The Ghost Market is a human settlement, but it's a lawless area not governed by the Federation. Known for its mixed population, it is relatively neutral, despite being a haven for all sorts of characters. The origin of the Ghost Market is unknown, but it has existed for a long time.
The main reason it's described as a place where dragons and snakes mix is that, apart from humans, many shape-shifting beasts frequent the market. These beasts, transformed into humans, come here to shop or do business.
In the Ghost Market, conflicts are strictly forbidden, whether between humans or beasts. Violators are either permanently expelled or, in severe cases, killed by powerful enforcers. Even the powerful Skexen family doesn't dare to cause trouble here. Despite seeming dangerous, the Ghost Market is actually quite safe. Many individuals wanted by the Federation take refuge here, as the Federation has no jurisdiction over those within the market.
Chu Tian, wearing a black cloak and assuming the identity of Emperor Whale, entered the Ghost Market. His appearance, coupled with the Emperor's Overlord Spear on his back, gave him a commanding presence. He also concealed his talent level, appearing as an ordinary person without any special abilities.
The Ghost Market was surrounded by high walls, nearly a hundred meters tall, with a gateway large enough for a large armored cargo vehicle to pass through. After registering his palm print and paying an entry fee of ten third-level spirit crystals, Chu Tian entered the city.
Inside, the Ghost Market was a vast city, with towering walls and a sprawling urban area. The streets were lined with shops selling both everyday necessities and rare items, catering to the diverse population living there.
The outer areas near the city walls were mostly residential zones for ordinary people, with many shops selling daily supplies. The inner circle, the true Ghost Market, was where rare items were sold.
Chu Tian's appearance and the large Emperor's Overlord Spear on his back drew many curious glances. People in the market tried to guess his identity based on his unique items.
Chu Tian checked into a hotel, where he noticed something unusual. The innkeeper, a female S-level Thunder Pattern Snow Fox with nine tails, ran a business unusual for a beast. Such a sight seemed fitting for the Ghost Market.
The innkeeper, transformed into a human but with her tails visible, attracted many customers. Her beauty and charisma were undeniable, and had it not been for her nine white fox tails, Chu Tian might have mistaken her for a human talent warrior.
Upon checking in, Chu Tian chose to stay for a month. The innkeeper, sensing a business opportunity, offered him a free breakfast every day. Chu Tian paid the fee of 300 first-level spirit crystals without hesitation.
A half-human, half-unicorn girl named Mengmeng, dressed in a hotel uniform, came to guide Chu Tian to his room. Her appearance, combining human features with a white horse's lower body and a horn on her forehead, would have been a sensation in Chu Tian's previous world.
Chu Tian inquired about the hotel staff, and Mengmeng confirmed that many were indeed transformed beasts. She mentioned other staff members, including mermaid sisters in the kitchen and a Snowy Owl housekeeper who liked to be called "Angel" – a hint at how ancient myths might have been inspired by such beasts.
Reflecting on this, Chu Tian realized that many mythical figures like angels, centaurs, mermaids, and nine-tailed foxes might have been based on these shape-shifting beasts. The front desk lady, for instance, resembled the nine-tailed fox from Chinese mythology, famously represented by Daji.
After settling in his room, Chu Tian continued his cultivation and planned his next steps in the Ghost Market, a place full of mysteries and possibilities.