Human Clan Defender

While Shen Changqing was simulating Martial Arts, Ji Qu also complied with the other party's request and headed to the black market.

The so-called black market was, in fact, a concealed trading venue.

With a simple change of attire, Ji Qu smoothly entered.

As a member of the Demon-Subduing Division, he naturally did not fear exposing his identity in the black market. After all, few in either the underworld or the law-abiding sphere dared to provoke the Demon-Subduing Division.

Others entering the black market needed to conceal their identities to avoid being targeted by those with malicious intent, thus preventing unnecessary trouble. Members of the Demon-Subduing Division were an exception. The reason for changing his appearance and concealing his identity was merely Ji Qu's usual way of doing things.

「In the black market.」

Stalls lined the streets and alleys. The majority of those walking by were Martial Artists from Jianghu. Each person either wore a mask, a cloak, or had used a facial disguise; no one showed their true face.

It was not Ji Qu's first time at the black market; he cut straight through the crowd and entered an auction house.

He presented a Token.

The auction house staff immediately showed a respectful demeanor.

"It turns out we have a distinguished guest. May I know how we can be of service?"

"I need to speak with your Steward."

"Ah, distinguished guest, please take a seat in the private room. I will immediately report to him."

"Hm."

Ji Qu nodded slightly and then followed the staff member into the private room to wait.

Less than a quarter of an hour later, a wealthy-looking elderly man bedecked in gold and silver entered. Upon seeing Ji Qu, a warm smile appeared on his face as he clasped his hands in greeting.

"I heard a distinguished guest has arrived. I am Steward Number Two of the auction house."

"So you are Steward Number Two."

Ji Qu nodded, his face expressionless.

The Stewards of the auction house did not use names but instead were known by numbers. The lower the number, the higher the status. Steward Number Two's title implied that he held a relatively high status within the auction house.

Immediately after, Ji Qu said, "My reason for coming to the auction house is simple. In half a month, a friend of mine intends to auction a Grandmaster Level Outer Technique, a Grandmaster Level Inner Strength technique, and a Martial Art that goes straight to the heart of the Martial Dao True Intent. I am aware that your auction house holds a prominent position in the black market within the territory of Great Qin, so I presume this matter will not be a problem for you."

Auction three Grandmaster Level Martial Arts! Steward Number Two's pupils constricted, momentarily shocked by this news.

Afterward, he regained his composure, a cordial smile returning to his face.

"Conducting the auction is no problem, and half a month is enough time for us to promote it. Since you are a distinguished guest, and this is not your first time at our auction house, you must understand our rules. The three Grandmaster Level Martial Arts are preliminarily valued at 1,200,000 taels, of which a ten percent deposit is required as a promotional fee for the auction house. If your friend defaults on the auction half a month later, that ten percent deposit will not be refunded. If the auction is successful, the auction house will take a five percent commission from the final price. The ten percent deposit will then be adjusted, with any excess refunded or any shortfall covered. What do you think of this arrangement?"

"Additionally," Steward Number Two continued, "if you wish to auction items, you will need a guarantor. Our auction house absolutely does not offer guarantees, so you will need to find a reputable person to act as your guarantor. Otherwise, it will be difficult to resolve any issues that arise later on."

Ji Qu did not interrupt but quietly waited for the other party to finish speaking.

After a while, he slowly said, "I understand the rules of your auction house, but I hope the deposit can be waived. Additionally, your auction house should also reduce the commission."

Upon hearing this, Steward Number Two's expression remained unchanged as he spoke with a laugh, "You must be joking, distinguished guest. The rules of the auction house are long-established, and no one can change them. However, since you are a distinguished guest, we can make some appropriate concessions. Therefore, the commission can be reduced by one percent, but I'm afraid there's no way to waive the deposit. After all, the auction house also has to bear certain risks with the promotion. If there is a default, it would be a significant blow to our reputation—"

While Steward Number Two was speaking, Ji Qu took out an Identity Token from his bosom and placed it on the table.

Instantly, Steward Number Two's voice halted.

In his line of sight, the Token bore a few large characters: Demon-Subduing Division!

"You are a member of the Demon-Subduing Division!" Steward Number Two's smile faded considerably, but his tone of voice became more solemn. He had not expected that the distinguished guest before him was from the Demon-Subduing Division.

Ji Qu retrieved the Token, his voice still calm. "I am a member of the Demon-Subduing Division. However, I am not the seller. The true seller is an Earth Rank Demon Hunter from the Demon-Subduing Division. Knowing this, could the deposit be waived and a portion of the commission reduced?"

Upon hearing these words, Steward Number Two fell silent. The fact that the other party was from the Demon-Subduing Division was completely beyond his expectations. At the same time, Ji Qu's words presented a significant challenge.

An Earth Rank Demon Hunter! Clearly, that's at least an expert at the Innate Limit. Moreover, someone capable of producing three Grandmaster Level Martial Arts is more likely a Grandmaster-level expert.

In Jianghu, a Grandmaster alone commands extraordinary respect. Combined with the name 'Demon-Subduing Division,' their status and authority become truly awe-inspiring. The auction house, though influential, lacked the capital to contend with the Demon-Subduing Division.

After a long pause, Steward Number Two nodded solemnly. "If it is someone from the Demon-Subduing Division, indeed the deposit can be waived. As for the commission, the auction house can reduce it appropriately, charging only two percent."

"No problem." Ji Qu nodded in agreement. Two percent, compared to the earlier four percent, was already halved.

Then, Steward Number Two looked directly at Ji Qu and spoke earnestly, "I trust that no one would dare to impersonate someone from the Demon-Subduing Division to commit fraud!"

"In the lands of Great Qin, who would dare to impersonate someone from the Demon-Subduing Division?"

"I merely asked in passing." Steward Number Two smiled.

Within the territory of Great Qin, no one dared to impersonate someone from the Demon-Subduing Division. In the black market, there were probably numerous members of the Heavenly Inspection Guard. Never mind the black market; even within their own auction house, there was likely a presence of the Heavenly Inspection Guard. As long as the Heavenly Inspection Guard was around, no one would dare to impersonate someone from the Demon-Subduing Division. Some had tried it in the past, but the consequences were dire, ranging from death to the confiscation of their entire family's property. Over time, no one dared to cross that line anymore.

Steward Number Two said, "If it is someone from the Demon-Subduing Division, this auction's promotion will not be an issue, but it would be best if you could provide a name!"

Although the other party was from the Demon-Subduing Division, providing a specific name would make things even more secure. The name 'Demon-Subduing Division' alone was enough to waive the deposit and reduce the commission. However, to act as a guarantor, a specific individual's name was needed, not just the organization's. Otherwise, if a problem arose, whom could they approach among the many members of the Demon-Subduing Division?

Ji Qu lightly uttered a name: "Shen Changqing!"

Shen Changqing! Steward Number Two was taken aback, then quickly came to his senses, his expression changing slightly. "You mean Shen Changqing, the one who slew the Barbarian Clan General in the Great Wilderness Prefecture?"

"Indeed."

Receiving Ji Qu's definitive answer, Steward Number Two was even more shocked. To have slain a Barbarian Clan General, he must be a late-stage Grandmaster! Such a person is considered one of the top figures in Jianghu. Even without the Demon-Subduing Division's backing, his name alone would suffice as a guarantee in the black market auction house. With the Demon-Subduing Division's name attached, there would be absolutely no problem.

"Do the Martial Arts to be auctioned have names?"

"Not at the moment."

"Alright, I understand. You may go back and wait for news. Within half a month, our auction house will spread the word as widely as possible, and we hope that you and your party will arrive on time."

Having said that, Steward Number Two took out two gold-embossed cards and placed them on the table. "These are the auction house's access tokens. You should keep them safe; when the time comes, show these tokens, and someone will personally attend to you."

"Thank you." Ji Qu was concise in his gratitude, taking the access tokens before standing up. "I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."

"Take care." Steward Number Two rose to see him off.

Ji Qu didn't say anything more and headed straight out of the private room.

After leaving the auction house, he changed his disguise again and quietly left the black market, returning to the Demon-Subduing Division.

For Ji Qu, Shen Changqing's business was a significant opportunity. If the deal was successful, it would involve millions of taels. The commission Shen Changqing would give him, even a very small share, would still be a considerable sum. His monthly salary at the Demon Slaying Hall wasn't much. Receiving additional income would naturally be a good thing. This was also why he was willing to go to such lengths for Shen Changqing's matter. Besides doing Shen Changqing a favor, he could also reap some benefits for himself.

As Ji Qu left, Steward Number Two, back inside the auction house, promptly reported the matter.

"Shen Changqing of the Demon-Subduing Division... It's said he only joined the Division not too many years ago, yet he rose through the ranks, breaking through to the late-stage Grandmaster Realm. He surely must have encountered numerous fortuitous encounters during that period. The three Grandmaster Martial Arts he intends to sell must be related to those encounters he gained."

In a secret room, a middle-aged man known as Steward Number One heard the report and spoke serenely. After a pause, he continued, "If these are from his own fortuitous encounters, then there's no issue with us auctioning them. However, if he dares to privately sell Martial Arts belonging to the Demon-Subduing Division, providing the venue could lead to considerable trouble for us."

Although who auctioned what generally didn't concern the auction house much, if it involved the Demon-Subduing Division's regulations, it would be difficult for them to extricate themselves from the consequences. Therefore, upon understanding that the seller was Shen Changqing, Steward Number One had no major worries.

Steward Number Two said, "If that's the case, then we can start the promotion."

"Promote it. The three Grandmaster Martial Arts will surely bring considerable reputation to the auction house. Even if we earn a little less commission, it's still worthwhile."