Chapter 285: These Guys Have No Loyalty!

"Yes!" the four guards drew their swords together.

Xiao Ningxun hurriedly hugged Tuan Tuan, pressing her little head into his own neck hollow.

Standing on either side, Xiao Er and Lu Qi each extended a hand to cover her two little ears, and Xiao Ran lifted both hands to veil her eyes.

The six widened their eyes in terror, thrashing wildly and begging for mercy, yet all that came out was a string of sounds: "Woof! Woof— Woof!"

After a few short "Woof woof woof", the six tiny fingers landed on the ground.

The four guards lifted them and tossed them toward the shore: "Get lost!"

The six covered their mouths: "Whine… Woof woof!" and scrambled away, rolling and crawling.

"So it was these scammers who set the trap! We almost wronged Old Chen!"

"The Ghost Market is still fair!"

"Damn! Framing and deceit, even cutting off a finger is light!"

The woman gave Tuan Tuan no extra glance, her gaze settling on her, and said softly, "Friends of fate, would you like to follow me to the tent for a cup of tea?"

Xiao Ningxun nodded, "Sorry for the disturbance."

The woman turned and led the way, four black panther guards clearing the path ahead, and the group crossed the marshland to the deep reeds.

There stood a spacious ink‑colored tent, with two plain silk lanterns hanging outside.

Inside the tent, the décor was simple and elegant: a low table, a few cushion mats, and a faint wisp of incense curling in the corner.

The woman sat at the head seat, "Please, everyone, have a seat."

"Thank you," she said with gentle eyes, "Had it not been for your help today, the Ghost Market's reputation would have been damaged."

Tuan Tuan sat in Xiao Ningxun's arms, looking up with her little face, "Sister, your mask is truly beautiful! It looks better than mine!"

A deeper smile lit the woman's eyes, "You like it?"

"Mm!" Tuan Tuan nodded vigorously, "I like it! So bright!"

Xiao Ran couldn't help interjecting, "Is mine not good‑looking?"

Tuan Tuan turned her head to glance at him and honestly said, "Jiu Gege, dogs just aren't as pretty as cats."

Everyone laughed.

The woman scanned the group, "You innocent ones who suffered, that is my fault in the Ghost Market."

"Thanks to your intervention, the Ghost Market's dilemma today was resolved. As thanks," she paused, "I can answer two of your questions."

"In my Ghost Market, everything must be settled through trade."

"Within two questions, I will speak all I know. If you have further requests, we must discuss a price. Otherwise, I have nothing to offer."

Xiao Ningxun and Xiao Ran exchanged a glance, understanding in their hearts.

The female master of this Ghost Market showing such gratitude was already a great sincerity.

Xiao Ningxun took a small piece of refined iron from her arms and placed it on the table, "May I ask, Market Master, can you identify this item?"

The woman reached out, picked it up, and examined it closely, "Is this refined iron mixed with Cold Star Sand?"

"Market Master, sharp eyes," Xiao Ningxun nodded, "We wish to know the origin of this item."

The woman put the refined iron back on the table and ordered outside the tent, "Ah Qi, go investigate."

A guard outside answered and left.

In the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the guard returned holding a thin booklet, presenting it with both hands.

The woman opened the booklet, her fingertips sliding along the entries, then suddenly halted.

She looked up at Xiao Ningxun, "I don't know the source, but I know its destination."

Xiao Ningxun said, "I would like to hear the details."

"Jiangkuo Trading Firm."

"This firm is quite large, with branches throughout the Jiangnan Region; its main trades are tea, silk, and medicinal herbs. The shopkeeper is named Shen Wanjin, a native of Jiangzhou."

Xiao Ningxun replied, "Thank you, Market Master. May I also ask, do you know Qixiazi?"

The woman thought for a moment, "Never heard of them. This person has never come to the Ghost Market."

Tuan Tuan sprang up from her brother's arms, trotting to the woman, eyes fixed on the white cat mask on her face, "Sister, may I touch the cat on your face?"

The woman looked down at her, a corner of her eye curving, reached out to rub the top of her hair, then rose and walked behind the screen.

A moment later she emerged, her face now bearing an equally lavish black cat mask.

She crouched, removed Tuan Tuan's small cat mask, and personally placed the white cat mask on her, carefully adjusting the silk strap.

She examined it, "That sister gave it to you."

"Those who recognize it will grant the Ghost Market a bit of favor. Should you return to the Ghost Market someday, with it you can move freely."

Tuan Tuan touched the cold, smooth mask on her face and gratefully said, "Thank you, sister! You are so kind!"

The woman patted her little shoulder.

Xiao Ningxun rose and clasped hands, "Thank you, Market Master." He paused, "Today's incident clearly shows someone deliberately tried to trouble the Ghost Market; please be more careful, we will not disturb further, farewell."

The woman nodded, "Thank you. Attendants, see the guests out."

Two leopard‑faced guards entered, "Everyone, please."

They politely escorted the party out of the Ghost Market.

Xiao Ran removed the mask, glanced back at the flickering lights, and clicked his tongue, "This Ghost Market is interesting."

Lu Qi nodded, "This woman is no ordinary person."

Xiao Er interjected, "Indeed, to run such an underground market in Jiangzhou, both the black and white sides must be accessible."

Tuan Tuan touched her new mask, unwilling to take it off, and looked up at Xiao Ningxun, "Third Brother, does it look good on me?"

Xiao Ningxun chuckled, lifting her, "It looks good; Tuan Tuan is the prettiest."

Kong An bowed to the group and took his leave.

Tuan Tuan shouted toward his back, "We live at Zui Jiangyue! Come find me when you're free!"

Kong An was overjoyed, turned and waved, "Alright! I'll head back first! I'll definitely come another day."

When the group returned to the inn, the sky was already bright.

As soon as they stepped into the inn, they saw a lively red figure standing at the counter.

It was the young chief of the Bridgehead Gang, Luo Hongli.

Tuan Tuan was already nestled in Xiao Ningxun's arms, sound asleep.

Luo Hongli glanced and saw the white cat mask on Tuan Tuan's face: "Did you go to the Ghost Market?"

Xiao Ningxun nodded, afraid of waking Tuan Tuan, and said nothing.

A few of them simultaneously looked toward Xiao Ran.

Xiao Ran felt uneasy all over: "Why is everyone looking at me?"

Xiao Ningxun lifted his chin toward the stairs, the meaning obvious: I'll stay with Tuan Tuan first, then lift my foot and go upstairs.

Lu Qi and Xiao Er on either side patted Xiao Ran's shoulders: "You stay with Young Chief Luo, we're going back to sleep." After that they also went up the stairs.

Xiao Ran's face flushed: "Why should I stay with her? I'm going to sleep too."

Luo Hongli stepped forward, grabbed his arm: "Hey! Last time we agreed, you were supposed to come to my Bridgehead Gang for tea, I'm personally inviting you, what's wrong? Not giving me face?"

Xiao Ran struggled a bit, couldn't break free, and was instead pulled off balance by Luo Hongli.

"Hey! Let go!" Xiao Ran's ears turned red, "In public, what does this look like!"

"If you come with me, I'll let go," Luo Hongli raised an eyebrow, but her hand clenched tighter, as if saying "If you don't agree, I won't release."

Xiao Ran turned back, saw the stairs empty, the few had already vanished, and couldn't help but feel his teeth itch with hatred: "What an ungrateful gang!"