Chapter 21: Underground Black Market
"This place is yours."
Sauron said softly, then turned and left, heading to the central area of the camp, where a second-layer stone building stood.
It seemed to be Bull Knight Gra's residence.
Entering the building, Sauron found it empty. After a thorough search, he discovered an iron chest under Bull Knight Gra's bed.
Upon opening it, he found it packed with jewels and gold coins.
Apart from that, there was also a tattered parchment with a Barbarian Ox Totem drawn on it, surrounded by many tadpole-like small characters.
"Brute Bull Breathing Technique?"
Sauron's interest was piqued. The information on the parchment turned out to be a Breathing Technique.
"Quite an unexpected harvest!"
Sauron nodded slightly, stowing away the parchment. He then dragged the chest outside. At this moment, Ron's bodyguards had already searched the entire camp.
Later, the group prepared to leave.
"Set this cursed place on fire!"
A hint of hatred flashed in Ron's eyes. Before leaving, he ordered his men to set Bull Knight Gra's camp ablaze.
As the flames roared, Ron and the others moved towards the capital.
"This time, I really owe you!"
On the way back, Ron looked at Sauron, a sense of gratitude appearing in his eyes. Recalling Bull Knight Gra's terrifying strength, he couldn't help but feel a shiver down his spine.
The most worrying thing had happened.
Although Ron had prepared the ransom, Bull Knight Gra had no intention of releasing his father. With Murl's strength, he was no match for Bull Knight Gra.
Fortunately, Ron had called on Sauron for assistance, ensuring a double insurance.
Otherwise, facing the untrustworthy Bull Knight Gra, not only would they fail to rescue Ron's father, but Ron himself might have died in the Southern Border.
"No need to be polite."
Sauron shook his head, a gleam in his eyes.
This confrontation with Bull Knight Gra was also quite rewarding. It provided Sauron with a clearer understanding of his own strength.
"Perhaps, it won't be long before I can attempt to break through to the intermediate level Knight realm!"
Thoughts flickered in Sauron's mind. He still had a few vials of the Golden Blood Elixir in his hands, just enough for him to advance to the intermediate level Knight realm.
In the blink of an eye, a day and two nights had passed.
Ron and the others, who had successfully rescued Ron's father, traveled day and night to return to the capital. Looking at the familiar city walls, Ron felt relieved.
"Finally, we're back!"
A sigh of relief appeared on Ron's face. The journey to the Southern Border had been quite perilous. Without Sauron, he might have already perished at the hands of Bull Knight Gra.
"Good brother, I remember this favor!"
Ron turned his head, a trace of gratitude in his eyes. He said, "After my father recovers, I will definitely thank you properly!"
"No need for many words between us."
Sauron shook his head and said, "Now that you're back, I'll head back to the Academy. If you need anything, let's talk after you settle down."
Having said that, Sauron entered the city, returning to the Holy Splendor Knight Academy.
Walking on the white stone-paved path, Sauron planned to return to his dormitory. However, on the way, he encountered several students who, upon seeing him, had strange expressions on their faces.
"Have you heard? There's a war on the Western border!"
"Of course, it's White Valley City."
"I really don't understand what this guy is thinking. He ignores the beautiful jewel of the Western border and decides to offend the Lord of White Valley City!"
Whispers reached Sauron's ears, and he was intrigued.
"What happened on the Western border?"
Sauron stepped forward, stopping one student. He asked straight to the point.
Seeing Sauron's actions, the student was startled for a moment. After hesitating, he still explained the situation, including the White Valley City army attacking Night Raven City.
"Actually... this is not much of a secret."
The student paused, with a strange expression. He said, "It was Night Raven City that first violated the agreement. The Lord of White Valley City launched the war to wash away this disgrace!"
Hearing the student's words, Sauron's face showed a thoughtful look.
Then, he let go of the road, allowing the other party to leave, and returned to the dormitory, locking the door.
The news of White Valley City attacking Night Raven City did not cause much of a stir in Sauron's heart.
After all, when that letter reached Sauron's hands initially, he felt that things wouldn't be so simple. The Lord of White Valley City would never easily give up on Night Raven City.
Sure enough, seeing that Sauron had not responded, the Lord of White Valley City directly chose to attack Night Raven City.
The so-called washing away of disgrace was just an excuse. Everyone knew that the Lord of White Valley City's true goal had always been Night Raven City.
"Heh! What a noble reason."
Sauron chuckled lightly, no longer thinking about these matters. He took out the parchment from his pocket and decided to focus more on improving his strength.
Sauron, with the data panel, learned things very quickly.
In just a moment, he comprehended the essentials of the Brute Bull Breathing Technique. The information about the Brute Bull Breathing Technique also appeared on the data panel.
[Brute Bull Breathing Technique Lv1 (0/100)]
Comprehending the Brute Bull Breathing Technique was easy, but to increase its level, continuous cultivation and coordination with special potions were needed.
"Could it be that Bull Knight Gra's strength comes from this technique!"
Sauron's eyes flickered. Compared to the Night Raven Breathing Technique, the Brute Bull Breathing Technique mainly focused on enhancing strength.
This was why Bull Knight Gra possessed astonishing strength.
A wave of excitement surged in Sauron's heart. Cultivating the Night Raven Breathing Technique made him agile in battle, but the attack intensity was not outstanding.
Now, with the Brute Bull Breathing Technique, he could compensate for the deficiency in strength.
Later, Sauron pulled out a box from under the bed.
There were only three vials of the Golden Blood Elixir left in the box. Sauron took out one vial and was about to use it, but a hesitant look appeared on his face.
"Wouldn't it be too wasteful?"
Sauron pondered for a moment, shook his head, and put away the Golden Blood Elixir.
Since he was only cultivating the Early-Stage of the Brute Bull Breathing Technique, using the Golden Blood Elixir seemed a bit extravagant. He could easily substitute it with other potions.
When the critical moment arrived, he could use the Golden Blood Elixir to break through.
After making up his mind, Sauron stood up and left the dormitory. Instead of going to the Academy's shop, he went to the underground black market in the capital.
Compared to the Academy's shop, the prices of magical potions in the black market were higher.
But there was an advantage—more choices. Previously, when Sauron purchased the White Spirit Potion for cultivating the Night Raven Breathing Technique, it didn't match well, wasting a lot of medicinal efficacy.
Now that Sauron had money, he could choose more suitable magical potions.
Wearing a black robe with the hood covering his face, Sauron entered the underground black market, going directly to a stall.
"I wonder what this guest needs?"
The boss of the stall was a thin and weak man with a hoarse voice. However, his eyes flickered with a hint of fierceness, like a lone wolf in the desert.
"I need some magical potions."
Sauron said solemnly. He was not a first-time visitor to the black market. He had stepped into this place before, although he hadn't bought anything at that time.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone