Published: January 1, 2025
Of course, these entry fees had long been arranged by the Qingxue family. In fact, the Qingxue family did not need to pay any fees. As one of the top families in the Southern Heaven Realm, their presence was essential for the Void Market near Nandou City.
After Qin Chen entered, he was surprised to find the entire market bustling with activity. There were voices everywhere, and he couldn't help but wonder where all these martial artists had come from.
The Blade King Mu Zhi Feng explained, "Young Master, this Void Market is a place that countless merchant caravans and void adventurers frequently visit. This particular market is the largest void market closest to the Southern Heaven Realm, and all caravans heading to or leaving the Southern Heaven Realm stop here. Moreover, the Void Tidal Sea is vast, but there aren't too many markets, so each one is guarded by countless people."
"Of course, many of the people here are actually void bandits."
"Void bandits?" You Qianxue was taken aback.
"That's right," Mu Zhi Feng said with a smile. "There are many adventurers and a lot of bandits in the Void Tidal Sea. Many powerful void bandits, like the Tian Kui Bandit, have their strongholds in the Void Tidal Sea. However, the environment there is harsh and ever-changing, which is why almost every void bandit has a residence in the nearby Void Market. They often stay here, so this place is quite valuable."
Qin Chen was astonished; he didn't expect there to be so many void bandits residing in the Void Market, alongside countless merchant caravans. Wasn't this a den of thieves and civilians all mixed together?
"Master, fighting is not allowed in the Void Market. This rule is set by several major forces in the Southern Heaven Realm and is also a regulation from the top forces of the Heavenly Realm. So here, you don't need to worry about safety. However, once you leave the Void Market, it's hard to say," Qingxue Silan added.
Qin Chen nodded; the Void Market was indeed a strange phenomenon.
"Master, our Qingxue family's residence is just a little further ahead," Qingxue Silan said.
"I won't be going to your Qingxue family's residence. Let's wander around the Void Market for a bit," Qin Chen replied. He had his own matters to attend to and couldn't always be with the Qingxue family. Moreover, some things wouldn't be convenient.
"Master, are you going to separate from us?" Qingxue Silan's eyes turned red immediately. "I wanted to bring you to our Qingxue family for a visit. You saved us, and my father and the others will definitely repay you. My sister will be very happy to know how powerful you are; you can exchange insights and spar with her."
As she spoke, Qingxue Silan took You Qianxue's hand and said, "Sister-in-law, aren't you and Master traveling around? You could visit our Qingxue family!"
"Alright, alright." Seeing that Qingxue Silan was about to cry, Qin Chen felt utterly speechless. "We're just temporarily parting ways. Three days later, I will still board your Qingxue family's warship to the Southern Heaven Realm."
"Really?" Qingxue Silan burst into tears of joy.
"Ahem, of course, it's true. Your master wouldn't lie to you," Qin Chen said with a wry smile.
"Then why aren't you going to our Qingxue family's residence? The inns here are quite expensive, and they're not very comfortable. There's no need," Qingxue Silan said.
"I just want to find a place to rest for a few days and see if there are any special treasures in this Void Market," Qin Chen replied. Since this was the distribution center for the entire Southern Heaven Realm, it must have plenty of good things.
Uncle Ming, who had been silently observing Qingxue Silan, suddenly said, "If Brother Chen Qing is looking for good items, I recommend going to the Oddity Trading Fair in the Void Market."
"Oddity Trading Fair?" Qin Chen asked in confusion.
Uncle Ming nodded affirmatively. "That's right, the Oddity Trading Fair. On the surface, the Void Market seems like a place for merchant associations and void bandits to set up base, but in reality, it’s a place for disposing of stolen goods. While trades between merchant associations can occur in Nandou City, because it is strictly managed and requires taxes, and there are many spies, it lacks secrecy. Thus, many void bandits and caravans are unwilling to enter Nandou City and instead trade here, so the transactions here are not far less than those in Nandou City."