The boss grinned, his hands slightly clenched and rubbing against each other as he offered his praise.

"Heh heh, that elixir of yours is truly effective! Although the quantity was a bit small, it's genuinely top-quality. My boy, who originally had no Qi Sense at all, strangely started sensing it right after taking your medicine. Although it's still very weak now, I have over twenty pills left! So, little brother, if you have more, could you get some for your old brother here? Name your price. As long as my son can get into the Martial Arts Academy, my life's work will be complete!"

Only people of the Federation could truly understand the intense desire to become a Martial Artist. This wasn't just about bringing honor to one's ancestors; it was a genuine skill, a way to protect oneself before the potential onset of chaotic times.

No wonder this old fellow had suddenly started calling Wang Zhan "little brother." That kid, Wang Zhan, I clearly misjudged him the other day. He was just playing me, the shopkeeper thought. Someone who can walk out of the Internal Affairs Department unscathed and is clearly sharp-witted couldn't possibly be that naive greenhorn who blushed furiously after just a few taunts. If I don't try to get closer to him quickly, what if Wang Zhan looks down on me?

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhan's eyes shifted slightly, making the shopkeeper incredibly nervous. Is this kid going to jack up the price, or is he genuinely annoyed and unwilling to sell anymore?

Little did the shopkeeper know, Wang Zhan immediately chuckled. "Old brother, no need to be so polite. As long as you know I'm not trying to cheat you, that's all that matters. As for the price, I'll stick to the original. But, old brother…"

The shop owner hurriedly said, trying to please him, "Yes, yes, what is it?"

Wang Zhan's expression changed, becoming somewhat solemn, and he added with a hint of warning, "Now that you have my elixir, you mustn't resell it for a profit. If I find out, heh, you'll lose any chance of buying elixir from me in the future. One should know, although I don't have a vast supply of elixir, I have enough to go around."

Indeed, he didn't have many on hand. As for "enough to supply," that meant enough for others, not necessarily for this shopkeeper if he tried to resell them.

The shop owner's face changed slightly. To be honest, I did have such an idea, he thought. But Wang Zhan's meaning is clear: reselling is out. What about other avenues? However, after Wang Zhan spoke, a new thought quickly formed in his mind, and he tentatively asked, "Little brother, the source of your elixir… it couldn't be from…?" He gestured vaguely upwards.

Of course, he wasn't referring to the Federation itself. But everyone in the Federation knew that apart from the official Federation channels, the only other source of elixirs was the Martial Arts Academy. And the Academy, with all sorts of people milling about and lax management, offered plenty of room for maneuver.

Wang Zhan merely grunted, which the shopkeeper took as confirmation.

At this, the shopkeeper's expression became even more fawning. "Little brother, if you have such a channel, would you consider this old brother? I don't ask for much, just to be your agent. You can just give me a small fee for my troubles!"

The shopkeeper thought of his son's classmates and the numerous senior high school students. If I could secure all of them as customers, even if I don't earn much myself, at least I could help my son build some connections, he mused. However…

"Heh heh heh," Wang Zhan's tone turned chilling. "Aren't you afraid of being implicated? Selling fake medicine is a capital crime!"

Only then did the shop owner fully grasp the stakes. Yes, this man before me is selling fake medicine; he's practically guaranteed to end up on death row sooner or later! It was only because he was peddling it so openly that I started thinking it wasn't such a big deal. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dared to get involved.

Never mind that I already have a criminal record; for the rest of my life, I'm doomed to never see daylight again, with only my wife and children able to live on the surface. Even if I were innocent of past crimes, getting caught for this would mean a death sentence, far worse than my original offense.

Luckily, Wang Zhan seemed rather considerate and immediately offered a way out. "But, well, I might be able to figure something out to keep you clear of this."

In an instant, the shopkeeper's defenses crumbled. His gaze flickered; he was clearly tempted. Of course, he still retained a shred of reason. If I could truly be kept out of it, that would be great. But if not, I'd be committing a serious crime…

But the allure of profit is strong; such is the mortal world, after all. Of course, there was also an old saying in the Federation: "The nets of heaven are vast, but they let nothing escape." So, the shopkeeper hesitated, then tentatively asked, "There won't be any problems, will there?"

Fortunately, Wang Zhan wasn't the type to make grand promises without offering any real incentive. He cut straight to the heart of the matter. "Heh heh, as long as you're not too greedy in all this, how could there be any trouble? Of course, if you do get greedy, not even the gods can save you!"

You can't have both fish and bear Paws; the same principle applies to connections and profit. If you want connections, you must invest. If you want profit, you must be ruthless. Greed ultimately leads to poverty—Wang Zhan's meaning was clear.

For a moment, their gazes locked. One pair of eyes, calculating and seemingly able to see through hearts, held the allure of profit. The other pair, conflicted and hesitant, struggled to find a way out yet was unwilling to relinquish the enormous potential benefits.

Finally, the shopkeeper made his decision, gritting his teeth. "I'm in!"

To hell with it! What did I have to lose? My son was a precious gift, but for years I haven't been able to live on the surface. The companionship I've offered my wife and child has been pitifully scarce. Instead of fatherly love, I've brought them shame. What change could the end of such a life bring? Could it ensure my wife and child live without worry? Impossible. Rather than continue like this, I'd better take a gamble with Wang Zhan. Maybe I can leave something behind for them. Otherwise, even if my son inherits this Black market shop, it'll be more of a curse. Better to just abandon it.

Therefore, the shop owner's choice was even more resolute than Wang Zhan's persuasion had aimed for. "I want both! I'll take full responsibility for the consequences; you just provide the elixir! Little brother, how does that sound? Don't let my ordinary appearance fool you; I have some resources. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

Now it was Wang Zhan's turn to look a little surprised, as if he had seen through the motivations behind the owner's decision. "Are you sure?"

Having someone willing to risk their life alongside him would naturally speed up his progress significantly, Wang Zhan thought. But the price might be dragging an innocent, unfortunate person into this.

Little did Wang Zhan know, the shop owner laughed, his expression natural and bold. "Afraid of what? Kid, I may not be highly skilled, but I've lived in this Black market for ten, twenty years. I came here not long after it was built. Aren't you curious how I've managed to maintain my position so securely? It's still the same deal: you provide the medicinal ingredients, I'll handle sales and take a cut. You don't need to worry about anything else. I guarantee you'll make a fortune. If you manage to get out of Quan State City alive, you'll be set for life! Well? You can trust your old brother, right?"

Wang Zhan's gaze was profound. Such is the heart of a parent, perhaps? If my mother, Yang Cui, were pushed to such an extent, forced to live without ever seeing daylight, perhaps she would do the same.

So, Wang Zhan slightly raised his cup, using tea in place of wine. "Heh heh heh, alright then. Here's to our successful cooperation!"

"HAHAHAHA, to our successful cooperation!"

The shopkeeper didn't ask Wang Zhan how he would handle deliveries, nor did Wang Zhan ask how the shopkeeper would manage the repercussions of his involvement, or how he would ensure the money reached his son if things went south. It was as if they had a tacit understanding, both aware of these unspoken details yet choosing to overlook them.

But after Wang Zhan left the shop owner's stall…

"PTOOEY…"

TSSSS! The abrupt sound of a cigarette butt being extinguished echoed from a corner just ahead of Wang Zhan.

Wang Zhan's mental energy network had, of course, detected the two low-level Martial Artists lurking to one side. But unfortunately, as just an ordinary person, it seemed a bit difficult to dodge them, didn't it?

He could only mutter to himself, continuing to feign nonchalance as he walked forward. "Trouble! Whose lackeys are these? So eager to die? Seriously…"

I've decided, Wang Zhan resolved. After this mission is complete, I absolutely must request authorization from Wei Daoming. I'll see if I can recruit people directly from these Black markets. None of them are innocent anyway. Anyone who dares to target me will be noted down in my little book.

"Selling fake medicine! Honest dealing for young and old! If it's fake, you get a genuine one! Selling fake medicine! Honest dealing for young and old! If it's fake, you get a genuine one!…"

Hawking his wares, the seemingly carefree Wang Zhan quietly passed the corner, acting as if he hadn't noticed a thing. He kept his eyes straight ahead, pretending not to see the two martial artists—whose realms were low, around level two or three, but whose movements were quite adept—as they blocked him, one in front and one behind.

Wang Zhan looked at the rather small Martial Artist before him and chuckled. "Brother, interested in some fake medicine? Honest dealing for young and old! If it's fake, you get a genuine one! This stuff even has real medicine powder mixed in. Absolutely effective! If it doesn't work, you can come find me…"

But this person clearly wasn't buying his act. With arms crossed, covered in tattoos and scars, he had a fierce and menacing appearance, a sneer playing on his lips.

"Kid, new around here, are you? Don't you understand the rules? You're making things very difficult for us!"

He really looks like those street hoodlums I used to see in old movies, Wang Zhan thought.

Although Wang Zhan knew what was happening, he quickly pretended that things looked bad, his expression changing slightly as he said fawningly, "Ah! So you're the boss around here. My apologies, my apologies! I'm new, I don't understand the rules. Is there a fee? How much is appropriate? I'll pay right now! Don't worry, I'll definitely pay in full!"

Wang Zhan even patted his chest, assuring the man.

Unfortunately, a large hand, heavy as a cattail fan, landed firmly on Wang Zhan's shoulder, making his body tremble. Then, a scarred, ghastly face, marked by a huge gash, got right in his face. The man said grimly, "No need to pay. But since you don't know the rules, we'll have to teach you some. That's how it works, right, kid?"

Wang Zhan hurriedly begged for mercy. "Yes, yes, yes!"

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