If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

Chapter 735 Title: Risking Everything for a Ticket

The black aura surrounding the Iron Fist Sect Master resembled a pot of boiling ink.

With each step he took, a thin crack appeared in the bluestone bricks beneath his feet.

The temperature in the entire hall seemed to drop by more than ten degrees.

The guests held their breath, not daring to even breathe loudly.

The Lord of Mad Lion City sat at the head of the table, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. His gaze was calm, as if he were watching a play. A play with a pre-written script. The play's name: Kill the chicken to scare the monkey.

Zhou Yang laughed.

He took a step forward, facing the murderous aura that seemed to solidify into reality.

This step, though not heavy, struck like a hammer blow to everyone's hearts.

"stop."

His voice wasn't loud, but it drowned out the cracking noise of the Iron Fist Sect Master's joints.

"Senior, why are you so angry?"

Zhou Yang looked up at him, his face still bearing that nonchalant expression.

"Weren't we here to eat? Why are we starting a fight?"

The Iron Fist Sect Master stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowed. He hadn't expected this kid to still dare to laugh at this crucial moment.

"Boy, if you kneel down and beg for mercy now, and cut off your own arm, I might spare your life."

His voice was rough, like sandpaper rubbing.

"Otherwise, this city lord's mansion will be your burial ground today."

Zhou Yang shook his head.

He turned his head and flashed a bright white smile at Qin Shuang beside him.

"Sister Shuang, did you hear that? He told me to cut off my own arm."

Qin Shuang's face was pale. Her knuckles bulged from gripping the sword hilt. She looked at Zhou Yang, her eyes filled with worry, tension, but above all, a complex trust.

She knew Zhou Yang never did anything he wasn't sure of. But this time, the stakes were too high.

"Zhou Yang, don't be impulsive," she said in a low voice.

Zhou Yang ignored her.

He turned back and looked at the Iron Fist Sect Master again.

"Senior, I have a problem."

I believe in one principle.

Everything is negotiable.

The Iron Fist Sect Master, enraged, laughed coldly: "A trade? What will you trade with me? Your life?"

"almost."

Zhou Yang held up one finger.

"Let's make a bet."

"It's just you and me; let's settle this with one battle."

A collective gasp filled the hall.

A madman. This kid is a complete madman.

Who is the Iron Fist Sect Master? A top expert in Beast City, a powerhouse with one foot already in the Grandmaster realm. Fight him? What's the difference between that and wrestling with a mad elephant?

For the first time, the Lord of Mad Lion City stopped tapping on the armrest. He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Zhou Yang. This young man was bolder than he had imagined.

"The bet has to be something interesting."

Zhou Yang's voice rang out leisurely.

"If I lose."

He spread his hands, looking as relaxed as if he were talking about something trivial.

"My entire Black Wind Stronghold, including my own life, belongs to the Iron Fist Sect. We are at their disposal."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Qin Shuang beside him.

"And her, Qin Shuang, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, is also at the mercy of the senior's young master."

boom!

These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in the main hall.

Everyone was stunned.

They actually used Qin Shuang as a wager?!

Qin Shuang's body stiffened abruptly. She stared in disbelief at Zhou Yang's profile. That familiar face now seemed utterly alien. A chilling coldness shot from her feet to the top of her head.

The Iron Fist Sect Master's breathing became heavier. He stared greedily at Qin Shuang. He had long coveted this woman. Her stunning beauty, her icy demeanor, and that legendary identity as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If only he could have her…

The murderous intent in his eyes was instantly replaced by desire.

"Good! Good! Good lad! You've got guts!"

The Iron Fist Sect Master laughed heartily, shaking the dust off the roof beams.

"I promise you! I'm just afraid you'll try to renege if you lose!"

"Playing dirty?"

Zhou Yang chuckled.

"I, Zhou Yang, haven't fallen so low in Beast City that I need to resort to dishonest means."

"But wouldn't it be unfair if only I placed the bet?"

He raised his head, his gaze passing over the Iron Fist Sect Master and looking directly at the Mad Lion City Lord at the head of the table.

"Senior, I won, so naturally there should be a prize."

The Lord of Mad Lion City didn't speak, but simply made a "please" gesture. His fingers began to tap lightly on the armrest again, unhurriedly, as if keeping time for this absurd gamble.

"I won. First, the Iron Fist Sect's century-old foundation, all assets, including land deeds, shops, and goods in warehouses, belong to my Black Wind Stronghold."

The Iron Fist Sect Master's laughter abruptly stopped. His eyes widened suddenly, like a lion whose territory had been invaded.

"You're dreaming!"

Zhou Yang ignored his roar and continued speaking.

"This second point is the key."

His voice deepened, carrying an undeniable resolve.

"I want you, the city lord, to personally introduce me."

"I want to see the celestial messenger."

Dead silence.

The entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

All eyes instantly turned to the Lord of Mad Lion City, the man who sat high above, like a god.

Celestial Messenger.

That was a true taboo in the City of Ten Thousand Beasts. A legendary figure. Above the City Lord, there were celestial envoys. For mortals, even mentioning him was blasphemy.

This kid, he actually dared to...

The Mad Lion City Lord's tapping on the armrest finally stopped completely.

For the first time, his face lacked its usual calm expression. Instead, it was filled with an unfathomable gloom.

He stared intently at Zhou Yang, his eyes like two poisoned knives.

Do you know what you're saying?

Zhou Yang met his gaze without flinching.

"Of course I know."

"Lord City Lord, you invited me here just to see if this sword of mine is sharp enough and effective enough, right?"

"Now, I'm giving you a chance to see clearly."

"An opportunity that makes you feel that introducing me to the celestial messenger is a worthwhile deal."

The Lord of Mad Lion City remained silent.

The air in the main hall was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

The Iron Fist Sect Master was trembling with rage. He was ready to tear this arrogant brat to shreds the moment the city lord gave the nod.

for a long time.

The Lord of Mad Lion City spoke slowly, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"it is good."

"I agree."

"If you win, I will personally introduce you to the sect. Everything in the Iron Fist Sect will be yours."

"But if you lose..."

He glanced at Qin Shuang.

"You, your woman, and your pathetic mountain stronghold will all disappear completely from the City of Ten Thousand Beasts."

Zhou Yang smiled.

He knew he had made the right bet.

He gambled on the Lion Lord's curiosity. He gambled on his interest in his "strange sword".

They also gambled on themselves, believing they still had the resources to burn their lives.

"Thank you for your kindness, City Lord."

He stopped talking and slowly drew the knife from his waist.

It was a very ordinary knife, even somewhat old.

But at that moment, under everyone's gaze, he closed his eyes.

The hall was deathly silent. No one knew what he was going to do.

The Iron Fist Sect Leader roared impatiently, "Playing tricks! If you want to fight, then..."

Before he could finish speaking...

In Zhou Yang's heart, a voice that only he could hear resounded. A cold, emotionless voice.

[High-value target detected...]

[Begin the deduction...]

[Burning life!]

Deep within his consciousness, it was as if a flame had been ignited.

[Burning for 100 years!]

A burning sensation exploded in his heart. He could feel his life force being drained away. His skin became dry, and his hair seemed to have turned gray.

[Burning for 500 years!]

The extraction was happening faster and faster. He felt his blood boiling, his internal organs burning. An indescribable feeling of weakness washed over him, almost making him lose his balance.

But he still stood up straight.

[Burning for 1000 years!]

His vision began to darken. The colors of the world faded. He could almost see the shadow of death beckoning him from afar. His soul trembled, instinctively terrified of the loss of his life.

not enough.

Zhou Yang gritted his teeth.

[Burning for 2000 years!]

boom!

It was as if the entire universe had exploded inside him.

In an instant, all the weakness, all the pain, all the fear vanished.

Instead, there is an unprecedented clarity.

An absolute clarity, like a god looking down upon ants.

He opened his eyes again.

The world is different now.

The Iron Fist Sect Master before me is no longer the imposing martial arts expert he once was.

In his eyes, the other party was a collection of countless energy lines.

He could clearly see how the vital energy flowed through his meridians. He could see every contraction of his muscle fibers. He could see every beat of his heart.

All the secrets have been exposed.

The Iron Fist Sect's signature martial art, the Black Fiend Fist.

In his eyes, this martial art was like an open white book. Every move, every stance, every detail was clearly marked.

More importantly, those flaws.

The flaws are densely packed, like stars scattered across its surface.

"I see."

Zhou Yang muttered to himself softly.

"Your left leg suffered an old injury in your early years, and there is always a slight delay when you exert force."

"Your practice of the Black Demon Fist is too forceful, causing your internal energy to flow in reverse and your heart meridian to be damaged."

"When you throw a punch, you like to drop your shoulder, but your right shoulder is half an inch lower than your left. This habit will make the area below your third rib an absolute weak point."

With each word he spoke, the Iron Fist Sect Master's face paled a little more.

In the end, the Iron Fist Sect Master's flushed face turned ashen.

He felt as if he had been stripped naked and thrown into the freezing cold. All his most hidden weaknesses were laid bare before everyone by this young man.

This is no longer a battle.

This is a trial.

Zhou Yang raised his knife.

The blade reflected a chilling light under the lamplight.

He didn't look at the Lord of Mad Lion City, nor at Qin Shuang.

In his world, only the enemy before him, full of flaws, remained.

For that ticket to a higher world.

He gambled with two thousand years of history. He gambled with everything he had.

Now, it's time to recoup the losses.

Chapter 736 Title: One Finger Breaks Through the Qi, Instant Kill!

A lifespan of two thousand years.

This amount would be an enormous sum that would drive any cultivator mad.

That's two thousand years, countless days and nights of arduous cultivation, an astonishing level of cultivation that could be achieved even while sleeping on a spiritual vein.

But in Zhou Yang's mind, it was just a number.

A bargaining chip used to exchange for the right to survive at this moment.

The system panel flashed across my retina in an instant, the bright red countdown like a death knell, instantly reaching zero.

boom!

An indescribable surge of heat exploded from his dantian.

It wasn't a gentle warmth, but rather like someone pouring molten iron into his veins. Pain? He was already numb to it. At this moment, Zhou Yang only felt an unprecedented sense of clarity filling his entire body.

The meridians, which had been somewhat depleted from days of travel and overexertion, were forcibly stretched open in that instant, becoming as wide as rivers. The blockages and impurities were washed away clean by this domineering force.

His originally gray hair turned black at a speed visible to the naked eye.

It wasn't dyed black, but a vibrant, life-giving ink color that emanated from deep within the hair roots. Every strand of hair seemed to come alive, trembling slightly in the air.

The wrinkles on his face were smoothed out, his skin became firm and smooth, and the turbidity in his eyes was replaced by an extremely sharp and cold light.

He stood there, seemingly motionless, yet he resembled a peerless, deadly weapon that had just been unsheathed and had not yet tasted blood.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze.

The oppressive atmosphere caused several Jinyiwei subordinates who were nearby to involuntarily retreat, making strange gurgling sounds in their throats.

This is what we got in return for burning for two thousand years.

The power of pure, ultimate purity.

On the other side, the Iron Fist Master had no idea that Death was already standing at the door.

He only saw Zhou Yang's aura surge, but a stronger killing intent welled up in his heart instead.

"Playing tricks!"

The Iron Fist Sect Master roared.

He hated nothing more than these fancy tricks. In his eyes, might makes right; no matter how imposing or how fierce the gaze, one punch was all it took to shatter them!

He stomped his feet hard on the ground.

With a deafening roar, the bluestone floor beneath their feet shattered instantly, sending fragments of stone flying like bullets.

He charged at me like a runaway bull, bringing with him a foul stench.

This move is his signature technique – Iron Mountain Lean.

It is said that when practiced to its extreme, it can knock down a mountain.

At this moment, the Iron Fist Sect Master's muscles bulged like stones, and his skin had an eerie bluish-black hue. A thick layer of protective qi enveloped him, like an invisible suit of armor.

The air was compressed, producing a sharp whistling sound.

The strong wind overturned the tables and chairs in the main hall, and teapots and teacups shattered on the floor.

Qin Shuang instinctively tried to draw her sword, but found her fingers stiff and unable to move. The overwhelming sense of oppression made it difficult for her to breathe.

She stared intently at Zhou Yang's retreating figure.

A strange sense of fear welled up inside me.

Can that man really withstand this attack?

That's the Iron Fist Sect Master! A famous tough guy in Anyang County, his body is so tough that he's practically invulnerable to swords and spears!

Zhou Yang looked at the Iron Fist Sect Master who was charging towards him.

In his view, the other person was moving as slowly as a snail.

Those seemingly terrifying muscle lines, those seemingly indestructible qi, were all flaws in his eyes. Flaws were everywhere, densely packed, like a sieve.

The knife he had just raised in his hand suddenly felt somewhat superfluous.

too heavy.

Using a knife against an enemy of this caliber would be an insult to one's own strength.

Zhou Yang flicked his wrist.

Clang.

He casually tossed the fine steel longsword that had been with him for many years onto the ground.

The blade struck the stone slab, producing a crisp sound.

The sound was particularly jarring amidst the howling wind.

The Iron Fist Sect Master grinned maliciously.

"Scared? Too late!"

He increased his speed by another three points, his whole body like a black cannonball, about to smash Zhou Yang into mincemeat.

People around gasped in surprise.

"grown ups!"

"Zhou Yang!"

Zhou Yang didn't move.

He just stood there quietly, with his hands behind his back.

Until the Iron Fist Master's broad shoulders were only three inches away from him.

The fishy, ​​foul smell had already entered my nostrils.

Zhou Yang moved.

It's a very simple action.

He raised his right hand and extended one index finger.

There was no flashy brilliance, no earth-shattering momentum.

It's like a schoolteacher gently pointing at a disobedient student.

That gesture was so casual it was outrageous.

But the moment Zhou Yang's fingertips touched that protective aura...

The world seemed to stand still.

That protective aura, which even swords and blades couldn't penetrate, was as fragile as a thin sheet of paper in front of Zhou Yang's fingertips.

puff.

A soft sound.

It's like popping a soap bubble with your finger.

The Iron Fist Sect Master's sinister smile froze on his face.

He watched helplessly as that pale finger pierced through his proud inner energy, through his bluish-black skin, and through his skull without any resistance.

Finally, it stopped between his eyebrows.

There was no bloodshed.

There was only a cool sensation that spread from my brow throughout my entire body.

The Iron Fist Sect Master wanted to make a move.

His muscles were still working, and the momentum of his "Iron Mountain Lean" was still pushing him forward.

But his brain couldn't issue any commands.

It's like a sophisticated machine whose core component has suddenly been removed.

That feeling of powerlessness terrified him more than death itself.

He looked at Zhou Yang.

There was no murderous intent or anger in those eyes, only a calm as if looking at a dead object.

"Your internal energy is too fragile."

Zhou Yang's voice rang in his ears.

It was very light, yet it exploded like thunder.

next second.

Click.

A crisp sound came from inside the Iron Fist Gate.

That was the sound of life being completely extinguished.

His massive body collapsed as if his spine had been removed.

boom!

Dust flew everywhere.

This once-powerful Iron Fist Sect Master lay limp on the ground like a lump of mud, lifeless.

One finger.

Sold out instantly.

The main hall was deathly silent.

The few gang leaders who had just been clamoring to see Zhou Yang die were now gaping, their jaws nearly dropping to the ground.

The fear in their eyes was so intense it was almost palpable.

How is that possible?

That's the Iron Fist Sect Master!

The Iron Fist Sect Master, who couldn't even be cut by a knife, was killed by a single finger?

Is this even human?

Qin Shuang's grip on the knife hilt loosened and tightened repeatedly.

She watched that figure from behind.

That once somewhat hunched and aged back was now standing ramrod straight. His black hair shimmered with an eerie luster under the lamplight.

She suddenly felt as if she had never truly known this man.

Zhou Yang withdrew his finger.

He casually wiped his clothes, as if they had been stained with something dirty.

His relaxed and carefree demeanor formed an extremely ironic contrast with the corpse on the ground.

He turned his head and looked at the few petty leaders who were already terrified.

His gaze swept over them as if they were chickens and ducks waiting to be slaughtered.

"Who was shouting the loudest just now?"

Zhou Yang smiled.

The smile was gentle, but in these people's eyes, it was more ferocious than a demon.

"I...I..."

One of the underlings' legs buckled, and he knelt down on the ground.

"No...don't kill me...I was blind and didn't recognize your greatness..."

Zhou Yang ignored him.

He strolled slowly to a table that hadn't been overturned yet, picked up a teapot, and shook it.

Fortunately, there was still half a pot of cold tea left.

He tilted his head back, took a swig, and let out a long breath.

The aftereffects of reduced combustion life are beginning to appear.

A wave of intense dizziness washed over him, and the strength in his body receded like a receding tide. The feeling of falling from the clouds into the mud made him sway involuntarily.

But he quickly regained his composure.

His face remained calm and composed.

No one could tell that his legs were going weak at that moment.

That's acting.

This is survival.

Even if the inside is empty, the facade must still be maintained.

"Now, can we have a proper talk?"

Zhou Yang put down the teapot and his gaze fell on the Mad Lion City Lord, who had been huddled in the corner.

The Lord of Mad Lion City trembled.

He looked at the Iron Fist Sect Master on the ground, then at Zhou Yang, and his Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty.

That single finger strike not only killed the Iron Fist Sect Master, but also shattered all his courage.

He is a smart man.

Smart people know when to be firm and when to be lenient.

The Iron Fist Sect Master died just now when he was being tough.

Now, it's his turn to back down.

"Talk...talk! Of course we'll talk!"

Lord Mad Lion wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.

"Mr. Zhou... no, Lord Zhou, your divine power is unparalleled! I was blind and offended you greatly just now. Please forgive me!"

Zhou Yang looked at him, a mocking smile curving his lips.

"Please forgive me?"

He walked up to the Lord of Mad Lion City and looked down at this guy who had been so arrogant just moments before.

"My forgiveness is very expensive."

The Lord of Mad Lion City felt a chill in his heart.

But he dared not hesitate and immediately took out a heavy token from his pocket and presented it with both hands.

"This is the city lord's decree of Ten Thousand Beasts City. From this day forward, Ten Thousand Beasts City is at Lord Zhou's command!"

Zhou Yang took the token and weighed it in his hand.

The portion size is good.

But this is not enough.

He just burned two thousand years of his lifespan.

This cost needs to be recouped.

"Having this alone is not enough."

Zhou Yang toyed with the token and said casually.

"I want to know what's inside that black tower."

The Lord of Mad Lion City's expression changed.

That's taboo.

It is the biggest secret of the City of Ten Thousand Beasts, and also a forbidden area left behind by the Celestial Envoy.

But he glanced at the corpse on the ground.

secret?

What's the use of keeping secrets if you're dead?

"This...this..."

He gritted his teeth, as if he had made up his mind.

"I can take the adults there, but... but it's really dangerous there, even the celestial messengers..."

"Even the celestial messenger is dead, isn't he?"

Zhou Yang interrupted him.

"Since I dared to come, I'm not afraid of dying."

Of course he was afraid of dying.

But he was more afraid of being penniless and lacking resources, and eventually dying in bed.

Rather than doing that, let's take a gamble.

He understood the principle that fortune favors the bold.

Looking into Zhou Yang's dark eyes, the Lord of Mad Lion City suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

This young man is even more insane than that legendary celestial messenger.

"it is good."

Lord Mad Lion City took a deep breath.

"I'll take the adults there right away."

Zhou Yang nodded.

He turned around and looked at Qin Shuang, who had remained silent.

Qin Shuang was staring at him with a complicated expression.

"What's wrong?"

Zhou Yang walked over and asked in a low voice.

"Are you impressed by my handsomeness?"

Qin Shuang rolled her eyes at him, but the worry in her eyes was impossible to hide.

"What you just did... that was the burning lifespan?"

Although she didn't understand Zhou Yang's specific techniques, the sudden, almost supernatural change she had just witnessed seemed completely abnormal.

Zhou Yang did not deny it.

He shrugged.

"It's just a small investment."

"The return on investment is very high."

Qin Shuang bit her lip.

Is it worth it?

"Anything is worth it to survive."

Zhou Yang spoke as if it were perfectly reasonable.

He doesn't want to die.

I don't want to be trampled to death like an ant in this godforsaken place.

Therefore, whoever blocks the way must die.

Even if it costs him his life, he will pave this path.

"Let's go."

Zhou Yang patted Qin Shuang on the shoulder.

"Let's go see what treasures that celestial messenger left behind."

"If we can snag a few items, this trip won't have been in vain."

Qin Shuang looked at his profile.

His black hair swayed slightly in the wind, making him look somewhat unreal.

She suddenly felt that this man was like a bottomless black hole.

It relentlessly devours everything around it, including lifespan and life itself, and then transforms it into that chilling power.

But she found that she didn't hate the feeling.

Even, I felt a little... at ease?

In this cannibalistic world, following a madman like this might be the safest option.

"Um."

Qin Shuang responded and followed.

Zhou Yang walked at the very front.

He took each step very steadily.

Only he himself knew how much energy that finger strike had drained him.

Now, he urgently needs something to add.

Whether it's lifespan or resources.

That black tower.

I hope I won't let him down.

Otherwise, not enough blood would have been shed in this City of Ten Thousand Beasts.

The group walked out of the main hall.

It was already dark outside.

The wind was strong, making the flags flutter loudly.

Zhou Yang looked up at the faintly visible black tower in the distance.

The spire, in the night, resembles a sharp sword piercing the sky.

That's the end.

It is also a new beginning.

"Er Mazi!"

Zhou Yang suddenly shouted.

Er Mazi, who had been hiding outside the door, darted out like a rabbit.

"Boss!"

"Drag the corpses off the ground and feed them to the dogs."

Zhou Yang pointed into the main hall and said without turning his head.

"It's an eyesore."

"Okay!"

Er Mazi looked at the Iron Fist Sect Master on the ground, swallowed hard, but upon seeing Zhou Yang's back, he immediately responded loudly.

He now admires Zhou Yang.

He was so convinced that he prostrated himself in admiration.

That's a real man.

This is a true master.

Follow this kind of person, and you'll get to eat meat!

Hearing the commotion behind him, Zhou Yang's lips curled up slightly.

The first step in establishing the City of Ten Thousand Beasts has been taken.

Next.

This is the damn Black Tower.

Hopefully, what's inside will be worth the two thousand years of consumption.

If not...

Zhou Yang's eyes turned cold.

Then let's dismantle this City of Ten Thousand Beasts and sell it for scrap metal.

We have to break even, right?

Chapter 737 Title: Dead Silence Resounds, A New King is Born

The Iron Fist Sect Master's body remained in the forward-leaning posture.

A hint of disbelief even lingered on his face.

The finger that pierced through his protective inner energy was gone.

But all that remained in his mind was that image.

An ordinary, unremarkable finger.

Gently tap his fist.

Then, his proud "Black Blood Iron Fist" was as fragile as paper.

Broken.

The true energy exploded, and the internal organs felt as if they had been smashed by an invisible giant hammer.

He couldn't even let out a scream.

In his final moments of consciousness, he saw Zhou Yang's calm face.

There was no ecstasy, no pity.

There was nothing there.

It's like casually crushing an eyesore ant.

thump.

The body lay stiffly on the ground.

Fresh blood slowly seeped from his seven orifices, soaking the luxurious carpet.

The entire hall was deathly silent.

The previously noisy discussions have now vanished without a trace.

You could hear a pin drop.

Everyone froze in place, as if they had been frozen in place by a spell.

They looked at the young man standing beside the corpse.

The long black robe was spotless.

His face was somewhat pale, which was a sign of overexertion.

But his eyes were frighteningly bright.

It was a gaze that had burned to its limit, yet still retained its warmth.

The Mad Lion City Lord, who sat high on his throne, suddenly trembled.

The veins on his hands, which were gripping the jade armrest, bulged out.

He slowly, inch by inch, stood up.

He performed this movement with extreme difficulty, as if an invisible mountain was pressing down on him.

The way he looked at Zhou Yang had completely changed.

It is no longer about scrutiny, exploitation, or condescending charity.

It was a mixture of apprehension, fear, and a hint of unspeakable dread.

It's like looking at a monster wearing human skin.

A monster that can instantly kill a master of internal energy with a lifespan of two thousand years.

This kind of deal, this kind of boldness, has exceeded his comprehension.

This person is not a pawn.

They've come to overturn the chessboard.

Mad Lion City Chief opened his mouth, but it felt like a piece of burning coal was stuck in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.

Just then, Zhou Yang spoke up.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like an icicle, piercing deep into everyone's ears.

"Cash out the bet."

Four words.

Definitely.

There is no room for negotiation, no room for compromise.

The Iron Fist Clan members were struck as if by lightning, their bodies trembling violently.

They suddenly came to their senses.

The elder who had been so arrogant before, shouting that he would cripple Zhou Yang, was now as pale as a sheet.

His lips trembled as he looked at the still-warm corpse on the ground, his legs trembling.

bet?

Oh, and the bet!

Zhou Yang won.

According to the rules, everything in the Iron Fist Clan belongs to him.

"You...you..." The elder pointed at Zhou Yang, his finger trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind.

"What about me?" Zhou Yang glanced at him, his eyes showing no murderous intent, only indifference.

It was this indifference that made the elder feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

All his courage and all his luck were instantly frozen and shattered.

With a thud.

The elder's legs buckled, and he knelt directly on the ground.

"Welcome...to the new master!"

His kneeling was like toppling the first domino.

The Iron Fist Sect disciples behind them looked at each other, their faces drained of color.

They looked at Zhou Yang, then at the gloomy-faced Lord of Mad Lion City on the throne.

They knew that if they didn't kneel today, they might be the next ones to fall to the ground.

And so, one after another.

puff.

puff.

puff.

The entire hall resounded with the sound of people kneeling.

The members of the Iron Fist Sect all knelt down.

A dark mass of people kowtowed to Zhou Yang.

The elder trembled as he took a black iron fist token from his robes and then removed his storage bag.

He lowered his head and raised his hands high.

"The sect leader's order, as well as all the Iron Fist Sect's assets, are here."

"Please...please accept this."

He didn't dare to look Zhou Yang in the eye.

He felt those eyes were sharper than knives.

Zhou Yang didn't move.

He simply looked at the Mad Lion City Lord on the throne.

The meaning is obvious.

You are the one who controls the market.

The Lion Lord's chest heaved violently.

He gritted his teeth, his cheek muscles taut like iron.

He felt like he had thrown a punch and hit cotton.

No, it was struck on a red-hot branding iron.

It burned him so badly that it hurt terribly.

Does he want to back out?

miss you.

But he dared not.

By going back on his word in front of so many powerful forces in the City of Ten Thousand Beasts, his prestige as the city lord was completely destroyed.

More importantly, he was afraid.

He feared that the next second he changed his mind, the finger that had pierced through the Iron Fist Sect Master's protective aura would touch his throat.

He couldn't afford to lose his life.

Lord Mad Lion City closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

When she opened her eyes again, all emotions had been suppressed, leaving only a heavy sense of resignation.

He took out a warm, smooth jade talisman from his waist.

That's a "Wind and Cloud Jade Talisman" that only city lords possess, allowing them to directly contact their superiors.

In front of everyone, he slowly poured his true energy into the jade talisman.

The jade talisman glowed faintly.

His finger hovered above the jade talisman, pausing for a full three breaths.

Those three breaths felt longer than three centuries.

Finally, as if resigned to his fate, he pressed down hard.

A streak of light shot up from the jade talisman, pierced through the dome of the main hall, and disappeared into the night sky.

Having done all this, the Lord of Mad Lion City seemed to have all his strength drained away, and he plopped back down on his throne.

He looked at Zhou Yang, his voice dry and hoarse.

"The message has been sent."

"Someone from the celestial envoy will come to guide you."

Are you satisfied now?

Zhou Yang did not answer him.

His gaze swept over the Iron Fist Sect elder on the ground.

"Bring the things here."

The elder shuddered and quickly scrambled over, bringing the token and storage bag to Zhou Yang's feet.

Zhou Yang did not bend over.

He lightly hooked the storage bag with his toe, and it flew up and landed in his hand.

With a sweep of his divine sense, everything inside became clear at a glance.

Spirit stones, elixirs, cultivation manuals, and some other miscellaneous materials.

There are quite a few, but that's about it.

That's not even a fraction of what he spent this time.

He casually tossed the storage bag to Er Mazi, who was standing next to him.

"I've put it away."

"Yes, boss!" Er Mazi caught the heavy bag, his eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter.

Zhou Yang then picked up the black iron fist token.

The token felt cold to the touch, and it was engraved with a ferocious fist.

This is the symbol of power of the Iron Fist School.

He weighed the token in his hand, then turned and walked towards Qin Shuang.

Qin Shuang stood there, watching quietly.

From the moment Zhou Yang gambled his life, to his instant kill with a single finger, and then to his reaping of the rewards, her expression remained largely unchanged.

It was as if all of this was within her expectations.

Zhou Yang walked up to her and handed her the token.

"This is for you."

Qin Shuang was taken aback.

She looked at Zhou Yang, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"Give me?"

"Hmm." Zhou Yang's tone was very calm. "It's ridiculous for a low-ranking officer in the Imperial Guard to be wearing a leader's badge."

"Your status is different; taking this will make things easier."

"The waters of this City of Ten Thousand Beasts are even more murky than I imagined."

"We need to have our own foothold."

Qin Shuang fell silent.

She looked at the token Zhou Yang handed her, and then at his slightly pale face.

She reached out her hand, but instead of taking the token, she gently touched Zhou Yang's wrist with her finger.

His skin felt cool.

Your hands are cold.

She said softly.

Zhou Yang's wrist stiffened slightly.

He withdrew his hand and stuffed the token directly into Qin Shuang's sleeve.

"Take it."

"Don't get cold."

He turned away, no longer looking at her, and turned his gaze back to the Mad Lion City Lord on the throne.

"Lord City Lord."

"Do you still want to eat?"

The corner of the Mad Lion City Lord's mouth twitched.

How can we eat this meal?

The delicacies laid out on the table were no different from the corpses on the ground in his eyes at that moment.

They all reek of death.

Chapter 738 Title: The Celestial Envoy's "Interest"

The Mad Lion City Lord's fingers gripped the armrest.

The knuckles are turning white.

He looked at Zhou Yang as if he were looking at a dead man, or as if he were looking at a mountain of gold.

The killing intent I felt just now was real.

This current desire to chop Zhou Yang into pieces and feed him to the dogs is genuine.

But this meal is truly inedible.

The table was laden with delicacies, but the steam had completely dissipated. The eyes of the steamed sea bass on the plate had turned white, looking lifeless.

"Zhou Yang".

The city lord spoke, his voice sounding like sandpaper being rubbed.

"You win."

He spoke those three words with great difficulty. Each word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, carrying a metallic taste of blood.

The main hall was eerily quiet.

Those military officers and sect leaders who had originally been watching the spectacle now all lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound. No one had expected that the situation in the City of Ten Thousand Beasts would change so suddenly.

An outsider, a young man who looked to be only in his early twenties, managed to rub the city lord's face into the ground.

Zhou Yang didn't respond.

He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of the now-cold beef, and chewed it.

It has no taste.

The meat was so tough it would get stuck in your teeth.

He frowned and threw his chopsticks on the table.

"Smack."

A crisp sound.

The city lord's eyelid twitched.

"Since you, Lord City Lord, find this food unpalatable, let's call it a day." Zhou Yang stood up, brushing imaginary dust off his clothes. "I'm not one to force people to do things they don't want to do. Since this meal isn't enjoyable, I'll go look for somewhere else."

As he spoke, he turned to turn around.

His posture and tone made it seem as if the tense confrontation had never happened. He was just like an ordinary diner who was complaining about the food and was about to go to another restaurant.

Lord Mad Lion was stunned.

Are you leaving already?

Where did that "I want the Black Tower" spirit go? Where did that "give it or die" ruthlessness go?

He subconsciously looked at Qin Shuang.

Qin Shuang remained seated, her face pale, but her eyes were calm. She seemed to have anticipated Zhou Yang's actions.

Just as Zhou Yang took his first step.

Suddenly, the dome above our heads lit up.

It's not a lamp.

It is light.

Golden light.

The light wasn't dazzling, but it carried an undeniable sense of weight and depth. Like mercury poured down, it instantly pierced through the heavy stone roof, filling the entire hall.

The originally dimly lit hall instantly transformed into a magnificent golden palace.

All the shadows were dispelled.

Even the gloomy face of the Mad Lion City Lord was illuminated by the golden light, revealing every detail.

"This is..." The city lord suddenly looked up, his pupils contracting sharply.

Immediately afterwards, a voice rang out.

The sound wasn't loud.

It was neither loud nor deafening.

It sounded gentle, even a little amused, like a long-lost friend whispering in your ear.

But the moment that sound rang out, the air in the hall seemed to freeze.

That kind of solidification wasn't because the wind had stopped, or the clouds hadn't moved.

It even stops the flow of blood in your veins.

"How dare these ants of a mere city possess such audacity?"

The voice drifted down from above, carrying a sense of superiority and condescension, yet also a hint of amusement.

"This has piqued my interest."

boom!

No sooner had he finished speaking than the floor tiles in the center of the hall shattered.

Countless pebbles flew, but not a single one escaped the circle. They seemed to be blocked by an invisible wall, falling to the ground one after another.

A golden beam of light descended from the sky and pierced straight into the ground that had just been blasted open.

The light dissipated.

A figure slowly emerged.

It was a person wearing a white robe.

The white robe was as pure as snow, spotless. The hem hung down to the ankles, fluttering gently with an imaginary breeze.

His face had no features.

It was just a smooth, fleshy-colored piece of dough, like a dough ball that hadn't been shaped into a human figure yet.

But on that smooth "face," it feels as if a pair of eyes are watching you.

Looking at your bones, looking at your blood, looking at the dirtiest secrets deep within your soul.

The Lord of Mad Lion City seemed to have had his spine removed.

"Thump."

He slid straight off the throne, his knees slamming heavily to the ground.

Two shallow dents were smashed into the floor.

"Celestial Messenger!"

"The celestial messenger has arrived! The City of Ten Thousand Beasts is fortunate!"

He lay prostrate on the ground, his forehead pressed tightly against the cold stone slab, his body trembling violently. It wasn't an act; it was fear etched into his very bones.

It's like a mouse seeing a cat.

It was like a mortal meeting a god.

Everyone in the hall, from the Iron Fist Sect Master to the usually arrogant military generals, knelt down.

The sound of knees hitting the ground rose and fell in waves, creating a continuous cacophony.

No one dared to look up.

No one dared to breathe.

Faced with this overwhelming pressure, the so-called martial arts masters and the so-called city lords were nothing more than slightly stronger ants.

Only one person was standing there.

Zhou Yang.

He stood there, still clutching the chopsticks he had just thrown down. His back was ramrod straight, like a nail driven into a stone.

Qin Shuang knelt beside him.

She reached out to tug at Zhou Yang's sleeve, but as soon as her fingers touched him, Zhou Yang subtly avoided her.

He lowered his head slightly, looking at the faceless man in white robes.

There was no fear in his eyes.

There is only one kind of almost cold-blooded calculation.

"Is this the celestial messenger?"

Zhou Yang asked himself this question.

The system panel was flashing wildly in the corner of his field of vision.

Red warning boxes popped up one after another, only to shatter instantly.

[Warning! Extremely high energy level reaction detected!]

[WARNING! Unable to parse target data!]

[Warning! Host is advised to escape immediately!]

Zhou Yang turned off the control panel.

escape?

Where can we escape to?

This thing can descend through rooftops, and its speed is probably faster than the teleportation he gains by burning his lifespan. Moreover, a being of this caliber, once it arrives, won't let you leave easily.

Since we can't leave, we can only talk.

"You won't kneel?"

That gentle voice rang out again.

This time, there was less laughter in his voice and more coldness.

That kind of coldness wasn't from winter snow, but from water in a deep well, carrying a bone-chilling cold.

The Lord of Mad Lion City suddenly raised his head, looking at Zhou Yang with a face full of terror.

"Zhou Yang! Kneel down now! Do you want to kill everyone in the city?!"

He roared, his voice cracking.

The Iron Fist Sect Master lowered his head even further, but inwardly he was sneering.

This kid's gone way too far.

They dare not even kneel before the celestial envoy? They must be tired of living.

Zhou Yang ignored the city lord's roar.

He simply stared at the man in white, even having the leisure to put his chopsticks back into the chopstick holder.

"My legs hurt."

Zhou Yang said calmly.

"I can't kneel down."

The main hall was deathly silent.

Everyone thought Zhou Yang had gone mad.

This is a reason to commit suicide.

An extremely absurd and arrogant reason.

The man in white seemed to pause for a moment.

Then, a slight ripple appeared on that smooth face. It was like a muscle twitching, or like some kind of expression taking shape.

"Your legs hurt?"

The celestial messenger repeated the two words.

"interesting."

He took a step forward.

With this step, the entire hall shook.

That oppressive aura instantly intensified tenfold.

Those kneeling on the ground felt as if a huge rock was pressing on their chests, their bones cracking and popping. Some of those with lower cultivation levels even coughed up blood.

Qin Shuang's face turned deathly pale instantly.

She gritted her teeth, braced herself on the ground with her hands, her nails digging into the cracks in the stone, and struggled with all her might to keep from collapsing.

She looked up at Zhou Yang.

That silhouette.

Bathed in golden light, it appeared somewhat frail, yet exceptionally tall.

"What are you doing..." she thought to herself.

Zhou Yang felt the pressure.

That was real physical pressure.

His knees were cracking, his leg muscles were taut to the limit, like a string about to snap.

But he didn't kneel.

He is burning through his lifespan.

not much.

Only ten years.

But the strength he gained over those ten years was just enough to support his bones, allowing him to maintain his standing posture even under this pressure.

Even so, she can still maintain a smile.

"Did the Celestial Envoy descend to watch a show?"

Zhou Yang spoke up.

His voice wasn't loud, but in the deathly silence, it was as clear as a knife scraping through glass.

"If you're watching a play, standing up provides a better view."

The Mad Lion City Lord nearly fainted from fright.

This kid... this kid actually dares to speak to the celestial envoy like that!

This is blasphemy!

This is utterly disrespectful!

The man in white stopped in his tracks.

He stood less than three meters in front of Zhou Yang.

That invisible sense of oppression almost crushed Zhou Yang.

"What's your name?"

The celestial messenger asked.

"Zhou Yang".

"Zhou Yang..." the immortal envoy murmured, "There's a certain scent about you."

"What does it taste like?" Zhou Yang asked.

"The smell of burning."

The celestial messenger's face, devoid of features, seemed to reveal an eerie expression.

"You are burning yourself."

"For what reason?"

"For this meal?" The celestial messenger pointed to the cold food and wine on the table. "Or for that woman?"

His fingers were long and pale, and he touched the ground with his fingertips.

A golden light flew out and landed on Qin Shuang.

Qin Shuang felt a sudden lightness in her body, and the oppressive force that had been suffocating her vanished instantly. She looked up in surprise at the white-robed man.

"I don't like people kneeling before me when they speak to me."

The immortal envoy said calmly.

Then, he looked at Zhou Yang.

"You're very funny."

"In all these years, this City of Ten Thousand Beasts has never produced someone as interesting as you."

Zhou Yang's heart skipped a beat.

This celestial messenger didn't seem to intend to make a move.

"Can being interesting put food on the table?" Zhou Yang shrugged, though it was difficult to do under the pressure. "Since the Immortal Envoy finds me interesting, could you reimburse me for this meal?"

Lord Mad Lion City was utterly desperate.

It’s over.

This kid is hopeless.

How dare they ask the celestial messenger for money?

Did they mistake the celestial messenger for some rich young master passing by?

The man in white remained silent for a moment.

Then he laughed.

"Ha ha ha ha……"

Laughter echoed through the hall, sending shivers down everyone's spines.

"to reimburse?"

"it is good."

"As long as you can keep me entertained."

"All the resources in this City of Ten Thousand Beasts are at your disposal."

The man in white robes lightly flicked his sleeve.

A golden card floated over and landed in Zhou Yang's hand.

The card was light, yet it carried a warm scent.

Zhou Yang caught the card.

The moment he got his hands on it, a massive flow of information rushed into his mind.

That's Black Tower's access privileges.

And it has the highest level of access.

When the Lord of Mad Lion City saw the card, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

That's... a divine decree!

With this token, in the City of Ten Thousand Beasts, not only the Immortal Envoy himself, but even the City Lord must obey his orders!

This kid...

This kid actually rose to the top in one fell swoop?!

Zhou Yang played with the card in his hand, a smile playing on his lips.

"Thank you, Immortal Envoy."

"Since you've already paid, I won't stand on ceremony with this meal."

He turned around and sat back down in his chair.

I picked up my chopsticks, took a piece of the now-cold beef, and put it in my mouth.

This time, he chewed it with relish.

The man in the white robe watched Zhou Yang eat.

A complex light seemed to flash in those eyes that didn't actually exist.

"Eat."

Eat more.

"after all……"

The white-robed man's body began to fade slowly, turning into specks of golden light that dissipated into the air.

"How long an ant like you can live is still an unknown."

The sound gradually faded into the distance.

But that oppressive aura didn't completely dissipate until the last wisp of golden light vanished.

The main hall remained deathly silent.

Everyone knelt on the ground, too afraid to move.

Only Zhou Yang sat there, eating his meal slowly and deliberately.

It was as if everything that had just happened was just an insignificant interlude.

Lord Mad Lion City got up from the ground.

His legs were still shaking, and his pants were soaked.

That was cold sweat, and it was also urine.

His gaze changed as he watched Zhou Yang's retreating figure.

It was no longer the anger or the fear that had been there before.

It was not a deep fear, but an indescribable... awe.

This young man is more than just a martial arts prodigy.

He's a madman.

A madman who dares to provoke even the Celestial Envoy, yet is favored by the Celestial Envoy.

"Lord City Lord."

Zhou Yang suddenly spoke, still chewing on a piece of braised pork.

"Let's reheat this meat."

"It's cold, it really doesn't taste good."

Lord Mad Lion City was stunned for a moment.

Then, he immediately realized what was happening.

"Hot! Heat up right away!"

He roared, his voice even louder and more urgent than before.

"Someone! Summon the imperial chef! Clear this entire table of dishes away! Remake them! Make them the best you can make!"

"quick!"

He shouted as he strode over to Zhou Yang, bent down, and plastered a fawning smile on his face.

"Lord Zhou, what would you like to add?"

"This warehouse contains fine wine, aged for a thousand years..."

Zhou Yang swallowed the meat in his mouth and looked up at him.

"No need for alcohol."

"I need to stay alert."

"After all, I still have to retrieve the things inside this black tower myself."

He tapped the gold card in his hand lightly on the table.

The crisp sound seemed to strike the heart of the Mad Lion City Lord.

The city lord's eyes flickered.

Black Tower.

That was a forbidden area of ​​the City of Ten Thousand Beasts, and also the residence of the Celestial Envoy.

Is this kid carrying a celestial token to enter the Black Tower?

What exactly does he want to do?

However, none of this matters anymore.

The important thing is that this young man is someone he can't afford to mess with.

"well."

"As long as Lord Zhou is happy, everything is fine."

The city lord nodded repeatedly, like a lapdog.

Zhou Yang ignored him.

He continued eating the food on the table.

Qin Shuang sat next to him, looking at his profile.

"What you just did..." she whispered, "was really risky."

"adventure?"

Zhou Yang picked up a piece of green vegetable with his chopsticks and put it into Qin Shuang's bowl.

"That's called investment."

"High risk, high reward."

"And I wasn't lying."

"My legs really hurt."

Zhou Yang smiled, but his eyes were cold.

The ten years of lifespan I just burned were exchanged for this immortal decree and the "interest" of this important figure.

This deal is a good one.

As for the future?

We'll talk about the future later.

Anyway, as long as he can survive and get more money, even a god can be used by him.

"Eat."

Zhou Yang looked at the green vegetables in Qin Shuang's bowl.

"This dish is good; it's a good source of iron."

"You don't look well lately, eat more."

Qin Shuang looked at the vegetables in the bowl, then at Zhou Yang.

She suddenly realized that this man, although his mouth was full of interests and calculations, was actually quite cunning.

But in this desperate situation, following him seemed to offer a glimmer of hope.

Even if this chance for survival comes at the cost of burning through one's lifespan.

She picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of green vegetable, and put it in her mouth.

very bitter.

But it also has a slightly sweet aftertaste.

Just like this damn world.

Just like this enigmatic man in front of me.

Chapter 739 Title: The "Corpse King" from the Lower Realm?

The hall was eerily quiet.

The silence wasn't because no one was speaking; it was as if the air itself had been sucked away.

The wine glass in the Lord of Mad Lion City's hand was still trembling. Wine spilled all over the table, dripping down the corner and pooling on the ground.

But he didn't dare to wipe it.

He huddled in the chair like a quail, his eyes darting around in fear, and in the end, he didn't dare to look at Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang, on the other hand, ate with great relish.

He put a piece of braised pork into his mouth and chewed it carefully. It was fatty but not greasy, melted in his mouth, and the cooking time was perfect.

The cook in this City of Ten Thousand Beasts is quite something.

If I can eat a few more meals before I die, then my life won't have been in vain.

"Lord City Lord."

Zhou Yang swallowed the meat in his mouth and tapped the edge of the bowl with his chopsticks.

"The food is cold."

The Lord of Mad Lion City shuddered and almost slipped off his chair.

"Change it! Change it right now!"

He roared at the top of his lungs, startling the maid beside him so much that she nearly dropped the tray on her feet.

Zhou Yang smiled.

He didn't look at the city lord again.

He raised his head, his gaze piercing through the carved beams above the main hall, looking towards the empty heights.

and so on.

He was waiting for that eye that had been lurking in the shadows to finally give in.

This round has too high a stakes.

The pressure gained by burning two thousand years of lifespan was not only to intimidate the mad lion, but also to force out that "big rat".

If we don't break through this barrier, we won't be able to move forward.

suddenly.

The wind stopped.

It wasn't a natural pause.

Instead, it was as if an invisible hand had seized the throat of the city.

The flames in the charcoal brazier in the corner of the main hall, even though there was no wind, suddenly lowered their position and turned into a ghostly blue.

chill.

A chill that seeped into my bones.

The Lord of Mad Lion City even forgot to tremble. He was frozen in place, his eyes wide open, staring intently at the ball of air in the center of the hall.

Qin Shuang sat opposite Zhou Yang.

She pressed her hand against the hilt of the knife, her knuckles turning white from the force. She felt it—a suppression emanating from a fundamental level of being.

It almost made her lose the courage to even draw her sword.

"what?"

A voice rang out.

Very light. Very casual. Like casually commenting "This tea is good" in a teahouse.

But the sound echoed throughout the hall, making people's eardrums ache.

The roof tiles of the main hall suddenly began to tremble.

Click.

A crack appeared and quickly spread.

Immediately afterwards, the entire roof seemed to be sliced ​​open by some invisible sharp blade, and collapsed with a crash.

Stone fragments flew everywhere, and dust billowed up.

One light.

Or rather, a person.

It hovered in mid-air, stepping on the dust, and slowly floated down.

Dressed in white, whiter than snow.

Spotless.

In this hall filled with the stench of blood and earth, it stood out starkly clean.

He wore a mask on his face. It had no patterns, just a pale white color.

Only the eyes are exposed.

Those eyes had no pupils. They were all white.

It's creepy to look at.

The Lord of Mad Lion City knelt down with a thud.

His head slammed against the floor with a loud thud.

"Welcome, Celestial Envoy!"

In the entire hall, everyone except Zhou Yang and Qin Shuang knelt down, like a flock of wheat waiting to be harvested.

The "celestial messenger" ignored the city lord.

Those eyes, with only the whites showing, circled around the main hall.

Finally, the image focuses on Zhou Yang.

That instant.

Zhou Yang felt as if he had been thrown into an ice cellar.

Even the blood was about to congeal.

But he didn't move.

Even the curve of her lips didn't change.

He simply put down his chopsticks, picked up a rag from the table, and wiped the oil off his hands.

"You have quite the airs."

Zhou Yang spoke calmly.

"They practically have to tear the roof off just to eat a meal."

The Mad Lion City Lord, kneeling on the ground, was terrified.

Has this kid gone mad? That's a Celestial Envoy! That's a being high above all others! How dare he speak like that?

The celestial messenger was not angry.

A hint of...interest flashed in those strange eyes?

He drifted closer.

Until they were less than three feet away from Zhou Yang.

A smell entered Zhou Yang's nose.

It doesn't smell like incense.

It wasn't the smell of a corpse either.

It has a very old, worn-out smell. Like the smell that comes out when a coffin lid that has been buried underground for thousands of years is first opened.

"you……"

The celestial messenger spoke.

His voice carried a hint of doubt, yet also an undeniable...excitement?

"You smell like him."

Zhou Yang's heart skipped a beat.

he?

Fang Tian?

The adoptive father who tricked him into this world?

Is it still that mysterious entity that has always been hidden deep within the system and has never shown itself?

Thoughts raced through my mind.

But Zhou Yang remained calm and composed.

"You've mistaken me for someone else."

He casually tossed the rag onto the table.

"I've killed quite a few people along the way. So the flavor I've picked up is naturally a bit mixed up."

"I didn't make a mistake."

The celestial messenger shook his head.

That haughty attitude seemed to have softened somewhat.

He leaned closer and took a deep breath.

It smelled like some kind of delicious delicacy.

"That nauseating, rotten, yet ambitious smell... that's the smell of the 'Corpse King'."

"An old friend from the lower realms."

Corpse Emperor.

Upon hearing those two words, Zhou Yang's mind went blank.

Fang Tian was the leader of the Heavenly Principle Sect back then, but after his death, Zhou Yang did inherit a lot from him. Moreover, that mutated corpse was indeed eerie.

Could it be that Fang Tian has another identity in this so-called "upper realm"?

Or perhaps an enemy?

No matter what it is.

This game of chess is in chaos.

But that makes it even more interesting.

Since the celestial messenger recognized the scent, it means that this so-called "celestial messenger" has intricate connections with that unknown world.

Zhou Yang squinted.

He originally only wanted to use this oppressive aura to blackmail the Lord of Mad Lion City and sneak into the Black Tower.

In hindsight, this move was a huge mistake.

But it could also be a brilliant, decisive move.

"An old friend?"

Zhou Yang chuckled.

"My friend wasn't very decent. He died peacefully, though."

The celestial messenger didn't respond to his words.

He stared at Zhou Yang for a while, as if assessing the value of a commodity.

"That's interesting."

"In the lower realm, you are the first person to survive after being exposed to that kind of scent."

The celestial messenger straightened up.

The oppressive force that made it hard to breathe suddenly subsided.

"You want to see me?"

He asked a question he already knew the answer to.

Zhou Yang nodded frankly.

I want to see you.

"Since you want to see me, then come along."

The celestial messenger turned around and waved his white robe.

"However, whether you survive or not depends on your own fate."

The voice just fell.

He transformed into a streak of light.

call out--!

It broke through the ruins above the main hall and soared straight into the sky.

It moved at an astonishing speed, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Only a wisp of white mist remained, still swirling in the main hall.

The main hall was deathly silent.

Lord Mad Lion City collapsed to the ground, as if he had just been pulled out of the water.

"It's over...it's all over..."

He muttered to himself.

Nobody paid any attention to him.

Zhou Yang stood up.

He looked at Qin Shuang.

Qin Shuang's face was somewhat pale. The oppressive aura she had just experienced had indeed been a bit too much for her.

But her eyes were very bright.

It's like a ball of fire.

"Can you still walk?" Zhou Yang asked.

Qin Shuang took a deep breath and stood up, supporting herself on the table.

"He won't die."

She picked up the embroidered spring knife from the table and sheathed it.

The movements were swift and decisive.

"Where to?"

Zhou Yang pointed out the window.

The direction outside the city.

There, a huge black shadow loomed between heaven and earth, like a thorn.

"Where else can we go?"

"Since he wants me to go, wouldn't it be disrespectful of me if I didn't?"

Zhou Yang strode out.

He paused when he reached the door.

He glanced sideways at the Mad Lion City Lord lying on the ground.

"This meal is on me."

"Remember to settle the bill."

After saying that, he swayed and dashed away.

Qin Shuang followed closely behind.

Lord Mad Lion City stared blankly at their retreating figures.

Checkout?

What bill?

This City of Ten Thousand Beasts is about to undergo a major upheaval.

……

outside the city.

It's very windy.

It scraped against my face with a whooshing sound, hurting like it was being cut by a knife.

Zhou Yang stood on a towering cliff, squinting as he looked into the distance.

There, a tower floats in the air.

It is completely black.

Cast from some unknown metal, its surface is covered with dark red patterns that pulsate slowly like blood vessels.

It has no foundation.

It was suspended in mid-air, thousands of feet above the ground.

Below the tower lies a bottomless abyss. Black mist churns up from the abyss, accompanied by occasional mournful roars that send chills down one's spine.

That is the forbidden area of ​​the City of Ten Thousand Beasts.

This is also Zhou Yang's goal this time.

Black Tower.

"That light went inside."

Qin Shuang stood beside him, her eyes serious.

"This place... doesn't look like a place for the living."

"It wasn't originally meant for the living."

Zhou Yang sneered.

"The immortal messengers cultivate immortality, but they do ghostly things."

He touched his chest.

It's a bit hot there.

It's a system.

Ever since I smelled that scent, the system has been vibrating slightly, as if it had been stimulated by something.

It seems to be longing for something.

It was as if they were afraid of something.

"Are you scared?" Zhou Yang suddenly asked.

Qin Shuang was taken aback.

She turned to look at Zhou Yang.

This man is always like this. Even when he's not confident himself, he always puts on a nonchalant act.

"With you here, what's there to be afraid of?"

She said softly.

The sound wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear amidst the howling wind.

Zhou Yang grinned.

"OK."

"Then grip the knife tightly."

"This time, we might have to kill them all."

He did not hesitate at all.

My toes touched the edge of the cliff.

He was like a roc spreading its wings and taking flight.

They headed straight for the floating black tower.

If the price of two thousand years of lifespan cannot bring immense wealth, then let it be a bloodbath.

Anyway.

He didn't lose out.

The wind howled in my ears.

The black tower was getting closer and closer.

That old, decaying smell grew stronger and stronger.

Zhou Yang could even smell a faint... familiar scent.

That was Fang Tian's scent.

It seems that the old fox's secret is indeed hidden in this black tower.

Zhou Yang's eyes sharpened.

The sword is drawn.

The blade flashed like snow.

It reflected on his somewhat gloomy yet ambitious face.

"Old friend."

I've come to see you.

The whispers faded into the wind.

The person had already rushed into the churning black fog.

The figure vanished in a flash.

Only a chilling sword intent remained, lingering between heaven and earth for a long time.