https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-31-Living-Body-Modification-Black-Market-Channel/13535188/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-33-The-Murmuring-of-the-Star-Devourer/13535200/
Chapter 32: "The Rules of the Game" - A Transformed Madame Ellen
Chapter 32: "The Rules of the Game" - A Transformed Madame Ellen
Andie's expression subtly shifted. Alert flickered in his eyes before settling into calm composure.
As a prince raised in court intrigues, he instantly grasped the true meaning behind Luo En's words.
"You want to contact the Black Market?" Andie's voice dropped lower. "Not a wise choice, especially under current circumstances."
Luo En didn't respond directly, patiently waiting for continuation.
Andie sighed. "If it's just for potion research, I can offer some advice."
He walked to the window, confirming no suspicious energy fluctuations before continuing:
"Underground trading in Black Mist Jungle mainly happens in three places:
The safest is 'Sunset Tavern's special exchange - their guards ensure transaction privacy.
Second is 'Lizard Alley' - no additional protections, but offers far more varied goods than Sunset Tavern.
And finally 'Blackwater Bay' - the most dangerous place. Even Full Mage-level experts occasionally search for coveted items there."
Luo En carefully memorized this information, noting Andie's remarkable familiarity with these locations. Clearly, this knowledge came from personal experience.
"Several points to remember during transactions", Andie continued, his tone carrying seasoned wisdom:
"First - never reveal your true identity. Second - carry sufficient Mana Shard Fragments, but not all on your person. Third - best to use a trusted intermediary for introductions. First-time transactions are most perilous."
He paused, voice turning extremely serious: "Most importantly - don't be greedy. Buy only what you truly need, then leave immediately."
Luo En nodded. "You seem unusually familiar with these matters."
Andie offered a complex smile. "In Black Mist Jungle, survival sometimes requires... unconventional channels."
He didn't elaborate further, but Luo En understood completely.
In this brutal world, everyone had their own survival methods - even the privileged Thirteenth Prince.
"Thank you for your advice", Luo En said sincerely. "I'll be careful."
After exchanging some casual conversation about recent events, Andie took his leave.
Now alone, Luo En began organizing his observations.
Aolifu's sudden visit, the Black Market potion's transformation, Ma Kusi's malevolent glare - all pointed toward ominous foreboding.
But he was no longer that frail candidate apprentice.
The qualitative transformation of his spiritual energy granted him power rivaling senior apprentices, while the career synergy system within gave him an ace card.
"Whatever Aolifu's plans", Luo En clenched his fist, confidence undiminished, "as long as I have time to develop, everything will resolve itself."
Yet the Black Market information from Andie sparked new thoughts.
Luo En unfolded the School's quarterly bulletin recently acquired. It documented important events from the past three months.
Flipping to the "Mentor Council" section, he found intriguing details:
Mentors conducted quarterly evaluations of apprentices, with outstanding performers receiving additional resources and training opportunities.
But puzzlingly, the next page listed apprentices recently punished for rule violations. Several had suffered mutations from banned potions, ultimately executed or sent to laboratories.
"Luo Ke, Ai Mi Li, Darend" - Luo En's gaze lingered on these familiar names, confusion rising.
If mentors truly valued talented apprentices, why did banned potions circulate so easily? Why did apprentices continually take such risks?
Flipping through earlier bulletins, he realized this wasn't rare - similar cases occurred almost every quarter. Banned potions seemed ingrained in Black Mist Jungle's ecosystem.
"What logic am I missing?" Luo En furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
Full Mages possessed the power to completely eradicate these potions. Yet they not only persisted, but appeared tolerated.
He recalled Andie mentioning even Full Mage-level experts visited Blackwater Bay's dangerous markets.
"Could it be..." A bold realization struck him. "Do the Full Mages tacitly permit - even encourage - these banned potions' circulation?"
This wild theory explained many anomalies.
Perhaps mentors viewed this as a selection mechanism - truly gifted, disciplined apprentices chose steady growth paths, while talentless, impatient ones fell to potion temptation, self-destructing.
"It's like a game..." Luo En internally summarized, "a 'ascension elimination game' designed by the mentors."
They wanted talented new apprentices emerging, yet feared complacency weakening their survival instincts.
Controlled danger and competition actually stimulated stronger survival instincts and progress.
He'd previously oversimplified it as oppression of the weak by the strong. Now, the situation proved far more complex.
If so, his risk of becoming experimental material might not be as dire as imagined - especially when demonstrating sufficient potential and self-discipline.
The mages would prefer seeing him become a future colleague rather than a mindless test subject.
Retrieving Darend's notebook, Luo En prepared to study sound wave magic theory. Since Aolifu showed interest, this spell likely held key importance for future confrontations.
Hours of focused research passed as the sky darkened.
Rubbing his eyes, Luo En decided to visit the Herbal Medicine Shop.
First, to inform Madame Ellen of his early release from confinement. Second, to consult the experienced old apothecary on several questions - particularly regarding Aolifu and advanced meditation techniques.
The red-tinged evening glow cast an eerie shimmer over Black Mist Jungle, the marketplace thinning significantly.
As Luo En approached the Herbal Medicine Shop, he found the door tightly shut. Living vines twisted into the words "Closed for Business."
Strange - Madame Ellen's shop shouldn't have closed yet.
Turning to leave, he suddenly froze.
His enhanced apprentice perception clearly detected abnormal mana activity behind the door.
Not dangerous, but certainly not the quiet expected from a closed store.
After brief hesitation, he gently knocked.
"Who is it?" An old voice carried slight fatigue from within - Madame Ellen's familiar tone.
"It's me, Luo En." He responded softly.
Brief silence behind the door, followed by an almost imperceptible sigh.
"I'm very busy. Come back tomorrow morning."
Luo En sensed the well-hidden irritation in Madame Ellen's voice. Possessing basic emotional intelligence, he didn't wish to trouble her.
"I understand, madam. Then I'll visit again tomorrow morning." He tactfully responded, already turning to leave.
"Wait..." Madame Ellen suddenly changed her mind, voice tinged with hesitation. "Come in then, since you're already here."
With metallic scraping sounds, the closed door automatically opened.
Luo En cautiously entered the shop, familiar herbal aromas mingling with an unfamiliar sweet fragrance - similar to night-blooming cereus but more intensely fragrant.
The interior was darker than usual, only a few weak magical crystal lamps flickering, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
His gaze immediately locked onto the figure behind the counter as he stepped inside - a young woman organizing account books.
Long, cascading pinkish-violet hair flowed like a waterfall, shimmering with dreamlike radiance under the dim lights.
Her profile displayed flawless, delicate beauty. Porcelain-like skin glowed with healthy luster, large eyes sparkling like gemstones.
Most striking was her proud, elegantly curved nose - impossibly perfect in combination with her entire face.
"Are you..." Luo En hesitated, searching the shop for Madame Ellen.
The woman wore only a loose silk nightgown, shoulders and sleeves slipping to expose smooth skin and intoxicating curves.
This casual, unconscious allure felt more lethal than deliberate seduction - completely different from the wrinkled, hunched old hag he remembered.
"What's wrong, little one? Can't recognize me?" She tilted her head halfway, speaking in a voice that sent chills down his spine - unmistakably Madame Ellen's trademark tone.
Those emerald-green eyes - definitely Madame Ellen's signature feature!
"Madame Ellen?!" Luo En couldn't believe his perception, yet those eyes left no doubt.
She emitted a light laugh - unmistakably her trademark slightly raspy elderly chuckle.
But coming from this seemingly eighteen or nineteen-year-old girl's lips created extreme cognitive dissonance.
"Seems my transformation surprised you", she said, placing both hands on the counter and leaning forward, unintentionally loosening her nightgown further.
(End of Chapter)
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