Bitter Realm: A Happy Person Traveling Across China

Ye Jinming narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone somewhat distant: "Mr. Han Sha, such personal matters don't seem to fall within the scope of necessary inquiries when applying for a card, do they?"

Ye Jinming showed appropriate vigilance, which seemed normal for a newcomer intending to enter the black market.

Hansha Guiyu hurriedly waved his hand to explain, his attitude becoming even more obsequious: "Young Master Ji, please don't misunderstand! Letting me know the approximate level of the items you wish to trade is to make it easier to rate them for you. New members start at the lowest 'Exotic Stone' level, with limited trading privileges and access to certain areas. If the items you wish to trade are of high value, please inform me in advance, and perhaps I can secure a higher initial rating for you, avoiding many inconveniences and unnecessary waste of time once you enter."

This statement was half true and half false. It was true that the rating would be raised, but Night City had its own strict rating system, which could not be changed by his words alone.

However, displaying "high-value items" may indeed make the review process smoother and grant slightly higher initial privileges.

Ye Jinming seemed to be persuaded. After a moment of contemplation, he produced a long sword with a sheath from his sleeve.

The scabbard was simple, but when half of the sword was drawn, it immediately gleamed with a cold light, and there was a faint sound of wind and thunder. The sword's texture was delicate, and it shone with a strange luster.

This was one of the few failed sword-making products that he had "borrowed" from Qiaotiangong.

(Defective products that have been specially processed by skilled craftsmen may appear flawless on the surface, but they will crumble into small pieces after only a few uses.)

Although it is a "failure", that is by the standards of Qiaotiangong itself. In the outside world, it is a divine weapon that can cut through iron like mud and contains spiritual power.

"How about this divine weapon crafted by the Northern Forging Master?" Ye Jinming handed over the sword.

Han Sha Gui Yu's eyes lit up. He took the sword with both hands, examined it carefully, lightly flicked the blade with his fingers, listened to the echo, and then infused a wisp of true energy to feel the spiritual patterns inside.

A moment later, a look of amazement appeared on his face: "What a fine sword! Although it's not a peerless divine weapon, its material, craftsmanship, and spiritual essence are all of superior quality. It's truly a rare masterpiece. The work of the Four Great Craftsmen is indeed extraordinary!"

He reluctantly handed the sword back, his attitude even more respectful: "With this sword as proof, my initial rating can indeed be improved. However..."

He changed the subject, his face showing difficulty, "Young Master Ji, rules are rules. Mr. Sifan did not bring you here personally. If you want to process the Easy Pass certificate now, you will need a 'collateral,' which must be pledged in my Night City."

Ye Jinming had anticipated this, and calmly said, "Then let this sword serve as collateral."

Hansha Guiyu was overjoyed. Another deal closed, and the collateral was quite valuable. "Excellent! With this sword as collateral, I can process a 'Jadeite' level Easy Pass for you! This is already a relatively high starting point for a newcomer!"

"Jadeite level?" Ye Jinming's lips curled up slightly, seemingly finding it amusing. "You 'brokers' certainly have discerning eyes."

Although the sword crafted by the skilled craftsman was not top-notch, it was used as collateral to exchange for a precious jade, which shows how high the threshold for entry into the Night City was and how treacherous and cunning it was.

(You little devils from Japan, you'll pay me back with interest sooner or later!)

"Nightmare City is full of hidden talents, and the items traded are often extraordinary, so the grading is naturally very strict." As Hansha Ghost Realm spoke, he led Ye Jinming to a stone chamber inside the cave.

There were simple tables and chairs in the stone chamber. He invited Ye Jinming to sit down, while he took out a set of specially made tools and a blank jade tablet from a hidden compartment.

He swiftly began processing the formalities, while still subtly probing, "Congratulations on becoming a VIP of the Nightmo City's Jewelry Class. May I ask what you intend to trade after entering Nightmo City?"

Ye Jinming simply shook his head. "That depends on whether Night City has anything that interests me."

Seeing that the other party was tight-lipped, Hansha Guiyu wisely refrained from asking any further questions.

Soon, a black jade card was completed.

The jade pendant felt slightly cool to the touch, with a subtle flow of energy.

Hansha Guiyu handed the jade token to Ye Jinming with both hands: "Young Master Ji, this is your Jade-grade Easy Pass Certificate. Please keep it safe. Nightmo City recognizes cards, not people. This certificate is the only proof of your identity and authority. Your Easy Pass level will increase with the number of successful transactions, the amount, and the rarity of the items you acquire in Nightmo City. A higher level means you can access more core trading circles and rarer items."

Wishing you a successful trade and a fruitful return!

Ye Jinming took the token of passage; it felt heavy in his hand. He nodded, "Very good, thank you for your trouble. Please!"

He put away the Yi Tong, said no more, and turned to leave the deep cave.

Hansha Guiyu stood in the stone chamber, watching him disappear. The fawning smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a shrewd scrutiny.

He walked to a corner of the stone chamber and tapped a few times on an inconspicuous stone brick in a specific rhythm.

"Whoosh!"

A dark figure slid down from the shadows at the top of the stone chamber like a ghost and knelt on one knee.

This person was completely wrapped in a tight black outfit, with only a pair of emotionless eyes showing. He was a "Shadow Ninja" responsible for relaying messages and surveillance on the outskirts of Yama City.

Hansha Guiyu handed Ye Jinming the sword he had mortgaged and his identity information, and whispered some instructions to him.

The shadow ninja took the item, his figure flickered, and he vanished as if he had merged into the shadows, as if he had never been there at all...

…………

On the banks of the West River, the night was vast and dark.

Ye Jinming traveled all the way and finally stopped at a desolate waterside.

It really is a place so remote it's almost deliberate, Ye Jinming thought to himself as he looked around.

Strange, where is the guide?

Just as Ye Jinming frowned slightly, a ghostly shadow slowly appeared.

The newcomer was of medium height and had no distinguishing features. Even his face was covered with a black cloth, revealing only a pair of eyes that appeared exceptionally deep in the twilight. His gaze was calm and unwavering, like two ancient wells.

"Distinguished guest, please present your E-Pass."

Ye Jinming then handed the black Bao Cui Yi Tong to the guide.

The guide reached out and took the jade pendant. Immediately, his eyes began to light up. The light shone on the pendant, and his identity information appeared instantly, making him look like a living money-counting machine.

Ye Jinming watched this scene with great interest, feeling a sense of admiration for the rigorous procedures of Yemo City.

After verification, the light subsided, and the guide's eyes returned to normal. He then nodded and handed the Yi Tong back to Ye Jinming. At the same time, he took out a small, black, undecorated wooden box from his pocket.

"Baocui EasyPass, number 88, confirmed. Welcome, distinguished guest." The man in black's tone remained calm, but his words carried a more formal, respectful tone.

"Please have our customer service use the Welcome Pills."

After receiving the pill, Ye Jinming did not hesitate and swallowed it directly into his mouth.

Seeing Ye Jinming take the medicine so readily, the man in black who led the way seemed to have a faint hint of satisfaction in his deep eyes, and he bowed slightly: "Honored guest, please wait a moment."

Almost at the same moment he finished speaking—

"Da, da, da, da..."

A crisp, rhythmic sound of horses' hooves came from the depths of the dense forest, upstream of the riverbank.

The sound came from afar, neither too fast nor too slow, and was exceptionally clear on the quiet riverbank.

At the same time, a wave of weariness washed over Ye Jinming, and his body swayed slightly, but he quickly regained his footing, though his eyes were no longer as clear as before.

The guide seemed used to this, stepping aside and pointing in the direction the voice came from, "Please get in the car."

A black, simple, and unadorned carriage slowly emerged from the twilight.

Ye Jinming shook his head, barely managing to concentrate, and replied with a soft "Mm."

He strode toward the carriage, his steps unsteady as he stepped inside, his body leaning against the cold, hard interior wall.

The curtains fell, shutting out the last ray of moonlight. Ye Jinming seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep, though a slight, amused smile played on his lips…