Chapter 50: Lizard Alley, Peeping Mushroom

In the following time, Luo En earnestly identified various strange materials for the dwarf, from pollen of plants from another world to the body fluids of certain magical beasts, and even some rare mineral crystals.

Each one was carefully analyzed through the 【Herb Identification】 ability, and an accurate evaluation was given.

【Fake Identification Successful! Herb Identification EXP +1】

【Precise Identification! Herb Identification EXP +2】

【Current Progress: Herb Identification (Entry 43/50)】

Unknowingly, his Herb Identification skill was actually about to break through to the next level.

This was much faster than the speed of increasing proficiency by helping Lady Ailan in the herb shop; perhaps it was because these materials were difficult to distinguish between real and fake, which tested professional level more.

Otto's expression gradually changed from his initial merchant-like vigilance to a look that could almost be called appreciation.

"Do you know, young man?"

After the last material was identified, the dwarf said with deep meaning:

"You are one of the most talented potion apprentices I've met in these years. More than half of those so-called professional appraisers aren't as accurate as you."

He took out a crystal bottle filled with silver powder and sealed it carefully:

"This bottle of Moonshadow Bat heart ash, five magic stone fragments, deal. Half the original price; this is the biggest discount I can give."

Luo En accepted the price with a smile, calculating the cost-effectiveness of this transaction in his heart.

Obtaining a bottle of high-quality Moonshadow Bat heart ash for the price of five magic stone fragments was indeed a good deal.

"Young man, you know not to trust others too much; that's good."

Before leaving the cubicle, Otto whispered to Luo En, a shrewd light flickering in his blue eyes, completely breaking the first impression given by his rugged appearance:

"If you really want to collect all the materials on the list, you have to go to 'Lizard Alley'. Although it's a bit dangerous there, it's also a place to find more rare treasures."

He added meaningfully: "Remember, in the black market, no one will be responsible for your losses. If you buy a fake, you can only blame your own poor eyesight; there will always be people trying to deceive you, just like I did just now."

Bidding farewell to the gray dwarf Otto, Luo En and Andre left through the narrow back door of the "Sunset Tavern".

The sky outside had already undergone a subtle change; the sunlight, which wasn't very bright to begin with, was filtered by the eerie mist unique to the Black Fog Forest, forming a dark red halo.

These eerie halos of light shrouded the area above the entire gathering place, adding a touch of demonic color to this already abnormal location.

"The harvest this time is quite good."

Andre breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze falling on the crystal bottle Luo En was holding carefully, a satisfied smile appearing on his face: "Buying genuine Moonshadow Bat heart ash for five magic stone fragments—I'm afraid no one would believe it if we told them."

Luo En nodded, carefully putting the crystal bottle containing the silver powder into the depths of his inner pocket, checking twice to ensure the stopper was tight before feeling relieved.

Although this material didn't evaporate easily, if it became damp or came into contact with certain specific energy fields, it would still quickly lose its medicinal effect.

"Otto was right; we do indeed need to go to Lizard Alley to take a look next."

He said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of fatigue: "The things on that list, I'm afraid we can only find a very small portion in a relatively 'safe' place like the Sunset Tavern."

"Lizard Alley is not like here."

Andre's expression became serious; the elegant and composed temperament of the blond youth disappeared, replaced by a rare nervousness:

"All kinds of desperadoes gather there, including some apprentices who were expelled by surrounding schools because of trouble, and even more dangerous alien mercenaries."

The two walked through a messy market; the air was filled with a mixture of various smells—boiled potions, baked bread, rotten fruits and vegetables, and some fishy, foul odors that Luo En didn't want to speculate too much about.

Merchants of various races were hawking in different languages, forming a noisy background sound.

"Is there anything special to pay attention to?"

Luo En asked in a low voice, taking the opportunity to avoid a one-eyed merchant who was loudly greeting them.

In such matters, Andre's experience was clearly much richer than his.

"Don't easily expose your true identity, especially the identity of a school member."

Andre also lowered his voice while guiding Luo En toward a hidden path:

"Although those merchants usually won't deal with guests directly, it doesn't prevent them from selling our specific information."

At the entrance of the path, a few crooked wooden boards were used to build a crude door frame, on which hung a wooden sign written in an unknown language.

It was impossible to identify its meaning; this deliberately vague approach already indicated the informal nature of this place.

Luo En stopped and pondered for a moment: "Then do we need to disguise our identities?"

"No need to deliberately disguise, just don't wear the apprentice badge or apprentice robes."

Andre pointed to his and Luo En's casual clothes:

"Just like now, it looks like two young adventurers from the outside world, or the offspring of some minor noble experiencing excitement. This kind of person is very common in Lizard Alley, so it won't attract too much attention."

He smiled slightly and tugged at his simple dark top: "However, just in case, it's best we avoid calling each other by name."

"I understand." Luo En nodded knowingly: "If someone asks about our background... no, I don't think anyone would be that bored."

The two reached a consensus, passed through the crooked wooden door frame, and stepped onto the path leading to Lizard Alley.

The path wound and twisted, with strangely shaped dark brown mushrooms growing on both sides.

Looking closely, one would find that their surfaces were covered with fine, downy substances, constantly emitting a faint fluorescence, providing not much but sufficient lighting in the dim environment.

"Feels a bit like a route designed deliberately to attract attention."

Luo En observed the unnaturally arranged mushrooms and commented in a low voice.

Indeed, the layout of the entire path had traces of being deliberate, as if it were creating a certain atmosphere of oppression.

"You guessed half right." Andre responded softly: "These are indeed artificially cultivated, but not to attract guests, but for surveillance."

He pointed to those seemingly ordinary mushrooms:

"This kind of 'Peeping Mushroom' can sense the general situation of passersby and transmit information through the mycelial network. The managers of Lizard Alley use them to screen visitors—if you are law enforcement or harbor hostility, the mycelial network will quickly issue a warning."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 51 =====