CHAPTER 534: CHAPTER 533: BLOOD SOURCE CRYSTAL_1

Stepping out of the somewhat dark city gate passage, dazzling sunlight spilled from the sky. A tumultuous cacophony of noise, echoing into his ears like a haunting tune, made Ling Chen frown slightly.

His slightly squinting gaze lifted slowly, taking in the massive inner city before him and the bustling crowds on its wide streets. Ling Chen couldn’t help but click his tongue in admiration. The scale of Blackwater City was comparable to the capital of the Wind Country, the City of Thunder, or any other first-tier city. In some regards, even the City of Thunder couldn’t compare. After all, Blackwater City possessed things that the City of Thunder decidedly did not.

"Where to next?" Ling Chen’s gaze drifted casually around as he asked softly.

Liu Feiyue considered it for a moment before replying, "Let’s go directly to the Golden Jade Pavilion. The Black Sand Land has many rare medicinal ingredients seldom seen in the outside world. If we’re lucky, we might obtain some of the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures we need."

Ling Chen nodded slightly, offering no objections.

His purpose of coming to Blackwater City this time was to experience the Black Market auction. Blackwater City was a territory painstakingly developed by the Black Market, so the treasures here were expected to be extremely abundant.

After navigating through a very bustling street, Ling Chen and Liu Feiyue arrived before a magnificent building. It was an impressively grand pavilion, and above its entrance, three characters were strikingly written: "Golden Jade Pavilion."

The scale of this Golden Jade Pavilion was much larger than the one Ling Chen had visited in the City of Thunder.

Upon entering the Golden Jade Pavilion, the raucous noise from outside abruptly diminished. Ling Chen looked around and saw that the incredibly spacious hall was filled with numerous transparent display counters. Within these counters, various kinds of treasures were neatly arranged. At this moment, large crowds were gathered around them.

Between the counters, however, stood several warriors in grey robes, each exuding a formidable aura. They were clearly experts from the Golden Jade Pavilion, maintaining strict vigilance to prevent any disturbances.

After all, this was the Black Sand Land, notorious for its chaos. If security wasn’t tight, even the Black Market’s Golden Jade Pavilion could hardly guarantee it wouldn’t encounter trouble.

Ling Chen walked slowly towards a crystal counter and scanned it briefly.

"White Snake Fruit, Phoenix Tail Grass..."

His gaze swept over the dazzling array of items displayed in the counters. Ling Chen recognized them at a glance and then shook his head slightly. Although these items were uncommon, they were still far from the quality he required.

It’s not without reason that Blackwater City attracts so many outsiders, Ling Chen mused. These treasures alone, if sold elsewhere, would surely be considered signature items by many shops. Unlike here, where they’re just casually displayed for sale. While Ling Chen had yet to find what he was after, the value of these Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures could not be denied.

Liu Feiyue smiled and nodded, just about to speak, when laughter came from the side. "Esteemed guests, what might you be looking for? Since you’ve come to our Golden Jade Pavilion, I trust you’ll be able to find what you need here."

"Alright," Ling Chen said, lifting his gaze to an old man at the counter who, judging by his robes, belonged to the Golden Jade Pavilion. He asked directly, "Do you have Tricolor Stone, Blood Source Crystal, or Five Element Spirit Fluid here?"

This question clearly stumped the old man; his expression stiffened slightly. Of the three items Ling Chen mentioned, he had only heard of the first, which was a very rare gemstone. As for Blood Source Crystal and Five Element Spirit Fluid, What are those? he wondered. Could this young man have deliberately made them up to embarrass me?

"You don’t have them?"

Ling Chen frowned slightly. It seems I overestimated this Golden Jade Pavilion. They don’t have even one of these items?

The three materials he mentioned were all used for refining a Sky Apex Puppet. Among them, the Tricolor Stone was relatively common and not a core component. However, the remaining Blood Source Crystal and Five Element Spirit Fluid were, like the Black Cloud Gold he once sought, core materials for refining a Sky Apex Puppet as listed in the "Secret of Mechanisms." They were indispensable, with no substitutes.

"We do have the Tricolor Stone," the old man said hesitantly, "but I’ve never heard of Blood Source Crystal or Five Element Spirit Fluid. Do those two things... actually exist?"

"If you don’t have them, then never mind."

Ling Chen shook his head and, after exchanging a glance with Liu Feiyue, was about to turn and leave the Golden Jade Pavilion.

"Wait, please wait, Young Master."

Just then, a pleasant female voice suddenly drifted over. Ling Chen turned his head and saw an exceptionally charming mature woman. Her figure was stunning; as her slender, supple waist swayed, her ample bosom quivered tantalizingly, causing many customers to nearly drool.

"What is it?"

Ling Chen’s expression remained indifferent. The mature woman was indeed attractive, but she clearly held no particular sway over him.

"Young Master, weren’t you looking for the Blood Source Crystal?"

The mature woman was inwardly amazed at Ling Chen’s composure. His gaze hadn’t wavered in the slightest upon seeing her. Young men like this are seldom simple individuals, she thought.

"Does Your Excellency perhaps know a way to find it?" Ling Chen stopped and asked with surprise.

"The Blood Source Crystal is exceedingly rare; ordinary shops naturally wouldn’t possess such an item," the mature woman said with a smile. "However, our Golden Jade Pavilion happens to have one. It’s just that such high-grade rare medicinal ingredients are not typically put out for sale..."

"Oh? Then how can I obtain it?"

Ling Chen’s eyebrows rose. If she says that, then there’s definitely a chance.

"Tomorrow, our Golden Jade Pavilion will host an auction. All the prominent figures from the Black Sand Land will attend. The Blood Source Crystal will also be one of the auction items, presented on the auction block, and sold to the highest bidder," the mature woman replied with a gentle smile.

Ling Chen pondered for a moment. These items are indeed very rare. If I had to find them myself, who knows how many years and months it would take. It would naturally be best if I could obtain them here. Moreover, according to this beautiful woman, the auction will feature even more rare items. Perhaps I can gain some other unexpected rewards there...

"The Golden Jade Pavilion holds an auction periodically. I didn’t expect our timing to be so coincidental; there’s one tomorrow."

Liu Feiyue’s beautiful eyes also lit up. "The Blackwater City auction is renowned throughout the Martial World. We’ll surely come across some useful treasures there tomorrow."

"I hope so."

Ling Chen nodded. Hopefully, this auction won’t disappoint me. Still, with the Blood Source Crystal, I at least have a guaranteed item. Next, I just need to prepare sufficient funds to compete with others at this auction.