Chapter 159: The Trade System Inside The Space

Chapter 159: Chapter 159: The Trade System Inside The Space

The situation in Valemont had become increasingly complicated.

With Shadow Ring assassins operating secretly in the region, everyone had to remain vigilant.

Now, another mysterious powerhouse had appeared near Arcadia Academy, and Victoria Quill suspected that the individual might be connected to the assassination organization.

Admittedly, the possibility wasn’t particularly high.

According to Vice Principal Johnny, a mysterious expert had been undergoing a Heavenly Tribulation in the academy’s back mountain when Damon veil, the leader of the Blood shadow Sect, launched his attack on Arcadia Academy.

That meant the mysterious individual had been around long before the current incident.

However, there was an important difference between what had happened then and what had just occurred.

This time, the mysterious expert’s actions had affected several students and teachers. Furthermore, the enormous range of the spatial restraint suggested that the person possessed an exceptionally powerful ability.

Victoria believed that someone capable of unleashing such an ability was most likely a Divine Power Realm expert.

A powerhouse of that calibre wouldn’t come to Valemont without a reason. Until she understood their intentions, she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

But Xavier’s response quickly dispelled her concerns.

"There’s no need to worry. That was Graham Cole."

He scratched his head awkwardly before explaining, "He was testing a newly acquired martial art and failed to control its range properly. Unfortunately, some of the teachers and students at Arcadia cademy were caught in the effect. It won’t happen again."

Since Graham Cole was none other than himself, he might as well accept responsibility for the incident.

"I see. That’s a relief!"

Victoria finally relaxed.

However, the relief on her face soon gave way to excitement. A competitive glint appeared in her eyes.

"So Graham Cole has comprehended the Law of Space? Interesting. I wonder whether his spatial abilities are stronger than my Law of Time. I’d really like to have a proper sparring match with him!"

Xavier smiled.

"There’ll be an opportunity."

Ever since reaching the Divine Power Realm, Victoria’s competitive nature had become increasingly apparent. This was already the second time she had expressed an interest in testing herself against Graham Cole.

If he weren’t occupied with other matters, Xavier might actually have entertained the idea.

After all, he was equally curious about the strength of a genuine Divine Power Realm expert. He had just acquired the Great Wilderness Imprisoning Heaven Finger and wanted to find out whether it could help him defeat someone at that level.

But there were more pressing matters to attend to.

"Let’s leave that for another time. General Victoria, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is Maya Knox."

As he spoke, Xavier gently guided Maya forward.

"Greetings, General Victoria!"

Maya immediately bowed politely.

Victoria’s expression softened as she took the young girl’s hands and examined her face.

"What a lovely child. You really do resemble your mother."

Maya’s eyes widened.

"General Victoria, you’ve met my mother before?"

The possibility of finding her mother had become one of the things she wanted most. Naturally, hearing that Victoria knew Sarah Shelby made her eager for answers.

"I have. We only met once, but I still remember her quite clearly."

Victoria smiled.

"Come along. We can talk while we walk."

She gestured for Xavier and Maya to follow her. This wasn’t an appropriate place for such a personal conversation. Too many people were moving around, and they couldn’t be certain who might overhear them.

As they made their way along, Victoria began telling Maya what she remembered about Sarah Shelby.

When Maya learned that her mother had been unhappy for years and that the Shelby family had prevented her from seeing her, her emotions became difficult to contain.

She had always wondered why her mother had never come looking for her.

Now, she finally understood that things might not have been as simple as she had imagined.

And when Victoria mentioned that they intended to visit the Shelby family in the coming days, Maya became even more excited.

The thought of finally seeing her mother again filled her with anticipation.

After they arrived at Victoria’s office, Xavier took out the Invitation from Destiny he had obtained from the member of the Lindsay family.

"General Victoria, I’ll leave Maya in your care for the time being. I have something to investigate inside the Destiny Space."

"No problem. I’ll make sure she’s well looked after."

Victoria nodded without hesitation.

Whether it was because she respected Xavier or because she recognised Maya’s extraordinary potential, she had every intention of taking good care of the girl.

With that settled, Xavier didn’t waste any more time.

He channelled his chaotic energy into the Invitation from Destiny.

In the next instant, his figure flickered and vanished from the office.

...

A vast, featureless expanse of white surrounded Xavier.

Directly ahead stood a square passageway, roughly three metres in length, width, and height. He stepped through it, and an expansive platform immediately came into view.

The ground beneath his feet was covered with an unfamiliar brown metallic material. There was no sun or moon overhead, yet the entire space was brightly illuminated, allowing him to see everything clearly.

The platform was far from deserted.

Xavier estimated that around a hundred people were gathered nearby. Some had set up stalls to display their goods, while others sat in small groups, chatting among themselves.

Beyond them, he could make out additional figures moving about in the distance.

There was no doubt about it.

This was the interior of the Destiny Space.

Xavier stepped out of the passage and onto the platform, intending to explore the place on his own.

However, before he could get far, a bald, middle-aged man with a thick beard noticed him.

The man’s eyes immediately brightened. He approached with a broad grin.

"Well, well! A face I haven’t seen before. First time here, isn’t it? Welcome to the Destiny Space!"

Xavier stopped and regarded him with mild curiosity.

"Who are you?"

"Relax, brother! Let me introduce myself. People here call me Golden Retriever."

The bearded man laughed as he introduced himself.

"Is this your first visit? If so, would you like a guide? I can show you around and answer whatever questions you have. My fee is very reasonable!"

He made no effort to hide that he was offering a paid service.

Xavier gave him a strange look.

"No need. I’ll have a look around by myself."

After all, anyone who qualified to enter the Destiny Space was generally a martial artist at the peak of the Star Sea Realm or above.

Reaching that level required considerable talent, resources, and experience. These weren’t ordinary martial artists who could be easily persuaded into hiring a guide.

Besides, Victoria had already explained the basic rules of the place to him. He didn’t need someone to repeat what he already knew.

Golden Retriever didn’t seem discouraged by the rejection.

"That’s fine! Think of it as an opportunity to make a new friend. How about joining our Prosperity Chamber of Commerce instead?"

He immediately launched into another sales pitch.

"Our chamber of commerce currently has seven peak Star Sea Realm experts and two martial artists at the second level of the Divine Power Realm or higher. We have a huge variety of resources available. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you can trust us to handle everything!"

Even after Xavier declined his offer, the man continued enthusiastically, as though he hadn’t heard him.

Unfortunately for him, several nearby martial artists had apparently heard this pitch many times before.

"Golden Retriever, enough with your nonsense! Your so-called chamber of commerce charges a ten-percent commission. That’s even more outrageous than the auction house at Skywater Pavilion. Stop trying to scam newcomers!"

"Exactly! You’re targeting new arrivals again. Do you seriously think everyone who comes here for the first time is an idiot? Trading directly in the marketplace is much easier!"

"Honestly, I don’t understand why you bother. This is the Destiny Space. Everyone can meet face-to-face and exchange resources directly. What do we need a chamber of commerce or a middleman for?"

The surrounding martial artists didn’t bother hiding their contempt.

Yet Golden Retriever remained completely unfazed. Rather than feeling embarrassed, he shot the three hecklers a disdainful look.

"Shadow, Potato, Yellow Hair, you’re just jealous because I’ve managed to build a successful chamber of commerce!"

He snorted before defending his business.

"What’s wrong with charging ten percent? For Star Sea Realm and Divine Power Realm experts, saving time and effort is worth far more than that!"

After arguing with the three men, he turned back to Xavier as though nothing had happened.

"Don’t mind those fellows, newcomer. I’ve got a catalogue right here. Take a look and see whether there’s anything you’re interested in buying or selling."

He produced a list and handed it over.

"If you have something to sell, you can leave it with me, and I’ll find a buyer. My commission ranges from one to ten percent, depending on the item. The more valuable the goods, the lower the fee!"

Only then did Xavier fully understand what this man was doing.

Golden Retriever was essentially running a business inside the Destiny Space, using his chamber of commerce as an intermediary between buyers and sellers.

Xavier had no interest in joining.

He didn’t bother asking about the benefits of membership or how the organisation protected the people who entrusted their goods to it. He hadn’t come here to establish business connections or hire someone to sell his resources.

Still, since the man had already handed him the catalogue, Xavier accepted it and casually flipped through the pages.

At first, he only intended to glance at the available items.

But as he examined the list more carefully, several entries immediately caught his attention.

The catalogue contained hundreds of entries, but most of them failed to interest Xavier.

Almost everything listed was either a fifth-grade pill or lower, ordinary weapons, or low- and middle-grade spirit stones.

Such resources were hardly rare. Xavier already possessed more than enough of them, and acquiring additional supplies would serve little purpose. Even if he bought them to invest in Mira and Maya Knox, there was no guarantee that the system would reward him with a worthwhile return.

However, three particularly valuable items listed near the end immediately caught his attention.

The first was a seventh-grade defensive treasure known as the Golden Body Jade Talisman.

According to its description, activating the talisman would produce a protective energy barrier capable of withstanding an attack from a martial artist at the peak of the Star Sea Realm.

It was an impressive defensive item.

With the Shadow Ring still threatening them, Xavier could give it to either Mira or Maya to improve their chances of surviving an unexpected attack.

There was just one detail he needed to clarify: how many times could the talisman’s protective barrier be activated?

The second item was a seventh-grade pill called the Great Enlightenment Pill.

This was precisely one of the treasures Xavier had hoped to find during his visit.

He had personally experienced the extraordinary benefits of the Great Enlightenment Pill. Its effects on martial arts comprehension were remarkable, making it something he definitely wanted to acquire.

The final item was a low-grade fifth-tier demon core.

Demon cores could be consumed directly to improve a martial artist’s cultivation and overall strength. A low-grade fifth-tier core contained energy comparable to that of someone who had just entered the Divine Power Realm.

For Xavier, it was practically a nourishing treasure. There was no way he would pass it up.

After examining the catalogue, he immediately made his decision.

"I’ll take the Golden Body Jade Talisman, the Great Enlightenment Pill, and the low-grade fifth-tier demon core."

He continued pointing at several other entries.

"I also want the twelve Lesser Enlightenment Pills and four Divine Descent Pills. How do you want to arrange the exchange?"

Xavier didn’t waste time negotiating over things he already knew he wanted.

Golden Retriever’s face lit up.

He hadn’t expected this newcomer to be such a straightforward customer.

"That’s easy. We accept barter transactions. You can exchange pills, weapons, or other resources of equivalent value for the items you want."

Among martial artists at the Star Sea Realm and above, ordinary currency had little appeal. What they truly valued were resources that could help them cultivate or improve their strength.

Consequently, direct exchanges were much more common in the Destiny Space.

"Fine. Let’s trade."