BXBX NOVEL Book 2: Chapter 31: The Hunting List
"Breeding specialists... What do they take me for, a stud?"
Knowing he wouldn’t choose that, Fu Yingying didn’t linger on the topic. She continued, "The second option is combat! Our black market competitions are brutal and bloody, held every three days. Winning earns a reward—not much money, but the wagers outside the ring can be spectacular. The bigger the bet, the greater the payout upon victory! But if you lose, you could end up bankrupt..."
Zhang Xuan frowned. "Black market fights? I can join those?"
Ling Buyang was currently at the ninth level of the Divine Soul Realm, practically the pinnacle of strength in Hanyuan City. Would such a figure even consider fighting?
"Of course, you can. But it requires preparation, and opportunities are rare—one or two matches a year at most. The key is that participants are typically at the peak of their level, ready to break through at any moment. Although Elder Ling is strong, I doubt he could secure a win."
Zhang Xuan nodded in understanding.
The gap between the Divine Soul and Dharma Aspect Realms might seem small, but breaking through was no simple task. Many cultivators stuck at the peak sought life-and-death battles to push forward. The black market duels offered just that.
Fu Yingying added, "This method can earn quick money. If you bet correctly, you could make tens of millions, even billions, of Source Coins in one go. But keep in mind, the participants are often at their limit, teetering on the edge of madness. They might die if they don’t break through, so these fights are never gentle. They\'re often to the death. That\'s why our black market has never hosted such high-level duels.""Then I guess Elder Ling wouldn’t choose this option, right?"
Given his esteemed position as an elder of the Destiny Hall, destined to become a vice hall master, it seemed unlikely he would risk his life.
While Zhang Xuan pondered, Elder Ling nodded. "It’s fine. You can arrange it for me!"
Fu Yingying was stunned.
She had pegged this man as lecherous but cowardly, yet he suddenly seemed so resolute.
"Alright," Zhang Xuan said, "What’s the third option?"
Seeing his seriousness, Fu Yingying didn’t press further. "The third option involves targeting cultivators listed on the Hunting List."
"Hunting List?"
"Yes, it’s the most infamous list in the black market. The higher the price, the harder the target."
She explained, "Being on the list signifies not only strength but also status. While many fear it, some even fight to get on it—it’s a fast track to fame."
Zhang Xuan could understand.
The Hunting List was dangerous, but anyone listed was among the elites of Hanyuan City. It was akin to instant fame—some people would do anything for it.
"Where can I see this list?"
"It’s compiled by the All-Encompassing Sect’s Omniscient List, priced at a million Source Coins per copy. The list updates in real-time, showing new entries regardless of distance," Fu Yingying said, flipping her hair.
"Omniscient List?" Zhang Xuan asked, puzzled.
Fu Yingying smiled. "A type of Heaven’s Fate that tracks everything—experts, materials, Source Beasts, physicians, weapons, you name it. The All-Encompassing Sect\'s leader, Omniscient Scholar, inherited this Heaven’s Fate. Every list contains its power, ensuring accurate, real-time updates. It’s essential for any cultivator."
"Get me one."
Without another word, Fu Yingying retrieved a scroll.
Zhang Xuan unrolled it. It was light but incredibly sturdy, and ordinary weapons wouldn’t scratch it.
Hanyuan City Hunting List
The rankings began to appear:
1st: Han Qianchou — 300 million Source Coins.
2nd: Yue Longxiao — 240 million Source Coins.
3rd: Han Xiao — 220 million Source Coins.
Zhang Xuan was startled. He knew the third person—the Destiny Hall’s master himself.
A peak Dharma Aspect Realm expert, ranked third! The bounty, however, was astonishing.
Zhang Xuan continued scanning.
19th: Feng Zhaoting — 30 million Source Coins.
20th: Ling Buyang — 29 million Source Coins.
"I’m on the list? And ranked lower than Feng Zhaoting?"
Fu Yingying explained, "Feng’s Heaven’s Fate counters yours to some extent, so it’s reasonable."
"No one can counter me—not him, not anyone!" Zhang Xuan scoffed.
He was curious about Feng’s Heaven’s Fate but didn’t ask. After all, they had clashed for years—pretending ignorance would be absurd.
"Sounds like Elder Ling has a way to neutralize Feng’s Heaven’s Fate. Congratulations on your future promotion to vice hall master!" Fu Yingying chuckled.
"Neutralize? We’ll see..." Zhang Xuan muttered, eyes gleaming as he continued reading.
The Hunting List featured 50 names, each bounty starting at 10 million. Killing a few would quickly accumulate wealth.
"But wait... who pays these bounties?"
Fu Yingying clarified, "Enemies. Who doesn’t have enemies? Even small contributions from many add up. Take you, for instance. No Need Hall must have offended plenty. A thousand people contributing 10,000 Source Coins each makes quite a sum."
Zhang Xuan fell silent.
He had little knowledge of No Need Hall, but their notoriety was clear from how they’d hunted Yu Fei. Their enemies would naturally fund bounties.
"If I want to take on a target, how do I claim the reward?"
Fu Yingying handed him a black card. "Attach their soul essence or blood to the list. The All-Encompassing Sect will verify and credit the reward to this card, usable continent-wide."
Zhang Xuan nodded. The system seemed far more convenient than carrying cash.
"Our black market also sells dossiers on the targets—detailed records of their crimes. If Elder Ling plans to take action, these will ensure your targets deserve it."
"Get me some."
Moments later, Fu Yingying returned with three files. "Each dossier costs 100,000 Source Coins."
Zhang Xuan skimmed the first.
Feng Yizhou
—Ranked 47th, Law Aspect Realm, owner of Fuyuan Trading House.
Crimes:
Hanyuan Year 579: Conspired with Fang Qing\'s wife, murdered Fang, then killed her, seizing their assets.
Hanyuan Year 581: Incited a beast tide, slaughtering 112 civilians.
Hanyuan Year 585: Killed his first wife, preserved her head in wine.
...
Zhang Xuan’s face grew grim as he read.
Author\'s Note