Ling Tian Sword God

While Zaji and the others celebrated their narrow escape, Ling Chen had already returned to his room. He sat cross-legged on his bed, and with a flip of his palm, a storage bag appeared in his hand. This was what he had taken from Su Lie today.

Gazing at the bag, Ling Chen smiled faintly and began to inspect its contents. Though Su Lie was a 9th-Level Martial Artist, his wealth wasn't abundant. Including several valuable items, his entire fortune amounted to only tens of thousands of taels of gold.

After an initial examination, an odd metal piece with pattern-like markings appeared in Ling Chen's hand.

Upon closer inspection, the metal piece was only palm-sized with a greyish-yellow tint. It depicted various routes, rivers, mountains, and forests. On the edge of this map, a red dot was particularly noticeable.

This is a treasure map.

Ling Chen studied the map meticulously. The mountains and forests are indistinguishable, but this large river is clearly the Heishui River. The red dot is on the north bank. I wonder if the red dot marks the spot where the treasure is hidden?

Ling Chen had already done some research on the surrounding terrain; otherwise, he truly might not have understood the locations marked on the map.

Could this map be related to the Golden Sand Ancient City? Ling Chen mused, his expression thoughtful. The map's material was special and didn't resemble the counterfeit treasure maps commonly found on the market. It looked like an ancient artifact.

However, the location marked on the map was quite far from his current position, at least five hundred miles away. Moreover, it was separated by a Big River, necessitating travel by waterway.

「The next day」

Ling Chen bid farewell to Zaji and the others and continued on his journey.

He galloped his horse hard and reached North Wind City before nightfall.

North Wind City was the only city on the Northwind Prairie. Its size was comparable to that of the Wind Country's capital. The city walls stretched for over fifty miles in length and width, and it housed over a million people. A third of this population consisted of transients who made a living by selling Exotic Beast materials.

The city guards appeared robust, with bulging temples and eyes that occasionally flashed with sharp, intimidating glints. Most of these guards were warriors by cultivation. Some of the guard captains had even reached the Martial Master Realm, possessing a profound and deep aura.

This North Wind City was a border city between the Aqua Country and the Wind Country. Although nominally under the jurisdiction of the City Lord Mansion, the Baiyue Trade Association and the Black Dragon Gang also held significant, intertwined influence here. Indeed, the foundational bases of both the Baiyue Trade Association and the Black Dragon Gang were located in this city.

However, these three major powers had long ago reached a tacit understanding: no fighting was allowed within North Wind City. Violators would face a joint punitive attack from all three. Therefore, although North Wind City was chaotic, it appeared peaceful and harmonious on the surface.

On the streets, diverse crowds of people could be seen coming and going. There were City Guards in green Armor, patrolling the marketplaces. There were also guards from the Baiyue Trade Association in blue robes, inspecting businesses. Furthermore, members of the Black Dragon Gang, all dressed in black, would emerge after the City Guards had passed, extorting protection fees from smaller merchants.

Both sides of the street were lined with numerous stalls. The stall owners were energetically hawking their goods, trying their best to promote their merchandise.

Ling Chen, wearing his Dou Li and leading his horse, walked towards the inner city.

"Freshly caught Crystal perch from the Heishui River! Only five hundred taels of Silver each!"

"The Remnant Moon Sword, a renowned Treasure Sword from the Jianghu! It can cut through iron like mud, its sword qi is like moonlight, and it kills without shedding blood! Worth fifty thousand taels of gold! Young hero, come take a look! This sword is perfect for you!" a skinny, middle-aged man enthusiastically declared. He held a lavishly decorated Long Sword in his hand, staring at Ling Chen with great expectation.

Ling Chen smiled without speaking. He merely glanced at the Remnant Moon Sword, drew a section of the blade to inspect it, then shook his head. This sword was just an ordinary item, a far cry from the famous swords of the Jianghu.

Now that he possessed Sword Intent, he could assess an ordinary sword with a single glance, instantly discerning its Sword Bone and overall quality.

After Ling Chen had walked past, two people in black emerged from a nearby alley, pointing and gesturing at Ling Chen's retreating figure.

"Big Brother, do you think that's him?" one of the people in black asked, looking at Ling Chen's back and whispering to the other.

The other person in black nodded. "Although he's wearing a Dou Li, his build is identical to the one in the portrait. It's definitely him."

"This kid is truly audacious! He killed Hall Master Su and still dares to come to North Wind City!"

"Excellent. Go get a few ruffians to keep an eye on him. Don't let him out of your sight. I'll go inform the Gang Leader and claim the reward."

"Yes, sir."

The two people in black exchanged a look, and then one of them turned and left.

It seems the Black Dragon Gang has indeed noticed me.

Such furtive actions might deceive others, but how could they possibly fool Ling Chen? He hadn't expected his disguise to be so ineffective, to be discovered this quickly.

However, this is North Wind City. They wouldn't dare make a move openly here. If they break the rules and incur the wrath of the City Lord Mansion and the Baiyue Trade Association, I'm afraid the Black Dragon Gang itself would find it difficult to maintain its foothold in North Wind City. Ling Chen wasn't worried. He sensed the person tailing him and quickened his pace. After just a few turns, he had thoroughly confused his pursuer, who soon lost sight of Ling Chen.

"Damn it, where did he go?!"

The person in black looked around frantically, his expression turning ugly.

By this time, Ling Chen had already reached another street. With their meager skills, how could they possibly track me? He paid no further mind to the person in black. Ling Chen looked around. Overall, while North Wind City couldn't compare to the capital in terms of luxury, it was quite majestic and imposing. In the distance, taverns rose one after another, some four or five stories tall, others five or six, presenting a grand spectacle.

Lingyue Tavern.

Ling Chen looked up as he arrived at the entrance of a luxurious tavern, then strode inside.

This tavern, built with glazed bricks and tiles, stood seven stories tall. It was the most opulent establishment in all of North Wind City.

Ling Chen also knew very well that this, the largest tavern in North Wind City, was an enterprise of the Baiyue Trade Association.

If I stay here, even if the Black Dragon Gang were ten times bolder, they wouldn't dare to cause trouble in this place.

Upon entering the tavern, he was met with a scene of dazzling lights and vibrant activity. Those entering and exiting were either city dignitaries or well-known figures with considerable status. Otherwise, one simply couldn't afford the prices here.

"How many in your party, sir?" the innkeeper asked respectfully, noting Ling Chen's distinguished bearing and fine clothes.

Ling Chen handed him a one-hundred-tael Silver Bill and said nonchalantly, "Just myself. I'd like a superior room. The remainder is your tip."

"Right away, sir!"

The innkeeper pocketed the tip, his face wreathed in smiles, and personally escorted Ling Chen upstairs.

「Meanwhile, in another imposing building in North Wind City.」

This area was in the western part of the city. It was relatively less populated and mostly inhabited by poorer people. However, this entire district was the territory of the Black Dragon Gang.

In the largest hall, which was filled with people dressed in identical black attire, sat a ferocious-looking, one-eyed man in the main seat. A powerful and intimidating aura emanated from him. This man was none other than the leader of the Black Dragon Gang, Liu Sha.