Chapter 253: Chapter 114: The Dafeng Chronicles! Donglin Ghost Market!_1
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Effortlessly eliminating these bandits was nothing more than a minor episode for Su Changkong. On his journey here, some bandits, seeing him travel alone, had been tempted, but they all ended up losing their lives to his hands.
From the bodies of these bandits, Su Changkong collected more than three thousand taels in silver notes, eighty percent of which came from the leader, Zhang Xingyun.
Although a few thousand taels of silver weren’t significant enough to affect Su Changkong’s emotions, it was still a gain worth more than nothing.
“Hmm? What’s this?”
Not only that, but Su Changkong also found an unexpected item on Zhang Xingyun.
Zhang Xingyun was carrying a token with him.
“The fifteenth of the half moon, East Forest Mountain.”
This token was engraved with black patterns, and it also bore a line of small characters that seemed to make little sense.
“East Forest Mountain… Isn’t that around Dafeng State City? The fifteenth of the half moon… could it be the Ghost Market?”
Drawing a map, Su Changkong scrutinized it carefully, and a thought struck him.
Su Changkong had visited the Ghost Market more than once; nearly every region had one. The date indicated on the token, the fifteenth of the half moon, was the same as the opening time of the Ghost Market, and East Forest Mountain was located in the desolate lands surrounding Dafeng State City.
Connecting the two pieces of information, Su Changkong realized that there must be a Ghost Market in East Forest Mountain, and this token was most likely the pass to enter it.
As a bandit chief who lived on plunder, Zhang Xingyun would dispose of some stolen goods in the Ghost Market, so it’s only natural for him to know its location!
“I’ll keep it. Might be useful.”
Without further hesitation, Su Changkong stored the token in his bag.
Having handled everything, he paid no further attention to the corpses strewn on the ground, got up, and continued on his way. In this era, it was normal for a few people to die; these bandits’ corpses would either be devoured by wild beasts or rot away in the wilderness.
After several days, a travel-worn Su Changkong finally arrived outside the eastern gate of Dafeng State City.
“Finally here!”
From afar, seeing the majestic city wall, he couldn’t help but exhale in admiration.
It took Su Changkong over ten days to travel from Ink Forest Prefecture City to Dafeng State City, a journey that would normally take an ordinary person or a merchant caravan three to four months!
At the eastern city gate, Su Changkong noticed black-armored soldiers standing guard. There was a constant flow of people coming and going, including merchant and escort caravans, as well as monks, Taoists, and a good number of martial artists with weapons at their waists.
Dafeng State was so prosperous that many merchants and even martial artists traveled great distances to come to Dafeng State City, some seeking fortune, some in pursuit of fame, and some to find a master to study under.
Amid such a crowd, Su Changkong did not stand out.
Carrying his travel sack, Su Changkong entered the city with ease. The streets of Dafeng State City were bustling with pedestrians and carriages, lively even in the twilight hours.
The wide streets were spacious enough to accommodate nearly ten horses running side by side!
“First, I’ll find a place to stay, then I’ll gather some information about Dafeng State City.”
After wandering around for a bit, Su Changkong decided to look for a place to stay.
Of course, the main purpose of Su Changkong’s visit to Dafeng State City was to better cultivate his martial skills!
After settling into an inn within the city, Su Changkong said to an attendant, “I’ve just arrived in Dafeng State City and am not familiar with the place. I’m looking for some work but have no idea where to start. Where can I find relevant information?”
At these words, the attendant quickly replied with a smile, “Guest, I recommend you visit the Sea Cliff Building. It has a vast collection of books, including introductions to Dafeng State City and descriptions of various people and objects. If you want to find out about something, flipping through the books there will enlighten you.”
“I see, thank you,” Su Changkong replied with thanks.
After spending a night at the inn, Su Changkong headed to the Sea Cliff Building early the next morning.
The Sea Cliff Building was akin to a ‘library.’
It had a massive collection of books, from poetry and song anthologies to novels and biographies, everything one could wish for.
“Guest, please keep quiet inside the Sea Cliff Building, and do not damage any of the books. If you need help finding any books, feel free to ask me,” said the caretaker at the entrance.
After paying thirty copper coins, Su Changkong obtained a ticket to enter the Sea Cliff Building, and the caretaker also gave him a couple of reminders.
Su Changkong nodded and stepped into the Sea Cliff Building.
Inside, the Sea Cliff Building was quiet and elegant, furnished with decorative potted plants and tables and chairs among the rows of bookshelves filled with books. It wasn’t much different from a ‘library.’
There were other patrons inside, all quietly sipping tea and reading books, creating a serene atmosphere.
Su Changkong also browsed in front of the bookshelves for a while. He found that the Sea Cliff Building indeed had no shortage of books—from poetry and unofficial histories to risqué novels with beautifully illustrated erotic pictures, all types were available.
“The Dafeng Chronicles?”
Soon, Su Changkong noticed a bookshelf filled with copies of the same book, titled “The Dafeng Chronicles,” prominently displayed.
He took one copy, found a corner lounge chair to sit down, and quietly started to flip through it.
“The Dafeng Chronicles, authored by the Sea Cliff Building, catalogues some of the famous sects, powerhouses, and Wealthy Families within Dafeng State, along with various heroes, strong figures, and some major recent events…”
After perusing the introduction, Su Changkong’s eyes lit up. “The Dafeng Chronicles” was just the book he needed to familiarize himself with the basic information about Dafeng State City!
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