The two descended the staircase for nearly two minutes before faint shouts gradually reached their ears.
After walking more than a hundred meters, they emerged from the passage. Xiao Zhitian discovered that the underground space was enormous—nearly the size of two football fields. Stalls and small shops filled the area, packed closely together.
Almost every stall owner wore a cloak, their figures and faces deliberately concealed.
Xiao Zhitian and Little Fairy Doctor wandered slowly through the market. Eventually, they stopped before a stall displaying only two purplish-black scrolls.
One was labeled:Mysterious Mid-Rank — Corrosive Bone PalmThe other read:Mysterious High-Rank — Poison Vine Strangulation
Xiao Zhitian picked up one scroll and examined it carefully. After confirming there were no tricks, he asked in a hoarse voice,"How much for these two?"
An aged voice answered from beneath the cloak."One Mysterious High-Rank combat skill of normal attribute. Or two Mysterious Mid-Rank ones will also do. These are unique—no one else here sells them."
The price was reasonable. Likely because these were forbidden items, the old man wanted to dispose of them quickly.
This wasn't the Izumo Empire; otherwise, a single Mysterious High-Rank Dou Technique would easily fetch hundreds of thousands of gold coins.
After a brief pause, a green scroll appeared in Xiao Zhitian's hand—the Mysterious High-Rank: Mad Lion's Roar he had once obtained. Useless to him.
He tossed it to the stall owner."Check it. If there's no issue, I'll take both."
The old man inspected it quickly, then nodded."You may take them."
He immediately stored the scroll and vanished into the crowd without another word.
Xiao Zhitian handed the two scrolls to Little Fairy Doctor."These suit you perfectly. Their rank is more than enough for your current stage. We can look for better ones later."
"They're too valuable…" she said softly. "I don't have the money to repay you."
"Our relationship doesn't need to be calculated so precisely," Xiao Zhitian said gently. "You can repay me later."
After a brief hesitation, Little Fairy Doctor accepted the scrolls and stored them away."Then… I'll repay you when I can."
The two continued browsing. Truly, the black market lived up to its name—almost anything could be found here, most of it illicit. Still, they found no other suitable Dou Techniques.
Xiao Zhitian spent close to ninety thousand gold coins purchasing rare medicinal herbs and various poisons.
Little Fairy Doctor couldn't help but marvel at his wealth.
Once they finished, Xiao Zhitian said calmly,"That's enough. Let's leave."
"Mm," she nodded. She had always trusted his decisions without question.
They chose a random exit. After walking for several minutes, they pushed open a door and stepped back onto a quiet street.
Little Fairy Doctor moved closer and whispered,"Is someone following us?"
"Yes," Xiao Zhitian replied indifferently. "Since we bought the techniques. Just a few small fish. You can use them for practice later."
Her body tensed slightly."What… what's their strength?"
"One Da Dou Shi and two Dou Shi," he said with a faint smile. "They actually think that's enough to rob someone."
Hearing that, Little Fairy Doctor finally relaxed.
At the next corner, the three pursuers could no longer restrain themselves and leapt out. All wore cloaks.
The leading Da Dou Shi spoke coldly:"Gentlemen, this road ends here. Leave your storage rings behind, and perhaps I'll leave you with a complete corpse."
Xiao Zhitian didn't even bother replying.
He raised his hand casually and released a blade of Dou Qi.
The leader's expression changed drastically. He hastily summoned Dou Qi armor and crossed his arms to block.
The Dou Qi blade shattered the armor instantly, passed through his arms, and slammed into the wall behind with a thunderous boom.
A gust of wind passed.
The leader's body slowly split diagonally from chest to waist.
He died instantly.
"With this level of strength, you still dare rob people?" Xiao Zhitian flicked his sleeve lightly.
"Big brother!" the two remaining Dou Shi cried in horror.
Before they could react, Xiao Zhitian released another streak of energy. It pierced straight through the forehead of the four-star Dou Shi. He fell dead on the spot.
The last survivor—a two-star Dou Shi named Zhou San—collapsed to the ground, his face drained of all color. He immediately knelt and began begging frantically.
"M-my lord! Spare my life! I'll be your servant! I'll do anything!"
Xiao Zhitian glanced at him calmly."What use do I have for a Dou Shi servant?"
He then pointed toward Little Fairy Doctor."But I can give you a chance. Defeat her, and you live."
Little Fairy Doctor understood instantly—this was training.
Zhou San trembled. He knew he couldn't escape, but survival instinct pushed him forward."Y-you… you promise?"
"Of course."
Xiao Zhitian stepped aside and leaned casually against the wall.
Zhou San roared and charged.
Little Fairy Doctor raised her hand and met his palm directly.
At first, her lack of combat experience forced her into constant dodging. But as the fight continued, she adapted quickly. Her movements sharpened, her timing improved.
Meanwhile, Zhou San's body was being steadily corroded by her poisonous Dou Qi. His movements slowed, his mind dulled.
Finally, Little Fairy Doctor released a dense purple mist.
The poisonous fog expanded rapidly.
Zhou San tried to retreat, but it was too late—he was engulfed.
Visibility dropped to almost nothing.
Hidden within the mist, Little Fairy Doctor moved silently. In an instant, she appeared behind him and struck.
Her palm slammed into his back.
Zhou San was sent flying. His heart shattered upon impact. Death was instantaneous.
Xiao Zhitian watched the corpse, its face twisted in unwillingness. With a flicker of abnormal flame, he reduced all three bodies to ash.
At least they wouldn't be lonely in the afterlife.
He walked to Little Fairy Doctor's side and clapped lightly."Not bad. You've improved quickly. Once you master those two techniques, your strength will rise even more. What you lack now is only real combat experience."
Her face lit up with happiness.
Killing didn't trouble her. She had grown up in Qingshan Town—life and death were common. And these three had clearly intended to kill them.
Xiao Zhitian took her hand."Let's go. The noise we made is too large. The city guards will arrive soon."
Hand in hand, the two vanished into the night.