Celestial Master： I Have an Otherworld-Chapter 211 - 79: Auction House (Part 3)

Fang Zheng lowered his head, his lips pressed together slightly.

Better to be a waste than be sent to death.

At his feet, the swordsman expert was already on the ground, blood flowing from his throat and staining the floor.

"Ugh..."

The Households Commander Ming's gaze fell on Wu Hai, his eyes paused slightly:

"Three Talents Saber, from the Hu Ben Army?"

"Yes."

Wu Hai had just killed his opponent, and upon hearing this, he cupped his fists and bowed cautiously, stepping back to Fang Zheng's side:

"I served in the Hu Ben Army for a time."

"Hmm."

Households Commander Ming nodded, then looked at Fang Zheng:

"What's your name?"

"Fang Zheng." Fang Zheng cupped his hands:

"Greetings to Lord Thousand Households."

"Fang Zheng." Households Commander Ming nodded:

"I'll remember you."

What does that mean?

Fang Zheng was startled; could it be that he had caught the other's attention?

*

*

*

The Households Commander Ming wasn't wholly unkind; after so many had died, they did not launch another attack the next day but instead allowed time for recovery.

West Market.

The market was crowded, the noise of sellers ceaseless.

"A good weapon can ensure not making mistakes at crucial moments, gaining the upper hand against the enemy. Our shop sells top-quality weapons..."

"Soft armor, protective armor, treasures that can save lives in times of crisis, being sold cheaply..."

"Golden wound medicine wholesale!"

"..."

"The Anxi Army holds military power, but having power doesn't mean generating wealth, nor can they profit despite their influence. If they meddle in other industries, civil servants will memorialize against them." Seeing Fang Zheng's curious expression, Zhang Mingrui explained:

"After all, being the Imperial Court's regular army, truly plundering a city is impossible."

"So, to gain benefits, they have accompanying trade caravans specifically to conduct various businesses, claiming to temporarily raise military funds for the Anxi Army."

"Look!"

He gestured upwards:

"Many of these merchants have ties to the Anxi Army; perhaps their brothers and sisters serve there."

Fang Zheng understood and asked:

"Selling golden wound medicine is one thing, but don't they control the sales of swords and soft swords?"

If these things were bought by Evil Dao demons or bandit thieves, wouldn't they become tools to reap the lives of Anxi Army soldiers?

"Ha!"

Zhang Mingrui sneered:

"Merchants, they'll earn money from anything. Even if it's the rope to strangle them, they'd sell it for the right price."

"Moreover..."

"Do you think the swords and soft swords on these stalls come from nowhere?"

"They're all stolen!"

"Who knows, they might sell them and then steal them back from others; earning silver taels coming and going, isn't that wonderful?"

Fang Zheng was speechless.

"Young Master Fang."

At this time, a familiar voice sounded:

"We meet again."

"Shopkeeper Zhao." Upon seeing who it was, Fang Zheng nodded in acknowledgment:

"Are you out shopping too?"

Shopkeeper Zhao was initially in the jade business and frequently traveled to Zhaonan Prefecture. Fang Zheng often acquired items from him.

Over time, they became familiar.

In over two years,

He had come to recognize almost everyone notable in the county town, at least enough for a familiar greeting.

"I haven't that kind of leisure." Shopkeeper Zhao shook his head and sighed:

"I have a stall here too. Why don't you come over and take a look, Young Master Fang? Given the current situation, I'm selling my goods at low prices."

"But..." Fang Zheng hesitated for a moment, reluctantly shaking his head:

"I don't have extra funds on hand. I need to buy things essential for survival."

"You may not know this, Young Master Fang," Shopkeeper Zhao hurriedly said:

"The price of swords and soft swords has soared, golden wound medicine is six or seven times more expensive than usual, food isn't cheap either. Prices for everything are rising."

"But only my jade is half-price now."

"I see." Fang Zheng nodded:

"Although jade is nice, it's ultimately an external object. Given today's uncertainty about tomorrow, buying it doesn't mean it will truly be yours."

"Let's see later!"

Shopkeeper Zhao opened his mouth, only to sigh lightly, his gaze turning to another person:

"Brother Mi, would you care to take a look at my place?"

Watching him leave, Fang Zheng slowly retracted his gaze.

He kept the principle of not flaunting wealth in mind; though now might be the time to scoop up jade cheaply, it could also draw unwanted attention and trouble.

"Anxi Trading Company."

After walking a bit further, Zhang Mingrui indicated:

"The largest storefront here, as long as you have money, you can buy anything inside. Even armor and powerful crossbows are sometimes for sale."

Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow, following him into the store.

The business here was good, with nearly a dozen petit assistants welcoming customers, and various weapons and armor displayed behind the counter.

"Dear customer."

Someone came up to them:

"Is there anything you're looking for?"

"Just looking around." Fang Zheng said:

"I'll have a look first."

"Alright." The person nodded, taking out a booklet from behind the counter and handing it over:

"This contains the list of items currently for sale at our trading company. You can take a look first, and if anything interests you, we can discuss it."

"Oh!" Zhang Mingrui accepted the booklet:

"That's quite convenient."

Opening the booklet, they were first met by a variety of weapons: axes, halberds, swords, and forks, all available up to quantities of ten each.

Is this...

Bulk selling!

Presumably, only the military would need such large quantities.

"Hmm?"

One particular item made Fang Zheng raise his eyebrows slightly.

......

"The Sun Family's Floating Light Brocade recipe?"

The assistant led Fang Zheng to the inner courtyard, where the shopkeeper of the trading company sat on a tiger-skin chair, sipping from a wine cup. After understanding the situation, he said:

"This is a treasure; buying out the rights won't be cheap."

"No need to buy out." Fang Zheng said:

"I just need to purchase the recipe."

"Heh..." The shopkeeper chuckled, shaking his head:

"You're joking, Young Master Fang. Once such secrets are out, they become worthless. For items like this, our trading company only ever sells outright."

Fang Zheng furrowed his brow.

"Rest assured."

The shopkeeper understood what he was worried about and said:

"Anxi Trading Company's reputation is well-known. Once we say a buyout, it's a buyout. There will never be a second copy released. You can inquire about it outside."