It was night.

Even deep into the night, the most bustling commercial district of the Capital City remained as bright as day, with throngs of people indulging in the thrill of nightlife.

They never considered whether tomorrow's sun would rise, only cared about whether today's revelry and dreams were satisfying.

"Look, the narrow vision of ordinary people only cares about the current stable life, completely oblivious to the undercurrents beneath these bright lights and intoxicating parties, truly a pity."

In an alley of the commercial district, as secluded as a utopia, a luxurious small tavern was far removed from the noise. A woman in a noble Red Robe, with imposing momentum, disdainfully remarked.

She swirled the glass in her hand, watching the wine ripple, her eyes unknowingly a bit intoxicated.

Money, Power, Status.

These things she no longer lacked. Though she couldn't claim a mere cough would shake the Capital City, at least among the Awakened she was a well-known figure.

[Black Market]

This is the most unique organization among the Awakened's unofficial groups. They never deliberately seek fame or fortune, always lurking in the shadows silently doing their own thing, yet no other organization dares to offend them.

The reason is simple, as the name of the organization implies, they are just in the business of doing business.

From selling forbidden Supernatural Objects and channels for hiring Awakened, to trading common shops, gold, and silver jewelry.

They dare to do any and all businesses that can be traded, and even eagerly act as witnesses and intermediaries for transactions involving other organizations.

In such circumstances, no organization is willing to offend these jack-of-all-trades roles.

Even the official parties occasionally transact with them, because there are some matters the officials find inconvenient to handle directly, which when left to them, no one would say anything.

The woman leisurely enjoying life in the small tavern was precisely the true leader of the [Black Market]!

"Sister Hong, you only speak without understanding the struggles, not just ordinary folks, but even among your unofficial organizations, so many things remain unclear, like this issue between the officials and the [Promised Land], it's too deep..."

A girl who looked extremely cute and petite sat opposite the woman called Sister Hong, who exuded a queen-like aura. Her youthful appearance and stature could easily be mistaken for a young girl.

If Wu Liang were here, he would be rendered speechless with surprise.

The person was indeed the Zodiac Rabbit!

"Haha, little rabbit, you hold a high position in the official sector, can't you share some intel with your sister? Have I not treated you well?" Sister Hong lightly sipped her red wine and spoke softly.

Hearing this, the Zodiac Rabbit also laughed gleefully, sipping the milk on the table, showing a sly smile while shaking her head to decline: "That's not acceptable, our personal relationship is separate from business."

Despite the seemingly heartless words, Sister Hong didn't get angry.

After all, in her eyes, she genuinely cherished the Zodiac Rabbit like her own sister.

Back when this little rabbit first joined the official research institute, she secretly provided countless forbidden Supernatural Objects for the Zodiac Rabbit to study.

For others in the research institute, a lifetime's savings might not be enough to acquire these objects.

Yet, Sister Hong never asked the Zodiac Rabbit for any compensation, expecting only that she would make time each week to hang out and drink with her.

"But with so many years of friendship, I can't watch you fall into a pit, there's one thing I can reveal to you."

The Zodiac Rabbit's tone shifted, making Sister Hong listen intently.

She knew that although this little rabbit appeared silly as if underaged, her mind was filled with official secrets!

Moreover, today it was the rabbit who suggested they meet for drinks and meals. In the past, this usually meant the Zodiac Rabbit had something important to tell her.

"This week... oh no, from now on, it's best for you to maintain a good relationship with the officials. I don't mean our personal friendship, but publicly show that [Black Market] is aligned with the official side." The Zodiac Rabbit's tone turned slightly serious.

These words left Sister Hong somewhat puzzled.

For the [Black Market] merchant identity of jack-of-all-trades, the most taboo is siding with one faction.

Fair and impartial transactions are their lifeline.

Otherwise, why would other organizations trust them enough to do business? Aren't they afraid that [Black Market] would set them up?

Yet the Zodiac Rabbit now wanted her to clearly state their stance towards the officials!

At such a sensitive time, when every unofficial organization is holding a 'let's wait and see' attitude, should the [Black Market] become the vanguard?

"Wait a minute, since yesterday, [Free Will] has retracted their arrogant high-profile behavior, acting like obedient students. Could this be related to what you're saying?" Sister Hong squinted her eyes, pondering.

As the leader of the [Black Market], she naturally had a lot of insider information.

She immediately connected recent unusual circumstances.

However, she never got to the bottom of the changes in [Free Will] starting yesterday.

Even several reliable information channels only told her that it was personally instructed by the three heirs of [Free Will].

It seemed as if the three suddenly changed their personalities, transforming from playboys to well-behaved scions.

"I don't know, it's not something I can say." The Zodiac Rabbit playfully stuck out her tongue and said.

"Then, little rabbit, is there anything you can share? Don't leave your sister in the lurch at such a crucial juncture." Sister Hong understood that decisions made in the near future could be crucial to the survival of the [Black Market].

After all, if even those three airheads obsessed with fun, shouting freedom, and boundless indulgence turned obedient, the issue must be significant.

The Zodiac Rabbit tilted her head and cheerfully said; "Of course there is, I have a transaction to discuss, only the trader isn't me."

With that, she dialed a number on her phone.

The line was connected and immediately disconnected.

Soon after, Sister Hong noticed a stranger entering the small tavern, leaning on the bar, chatting with the bartender, and ordering drinks.

This greatly surprised Sister Hong.

She knew this small tavern was a secret spot for her and the Zodiac Rabbit to meet. Though normally open for business, it always closed to outsiders when she visited for drinks.

After all, she funded this small tavern.

Throughout these years, the Zodiac Rabbit had never told anyone about this place, making today the first time she brought someone along.

Who on earth is this person? What is his relationship with the little rabbit? What trade is to be discussed with her?

With these thoughts, Sister Hong couldn't help but listen closely to what the man at the bar was saying—

"Hey buddy, can I get a shot of national cellar?"

"Good evening, sir. There are quite a few beverages termed 'national cellar,' would you please specify which one?"

"Room temperature mare's urine! Cold national cellar!"

"Uh... what's this?"

"You don't even have iced tea?"

The bartender, Sister Hong: "..."

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