Catastrophic necromancer

Chapter 3761: High Transaction Fees

Lin Moyu received the blank identity token, and Qin Qin explained, “In the trading market, you don’t necessarily need to use your real name. Names here are just identifiers, and the formation only recognizes soul aura.”

“All transactions in the trading market must be conducted through the identity token.”

She was essentially telling Lin Moyu that this was standard practice for everyone.

After confirming that the identity token was safe, Lin Moyu infused it with a wisp of his soul power and chose a name for himself: *Immortal Dao*.

The token transformed immediately, displaying a unique symbol resembling a Divine Rune. On the back, it showed the name he had chosen. A number appeared in the lower-right corner of the name currently zero indicating his balance of soul pearls.

Soul pearls didn’t necessarily exist physically; they could also be stored digitally within the trading market and accessed directly via the identity token. If needed, they could also be withdrawn in physical form.

This reminded Lin Moyu of banks from his previous life money stored digitally could be used directly or withdrawn as cash when required.

In the lower-left corner of the identity token was an image of a leaf, signifying that Lin Moyu was currently authorized to operate in Market One of the trading market.

The staff member behind the counter said, “The rules of the trading market are embedded in your identity token you can review them yourself. Do you have anything to exchange right now?”

Lin Moyu thought for a moment before casually taking out several Great Dao materials along with the spirit domain compass he had received from Shi Haifeng.

The staff member paused briefly upon seeing the compass. “A spirit domain compass?”

Even Qin Qin looked surprised, seemingly puzzled as to why Lin Moyu would exchange something as useful as a spirit domain compass. In the World Tree Great Spirit Domain, having a spirit domain compass was highly convenient. Though curious, Qin Qin didn’t voice her thoughts she knew better than to ask questions at inappropriate times.

Lin Moyu asked, “Can this be exchanged?”

“It can,” replied the staff member confidently, though his expression betrayed some confusion. Activating a formation, he projected light onto both the compass and materials. After a few moments, he said, “The spirit domain compass plus these materials can be exchanged for 52 soul pearls.”

Unsure if this price was fair, Lin Moyu turned to Qin Qin for clarification.

Qin Qin explained, “The exchange rates in the trading market are always fair negotiation isn’t allowed.”

Before she could finish speaking, Lin Moyu said, “Then let’s proceed with the exchange.”

The staff member nodded as both the compass and materials vanished. Lin Moyu’s identity token now displayed a balance of 52 soul pearls.

The staff member asked again, “Do you have anything else to exchange?”

Lin Moyu considered briefly before taking out a soul crystal. “Can this be exchanged?”

After examining it with a formation, the staff member replied, “This item can be exchanged for 10 soul pearls would you like to proceed?”

Lin Moyu shook his head. “No, thank you.”

He retrieved the soul crystal and left the counter.

Once outside and away from others, Qin Qin finally spoke up. “Senior, why did you exchange your spirit domain compass?”

Lin Moyu chuckled lightly. “You think I could’ve sold it for more?”

Qin Qin nodded emphatically. “Of course! A spirit domain compass could easily sell for 70 or 80 soul pearls and higher-quality ones might fetch over 100. But exchanging it here only yields half its value.”

“I truly don’t understand why Senior would do this.”

Lin Moyu replied calmly, “I have my reasons I felt that compass wasn’t auspicious.”

Not auspicious? Was that even a valid reason?

Qin Qin found herself both amused and exasperated but what was done was done; there was no point dwelling on it now.

At this point, Lin Moyu began reviewing the trading market’s rules by connecting his soul power to his identity token. After reading through them quickly, Lin Moyu murmured softly, “So that’s how they make money.”

Qin Qin didn’t catch his words clearly. “What did you say, Senior?”

Lin Moyu replied, “I’m talking about how profits are generated in this trading market.”

Qin Qin nodded knowingly. “The Human Sovereign and World Tree Emperor provide such an excellent venue they’re bound to profit from it.”

Indeed they profited but perhaps more than expected.

In this trading market, every transaction exceeding 10 soul pearls incurred a 10% fee similar to taxes in mundane societies. Moreover, the fee applied to both parties involved in each transaction.

For example, if Lin Moyu wanted to purchase an item worth 10 soul pearls, he would need to pay an additional pearl as a fee totaling 11 soul pearls. Meanwhile, the seller would also need to pay one pearl as a fee receiving only nine pearls in return.

This dual fee system ensured that every transaction generated 20% revenue for the market. Even barter transactions were subject to automatic price estimation by formations with fees deducted accordingly.

These rules were absolute inviolable under the authority of both rulers who established them.

Lin Moyu asked, “Has anyone ever tried conducting transactions outside this market?”

Qin Qin replied, “Yes it used to happen but safety couldn’t be guaranteed and many incidents occurred so people stopped doing it.”

“At least within this market you’re safe and there’s no deception no one dares sell counterfeit items.”

“While it’s slightly more expensive the benefits far outweigh the costs.”

“Additionally all items here are recorded by formations private transactions are forbidden and violators face severe penalties.”

“Minor offenses result in forfeited soul pearls; major ones lead to execution a consequence no one can afford.”

Although the Human Sovereign had benefited countless cultivators he ensured substantial profits for himself through strict rules and harsh enforcement measures keeping even unruly Great Dao cultivators and Lords obedient.

Lin Moyu said, “Take out your identity token I’ll give you some soul pearls.”

Qin Qin smiled brightly as she handed over her token which displayed her trading name *Fairy Qin*. Naturally it wasn’t her real name.

Only she could see her pearl balance not Lin Moyu or anyone else.

Using his own token Lin Moyu transferred two soul pearls to hers.

Qin Qin protested lightly. “Immortal Dao Senior you’ve given me too much.”

Lin Moyu replied casually, “Accompany me around this level’s trading market and help me claim a soul tower.”

Grateful yet pragmatic Qin Qin readily agreed with a cheerful smile. “Of course I’ll guide you.”

She led Lin Moyu to claim a soul tower before exploring Market One together.

This level housed countless small rooms functioning as individual stalls all free for sellers regardless of duration. These rooms were constructed primarily with formations supplemented by minimal materials and there seemed to be an endless supply available.

Lin Moyu noted that there were at least hundreds of thousands of such rooms with many still vacant. If he wished to set up shop it would be possible anytime without restrictions.

Exploring markets involved two methods: visiting stalls individually or searching directly via identity tokens for specific items listed by sellers within formations.

Market One offered little of interest to Lin Moyu most items failed to meet his standards.

Eventually he withdrew 10 soul pearls from his balance and began studying them closely.

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