Ethan nodded, showing a knowing expression, and his explanation became more professional:

"Just like the ocean has tides, the energy activity within the Abyss also undergoes periodic changes. It's currently a relatively calm period for Abyssal Energy, making exploration less challenging, which is why explorers from all over are coming at this time."

Ron showed interest in this information:

"So what is the duration of the Abyssal tide cycle? What are its specific manifestations?"

"The major cycle is about a year, but there are several minor cycles in between, the shortest lasting only a few days, while the longest can reach a quarter of a year."

Ethan's tone carried the confidence of someone experienced:

"During the peak period, the density of magic power inside the Abyss will rise significantly, the entire environment becomes unstable, spatial distortions intensify, and passages frequently close or change direction suddenly."

He casually pointed to a stall displaying various crystals gleaming with strange lights:

"The most obvious manifestation is the active change of Abyssal Materials. See those Blood Crystals; those collected during the trough period have a dull luster and ordinary energy purity, while those from the peak period are as bright red as blood, with clearly visible internal energy flow, valued at least five times more."

He pondered for a moment, then added:

"Of course, the risk increases greatly as well. Abyssal creatures become extremely frenzied during the peak period, and even some ancient entities that usually lie dormant may awaken and become active. Every peak period, the mortality rate of explorers doubles."

Ron nodded to indicate his understanding.

The so-called "Abyssal Tide" bears quite an intriguing resemblance to the magical power surges brought by the previous "Star Ring Convergence."

Coupled with the Starry Sky Ravings' previous display of restraint against Abyssal creatures, there's likely a deeper connection between the two that he currently does not understand.

"That's why the city's streets and markets are bustling with so many activities and shoppers now."

Ron linked this information with some previously learned content:

"Although the rewards are higher during the peak period, most explorers choose to operate during the trough period."

"Yes, just as you've observed." Ethan agreed:

"For most people, returning alive is more important than bringing back valuable materials. Only those particularly powerful or particularly...crazy explorers venture deep during the peak period."

He pointed to a well-equipped expedition team in the distance:

"Look at that team, all seasoned explorers, with at least ten years of experience. But even they choose to act during the trough period, keeping risks within a bearable range."

"Alright, let's return to the market itself, we'll start from the edge area."

Ron instructed simply: "I need to understand the local market trends and material qualities."

Ethan immediately led the way, guiding Ron through the bustling crowd to a corner of the market.

This area primarily trades in basic Abyssal Materials such as Energy Crystals, tissue samples of ordinary mutated creatures, and some Abyssal Ores.

The stalls offered a dazzling array of goods, from ordinary black stones to shimmering crystals, from bizarre plant specimens to liquids of various colors; there was no shortage of variety.

The stall owners were mostly weathered explorers or local residents, some even exhibited obvious Abyssal mutation traits, like extra eyes or deformed limbs.

One particular shop caught Ron's eye.

A weathered wooden sign at the shop's entrance read "Stone of Fortune."

A crowd gathered at the entrance, some leaving disappointed while others cradled their loot, deliriously happy.

The shop's owner was a small statured old man whose left eye had mutated into a purple crystal from Abyssal exposure, shimmering with an eerie light in sync with his breathing.

His right hand had only three fingers, the remaining two seemed to have been forcibly twisted off by some force, leaving twisted scars.

"What kind of shop is this?" Ron asked Ethan beside him, already partly guessing the answer.

"A gambling stone shop, one of the most popular forms of gambling here."

Ethan's voice carried a hint of wariness:

"The owner, Colin, was once also an Abyssal Explorer, who lost two fingers and one eye in the fourth layer of the Abyss. It's said he acquired some special ability in the Abyss, enabling him to accurately pinpoint raw stones containing rare materials."

There was a secret he didn't mention; many precious Abyssal materials often crystallized from the bodies of some explorers.

As for Colin, the shop's owner, he certainly wouldn't risk his life venturing to find stones himself.

Whatever methods he used to find such peculiar gambling stones remained unknown...

Interest flickered in Ron's eyes as he stepped directly towards the shop.

Inside, hundreds of black stones of various shapes were displayed, each appearing featureless, with rough and uneven surfaces like ordinary coal.

Ron, however, could sense the concentrated energy contained within them.

And despite their similar appearance, these stones clearly came from different layers of the Abyss, so the types of materials contained within them varied.

"Welcome, Wizard."

Upon seeing Ron's silver insignia on his chest, Colin immediately put down his work and bowed: "Care to try your luck?"

Ron's gaze swept over the price list on the wall:

"Ordinary Gambled Stone: 20 Magic Stone Fragments each"

"Premium Gambled Stone: 80 Magic Stone Fragments each"

"Rare Gambled Stone: 200 Magic Stone Fragments each"

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