"Coming for me?!"
Smith's eyes narrowed sharply as he sensed the killing intent.
"What's going on?!"
Wang Yan, Zhang Yi, and the others reacted quickly, hurrying to Smith's side.
When Zhang Yi caught sight of the ragged little girl who had attacked Smith, his expression turned cold.
"How dare you stir up trouble in the Guangxi Society's territory?" Zhang Yi said sternly, his voice echoing with authority.
The little girl giggled darkly and licked her bloodstained dagger with a chilling smile.
"President Zhang, there's no need to get worked up. You know Smith has a fifty mid-grade spirit stone bounty on his head. As long as you stay out of it, we're willing to share some of the reward with you."
Zhang Yi's gaze turned icy.
"You're not qualified to bargain with me."
Realizing he wasn't going to compromise, the girl didn't bother arguing.
"Take him down! Make it fast!" she shouted.
This was still the Guangxi Society's territory. If they delayed, reinforcements could arrive at any moment.
"Arrogant!"
Zhang Yi's body surged with crackling electricity. He was about to strike when Smith raised his hand.
"President Zhang, this is my mess. Let me handle it."
Smith stepped forward calmly. The markings of Sage Mode began to appear at the corners of his eyes, and his Sharingan flared with crimson brilliance.
Whoosh!
In an instant, Smith vanished, his figure darting through the crowd like a phantom.
Bang!
Within moments, the dozen or so assassins who had emerged from the water now lay sprawled on the ground—defeated.
Only the little girl remained, frozen in disbelief.
Smith appeared in front of her, Sharingan spinning ominously.
"Who told you about the bounty on my head?" he asked coldly.
"I-I don't know… No, wait—it was Night Demon! He and the others told me!" she stammered in fear.
"Night Demon…" Smith frowned.
Even while he was under the protection of the Guangxi Society, people still dared to make a move on him.
This is the Dark City, after all… ruthless and unforgiving.
Smith had originally planned to lie low until the bounty cooled off. But now it was clear—there would be no peace unless he asserted dominance.
"If I don't show them my true strength… they'll keep coming."
His eyes turned icy.
"President Zhang, I'll leave the cleanup to you. I need to take a little trip."
Zhang Yi's expression turned serious.
"You're going after Night Demon?"
Smith nodded.
"That bounty information didn't originate with him. He's just a relay. I suspect someone else is behind it."
Wang Yan chimed in suddenly.
"Could it be the Twilight Auction?"
Zhang Yi nodded gravely.
"The Red Queen's organization. Makes sense."
"Twilight Auction…" Smith murmured. "Understood."
Without hesitation, he turned and strode toward the exit of the Guangxi Society's domain.
"Wait, Smith! Don't be reckless! The Twilight Auction isn't someone you can fight alone!" Wang Yan called out in concern.
Smith raised a hand casually.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
---
On the Streets of the Dark City
As Smith stepped beyond the borders of the Guangxi Society's protected zone, he immediately felt dozens—no, hundreds—of eyes lock onto him.
Predators circling prey.
On both sides of the street, people watched silently, their expressions unreadable. Whispers filled the air, but Smith didn't flinch. With measured steps, he walked forward.
"Whoosh!"
Just as he cleared the last line of protection, two men lunged at him from the shadows, weapons drawn.
Before they got close, their expressions twisted in confusion. They collapsed mid-step, victims of a swift illusion.
"Kill him!"
"He's alone! This is our chance!"
"Yeah! Let's get him! Fifty mid-grade spirit stones, guys!"
"Based on intel, he only has two weak powers—Wood Release and Spirit Eye. Nothing to worry about!"
"Charge!!"
Dozens of bounty hunters and mercenaries surged from alleyways and rooftops, weapons drawn, eyes gleaming with greed.
Smith took a deep breath, his eyes cold.
He brought his hands together.
"Wood Release: Advent of the Tree World!"
Boom!
The earth trembled. Within seconds, the ground cracked open. Massive wooden branches erupted from the ground like dragons rising from the depths.
Thick roots and vines twisted through the air, slamming into the crowd.
"W-What is this?!"
"It's Wood Release!?"
"Retreat! Run away!!"
Panic set in.
But it was too late.
The forest exploded outward like a tidal wave. The monstrous trees ensnared and crushed anyone in their path. Desperate cries filled the air.
"My energy! It's draining—these trees are absorbing my spiritual power!"
"Aaaaaagh!!"
Screams echoed, but none escaped. The mighty sea of trees consumed all, turning the attackers into nourishment for the forest.
Smith stood in the center, untouched, calm as a breeze.
The road ahead was now eerily quiet. No one dared step forward.
The townsfolk who had watched from the sidelines now shrank back in fear. Those who had originally planned to ambush Smith changed their minds instantly.
The bounty was tempting—but life was worth more.
The crowd silently parted like the sea before him.
Smith didn't spare them a glance. His destination was clear—the Twilight Auction.
---
Twilight Auction Hall, Central District of the Dark City
The auction house was an extravagant building, towering in the city's heart, decorated with crimson banners and glowing lights.
Before Smith could get closer, a cold voice called out.
"Halt!"
More than a dozen well-armed guards rushed out and surrounded the entrance, forming a tight perimeter.
They had clearly been alerted by the tremors and chaos caused earlier.
Smith's gaze swept over them.
"Is the Red Queen here?"
"Our boss is not seeing visitors. Leave immediately," the guard captain snapped.
Smith didn't respond. He simply began walking forward.
His Sharingan spun slowly, exuding a mesmerizing glow.
"Don't take another step, or we'll—"
The guard's words died in his throat.
His eyes rolled back as he collapsed, followed instantly by the rest of the guards.
All fell silently—entranced, overwhelmed by Smith's illusions before they could even lift a weapon.
Smith stepped over them and entered the building.
---
Inside the Auction House
The interior of the Twilight Auction was bustling with activity. Wealthy patrons, merchants, and collectors crowded the grand hall. Laughter and conversation filled the air.
But all went silent as Smith entered.
"Who is that?!"
Guards rushed forward.
Smith's eyes gleamed. One glance was enough.
Frozen in place, the guards dropped to their knees, unable to move or speak.
"Take me to the Red Queen," Smith commanded one of the men caught in the illusion.
"Y-yes…" the man muttered blankly and began leading him forward.
With no resistance and a guide under illusion, Smith passed through the luxurious corridors of the Twilight Auction. The walls were decorated with priceless antiques and glowing chandeliers.
Finally, they reached a red-laced attic at the top floor. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming peach blossoms.
It was lavish, delicate—and dangerous.
Here, in the hidden heart of the auction house, Smith would finally meet the one who stood at the center of the Dark City's intelligence web.
And he would get his answers.
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