Chapter 2011 - 2008: The Legendary Merchant of the Netherworld

Chapter 2011: Chapter 2008: The Legendary Merchant of the Netherworld

After wandering through a few streets, Lin Tian finally learned something: the currency of the Netherworld. All the coins are made from a unique metal found only in the Netherworld.

As for what kind of metal it is and whether it appears on the periodic table of elements, Lin Tian had no idea. The universe contains too many unknown substances; scientists have discovered materials beyond the periodic table in certain meteorites. Not to mention, the shapeshifting stone in the Heavenly Tribulation Sword is one such unknown substance.

Checking the time, Lin Tian and his group of four returned to the City Lord’s Mansion. Even before reaching the gate, they could see from afar that the area in front of the mansion was crowded, filled with the noise of voices.

So many people had come to uncover the ranking, completely blocking the street in front of the City Lord’s Mansion. Lin Tian could only sigh at the enormous attraction of the Deputy Commander’s position; of course, there were many onlookers as well.

"So many ghosts, it’s like a hundred ghosts walking at night." Xiao Manxuan exclaimed dramatically. Actually, she was correct; all these were indeed ghosts.

"Do you see Linghu Cai?" Mu Yun stopped and scanned the area back and forth, looking for Linghu Cai’s presence.

"That guy is very cunning; how could he possibly squeeze among these ghosts? Perhaps he’s hiding in some corner, waiting for the right moment to appear." Lin Tian said with a light smile.

"What moment?" Xiao Manxuan asked curiously.

Lin Tian pointed toward the City Lord’s Mansion and smiled, "Do you see that wall over there? It’s guarded by four ghost soldiers, and the City Lord’s notice is posted on that wall. Maybe the time to unroll the notice hasn’t arrived yet."

Mu Yun nodded, confirming Lin Tian’s words, "You’re right. Our main target is Linghu Cai. If Linghu Cai doesn’t appear, no matter how many people come, it’s useless."

At this moment, the City Lord’s Mansion opened its large gate, and a guard came out, gesturing to the few guards guarding the ranking list to have them disband.

The four ghost soldiers were all wielding large swords, their blades unsheathed. No one dared to rashly uncover the ranking list. Now, the guards were ready to disband the watch, and the spectating ghosts became excited, eager to try.

"Whoever recklessly uncovers the ranking list will be punished. If you lack the skill, don’t step into the City Lord’s Mansion." The guard who came out loudly announced to the ghost crowd.

The initially excited ghosts, after hearing these words, felt like they were doused with cold water and calmed down. They realized now that they had been overwhelmed by the Deputy Commander’s position, forgetting whether ordinary people could enter the City Lord’s Mansion.

Hei Xin’s reputation in Fengdu City was quite significant, and no one wanted to be branded as causing trouble, facing terrifying penalization.

"A bunch of cowards." A slightly contemptuous voice sounded outside the ghost crowd, and such a derogatory comment provoked all the spectators, who turned around in unison with angered eyes.

A middle-aged man stood on the edge of the crowd, dressed in embroidered clothes and jade. Beside him were two Black Robed Men, their faces cold, eyes fixed, with scimitars at their waists, giving off an aura of hostility.

"Who is this guy, so arrogant?" Someone complained loudly.

"No idea. Looking at his two subordinates, they seem to have some skills."

"Shh, lower your voice. He’s Linghu Cai, the legendary merchant of the Netherworld. It’s said he’s crossed over to the human world multiple times, and he’s still living carefree. If he didn’t have some connections, could he live like this?" Another ghost thoughtfully reminded, adding a bit of gossip.

In a corner not far away, Lin Tian said softly, "It seems that whether in the Human Realm or the Netherworld, strong connections are indeed the rule."

These words reached Mu Yun’s ears, making the First-class Impermanence very embarrassed. She couldn’t manage such fringe merchants, nor was it her place to do so.

"Who are those people holding scimitars?" Zhang Lingyu asked with a frown.

"They’re similar to the bodyguards in your Human Realm. People like Linghu Cai, who wander around everywhere, naturally need protection due to the dangers in certain parts of the Netherworld." Mu Yun explained.

At this time, the spectating ghosts all gave way to Linghu Cai, having no choice but to do so. The two black-robed bodyguards with their scimitars were deterrent enough to these onlookers.

Among the resentful gazes of the ghosts, Linghu Cai tore down the notice. As if discovering their reluctance, Linghu Cai said coldly, "Do you think I’ve come here like you all for the Deputy Commander’s position? You know nothing; the Divine Zither is the real treasure."

"Boss Linghu, how do you know the ancient zither is a priceless treasure?" someone asked curiously.

"A merchant’s intuition, understand?" Linghu Cai left these words behind, took the notice, and walked into the City Lord’s Mansion, with the guards not obstructing him.

Still, the onlookers outside did not disperse; they wanted to know what would come of the situation.

"Too many spectators. Let’s enter through the side door." Mu Yun glanced around, then turned and headed in another direction.

Lin Tian and the other three followed her through a small alley, opened a door, and walked in. After making several twists and turns, they returned to the main hall of the City Lord’s Mansion.

From the hall came Linghu Cai’s voice, "I say, where’s Lord Zhu? It doesn’t matter if he’s not here; I’m not interested. The ancient zither, aren’t we supposed to be appraising it?"

The implication was that Lord Zhu hadn’t appeared, leaving Linghu Cai in the hall. However, the merchant’s words were also amusing, as he showed no concern for the Lord but was solely focused on the ancient zither.

Lin Tian smiled, walking in. Linghu Cai turned alertly, seeing four people come in at once, all handsome and beautiful, making him pause for a moment, then widen his eyes.

"Brother Lin Tian!" Linghu Cai called Lin Tian’s name without hesitation. He had only seen Lin Tian once or twice, almost like a stranger, but he remembered the name.

He jogged up, very enthusiastically shaking Lin Tian’s hand, completely different from his earlier attitude towards other ghosts.

After calling Lin Tian’s name, he also noticed Xiao Manxuan and Zhang Lingyu. Without any hesitation, Linghu Cai said, "And them..."

"They’re my friends, just out for some sightseeing." Lin Tian quickly pulled Linghu Cai inside, interrupting his speech.

What a joke; if Linghu Cai claimed to know Xiao Manxuan, what would the little girl think? It should be noted she already doesn’t remember her previous journey to the Netherworld. For a Netherworld Merchant to recognize her, even Lin Tian’s eloquence couldn’t explain it.

Linghu Cai seemingly didn’t notice anything, only exclaimed in surprise, "I say, brother, out sightseeing at the City Lord’s Mansion? You’re something impressive. Wait, something’s not right. Could it be you came to appraise the ancient zither? No, that’s not right either. I’ve already unrolled the notice; how did you get in here?"

The more Linghu Cai spoke, the more he felt something was off, his gaze eventually falling onto the long backpack behind Lin Tian, and his expression grew shocked: "No way, could it be the ancient zither’s owner is you?"

No doubt, Lin Tian admired Linghu Cai’s mind very much; without saying anything himself, Linghu Cai had already deduced the result, truly living up to his legendary merchant status.

Lin Tian set the ancient zither on the table, shaking his head, "You guessed correctly. I issued the notice, but the owner of the ancient zither is not me; it’s her." Lin Tian pointed at Xiao Manxuan.

Linghu Cai didn’t look at Xiao Manxuan, but took a step back to assess Lin Tian, "Brother Lin Tian, isn’t appraising the ancient zither that simple? Did you have something to discuss with me? So you used the ancient zither to lure me out?"