Quartex The System

Chapter 15: Market District

Shen Tang raised his hands and responded slowly: "Naturally. I will place two two-star high-grade treasures up for the bet. If I lose, they are yours."

The crowd became even more fervent after hearing this. The Young Masters of two of the most influential families were going to have a duel with high stake bets!

"This is crazy!"

"Did he say two two-star high-grade treasures? My ears aren't playing tricks on me, are they?"

"Sigh, the big families live in another world compared to us."

Mu Cheng was silent for a long moment. What was this guy plotting? He wanted a two-star peak-grade defensive array? The amount of peak-grade treasures that the Mu Family had could be counted on one's hands, let alone a two-star peak-grade! They were simply costly.

In terms of equivalent value, the bet was fair. However, this was a decision he couldn't make alone. He would have to ask his father.

Noticing Mu Cheng's dilemma, Shen Tang frowned a little: "To bet a two-star peak-grade treasure, even you don't have the authority to make such a bet. But I am sure the Mu Family can afford to bet something like this, otherwise, wouldn't being the second-biggest family in Qingwei be nothing more than a joke?"

"Haha, Shen Tang. You know how to joke. Of course, the Mu Family can afford to bet something such as this. But does your shamelessness know no bounds? You dare to say we can't afford it even when you bet with inferior goods? If you bet a two-star peak-grade offensive array in return, then we can play."

"Pfft" When the crowd heard this, they almost started to laugh, but they held it in.

Shen Tang narrowed his eyes: "Fine, that's the way it should be. In three day's we will have our rematch at the Qingwei Fighting Arena! Don't forget."

After staring daggers at Zhao Yun, he said threateningly: "Watch yourself" before turning around with his underlings and walking away.

Seeing how the show ended, the crowd dispersed, slightly disappointed that the two young masters of the prominent families didn't fight. Some stayed behind to observe the white-haired youth and Young Master Mu.

Watching Shen Tang's back disappearing in the distance. Mu Cheng turned around and faced the Zhao Yun who was putting his hood over his head: "Sigh, I would like to apologise to Brother Daoist for what just happened."

Zhao Yun shook his head: "Please, there is no need to apologise. I should be apologising to you."

Mu Cheng smiled a little and asked: "Brother Daoist, I would like to invite you for a drink. I wonder if you are willing?"

"I will have to decline your invitation kindly," Zhao Yun said with an apologetic tone: "It would be best if we were to part ways here..." as he said he turned around.

Mu Cheng stood there somewhat awkward: "Uhh, wait-" he was quickly interrupted with a murmur from Zhao Yun only audible to his ear. His eyes open wide.

"If that is the case, then we shall part here..." Saying so, Zhao Yun nodded his head and walked away with a slight smile on his face.

Mu Cheng remained standing for a long while before evidently turning around also: 'Brother Yun, just what fortuitous encounter did you have?'

...

Qingwei Town's Market District.

As the sun hung in the middle of the sky washing the land in it's warm golden and dazzling light, Zhao Yun arrived in the market district of Qingwei Town.

By now, the streets were booming with activity, similar to yesterday. Different types of people were walking down the streets. Some with burly bodies with large swords either on their backs or on their waist. Some with a single shortsword or maybe two and some wore clothes that would make one instantly think they were nobles of some kind.

"Cleansing Spirit Herbs up for sale! a herb for two spirit-stones, a bundle of five herbs for eight spirit stones!"

"Boss, you could you lower the price?"

"300 spirit stones, take it or leave it."

"Wrap this up for me."

"Yes, yes, right away."

The sounds of people haggling over prices entered Zhao Yun's ears; he swung his head left and right curiously looking at all the items the stalls sold: "There are so many people..."

When Brother Mu invited him, honestly he was tempted. He still had questions to ask and advice to ask about his current needs. However, when Zhao Yun looked at the bigger picture, the potential danger he could bring to Brother Mu was high.

If he went with Brother Mu back to his residence, if the Chen Clan did some investigating, he was sure that a clan as big as the Chen Clan would be able to trace him back to the Mu Family. He didn't wish to bring trouble to Brother Mu, who had helped him on many occasions.

Looking around, Zhao Yun saw the many products that were being sold, ranging from herbs, relics, treasures, and medicines.

"Senior Brother, are you going to the treasure pavillions auction that is being held in 7 days?"

"That's right, many of the other prominent families will be attending. Although this auction is just one of the treasure pavillions branches, they will still be auctioning valuable items here. There was even a rumour that a three-star high-grade weapon would be auctioned!"

"No way! If this is true, then many of the wealthy families will be eyeing this like prey. I am afraid we will miss out."

"Don't fret. I have some connections that I can use. If heaven is on my side, then I may have enough spirit stones for it."

Zhao Yun's ears perked up as he heard something exciting: 'Treasure Pavillion Auction? A three-star high-grade weapon? This is something worth trying for. But... I can barely afford food much less a high-level treasure weapon.'

A two-star high-grade treasure could sell for over hundreds of thousands of spirit stones. One could imagine how much a three-star high-grade weapon could sell for. Millions? Right now, he had a measly eight spirit stone. Where was he supposed to get this much spirit stones?

"I have a system that sells divine treasures that could shake the balance of this world, and yet, I can't do anything with it. Sigh" With no other choice, Zhao Yun decided to accelerate his plans: "It seems I will have to make do with this iron sword for the dungeon."

Although he decided what he had to do, he continued to look around the market for some time.

After an hour of walking around, he had a better understanding of the market. What was cheap, which was expensive.

While walking out of the market district, Zhao Yun couldn't help but pause: "Hmm, what's that smell?" The aroma of meat cooking assaulted his nose, making his stomach grumble and mouth to drool.

Taking a turn at the next street, a small and old stall came into his view. A middle-aged man stood behind the stall, moving his hands he turned over the meat that hung over the crackling fire and quickly sprinkled a hint of salt of some kind over top of it.

The middle-aged man appeared to be around thirty years old, had thin black hair and wore a black robe. The sleeves of his robe were rolled up.

The street was empty compared to the market street. There were only a few people who were poorly dressed walking down this street. So Zhao Yun didn't have to wait in line for food.

'Let me eat before heading out' Is what he thought. Walking to the front of this middle-aged man's stall, Zhao Yun observed him for a moment and asked after a short moment: "Sir, how much for one of those pieces of meat?"

The middle-aged man turned his head at the customer. The hood of his cloak hid the customer's identity. Still, he could tell that Zhao Yun didn't have any malicious intent. With a subtle smile, he responded: "Haha, I am closing up shortly, and I accidentally cooked one too many. If you can eat two, then you can have it for free."

Zhao Yun was somewhat joyful. He didn't have that much money on him at the moment. But he couldn't help but think: 'Giving people free food? That's uh, well an interesting business strategy. I wonder how he keeps this place running?'

Cupping his hands, he quickly said in a thankful tone: "Thank you, Sir, for your kindness."

"Hm... come, take a seat."

He sat down at a brown wooden round table and waited for the food to finish cooking. It didn't take long, and the middle-aged man placed the plate of meat in front of him.

Without waiting, Zhao Yun hurriedly pulled his hood off, revealing his snow-white hair and crystal clear blue eyes. The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow when he saw this young man. His surprise was quickly replaced by a little smile at the edge of his lips: 'interesting.'

Zhao Yun began gobbling the food down. How long has it been since he has eaten real food? Just over half a month. The only thing that gave his body energy was the pills he took from the system. But, how could those tasteless pills be compared to real food?

The middle-aged fellow sat down at the other side of the round table and also began to eat his food slowly.