Ling Tian Sword God

"The Black Market's intelligence capabilities are indeed fearsome; nothing escapes your eyes."

Ling Chen reluctantly shook his head; he hadn't expected Lin Ya to appear here.

The other party had already ascertained his identity and knew his background clearly.

"What do you think, Ling Chen? Would you consider cooperating with us?"

A fragrant breeze suffused the air as Lin Ya sat down in front of Ling Chen with a charming smile. "Our Baiyue Trade Association has gathered no shortage of information concerning the Golden Sand Ancient City. We also have plenty of useful information at our disposal, like a blueprint of the city's internal layout."

"We originally planned to cooperate with the Black Dragon Gang to explore the Golden Sand Ancient City, but we never expected that their map would end up in your hands. With this development, an alliance between just the two of us is enough. There's no need for the Black Dragon Gang anymore."

"Cooperation?" Ling Chen's lips curved into a slight smile. "I'm just a lone wolf. If I partner with you from the Black Market, I'm worried that the moment I step into the Golden Sand Ancient City, your people will ambush and assassinate me."

"Hehe, you're overthinking things." Lin Ya's charming smile didn't falter. "Given your strength, Ling Chen, dealing with you would cost us dearly. Plus, we'd offend the Divine Intent Sect and your fiancée. Moreover, Leader Qin Shan of our Wind Nation's Black Market was a close friend of your father. If I harmed you, he wouldn't let it slide. So, you can consider us friends. We just need to cooperate wholeheartedly. As for treachery, that's not something I would do."

"You have a point."

Ling Chen nodded. Of course, this woman's words were seventy percent truth and thirty percent falsehood. Cooperation was acceptable, but considering them friends and trusting them completely was impossible. One must always stay on guard against a cunning woman like Lin Ya.

"Also, you've killed Su Lie of the Black Dragon Gang and stolen their map. They surely won't let you off easily. Considering your deep feud with the Shocking Death Sect, who back the Black Dragon Gang, if you agree to cooperate with us, none of these will be problems. The Black Dragon Gang won't be able to touch a hair on your head."

Lin Ya, looking as if she was completely considering Ling Chen's interests, then changed the subject. "Of course, I know you, Ling Chen, aren't afraid of a mere Black Dragon Gang, but even a fierce tiger cannot withstand a pack of wolves. Besides, Liu Sha, the leader of the Black Dragon Gang, is already a Grand Master of the Second Realm. You wouldn't want to be entangled with such a major problem, would you?"

"As expected of the Young Master of the Black Market, truly silver-tongued. But what benefits do I get from cooperating with you?" Ling Chen wasn't opposed to cooperating with the Baiyue Trade Association. He had come to stay at the Lingyue Tavern precisely to find the other two of the three major powers to help him deal with the Black Dragon Gang. It was just somewhat unexpected that Lin Ya had appeared here.

"Of course, there are. After entering the ancient city, as long as you can carry them away, we'll split all acquired treasures evenly. How about it?" Lin Ya said with a beaming smile.

"Deal."

Ling Chen nodded. For her to suggest splitting the treasures evenly was already a significant concession. If they could truly be divided equally, that would be good. One shouldn't be too greedy. As for her mentioning 'the ability to carry it away,' she probably thought he didn't have any storage tools. If they encountered a large quantity of items, what Ling Chen could carry would indeed be limited. But Ling Chen possessed the Heavenly Mansion Ring, and its internal space was large enough to hold a great hall full of gold, silver, and jewels.

Seeing Ling Chen's agreement, Lin Ya nodded lightly. "Good. Now that you've agreed, we'll set off in three days. During this time, you can continue to stay at the tavern. I'll cover all expenses."

"Then thank you for your hospitality."

Ling Chen cupped his fists, then turned and left the room.

After Ling Chen left, Boss Jin finally looked at Lin Ya, his expression somewhat puzzled. "Young Master, this kid is just a loner, weak and isolated. Why do you attach such importance to him? Besides, just him alone, how is he qualified to split the treasures of the Golden Sand Ancient City evenly with us?"

"Though his wings are not yet full, this man is not to be underestimated."

The smile on Lin Ya's face quickly faded, her expression becoming very placid. "Remember, when I last saw him, his cultivation was merely at the Martial Artist First Layer; he was like an ant before me. But some time ago, he killed Wang Yan, who was ranked nineteenth on the Heavenly List. All of this happened in less than half a year."

"What? This kid's rate of improvement is too fast!" Boss Jin's expression also changed. "The current Ling Chen already has the cultivation of a Martial Artist Sixth Realm. Compared to a First Layer Martial Master, that's a full five-level increase. For anyone else, no matter how talented, it would probably take three to five years to achieve that."

"That is precisely what's terrifying about him. A once-in-a-century genius of the Martial World. Since we cannot be his enemy, it's better to be his friend." A glint flashed in Lin Ya's beautiful eyes as she continued, "If we can become friends with him, not only can we strengthen our relationship with Leader Qin Shan, but when Ling Chen breaks through to Grand Master, he will undoubtedly be a powerful support. Not to mention, I believe he can break through to the Sky Apex Realm before he turns forty."

"Young Master, you're praising him too much. How many Top Sky Apex Strong are there in the entire Martial World? So many people get stuck at the peak Grand Master level, unable to advance, sometimes for their entire lives. Although Ling Chen is performing exceptionally now, there's no guarantee he can maintain this pace in the future, nor that he won't be killed during his development." Boss Jin shook his head. He felt Lin Ya was overstating things; after all, formidable Top Sky Apex Strong didn't appear that easily.

"Even if there's only a one-in-ten chance, I'll still profit in the end with no loss to myself."

Lin Ya shook her head. "Besides, investments always carry risks. High risk, high reward. Otherwise, why would I risk offending the Black Dragon Gang to cooperate with a mere Ling Chen? In business, one cannot be shortsighted; one must look to the long term."

"Young Master is indeed brilliant. I'm impressed."

Boss Jin cupped his hands. People like him did small business, while people like Lin Ya handled major ventures. Although both were businesspeople, they were not in the same league.

「Meanwhile, unexpected guests had arrived at the Black Dragon Gang's headquarters in the west of the city.」

Several experts wearing Dou Li and black robes rode on horseback into the Black Dragon Gang's headquarters.

「In the main hall.」

Several figures in Dou Li had already reached the steps. Upon seeing these men in Dou Li and black attire, Liu Sha's expression immediately became extremely respectful. The arrivals were messengers from the Shocking Death Sect!

"Liu Sha, I heard you've lost the Treasure Map of the Golden Sand Ancient City?"

The leader removed his Dou Li, revealing a middle-aged man's face.

"Lord Mo Feng, the Treasure Map was practically in my grasp! Unexpectedly, someone named Dustless appeared out of nowhere, killed Su Lie, and snatched the Treasure Map away!"

Liu Sha's forehead was beaded with sweat as he quickly said, "I am currently doing my utmost to investigate this Dustless's background. The kid is very cunning; he's been hiding in the Lingyue Tavern ever since he entered the city. As soon as he leaves the city, we'll capture him in one fell swoop and retrieve the Treasure Map!"

"Idiot! Do you think your opponent is as foolish as you are, that he'll just passively wait for you to catch him, like waiting by a stump for a hare?"

The black-robed man named Mo Feng's expression darkened slightly. "He will definitely seek help from other powers. Perhaps he has already approached the Baiyue Trade Association! These next few days, keep a tight watch on the Baiyue Trade Association and the four gates of North Wind City. You must be completely clear about any move they make."

"Moreover, this kid isn't called Dustless. He's the murderer of Junior Brother Wang Yan. His name is Ling Chen!"

Mo Feng's voice suddenly turned icy cold.