Chapter 36: Take Another Bounty Mission

Menghua Tower, besides the two distinguished guests Luo Feng and Zhu You, there were two other distinguished guests tonight.

“Hmm?” Both figures saw through the palace door and noticed Luo Feng and Zhu You flying past in the distance.

“That’s Zhu You and Luo He,” said the blue-haired man in surprise. “Luo He’s name is heard constantly these days—he single-handedly wiped out a dark faction and killed the Blood Serpent Guild’s leader. Truly remarkable!”

“Just one dark faction,” sneered the purple-robed young man. “Nineteen dark factions, mighty in reputation, yet before our five great clans, don’t they still bow their heads? Most of the cosmic sand they earn must be surrendered to our five clans.”

“Brother Mei Wu, our clan is strong, but in terms of individual power, Lord Luo He is far stronger than us,” said the blue-haired man.

“Brother Jiang, don’t flatter these drifters,” Mei Wuqi said dismissively. “Even if they gain great power through talent or fleeting fortune, every step forward is excruciatingly hard—top-tier legacies, precious resources, master’s guidance… they must fight for every opportunity. How can they compare to us, children of great clans? We are born with these resources!”

The blue-haired man gave a self-deprecating smile and raised his cup. “We are born with abundant resources, yet barely become Eternal True Gods. In talent, we are far inferior to Luo He and Zhu Hu. They still have hope of breaking into Chaos Dominance—we see not a shred of hope.”

“The limit of bloodline paths is Chaos Dominance. Every aspect must be immensely strong—we see no hope,” Mei Wuqi laughed. “But Luo He, Zhu Hu, and others—no matter how hard they fight, it’s all for nothing!”

“Yes, becoming a Chaos Dominance from an Eternal True God is indeed very difficult,” the blue-haired man admitted.

The total number of Chaos Dominances across the Origin Continent is not large, and powers like the Flame Wind Ancient Nation, Thunder Ancient Nation, and other terrifying factions are better at cultivating strong warriors and have greater potential to produce Chaos Dominances.

In the common populace, producing a single Chaos Dominance? The probability is absurdly low.

“On the Origin Continent, we, the Wang Clan and Chaos Great Clan heirs, are born above all. Even when fighting the Food Nation to the death, it’s Luo He, Zhu Hu, and other powerful Eternal True Gods who charge ahead. If we win, we still rule Huyang City. If we lose, we simply leave Huyang City,” Mei Wuqi laughed heartily.

“Our Chaos Great Clans only rose to prominence after producing a Chaos Dominance,” said the blue-haired man. “Luo He, Zhu Hu, and other powerful Eternal True Gods risk their lives in battle—countless top-tier Eternal True Gods endure life-and-death trials, and eventually, new Chaos Dominances will rise. But we? We have no hope whatsoever.”

“We have no hope—they have no lives,” Mei Wuqi roared with laughter. “I’ve seen too many of these powerful Eternal True Gods perish.”

…

Luo Feng and Zhu You took their seats; some of their servants sat in the corners.

As Luo Feng listened to A Luo Ya’s illusionary music, he naturally activated the Seven Emotions Mind Refinement Method from the Lie Yuan Technique, fully immersing himself. Though he usually maintained the Great Destruction Mind Refinement Method to hone his will, occasionally practicing the Seven Emotions Method offered a different flavor.

“This Luo He truly loves A Luo Ya’s illusionary music—no wonder he once clashed with the Blood Serpent Guild over this minor musician,” Zhu You observed from the side. As an Eternal True God, he was barely affected by the illusionary music. But Luo Feng, eyes closed and utterly immersed, made it impossible for him to speak.

When the performance ended.

“Excellent, excellent, excellent,” Luo Feng opened his eyes. Throughout his cultivation, he had accumulated many regrets, yet within the illusion, they were all compensated—its emotional impact was extremely intense.

“Your Excellency flatters me,” A Luo Ya inwardly felt profound gratitude and gave her full performance.

Luo Feng’s favor greatly increased her status at Menghua Tower—her performance fee became ten times what it once was! No one dared harass her anymore, and even her clan, the Thousand Leaf Vine Grass Clan, enjoyed better days in Huyang City—clearly, no faction wished to become the next Blood Serpent Guild!

“You’ve improved greatly—keep striving,” Luo Feng smiled. Under the aid of the Seven Emotions Mind Refinement Method, A Luo Ya’s illusionary music was indeed perfectly suited.

“Yes, A Luo Ya takes her leave,” the young musician bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Zhu You watched and chuckled: “Lord Luo He is truly benevolent—even toward a minor musician.”

“Hahaha…” Luo Feng laughed. “I was so immersed in the illusionary music just now, I neglected you, Brother Zhu You.”

“I was also appreciating the illusionary music,” Zhu You said. “Lord Luo He, how well do you understand Huyang City?”

“Only superficial knowledge,” Luo Feng replied.

When Shen Tian Yan had given him intelligence on all factions in Huyang City—including profiles of countless Eternal True Gods—it was all basic information. Detailed intelligence on a single Eternal True God was extremely expensive.

“You’ve only been in Huyang City for a little over one cycle—your time here is still short,” Zhu You said. “As time passes, you’ll naturally learn many secrets.”

I’ve only been in Huyang City for a short time and have only clashed with the Blood Serpent Guild—I’ve never fought other experts.

“You’ve only clashed with the Blood Serpent Guild, yet you caused its complete annihilation,” Zhu You smiled. “Now, the five great clans and the Food Nation are both watching you.”

“Oh?” Luo Feng listened.

“The City Lord’s Mansion and the Food Nation are locked in fierce conflict, yet both sides use other experts to fight their battles for them,” Zhu You said. “They often offer rewards to lure outsiders into helping. Lord Luo He, with your strength, both sides will surely court you.”

“My advice: take on easy missions for the rewards—but avoid getting entangled in major troubles,” Zhu You said. “Preserving yourself is more important.”

“Makes sense,” Luo Feng nodded.

“In Huyang City, besides the City Lord’s Mansion, the five great clans, and the Food Nation, there is also our third faction,” Zhu You said softly with a smile. “In terms of Eternal True God numbers and top-tier strength, our native clans and local powers are the strongest.”

Luo Feng nodded slightly; though seemingly scattered, their total strength was immense, hiding many dragons and tigers.

“Lord Luo He, you are not a member of the five great clans. Even if you ally with them, you’re merely serving them. The Food Nation cares even less for their lackeys’ lives,” Zhu You looked at Luo Feng. “You naturally belong with us.”

“That’s logical,” Luo Feng nodded.

Zhu You laughed loudly: “We are on the same side! Be honest—no matter who rules Huyang City, what difference does it make to our native clans and local powers?”

“For Shen Wangs and Chaos Dominances, perhaps they lose many offerings—they care deeply. But for us? It’s the same—we still must pay massive fees.”

“So no matter how wildly the City Lord’s Mansion and the Food Nation fight, we must cherish our own lives,” Zhu You shook his head. “They’ve never cared about our lives or deaths.”

Luo Feng nodded: “Brother Zhu You speaks wisely.”

“As long as we unite, we are the strongest force! The City Lord’s Mansion and the Food Nation can only bribe us—they dare not force us,” Zhu You clearly felt confident.

Suddenly—

A powerful disturbance subtly rippled from outside.

“What’s happening?” Luo Feng and Zhu You looked through the palace door and saw a Three-Sword Heaven-Shattering Beast appearing in the distant sky, from whose body emerged a figure—Gao Wu Shui, Commander of the Huyang Guard.

…

Mei Wuqi and Jiang Chengyou walked curiously to the palace entrance, gazing at the mechanical artifact—the Three-Sword Heaven-Shattering Beast—arriving outside the hall, both sensing ill intent.

“Menghua Tower is a place of pleasure, yet Commander Gao Wu arrives with a Three-Sword Heaven-Shattering Beast,” Mei Wuqi looked at Gao Wu Shui. “Commander Gao, what brings you here?”

“Commander Gao, come in for a drink—your Huyang Guard subordinates may rest nearby. My treat,” smiled the blue-haired man, Jiang Chengyou.

Gao Wu Shui spoke coldly: “Mei Wuqi, the Huyang Guard has gathered evidence of your crimes: arresting countless Huyang City citizens and torturing and murdering them. You must come with me to the Huyang Guard Headquarters.”

The blue-haired man was stunned. Mei Wuqi’s face darkened; his aura stirred, plunging the night into deeper gloom. He rasped: “Commander Gao, I am Mei Wuqi of the Mei Wu Clan. Are you certain you wish to arrest me?”

“Could this be a misunderstanding?” Jiang Chengyou spoke up.

“It is the Huyang Guard’s duty—I must arrest you!” Gao Wu Shui stared at Mei Wuqi. “Mei Wuqi, come with me!”

“You, who rely on our five great clans, turn against our clan’s heirs?” Mei Wuqi sneered. “Gao Wu Shui, I will report this immediately to the City Lord’s Mansion—I’ll see how they handle this!”

“How the City Lord’s Mansion handles me is a matter for the future. Right now, you come with me,” Gao Wu Shui said coldly. “I’ll count to three. If you resist, I’ll have no choice but to use force.”

“Three… two…” Gao Wu Shui showed no hesitation.

“Boom—”

A deep purple, serpentine beast pierced through space, appearing suddenly above Menghua Tower, causing many guests to cry out in alarm.

Luo Feng and Zhu You watched from afar.

“Commander Gao Wu is truly formidable—he’s begun arresting Eternal True Gods from the five great clans,” the deep purple serpent slowly descended, and atop its head appeared a armored figure.

!.

“Even Wang Clan heirs and Chaos Great Clan heirs must obey Yu Nation’s laws,” Gao Wu Shui said coldly. “Mei Wuqi is guilty of heinous crimes—he has terrorized Huyang City for countless years, harming countless citizens, and acted recklessly beyond its borders. When Fang Jiucheng was overrun by beast hordes, he abducted billions of citizens alone! Countless billions have been tortured to death by him! How can such crimes be forgiven?”

“You are slandering me! As a fifth clan heir, how could I act so recklessly?” Mei Wuqi roared.

The armored figure chuckled lightly: “Accusing fifth clan heirs of slander is common. Commander Gao Wu, you’ve only just assumed your post—you still lack experience.”

“Whether it’s slander or not, let him come with me to the Huyang Guard Headquarters. Once verified, the truth will be determined,” Gao Wu Shui said.

The armored figure stepped beside Mei Wuqi, the serpentine beast looming behind him. “Commander Gao Wu, simply submit your evidence to the City Lord’s Mansion—they will verify its truth and decide punishment. You need not interfere.”

Gao Wu Shui anticipated heavy resistance, but he never imagined he couldn’t even take the first step—removing Mei Wuqi.

“Commander Gao Wu, you need not involve yourself further in Mei Wuqi’s case. Return immediately to the Huyang Guard Headquarters and submit all evidence you’ve gathered,” came an order from the City Lord’s Mansion.

Gao Wu Shui’s heart turned cold; he sighed inwardly.

“Even if I bring him back to the Huyang Guard Headquarters, I doubt I’ll harm him in the slightest,” he thought.

Without the City Lord’s Mansion’s judgment, he dared not kill a fifth clan Eternal True God. If he did, even his master, Mo Li Xiao, could not save him.

His youth had made him hate evil fiercely—but he would not sacrifice himself for a single Mei Wuqi.

“I will submit the evidence. I trust the City Lord’s Mansion will deliver a fair judgment!” Gao Wu Shui glanced at Mei Wuqi, then flew into the Three-Sword Heaven-Shattering Beast.

Whoosh!

The Three-Sword Heaven-Shattering Beast immediately pierced through space and departed.

“Hahaha…” Mei Wuqi finally relaxed, laughing. “That Gao Wu Shui is a complete fool. Thought he could arrest me?”

…

Luo Feng, watching from afar, was astonished.

“Brother Zhu You, was what Commander Gao Wu said true? When Fang Jiucheng was overrun by beast hordes, did Mei Wuqi abduct billions of citizens?” Luo Feng asked. “Did he torture to death billions?”

That number stunned even Luo Feng.

After all, Yu Nation’s official laws were still extremely strict.

“It’s true,” Zhu You said. “Stay in Huyang City longer, and you’ll learn—Mei Wuqi is infamous as a madman. His artifact, the City of Sin, imprisons countless innocent citizens. Over countless years, the number he tortured to death is incalculable.”

“Do the five great clans tolerate him?” Luo Feng frowned.

“The five great clans can restrain many dark factions—if they cross the line, the clans can strike down hard. But they cannot strike down their own,” Zhu You shook his head. “Mei Wuqi’s madness is well-documented! If you don’t believe me, buy intelligence from the Flame Wind Pavilion.”

Luo Feng looked toward the distance—Mei Wuqi was chatting merrily with another Huyang Guard commander.

“I want to purchase all of Mei Wuqi’s crimes,” Luo Feng contacted the Flame Wind Pavilion’s secret chamber via his communication token.

“All evidence of Mei Wuqi’s crimes: one cosmic sand,” the secret chamber replied.

“Purchase.”

After Luo Feng paid, the Flame Wind Pavilion’s secret chamber sent him the detailed evidence.

The evidence turned Luo Feng’s face icy cold—Mei Wuqi was even more deranged than he imagined: a completely twisted, insane madman who tortured innocent citizens to forge powerful, corrupted souls through “torture-induced suffering.”

“Using suffering to forge powerful corrupted souls—the Flame Wind Pavilion’s secret records show he has sixteen outstanding works. Sixteen True Gods, their tortured souls’ willpower rivaling that of Eternal True Gods,” Luo Feng murmured.

“He once brought his works to show me off,” Zhu You sighed.

“The Flame Wind Pavilion has a bounty on him,” Luo Feng found Mei Wuqi’s bounty.

The reward: only 20,000 cosmic sand.

Probably only someone who truly despised him bothered to post the bounty.

“Accept mission,” Luo Feng mentally accepted the assassination mission against Mei Wuqi.

“Forget about this—there are countless dark deeds on the Origin Continent. Many things we simply can’t change,” Zhu You said. “It’s already hard enough for our own clans to survive safely.”

Luo Feng rose: “Brother Zhu You has family ties, but I have nothing to bind me. If I turn away from this matter when it comes before me, my heart will not be pure!”

“These filth must be wiped away!”

Luo Feng took a step—and whoosh—he was already outside the hall, heading straight for Mei Wuqi.

——

Thank you to our new Patron: Shijia Suo.

(End of chapter)