Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

As dusk settles and the city lights begin to twinkle.

The bustling prosperity of the capital city and the eerie mystery of the ghost market are separated into two worlds by a city wall and several shabby alleys.

Lin Feng and Bai Xiaohe changed into night clothes that allowed for easy movement, concealed their presence, and like two shadows blending into the night, silently sneaked into Coffin Alley.

Zhao Qi had already sent over the intelligence he had gathered: the terrain around the "Nameless Pawnshop" was complex, with side streets like a spider web, and at least five high points suitable for ambushes. Tonight, the number of "sentries" patrolling the Ghost Market was 30% higher than usual, and most of them were unfamiliar faces. More importantly, outside the main exits of the Ghost Market, at dusk, carriages and horses belonging to no known forces briefly stopped and then disappeared, their behavior suspicious.

"It seems they're determined not to let us leave easily." Lin Feng checked his equipment—besides his ever-present Broken Mountain Blade, he had poisoned daggers hidden in his sleeve, lime powder and grappling hooks in his waist pouch, and daggers tucked into his boots. Bai Xiaohe also had her soft sword and hidden weapons. The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes.

"The garrison, Zhao Qi's men and our men have infiltrated in batches as planned, occupying three key roads and one high point on the outer perimeter, ready to provide support or block the pursuers at any time," Bai Xiaohe confirmed.

"Okay. Remember, without my signal, no one is allowed to make any rash moves or reveal their position. Our primary objective is to find 'Ghost Hand' and obtain intelligence. If things become impossible, breaking out is the priority," Lin Feng ordered in a deep voice.

"yes!"

Without further hesitation, the two followed the familiar path and once again plunged into the cold and damp underground world.

The ghost market was still bustling with people, and the transactions were silent, but Lin Feng could keenly sense that the air was filled with a vigilance and a chilling atmosphere that was stronger than usual. Many stall owners and passersby would linger for a moment longer as he passed by.

They walked in silence and arrived smoothly at the dark side path behind the "Nameless Pawnshop". They knocked on the heavy wooden door, but the knocks came three times and two times.

The door slid open silently, and the same withered hand reached out. Lin Feng placed a gold ingot, larger than the last one, into his palm. The hand withdrew, and the door opened a crack.

Inside the stone chamber, the oil lamp flickered dimly. The hunched figure with the pale mask, known as "Ghost Hand," remained seated behind the broken wooden table. Two dim lights from behind the mask fell upon Lin Feng, and a hoarse voice rang out: "The guest is very punctual. Has the goods been delivered?"

"It's been delivered." Lin Feng walked to the table and sat down calmly. "I've received it from Dr. Hu of Jishantang. It's a pity he won't be able to enjoy it."

The gaze behind the mask seemed to flicker for a moment, and the hoarse voice betrayed no emotion: "Oh? That's a pity. However, since the guest has fulfilled the agreement, this old man will naturally not go back on his word. Regarding the token, and the matter the guest asked earlier..."

He slowly took out a thin, wax-sealed envelope from under the table and pushed it in front of Lin Feng. "What the guest wants to know—the origin of this token, the scattered information about 'Crimson Abyss' behind it, and some of their recent movements in the capital—is all recorded inside. However, such information comes at a price. In addition to the previous agreement, the guest must also agree to one condition."

"What are the conditions?" Lin Feng didn't touch the envelope immediately.

"It's very simple." Ghost Hand chuckled hoarsely. "I've heard that you're quite interested in the things of the North, especially certain 'ancient relics.' I happen to know the approximate whereabouts of one of these 'fallen star artifacts' that has ended up in the Central Plains. If you agree to allow me to observe it for three days after you obtain it, this letter will be yours. No additional fee is required."

A meteorite! As expected! This "Ghost Hand" not only knows about the Crimson Abyss, but also knows they are searching for a meteorite! He might even have clues! His request to observe clearly indicates he also has designs on that thing!

Lin Feng's mind raced, but his face remained impassive: "Observe? You're also interested in such ethereal things?"

"I deal in information; I'm interested in anything of value or with secrets," Ghost Hand said.

"Besides, that 'fallen star artifact' is far more complex than you think. Even if you obtain it, it might not be a blessing. Letting me observe it might reveal some secrets you might not be able to see, which could be a good thing for you. So, are you satisfied with this deal?"

Lin Feng stared at the eerie light behind the mask, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Sounds good. However, words are not enough. You should at least let me see if the information in this envelope is worth the price. What if it's just hearsay and nonsense? Wouldn't I be at a loss?"

Ghost Hand seemed to have anticipated Lin Feng's words, and said hoarsely, "It's only right that you, sir, are cautious. However, once the message is opened, there's no going back. You can look at the first page first. If you don't think it's worth it, the transaction is void, but you still have to pay the fee. If you think it's worth it, then agree to the terms and take everything. This is my rule."

It's fair, but it also puts me in a position where I have to make a choice. Lin Feng pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Okay."

Ghost Hand extended a finger and lightly touched a spot on the sealing wax of the envelope. The wax cracked open on its own, revealing just the edge of the first page of the letter inside. He pushed the envelope closer again.

Lin Feng pulled out the first page of the letter and read it in the dim light. The handwriting was messy, but the content made his pupils shrink! The paper concisely stated:

1. The Ghost Head Token is indeed an outer token of "Red Abyss". The holder of this token can meet the "Red Abyss" messenger at a specific time and place (three locations in the North and one secret location in the Central Plains).

2. The core members of "Crimson Abyss" are all codenamed after ancient ferocious beasts or mythical creatures from the North, and their hierarchy is very strict. The one who contacts King Lin is codenamed "Earth Fire".

3. Within the capital city, besides Jishantang and Ciyun Temple, there are three other hidden locations that may be related to "Chiyuan": one is "Boguzhai" in the East Market, the other is...

4. Three days ago, the Lin Prince's Mansion secretly received a guest from the north, whose distinguishing feature was a red bird-shaped tattoo on his left cheek. He is suspected to be a high-ranking member of the Chiyu tribe or a direct subordinate of "Chiyuan".

5. The Crimson Abyss has been active recently, seemingly searching for a key item and preparing for a major ritual. The location is suspected to be... (this part is blurred and appears to have been deliberately blurred).

The amount of information is enormous! And its authenticity is extremely high! At least the parts about the visitors from the Akabane tribe and the codename "Earthfire" match Lin Feng's existing intelligence! This "Ghost Hand" is indeed well-informed!

"How is it? Are the guests satisfied?" Ghost Hand asked hoarsely.

Lin Feng put down the letter, his expression calm: "It's acceptable. However, why was the last point about the location of the sacrifice crossed out?"

"Such core secrets are beyond my knowledge. Perhaps, after the guest agrees to the conditions, more will be discovered later." Ghost Hand said meaningfully.

Lin Feng sneered inwardly. This old fox still had a trick up his sleeve. But based on what he'd already said, it was worth the price of admission.

He nodded: "Alright, I agree to your conditions. If I obtain that 'Meteorite,' you can observe it for three days. Now, give me the remaining information, as well as any clues about that 'Meteorite.'"