"The lowest is three million, usually around four million, but I’ve seen it go as high as seven million five hundred thousand Spirit Stones."
Carson Flores’s eyes widened in surprise as he asked, "That expensive?"
Mathias Combs chuckled, "Perhaps it’s not that costly to produce, but what can you do when it’s in such short supply in the market? With many people wanting it and not enough to meet demand, not to mention the wealthy ones, naturally, the price gets driven up."
Carson Flores suddenly felt a bit embarrassed.
He only had a little over two million Spirit Stones in his pocket, not even enough for the historic low of three million.
Carson Flores gave a wry smile and honestly admitted his financial vulnerability, "That expensive, even if I come across it on the black market, I can’t afford it."
Mathias Combs laughed heartily, "You hadn’t inquired about the price before and weren’t prepared, that’s understandable. How many Spirit Stones do you have now?"
Although it’s not wise to reveal your wealth, over two million Spirit Stones weren’t too few but also not too many, so Carson Flores candidly answered, "Around two million six hundred thousand."
Mathias Combs said with a smile, "That’s not a small amount. Let’s see how it goes, whether it’s available is one thing, and if it is and there’s no competition, it’s not impossible to buy. Moreover, if you have other valuable items, you can also put them up for sale on the spot at the black market. If you make a deal, you just need to pay some transaction fees."
"Even if you don’t manage to buy it this time, I’ll take you to get familiar with the place first. The black market is held regularly, and if you stay in Fierce Lion City, you can go on your own when you have the time. Just stay a little longer each time, and you’ll eventually get a chance to buy."
Carson Flores expressed his thanks, "Thank you, Mr. Combs, for showing me the way."
Mathias Combs laughed heartily, "It’s the least I can do. Like I said, people like us rely on making more friends. Later on, if you or your friends have any business, you can also come to me. It’s better to make money together."
After the meal, Carson Flores insisted on paying the bill. Mathias Combs did not decline and promptly said that he would treat him that evening.
After traveling for two days on the Flying Boat, they arrived in Fierce Lion City.
"The black market will be held tomorrow night. You rest in the city today, and I will take you there tomorrow."
After exchanging contact information, Mathias Combs left.
Carson Flores went to the inn recommended by Mathias Combs and found a row of huge shelters behind the inn, specifically built for beast creatures.
Carson Flores gave Dragon a piece of Spiritual Medicine to soothe it.
Unfamiliar with life here, and knowing this was Immortal Beast Sect territory, Carson Flores didn’t feel comfortable leaving Dragon outside the city—what if someone discovered and killed or captured it?
Here on the Immortal Beast Sect’s turf, it was normal for beasts to appear in the city; didn’t the inn even provide a resting place for them?
Fierce Lion City was at least twice as large as White Wave City and much more prosperous. Carson Flores wandered around the city for a while before returning to the inn.
Magic Artifacts and magical treasures were everywhere, as were all kinds of medicinal herbs, but Carson Flores didn’t buy anything.
He didn’t even have enough Spirit Stones to buy a Beast Taming Bag, let alone other items.
The next evening, Carson Flores received a message from Mathias Combs asking to meet him outside the West City Gate.
Carson Flores went to the West City Gate and met Mathias Combs.
"The black market is about to start, let’s go."
Mathias Combs led the way, but they were heading out of the city.
"Mr. Combs, the black market is outside the city?"
Mathias Combs explained with a smile, "The city is under Immortal Beast Sect’s control. If it’s too obvious or fixed in one spot inside the city, it would be easy for the Immortal Beast Sect to notice, so it’s usually outside the city. Each time the black market’s location is different, to prevent being detected..."
Carson Flores’s feet didn’t move, "It’s not safe outside, I’m bringing Dragon."
A momentary unease crossed Mathias Combs’s face, but it was concealed by the night, "You don’t need to bring it along, right? It’s just near the outskirts of the city, not far from the city walls. There won’t be any dangerous beasts."
Carson Flores chuckled, "I’m not afraid of any dangerous beasts. I’m concerned about the people attending the black market. Out here in the wilderness, if something goes wrong, and they decide to take me out, no one would know. Better to be safe than sorry."
Mathias Combs seemed about to say something, but Carson Flores had already taken out the Bone Flute and blown it. The sound of the flute traveled far, and Dragon, which had been at the inn, soared up and quickly arrived by Carson Flores’s side.
Mathias Combs laughed, "It’s good to bring it along, but you can’t take it into the black market. There are rules."
Mathias Combs explained, "For the safety of the customers, beasts are not allowed inside the black market."
Carson Flores’s eyes narrowed slightly, "Alright, I’ll just have him stay nearby then."
Mathias Combs nodded and said no more.
After flying several dozens of li, Mathias Combs pointed ahead, "The black market is right ahead. You can leave your beast here."
Carson Flores walked over to Dragon, whispered a few words, and gave its head a rub. Dragon obediently landed into the forest below.
Carson Flores turned back and smiled, "All set, Mr. Combs. Let’s go."
They flew forward a few more li until Mathias Combs halted, pointing down at the valley below, "We’re here."
Carson Flores surveyed the exceptionally quiet valley and asked with confusion, "It seems deserted."
Mathias Combs gestured toward a nearby cliff, "It’s inside the cave. Of course, it’s not going to be out in the open where someone might stumble upon it. Follow me."