Chapter 19｜Buying Guns on the Black Market

The night was deep, and the streets after the rain carried the musty scent of damp earth.

Li Xing led Zhao Yun, Li Yu, Zhou Yan, and Zhou Xiaoyu silently into a hidden alley outside the town.

There were no signs, no lights—only a few shadows watching the comings and goings at the alley entrance.

Li Xing whispered, “This is the old black market. The gear here is more authentic than anywhere in town—and far more dangerous.”

Zhao Yun chuckled. “The riskier it is, the better the stuff.”

Zhou Yan gripped the hunting knife his father had left him, his voice trembling. “I... won't get hurt, will I?”

Li Xing glanced at him. “If you don't learn the rules, you'll die here.”

Inside the Black Market

Deep within the alley, an iron door stood half-open.

Pushing through revealed a different atmosphere—

The oily scent of firearms, the coldness of metal, oppressive smoke, and the hushed whispers of transactions.

Several middle-aged men laid out pistols, rifles, ammunition, and military knives on a table.

Li Yu's eyes lit up. “Haven't seen such a complete arsenal in ages.”

System prompt appeared:

“Black Market Arms: Accessible to high-level units.”

“Transaction Risk: Extremely high.”

Weapon Selection

Zhao Yun

Desert Eagle Pistol (Close-range suppression, intimidation)

Pricey, but black market goods are genuine

Li Xing

Hunting Rifle (Long-range hunting and combat)

Equipped with high-quality magazine and spare rounds

Li Yu

Type 56 Semi-Automatic Rifle

Effective for medium-to-long range suppression with cleanup capability

Zhou Yan

Submachine Gun

Lightweight, ideal for developing reflexes and assault tactics

Zhou Xiaoyu

Small-Caliber Sniper Rifle

Precision for static shooting, suited to her awakened abilities

System Notice:

“Team Equipment Completion: Enhanced.”

“Combat Efficiency: Preliminary Enhancement Achieved.”

Deal and Warning

The black market dealer regarded Li Xing with a cold smile: “You're new here. Best not to stir trouble. The gear you take back isn't just for hunting.”

Li Xing remained silent, merely nodding.

Zhao Yun selected several military-grade daggers. Li Yu nodded: “Essential for close-quarters self-defense.”

Zhou Yan and Zhou Xiaoyu, witnessing a genuine black market transaction for the first time, felt a subtle sense of oppression.

The boss handed Li Xing a small note: “Within seven days, someone will come looking for you. These guns could save your lives—or drag you into deeper trouble.”

Li Xing took the note, his expression grave.

System notification appeared:

“Black market transaction completed. Potential threat level increased.”

“Contract System: Combat readiness enhanced.”

Departing the black market

The five silently withdrew, their new gear strapped to their backs.

The rain had ceased. Moonlight streamed through scattered clouds, illuminating the damp streets.

Zhao Yun chuckled softly, “Guess we're fully equipped now.”

Li Xing examined the Tang sword and new rifle in his hands, murmuring, “Gear is just a tool. To truly survive, you need rules.”

Zhou Xiaoyu gripped her sniper rifle, her gaze unwavering. “I've learned the rules.”

Li Xing nodded. “Then the real test of the hunting ground is about to begin.”