Within the Wolf Fang Mercenary Company's compound, Liu Xi unfolded the yellowed map that Cai Lang had just presented. One glance, and his sword-like brows twitched. Lifting his gaze toward the overly humble Cai Lang, he spoke with clear displeasure.
"This… you call this a map? A few crooked lines and scribbles—if not for a handful of marked names, I'd have thought it drawn by a child. With this, how are we supposed to find anywhere at all?"
Cai Lang looked embarrassed, forcing a bitter smile as he explained, "Young Master, the Black-Corner Region is vast and ever-changing. Even the skies can turn into a storm of black winds that block out the sun. For someone like me, a mere Da Dou Shi, this is the best map I could possibly obtain!"
Liu Xi said nothing. He had to admit the man wasn't lying. Cai Lang wasn't a roaming merchant or a cartographer—if he had handed over a perfect map, Liu Xi would've suspected an ambush.
Stowing the map away, Liu Xi said flatly, "Very well. Name your price."
Cai Lang hurriedly waved his hands. "I wouldn't dare, sir! It's only a map. Consider it a gift from me."
Liu Xi's gaze narrowed slightly. A mercenary leader offering help without a motive? That only meant one thing—he was planning something bigger.
'Interesting. Let's see what tricks you're planning.'
With absolute confidence in his strength, Liu Xi feared no deceit. In the face of overwhelming power, schemes were meaningless.
"Since you insist, I'll accept your goodwill."
He smiled faintly and rose. "Xian'er, we're leaving."
"Mm," Xiao Yixian replied softly, rising to follow him out.
Seeing Liu Xi turn to leave so decisively, Cai Lang panicked. His plan hadn't even begun. Hastily, he rushed forward, blocking Liu Xi's path.
"Master Liu, the day is nearly over! Why not rest here for the night? My Wolf Fang Company would be honored to host you and this young lady. Tomorrow morning, you can depart well-rested."
Liu Xi's footsteps halted. The words stirred an old, unpleasant memory. His expression cooled, and his tone dropped to a deadly calm. "Oh? And if I insist on leaving now… are you planning to make me stay by force?"
A ripple of killing intent unfurled from him like an icy tide. Cai Lang's face drained of color; his whole body trembled as though cast into a frozen pit.
'Dou Ling… at least!'
Terrified, Cai Lang staggered aside, bowing so low he nearly collapsed to his knees.
"Please, my lord—this way!"
Ignoring him, Liu Xi walked past, expression unchanging. He had already guessed Cai Lang's thoughts, but for the map's sake, he decided to spare his life—for now.
---
The sky over the Black Plains was a churning sea of wind and shadow. A faint azure glow shimmered through the darkness—Liu Xi's protective barrier. Outside, storms howled; within, calm reigned.
Endless darkness gnawed at the senses. Xiao Yixian, watching the swirling black gale beyond their shield, couldn't help but speak softly. "Young Master, how much longer until we're out of this place?"
"Soon." Liu Xi folded the map and turned toward her, his tone gentle.
"Once this black storm clears, we'll fly east for half a day. After that, we'll reach Black Seal City. Hopefully, we'll find a cultivation method suitable for you there."
"That's wonderful! This place feels cursed—dark skies, endless storms… I've had enough of it." Her voice carried both joy and complaint.
Since awakening her Woeful Poison Body, Xiao Yixian had grown more lively in Liu Xi's company. Having him by her side—steadfast and unyielding—had allowed her to smile again, to speak freely, no longer hiding her emotions.
At last, the storm subsided.
Golden light broke through the clouds, washing away the gloom.
"Let's go."
Liu Xi's arm circled her slender waist, and with a tap of his toe, they alighted onto Xiao Lan's back. "Barring surprises, we'll reach Black Seal City by nightfall."
---
Though crude, the map's directions proved true. By sunset, the pair had arrived outside the towering walls of Black Seal City.
Yet trouble met them immediately. A burly Da Dou Shi at the gate had leered at Xiao Yixian—until Liu Xi reduced him to ashes with a flicker of green flame.
After that, no one dared look their way.
"Young Master," Xiao Yixian whispered anxiously, "I think someone's watching us."
In a place like the Black-Corner Region, that was hardly rare. Newcomers with unknown strength were always observed—few attacked outright.
Liu Xi merely smiled. "Not just now, Xian'er. We've been watched since we entered the city."
Xiao Yixian bit her lip, guilt clouding her face. "It's my fault…"
"Wrong," Liu Xi interrupted with an easy grin. "It's not a sin to be beautiful. The only mistake is lacking strength to protect yourself. But as long as I'm here, you're perfectly safe."
His bold words—and the warmth in his voice—made her cheeks flush a delicate pink.
She slipped her hand around his arm, leaning lightly against him.
"Then where do we go now? Should we leave the city first?"
Liu Xi's lips curved upward. Her touch was soft, warm—his brow lifted slightly. 'So soft…'
"We're going to the Black Seal Auction House," he said confidently. "If they can appraise treasures day and night, they won't dare turn us away."
---
The Black Seal Auction House wasn't hard to find. Following the crowd along the main street, the two soon stood before a vast, towering structure that exuded wealth and power.
"How huge…" Xiao Yixian breathed in awe.
"Come."
Under the watchful eyes of dozens of black-clad guards, Liu Xi and Xiao Yixian entered the grand hall.
He already knew that the Black Seal Auction House not only held an annual auction but also ran continuous transactions year-round. Anyone could bid, sell, or submit treasures for appraisal.
Of course, truly valuable items were reserved for the grand auctions—where profits reached their peak.
Ignoring the bustling hall, Liu Xi strode straight toward a guarded corridor.
"Private corridor. No entry," barked two guards coldly, stepping in his way.
Liu Xi's Dou Wang aura flared briefly—just enough to make them blanch and stumble backward.
"Go inform someone in charge," Liu Xi said calmly. "I have a major deal to discuss."
The guards exchanged a look of panic, then bolted down the corridor without another word.
(End of Chapter)
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