Chapter 47 - 46: The Black Market (Please Follow)
"Every Martial Artist has their own way to make a living. We Skin Grinding Realm Martial Artists mostly come from good households. As for me, I have nominal affiliations with major shops, collecting a considerable nominal fee. Some become retainers for wealthy families, engaging in equitable trade. The Martial Artist works for the family, and the family provides ample Silver Taels."
「Pingling County.」
「Night falls.」
The bright moon hung high, and the streets gradually emptied of people.
Qi Yuan took out a white-faced monkey mask and a cloak from his room, handing them to Jiang Shu. "Put these on," he said. "Where we’re going, you must not reveal your true identity."
As he spoke, he also draped a cloak over himself and donned a black bear mask. He cleared his throat, and when he spoke again, his voice had deepened, sounding like that of a man in his forties. "The cultivation resources required by Skin Grinding Realm Martial Artists are beyond what ordinary affluent households can support."
"The resources needed for the Bone Forging Realm are even greater. Most heads of martial arts schools have already experienced a decline in their Qi and blood, which is why they only charge ten taels of silver, accumulating wealth bit by bit. Those who can truly advance further all come from wealthy families. If it’s like this for the Bone Forging Realm, can you guess how many cultivation resources the County Magistrate of Pingling County, our only Refining Internal Realm expert, requires daily?"
"Relying on the imperial court’s stipend?"
"The reason the black market has always existed is because, behind it..."
Qi Yuan didn’t finish his sentence and walked out of the small courtyard.
Jiang Shu held his breath and followed closely.