Volume Twelve: Invitation to Hell Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Yellow Springs

One does not truly understand the allure of the Dark River Ghost Market until one has stepped inside.

Upon entering, Jiang Yun was struck with astonishment. Much like a conventional marketplace, each tent here featured a sign-like placard displaying various offerings—information that acted as a siren song of temptation to any passerby.

As they walked along, they saw vendors selling intelligence on ancient tombs—not just one, but several—with the asking price determined by the treasures buried within. Others offered services to resolve deep-seated grudges, exact revenge on enemies, or undermine business rivals. Some promised to change one’s destiny against the will of heaven, while others claimed to help amass vast fortunes.

In essence, as long as one could afford the price, one could attain wealth and status, settle scores, and satisfy any desire. It was a market devoid of constraints, a place where the darkest deeds could be conducted in shadow. No one cared about moral degradation, and no one questioned one's methods. Every entrant was required to wear a mask; one could never know who had brokered what deal.

Jiang Yun could not help but wonder: if a sudden tycoon appeared in the real world, or someone experienced an inexplicable stroke of luck—or conversely, a sudden, tragic demise—how much of it might be linked to this Dark River Ghost Market?

There was only one requirement here: you had to be able to pay the price.

A mere stroll through the area left the group’s eyes bloodshot, inflamed by the surges of impulse and desire rising within them. It served as a stark reminder that their own hearts were fragile, prone to racing in the face of such temptation. Yet, their willpower held firm. They refused to approach the tents, fearing that the pull of temptation would be too strong and they would agree to any cost. After all, their mission was to find someone and investigate a case, not to trade. Finding their target remained the priority.

After a full circuit, they had yet to find any trace of Huang Quan. They continued their search and eventually reached the other side, where a large character, "Redemption," was written on a placard.

"Redemption? Redemption from what? Selling one's own freedom? Do psychics actually sell themselves here?" Nalan Yu asked, astonished.

"Here, if you can pay the sufficient price, you can take the vendor with you. The vendor will sign a contract with you, and for the duration of that contract, they must unconditionally obey the patron’s commands. They cannot refuse; even if the patron orders them to kill or loot, they must comply. However, under such obedience, if the acts involve crimes, the patron will bear the karmic consequences once the vendor departs. I believe this is the place we are looking for," Yaoguang explained, walking toward the sign.

After paying the fee, Yaoguang took Jiang Yun and Nalan Yu inside. This area, too, consisted of rows of tents, each guarded by a person in black.

"Divine Venerable," a voice called out from the side. Yaoguang turned to see the Three-Eyed man.

"How is it?" Yaoguang asked.

"Tent number six. He is alone. The person you are looking for is likely not involved in this current event. It is an opportunity," the Three-Eyed man said before departing.

Yaoguang nodded. She sent a telepathic message to the group, gathering them together. She signaled for them not to stray too far, as she would have to enter alone.

"A-Kun, take care of A-Yun. Be very careful," Yaoguang said. She saw Jiang Yun clutching Huo Mingkun’s arm, but before leaving, she turned back and summoned the Golden Cicada Gu King. "Xue'er, protect your sister Yun. Wait for me to return."

Xue'er blinked its black-bead eyes in assurance and then burrowed into Jiang Yun’s clothing. The little creature dared not enter Jiang Yun’s body, lest Yaoguang lose her temper.

Yaoguang walked up to tent number six. A figure in a black robe blocked her path. "Interested in a look?"

Yaoguang nodded.

"Ten thousand," the man in black said.

Yaoguang handed over ten thousand in cash. Then, glancing around, she swiftly slipped an additional five thousand into the man's pocket with lightning speed, whispering, "Thank you."

The man in black looked at her expressionlessly and made a gesture with his right hand, implying: I am watching; do as you please. This was the way of the Dark River Ghost Market—money could make ghosts push millstones. This was a tip, a bribe to ensure no one else would come near.

Yaoguang lifted the curtain and stepped inside. At the back of the tent sat a hunched figure with his head bowed.

"What are your requirements?" the man asked. His voice was more grating than a rusted bellows.

"What are your skills?" Yaoguang asked.

The man jerked his head up upon hearing her voice. His withered face was etched with shock and agitation, though he forced himself to calm down within the next minute.

Yaoguang watched him with a smile, suppressing her own emotions. *Old man, I’ve finally found you.*

Indeed, this man was Huang Quan.

"I can draw talismans, craft magical artifacts, exorcise ghosts, and concoct spiritual medicines. I am of the Mountain lineage. Can I be of help to you?" Huang Quan asked.

Yaoguang sat down, studied him for a moment, and said, "That sounds decent, but how do I know if you are speaking the truth?"

"Then I shall show you a sample of my work." Huang Quan reached down to pick up a box and, right there in front of Yaoguang, crafted a protective talisman. Usually, crafting such a talisman would require rhythmic footwork and incantations, but Huang Quan used his own internal cultivation to forge it directly.

Yaoguang took it and saw the spiritual energy coursing through it. She nodded in satisfaction.

"What price do you ask? My price is not low," Huang Quan said.

"What do you want?" Yaoguang countered.

"That depends on what you offer. Whether it meets my worth," Huang Quan smiled.

"Interesting," Yaoguang said. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a small box, and the moment she opened it, the tent was bathed in a golden light.

She snapped it shut instantly. The light vanished, but Huang Quan’s eyes were filled with shock.

"A thousand-year-old spiritual pill to buy your service as my retainer for one hundred years. Additionally, I will guide you to the rank of an Immortal. If you do not believe me, I can write this into the contract. You know that if I fail to deliver, I will be subject to heavenly punishment. My soul could be scattered into nothingness," Yaoguang said, watching him calmly.

"Am I worth so much? What you offer could buy out every vendor in this market. A thousand-year-old pill is priceless, let alone the path to ascension. Practitioners would sacrifice everything for the chance to ascend." Tears welled in Huang Quan’s murky eyes. He could not speak freely here, but he understood. Yaoguang was not merely offering him ascension; she was telling him clearly that she would restore him to his status as a True God. That golden pill was more than enough to achieve the status of a High God.

"I have no interest in other vendors. I need someone like you—a master of the Mountain lineage—who is rare and hard to find. Think about it," Yaoguang said.

"No need to think. It is a deal. But I cannot take advantage of you," Huang Quan smiled. He pulled a box from his grey robes. With hands like rotting chicken claws, he opened the box, and Yaoguang was startled. Spirit Jade!

"These are my prized possessions—ten pieces of top-grade Spirit Jade. They are yours," Huang Quan pushed the box toward her.

Yaoguang was surprised. "You are generous." The Spirit Jade he had nurtured was priceless; to give away ten meant he had fully accepted her proposal.

Huang Quan pulled a cord beside him, and a crisp bell sound echoed outside the tent. The crowd outside was immediately drawn to the noise.

"Who is so extravagant to have bought out a vendor?"

"I don't know."

Soon, five figures in black robes and five in Taoist robes entered the tent in an orderly fashion. After verifying the agreement between Huang Quan and Yaoguang, the contract was drawn up. When the two pressed their blood-stained thumbs to the parchment, Yaoguang burst into laughter.

"Huang Quan—a fine name. The contract is effective. Please, sir, come with me," Yaoguang said, tucking the contract away, her laughter echoing out of the tent.

Huang Quan stood up and performed a Taoist salute toward Yaoguang. "Greetings, my Lord."

"I don't like 'my Lord.' Call me Miss," Yaoguang laughed.

"As you wish, Miss," Huang Quan bowed.

Yaoguang turned with her hands behind her back. The tent flap was pulled open, and she strode out, laughing, with Huang Quan following behind.

A sign was hung in front of the tent: *Traded.*

Yaoguang strolled out confidently, and the crowd erupted.

"Huang Quan! That’s Lord Huang Quan, isn't it? Are we seeing this right?"

"He’s one of the most capable vendors in the Ghost Market. For years, no one has been able to afford his price!"

"Never mind his skills; even the items he holds are treasures!"

"He’s been bought—and by a woman, at that!"

"What kind of background does this woman have?"

"Who knows?"

"This is huge. She must be a powerhouse."

"Oh, Lord Huang Quan, you’re leaving?" the Three-Eyed man approached with a grin.

"Indeed. I am leaving. I have a new patron," Huang Quan said, a smile appearing on his withered face for the first time.

"For how many years?" the Three-Eyed man asked curiously, adding, "You don't have to answer if you don't wish to."

"One hundred years," Huang Quan laughed.

"And the price?" the Three-Eyed man grinned.

"Excellent. Nothing but good. My luck is turnng; a fine patron. A virtuous bond," Huang Quan said.

"Oh, that is wonderful. Congratulations, Lord Huang Quan. May your future be boundless, and may this lady be blessed with great wealth and status," the Three-Eyed man said, cupping his hands.

"Well said. A reward for you," Yaoguang laughed, handing a stack of cash to the Three-Eyed man.

"Oh, thank you for the reward, Miss!" The Three-Eyed man was delighted. As he took the money, only he saw the subtle signal in Yaoguang's eyes. He gave a slight nod, indicating that he understood.

Jiang Yun and the others gathered around. Seeing Huang Quan beside Yaoguang, she hopped over. "Master, what is the name of this master you’ve purchased?"

"I am Huang Quan," he said, bowing respectfully to Jiang Yun upon hearing her call Yaoguang 'Master.'

"Huang Quan—what a great name! If Master thinks highly of you, you must be a true master. I shall call you Sir," Jiang Yun smiled.

"I dare not, I dare not. You are too kind, young lady," Huang Quan replied, dutifully playing the role of a servant.

"Huang Quan, I want you to be my strategist, not a servant. Why so humble? Show me the pride of the Mountain lineage. You don't need to be so servile to me from now on. Remember, you have left that tent, and you are my person—we are family. If I see you acting like this again, you can sleep on the floor," Yaoguang said, her voice booming, drawing even more attention.

The crowd erupted once more.

"Lord Huang Quan is truly lucky!"

"Indeed! Did you hear? His patron says they are family. She doesn't intend to treat him like mere labor."

"To be called family by such a patron… she is even more extraordinary."

"Don't envy him; you don't have that kind of fate."

Yaoguang laughed as she continued to stroll through the Ghost Market.

An hour passed quickly, and Yaoguang led the group out of the Dark River Ghost Market. Little did they know that someone was already waiting for them at their lodging.