"They've been expanding on a large scale recently. Could it be that they've accepted some major task?" Yuan Ming pondered before asking again.

"It's said that they are going on a treasure hunt in the Southern Border, Southern Domain," Bai Ye replied.

"The Southern Border, Southern Domain isn't like the North Territory. Some Sects there even have Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses in residence, full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. If we happen to violate these Sects' taboos, we could end up dead. This is one of the reasons we hesitate to join them," Huan Shi slowly said.

Yuan Ming nodded thoughtfully, gaining a deeper understanding of the Southern Border's Cultivation World.

If Bai Ye and the others truly joined the Dawn Organization, their situation would be the same as those members temporarily recruited for the Snake King Valley mission—these hastily joined members could very well be cannon fodder. Furthermore, being in the Southern Domain added to the danger.

Whether Dawn was as generous as Bai Ye remained unknown.

And not everyone could carve a path out of being cannon fodder like Yuan Ming could.

Yuan Ming couldn't offer advice, after all, lives were their own to live, and they needed to be responsible for their choices.

By the time the three of them finished the banquet, it was nearly midnight.

With Huan Shi's help, Yuan Ming managed to purchase several jars of "Hundred-day Drunk" from the Mountain Treasure Building, planning to bring them back for Fisherman to try.

After parting ways, Yuan Ming estimated the opening time of the Ghost Market and rushed over.

By the time he arrived, the market had already been open for a while.

Yuan Ming donned his cloak, gave the secret passphrase, and entered.

Stepping into the Ghost Market again, he found the scene similar to his last visit, with both vendors and visitors far less numerous than in the workshop.

The square was sparsely populated, with few people in sight.

He wandered slowly among the stalls, scouting around to see if there were any appealing treasures.

However, after a long look, he came up empty-handed.

Just when he felt his interest waning, he suddenly spotted a familiar face.

At the edge of the square, in a dim and secluded corner, there was a stall where a one-armed old man, wearing a fox mask, sat in a dilapidated bamboo chair, pretending to doze off.

Feeling someone approaching, the one-armed old man immediately opened his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist," Yuan Ming said in a lowered voice.

"Oh, it's you. What, have you got another Beast Egg Strange Insect to sell?" Even though Yuan Ming's voice was low, the old man recognized him.

After speaking, however, he hesitated and asked, "You do have something to sell this time, right?"

"I've come to you not to sell Beast Egg Strange Insects," Yuan Ming said.

"Not selling... then you're buying? I've got some new items. Do you see anything that catches your eye?" the one-armed old man inquired tentatively upon hearing this.

"No, I'm not buying either. It's just that the Gold-plated Gauze I bought from you before is damaged, and I wondered if there's a way to repair it or if you know how?" Yuan Ming clarified his purpose.

"What a joke, that's a Mid-grade Magical Artifact, and you've broken it already? Young man, don't be too rash," the one-armed old man frowned and admonished.

"One has to do what one must when navigating the martial arts world!" Yuan Ming nodded in agreement and responded.

The one-armed old man fell silent for a moment, throwing Yuan Ming a look that said "Sure, keep dreaming."

After a while, he spread his hands and said bluntly, "I'm not an Artifact Refiner, and I got that Gold-plated Gauze from somewhere else. I'm sorry, but I can't help you with that."

Yuan Ming, upon hearing this, didn't feel too disappointed as it was within his expectations; he was just trying his luck with a slim hope.

Having received his answer, Yuan Ming thanked him and turned to leave.

"Wait, Fellow Daoist, I have something to ask," the one-armed old man suddenly called out.

"What is it?" Yuan Ming turned to ask.

"With the luck you carry, you seem destined for great things. Should you come across any strange beast, come and find me," the one-armed old man said.

"Alright," Yuan Ming casually agreed, then turned to walk away.

"Hold on, Fellow Daoist. Based on my experience, the strange insects from the Southern Border are all extraordinary. Would you be interested in a long-term partnership?" the one-armed old man offered.

"How would that partnership work?" Yuan Ming inquired.

"Whenever you have information on any rare birds or exotic beasts, you can contact me. Our Sect specializes in hatching and rearing rare birds and exotic beasts; it's the only one of its kind in Da Jin. As for the price, heh, our Sect Leader and deacons only buy the best regardless of the cost," the one-armed old man whispered.

"That sounds good, so how do we stay in contact?" Yuan Ming asked, thinking this could be a source of income, wondering how much they would offer for his own strange toad—not that he would ever sell it.

"This place is too secluded. In any slightly larger workshop, we have a Treasure Spirit Pavilion; just mention my name 'Gu Qiuming' to get in touch. I am leaving the Southern Border tomorrow to return to Da Jin, so you may send letters to contact me. Or if you ever come to Da Jin, you can look for me," the one-armed old man explained.

Hearing this, Yuan Ming replied, "That would be convenient. Please leave a way for me to find you, then."

"Good. Whether you're sending a letter or looking for someone, you can go to the Treasure Spirit Pavilion in Da Jin's Thunder City. Also, remember to mention my name during transactions, so I can earn some contribution points with the Sect," the one-armed old man added.

"Alright, I've made note of it," Yuan Ming said and prepared to leave.

At that moment, the one-armed elder suddenly spoke again: "Fellow Daoist, there's no need to rush."

"If you have something to say, please speak," Yuan Ming said, this time somewhat speechless.

"Since fate has brought us together, I also have a piece of fortune to pass on to you," the self-proclaimed Gu Qiuming, the one-armed elder, said with a smile, not minding at all.

"A gift?" Yuan Ming was puzzled.

"Take a look over there, on the backside of that stone pillar—is there not a man in black clothes?" Gu Qiuming gestured with his mouth as he spoke.

Yuan Ming furrowed his brows and looked over, only to see a thin man dressed in black. His entire body was wrapped in black clothes, and he was also wearing a black mask that concealed his face, glancing around nervously.

"Is he the fortune?" asked Yuan Ming.

"I've observed him here for several days; it's likely that he's short of money. I've checked out the things he's selling—they are good stuff, but unfortunately, he's asking too high a price and hasn't been able to make a sale," said Gu Qiuming.

"What is it?" Yuan Ming inquired.

"The Heart-splitting Bomb," replied Gu Qiuming.

Yuan Ming pondered for a moment and realized he had no recollection of such an item, then promptly asked, "What's so special about it?"

"It's a consumable magic artifact, created by compressing the power of Thunder into it through artifact refining. When used, it strikes like a hidden weapon, bursting forth with Thunder Power unexpectedly, catching one off guard—it's an exclusive artifact of the Five Thunder Sect in Zhao Country," explained Gu Qiuming.

"How is it different from a Thunder Strike Talisman?" Yuan Ming asked with a frown.

"Don't you understand what an exclusive artifact is? How powerful do you think a Thunder Strike Talisman is? The explosion from the Heart-splitting Bomb is comparable to the full-force strike of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even cultivators of the same rank who take it head-on will suffer greatly. How can it be compared to the mere Thunder Strike Talisman?" scoffed Gu Qiuming, looking at Yuan Ming with a hint of smugness.

Yuan Ming was moved by these words.

"Thank you. However, I'm a bit curious. If Fellow Daoist Gu can discern its value, why not buy it yourself?" Yuan Ming asked with a frown.

"The item is good but unfortunately too expensive. Besides, I came to the Southern Border only to collect strange insects and exotic beasts; I have no urgent need for other items. I am a benevolent person and do not strive for such possessions," Gu Qiuming said with a smile.

After giving another respectful fist salute, Yuan Ming left and made his way toward the booth of the man in black.

Upon arrival, Yuan Ming couldn't help but laugh silently. In front of the man was a spread-out piece of black cloth, yet it was completely empty, devoid of anything at all.

"Fellow Daoist, do you have any goods to sell?" Yuan Ming asked.

The eyes of the man in black, visible beneath the mask, showed a hint of wariness. He looked around before speaking. "A top-grade magical tool, the Heart-splitting Bomb—are you interested?"

"May I take a look?" Yuan Ming inquired.

After a moment's hesitation, the man in black searched through his sleeve and pulled out a fist-sized sphere.

"You can look but don't touch," Yuan Ming was just about to reach for it, but then the man quickly pulled it back.

Yuan Ming could only laugh silently and sharpened his vision with condensed mana, observing closely.

Upon closer inspection, he saw that the sphere was greenish, seemingly made of bronze. Its surface had fine, dark-golden lines that formed intricate patterns, interconnected into an array.

Top-grade magical tools typically have three runes inscribed to synergize and enhance their quality. Yet, this bronze sphere seemed to have an entire miniaturized array on it, indeed appearing quite exquisite.

Yuan Ming took a mental note, already fairly certain that the item was genuine.

"Let's talk about the price," Yuan Ming said.

"1,500 Spirit Stones each, not a coin less," the man in black promptly replied.

"That's just nonsense; a normal top-grade magical tool might be worth 1,500 Spirit Stones, but this is a consumable. It's gone after one use," Yuan Ming immediately countered.

"The Heart-splitting Bomb is for saving your life, not for fun. Surely your life is worth at least 1,500 Spirit Stones," the man in black replied coldly.

"You're right; it can indeed save one's life at a critical time, but the price is ridiculously high. I fear it won't be easy to sell at such a rate," Yuan Ming said with a smile.

"If you don't want it, that's fine," the man in black said displeasedly.

"Could we possibly negotiate the price further? You have to pay each time you enter the Ghost Market, and I see you're eager for Spirit Stones. It would be best to sell quickly—selling sooner means earning sooner," Yuan Ming mentioned with a smirk.

The man in black considered these words, finding reason in them.

"I can tell you might be pressed for time as well. Although this is the Ghost Market, it's bustling with people. Perhaps word has already spread that an exclusive artifact from the Five Thunder Sect of Zhao Country is up for trade."

Before Yuan Ming could finish, he saw the man in black about to interject. Yuan Ming preempted him with a gesture and continued, "Don't rush to argue. It's better to offload such items sooner for peace of mind. Honestly, we've been talking quite a while now."

Upon hearing this, the man in black finally showed interest.

"How much are you willing to offer?"

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