Chapter 145: The Grand Magic Market - Trading Market 2

“What a tiny thing.”

Yi Ping squatted in front of the cage, looking at the creature inside. He couldn’t help but compare it to his own palm—it was so small, it could sit right in his hand, looking quite adorable.

The old man chuckled and said, “Your Highness, this is just a newborn fire cub. Don’t underestimate it—many people are eyeing it. It may look small now, but if you take good care of it, it’ll become a great help when it grows up.”

Yi Ping had liked it at first sight, and now, seeing how tiny it was, he was a little disappointed, but he still looked at Sang Chu with eager eyes. “Sister, I want it.”

Sang Chu couldn’t help but laugh. “If you want it, then get it. Old man, how much is it?”

The old man said with a smile, “Your Highness, since you’re asking, I’ll give you a good deal. This little fire cub was originally fifty crystal coins, but for you, thirty will do. How about it?”

He was actually quoting a high price. The little fire cub wasn’t really worth that much, but since he’d seen Sang Chu pay with crystal shards earlier without batting an eye, he figured they didn’t care about being overcharged. Besides, while the cub wasn’t worth much, it was indeed rare.

Yi Ping said, “Then, then I’ll take it!”

“Go ahead, but pay for it yourself.”

Hearing Sang Chu’s words, Yi Ping immediately grinned, quickly pulling out his card and handing it to the old man. “Of course! How could I let my sister pay for me again? Old man, swipe the card!”

This big spender probably thought all the money on the card was his.

Sang Chu handed the old man a blank magic card. “Old man, please let the little fire cub drip its blood on this card. He’s a bit reckless, and I’m afraid something might go wrong.”

The old man quickly took the card. “Rest assured, Your Highness. Our shop has a professional enchanter. I’ll have him handle the contract for you right away.”

“Mm. What about you? Is there anything you want?” Sang Chu asked.

Lu Min hesitated, while Sang Jingwen looked at the snowy white fox on the display with interest. “Excuse me, is this white fox still available?”

The sign said it was sold out, but he still wanted to ask.

The old man glanced over. “Sorry, Your Highness, you’re just a bit too late. The last white fox was just sold. But, would you like to take a look at this tailed fox instead?”

He flipped to the tailed fox page. Looking at the snowy white fox with its huge, fluffy tail, Sang Jingwen’s eyes lit up. “I’ll take it!”

“All right, please wait a moment.”

Mu Xue spoke up, “Old man, can I have that blue butterfly as well?”

“Of course, just a moment.”

Sang Chu glanced at the butterfly Mu Xue had chosen. It was a blue one called the Azure Butterfly, with a magical description saying it could control the wind.

Soon, the old man brought over the magic cards. The Azure Butterfly was a bit cheaper, ten crystal coins, while the tailed fox was more expensive, eighty.

Sang Jingwen looked at Sang Chu, who simply handed the blank card to the old man. “We’ll take them all. Have the enchanter drip the blood onto the cards.”

“Certainly, Your Highness. Please wait a moment.”

The enchanter had been standing by. Now, seeing these people buying so much in one go, he was delighted—he’d get quite a commission!

He took the cards and began the ritual. For safety, the magical creatures in the cages were all either injured or under a spell, to ensure they could be sold smoothly.

He squatted down and started with the tailed fox, which had the highest spiritual power. As he chanted the spell, a faint light appeared in the cage.

The enchanter took out a knife, made a cut in the creature’s skin, and quickly wiped some blood onto the card before handing it to Sang Jingwen. “Your Highness, it’s done.”

Sang Chu handed a dagger to Sang Jingwen. “Brother, just a drop of blood is enough.”

“Okay.”

Sang Jingwen pricked his finger, and his blood merged with the fox’s. The enchanter quickly finished the ritual, and the tailed fox disappeared in an instant.

On Sang Jingwen’s card, the blood gradually formed the image of the tailed fox, with its name in golden script on the back.

Yi Ping and Mu Xue went through the same process.

When they left the shop, everyone except Sang Chu had a card in hand—even Lu Min, who, after hesitating, picked a small beast and bought it as well.

Liu Shi realized these people were truly big spenders—they didn’t even haggle, just paid whatever the old man asked.

“Is there anything else you want to see in the magic market?” the old man asked.

Sang Chu replied, “I want a wood-attribute elf that can use wood magic. Do you have any for sale?”

“Wood elves are very rare and cunning, hard to catch. I’m afraid we might not have any.”

Just as they were about to leave, the enchanter spoke up, “Your Highness, I know where you might find one, but it’ll probably be expensive.”

“That’s fine, I’d like to take a look first. If it’s suitable, the price isn’t an issue.”

The old man glanced at the enchanter. “You watch the shop. I’ll take His Highness over.”

“Of course, old man. Your Highness, please follow me.”

......

Following Old Jin through the winding alleys, they arrived at a rather shabby house. Inside was an elderly man, bundled up tightly, only his sharp old eyes visible.

“Your Highness, this is the place. When this old man was young, he caught a wood elf—very beautiful. He’s kept it all these years, unwilling to sell. But now that he’s getting old, he’s finally willing to consider it. The elf is so beautiful that many have wanted to buy it, but he’s always refused, so it’s been here for three or four years, unsold.”

“Oh?” A beautiful female elf?

“Old Ge, I’ve brought you a customer.”

Old Ge glanced up, and when he saw Liu Shi, his eyes narrowed instantly. “You’ve brought a real buyer? Come in.”

Old Jin knew this might get tricky, so he quickly whispered in Old Ge’s ear, “I’m telling you, this is a rare opportunity. This young man is a real big spender, not like those looky-loos. If you sell the elf to him, it’ll be in good hands.”

Old Ge looked at Old Jin, then at Sang Chu. “You’re really interested in buying?”

“Yes, sir. I’m sincerely interested, but I’d like to see it first. If it’s not suitable, I won’t buy.”

“Then only you can come in.”

Old Ge led only Sang Chu into the back room, where he opened a strangely shaped magic cage. Inside lay a woman with a graceful figure.

Her skin was porcelain white with a faint green glow, her deep emerald eyes dull and lifeless.

Her long, slightly wavy green hair reached her waist, and on her pointed ears hung blood-red stones.

She lay on a bed of withered grass, giving off an unreal sense that she might disappear at any moment."