After my rebirth, my Martial Sect will surely sweep the martial world in blood.
Chapter 21 Establishing Authority
Lin Mo stood among several corpses, breathing slightly heavily. A sharp pain shot through the wound on his left arm, but he paid no attention to it.
The sandalwood box in his arms was faintly warm, subtly echoing the mysterious power within him that was slightly agitated by the fierce battle.
He quickly scanned his surroundings to make sure there was no further disturbance, then bent down and rummaged through one of the corpses, finding some loose silver coins and a bottle of wound medicine.
He sprinkled the powder on the wound on his left arm, bandaged it simply, and then ransacked the other corpses, collecting some money and odds and ends.
Having done all this, he didn't linger. With a few leaps, he disappeared into the shadows of the intricate alleyways.
Instead of leaving the black market area immediately, he moved like a ghost through the crisscrossing dark alleys, sometimes walking quickly and sometimes standing still, making sure that no one was following him.
The battle just now was quite significant, especially the chilling, deathly stillness generated when the mysterious power was used to kill the sword-wielding man in black and frighten away the effeminate man. This was something that could not be caused by ordinary martial arts battles.
He wanted to know how the authorities behind this black market would react.
About an incense stick later, Lin Mo arrived at a relatively wide alley. This was the edge of the black market area, with some shops closed on both sides. Only a teahouse with a dim yellow lantern at the end was still lit.
He had just reached the vicinity of the teahouse when two people emerged from the shadows at the alley entrance.
The two men were dressed in ordinary gray short-sleeved shirts and had unremarkable appearances, but they walked with steady steps, had sharp eyes, and slightly bulging temples, clearly indicating that they were skilled in both internal and external martial arts.
They blocked Lin Mo's path, one of them clasping his hands in a respectful but firm tone: "Friend, please wait."
Lin Mo stopped and looked at them calmly, his inner strength circulating silently within him, ready to deal with any unexpected situation.
The man continued, "There was some unpleasant commotion in the market just now, which disturbed our distinguished guests. It was due to our poor management. My master would like to invite a friend over for a chat. We have no ill intentions, but only wish to clarify the matter and prevent further disputes from disturbing the peace of the black market."
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Lin Mo's simply bandaged left arm wound and his robes, which, though cleaned, still retained a trace of blood, the meaning of which was self-evident.
Lin Mo's mind raced, and sure enough, the black market administrators were alerted.
The other party used polite words, but their attitude left no room for refusal.
Having just gone through a fierce battle and expending considerable energy, with an injured left arm, it would be unwise to clash with the black market administrators at this moment.
Moreover, since the other party has stepped forward, it might also be an opportunity.
"Lead the way," Lin Mo said succinctly.
The two men nodded slightly. One led the way, while the other followed Lin Mo half a step behind, seemingly accompanying him, but in reality, they were subtly monitoring him.
The three walked through several quiet alleyways and arrived at a seemingly ordinary house.
The gate of the house was simple, without any plaque, only two white lanterns swaying gently in the night breeze.
Upon entering the courtyard, passing through the front hall, one arrives at a brightly lit study.
The study was simply furnished yet elegant, with the fragrance of sandalwood wafting through the air.
Behind the desk sat a middle-aged scholar in a brocade robe with a refined and elegant appearance. He was playing with a warm and smooth jade pendant in his hand. When he saw Lin Mo enter, he looked up and his gaze was deep and scrutinizing.
The guide bowed and left, leaving only Lin Mo and the middle-aged scholar in the study.
"Sit." The middle-aged scholar gestured to the chair beside him, his voice gentle yet carrying the authority of someone who had long held a high position.
Lin Mo sat down as instructed, relaxing his posture, but his mind remained highly focused.
"My surname is Mo, and I am one of the people in charge of the black market in the south of the city."
The middle-aged scholar introduced himself, his gaze falling on Lin Mo. "You look unfamiliar. Is this your first time here?"
"Not bad." Lin Mo nodded.
"Was that fragment of the 'Records of the Underworld' acquired by a friend?" Mr. Mo asked, though his tone was quite certain.
"Yes."
Mr. Mo nodded slightly: "To be able to escape from 'Black Bear' Liu Mang and his rabble, as well as the 'Shadow Fiends' and make them suffer a great loss, my friend, you have excellent skills."
When he mentioned "Shadow Fiend," he paused slightly, as if he was also somewhat wary of the name.
Lin Mo's heart skipped a beat; "Shadow Fiend" must be the organization to which that effeminate man belonged.
He remained expressionless: "Just protecting myself."
"The black market has its own rules."
Mr. Mo's tone shifted, becoming increasingly somber, "In an auction, the highest bidder wins. Once the goods leave the handover point, their ownership is settled. Liu Mang and his men followed and robbed, breaking the rules and deserving to die. This matter is due to our negligence in patrolling."
He first acknowledged the negligence in his management, then added, "However, your actions within the establishment have indeed caused some turmoil. Of course, there were reasons for it, and the circumstances are understandable. But... the people of 'Shadow Fiend' are known for their vindictiveness, so you'll need to be careful in the future."
These words sounded like a reminder, but they also carried a probing tone, as if they wanted to see Lin Mo's understanding of "Shadow Fiend" and the confidence behind it.
Lin Mo said calmly, "Thank you for the reminder. Besides clarifying the matter, what other guidance do you have for me, Mr. Mo?"
Seeing that Lin Mo was unwilling to talk more, Mr. Mo did not press further, but smiled and said, "I dare not presume to offer my guidance. I invited my friend here firstly to apologize for the commotion earlier, and secondly, to discuss a deal with him."
"trade?"
"Indeed." Mr. Mo put down the jade pendant in his hand, leaning forward slightly. "Liu Mang is dead. The channels for the distribution of medicinal herbs and ores that he used to control in the black market are now ownerless. According to the rules, these channels should be redistributed within the organization. Judging from your extraordinary skills, being able to defeat Liu Mang and frighten Shadow Fiend is enough to prove your strength. I wonder if you would be interested in taking over these channels?"
Lin Mo's eyes flickered slightly.
Mr. Mo has certainly made a good plan.
With Liu Mang's death, his power was bound to crumble, and other forces within the black market would certainly be eyeing these channels covetously. The redistribution of these channels would inevitably lead to new conflicts.
Now, by passing this hot potato to him, an "outsider" and a "powerful figure," he can both quell potential internal conflicts and stabilize these resources. He might even be using this as a pretext to deal with the "Shadow Fiend's" subsequent retaliation.
However, this is not all bad for Lin Mo.
He desperately needs stable resources to collect the medicinal materials required for cultivating the "Netherworld Records," and controlling a portion of the black market channels would undoubtedly provide immense convenience.
Moreover, this also means that he has officially gained a place in this black market and has initially established himself.
Risks and opportunities coexist.
"What do you need me to do?" Lin Mo asked directly.
"It's very simple." Seeing Lin Mo's interest, Mr. Mo's smile widened. "Just maintain the operation of the channels and pay your dues on time. The organization will announce that you are taking over Liu Mang's position and will provide you with corresponding conveniences and protection; at least within the black market, we will ensure fair transactions and prevent anyone from openly breaking the rules like Liu Mang did. As for grudges outside the black market..."
He paused meaningfully, then added, "That's up to my friend to decide."
This was tantamount to giving Lin Mo a legal identity and territory within the rules of the black market, but at the same time, it pushed him to the forefront to face the dissatisfaction of Liu Mang's remaining forces and the threat of "Shadow Fiend".
Lin Mo hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Okay."
He urgently needs resources to enhance his strength, and this risk is worth taking.
Moreover, he was never a timid or hesitant person.
"Great!" Mr. Mo clapped his hands and laughed, taking out a black iron plate from the drawer of his desk. It had a complex emblem and the character "Mo" engraved on it.
"This is your identity token. With this token, you can move freely within the core area of the black market and access resources through your channels. Specific details will be handed over to you later."
Lin Mo took the iron plate; it felt cold and heavy to the touch.
"In addition," Mr. Mo added, "as a congratulatory gift for taking over the workshop, the workshop can help you deal with those... unclean messes outside." He was referring to the corpses left behind in the street fighting.
"Thank you for your trouble." Lin Mo stood up and bowed. With the deal done, he didn't linger any longer.
Mr. Mo also stood up to see him off, his attitude even more polite than when they first met: "I hope everything goes well for you in the black market."
Upon leaving the study, a steward-like person was already waiting outside the door, respectfully leading Lin Mo to handle the handover matters.
The so-called channels mainly consist of three fixed sources and sales networks for goods, involving the trading of several specific medicinal materials, minerals, and some shady dealings.
Of Liu Mang's original subordinates, some died and some fled. The remaining few minor leaders, under the intimidation of Mr. Mo's men, trembled and submitted to Lin Mo.
Lin Mo didn't say much, only briefly explaining to maintain the status quo and deliver on time, before taking the channel ledger and key and leaving the black market.
When he stepped out of the black market again and returned to the ordinary streets of Qinghe Town, the first light of dawn was already appearing in the east. The sandalwood box in his arms was still warm, and in his arms, there was now a heavy black iron token.
That night, he not only obtained the fragments of the "Records of the Underworld" that might be related to his own secrets, but also carved out a territory in the chaotic black market of the south of the city with blood and strength, establishing his own reputation.
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