xiao Yan patiently answering. Xiao Chen deliberately avoided any topics that might touch on Xiao Yan’s sore spots, maintaining excellent discretion in his words, which further improved Xiao Yan’s impression of him.

In the evening, Xiao Yan arranged for Xiao Chen to stay in an empty room next door. Although simple, it was at least a place to settle down.

Late at night, when all was quiet.

Xiao Chen sat cross-legged on the hard bed, but he didn’t try to sense the so-called Dou Qi like the people of this world. His mind sank into his consciousness, and he opened the simple system interface again.

Energy Pool: 51 / 10000.

The glaring data reminded him that the revolution had not yet succeeded.

“I must quickly get the remaining 49 units of energy to unlock the copy function!” Xiao Chen clenched his fist. Relying solely on Scanning and sweet talk would ultimately be a castle in the air. Only by mastering the ability to copy could he truly possess the capital to establish himself in this world.

Early the next morning, Xiao Chen proposed to Xiao Yan that he wanted to visit the market again, to familiarize himself with the environment and see if there was an opportunity to find some work. He couldn’t keep eating and living for free.

Xiao Yan initially wanted to accompany him, but he seemed to have other important matters (Xiao Chen guessed Yao Lao might have made arrangements), so he gave Xiao Chen a few silver coins and told him to be careful.

Arriving at the market outside the Mittel Auction House again, Xiao Chen’s mindset was already different. With a clear goal—to find items containing energy that were also inexpensive—his Scanning became more targeted.

He no longer paid attention to the clearly priced finished pills or magic cores; those were simply beyond his current reach. His target was the seemingly inconspicuous “junk” that might have been overlooked or misjudged by the stall owners.

[Scan: Black iron slag, too many impurities, negligible energy, recycling value 0.1 units. Ignore.]

[Scan: First-tier wood-attribute magic core fragment, severe energy loss, recycling value 1 unit. Too much of a loss, abandon.]

[Scan: Unknown beast bone, ancient, spirituality completely lost, recycling value 0.5 units. Ignore.]

After Scanning dozens of stalls, most of the items had pitifully low value. Occasionally, a few items with decent energy had prices far exceeding Xiao Chen’s ability to pay. The 51 units of energy were like a piece of tempting meat hanging before him, yet he couldn’t reach it.

“It seems finding a bargain isn’t that easy,” Xiao Chen sighed, rubbing his temples, which were throbbing from the continuous use of the Scan. Although this Scan function was free, its consumption of mental energy seemed considerable.

Just as he was feeling a bit disheartened and preparing to head back, a quarrel attracted his attention.

The sound came from a relatively lively stall not far away, surrounded by many people. The stall owner was a middle-aged man in coarse linen clothes, his face anxious. In front of him stood several well-dressed, arrogant young men. The leader, about seventeen or eighteen years old, wore a jade pendant at his waist displaying the Jia Lie Family crest.

The Jia Lie Family? One of the three major families of Wutan City, and a sworn enemy of the Xiao Family.

“Young Master Galileo, this… this ‘Purple Leaf Orchid Grass’ is indeed a family heirloom. My father risked his life to bring it back from the Magical Beast Mountain Range. We agreed to sell it for fifty gold coins, but you… are only offering five gold coins, that’s not right!” The middle-aged man tightly clutched a wooden box. The lid was open, revealing a purple herb with orchid-shaped leaves, emitting faint energy fluctuations.

Galileo, the young master of the Jia Lie Family, was a well-known wastrel. He sneered, tapping his palm with a folding fan, and said dismissively: “Family heirloom? With this quality? The color is dull, the leaves are incomplete. I think it’s worth at most five gold coins! It’s giving you face that this young master is willing to buy it! Don’t be ungrateful!”

Several of his retinues behind him joined in the jeering:

“That’s right, it’s your good fortune that our young master fancies your item!”

“Five gold coins is a lot, hand it over quickly!”

“If you don’t know what’s good for you, be careful not to get into trouble!”

The surrounding crowd murmured, most daring not to speak their anger. The Jia Lie Family had immense power in Wutan City; ordinary people simply dared not provoke them.

Xiao Chen’s gaze sharpened, falling on the Purple Leaf Orchid Grass.

[Scan: Purple Leaf Orchid Grass (Damaged)]

[Grade]: Mortal-tier, Mid-grade

[Composition]: Contains pure wood-attribute energy. Due to improper harvesting, the root is damaged, and energy is continuously leaking. Current remaining energy is approximately 70%.

[Copyable]: Yes (Energy required: 15 units)

[System Evaluation]: A decent quality healing medicinal ingredient. If stored in a jade container in a cool place promptly, energy loss can be slowed. In its complete state, its value is approximately 80 gold coins. In its current state, its value is approximately 50-60 gold coins. Recoverable energy: approximately 30 units.

Thirty units of energy! And this medicinal ingredient itself was quite valuable!

Xiao Chen’s heart skipped a beat. This Galileo was clearly abusing his power, trying to force a purchase at an extremely low price. Normally, he would definitely steer clear, but right now, this Purple Leaf Orchid Grass was too important to him! It could not only make up the energy needed to unlock the copy function but also leave him with a considerable surplus.

More importantly, this was an opportunity! An opportunity to further bridge the gap between him and Xiao Yan! The Jia Lie Family was the Xiao Family’s rival. If he could help this stall owner out of trouble, it would, to some extent, be a slap in Galileo’s face, which meant indirectly helping the Xiao Family. If this matter reached Xiao Yan’s ears... Risk and opportunity coexisted!

Xiao Chen took a deep breath and squeezed into the crowd.

“Uncle, I’ll take this Purple Leaf Orchid Grass,” Xiao Chen’s voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone present.

Immediately, all eyes focused on the suddenly appearing handsome young man.

Galileo frowned, sizing up Xiao Chen. Seeing his ordinary clothes and weak aura (Xiao Chen had no Dou Qi at all), he immediately showed disdain: “Where did this poor kid come from? Get lost! This medicinal herb has been taken by this young master!”

The middle-aged stall owner was also stunned. Looking at Xiao Chen, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes, but then it dimmed again. He whispered, “Little brother, I appreciate your kindness, but... we can’t afford to offend the Jia Lie Family...”

Xiao Chen, however, ignored Galileo’s threat, walked straight to the stall owner, and calmly said, “Uncle, we agreed on fifty gold coins. I’ll pay fifty gold coins. Will you sell this herb to me?”

As soon as he said this, not only Galileo but also the people around him were stunned.

Fifty gold coins! For a young man who looked like a vagrant, that was an astronomical figure! Could he really afford it?

Galileo laughed exaggeratedly as if he had heard a huge joke: “Hahaha! Fifty gold coins? Kid, you probably can’t even take out five silver coins, can you? Why are you pretending to be a big shot here? Get out quickly, or I’ll break your legs!”

Xiao Chen ignored him, just looking at the stall owner and taking out a small cloth bag from his Pregnant. These were the few silver coins Xiao Yan had given him that morning, which were, of course, far from enough. But his action of taking out money was very calm, as if the bag really contained fifty gold coins.

In reality, he was gambling. Gambling that the stall owner, pushed to a dead end, would grasp at any straw. Gambling that a pampered scion like Galileo wouldn't immediately resort to violence against an “ordinary person” in front of so many onlookers. More importantly, he was gambling on the “variable” hidden in the dark... As expected, Galileo, seeing that Xiao Chen dared to ignore him, immediately became furious and his face darkened: “Kid, you’re courting death!” He gave a look to a follower behind him.

The follower grinned, stepped forward, and reached out his large, fan-like hand to grab Xiao Chen’s shoulder. This person was clearly a Fighter, and his hand carried a considerable force.

Xiao Chen’s heart tightened. His current physical fitness was only slightly better than an ordinary person’s; he definitely couldn’t withstand this grab!

Just at this critical moment!

“Stop!”

A cold shout came, not loud, but carrying an unquestionable authority. At the same time, an invisible surge of energy arrived later but faster, accurately striking the follower’s wrist.

“Ouch!” The follower screamed as if electrocuted, covering his wrist and retreating repeatedly, his face full of shock.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, only to see a figure shrouded in a large Black-Robed Figure standing on the outskirts of the crowd. The Black-Robed Figure completely concealed his figure and appearance, revealing only a pair of deep, ancient well-like eyes, which indifferently Scan the scene.

A powerful aura, faintly discernible, emanated from the Black-Robed Figure, making the surrounding air seem to solidify slightly.

A Fighting Master? Or even... a Great Dou Master?

Galileo’s pupils contracted, and his arrogant demeanor instantly subsided by more than half. He could feel that the mysterious Black-Robed Figure’s strength was far above his own, and might even be on par with some elders in his family. When did such a master arrive in Wutan City?

“Senior...” Galileo forced a smile, cupped his fists, and bowed, “Junior Galileo of the Jia Lie Family. I didn’t know senior was here and disturbed you. Please forgive me.”

The Black-Robed Figure ignored Galileo, his gaze turning to Xiao Chen and the stall owner. A hoarse voice sounded: “Fair trade, highest bidder wins. This young friend offered fifty gold coins. If you cannot offer a higher price, this medicinal herb belongs to him.”

Galileo’s face alternated between green and white. It was truly humiliating for him to back down in front of so many people. But feeling the Black-Robed Figure’s unfathomable aura, he ultimately did not dare to act rashly. Fifty gold coins for a damaged Purple Leaf Orchid Grass was already beyond his psychological price. Offending a powerful expert, possibly a Great Dou Master, for a moment of pride was not worth it.

“Hmph! Let’s go!” Galileo glared fiercely at Xiao Chen, as if to remember him, then led his group of dejected followers away resentfully.

A conflict was resolved in such a manner.

The middle-aged stall owner awoke as if from a dream, quickly offering a thousand thanks to the Black-Robed Figure, then gratefully said to Xiao Chen, “Little brother, thank you! This Purple Leaf Orchid Grass, fifty gold coins, it’s yours!”

Xiao Chen also breathed a sigh of relief, cold sweat breaking out on his back. He had gambled correctly! This mysterious Black-Robed Figure had indeed appeared again! And helped him!

He feigned composure and said to the stall owner, “Uncle, I don’t have that much money on me right now. Can you come with me to get it? Or, I can use something of equal value as collateral?” He was, of course, speaking empty words; he had no money at all.

At this moment, the Black-Robed Figure slowly walked over, flicked his finger, and a small bag fell into the stall owner’s hand, making the crisp sound of gold coins clashing. “Here are fifty gold coins. I want this herb.”

The stall owner was startled. He opened the bag and saw that it was indeed fifty gleaming gold coins! Although he was puzzled, with the transaction complete, he dared not ask more. He quickly handed the wooden box containing the Purple Leaf Orchid Grass to the Black-Robed Figure, then, after countless thanks, squeezed through the crowd and ran off, fearing that Galileo might return to cause trouble.

The Black-Robed Figure picked up the wooden box, didn’t even look at it, and casually tossed it to the still somewhat bewildered Xiao Chen.

“Kid, you have good taste and considerable courage,” a hoarse voice, carrying a subtle hint of meaning, emerged from beneath the Black-Robed Figure. “This Purple Leaf Orchid Grass is of no great use to me anymore, so I’ll give it to you.”

After speaking, without waiting for Xiao Chen’s reaction, the Black-Robed Figure turned around, took a step, and his figure, like a ghost, merged into the crowd and disappeared, as if he had never appeared.

Only Xiao Chen was left, holding the still warm wooden box, standing rooted to the spot, his heart surging.

Not because he had unexpectedly gained a valuable medicinal herb.

But because, the moment the Black-Robed Figure tossed the wooden box to him, the system’s notification sound in his mind rang out urgently:

【Ding! High concentration of soul energy residue detected! Analyzing... Analysis failed! Energy level too high, unable to identify specific source!】

【Warning! This soul energy possesses extremely strong stealth and activity. Host is advised to exercise caution when interacting!】

【Ding! Hidden quest clue triggered: [Mysterious Shadow]. Quest Description: Investigate the true identity and purpose of the Black-Robed Figure appearing in Wutan City. Quest Reward: Unknown.】

High concentration of soul energy? Far beyond the system’s analytical capabilities? Hidden quest?

Xiao Chen looked in the direction where the Black-Robed Figure disappeared, then lowered his head to look at the Purple Leaf Orchid Grass in his hand. A thought uncontrollably emerged:

This Black-Robed Figure... is definitely not some ordinary passing expert! His two appearances both seem to be related to him? What is the purpose of him giving the medicinal herb?

The waters of Wutan City were much deeper than he had imagined!

And at this moment, for Xiao Chen, the most important thing was... “System, recycle the Purple Leaf Orchid Grass!” He found an uninhabited place and ordered in his mind.

【Ding! Recyclable item detected: Purple Leaf Orchid Grass (damaged). Estimated convertible energy: 30 units. Confirm recycling?】

“Confirm!”

The purple herb in the wooden box instantly disappeared.

On the system interface, the energy pool value jumped sharply: 【Current Energy: 81 / 10000】.

81 points! Only 19 points left!

Hope was within reach! Xiao Chen suppressed his excitement, his gaze once again turning towards the bustling market. This time, his goal was even clearer.

He must gather enough energy to unlock the replication function today! The appearance of this mysterious Black-Robed Figure made him feel a subtle unease; he had to quickly acquire the ability to protect himself!