Monster Cores, also known as Monster Crystals on the Dou Qi Continent. True to their name, they are a type of energy core found within the bodies of magical beasts, filled with extremely violent energy of heaven and earth. Even a Dou Wang would not dare to risk the danger of their body exploding by forcefully absorbing this kind of energy.
Although Monster Cores cannot be directly absorbed, they are an indispensable primary ingredient in alchemy. Once refined through the secret techniques of alchemists, their violent attributes are miraculously neutralized by certain medicinal herbs, ultimately turning into various coveted elixirs that boost one's strength. Consequently, their prices skyrocket!
Furthermore, Monster Cores can also be inlaid onto weapons. Weapons enhanced by a Monster Core not only have their destructive power raised by a level, but also possess the alluring effect of amplifying Dou Qi, making them highly sought after by the practitioner class on the Dou Qi Continent.
Naturally, besides weapons, Monster Cores can also be applied to armor and other items, providing their owners with powerful defensive capabilities and offering them an extra layer of protection when facing danger.
With so many special effects, it is only natural that Monster Cores have become the most popular material on the Dou Qi Continent. Not only ordinary practitioners, but even the esteemed alchemists frequently travel far and wide in search of high-level Monster Cores to refine higher-grade medicinal pills.
Driven by this trend, Monster Cores on the continent are almost always in short supply year-round. Whenever a high-level Monster Core appears at an auction or elsewhere, it is immediately bought up by someone offering a high price.
The preciousness of Monster Cores naturally gave rise to many mercenary groups that made a living by hunting magical beasts. However, obtaining a Monster Core was by no means an easy task.
First of all, magical beasts are not only powerful but also exceptionally cunning. Due to their ferocious nature and unique attack methods, they are usually stronger than human experts of the same level. Therefore, trying to kill a same-level magical beast alone without outstanding strength often results in trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice.
Secondly, not every magical beast has a Monster Core inside its body. It is a matter of probability. Sometimes, a mercenary group might suffer casualties or injuries to half its members just to kill a magical beast, only to end up with nothing. This kind of occurrence is not uncommon on the Dou Qi Continent and is hardly surprising...
Consequently, the price of Monster Cores on the Dou Qi Continent remains extremely high.
...
After walking through the streets with Xun Er for a while, they finally entered a medium-sized market district in the southern part of the city. There were only a few such medium-sized market districts in Wu Tan City, controlled respectively by the three major clans. The marketplace Xiao Yan came to was the one managed by his Xiao clan...
To say they "controlled" it was more like they maintained the order and security of the market district. In return, the mercenaries and merchants would pay taxes to the clan after making transactions or opening shops. This had been the rule on the Dou Qi Continent since time immemorial, and it was rare to see anyone come to cause trouble.
Standing at the entrance of the market district were two guards from the Xiao clan. They obviously recognized Xiao Yan and Xun Er. Seeing the two approach, they were momentarily stunned before immediately bowing slightly.
Nodding slightly, Xiao Yan immediately stepped inside. Looking at the endless stream of people passing by, he couldn't help but lick his lips. No wonder the clan managed the marketplace so strictly; the profits generated from such foot traffic were bound to be immense...
"Third Young Master, Miss Xun'er, have you come to the marketplace to buy some things?" Just as the two of them were getting dazed by the bustling crowd, a respectful voice sounded from behind.
Hearing the voice, Xiao Yan turned around. Seven or eight burly men wearing the uniform of the Xiao clan were standing there. The speaker was their leader, a robust man in his thirties. On his chest, he wore a badge with six golden stars. Clearly, he was a six-star Dou Zhe.
Seeing Xiao Yan's puzzled look, the man gave an honest, good-natured smile and said respectfully, "Third Young Master, my name is Pei En. I am a guard captain under the Clan Leader, specifically tasked with securing the marketplace. Haha, I actually met you during your birthday last year, Young Master..."
"Oh, so it's Uncle Pei En."
Xiao Yan blinked. Although he had no recollection of this burly man, the introduction brought a smile to his face. Since the man was directly under his father's command, he was naturally a loyal subordinate of their direct lineage, so there would be no issues with his loyalty.
Although the Xiao clan was not a super power, it was still divided into several factions. If the man before him had been one of the elders' men, Xiao Yan wouldn't have cared to pay him much attention, offering only a casual response.
"It was a bit boring back at the estate, so we came out to buy a few things. Uncle Pei En, please go about your duties. If I need anything, I'll call for you." Xiao Yan's youthful voice held none of the arrogance typical of young masters; instead, it was polite and gentle, putting people at ease.
Being called "Uncle" made the smile on Pei En's face widen, and his attitude grew even warmer. He nodded and smiled, saying, "Then please shop at your leisure, Third Young Master. Our men are all over the marketplace. If anything happens, just give us a shout."
Nodding politely, Xiao Yan pulled Xun'er into the crowd, and they soon disappeared from sight...
"Ma Li, take two men and follow the Third Young Master. Warn those petty thieves that if anyone dares to lay a finger on the Third Young Master and Miss Xun'er, they won't be allowed to hang around here anymore." Watching the young boy and girl disappear, Pei En turned around and barked in a low voice. His honest, good-natured expression vanished, replaced in an instant by a sharp, shrewd look.
"Yes, Captain!" a burly man replied in a deep voice. With a wave of his hand, he led two others into the crowd.
"Haha, the Third Young Master treats others so gently; it really makes one feel comfortable..." Watching the three blend into the crowd, Pei En smiled, but then let out a regretful sigh. "Such a good youth. What a pity, sigh..."
Shaking his head in regret, Pei En led his subordinates to continue their patrol...
...
Walking lazily behind Xiao Yan, Xun'er glanced at the crowd behind them and smiled faintly. "Xiao Yan-gege, that Pei En is not bad."
Xiao Yan gave a soft grunt of agreement, his eyes scanning a shop. His soul perception was far stronger than that of ordinary people, so he was fully aware of the guards following behind. Withdrawing his gaze, Xiao Yan slowed his pace to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with the young girl beside him. Inhaling her delicate, elegant fragrance, he tilted his head and said teasingly, "At the ninth Duan of Dou Qi, yet you can already sense three guards who are skilled in stealth. Xun'er, you are truly extraordinary..."
Xun'er mimicked Xiao Yan's mannerisms, shrugging her shoulders cutely, and resorted to her ultimate weapon once again: a silent smile!
Looking at the silent girl, a gentle smile appeared on Xiao Yan's lips. He lightly patted her head and, in a voice only the two of them could hear, whispered with a chuckle, "Though I don't know your identity or what kind of background you have, I only know one thing: you are my, Xiao Yan's, little sister. No matter what happens in the future, remember this—stand behind me. If the sky falls, your big brother will hold it up for you!" With a gentle laugh, Xiao Yan clapped his hands and quickened his pace, walking ahead.
Stopping in her tracks, Xun'er's beautiful eyes followed the carefree youth walking ahead. After a brief daze, she finally snapped back to her senses. A gentle smile spread across the corners of her lips, making her exquisite face look incredibly captivating.
Amidst the bustling crowd of the marketplace, the young girl smiled softly. Her elegant figure was like a lotus flower—pure, graceful, and aloof...
"A little sister? Xun'er is a very greedy girl..." Tilting her head up, Xun'er murmured softly to herself. Then, with a faint smile, she caught up to the leisurely youth ahead.
.....
Following Xiao Yan as he wandered around, they gradually entered the heart of the marketplace. The items sold here were far more valuable than those on the outer streets. Consequently, those who could afford to shop in this area were considered to possess a decent amount of wealth and influence within Wutan City.
While Xiao Yan was searching for a place that sold monster cores, a bored Xun'er wandered over to a clean stall. Her fair, delicate hand picked up a pale green bracelet. The material of the bracelet was quite ordinary, only infused with a bit of ice-silver to give it a cool touch, making it perfect for summer wear. Despite its common materials, it looked remarkably elegant.
After admiring it for a moment, Xun'er felt an urge to buy it, but then she remembered she had lent all her money to Xiao Yan. Turning her head slightly, she saw the youth still focused on his search. With a helpless shake of her head, she gave the elderly shopkeeper an apologetic smile, set the bracelet down, and continued walking aimlessly. With her quiet and aloof nature, it was very difficult for her to ask anyone to buy something for her, even if it was Xiao Yan...
She hadn't gone far when, feeling a bit bored, she decided to head back to Xiao Yan. Just then, a clear, bright laugh suddenly echoed from ahead.
"Oh, isn't this Miss Xun'er? Haha, I never expected to run into you here. This must be fate!"
Frowning slightly, Xun'er looked toward the source of the voice and saw a group of people approaching. Leading them was a young man dressed in luxurious robes.
The young man appeared to be around twenty years old. He was reasonably handsome, though his complexion was somewhat pale. His burning gaze locked onto the gracefully poised young girl, making no attempt to hide the admiration in his eyes.