Lu Zhaoming grabbed Su Li at a speed that was comparable to a post-apocalyptic version of "Speed".

The voice of the man in black robes behind him was like a surround sound, each sound pounding against his eardrums, making him feel immense pressure.

"What kind of place is this? It's like a horror game." Su Li panted, still complaining.

Lu Zhaoming didn't have time to explain; he just felt his adrenaline surge. "Stop talking nonsense, just run!"

After finally escaping the laboratory ruins, the two collapsed on a pile of dilapidated rubble, covered in dust and looking utterly disheveled.

Lu Zhaoming wiped the dust off his face, thinking: This transmigration perk is too exciting, starting directly on hard mode?

"No, we need to gather some resources and get the safe house repaired." Lu Zhaoming panted heavily, his gaze resolute. "How can we survive in this godforsaken place without a shelter?"

Su Li rolled her eyes. "Safe house, my foot! Do you think this is child's play?"

"What do you know? This is called strategic deployment!" Lu Zhaoming smiled mysteriously. "Come on, let me show you the apocalyptic version of 'Wall Street'—the black market!"

After disguising themselves, Lu Zhaoming transformed into a charming intelligence broker, while Su Li became his little follower, always following his lead.

The black market, as the name suggests, is a place of chaos and filth, a melting pot of all sorts of people.

The various cries of vendors, curses, and haggling blended into a doomsday-themed symphony.

Lu Zhaoming activated the "Doomsday Judgment System," and instantly, the entire black market appeared in his eyes like an X-ray, with every detail clearly visible.

Hidden cameras, patrol teams, and even the pervasive sense of danger in the air are all readily apparent.

"Tsk tsk, this Ghost Blade, the security is pretty good." Lu Zhaoming thought to himself, "However, in front of my 'Eagle Eye', they're all trash."

To avoid being exposed, Lu Zhaoming chose to keep a low profile and placed Su Li in an abandoned warehouse.

"Remember, don't wander off, and don't trust anyone," Lu Zhaoming instructed. "I'll be back soon."

Su Li pouted, "I know, you're so nagging, like an old woman."

Lu Zhaoming ignored her and turned to blend into the crowd in the black market.

As soon as I stepped into the core area of ​​the black market, a scantily clad woman swayed her hips as she walked over.

The woman wore a seductive smile, but her eyes were as cold and sinister as a venomous snake.

"Sir, you look unfamiliar. Is this your first time here?" the woman asked in a coquettish voice. "Would you like me to show you around?"

Lu Zhaoming sneered inwardly, "Little brat, trying to trick me into talking?"

"Hehe, I'm here to gather some information." Lu Zhaoming deliberately adopted a mysterious air. "I heard that Boss Ghost Blade has been in a good mood lately?"

A strange light flashed in the woman's eyes. "Is it something you can inquire about Ghost Blade Boss's affairs?"

"Hey, don't be angry. I just wanted to know if there's any big news lately." Lu Zhaoming threw out a pre-prepared piece of false information, "I heard the lab is researching a new virus?"

The woman's expression changed slightly. "Where did you hear that from?"

Lu Zhaoming shrugged. "Don't worry about that. Being well-informed is one of my strengths."

The woman stared at Lu Zhaoming for a long time, seemingly trying to determine whether his words were true or false.

In the end, she decided to give up. "Alright, since you're so sensible, I'll tell you. Recently, Boss Ghost Blade has been looking for a special material called 'Spirit Crystal'."

"Spirit crystals?" Lu Zhaoming's heart stirred. "As expected, the black market is well-informed."

After successfully diverting the other party's attention, Lu Zhaoming secretly activated the system and began to analyze the woman's behavior patterns.

Through analysis, he discovered that the woman was one of Ghost Blade's subordinates, codenamed "Little Seven," and was responsible for monitoring outsiders.

“Interesting.” Lu Zhaoming’s lips curled up slightly. “It seems that Ghost Blade’s stronghold is not far from here.”

In an underground tavern in the black market, Lu Zhaoming drank cheap ale while keeping an eye on his surroundings.

Suddenly, the conversation of several mercenaries caught his attention.

"Have you heard? Ghost Blade Boss is auctioning off 'spirit crystals' recently, and the price is ridiculously high."

"Tch, who doesn't know that? This stuff is monopolized by Ghost Blade, we can only watch helplessly."

"There's nothing we can do; they're the local bullies."

"Spirit Crystal!" Lu Zhaoming was overjoyed. "I've searched high and low without finding it, and now it's right here without any effort!"

He put down his glass and walked up to the tavern owner. "Boss, I have something to ask you."

The tavern owner was a short, stout middle-aged man with a face full of fat; he looked like a tough guy.

"What is it?" the boss asked in an unfriendly tone.

“I want to participate in the ‘Spirit Crystal’ auction,” Lu Zhaoming said bluntly.

The boss looked him up and down. "Are you qualified?"

Lu Zhaoming smiled mysteriously and pulled a map from his pocket. "Is this enough?"

The boss took the map, looked at it carefully, and his expression changed drastically.

"This is... a map of the laboratory?" The boss's voice trembled.

“That’s right.” Lu Zhaoming smiled smugly. “So, is that enough to exchange for an admission ticket?”

The boss hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded. "Okay, deal."

On the eve of the auction, Lu Zhaoming encountered Xiao Qi again.

This time, she directly led her men to block Lu Zhaoming's path.

"Kid, come with us," Xiao Qi said coldly.

"What are you doing? In broad daylight, are you trying to kidnap me?" Lu Zhaoming feigned surprise.

"Enough talk, routine check." Xiao Qi waved his hand, and his men immediately stepped forward to search Lu Zhaoming's belongings.

Lu Zhaoming felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that Su Li was hiding in a nearby warehouse, and if she were discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!