Chen Feng paid the knight's shout no mind, continuing his unhurried stroll forward. He wouldn't mind teaching someone so arrogant a lesson, even though he himself was rather arrogant.

“?…” A horse whinnied, rearing up less than a meter behind Chen Feng! Chen Feng seemed completely oblivious to the imposing pressure exerted by the charging steed, not even turning his head, continuing his slow, deliberate pace.

The knight on horseback couldn't contain his fury: “No eyes! Are you looking to die!” As he spoke, the whip in his hand was about to lash down, but another knight nearby hissed, “Pas, don't cause trouble, the young mistress is waiting!

I apologize, sir, for the disturbance!” The first remark was directed at the knight who nearly collided with Chen Feng, and the latter was for Chen Feng himself. With that, without waiting for Chen Feng’s reply, the second knight urged his horse forward.

The direction they took was, coincidentally, the very same trading market named "Zu"! Neither of them noticed that beneath Chen Feng's wide, flowing robe, a flicker of pale azure flame had just ignited in the palm of his right hand...

Chen Feng did not seek trouble, but that did not mean he would stand meekly by when provoked! Had that other knight not intervened just then, the one named Pas would have been met with a storm of furious azure flame!

“It’s the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, no wonder they’re so brazen!” The surrounding noise indicated that others were clearly unhappy with the pair’s behavior. The Loki Empire boasted three major mercenary groups: the Iron Bone Mercenary Group, the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, and the Sixteen Mercenary Group!

Each of these groups commanded over two thousand members, though none had broken the three-thousand mark. This was due to internal regulations in every nation: a mercenary group exceeding three thousand men was considered akin to an army, difficult to control!

Consequently, no mercenary group across the four great empires exceeded the three-thousand roster limit! The leader of the Iron Bone Mercenary Group was known as the Iron Tyrant; his skin was like copper and his bones like iron, possessing a cultivation base of a Sixth-Rank Battle Master.

He was bold yet meticulous, valuing loyalty—a renowned, upright hero! The leader of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, Old Wolf Head, was a Fifth-Rank Battle Master, known for being shrewd and deeply calculating.

The leader of the Sixteen Mercenary Group possessed a slightly lower cultivation, merely a Third-Rank Battle Master! However, they maintained connections with the Imperial military, making their influence considerable!

The details of the three great mercenary groups had been recounted by Old John. Though he understood little else, crafting weapons on the edge of the Frozen Demon Garden gave him extensive knowledge of mercenary affairs!

Chen Feng had inquired thoroughly after that particular incident involving the mercenaries, and the chatter immediately brought it all back to mind! “Sir, are you alright?” A middle-aged man nearby asked Chen Feng.

Chen Feng, still hooded, shook his head. “Ah, this place is just like that; it’s the domain of mercenary groups.

The powerful ones can be rather unreasonable; you shouldn’t take it too much to heart,” the middle-aged man commented. Unwilling to engage in lengthy conversation with a stranger, Chen Feng replied, “It’s nothing!” and continued walking.

The middle-aged man seemed undeterred by Chen Feng’s aloofness and continued, “But you truly maintained your composure just now. To have such a charging horse behind you and not even turn your head—that level of self-possession truly earns my admiration!” Chen Feng glanced at the man.

He had a round face that curved into a kindly smile, was clean-shaven, and slightly plump, dressed in somewhat grimy, dark grey attire. “Judging by your direction, are you heading toward 'Zu' as well?” the middle-aged man inquired further.

Chen Feng stopped walking. Seeing him halt, the middle-aged man knew his guess was correct.

He immediately broke into a wide, eager grin: “My name is Ben Shan·Brian; you can call me Ben Shan. I’m the jack-of-all-trades around here.

Whether you want to buy or sell, I can direct you to the counter you most desire! I guarantee you the lowest prices for purchases and the most unimaginable returns for sales!” Chen Feng’s interest was piqued.

He was utterly unfamiliar with this place, and a guide would indeed be convenient. He said, “How much?” There was no such thing as a free lunch; since the man had made such an offer, payment would surely be expected.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Ben Shan raised his thumb: “My friend is a straightforward person; I enjoy dealing with straightforward people the most! I won't fleece you either.

I only ask for 10 silver coins! Don't think it’s expensive; I can assure you I’m worth every bit of it…” “Done!” Chen Feng didn't dither, continuing his walk towards the immense structure ahead.

Ben Shan had expected a much longer negotiation before securing agreement, so when Chen Feng interrupted him halfway, he sputtered, coughed twice, and tentatively asked, “Did you hear clearly? I said 10 silver coins…” “Mmm,” Chen Feng acknowledged, already five meters ahead.

Ben Shan snapped back to reality, suppressing the immense joy bubbling inside him, and hurried to catch up. The currency conversion in this world was as follows: 100 Copper Coins = 1 Silver Coin 100 Silver Coins = 1 Gold Coin 100 Gold Coins = 1 Purple Gold Coin If these gold coins were compared to Renminbi, one could say 1 Yuan equals 1 Copper Coin!

Ordinarily, hiring a guide cost at most 100 copper coins a day, equivalent to 100 RMB. This Ben Shan had casually requested 10 silver coins, which amounted to 1000 RMB.

He had fully expected the other party to refuse outright, allowing him to bargain down later—this was, after all, a common business tactic. He never imagined the man would agree before he had even finished speaking; how could this not leave him ecstatic?

“This fellow must be an idiot!” Ben Shan thought secretly, while saying aloud, “Friend, what should I call you?” “Yasogami,” Chen Feng stated. “Ah, Brother Yasogami, are you looking to buy something or sell something?” “Sell!” Chen Feng was a man of few words.

“Then what is Brother Yasogami selling? If you tell me, I can better direct you to the right counter!” Ben Shan quickly pressed.

“Magic Cores, Battle Cores!” Chen Feng replied. “Magic Cores, Battle Cores… Are you serious…” Ben Shan sucked in a sharp breath.

Magic Cores and Battle Cores were extremely rare items; those without significant strength could never obtain them. Typically, only large mercenary groups or organizations sold such goods; very few private individuals offered Battle or Magic Cores.

Ben Shan trailed off mid-sentence, seeing Chen Feng continue walking without comment, confirming he hadn't misheard. Suppressing the shock rising in his chest, he said, “I know a few contacts who purchase First-Grade Battle Cores and Magic Cores; they are friends of mine, they have the connections.

They can offer you 35 gold coins for one First-Grade Battle Core!” Because this location was near the Frozen Demon Garden, the prices were slightly lower than in the Imperial Capital. The standard purchase price for a First-Grade Battle Core or Magic Core in this trade market was 30 gold coins; Second-Grade was 150 gold coins; Third-Grade was 400 gold coins!

The places Ben Shan mentioned were underground venues where transactions moved through informal channels. These places offered higher purchase prices, but they bypassed the Empire's taxes, meaning they were ultimately profitable.

“Oh! Let’s go in and see,” Chen Feng responded casually, his eyes already fixed on the towering gates of "Zu."