I once chased a rumor of gold through a canyon and ended up with a broken boot and a half‑cooked campfire. The only thing that came out of it was a scar on my shin and a lesson that if you’re looking for treasure, the real gold is usually the trail you’re on. As for the secret market, I’ve been there once – got tangled in a deal for a rusted pickaxe that was worth more in the dark than in daylight. Took me three days to get it off my hands and a good story to boot.