The next morning, Wang Yan stood outside Smith's door, knocking briskly.
"Smith! Smith! Are you up yet?"
Smith's groggy voice came from inside. "Yeah, yeah, I'm up. Why are you in such a rush?"
With a sigh, he shuffled to the door and opened it.
Outside, Wang Yan was already fully dressed and looking impatient.
"It's getting late. If we leave early, we'll be back earlier too," Wang Yan said with a wide grin.
"Alright, alright." Smith stretched and followed him reluctantly.
At the border gate of the Guangxi Society, a small group was already assembled. Three sturdy wooden carts were parked in neat rows, loaded and ready for departure.
"Over here!" someone called out.
Zhang Yi was waiting personally to see them off. When he spotted Smith and Wang Yan approaching, he offered a calm, friendly smile.
Although this mission wasn't anything particularly special, it involved traveling outside the Dark City—so Zhang Yi had come to ensure everything was in order.
"I've already explained the mission details to Wang Yan. He'll brief you on the way," Zhang Yi said to Smith, then added seriously, "Be careful out there."
"Don't worry, boss. We've got this," Wang Yan cut in enthusiastically before Zhang Yi could say more. He pulled Smith by the arm and ushered him into the cart. The caravan rumbled forward, heading toward the wilds beyond the Dark City.
---
As the wooden carts rolled through the narrow streets of the Dark City, they drew a lot of attention.
Yet no one dared to cause trouble. After all, these weren't just any carts—this was the Guangxi Society, and more importantly, Smith was among them. His name carried as much weight as Zhang Yi, Dong Mie, or even the infamous Red Queen.
The man who had stormed the Dusk Auction single-handedly, killing dozens and escaping unscathed, was a walking legend. There were only a handful in the entire Dark City who could boast of such a feat.
Now, no one dared to cross Smith.
---
For the first time in days, Smith felt the cool breeze of the outside world brush against his face. He inhaled deeply, the fresh air revitalizing his senses.
He gazed out from the cart, watching the world blur past.
It had been a rough few weeks in the Dark City—more chaotic than he had anticipated. Outside of structured environments like the academy, the world truly operated under the law of the jungle. If you wanted to survive, you had to grow stronger constantly.
A peaceful life?
Impossible.
Especially with the monsters lurking outside, always waiting for a chance to pounce.
"I wonder how Dad is doing," Smith murmured, watching the countryside roll by.
Jinghai College had failed to capture him. That meant they'd likely turn their attention toward Huaihai College next—or worse, go after his father, Jiang Lei.
But Smith had faith in his father. Jiang Lei was not someone who bowed to pressure easily. If Jinghai dared threaten him, he'd fight back. Perhaps even declare open war.
Both were Level Five psychics. If one backed down, he'd be seen as the weaker one—and in their world, weakness was unacceptable.
Then there was the matter of the beast tide.
According to Xi Yan, in just one year, an unprecedented beast tide would erupt, devastating the entire southeastern region. If they weren't careful, countless lives would be lost.
Even Huaihai City might be destroyed in the chaos. That was why there had been a push to unite the two southeastern regions. But with everything that had happened, Smith had likely ruined that fragile cooperation.
"One year…" he whispered. "I'll go back before then. I promise."
His home and loved ones were in Huaihai City. When the tide came, he would be there—stronger, more prepared, and ready to protect them all.
---
The wooden cart pressed on past the outskirts of the Dim City.
Smith, still drowsy from waking up so early, turned to Wang Yan. "So where exactly are we going?"
Wang Yan pulled out a well-worn map and unfolded it carefully. "Our destination is the ruins of Black City—about fifty miles from here. Shouldn't take more than an hour."
Smith nodded and leaned back to rest his eyes.
But rest didn't come easy.
Though the cart could reach speeds of up to sixty miles per hour, it rarely maintained that pace. The road was rugged and dangerous, and the ever-present threat of monster attacks kept everyone on high alert.
Smith found himself jolted awake multiple times by sudden growls, shrieks, or battle cries. Monsters hiding in the tall grass and underbrush tried to ambush them, but the Guangxi team was elite. Though only a dozen members, each was at least a Level Three psychic.
Together, they swiftly dealt with every threat that emerged.
After nearly two hours of travel through dangerous terrain, they finally arrived at their destination: the ruins of Black City.
Once a thriving town, Black City had been reduced to rubble during the fall of the Holy Empire, overrun by monsters in its final days.
"Here we are," Wang Yan said, bringing the cart to a halt.
The group disembarked and began securing the perimeter.
Smith scanned the surroundings but saw no sign of anyone else. "No one's here?"
"We're early," Wang Yan replied, checking his watch. "Still a few hours until the scheduled meeting."
But just then, a cold, mocking voice echoed through the ruins.
"I'm afraid you won't have the luxury of waiting."
In an instant, figures emerged from the shadows—two groups, surrounding them from both sides of the forest and the crumbling city walls.
One group wore mismatched clothing, radiating violent energy and bloodlust—the Night Demons.
The other wore coordinated fiery red outfits, each with a flame tattoo branded on their foreheads—the Burning Fire Clan.
Wang Yan's face went pale. "The Night Demons? And the Burning Fire Clan? Why are you pests always following us?"
A bald man stepped forward from the Night Demons, smirking.
"Wang Yan. I was hoping Zhang Yi would lead the team. Bit disappointed it's just you."
"Dong Mie…" Wang Yan's expression shifted to one of alarm.
Smith raised an eyebrow. "That's Dong Mie?"
Wang Yan nodded grimly. "Yeah. Leader of the Night Demons. Level Four psychic. Known for his control over objects and clones. Very dangerous."
Smith narrowed his eyes. "Clone abilities, huh? This'll be interesting."
Wang Yan turned to Dong Mie, his tone ice cold. "What is the meaning of this? Are the Night Demons really ready to start a war with the Guangxi Society?"
Dong Mie chuckled. "War? No, nothing like that. See, I'm not interested in your whole squad—just one head. His."
He pointed straight at Smith.
"A client is offering fifty mid-grade spirit stones for it. Can't say no to that."
"You rat!" Wang Yan spat. "How'd you even know we were coming here? Was it… the Dusk Auction again?"
That was a terrifying thought. If someone at the Dusk Auction had leaked their movements again, it meant they were still under constant surveillance.
Now surrounded by nearly thirty enemies, their dozen-strong group stood at a dire disadvantage.
"Where's the leader of the Burning Fire Clan?" Smith suddenly asked, his voice calm but commanding. "Why is she still hiding? Planning to show up only once the blood starts flowing?"
A sultry voice rang out in response.
"As expected of a man who's evaded our ambushes time and again—you're sharp."
From the shadows emerged a stunning woman clad in a fiery red dress that revealed much of her chest, legs, and midriff. Her movements were slow, deliberate, and seductive.
She smiled as she walked toward Smith, her voice like silk dipped in poison.
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