Bibo Island.
Setting foot once again on one of the three major black markets of the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea, Lin Changâan couldnât help but smile.
Back when he was just a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he was extremely cautious. Now as a Core Formation Cultivator, he felt much more confident.
"But itâs better to change my identity, so that Mr. Lei doesnât recognize me."
Beneath Lin Changâanâs calm smile, he once again set his sights on Fatty Leiâs shop.
After all, of all the places in this market, he was most familiar with Fatty Leiâs shop, and even though the man only had a Fake Pill Cultivation, his connections were extensive.
This time, Lin Changâan disguised himself as a thin, haggard Core Formation Cultivator, exuding a sense of malice that clearly warned others not to provoke him.
"Pl... please come in, Senior."
Upon entering the market, Lin Changâanâs unmasked aura turned the guardâs face pale with fear, making him tremble when he spoke.
Yet, Lin Changâanâs expression remained indifferent. He didnât even glance at them, striding inside, leaving several cultivators behind him relieved.
The black market was as bustling as ever. After all, there were too many transactions that couldnât be exposed to the light, and too many troublemaking cultivators had to hide here.
This resulted in both the marketâs bustling nature and its sinfulness.
Rumor had it that deeper in the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea, there was an even more prosperous black market, one where Nascent Soul Cultivators held sway.
But Lin Changâan had no intention of thinking about that; it was too far and the journey too perilous.
Inside the shop.
Fatty Lei had just returned from the last auction at the Five Dragons Island Market, wearing a big smile and savoring his spirit tea with delight.
Three months ago, at the last auction on Five Dragons Island, he was fortunate enough to acquire a needed spiritual object.
Suddenly sensing the aura of a cultivator of the same rank, Fatty Lei couldnât help but step out, forcing a smile onto his face.
"Oh, this fellow Daoist seems unfamiliar. Is this your first visit?"
Inside the shop, Lin Changâan gazed coldly at Fatty Lei and spoke in a chilly tone:
"Iâve heard from a friend that you have many treasures here, and even Tier Three Demon Beasts appear frequently."
"Haha, itâs all thanks to the kindness of fellow Daoists. Theyâre just temporarily borrowing my place to sell them. I donât have that level of capability."
With a humble smile on his face, Fatty Lei spoke modestly, but his small eyes revealed a rare trace of pride.
He wasnât boasting; when it came to connections and high-level items on Bibo Island, no one would dare claim second place.
Of course, Lin Changâan also knew that Fatty Lei was right about one thing: his business thrived on connections.
The various high-level goods earned him a margin of profit.
But Lin Changâan would never underestimate such a person. Back when he opened a black market in Celestial Profound City, he clearly understood how enticing those profits could be.
"Please, Daoist."
Upon realizing that Lin Changâan was a Core Formation Cultivator, Fatty Lei eagerly invited him into the rear hall with a beaming smile.
Spirit tea and spirit fruits were brought out, and his plump body sat on a massive wooden chair as he began probing.
Lin Changâan, not hiding anything, responded calmly:
"Daoist, I need a Tier Three Middle Grade Water Attribute Demon Pill."
"A Tier Three Middle Grade Water Attribute Demon Pill!" Fatty Lei gasped, shock washing over him as he gazed at Lin Changâan.
For his small shop, a Tier Three Middle Grade Demon Pill was undoubtedly high-level, even top-level merchandise.
He hadnât expected such a major client to arrive today.
Yet, Lin Changâan remained calm, gently waving his hand, causing a flash of water attribute spiritual energy.
Immediately, Fatty Lei seemed to sense something, narrowing his eyes.
Possessing the light of a treasure, this was clearly the presence of a magical treasure.
"I have a water attribute magical treasure that needs a Tier Three Water Attribute Demon Pill for repairs."
With Lin Changâanâs calm tone, he revealed just a glimpse of his water spirit pearl treasure, preventing any clear assessment of its grade.
However, the dim spiritual light made its attributes and evident damage clear to Fatty Lei.
Using a demon pill of the same attribute to repair a magical treasure was a common practice in the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
"I see," Fatty Lei replied, revealing a look of realization, secretly amazed at this Daoistâs hidden depths.
A Core Formation Early Stage Cultivator rarely had a magical treasure.
But observing the person before him, with his dense aura of malice and faint hint of sword intent, he must be a Sword Cultivator.
Yet, at the Core Formation Early Stage, having both offensive and defensive magical treasures was unheard of among ordinary Core Formation Cultivators.
Thinking of this, Fatty Lei dared not offend him, lowering his posture with a smile:
"Daoist, I donât have a Tier Three Water Attribute Middle Grade Demon Pill here..."
But before Fatty Lei could finish, Lin Changâan was already preparing to leave.
Fatty Lei hurriedly called out: "Oh, Daoist, donât be in such a rush. I might not have it, but that doesnât mean others donât."
Upon hearing this, Lin Changâan sat down again, gazing calmly at him.
"Mr. Lei, although this market has a good reputation, the allure of profit is powerful. If you make me wait a few days, then forget it."
Lin Changâan wasnât being overly cautious; this was simply human nature.
Reputation is built on the absence of overwhelmingly enticing profit.
A Tier Three Middle Grade Demon Pill was enough to tempt an ordinary Core Formation Cultivator.
Instead of being annoyed, Fatty Lei expanded his white folding fan with a cheerful smile, squinting as he said:
"Rest assured, Daoist, Iâm well aware of these rules. Three years ago, several Daoists on the island joined forces to hunt a Tier Three Mid-stage Demon Beast. This is no secret; many people know."