"We refer to this type of messenger as the Walking Prophet, which means someone who roams around gathering firsthand information about others' Sects. Each major Sect has its own Walking Prophet, and they are not fixed; one thing is certain, however: the messenger's rank will not be too high, meaning they are juniors!"
"Oh?" Ye Feng remarked upon hearing this, "Then it seems this junior must possess extraordinary potential!"
Guang Jingfu nodded and said, "You're right. This kind of roaming around the world carries great risks; a slight misstep could cost one their life. At that point, even if you want to investigate, it would be very difficult. Therefore, a young person who can serve as a Walking Prophet must be an outstanding disciple!"
"For example, the messengers we selected in previous instances are now Core Disciples of the Inner Sect. When they went out, the lowest among them had reached the peak of the Late Stage of the Gale Martial Realm, and most have already advanced to Martial Saint! In fact, looking at the age and status of the messengers can also reflect the strength of their Sect's foundation!"
"I understand!" Ye Feng nodded. After all, this blatant investigation method tends to showcase his empire's exceptional nature to the world!
"I'm glad you understand. The Sect Master has privately spoken to me. I was surprised why he wanted all the Hall Masters to pay special attention to your movements these days. Now I realize that your strength has already been noticed by the Sect Master. You must be present when the Walking Prophet from the Qin Yuan Empire arrives!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Feng became cautious. He thought to himself that perhaps the identity of the Walking Prophet was not so simple; it might just be a competition. Did the Sect Master want Guang Jingfu and others to focus on him in order for him to learn something? If so, would he be chosen for this selection by the Heavenly Mechanism Sect?
"Don't overthink it. Although our current Walking Prophet has not yet been determined, honestly speaking, I and several other Hall Masters unanimously believe that you are not suitable!" Guang Jingfu seemed to see through Ye Feng's thoughts and directly struck him down!
Ye Feng smiled lightly. Initially, he hadn't considered that there were so many details involved. It was only because of his mother that he subconsciously cared about the movements of the Qin Yuan Empire. However, this secret about the messenger began to spark other thoughts in him!
Perhaps this time truly presented an exceptional opportunity! If he could replace his Sect as the new Walking Prophet, then he could openly go to the Qin Yuan Empire to inquire about news regarding his mother. However, he naturally couldn't tell Guang Jingfu about this!
He couldn't even use this as a reason to speak with his Master; otherwise, he would lose his last chance! He just needed a little time and some performance to prove that he, Ye Feng, could serve as his Sect's representative!
Seeing him fall silent, Guang Jingfu felt a tightness in his heart, fearing that this kid was really thinking along those lines. He quickly said again in a serious tone: "The role of Walking Prophet is far more complicated than what I've told you. Disciple, if you truly regard me as your Master, don't act recklessly. For now, you should hurry over to that Exchange and take a look!"
With these words, Ye Feng returned to reality. Although he didn't understand why Guang Jingfu repeatedly wanted to break his train of thought, he sensed that his Master was likely looking out for him. Who knows what conflicts and dangers might arise between those Walking Prophets?
Well then, let's put this matter on hold for now; after all, I still have two or three days to observe! Ye Feng thought this way and then clasped his fists in farewell to Guang Jingfu: "Master, as you said, I'll take advantage of my time to check things out over there first. If everything goes well, I should be able to return within two days!"
"Yes. At that time, the Sect Master will arrange for outstanding disciples from both Inner and Outer Sects to welcome the incoming Walking Prophet. Just make sure you gather the materials I need before then; there shouldn't be any problems. Oh right, the trading methods there might be somewhat special; it doesn't necessarily have to be gold coins!"
"I still have some Elemental Crystals here. Although it's not a lot, it should help you in your urgent situation!" Guang Jingfu said as he tossed a storage bag to Ye Feng.
Ye Feng took it and glanced inside, discovering several high-quality Elemental Crystals. It seemed his master had indeed invested quite a bit this time, and he couldn't help but feel grateful, as the other party was doing this entirely for him!
"Since we are already master and disciple, there's no need to be so polite. Go on, go on!" Guang Jingfu said without saying anything more and left the area. The gentle breeze from the surrounding forest brushed against Ye Feng's face, and soon he set off on his journey!
Ning Cang City is located at the northern end of the Sky Abyss Empire. It is the royal family's Main City and also home to the Three Great Heavenly-Level Sects of the empire. Situated by the sea, it is easy to defend and hard to attack, filled with exotic charm as merchants come and go, shouting day and night...
Ye Feng followed the bustling street and walked out of the city gate. According to Guang Jingfu's instructions, he took the Narrow Path and walked for over forty miles. Along the way, he noticed fewer and fewer people until he finally spotted a Mansion in his line of sight, which brought some life back into the area!
"It seems this is it!" Ye Feng thought cautiously. Once outside the city, anything could happen, especially since this house gave him an unsettling feeling!
The entire building was dark in color, made of an unclear material that resembled a prison holding various individuals of different statuses! As Ye Feng approached for a closer look, he was quickly stopped by two strangely dressed men with stern expressions.
"What do you want?" one of them asked in a low voice.
Ye Feng shivered slightly and replied quietly, "I came to buy something!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the two men exchanged glances but did not let him pass. Instead, one of them sent someone inside to report while leaving one man to watch Ye Feng. The man continued in a low tone, "Do you have someone who recommended you?"
Ye Feng hesitated for a moment before providing a name. The man's expression softened somewhat, and soon the person who went in came back out and whispered a few words before finally allowing Ye Feng to enter!
Once inside, Ye Feng understood why there was such strict security. The interior was nothing like the dark exterior! Instead, it was an incredibly bright hall filled with numerous tables and chairs, already bustling with people! Everywhere he looked, there were heads!
They all focused on a platform at the front where many items were displayed. With Ye Feng's eyesight and experience, he could only tell that those items were quite valuable. Occasionally, customers raised paddles as if they were bidding!
The prices being auctioned made even Ye Feng's heart race despite his modest wealth!
"Is this your first time here?" A young man who looked like a servant approached Ye Feng with a smile.
Ye Feng was taken aback for a moment and nodded, not quite understanding the rules of the place, so he didn't know what to say.
The young man was polite and gave a bow, saying, "You can call me Tiger. I'm one of the guides here. There are many others like me, mainly here to assist newcomers like you and explain things. Afterward, if it's convenient for you, you can give a little silver as a tip; if not, that's fine too!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Feng seemed to understand. It appeared that the Dark Exchange was quite considerate. He then took out a few pieces of silver and handed them to Tiger, who accepted them graciously and led him in a direction.
"Are you interested in participating in the auction or just browsing the night market?" Tiger asked.
"What's the difference?" Ye Feng inquired.
Tiger shook his head and replied, "Of course there is! The auction is as you see it; various items are presented by the platform, and the highest bidder wins. However, all auctions here are time-limited. Most martial artists like yourself come here primarily to browse the night market!"
"Oh? Why is that?" Ye Feng became intrigued; it seemed there was more to this night market.
"To check out the goods! The night market has a dazzling array of products suitable for all ages. Whether you're rich or poor, you can find something to buy. Even if you don't have enough money, you can trade other items instead. So, you'll definitely find treasures in the night market!" Tiger explained dutifully.
Ye Feng understood that the Exchange was divided into two areas: the Auction House and small stalls. Perhaps he could indeed find the two materials he needed here. He then said, "Then please take me to the night market!"
Upon hearing this, Tiger paused for a moment before smiling again. "It seems this is really your first time here; perhaps your introducer didn't explain it clearly!"
"What do you mean?"
"The night market isn't open yet! It only starts in the evening! For now, I'll show you around so you can familiarize yourself with the environment. By the time evening comes, you'll have an idea of what to expect!" Tiger said with a grin.
Ye Feng felt embarrassed and blushed slightly but allowed this fellow to lead him around.
Along the way, Tiger explained the rules of this Exchange in great detail. Essentially, no matter what you have your eye on, you cannot resort to forceful robbery or engage in disputes with buyers and guests. Such behavior is strictly forbidden, and if you commit it, you will be unceremoniously kicked out!
Whether you are from the Origin Martial Realm or the Xuanwu Realm, there are people here who can handle you! So, do not think that just because you have profound cultivation, you can act recklessly; the consequences may be beyond your ability to bear!
Other than that, there isn't much to worry about; it's basically like shopping—just don't break the law! Ye Feng listened with a cold smile; on one hand, he did not believe that this Dark Exchange could truly manage Martial Saints causing trouble. It was clearly an illegal organization yet pretended to be so legitimate!
However, Tiger insisted on his viewpoint and said, "There have been Martial Saints causing trouble here before, and you wouldn't believe what happened to them! There were also a few bold Late Stage of the Gale Martial Realm experts who attempted robbery, but in the end, they didn't even see who attacked them before they were eliminated!"
Ye Feng frowned. If this were true, he would have to reassess this Exchange! He was eager to know who was guarding such an organization. At least five or more Martial Saints would be needed to protect such a large Exchange thoroughly!
The only entities capable of providing such backing would be either the royal family or sects of Earth Level and above!
"Could it be that this Exchange has been able to exist under the official's nose for so many years because it has support from the royal family and Heavenly Level Sects?" Ye Feng speculated; it seemed that this explanation was the most reasonable!
Soon, night quietly descended. Tiger's guidance gave Ye Feng a more comprehensive understanding of the map of this Exchange. If he had to choose an escape route, he wouldn't feel like a headless chicken anymore. The preparations for the night market were about to come into public view!
Many martial artists had already gathered in the night market area, watching the stall owners busily at work. Ye Feng squinted his eyes, catching a whiff of something unusual!
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