Chapter 278: Itchy Hands

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Wearing men’s clothing made traveling significantly more convenient than donning women’s attire, particularly in locations such as the Black Market. Therefore, Gu Qingluan decided to change her attire.

Sensing the gazes cast around her, Gu Qingluan released a hint of pressure that managed to deter most people.

Of course, she didn’t reveal the power of the Saint Realm.

When away from home, it was wise to have a hidden ace up her sleeve.

As a result, some lingering glances still remained fixated on her.

Gu Qingluan paid no mind; as long as they didn’t provoke her, she wouldn’t bother engaging with them.

With a composed stride, she headed towards the Shadow Tower within the Black Market.

Where there were people, there was bound to be a martial world.

Naturally, even the Black Market had its share of organizations.

The Shadow Tower was the most dominant force within the Black Market.

And it was hosting this auction.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Shadow Tower, she was intercepted.

“Entrance requires ten Xuanling Stones.”

Ten Xuanling Stones were equivalent to ten thousand two hundred gold.

Based solely on the entrance fee, the Shadow Tower was already raking in a substantial profit.

Gu Qingluan raised an eyebrow.

Before she could inquire, someone nearby exclaimed, “Ten Xuanling Stones? Why so expensive? Wasn’t it just one Xuanling Stone before?”

“This time it’s ten. Take it or leave it!” another disciple in charge of the fee retorted irritably.

The person who found it expensive seemed to be cowed into submission and, though begrudgingly, handed over ten Xuanling Stones.

Gu Qingluan retrieved ten Xuanling Stones from her storage ring and handed them to the representative of the Shadow Tower. The person handed her a token, saying, “Go inside. This token can only be used for two hours. Once the time is up, even if you’re still inside, you’ll be forced to leave the Shadow Tower.”

Gu Qingluan took the rectangular token, which was pitch-black and cold to the touch, measuring only two inches in length. She casually glanced at it before stowing it away and entered the ShadowTower.

Rather than a tower, the Shadow establishment was more akin to a castle.

The main entrance stood approximately ten meters, and upon entering, the cacophony of voices overwhelmed her senses. The expanse seemed endless, filled with countless people.

Clearly, this auction had attracted a significant crowd.

Gu Qingluan furrowed her brows and scanned her surroundings.

The auction space was open-air with a central elevated platform, encircled by tiers of seats, somewhat reminiscent of an arena.

Here, there were no private rooms; everyone was treated equally.

Gu Qingluan casually chose a seat with fewer people.

“Hey, buddy, let’s get acquainted!”

Suddenly, a young man in indigo brocade robes approached from not too far away.

Gu Qingluan glanced at him with mild disinterest.

Unfazed by her aloofness, he brimmed with enthusiasm, “Greetings, stranger. Where do you hail from?”

This time, Gu Qingluan didn’t even spare him a glance.

Undeterred, he continued, “I’m from Nanqing Country. And you?”

Gu Qingluan’s lips moved, “Cheng Yuan.”

“Oh, you’re from Cheng Yuan! Your nation has been quite talked about lately! I’ve caught wind of something about a prominent family… Oh, right! The Gu Family! They’ve had two Saints unexpectedly appear! Is that true?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You actually don’t know? Even I, a resident of Nanqing, heard about it. I thought nearly everyone, except the hermits on distant mountains, would know! I was planning to ask you about it, but no worries. If you don’t know, I can tell you what I know…”

Gu Qingluan let him chatter on, her gaze scanning her surroundings.

The young man transitioned from discussing recent events in Tianjing City to rumors from their Nanqing Country, before touching on significant happenings in the Holy Heaven Dynasty.

Seeing that Gu Qingluan didn’t interrupt him, he grew more animated, “Buddy, you’re the first person to listen to me talk this much! It’s not easy to find someone willing to hear me out. Let’s get to know each other! I’m He Lianjun. What’s your esteemed name?”

“My surname is Jun.”

He Lianjun’s eyes lit up. “So you’re Brother Jun! It seems we’re destined, Brother Jun. Your surname is Jun, while my last name is also Jun!”

Gu Qingluan’s lips twitched; he managed to make a connection out of that.

“Brother Jun, I had a feeling the moment I saw you that you were different from the rest! Are you from a prestigious family? Forgive my ignorance, but 1 couldn’t figure it out in a moment.”

“I’m just an ordinary nobody.”

“No worries! Who says you have to be from a prestigious family? Heroes don’t inquire about backgrounds! I’ve been an orphan since I was young, yet I’m managing just fine.” He Lianjun raised his hand, seemingly about to pat her shoulder, but after she gave him a casual glance, he inexplicably halted mid-action.

He awkwardly grinned, his hand curling as he rubbed his nose. “Um, Brother Jun, is this your first time attending the Shadow Tower’s auction?”

“No.”

“Oh.” He Lianjun noticed her lack of interest and then, in a mysteriously hushed tone, asked, “Do you know why there are so many people at this auction?”

The entrance fee of ten Xuanling Stones wasn’t trivial, and yet, more people had come this time compared to his previous visits.

Gu Qingluan didn’t respond, her thoughts echoing the words of Lu Bainian.

Could all these people be after the Chaos Stone?

But in the eyes of these people, the Chaos Stone was just an inconspicuous rock with no apparent value. Was it really necessary for them to be so enthusiastic?

“I heard that the Shadow Tower has discovered something extraordinary this time!”

He Lianjun suddenly stopped speaking.

Gu Qingluan looked at him out of the corner of her eye, noticing his eager anticipation for her response.

Did this chatterbox really need her validation?

Gu Qingluan casually averted her gaze.

Hey, Brother Jun could really hold it in!

After waiting for a while and not seeing her inquire, He Lianjun couldn’t hold back and asked her, “Do you know what it is?”

“What?”

“I don’t know either.”

Gu Qingluan clenched her fist and suddenly felt the urge to punch someone, what could she do to alleviate that?