Inside a dimly lit bar…
"Boss… Boss, everyone we sent out to hunt Smith… they're all gone."
A trembling voice broke the silence as a subordinate leaned in, his face pale and full of fear.
"I can see that for myself," Dong Mie replied coldly, his expression grim and his tone laced with irritation.
What had happened today shook the entire Dark City.
Smith's appearance wasn't just a minor stir—it was a storm.
The release of the Tree World technique had transformed an entire street into a dense forest, the trees thriving off the blood and flesh of the fallen. Corpses had been absorbed into bark and roots, and the land itself bore the scars of devastation.
The story had already spread throughout the city like wildfire.
Anyone who still dared to claim that the wood element was just a useless auxiliary ability would probably have their head twisted off on the spot.
Dong Mie took another deep sip from his glass. The bitter alcohol couldn't wash away the rising pressure in his chest.
"It seems Smith didn't just escape the Executive Department of Jinghai College… he also forced them to post a bounty of fifty mid-grade spirit stones," Dong Mie muttered to himself. "This guy isn't ordinary."
He should've realized it earlier. A man capable of escaping Jinghai College's enforcement squads—who were considered elite executioners—was no small threat. If the college could have handled it themselves, they would've never posted a bounty.
What made matters worse was today's incident.
Not only had Smith repelled those hunting him, but he had also gone straight to the Twilight Auction, caused an enormous scene, and then left unscathed.
Since then, Smith's name had been whispered in every corner of the Dark City. Respect. Fear. Curiosity. He had become a household name.
Now, even those who had been tempted by the fifty spirit stones were backing off. What good was a reward if you didn't live long enough to spend it?
Just then, a sultry voice rang through the bar, breaking Dong Mie's brooding thoughts.
"Boss Dong~ are you drowning your sorrows with wine tonight?"
As the voice echoed, a swirl of violet flames suddenly emerged on the bar floor. The fire twisted, twisted again—and then, a woman appeared, stepping out of the blaze.
She wore a deep crimson robe, and her figure was seductively curved. Her presence alone brought a sense of heat, tension, and danger.
Huo Lian—a notorious figure from the Burning Fire Clan.
Dong Mie narrowed his eyes, displeased. "Huo Lian? You people from the Burning Fire Clan aren't welcome here."
"Boss Dong, don't be so quick to push me away," Huo Lian replied with a wicked grin. "I haven't even said what I came for."
She leaned in closer, her lips curled into a smile. "Aren't you at all concerned about your Night Demons getting killed without getting revenge?"
Dong Mie remained silent, taking another drink but listening carefully.
She had struck a nerve.
Seeing that he was at least open to hearing her out, Huo Lian's smile deepened. "Smith's name is pretty loud right now. So loud that even your Night Demons and the Twilight Auction don't dare move against him."
"But we, the Burning Fire Clan… we don't fear him."
She stepped closer and lowered her voice, her words sharp and enticing. "If you're willing, Boss Dong, we can cooperate. You give us the signal, and we'll help you deal with Smith—once and for all. Not just him… we'll take care of the Guangxi Society too."
Dong Mie's brows furrowed. His expression darkened slightly. After a moment, he spoke.
"What are your conditions?"
Huo Lian chuckled softly. "Our demands aren't high. All we want are three lives—Smith, Guang Xi, and a man named Wang Yan. That's it."
"Of course, if you want to place a bounty on Smith's head as well, we'll even help cover the cost."
Dong Mie stared at her for a long moment. "You Burning Fire Clan… when did you start being so generous?"
"Generous?" Huo Lian laughed. "No, no. This is just good business. For us, those three are worth more than any spirit stones. I think a smart man like you can understand that."
She winked, turned away, and her figure instantly transformed into flames once more, disappearing in a swirl of violet fire.
"I'll be back in three days," her voice echoed, fading into the distance.
---
Meanwhile, at the Guangxi Society Tavern…
"Come on! A toast to celebrate Brother Smith's safe return!"
Inside a cozy, lively tavern owned by the Guangxi Society, cheers erupted as Zhang Yi, the leader of the organization, raised a wooden mug filled with strong wine.
"To Smith!"
"To Brother Smith!"
Everyone lifted their glasses and drank heartily, filling the room with warmth and laughter.
"I'll cover all the expenses tonight!" Zhang Yi declared proudly, slamming his mug down on the table.
"Uhhhhh!!"
The crowd erupted into celebratory shouts, excited beyond measure.
Wang Yan clinked mugs with several people and turned to look for Smith. He found him standing quietly off to the side, still adjusting to the rowdy energy around him.
Wang Yan walked over with a grin and threw an arm around his shoulder.
"Smith, come on! This tavern is owned by us, the Guangxi Club. Eat, drink, laugh—tonight's your night!"
Smith gave a small smile and allowed himself to be pulled into the middle of the festivities.
"The boss is paying! Shouldn't we all give him a toast?" Wang Yan shouted, placing one foot up on the table.
"TO THE BOSS!!" everyone roared.
Round after round of drinking followed. Some were already red-faced and wobbling in their chairs, while others sang out-of-tune drinking songs. The tavern buzzed with energy.
Eventually, Smith quietly slipped away to a corner with a small plate of food and a mug of wine. He liked the people here, but he wasn't one for large crowds.
Wang Yan, noticing Smith's quiet retreat, followed and plopped down next to him.
"Smith, you've been with our Guangxi Club for a while now. How do you like it here?"
Smith looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.
"The atmosphere is… really good," he replied earnestly.
It was true. The Guangxi Society was unlike any other group he had seen in the Dark City. There was no betrayal, no backstabbing, no hidden agendas. People treated each other with honesty and loyalty. It felt less like a gang and more like a large family.
In this family, people worked not just for themselves, but for each other. They faced challenges together, fought enemies together, and celebrated victories together.
That unity was what allowed Guangxi Society to survive in the cutthroat world of Dark City.
Wang Yan leaned in with a playful grin and poked Smith's arm. "Hey, let me ask you something… Would you ever consider joining us for real?"
Smith was caught off guard.
He thought for a moment, then gave a soft, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I don't think I can."
He wasn't here to stay. The Dark City was only a temporary refuge while he hid from Jinghai College. Once the heat died down, he planned to leave and continue his journey.
"Ah well, that's alright," Wang Yan said casually. "Just know the door's always open. You'd be welcome anytime."
---
The Next Morning…
Smith had drunk more than he realized the night before, and he felt a little groggy as he rubbed his temples. Just as he was getting dressed, a knock came at his door.
"Brother Smith, you up?"
It was Zhang Yi.
Smith quickly opened the door. "President Zhang? What brings you here so early?"
Zhang Yi gave a cheerful laugh. "Haha, don't worry, I'm not here to scold you for drinking too much."
Smith chuckled politely. "Is there something you need help with?"
"Yes, actually," Zhang Yi replied. "We recently purchased a batch of standard weapons. However, since they couldn't be shipped by water, they're being delivered by land—outside the city walls."
Smith nodded, following along.
"Unfortunately," Zhang Yi continued, "we're short on manpower right now. I'd like you to accompany our people to ensure everything goes smoothly."
Smith understood immediately.
With his name now known across the entire city, and his power demonstrated so clearly, no one would dare attack a convoy guarded by him.
"Understood. When do we leave?" Smith asked.
"Tomorrow," Zhang Yi replied. "Wang Yan will be going with you."
Smith nodded.
"Alright. I'll be ready."
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)