Chen Shu and Zhang Dali exchanged puzzled glances, black lines forming on their foreheads. Why did everything feel so strange?
Does anyone actually eat at this kind of place?
The owner, however, was full of enthusiasm.
After a week, he finally had customers.
He had been told that the area near the black market was bustling, comparable to the city center, but it had been a huge disappointment.
"By the way, for an extra two yuan, you can get two cans of cola. Interested?"
"No way, what kind of place is this?"
Chen Shu's mouth twitched. Just then, he noticed a striking figure outside the shop.
"Dali, come with me. I know how to get to the black market now."
"You're not ordering?"
"Your ramen is too hot; I'm afraid it'll burn my mouth."
Chen Shu and Zhang Dali hurriedly left the ramen shop and headed out onto the street.
"Could it be that my ramen really isn't good?" The shop owner kept reflecting, trying to figure out the problem.
The black market was located in the suburbs, but it was still bustling with people.
"Xiaoyu, Xiaoyu!"
Chen Shu called out enthusiastically.
In the crowd, a girl with a ponytail was looking around. Her features were delicate, her skin fair, and her eyes were exceptionally clear, making her the object of many boys' secret admiration.
Xu Xiaoyu was momentarily stunned, a hint of confusion in her eyes as she saw the two approaching her.
Who are these two?
"Xiaoyu, we're classmates. I'm Chen Shu from the Beast Class."
"I'm Zhang Dali. You must have heard of my legendary stories."
The two began to introduce themselves, trying to close the distance between them.
Xu Xiaoyu was a renowned top student in their grade, consistently holding the first position.
Her academic scores were nearly perfect, and her Beast Talent was exceptional.
Even her Contracted Spirit was a rare A-grade, and the school was grooming her as a candidate for Huaxia Academy.
In essence, she was in a completely different league from the two of them.
"Xiaoyu, do you know these two?"
Next to Xu Xiaoyu, a handsome boy stepped forward, intentionally or unintentionally creating distance between them.
Though his expression was friendly, there was a hint of arrogance and disdain in his eyes.
"We're classmates. Who are you?"
Zhang Dali couldn't miss the pretense in the boy's demeanor and spoke up with displeasure.
"You don't know me?"
The boy raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile on his lips.
"Does everyone know you?"
"You punk!" The boy's face darkened, never having encountered someone who dared speak to him like that.
Just as a conflict seemed imminent, Xu Xiaoyu stepped in to diffuse the situation.
"This is Wang Teng, the top student at Third Middle School."
"Oh~~ Wang Teng..."
Zhang Dali suddenly understood, his face full of amazement.
This naturally greatly satisfied Wang Teng's vanity, causing the corners of his mouth to lift, and he let out a light snort.
"Never heard of him."
Then Zhang Dali delivered a merciless blow.
"Chen Shu, do you know him?"
"Nope, but I have a feeling you have the aura of an emperor!"
"Hmm? What?"
Wang Teng looked over, not understanding but sensing it wasn't a compliment.
As a genius, he felt as if he was being mocked.
"Do you need something from me?"
Xu Xiaoyu interrupted at this point.
Chen Shu and Zhang Dali, though odd, were just ordinary students.
If Wang Teng took an interest in them, it wouldn't be good.
"Xiaoyu, we want to check out the black market, but we can't seem to get in."
Zhang Dali spoke, a hopeful look in his eyes.
"Coincidentally, I was planning to visit the black market too. Let's go together."
"Since you have things to do, I'll take my leave." Wang Teng voluntarily suggested leaving, as Chen Shu and Zhang Dali made him uncomfortable.
"Xiaoyu, I hope you'll seriously consider my proposal."
Before leaving, Wang Teng gave Xu Xiaoyu a deep look and then turned to leave.
"Xiaoyu, what proposal?"
Zhang Dali, straightforward as always, asked directly, while the usually talkative Chen Shu remained unusually silent.
"The City-Level Beast Competition for seniors. Wang Teng wants to form a team in advance."
Xu Xiaoyu explained briefly, not saying much more.
Perhaps in her view, the competition was too far out of reach for the two of them.
Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing translated novels from the original source at "pawread dot com"
***
"Let's go, check out the black market."
The three of them entered the black market through another entrance.
Xu Xiaoyu didn't need anyone to lead her.
She was already a Level 7 Beast Master, qualified to come and go freely.
"I have some things to do, so you two can explore on your own."
After bringing them in, Xu Xiaoyu decided to leave.
Though kind-hearted, she saw no need to waste time with them.
"Thanks, Xiaoyu. If you ever need anything, feel free to find me in Beast Class Five."
Xu Xiaoyu nodded and left.
Zhang Dali and Chen Shu, like curious children, continued to explore the black market.
The black market was part of Nanjiang City's Seven Star Street, consisting of seven intersecting streets lined with various stalls, bustling with people, rivaling the city center in prosperity.
Though called a black market, it had some official backing; otherwise, it would have been shut down long ago.
"Earth Dragon King Beast Core for sale! This comes from the only disaster-level Dimensional Realm in China, invaluable, capable of forging a Contracted Spirit's divine weapon. Don't miss this chance, dear!"
"Shocking! Due to life's pressures, an Advanced Beast Master is selling a Divine Beast Egg, consuming it can elevate a Contracted Spirit directly to Gold Grade!"
"Good news! Good news! Today, purchases over fifty thousand Huaxia Coins at this stall will receive a personally signed autograph, first come, first served!"
The cries from the stalls on both sides of the street were endless. This was the vendor area, mostly individuals selling their wares.
Though it seemed like a gathering of charlatans, those with patience could still find many treasures.
The Dimensional Realms were filled with countless natural treasures, and human material science couldn't encompass them all; perhaps there were indeed hidden wonders waiting to be discovered.
Zhang Dali, full of interest, kept examining each stall, even bending down to inquire.
"Uncle, how much for this Earth Dragon King Beast Core?"
"Young man, you have a discerning eye. I see you have the potential to become a dragon among men. Today, I'll sell it to you cheap."
"Just ten thousand! Take the Earth Dragon King home!"
"Can it be cheaper?"
"How much are you offering, young friend?"
"Ten bucks!"
Chen Shu was speechless, shocked by their conversation.
He expected Zhang Dali to be scolded, but the vendor surprisingly agreed.
"Deal!"
Zhang Dali handed over ten bucks, happily pocketing the earth-colored orb.
Watching them leave, the vendor, feigning heartache, earned ten yuan and promptly pulled out another 'Earth Dragon King Beast Core' from a large wooden box behind him.
"Dali, are you out of your mind? Buying something made of mud?"
Chen Shu couldn't help but speak up.
"Do you really think I'm that foolish? This kind of soil doesn't exist on Blue Star; it's definitely from a Dimensional Realm. I bought a souvenir for ten bucks; of course, it's worth it."
Chen Shu was speechless, continuing to wander around the black market until he finally found his target.
Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan