https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-49-Lizard-Alley-Observer-Mushrooms/13535464/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-51-Crystalline-Moss-Blood-Potion/13535478/
Chapter 50: Trade District – Exotic Race Merchants
Chapter 50: Trade District – Exotic Race Merchants
Luo En nodded silently. In this world where transcendent power reigned supreme, even the most unassuming creatures could possess unexpected abilities.
"Lizard Alley", Andie explained as he led the way, "got its name from the Lizardfolk merchants who originally gathered here. The Lizardfolk have a natural talent for trade. Their ancestral home lay in the southwestern swamps, but as human territory expanded, many neighboring exotic races were forced to migrate. A group of Lizardfolk traders discovered that the environment near Black Mist Jungle suited them well, and since the area's governance was loose enough, they settled here and established small-scale commerce."
He brushed aside a particularly dense cluster of mushrooms, revealing a clearer path:
"Now it's become a mixed-race trading district where you can find almost anything."
He suddenly halted, turning toward Luo En with a serious expression:
"One more thing—Lizard Alley's merchants are notorious for their cunning. They especially enjoy pulling tricks on outsiders. What Ao Tuo did—testing customers with counterfeit goods—is just the tip of the iceberg."
"I understand", Luo En replied with a confident smile. "You saw my ability to authenticate medicinal herbs. I won't fall for deception easily. Plus, my enhanced perception since advancing to elementary apprentice should handle most deceptive tactics."
"Let's hope so", Andie sighed, his expression complex. He'd always envied his companion's ascension potential and alchemy talent. "While the quality here varies wildly and authenticity is tricky, prices are far more negotiable than in the School's market. With your discernment skills, we might stock up on regular materials afterward."
They crossed a barren forest of dead trees. Crumbling branches snapped underfoot, and the air hung heavy with decay. Suddenly, a narrow stone path emerged ahead, sharply distinct from the earlier tangled trails.
Strange stone pillars lined the road, each carved with multi-headed dragon totems. Weathered by time, their fierce dragon heads remained faintly visible.
"We're here", Andie whispered. "The entrance to Lizard Alley."
Luo En sensed an immediate shift—chaotic mana fluctuations swirled in the air, a tangled web of diverse transcendent systems and exotic bloodline energies. The disorder felt threatening, yet maintained a fragile balance.
As he stepped onto the stone path, a sharp prickling sensation ran through his soles, as if something scanned his body. He tensed instinctively, but Andie remained calm.
"Just a routine check", Andie murmured. "The entrance's defense mechanism confirms we're not carrying large-scale transcendent weapons. Personal arms aren't restricted, but powerful alchemical explosives that threaten the market are forbidden."
Relaxing, Luo En continued forward. Passing through the makeshift arch of stone pillars, they entered a breathtaking scene.
This was no mere "alley"—it stretched into a long, narrow district lined with tightly packed stalls and makeshift shops. Unlike Sunset Tavern's secrecy, transactions here were open and vibrant. Voices clashed in a symphony of haggling, arguing, and laughter.
Creatures of all shapes bustled through the streets—scaly Lizardfolk draped in vivid fabrics, jingling with metal ornaments; short-statured Goblins with sharp ears, eyes darting for theft opportunities; even towering three-meter Trolls crouching to avoid low ceilings, their rough skin etched with tribal tattoos.
Humans were common too, mostly exiles or adventurers in tattered clothes, wary expressions contrasting sharply with the privileged apprentices of the School.
"Watch the symbols", Andie pointed to special markings on stalls. "Red triangles mark transcendent materials, blue circles for weapons, yellow squares for curiosities. We're focusing on red triangles."
They strolled along Lizard Alley, pausing at red triangle-marked stalls. Most sold common herbs—Snake Tooth Grass, Moonwort, Silverlight Mushroom. Occasionally, rarer items appeared, like Dragon Whisker Grass or Fire Crystal Orchid, though Madame Ellen's rare materials remained elusive.
Navigating a narrow alley, Luo En carefully avoided garbage and suspicious puddles. The air reeked of herbs, rotting meat, and exotic race musk.
"Look", Andie gestured toward a crude tent made of beast hides. A small green-skinned Goblin fiddled with vials outside.
"This Goblin is an alchemist, albeit mediocre. Still, his materials are comprehensive, especially for knight cultivation needs."
Approaching, the Goblin grinned, revealing sharp yellow teeth. "Oho! Rare customers! Looking for treasures, boys?"
"We need materials for Blood Potions", Luo En said evenly, eyes scanning the goods. "Fire Crystal Orchid Root, Hematite Grass, and Dragon Blood Leaf. If available."
The Goblin's eyes gleamed. "Oho! Young bloodline cultivator? Rare here!" He rummaged deep into the tent, returning with cloth pouches and glass bottles. "Top quality! Fair prices!"
Luo En used his herb identification ability. The glowing red Fire Crystal Orchid Root, serrated-edged Hematite Grass, and deeply crimson Dragon Blood Leaf in glass bottles all showed freshness and potency.
"Excellent", he nodded. "What's your price?"
(End of Chapter)
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