Chu Yin stopped in his tracks, his face showing a struggle.
Wu Jiangming also let out a sigh.
If it weren't for the matter of the qilin mark, they would have been very willing to interact with Li Xuanxiao.
Especially Chu Yin, he greatly admired Li Xuanxiao's decisive and straightforward style of handling matters!
It was a pity...
The Qilin Clan, even in Zhuxia Divine Land, very few people were willing to provoke them.
That was a truly top-tier power!
With complex feelings, the two cupped their hands in return: "Brother Li, although this may seem cowardly, we hope you can understand. The enemies you've made are simply too far beyond the norm. If they were even slightly weaker, we wouldn't be in this situation."
Knowing that Li Xuanxiao was a ruthless person who dared to slay even a Qilin, the two even changed how they addressed him.
Li Xuanxiao smiled: "There's no need for that, gentlemen. I understand."
Wu Jiangming patted his chest: "If Brother Li has any confusion or questions, you can still come ask us! Although we cannot get too close, brief communication and interaction are still possible."
Li Xuanxiao smiled, nodded, offered another salute, and turned to leave.
Various thoughts churned in his mind.
The reason he was so miserable, forced to leave Dayu, and now even others dared not associate with him, was simply because his strength was insufficient!
If he possessed the strength to contend equally with the Qilin Clan, then he wouldn't need to fear anything at all.
Fear stemmed from a lack of strength.
Therefore, the first priority would always be to improve himself!
Li Xuanxiao's thoughts raced. In this Lawless Land, how should he go about improving his strength?
Cultivation Technique, Martial Arts, Demon value Points!
These were the main factors determining his Realm and strength.
Regarding Cultivation Technique and Martial Arts...
Li Xuanxiao surveyed the streets he was walking along. Since it was a city-state, commercial activities naturally existed.
There were many itinerant vendors selling all sorts of resources, as well as shops lining the streets.
It depended on whether they sold Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts inside, what grade they were, and what the price was.
He stepped into a slightly larger shop.
This area belonged to the Ronin Alliance. All the merchants were Human Race, and the resources they sold were basically what the Human Race needed.
"Guest, what can I help you with?"
A Staff Member in the shop approached with a smile.
Li Xuanxiao pondered for a moment: "Do you have any Origin Realm or higher grade Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts here?"
"We have Origin Realm grade Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts, but we do not have any Heaven Realm ones."
The Staff Member replied respectfully.
Heaven Realm...
Li Xuanxiao pondered internally. This should be the name of the sixth Realm of the Martial Dao.
He nodded: "How much are your Origin Realm Martial Arts?"
"The price varies according to the grade. The lowest grade Origin Realm ones are only twenty thousand Spirit Crystals. And the top-tier Origin Realm Cultivation Techniques and Martial Arts require close to one hundred thousand Spirit Crystals. You can choose based on your needs."
Spirit Crystals?
Li Xuanxiao was slightly surprised. This was the first time he had heard this term.
"May I ask Your Excellency, what exactly are Spirit Crystals?"
After some conversation, Li Xuanxiao finally understood.
The trading system within the Lawless Land was also vastly different from Dayu.
They made more use of a substance called 'Spirit Crystal' as currency for transactions.
Spirit Crystals could be used to enhance one's Realm and strength, and to replenish True Qi more quickly.
It was something needed by both the Human Race and the Demon Race.
Li Xuanxiao touched his empty pockets and sighed lightly.
Right!
He still needed to figure out a way to earn money first!
The mundane gold and silver he possessed had completely lost their value here.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, he explained the situation to the Staff Member.
Li Xuanxiao humbly asked the other person about the ways to earn money in the Lawless Land.
The Staff Member's service attitude was very good, and he patiently explained everything to Li Xuanxiao.
The most direct way was working for others, just like this Staff Member, minding a shop or similar tasks. It earned less and was slower, but it was stable and safe.
Another way was taking on bounty missions, going outside the city-state to collect specific Heaven And Earth Treasure or hunting specific targets, which could be either Human Race or Demon Race.
The risk was high and unstable, but the returns were obviously much higher!
Li Xuanxiao listened silently. For now, he definitely leaned towards the latter option.
"Of course, if you want to obtain a large amount of Spirit Crystals in the shortest time..."
As the words trailed off, the Staff Member's voice gradually lowered.
"You can consider trying your luck at the Underground Black Market."
Li Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow, the Underground Black Market?
The Staff Member nodded: "In the Underground Black Market, there are dedicated Black Market Arenas! Human Race or Demon Race who are confident in their strength can consider this path. After all, it's a fight to the death; there is no option to yield. The risk is the highest, but the reward is astonishing."
Li Xuanxiao showed surprise. Wasn't this against the law?
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, he laughed at himself. This was the Lawless Land, what was there to talk about legality?
The Staff Member seemed bored from guarding the shop and was happy to chat with Li Xuanxiao for a while longer.
"The items sold in the Underground Black Market are varied, far more abundant than the resources in above-ground shops like ours. But the quality is uneven; you need to be able to discern it yourself. Furthermore, the members in the Black Market are complex, and incidents of murder for gain or robbery often occur. Even if a transaction is completed, there is no protection during the process, and there are no refunds or after-sales service. You must weigh the risks yourself."
"By the way... the Heaven Realm Cultivation Technique and Martial Arts you are looking for might also be found in the Underground Black Market!"
Li Xuanxiao's eyes lit up. Now he had to make a trip to the Underground Black Market.
He cupped his hands toward the Staff Member: "Thank you for informing me, Your Excellency!"
...
The Lawless Land, Underground Black Market.
Dim lighting dimly illuminated the narrow passages, and a pungent, bloody, unknown odor permeated the air.
Human Race and Demon Race members in distinct styles of clothing, their mutual hatred and conflict hidden in every corner.
Some people had deep scars etched on their faces, while some Demon Race members exuded a sinister aura.
Li Xuanxiao walked silently on the streets of the Underground Black Market, his perception constantly being refreshed.
A group of shackled slaves were dragged past him; these slaves included both Human Race and Demon Race members.
Some were dejected, some showed fear, and some struggled with rage.
The slave traders stood to the side, watching their slaves with cold expressions, showing not a shred of sympathy.
If any slave dared to be disobedient, the trader would whip them backhanded, tearing the slave's skin and causing them to scream incessantly.
Compared to the city-state above ground, which at least maintained a semblance of superficial order.
The scenes in the Underground Black Market seemed to be the true appearance of the Lawless Land.
Here, everything appeared chaotic, insane, and beyond the bottom line of normal human cognition.
Li Xuanxiao walked silently on the street, searching for the Black Market Arena.
Suddenly, a short, even slightly hunched figure appeared beside him.
"Your appearance is quite unfamiliar. Is this your first time in the Underground Black Market?"