Everyone in this place was a monster. Not just any monsters, each of them held great ambitions, and one of those ambitions was to return to their human form.
Their fiery but sharp gazes were filled with the same fierce ambition and goals. It was a desire that wouldn't be swayed by any obstacle, and Yong couldn't help but feel it.
"Come with us, Yong!"
The man enthusiastically held out his hand. Yong was silent for a moment, thinking about the best decision for him.
"Can I return to my true form with all my swordsmanship skills intact?" Yong asked.
The man nodded and answered, "Yes."
"Alright."
He said the word with conviction. Yong accepted it wholeheartedly. He didn't protest much because his desire was the same as theirs.
Clang!
The man easily cut the chain with his large claws. Yong was freed and returned to his normal state. He took a long breath and inhaled the fresh air as he came out of the hidden cave.
"Releasing this devil child so easily? We don't even know how to counter him," grumbled a short man who seemed to object to Yong joining their group.
"Leave it be. He's a famous boy. If he can't control himself, I'll take care of it."
"How do you know about me?" Yong asked, curious, as he moved his arms and legs.
"Of course we know. A person who fights with two swords is quite rare," the large man replied.
"Yong the Dual Swordsman. Famous in both the West and East. Am I right?" he added with a smile.
"Yes," Yong said shortly, looking away.
The outside world he was used to exploring still held many mysteries. From all the people and places, only these adults made Yong a little interested.
He stood silently at the mouth of the cave for a long time. He looked at the lines on his palms, which were barely visible, as if fading. Then he sighed once more and clenched his fists.
Slowly, Yong raised his face, seeing three people in front of him—strangers, yet he felt a strange sense of comfort for a moment.
Starting from the left, the big man with green scales was a former swordsman. He was cursed with the blood of a powerful and great dragon. The man's name was Long.
Then there was a short, black-haired man, just like himself. He didn't say what possessed him, but scales were visible on his neck and two small eyes were under each of his own.
After that was a red-haired woman named Rin, who had a nine-tailed fox tail from the far East. Sometimes her tails appeared and sometimes they didn't; it all depended on her mood.
"It's unbelievable. Monsters and legends I've heard so much about are now right in front of me," Yong said with a flat expression.
"What are you talking about? You yourself are a Móguǐ, the strongest race in the hell valley," Zhuge said, laughing.
"Kijin! Kijin!" Rin exclaimed, calling him by the name repeatedly.
"The devil race is strong, but the risks are high. Are you sure it's okay to bring him out of confinement?" the short man asked in a firm but sarcastic tone.
"It's fine. We're all the same. I already said I'd take care of him," Zhuge said.
When they were silent, they looked very captivating. It was like seeing warriors gathered, just like when Yong was with his comrades.
"Yong, come on, join us!"
Zhuge gave him two swords and a robe. He was told to hide his face with the black robe for several reasons.
"This... what is it?"
"As I explained, it's to hide your identity. You're also very famous among swordsmen. You wouldn't want to be recognized in a powerless state, would you?"
Yong clicked his tongue in annoyance. He couldn't deny it because everything Zhuge said made sense. The problem was his pride as a swordsman who had lost his skills.
"Ha... you're right!" Yong laughed with a cheerful expression. He suddenly felt excited after being taunted like that.
"You're a lively kid. Let's go to work!"
"Just the four of us?"
"No. There are many more."
Yong joining would make a big change in their group. Among them, who had identities as swordsmen, blacksmiths, or others, they began to appear one by one and join the small group.
From four people, they grew to a dozen. They all walked casually towards a city. Gold City, in the northern district.
"There are too many people here," Yong muttered nervously, clutching the two swords inside his robe.
"Relax, Yong."
"This kid. Are you really 18 years old?" the short man retorted again. It seemed he enjoyed insulting people.
"Hey, stop it. No fighting. It's time to split up for a bit. We'll meet at the designated location later," Zhuge said.
"Alright!"
In the blink of an eye, the group gathered at the city gate scattered. Meanwhile, Yong stayed with the leader, Zhuge. They both kept their black robes on and then hurried to a place in Gold City.
Gold City was the name given to the place because of the many wealthy residents who lived there. High-ranking military officials, state officials, successful businessmen, and owners or entrepreneurs of various things were the majority of professions here.
There were no poor people wandering the streets. Their clothes were even considered very luxurious. There were many multi-story houses that still followed the ancient Eastern design but still looked so extravagant they made Yong's eyes sparkle.
Including the place right in front of them now. A Traditional Garment Embroidery shop with unique patterns carved into the walls and doors.
"We've arrived," Zhuge said.
"Oh, right."
"It seems this is your first time in this city, isn't it?" Zhuge thought.
"No. I've been here many times, but that was a long time ago," Yong said.
Stepping inside, they were greeted by a servant in traditional clothing and the sound of a wind chimes above the door. One of the people there made contact eye with Zhuge, and Zhuge immediately understood, hurrying to approach the person while pulling Yong's hand.
"What is it?" Yong asked.
"We're going to meet a client."
"A client?"
"Someone who will give us a job."
They were led into a very spacious room. A man with a standard build and a beard placed an ink painting of a person's face on the table.
"Kill my business rival. I will pay whatever you want," the man said without preamble.
"Whatever it is?" Zhuge replied.
"Yes. Whatever amount of gold coins you ask for, as long as he dies. I don't care, but I ask you not to make me a suspect in his death," he said in a firm tone.
Zhuge smiled. He then took the painting from the table and left.