Chapter 172: 31 Hunting List

Zhang Xuan’s face turned an ashen hue, “And the second method?”

Professional breeding… they treated him like a breeding pig!

Knowing he would not choose it, Fu Yingying did not dwell on this issue and continued, “The second way is through martial competition! Our black market contests are filled with blood and violence, held every three days. As long as you win, you can receive a certain reward. The reward itself isn’t much money, but the betting outside the ring is quite exciting… The bigger the wager, the more you earn if you win! However, if you bet and lose, you could also end up bankrupt…”

Zhang Xuan was puzzled, “Black market competition? Can I participate?”

With Ling Buyang’s current strength having reached the soul energy 9 dans Travel Realm, to compete with him, one would need to be at least of the same level—such individuals are almost standing at the pinnacle of Han Yuan City. Would they still come out to compete?

“Of course, you can. However… you’ll need to prepare in advance, and there aren’t many opportunities. There are at most one or two events a year! The key point is… those who take part in the contest are basically those who have reached the pinnacle of their realm and might break through at any time! Although Elder Ling’s strength is not weak, I’m afraid he might not necessarily win,”

Fu Yingying said.

Zhang Xuan suddenly realized.

Although the difference between the Travel Realm and the Dharma Form Realm is just a small tier within the Ninefold Source Pool, breaking through is not that easy. Many cultivators get stuck at the pinnacle and cannot succeed, so they think about using life-and-death trials as a way to force a breakthrough.

Source: novgo.co

And black market competitions are the most direct kind.

Fu Yingying continued, “This method is quick money; if the bet is right, you can earn tens of millions or even over a hundred million Origin Currency in one go… but as you know, those who dare to participate are people who are desperate and have gone crazy at the limit.”

“These people, if they don’t break through, might die. Given this, the fight can’t be gentle or kind-hearted—it’s likely to be a battle to the death! A slight mishap, and one could die, completely destructing their cultivation path. That’s why our black market has never held a competition of this level before.”

“This being the case, Elder Ling probably won’t choose it either!”

The man before him was an Elder of Heaven Mandate Hall and would soon become one of the Vice Hall Masters, with a respected status and a promising future. It stands to reason that he wouldn’t take such a risk!

As he was speculating in his mind, he saw Elder Ling across from him nod, “That’s fine! No problem, you can arrange that for me!”

Bounded by fragments of the heavens, the difference in strength between cultivators of the same tier in the Travel Realm wasn’t significant, so the outcome of a match was indeed unpredictable. But he was different—with or without using the Pathos of Heaven sword art, he was comparable to someone in such a realm. If he did use it, even those in the Dharma Form Realm might not be able to withstand it!

Therefore, knowing it’s a way to earn money, why not do it?

“You want to participate?”

This time it was Fu Yingying who was somewhat stunned.

Based on her interactions with him, this guy seemed frivolous, without much responsibility—but she hadn’t expected him to be so adamant this time.

“Hmm!” Zhang Xuan nodded, “And the third method?”

Seeing his seriousness, not joking around, Fu Yingying did not press him further and continued, “The third way is to deal with the cultivators on the Hunting List!”

“Hunting List?”

“Exactly, it’s the most famous list in the black market, the higher the price, the tougher the target.”

Fu Yingying said, “Being on the list not only signifies strength but also status. It’s a list that many fear tremendously, and many people would break their heads just to get on it…”

Zhang Xuan could understand this although it seemed ridiculous.

The Hunting List seemed dangerous, but those who made it on the list, which of them wasn’t at the pinnacle of Han Yuan City? It’s the fastest way to accumulate fame and for the sake of fame… many people are willing to do just about anything.

Just like in his previous life, there were plenty of people willing to do anything for fame, even eat dirt.

“Where can I see this list? May I take a look?”

Having understood this point, Zhang Xuan asked.

Fu Yingying smoothed her hair, “It is the All-Knowing List from Wanxiang Sect, encompassing ‘Statistical Destiny’. To get it, you must purchase it, one million per copy! This list is updated whenever someone new is added. If not, it doesn’t change; even if there’s a great distance, it can still change in real-time.”

“Statistical Destiny?” Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

Fu Yingying smiled, “It’s one variety of fragments of the heavens that can track everything in the world, not only the experts from a single city or country, but also medicinal plants, Primordial Beasts, physicians, weapons, and many more items. Bai Xiaosheng, the leader of Wanxiang Sect, practices this heritage of fragments of the heavens. Every single list contains fragments of the heavens, which is why it can be updated in real-time. It’s one of the essential items for cultivators. It’s somewhat astonishing that Elder Ling doesn’t have one yet!”

“Get me one!” Not in the mood for chit-chat, Zhang Xuan waved his hand.

Fu Yingying nodded, “Okay!”

She then turned and walked into the room, returning shortly with something resembling a scroll and handed it to Zhang Xuan, who received it.

Forged from some unknown material, it was not too heavy but extremely durable; ordinary swords would hardly pierce it. He gently opened it and with a flash of light, a row of text appeared before him.

Han Yuan City Hunting List!

Beneath was the ranking.

First Place: Han Qianchou, 300 million Origin Currency.

Second Place: Yue Longxiao, 240 million Origin Currency.

Third Place: Han Xiao, 220 million Origin Currency.

…

The top three included someone he recognized, who was the very Heavenly Destiny Hall Master he had met before.

A Saint 7-dan pinnacle expert ranked only third!

However, the price was indeed tempting; 220 million Origin Currency would be a worry-free fortune for an ordinary person for life.

Although he did not know who the first two were or why they ranked higher, Zhang Xuan did not inquire further but continued to read on.

Nineteenth Place: Feng Zhaoting, 30 million Origin Currency.

Rank 20: Ling Buyang, 29 million Origin Currency.

…

“I’m actually on the list? Why is my ranking lower than Feng Zhaoting’s?”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

If the two were competing for the position of Vice Hall Master, their difference shouldn’t be big, yet he was 1 million below the other party, which was somewhat disrespectful.

“Elder Feng’s cultivation isn’t much different from yours, but the fragments of the heavens he practices have a certain restraining effect on you, placing him ahead of you is normal, I guess!”

Fu Yingying explained.

“Restraining me? No one can restrain me, and he’s no exception,” Zhang Xuan waved his hand dismissively.

Although he was curious about which fragments of the heavens could restrain the Mo Dao, he found it inappropriate to ask, given that the two of them had been rivals for many years. Truly, not knowing would be strange indeed.

Hearing him say this, Fu Yingying said, “It seems Elder Ling has a way to counteract Elder Feng’s Thousand Threads heavenly fate! In that case, allow me to congratulate Vice Hall Master Ling in advance…”

“Thousand Threads fate?”

Even though he didn’t understand it, Zhang Xuan silently took note of it.

Previously, he always felt that heavenly fate might be somewhat similar to the professions in the Master Teacher Continent, but now it seemed that was not the case.

Heavenly fate is destiny, a person’s entire life.

A blazing and passionate life is a life, just as a calm and ordinary one.

Some people are always down on their luck and might have the opportunity to comprehend a pathetic destiny, the more pathetic they are, the faster they cultivate.

Some people, fond of visitng brothels, after realizing such a heavenly fate, the more they indulge, the stronger they become.

Some people fear their wives, and they might comprehend a fate related to this fear; the more wives they have and the more fear they feel, the faster they progress.

In short, the heavenly fate is a destiny that cultivators adhere to persistently. The more they stick to it, the further they’ll go, but if they ever break their vow, they will be equally subject to backlash.

For instance, a person who comprehends a pathetic talent but suddenly becomes brave is very likely to suffer backlash, losing all his cultivation.

Those who realize a profligate fate and then consort with chaste individuals not only fail to enhance their strength, but might also suffer great losses…

Those who fear their wives, just by resisting once, can see their destiny collapse; setting aside their cultivation, they would probably be a lot happier…

These thoughts flashed through his mind briefly as Zhang Xuan continued to read down the list.

The entire Hunting List had only 50 people on it, the lowest valued at 10 million Origin Currency. Just by killing a few, one could easily accumulate over a hundred million. It was indeed one of the quickest ways to make money.

“Wait…who pays for all this?”

Zhang Xuan wondered.

This list encompassed all the experts in Han Yuan City; surely the Wanxiang Sect couldn’t be the one paying for everyone!

Fu Yingying said, “The ones paying are mostly those who hold grudges. Anyone who can cultivate to the pinnacle of a dynasty has a few enemies. A little contribution from each is not much, but it adds up… Just like you, Elder Ling, the deeds of Unnecessary Hall must have offended quite a number. If everyone contributes ten thousand Origin Currency, the total isn’t small…”

Zhang Xuan fell silent.

Although he didn’t know much about Unnecessary Hall, from the matter of hunting down Yu Fei alone, it didn’t seem like a benevolent organization. Having many enemies and a bounty accumulated from many small contributions made sense.

“If I want to kill someone, how do I accept the mission, and how do I get rewarded?”

Zhang Xuan continued to ask.

Fu Yingying explained, “You just need to kill someone on the list and attach his soul energy or blood to the All-knowing List. The Wanxiang Sect has its ways to determine it. Once they confirm it’s your doing, the reward money will automatically be deposited into this card.”

After finishing, Fu Yingying handed over a black card, “This is a Wanxiang Sect business card where you can deposit Origin Currency. It’s accepted across the mainland.”

Zhang Xuan took the card.

This sort of bank-card-like item was indeed much more convenient than carrying Origin Notes directly.

“Our black market actually has some of the detailed information and crimes of the strong individuals on this Hunting List. If Elder Ling is really short of money and wants to take action, you can buy one. Rest assured, every one of them has committed heinous crimes and deserves death!”

Fu Yingying said.

“I’ll take one!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Sure!”

Fu Yingying went back to her room once more and soon handed over a few sheets of paper, “This is the information of three people, each costs 100,000 Origin Currency.”

After paying, Zhang Xuan began to read.

“Feng Yizhou, Boss of Fuyuan Trading Company, ranked 47th on the Hunting List, Dharma Form Realm, Ninefold Source Pool expert. In the year 579 in Han Yuan, he seduced his good friend Fang Qing’s wife, conspired to kill Fang Qing, then murdered his wife and took over the family wealth. To feel secure and create no future troubles, he sent their two children off to the mountains under the guise of training, where both were devoured by Primordial Beasts.”

“In the year 581, he instigated a beast tide, slaughtering 112 civilians; in the year 585, he murdered his wedded wife, chopped off her head, and pickled it to make wine.”

“In the year 587, he recruited 100 subordinates, withheld their wages, abused them wantonly, causing the death of more than 80. Those who sought justice, to avenge them, were all beaten to death.”

…

As he read, Zhang Xuan’s expression grew dark.

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