The boundless black plains stretched endlessly into the distance. The mercenaries forced to lead the way under Liu Xi's command were running for their lives—as though a monstrous beast was hot on their heels.
Though no beast pursued them, for these trembling men, Liu Xi—whose single word could determine life or death—was no less terrifying.
The Black Plains were vast and monotonous; without a guide familiar with the terrain, even Liu Xi might lose his bearings.
Faced with such a threat, the mercenaries exerted themselves beyond their limits. In less than two hours, the massive form of a black, scarred city wall emerged on the horizon.
By the time they arrived, the mercenaries were already gasping for air, collapsing on the ground in exhaustion.
Only the two Dou Shi among them could barely stay upright, their faces filled with desperate hope as they looked toward Liu Xi.
Liu Xi, however, didn't even glance their way. After dismounting from the Blue Eagle, he strode directly toward the town with Xiao Yixian at his side.
The streets beneath their feet were paved with black stone, and the air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. Mercenaries stalked past in groups, armed and rough-looking, their gazes sharp and cruel.
When they saw Liu Xi and the veiled beauty beside him, surprise flickered across their faces—followed quickly by a flash of lewd intent. Yet none dared to act rashly. Even in a chaotic place like the Black-Corner Region, towns such as this one still operated under certain rules.
Whoever ruled here would not tolerate total anarchy.
Liu Xi's eyes hardened as he sensed the filth in their stares. With a subtle step, he shifted to place himself before Xiao Yixian, a faint ripple of Dou Wang aura spilling from his body.
Instantly, the air seemed to solidify.
Those mercenaries who had been ogling could no longer breathe smoothly—their faces paled, their gazes darting away in panic.
"Xian'er," Liu Xi murmured calmly, without turning his head, "put on a veil later."
"Mm." Xiao Yixian was already growing annoyed by the lascivious looks around her.
This place truly brings out the worst in humanity, she thought with quiet disgust.
Still, the corner of her lips curved upward in a teasing smile.
"Young Master," she said softly, "could it be… that you're jealous?"
Liu Xi froze. The question struck him off guard. His heart had indeed surged with a strange, nameless irritation just moments ago.
'Jealous? Me?:
As he hesitated, Xiao Yixian bumped into his back. Before she could speak, his flustered voice broke the silence.
"Jealous? Ridiculous. I just—dislike those filthy stares, that's all!"
Without waiting for her reply, he strode off in long, determined steps.
Watching his retreating figure, Xiao Yixian's eyes curved into crescents.
Her laughter, soft and melodious as silver bells, rippled through the air as she chased after him.
That sound—sweet, clear, and impossibly tender—caused every nearby mercenary to freeze where they stood.
Their minds spun with indecent thoughts—but the memory of that suffocating aura returned just as quickly, leaving cold sweat dripping down their foreheads.
'Can't afford to mess with him. Whoever that man is, he's no one we can offend…'
Meanwhile, several men among the crowd—those wearing badges engraved with a wolf fang—hurriedly broke away and sprinted toward the depths of the town.
---
Eventually, Liu Xi arrived with Xiao Yixian at the marketplace at the heart of Wolf Fang Town. The air buzzed with merchants' calls, the clamor of trade echoing between stone walls. Liu Xi's sharp gaze swept across the rows of stalls—and quickly dimmed with disappointment.
"Xian'er, let's go. There's nothing of worth here," he said flatly.
"Don't worry, Master," Xiao Yixian replied with a gentle smile. "My constitution doesn't rely much on cultivation techniques. Even without them, my progress won't slow."
Liu Xi smiled faintly, knowing she was right. In such a small, lawless town, true treasures were rarities among millions.
Just then, a commotion erupted outside the market—the sound of heavy boots and shouted orders drawing closer.
Liu Xi's brows furrowed. He released his Spiritual Power, sweeping the area.
'A Da Dou Shi, four Dou Shi, and about thirty-five Dou Zhe. Hardly worth mentioning.'
Within moments, the squad of mercenaries arrived at the market gate.
The other vendors and traders immediately scattered to the sides, fear and awe written across their faces.
"That's the Wolf Fang Mercenary Company's leader—Cai Lang!"
"Whoever angered them is as good as dead!"
A path cleared, and a burly middle-aged man strode forward. His presence carried the weight of authority.
After hearing a few whispered reports from his men, his sharp eyes locked onto Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian.
Approaching swiftly, Cai Lang stopped before Liu Xi. The youth's composed, almost aloof demeanor sent an inexplicable chill down his spine.
Bowing respectfully, he greeted, "Leader of the Wolf Fang Mercenary Company, Cai Lang, pays his respects to Young Master!"
Liu Xi's expression remained calm. "You came specifically for me?"
Cai Lang forced a polite smile. "Indeed. My men reported that a young gentleman of extraordinary strength and elegance arrived in town today.
I came to greet you personally."
Liu Xi's lips curved faintly. "You came to test me."
"Don't dare," Cai Lang said quickly, bowing lower. "If Young Master requires anything, our Wolf Fang Company will obey without hesitation."
'Smart man,' Liu Xi thought with a trace of amusement. 'Knows when to bow and when to bite.'
"Good," Liu Xi said. "Then let's find somewhere quiet. I have questions for you."
---
Inside the Wolf Fang Mercenary Company's headquarters, Liu Xi sat comfortably in the main seat, while Cai Lang stood respectfully to the side.
"I'm looking to purchase a cultivation technique—something rare, with an unusual attribute. It must be at least Xuan Class," Liu Xi said plainly.
"Tell me where in this region I might find one."
Cai Lang's heart trembled. 'Xuan Class? This man's wealth must be unimaginable… though I'd wager he's not easy prey. Better play along—for now.'
He clasped his fists. "Young Master, the nearest major city is Black Seal City, ruled by the Eight Gates. Its master is one of the Black-Corner Region's ranked experts. Their Black Seal Auction House has even sold Di Class techniques before—so finding a Xuan Class one should be no issue."
Liu Xi's eyes brightened slightly. He remembered that place. "When's their next auction?"
"Once every year. The next one should be in three months, though private transactions occur often."
Liu Xi nodded. "Good. Prepare me a detailed map to Black Seal City. I'll pay handsomely."
"Yes, yes! At once, Young Master!" Cai Lang replied eagerly, almost tripping over himself.
As Liu Xi watched the man's obsequious grin, a faint smile tugged at his lips.
'Doesn't act like a wolf at all… more like a dog.'
'Cai Lang, Cai Dog.'
(End of Chapter)
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