Compared to the official markets, private trading organizations undoubtedly lacked strict oversight.
Su Chen felt no qualms about trading with potentially dangerous individuals, even agreeing to meet them at six in the evening. This confidence was undoubtedly a product of his own immense strength.
"There’s one more thing," Yuan Haotian added, a deliberate reminder. "I’ve heard people say that killing a Rune Professional can make them drop Spiritual Materials."
The words had barely left his mouth.
Several figures at the nearby bar glanced over, intentionally or not, their eyes filled with a trace of wariness.
This was a Supply Station.
It had been converted from a high-end restaurant. Under the glow of Light Storage Stone Warm Lamps, the walls were plastered with numerous wanted posters.
Mineral deposits, water sources, and various fruit-gathering spots were all marked in detail.
This was undoubtedly to facilitate people’s exploration of the vast forest, and also for the officials to earn Rune Essence in the process.
The Supply Station didn’t just offer food; it also served as a lounge bar where those returning from their expeditions could rest safely and with peace of mind.
"That was close. Almost got in trouble," Yuan Haotian muttered, noticing the armed guard at the door shoot him a look.
Some things were best left unsaid; spreading such information around was indeed a threat to public safety.
After the minor incident, Su Chen discussed the details further, even giving Yuan Haotian several lists of Lv4 Runes to help him list for sale.
"Alright, let’s meet at the Sage’s Market at six, then. You and your lady can hang around this border market for a while."
Yuan Haotian had always been a smooth-talker. He wasn’t sure of the exact relationship between Su Chen and his female companion, but she was so elegant and refined. ’Whether she’s his lover or a kept woman, calling her ’sister-in-law’ can’t be wrong.’
As a working man, he had his own business to attend to. After saying his goodbyes, he departed swiftly.
Su Chen and Yan Ruoruo remained seated. They had been busy for a good part of the day and it was time for a break. He waved a server over and, for the price of one Rune Essence, ordered a limited-time, limited-quantity sirloin steak dinner for two.
"Let’s see how it tastes."
Su Chen had an appreciation for good food. Their lunch had been purely for caloric intake, not for flavor. He was curious to see how the loin meat from a Rock-Horned Demon Bull would taste, and whether it could provide more substantial nutrition.
A short while later, the steaks were served. The meal came with two bottles of iced Hong Kong-style milk tea and two large bowls of red rice made from steamed Red Millet.
The portions were substantial. Two thick-cut sirloin steaks, glistening and seared to a perfect brown. When sliced open, the inside was a rosy red, the fat marbled like frost, and a rich, meaty aroma filled the air.
After taking a bite, Su Chen felt a faint warmth spread through him, leaving his entire body feeling pleasantly heated.
"My fatigue is fading."
Yan Ruoruo felt the effect even more keenly. Her physical constitution couldn’t compare to Su Chen’s, and she didn’t have the Vitality Burst trait. After trekking through the forest all afternoon, it would be a lie to say she wasn’t tired.
Of course, changing professions had granted everyone a degree of physical transformation. If quantified, Ruoruo’s Physique attribute would probably be anchored around 14 points—a level of overall physical fitness that only a top female athlete from the old world could possess.
"Monster meat certainly has its benefits."
After finishing his meal, Su Chen glanced at the surrounding tables. About half of the patrons had ordered food.
He’d heard this Supply Station was still in its trial phase and had been open for less than a day, so its reputation hadn’t fully spread.
If business stayed this brisk, the amount of Rune Essence they earned each day would be substantial.
"It’s mainly because the officials have streamlined the entire process."
Yan Ruoruo gently dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin, her lips a vibrant red. Her tone was calm and even as she continued, "The resource exchange posts at each border are responsible for purchasing monster meat, minerals, and other resources from powerful individuals. These are then processed and resold through the Supply Stations and Equipment Houses.
"The Rune Essence they earn is then used to buy back even more resources in bulk, creating an efficient, closed-loop system."
It was worth noting that the Security Committee had established Resource Exchange Posts, Supply Stations, and Equipment Houses in twelve designated zones along the city’s borders.
The reputation of the "Official Big Three," as they were called, spread like wildfire.
Beyond these direct-sale establishments, the government clearly intended to organize large-scale markets in the border towns. The first Qixia Market had just been a test run.
Although the previous night hadn’t ended perfectly—three murders were committed by an infiltrator, a modified human—the good far outweighed the bad. The overall trade volume and the satisfaction of the participants had been extremely high.
"It’s a pretty good way to make money."
Su Chen wasn’t interested in it himself, nor was he envious of the money being made. At the very least, the Security Committee was getting things done, single-handedly supporting social order in this apocalyptic world.
Full and satisfied, the pair inevitably went to check out the officially-run Equipment House.
The shop had previously been a massive outdoor and mountaineering supply store. Its original clientele were, of course, hiking enthusiasts; now, the sprawling mountain ranges on the border were their new playground.
After a few modifications, it had been completely transformed into an armory.
A row of axes, gleaming with a reddish luster, was displayed against a wall. They came in only two types: great axes and small hand axes. They were clearly forged from Red Flame Ore Crystal.
Their dimensions and curves were identical, clearly mass-produced in standard molds using the Shaping Skill.
"There are two ways to buy them," a staff member explained. "You can purchase the battle-axe directly, or you can buy a package where we’ll apply a Fire Axe Skill Enchantment for you. We can provide Rune Levels from 2 to 4."

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