Chapter 252: Another Boomerang

Chapter 252: Chapter 252: Another Boomerang

’A broker?’

Jiang Xu remembered. He had learned about this group, who were active within the Marketplace, before.

He knew they were basically middlemen.

He had even considered seeking them out to buy Magic and Spiritual Materials.

He later dropped the idea because he didn’t have enough money to keep buying.

Now it seemed that after all this, he would still have to rely on them to solve his problem.

"Do you know of any reliable ones?"

"The Brokers in the Marketplace are actually all pretty similar. They’re all Loose Cultivators with relatively low Cultivation, so they don’t dare try anything funny. I do know a good one, though. Their commission is low. You could go take a look..."

There was an old saying from ancient times: "Cart drivers, boatmen, innkeepers, porters, and brokers—even if innocent, they deserve to be killed."

This was because these trades had notorious reputations in ancient times. Too many people in these professions engaged in schemes to steal wealth and commit murder, making people hate them with a passion.

However, in the Cultivation World, everything was determined by one’s Cultivation. Naturally, these professions had fewer life-threatening schemes, but the shady practice of tricking people out of their Spirit Stones still existed.

It was best to find one with a better reputation.

Once he had his answer, Jiang Xu pressed the Spirit Stones into the man’s hand, then turned and left.

’Fair is fair. The man refused out of respect for my Cultivation. He wouldn’t have said anything if I hadn’t paid him.’

’Since he really did help me, I can’t be stingy over a couple of Spirit Stones. Otherwise, I’d just be using my Cultivation to bully him, and that’s unnecessary.’

Returning to the Marketplace, Jiang Xu began to wander around.

Before long, Jiang Xu saw the Broker the man had mentioned. He didn’t approach him directly, however, choosing instead to observe from a distance.

The man was of medium height and slim build, wearing a grayish-blue, wide-sleeved long robe. His face was rather plain, but his pair of bright, piercing eyes were particularly prominent.

He specifically waited beside small and medium-sized shops, his eyes fixed on the customers coming out, searching for his target clients.

He didn’t approach everyone, but nearly every customer he did speak to ended up giving him a few Spirit Stones after a brief conversation.

In less than a day, four or five customers had already paid him.

Jiang Xu nodded to himself. ’This man seems highly skilled at his job. For so many Cultivators to willingly part with their Spirit Stones, the information he provides must be genuinely valuable.’

Jiang Xu decided not to wait any longer. As soon as the Broker was free, he walked straight toward him.

As he walked, he also canceled his Concealing Breath Spell.

The moment he walked over, the Broker was startled, then respectfully bowed to Jiang Xu.

"Senior, is there something you wish to inquire about?"

Jiang Xu didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he asked,

"I’ve been watching you for a while. I noticed you don’t approach every customer. What’s your method?"

Hearing this, the respectful expression on the Broker’s face deepened. He smiled slightly and replied:

"Senior, you have a sharp eye. I do have a little system, yes."

"Generally, I focus on Cultivators who are frowning, walking in a hurry, or deliberately avoiding eye contact. They’re usually desperate to solve a problem or find a specific item."

"I also watch for those whose expressions change dramatically as they leave a shop. Perhaps they found an unexpected treasure, or perhaps they’re disappointed because they couldn’t get what they wanted."

"I usually guess what they need based on the shops they visit, then judge if I can help them based on what those shops sell."

"I only approach them if I’m confident I can help. That way, I can precisely solve their problems or fulfill their needs, and that’s why they’re willing to pay."

Jiang Xu listened to his explanation and nodded in approval. ’Impressive,’ he thought.

"Why do you wait by the entrances of these small and medium-sized shops? Don’t the large shops have more people?"

"You may not be aware, Senior, but while these smaller shops are small, they tend to specialize. That makes it easier for me to guess correctly. If I were at a larger shop, even if I knew what someone wanted, there’s a good chance I couldn’t procure it for them anyway."

Jiang Xu said approvingly, "I see. You’re very methodical in your business. I did come today with an inquiry. I was wondering if you could provide some leads."

"Please, Senior, ask away. I will tell you everything I know."

"Alright then. Can you guess what I want?" Jiang Xu didn’t say it outright; he wanted to test the man’s skills.

Jiang Xu’s question made the man flinch. He sized Jiang Xu up for a moment, and his expression soured.

"Senior, you appeared out of nowhere. Asking me to guess with no information... I’m afraid that’s beyond my abilities. I can only take a wild shot."

The man pondered for a moment.

After a moment’s thought, he asked abruptly, "Is this your first time at the Demon Communication Workshop?"

"No." Jiang Xu raised an eyebrow.

"Did you make a special trip here to the Demon Communication Workshop from afar in the last two days, or have you always been in the vicinity?" the man continued to ask.

"I made a special trip."

"Then, one last question. Is what you need a Passage Order?"

"That’s right." Jiang Xu smiled. "You really are impressive."

"You flatter me, Senior. It’s just that so many people have been asking about Passage Orders lately that it was the first thing that came to mind." The man remained respectful, not getting carried away by his correct guess.

"Oh? Are there many people wanting to leave recently?" Jiang Xu was puzzled.

"Of course. The Demon Dao has lost four great generals in a row and has gone mad with rage."

"Isn’t that a good thing? Why has the number of people leaving increased?"

"It’s a good thing for the Righteous Sects, but for most Loose Cultivators and other minor sects, it’s a sign that the war is escalating. Once the fighting intensifies, the smaller sects will likely face the risk of complete annihilation. Who wouldn’t run at that point? Thankfully, there’s been no news of Wuji Fairy’s death. Otherwise, the number of people leaving Dinghai State would probably be twenty percent higher."

Jiang Xu was a little embarrassed.

’So after all that, this was just another boomerang coming back at me.’

’I have to pay for the trouble I caused.’

’I didn’t think of it at the time, but it seems letting the Wuji Fairy go had an unforeseen benefit.’

’Fewer competitors for Passage Orders.’

’I really should have seen this coming.’

’The Demon Dao suffered such heavy losses; they were bound to retaliate.’

’Retaliation leads to counter-retaliation, and the war escalates.’

’From now on, the number of Cultivators trying to leave Dinghai State will probably increase every month.’

’I’m also worried about one more thing: what if all the Golden Core Sects in Dinghai State band together and seal off all routes out of the state, trapping all the combat strength within?’

’If the ships can’t sail, then I won’t be able to leave either.’

"So, about the Passage Order. Do you have a way to get one?"