Chapter 106: Greenwood Gathering
Several people were successively injected with Blood Marrow Worm larvae by the Blood Fiend Mother Worm.
Although they might not be entirely without reservations in their hearts, no one dared to object.
Even without the Blood Marrow Worm fusing with their spines, their bodies still contained Blood Bee larvae, which ordinary methods could hardly remove, placing their lives in Su Yan’s hands.
Now it was merely replacing the control method with the even harder-to-remove Blood Marrow Worm.
As the Blood Marrow Worm continuously refined their blood, it even actively fused part of the spiritual energy, transforming it into true essence.
This special implanted ‘Worm Pill’ brought significant progress to all five.
Jiao Yang Sou Yang Kun made the greatest progress, comprehending true intent from the malevolent energy and continuously using it to refine his Ghost Sheep Phantom.
Having taken the most crucial half-step, he could be considered a Half-step True Intent Realm Martial Artist.
His younger brother Yang Lun was no less in comprehension than his brother, still at Spirit Nurturing Great Accomplishment, but since the brothers cultivated the same manuals, with Yang Kun there, it wouldn’t be long before he too stepped into the same realm.
Cai Peng, Ding Meng, and Wang Cang, after obtaining the Blood Marrow Worm, had enhanced qi and blood, with true essence circulation strengthened by three-tenths, directly advancing to Spirit Nurturing Great Accomplishment.
After feeling the power of the Blood Marrow Worm, the five grew even more convinced in their hearts. Although their lives were not under their control, at least they could advance further.
“News from Hundred Thieves Cave: the Greenwood Gathering begins tonight.”
Yang Kun held a calling card and respectfully handed it to Su Yan.
“A feint thrust, and now suddenly advanced—truly the Greenwood Gathering.”
Su Yan smiled, then said, “Prepare yourselves; we’ll go take a look tonight.”
Since it had started early, there was no reason not to go.
They didn’t prepare too many things, and silver was only about ten thousand taels.
Masking their faces, wearing inner armor, holding weapons, the group prepared fully, obtained six Scaled Horses, and headed together toward Hundred Thieves Cave.
Hundred Thieves Cave was deep in the Desolate Mountains, with numerous caves relying on the terrain; once someone entered, even a thousand men sent after might not find them.
It was also a place where many bandits gathered.
The leading band of bandits there was Earth-Digging Rat Lin Xiao.
The Three Great Thieves took turns hosting the Greenwood Gathering, usually on their own territories to avoid mishaps.
This time it was organized by Lin Xiao, so he set the rules.
The group rode Scaled Horses for an hour, entering Hundred Caves Mountain territory, where the mountains stretched continuously, trees grew sparser, yellow mountain bodies and rocks intermingled, bearing traces of weathering.
In the mountains, rock walls abounded with caves; just entering Hundred Caves Mountain, one could vaguely see several deep cave mouths from afar.
Rustle rustle
Two people jumped out from the wild grass, dressed in dark long robes, red belts at their waists, carrying sharp long sabers.
“Gentlemen, please show your calling card.”
The leader cupped his hands in salute, but his eyes carefully scrutinized them.
Jiao Yang Sou Yang Kun flashed the calling card, and the man’s eyes flickered as he nodded: “One li ahead, Yellow Cave Valley is the venue.”
The Scaled Horses’ hooves were swift; hurrying along, Yellow Cave Valley soon neared.
Hundred Thieves Cave’s underlings grew more numerous, watching key paths, occupying high ground, closely eyeing potential entrants.
Su Yan and the others entered the valley, their gazes sweeping over it.
The entire valley was encircled by stone walls, yellow rock caves scattered like stars; crudely built wooden platforms dotted the ground, with the central viewing stand the highest, three armchairs each claiming a spot, and further ahead a display stand.
By now, many attending bandits filled the valley, most masking their faces—after all, they were here to fence stolen goods; handling quietly was best.
As dusk deepened, more people arrived in the valley; Hundred Thieves Cave men lit torches, firelight illuminating the entire valley.
The black-robed crowd resembled ghostly shadows.
Su Yan noticed among the crowd some wearing white masks, starkly different from those around them in appearance and demeanor.
Yang Kun said in a low voice, “Lord, those are buyers.”
Buyers were what the Greenwood Gathering called those specifically there to purchase goods.
They might be wealthy martial world guests or major powers from Yun Cang Town or neighboring county towns.
The goods might be dirty, but bought low and resold openly, a hefty profit could be made.
Time passed; a moon like a jade disc rose, a string of torches like a long dragon slowly entering from outside the valley.
Three powerfully auraed men walked onto the high platform, boldly seating themselves in the armchairs.
In the center, wearing a dark green beast-patterned long robe, silver rat-patterned belt at the waist, black long boots on the feet, cheeks gaunt as a rat’s, narrow eyes, thin mustache—like a sly old rat exactly, it was Earth-Digging Rat Lin Xiao.
On the left armchair, a broad and stout fatty in tiger hide black strong suit, black gold tiger-head belt at waist, tiger-head boots with glaring eyes on feet, a heavy broad saber at hand—it was Tiger Head Mountain’s Bone-Faced Tiger King Wang Tiangong.
The last, in red clothes with a slim waist, slightly dark skin, black hair coiled up, alluring and provocative, a faint red tattoo on the lower abdomen visible upward to the collarbone like a female leopard—it was Red-Striped Leopard Du Erniang.
The three sat; Lin Xiao smiled: “As per past custom, the Greenwood Gathering begins. Bring items onstage to state details yourselves; bids from below, no regrets once spoken. After one hour, barter begins.”
With those words, the high platform was opened to the crowd.
“I’ll go first.”
From the crowd, a black-robed burly man strode forward, taking the stage first.
Holding a cloth-wrapped item, once onstage he pulled away the cloth strips, revealing a standard long sword inside.
“50 First-order Mid-grade sharp weapon long swords, 500 low-grade; brothers below, make your bids.”
As he spoke, someone muttered, “Heard Tian Feng Weapon Shop was robbed of a batch; must be this.”
“Eight thousand taels silver, gold bullion.”
Someone bid, but the man onstage remained unmoved.
At white path market price, this batch was at least thirty thousand taels.
“Ten thousand taels, banknote.”
“Eleven thousand taels.”
“Fifteen thousand taels.”
“Eighteen thousand taels.”
Prices kept climbing, settling after reaching eighteen thousand taels.
“Deal.”
The man onstage finally nodded; guided by Hundred Thieves Cave underlings, he went with the white-masked bidder to a secluded spot for trade talks.
Sixty percent of market price; after fees for laundering, not too low.
More took the stage successively: batches of stolen goods like medicinal herbs, Feral Beast Materials; some special First-order High-grade armor or weapons.
One after another bids, trades completed in sequence.
Seeing medicinal herbs, Jiao Yang Sou recalled Su Yan’s alchemy skill and wanted to acquire a batch for him.
But Su Yan did not agree.
Though plentiful, not all were what Su Yan needed; buying back unnecessary materials would be waste.
Better to source conveniently from the market.
As more took the stage, after about half an hour, the pace slowed.
From the viewing stand, Du Erniang stood.
The crowd watched this alluring dangerous woman in surprise; in past gatherings, the three never auctioned anything.
As Three Great Thieves, they had channels for black goods, unconcerned about being targeted.
After all, True Intent Realm Martial Artists were the top tier in Yun Cang Town.
Truly tricky stolen goods wouldn’t sell here at the Greenwood Gathering anyway.
“Gentlemen, this humble woman joins the fun today too.”
Du Erniang’s voice wasn’t soft, yet carried alluring charm.
She took out a beast hide parchment scroll, briefly displaying it to the crowd.
“This is a Second-order Low-grade pill prescription, Blood Essence Condensing Pill: refines qi and blood, nurtures true essence, for building foundation, aiding cultivation.”
Her words stirred interest.
A pill aiding cultivation, a grade above True Essence Pill, usable even by True Intent Realm Martial Artists.
“Du Leader, what’s the price for this prescription?”
“Five thousand taels silver, and refine three batches of Blood Essence Condensing Pills for me; materials prepared.”
At five thousand taels, some were ready to bid, but hearing the latter condition, the crowd fell silent.
No other reason: refining Second-order Pills required at least a Second-order Pill Master.
A Second-order Pill Master must first be a Spirit Nurturing Realm Martial Artist for true essence-aided refining; second, profound alchemy skill to handle Second-order Pills.
Someone below said wistfully, “Du Erniang, in Yun Cang Town who besides Hundred Herbs Hall can refine Second-order Pills? Why not go directly ask them; in their straits, they might welcome you with open arms.”
“I’d like to, but fear I’d enter the city and not leave.”
Du Erniang wasn’t annoyed, giggling: “I’m just tossing a brick to attract jade; I need these pills to build my foundation. See if any experts in the greenwood. Even without the five thousand taels, three thousand taels works.”
A Second-order prescription for under five thousand taels was indeed very cheap.
Beneath Su Yan’s mask, a subtle smile appeared.
Knowing full well this was the Greenwood Gathering, yet bringing out a pill prescription to solicit help.
Anyone with true Second-order alchemy skill—would they turn to banditry? Occupational hobby?
“Old Yang.”
“Lord, what orders?”
“Previously, pills were sold in the greenwood, right?”
“True Essence Pills and Five Aggregates Pills went to Tianhe Gang; Blood-Strengthening Pills sold here in the greenwood.”
Yang Kun realized the issue, lowering his voice gravely: “But some medicinal herbs we bought were Second-order; I’m afraid…”
The matter was clear: this was aimed at them.
“Buy it.”
Yang Kun immediately raised his hand, gruff voice: “Three thousand taels, refine three batches.”
All eyes turned in shock and doubt: who had the skill to refine Second-order Pills?
Hundred Herbs Hall’s?
No, Hundred Herbs Hall in such straits—how could they spare to attend the Greenwood Gathering, and act for just a prescription?
Identity a mystery, Du Erniang laughed alluringly: “Deal.”
Du Erniang nodded to Su Yan, smiling with her eyes, then returned to her armchair.
Her brick-toss sparked the barter.
A small leader took the stage loudly: “Auction over; remaining time for barter. Those without trade goods, please leave first; no lingering.”
Most departed successively.
Barter needed chips; without goods to trade, staying was pointless and annoying.
Like Su Yan: though not necessarily trading, with a deal with Du Erniang, staying was fine.
“Mister, our leader invites you to sit.”
Underlings brought a blackwood armchair, placing it beside Su Yan.
Su Yan looked to Du Erniang; the woman smiled with her eyes, nodding slightly.
He sat without ceremony, eyeing the remaining dozen or so factions in the field.
Some grumbled at his seating but held back.
“I’ll start.”
An impatient one stood, removing the item from his back and tearing off the black cloth.
“Second-order Low-grade Jade-Breaking Spear, forged entirely of jade steel, fused with Second-order beast bone; enhances true essence, boosts beast spirit might. I use saber techniques; seeking a Second-order sharp weapon saber blade in trade.”
“I have a Second-order Low-grade Spirit Bone Saber, slight flaw with crack; add hundred jin red gold to mend it, how?”
A bid already; the spear owner pondered, asking: “Any other trades?”
Complete Jade-Breaking Spear for flawed Spirit Bone Saber wasn’t fair; even with metal to mend, it’d take extra effort.
Few used spears here; even fewer held Second-order saber blades.
Helpless, he nodded: “Fine.”
They traded privately; the second spoke: “One young Scaled Bear; its mother First-order Perfection, but this Feral Beast often grows to Second-order. Trade for a Hardening Cultivation Technique.”
One by one stated trades; some succeeded, others’ goods unsold.
Su Yan’s turn: he took out two bottles of pills—Five Aggregates Pills and True Essence Pills.
“First-order High-grade pills: one bottle each Five Aggregates Pills and True Essence Pills; nurture the five viscera, increase true essence. Seeking Five-colored Fruit, White Jade Ginseng, Primordial Snake Poison Stem.”
Seeing him trade pills for herbs, all were mildly shocked: indeed an alchemist.
Most onsite were Spirit Nurturing Realm; these pills worked wonders for them. Even Hundred Herbs Hall rarely had them; trading for pills naturally tempted.
“How to trade?”
“One bottle pills for three portions herbs.”
One bottle, minus auxiliary materials plus yield rate—not expensive.
“I’ll trade one bottle: two portions White Jade Ginseng, one Primordial Snake Poison Stem.”
“Me too, one bottle: three portions Five-colored Fruit.”
Su Yan’s items traded quickly; his remaining Five Aggregates Pills and True Essence Pills down to one bottle each.
But he acquired over ten portions herbs.
Trades nearing end, Hundred Thieves Cave doused most torches, letting guests depart.
Wang Tiangong and Lin Xiao seemingly didn’t sell, but underlings handled fencing plus commission—full pockets.
A San Die Stream small leader approached Su Yan quietly: a flower-pinned braid girl in colorful ribbon garb, saber at side.
“Mister, our leader invites you.”
Su Yan’s gaze lifted; to Yang Kun and others: “Send my things back to the mountain stronghold; I’ll return later.”
“Lead the way.”
Adjusting schedule over weekend to see if I can fix updates just after midnight from now on（ Too much year-end overtime, can only tweak on weekends, brothers forgive）
