Two Martial Artists flanked the unassuming entrance like stone guardians, their scanning gazes dissecting every approaching figure. Ye Tian walked directly toward them with the confidence of someone who belonged in warrior circles.
Their eyes narrowed with professional assessment—unfamiliar face, but unmistakable Martial Artist aura radiating from his position. After a moment's consideration, they stepped aside without challenge.
The stone staircase descended into darkness like a throat swallowing him whole. Each step carried him deeper beneath Linhai Base's surface, away from civilian territories and into the exclusive domain of true warriors.
The underground chamber that emerged exceeded all expectations.
"Massive."
The black market sprawled across space equivalent to a major plaza, stone ceiling supported by massive pillars that disappeared into shadow. Dozens of shops lined the perimeter while armed warriors moved between stalls with predatory grace.
This was power's true marketplace—where strength determined access and weakness meant exclusion.
His first stop was a materials vendor, unloading accumulated beast parts from his wilderness expedition. The transaction netted two hundred thousand yuan—respectable profit, though hardly impressive by black market standards.
"Wu Pavilion."
The largest establishment dominated the market's central position, its impressive storefront suggesting resources beyond anything smaller shops could provide. If advanced cultivation methods existed anywhere in Linhai Base, they would be found here.
A female clerk approached immediately upon his entry—Martial Apprentice level, respectful demeanor appropriate for addressing warriors.
"Lord Martial Artist, how may Wu Pavilion serve you? We maintain extensive inventory covering most warrior necessities."
"Do you carry martial artist cultivation methods?"
Professional enthusiasm brightened her expression. "Yuan Force Forging Body Methods, certainly! We stock elementary-grade techniques, though advanced versions require procurement from major bases."
Yuan Force Forging Body Method.
The name was entirely unfamiliar—evidence of Linhai Base's information restrictions. Leadership deliberately limited martial artist knowledge dissemination, keeping lower-level warriors dependent on established hierarchies rather than pursuing independent advancement.
"May I examine your complete inventory catalog?"
"Of course!"
The document she produced was revelation incarnate. Yuan Force methods, beast blood varieties, healing potions, weapons, secret techniques, rare treasures—some individual items commanded millions of yuan.
His accumulated wealth suddenly felt pathetic by comparison.
"Elementary Yuan Force Forging Body Method, martial artist intelligence briefing, three intermediate beast blood vials, fierce beast territory map, and three bottles of Qingyuan Liquid."
Mathematical calculation flickered behind her professional smile. "Elementary method: fifty thousand. Intelligence briefing: ten thousand. Beast blood: five hundred thousand. Territory map: twenty thousand. Qingyuan Liquid: one million. Total cost: one million five hundred eighty thousand yuan."
The sum would have bankrupted most warriors, but Li Cun's inherited wealth made such expenditures manageable. Still, spending over half his liquid assets in one transaction created uncomfortable vulnerability.
Payment completed, he prepared to depart with his acquisitions.
"Lord Martial Artist, our director requests a meeting. Would you have time for brief consultation?"
Suspicion flared instantly. "Why would Wu Pavilion's director want to see me?"
Curiosity ultimately overrode caution—understanding her motivations could prove valuable.
The clerk led him to Wu Pavilion's second floor, through corridors that spoke of substantial investment and permanent establishment. This wasn't temporary merchant presence but major base infrastructure.
"Director Yue will see you now."
The office door opened to reveal impossible contradiction.
"A girl?"
Eighteen or nineteen years old at most, delicate features that belonged in aristocratic settings rather than underground warrior markets. Yet she occupied the director's chair with natural authority that suggested genuine competence rather than nepotistic appointment.
His copying talent activated automatically.
Name: Yue Ling
Cultivation Talent: Advanced
Sword Talent: Intermediate
Speed Talent: Inferior
"Advanced cultivation talent!"
Pure shock paralyzed his nervous system. This represented genetic potential beyond anything he'd encountered—Mo Shaobei and his Academy elite were insects compared to such natural gifts.
Three distinct talents, with advanced-grade cultivation anchoring capabilities that could reach Great Martial Artist status or beyond. Her age suggested Elite Martial Artist achievement already.
But more importantly: his copying ability had recharged completely.
Strategic calculation blazed through his consciousness. Inferior speed talent would enhance his elementary grade modestly—useful but not transformational. Advanced cultivation talent would revolutionize his entire development trajectory.
"Copy the advanced cultivation talent. This opportunity may never come again."
He manufactured his most innocent smile and extended his right hand with practiced casualness.
"Hello, I'm Ye Tian."
Yue Ling hesitated momentarily before accepting the gesture—her jade-smooth fingers making brief contact with his palm.
[Advanced Cultivation Talent successfully copied!]
Victory tasted like lightning in his throat. The most valuable genetic enhancement possible had just transferred into his possession through simple social courtesy.
"I'm Yue Ling, Wu Pavilion's director." She withdrew her hand and dismissed the clerk with silent gesture. "Please, sit."
Professional composure masked his internal euphoria as negotiations began.
"You've recently achieved Martial Artist status, correct? And you're not affiliated with any major Linhai Base families?"
"Both accurate. As for Wu Pavilion's origins, I assume significant backing from established powers?"
"Wu Pavilion represents major base interests rather than local Linhai operations." Her explanation carried implications that recontextualized everything he'd observed.
"Major bases maintain branch presence here despite Linhai's relative weakness because of strategic positioning. We serve as gateway monitoring and resource distribution center. That's why superior inventory access exists through our facilities."
"Major base operations."
The revelation explained Wu Pavilion's impossible resource depth. Yue Ling's presence suggested important family connections to powers beyond Linhai Base's provincial limitations.
"You interest me, Ye Tian. Sixteen or seventeen years old, already Martial Artist level, no family political entanglements—Wu Pavilion would benefit from recruiting someone with your potential."
The offer was predictable, and his response was immediate.
"Director Yue, I prefer maintaining independence rather than organizational commitments."
Refusal was tactical necessity. His copying abilities and accumulated secrets demanded operational freedom that formal affiliations would compromise. Besides, he'd already claimed the most valuable resource this encounter could provide.
Advanced cultivation talent was worth more than any employment contract Wu Pavilion could offer.
The game had changed completely.
[End of Chapter 19]