Chen Shu and Zhang Dali looked at each other with a strange expression, their foreheads beaded with sweat. They couldn't shake off the peculiar feeling.
"Does anyone actually eat at a place like this?"
The owner, however, greeted them with great enthusiasm.
"It's been a week, and I finally have customers."
He had been greatly disappointed, as the promised bustling crowds near the black market hadn't materialized, falling far short of the city center's activity.
"Oh, right. For two extra yuan, you can get two cans of cola. Would you like that?"
"Get out of here, what kind of shop is this?"
Chen Shu's mouth twitched. Just then, he spotted a striking figure outside the shop.
"Dali, come with me! I know how to get to the black market."
"Don't you two want anything else?"
"Your ramen is too hot, I'm afraid I'll burn my mouth."
Chen Shu and Zhang Dali hurriedly left the ramen shop and went out onto the street.
"Could it really be that my ramen isn't good?" the ramen shop owner mused, trying to figure out what was wrong.
The black market was located in the suburbs, yet the crowds were still endless.
"Sister Xiaoyu, Sister Xiaoyu!"
Chen Shu shouted enthusiastically.
Amidst the crowd, a girl with a ponytail was looking around.
She had delicate features, fair skin, and incredibly clear eyes, obviously the object of many boys' secret admiration.
Xu Xiaoyu's expression froze, her eyes filled with confusion as she saw the two rushing towards her.
"Who are these two?"
"Sister Xiaoyu, we're classmates. I'm Chen Shu from the Beast Taming class."
"I'm Zhang Dali. I'm sure you've heard of my legendary tales."
The two introduced themselves, trying to bridge the distance between them.
Xu Xiaoyu was a well-known academic star in their year, consistently holding the top position.
Her academic scores were almost always perfect, and her beast taming talent was extraordinary.
Even her contracted spirit beast was a rare A-class specimen, making her a promising candidate for the prestigious Huaxia Academy.
It could be said that she was in a completely different league from the two of them.
"Xiaoyu, do you know these two?"
Beside Xu Xiaoyu, a handsome young man stepped forward, subtly creating a distance between them.
Although his demeanor was amiable, a hidden arrogance and disdain lurked deep within his eyes.
"We're classmates. Who are you?"
Zhang Dali, unable to overlook the other's pretense, asked with clear annoyance.
"You don't know me?"
The young man raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile on his lips.
"Are you the Yuan of China that everyone knows?"
"You little punk!" The young man's face turned cold. He had never encountered someone who dared to speak to him like this.
As a conflict was about to erupt, Xu Xiaoyu stepped in to de-escalate.
"This is Wang Teng, the top student from Third Middle School."
"Oh, Wang Teng..."
Zhang Dali exclaimed in feigned realization.
This greatly satisfied Wang Teng's vanity. His lips curved upward, and he let out a soft snort.
"I have no idea who he is."
Zhang Dali then delivered a devastating blow.
"Chen Pi, do you know him?"
"No, but I always feel like you possess the aura of a Great Emperor!"
"Huh? What?"
Wang Teng looked over. Although he didn't understand, he sensed that it wasn't a compliment.
As a genius, he felt as if he were being toyed with.
"Why are you looking for me?"
Xu Xiaoyu interrupted them.
Although Chen Shu and Zhang Dali seemed peculiar, they were ordinary students.
It wouldn't be good if Wang Teng took an interest in them.
"Sister Xiaoyu, we want to experience the black market, but we can't seem to get in."
Zhang Dali said, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"Coincidentally, I'm also going to the black market. Let's go together then."
"Since you two have other matters, I won't accompany you any further."
Wang Teng proactively suggested leaving. Chen Shu and Zhang Dali always made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
"Xiaoyu, I hope you will seriously consider my offer."
As he turned to leave, Wang Teng gave Xu Xiaoyu a deep look and then departed.
"Sister Xiaoyu, what was your offer?"
Zhang Dali, with his straightforward personality, asked directly. Chen Shu, who was usually more eccentric, seemed rather quiet.
"Wang Teng wants to form a team early for the city-level Beast Taming competition in the third year of high school."
Xu Xiaoyu explained briefly, not elaborating further.
Perhaps, in her opinion, the two of them were too far removed from such competitions.
"Let's go, let's check out the black market."
The three entered through another entrance to the black market.
Xu Xiaoyu didn't need anyone to lead the way.
As a seventh-tier Beast Tamer, she was already qualified to enter and exit freely.
"I have something else to do, so you two explore on your own."
After bringing them in, Xu Xiaoyu decided to leave.
Although she was kind, she didn't feel the need to waste time with the two of them.
"Thank you, Sister Xiaoyu! If you ever need anything, feel free to find me in Class Five of Beast Taming."
Xu Xiaoyu nodded and walked away.
Zhang Dali and Chen Shu, like curious children, constantly observed the black market.
The black market was located in the Seven-Star Street of Nanjiang City, with seven interwoven streets. Booths lined both sides, teeming with crowds, its prosperity rivaling that of the city center.
Although it was called a black market, it had a certain official backing; otherwise, it would have been shut down long ago.
"Selling Earth Dragon King beast cores! These are from China's only disaster-level异空间 (dimensional rift)! Priceless, capable of forging spirit beasts with divine artifacts! Don't miss this opportunity!"
"Shocking! Due to life's hardships, a high-tier Beast Tamer is selling a mythical beast egg! Consuming it can directly elevate a contracted spirit beast to gold-tier!"
"Good news! Good news! Anyone who purchases goods from this stall today with a value of over fifty thousand Huaxia coins will receive a personally signed autograph! First come, first served!"
The calls of vendors echoed ceaselessly from both sides of the street. This was the area for stalls, mostly frequented by independent sellers.
Although it seemed more like a den of charlatans, patient individuals could still unearth many treasures.
The exotic spaces held countless natural treasures. Human material science couldn't fully encompass them; perhaps truly rare and wondrous items lay hidden.
Zhang Dali, with great interest, browsed the various stalls and then lowered his head to inquire.
"Uncle, how much for this Earth Dragon King beast core?"
"Young man, you truly have discerning taste! Seeing your innate talent, you'll surely become a dragon among men in the future. I'll sell it to you cheaply today."
"Only ten yuan! Take the Earth Dragon King home!"
"Can you do it for less?"
"How much were you thinking, young friend?"
"Ten yuan!"
Chen Shu's face twitched. He was utterly shocked by their conversation.
Expecting Zhang Dali to be scolded, he was surprised when the stall owner immediately nodded.
"Deal!"
Zhang Dali took out ten yuan, happily stuffing the earthy yellow sphere into his pocket.
Watching their retreating figures, the stall owner, with a pang of heartache, earned ten yuan. He then retrieved another Earth Dragon King beast core from a large wooden crate behind him.
"Dali, are you bored and looking for trouble? You're buying something made of mud?"
Chen Shu couldn't help but ask.
"Do you think I'm stupid? There's no such mud on Planet Blue. This is definitely from an exotic space. I bought a souvenir for ten yuan, which is totally worth it."
Chen Shu was speechless and continued to wander through the black market. Finally, he found his target.