Ling Tian Sword God

"Leader, that Dustless who killed Hall Master Su Lie has already entered North Wind City," a man dressed in black quickly reported from the foot of the hall's steps.

"Is that so? Where is he now?" Liu Sha, upon the main seat, asked hurriedly, his expression changing slightly.

"I've already sent someone to follow him. However, this man is incredibly cunning and detected our efforts to tail him, successfully shaking off my men." The man in black continued, "But he just arrived in North Wind City and will definitely need a place to stay. All we need to do is monitor the city gates and inquire at the various inns and taverns. We'll surely find his whereabouts."

"That makes sense. However, we must proceed discreetly and make quiet inquiries, ensuring we don't alert them, especially the people from the City Lord Mansion and the Baiyue Trade Association," Liu Sha emphasized, staring at the man in black.

"Understood." The man in black cupped his hands and then left the hall with over ten Black Dragon Gang experts.

In the hall, only the top brass of the Black Dragon Gang remained: Liu Sha, and several Hall Masters and Elders of the Black Dragon Gang.

"That foolish Su Lie! I instructed him to return early, yet he insisted on going raiding. He wound up being killed, completely disrupting our plans!" After the man in black and the others had left, Liu Sha slammed his fist on the table, speaking in a low, fierce voice.

"I previously sent men to find Su Lie's body, but they couldn't locate it. I'm afraid the Treasure Map of Golden Sand Ancient City he had on him has most likely fallen into the hands of that Dustless," a Hall Master from the Black Dragon Gang also stepped forward and said.

"This Dustless... just where does he come from? I've never heard of such a person. Why is he making an enemy of our Black Dragon Gang?" Liu Sha furrowed his brows. Originally, this treasure map belonged to our Black Dragon Gang. Unexpectedly, because of this man, all our plans have been disrupted.

"We don't need to know his origins. Since he dares to oppose our Black Dragon Gang, we absolutely cannot let him go! Otherwise, how would our Black Dragon Gang, one of the three big powers in North Wind City, maintain its prestige?"

"But fighting is prohibited in North Wind City. How can we act then?"

"What's so difficult about that? If we can't act within the city, we'll wait for him to leave and then strike. With our Black Dragon Gang's influence, wouldn't killing this kid be as easy as swatting a fly?"

The top brass of the Black Dragon Gang engaged in fervent discussions. Although they had some differences, without exception, they all harbored killing intent for Ling Chen.

"Good! Then find this kid's whereabouts as soon as possible. Keep a close eye on him. If an opportunity arises, we'll act within the city. If that's not feasible, we'll have to wait until he leaves!"

The Black Dragon Gang naturally dared not break the rules jointly established by the three big powers. The backers of the City Lord Mansion and the Baiyue Trade Association were far more powerful than their Black Dragon Gang. They could not afford to fall out with these two major powers unless it was absolutely necessary.

「At this time.」

Ling Chen had already settled down at Lingyue Tavern, focused on cultivation and studying the map obtained from Su Lie.

Two days passed like this, then suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Ling Chen, who was cultivating on the bed, opened his eyes.

"Young Hero, our Boss wishes to see you," a bartender's voice came from outside the door.

"The Boss?" Ling Chen was a bit taken aback and frowned slightly. Why would the boss of Lingyue Tavern seek me out for no reason?

Lingyue Tavern's backer is the Baiyue Trade Association. If the tavern boss wants to see me, it means the Baiyue Trade Association wants to see me.

"Alright, tell your boss I'll be there shortly."

Ling Chen hesitated for a moment but decided to go. I have no grudge against the Baiyue Trade Association and virtually nothing to do with the Black Market. They shouldn't harm me without reason.

After tidying his clothes and strapping on his two swords, Ling Chen closed the room door and followed the bartender upstairs.

Upon arriving at a private room upstairs, Ling Chen and the bartender entered. A short, stout middle-aged man was sitting opposite them, smiling warmly at Ling Chen.

"This is our Boss Jin," the bartender introduced.

"Young Hero Wuchen, your reputation precedes you." The stout middle-aged man cupped his fist to Ling Chen, a brilliant smile on his face.

Hearing this, Ling Chen found it inwardly amusing. My name isn't even real, so where would this 'fame' come from? However, he would never say such a thing aloud. He immediately cupped his hands in return and chuckled, "So it's Boss Jin. May I ask why you wished to see me?"

Hearing this, Boss Jin waved at the bartender, then gestured towards Ling Chen. "Please, have a seat."

Ling Chen sat down opposite Boss Jin and glanced around. This room is large, but there doesn't seem to be any murderous intent. It seems they don't have any ill intentions.

"I've asked Young Hero Wuchen here because there's an important matter to discuss," Boss Jin said with a smile.

"May I know what this important matter is? Please speak frankly," Ling Chen said lightly, picking up the teacup before him and taking a sip.

"Since Young Hero Wuchen is so straightforward, I won't beat around the bush." Boss Jin's smile gradually faded, replaced by a business-like demeanor. He then said seriously, "I wonder if Young Hero has heard of Golden Sand Ancient City?"

Hearing the words 'Golden Sand Ancient City,' Ling Chen was inwardly startled, but his expression remained unchanged. He nodded. "I've heard a little."

"Then, I wonder if Young Hero Wuchen is interested in this Golden Sand Ancient City?" Boss Jin's gaze sharpened as he looked at Ling Chen.

"Of course, I am," Ling Chen said with a faint smile, his expression calm. "But Golden Sand Ancient City is, after all, just a rumor. Why do you ask? Could it be that Boss Jin has news about Golden Sand Ancient City?"

"Hehe, we do have some information. However, whether the rumors about Golden Sand Ancient City can become reality still depends on whether Young Hero Wuchen is willing to help." Boss Jin smiled and shook his head, yet a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

The moment these words were spoken, Ling Chen immediately understood. The Baiyue Trade Association's intelligence network is indeed formidable. It seems the ancient map I obtained from Su Lie is, in all likelihood, a map of Golden Sand Ancient City.

Moreover, this map must be genuine; otherwise, the Baiyue Trade Association wouldn't attach such importance to it.

"What virtue or ability do I possess for Boss Jin to value me so highly? However, my strength is low, and I'm afraid I can't be of much help," Ling Chen said indifferently, his gaze sweeping around.

With the treasure map in my possession, I naturally need to maintain a low profile. Isn't it better to quietly amass wealth?

"Hehe, Ling Chen, being too modest isn't always a good thing."

Just as Ling Chen was thinking this, a wave of fragrance suddenly wafted over. From behind the room's screen, an elegant figure slowly emerged.

Gazing at the beautiful woman who approached, her mature and elegant charm was captivating, and her face was strikingly familiar.

"Lin Ya?"

Seeing the woman before him, Ling Chen was stunned. This alluring beauty was none other than the Worry-free Young Master from the Black Market, Lin Ya.

Ling Chen still remembered the last escort mission assigned by the Sect; he had been thoroughly fooled by this woman and nearly became cannon fodder. The incident was still fresh in his memory.