Chapter 197: Going to the Black Market

The next day.

Around three or four in the afternoon.

Jiang Cheng officially set out for the Black Market.

To avoid attracting attention, he deliberately switched to a slightly smaller tote, stuffed more than ten bundles of thousand‑yuan notes inside, then concealed it within his clothing.

More than half a month had passed since the incident in Po Luozi Alley.

The street had once again returned to its former tranquility; occasional members of the Enforcement Squad could be seen, but they now seemed to have lost the fervor of earlier days.

When he saw someone pass by, he only glanced once before withdrawing his gaze.

Jiang Cheng took a bus, crossed a little less than half a city district, and arrived at the center of the Outer City District.

Indeed, the Black Market is close to the Inner City District; to say it has no backing, even a ghost wouldn't believe it.

As he stepped off the bus, Jiang Cheng already wore a mask, exposing only his eyes.

On the street, a few people also wore masks, or used high collars to hide their faces.

Jiang Cheng walked only a few steps before feeling eyes around him settle on him.

But soon most of those gazes shifted away.

Clearly, several thought he was a fellow traveler, or at most a guy with little profit.

Jiang Cheng remained composed and headed toward his destination.

This was also the experience he had gained from Shi Yan: hidden wealth does not draw attention, unless luck is bad.

To his left front, a person wearing a black mask surveyed the surroundings, and after seeing no one targeting Jiang Cheng, approached.

Jiang Cheng frowned.

He pretended nothing was amiss and kept walking forward.

If he fled now, it might only embolden the other party's arrogance.

It would be better to walk straight through.

To be cautious, he also activated the Vajra Talisman.

Seeing Jiang Cheng this way, the black‑masked figure hesitated.

When still more than ten meters away from Jiang Cheng, the figure stopped, watching Jiang Cheng walk by.

A few silhouettes in the crowd exchanged glances, their eyes showing sneers.

With such little courage, they still try to cut in on them? Yet the matter indeed carries great risk.

If luck is bad, a single kick onto a steel plate would finish them.

Fortunately, those who came in the afternoon weren't formidable characters; of course, if night fell, these people might become prey for others.

Jiang Cheng entered a two‑meter‑wide alley and saw, not far away, a large gate guarded by two masked hulks standing like door gods on either side.

Their masks were unusual, covering only the eyes rather than the whole face.

Apart from these two, the entire alley was empty.

Listening to his own footsteps, Jiang Cheng approached the two hulks and produced the token stamped with "72".

One of them took the token, examined it, then nodded and returned it.

Jiang Cheng thanked him, took the token, and went inside.

Upon entering the courtyard, he discovered it was a garden scene.

A winding stone bridge linked the lush flora on both sides, and ancient pavilions and towers were nestled within the greenery.

The winding corridor echoed softly; a breeze carried fragrant wisps, stirring a pond of spring water whose ripples glimmered.

"First time here?"

From a nearby room, a middle‑aged man's voice sounded.

Jiang Cheng followed the voice and saw a person wearing the same mask, dressed in a long robe, seated behind a table, looking at him.

Beside him stood a woman in a cheongsam, also masked.

Besides him, several other rooms had open doors, with similarly dressed people, giving a slightly creepy feeling.

"Come register. If you're here to buy goods, you can deposit the money with us first to prevent loss; if you're selling, bring it out for us to see."

The middle‑aged man who spoke first continued.

"Alright." Jiang Cheng walked over and produced the token again.

"Seventy‑two."

The middle‑aged man read the number, then sighed, "This token hasn't shown up in years."

"The original owner met an accident; I bought it from their descendants," Jiang Cheng said.

"Is that so?"

The middle‑aged man looked up at Jiang Cheng, a smile curling his mouth, "Everyone who comes here says that."

The woman beside him covered her mouth and giggled.

"……"

Jiang Cheng was speechless.

"No matter how you obtained it, it doesn't matter; we only recognize the token, not the person."

The middle‑aged man smiled faintly, glanced at Jiang Cheng's belly, "What's inside your clothes? Bring it out for us to see, okay?"

Jiang Cheng took out his briefcase and opened the zipper.

The middle‑aged man looked inside, nodded, "Not bad, you have more money than the previous owner; with this much, you can buy many good things."

"Also, you can open an anonymous account here, store this money with us, and later, if you like any item, purchase it directly with the account's funds; you can withdraw whenever you wish. As long as you don't reveal the password, no one else can ever obtain the account's money. Of course, you may continue to carry the cash, but if it's lost, we are not responsible."

"Open an account then."

Jiang Cheng wasn't worried the other side would deceive him.

After all, this place has been operating for so many years; they shouldn't jeopardize their reputation just to trap a single person.

"A wise choice, but I need to count it first to verify its authenticity."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

He glanced at the bill‑authenticator beside him.

In a short while, the middle‑aged man finished counting, neither more nor less, exactly 1.6 million.

After a few minutes, he opened an account.

Jiang Cheng received a black card bearing a string of numbers.

"This card can not only be used here; you can also deposit, withdraw, and make purchases at outside banks."

The middle‑aged man said with a smile; his attitude had improved considerably.

"Can it be used in the Inner City District as well?"

"Yes."

Jiang Cheng was astonished.

The mastermind behind the Black Market has quite a background.

"This is the item list for the Auction, each with a description and reserve price; once you go inside, you can peruse it at leisure."

The man said, then reached beside the table and picked up a thick booklet.

Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up.

What a good thing.

Even if I can't afford it, I can still broaden my knowledge.

"By the way, let me remind you of something."

The middle‑aged man's expression suddenly turned serious: "Here, any aggressive action is strictly prohibited. If you violate it, the lightest penalty is confiscation of your Bid Token and funds and expulsion from the Black Market; the gravest is immediate execution. As for seizing Auction items, I think you already know that's forbidden without my reminder. I hope you will obey our rules, so everyone benefits."

"I will obey."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

He's not foolish; a place like this can't be without powerful figures stationed here.

At the very least, it must be Master Level, and most likely more than one.

But he was also curious—what would happen if a Grandmaster slipped in? Perhaps they'd be discovered the moment they arrived? "That's fine, bring him in, and give an introduction as well."

The middle‑aged man looked toward the woman beside him.

(End of chapter)