Chapter Nineteen: Visitors from Celestial Ox City
Heavenly Ox City
Blazing Stream Gang
“Sir, a large dungeon has appeared to the south.”
“Oh? Then hurry and gather our people. Who knows if there’ll be any tier-four treasures this time...”
Within a fifty-kilometer radius of the main city was considered a safe zone; beyond that lay the wilderness. Numerous small settlements survived within the main city’s territory, and whenever a dungeon spawned monsters above tier four, the main city’s factions would intervene.
Elsewhere, the Skyblade Gang was also on the move.
“Boss, this large dungeon falls under the jurisdiction of the Blazing Stream Gang. Are we going?”
“Of course we’re going. If there’s anything good, we’ll snatch it. If not, we’ll leave. As long as we make Blazing Stream uncomfortable, I’m happy.”
...
Oxhorn Village
At this moment, after Li Kuang released the wolf-smoke signal, all those who had ventured out to explore had returned. In a large chamber, Li Kuang sat at the head, with the other captains taking their seats in turn. They were all waiting for the recon squad to return.
“Let’s hope it isn’t a tier-three monster this time. If it is, the major powers from the main city won’t bother to intervene again.”
“I really don’t want to relocate. Last time was just bad luck—supposed to be a mid-sized dungeon and yet there was a late-stage tier-three Gravity Ox inside...”
The once-busy settlement had now pressed pause, everyone halting their work to await the verdict of fate.
Lu Sheng, in contrast, was quite at ease, showing no concern for the future. He joked with his team, occasionally slipping into the subspace to check on the bloodthirsty mosquitoes.
As the group chatted, a squad returned from outside. Judging by the look of things, it hadn’t gone well—someone was being carried on a stretcher.
“The recon squad is back, looks like there’s an injury.”
“It’s normal for them to get hurt doing such dangerous work. They barely have to do anything on regular days.”
“I wonder if we’ll have to relocate again...”
Not five minutes after the recon squad’s return, orders from above were relayed.
No need to relocate!
The monsters inside were mid-tier four!
To determine the dungeon’s highest level of power, the eight-member recon squad had lost one, with two more injured.
It was said the dungeon’s environment was forested, filled with a diverse array of monsters—more than one species—with the strongest being a mid-tier four Two-Headed Serpent. The recon squad encountered the Two-Headed Serpent, which killed one of them instantly, giving no time to exit the dungeon—one spray of venom and the scout was reduced to a pile of white bones. The venom splattered onto those nearby; one man’s legs were corroded, crippling him for life.
In other settlements, he’d have already been abandoned. Here, in the Wildwind Settlement, even the maimed would be given tasks within their abilities.
Now, following orders from above, all they had to do was wait for the main city’s forces to come deal with the dungeon.
Lu Sheng learned the reason from others.
Meanwhile, two groups were hurrying toward the large dungeon. Judging by their routes, the group on the left would pass through Oxhorn Village, which was the current location of the Wildwind Settlement.
Each group was aware of the other’s existence, but kept a small distance between them, with no intention of traveling together.
...
“Boss, looks like there’s a settlement ahead.”
“Don’t mind them... Wait—let’s stop there for a bit.”
“If the Skyblade Gang wants to oppose us, our strength is about the same. We can’t break the deadlock. But what if I find some outside help?”
“Boss, a settlement like this wouldn’t be much help, right?”
To them, settlements like this existed outside the main city only because their strength was lacking.
“Don’t underestimate these settlements. Even if they’re a bit weaker, it doesn’t matter. Even if they’re not the final straw to break the Skyblade Gang, they can still be used as cannon fodder.”
“A wise plan, Boss!”
...
At the gates of Wildwind Settlement.
Two guards stood watch, suddenly tensing as a great cloud of dust rose in the distance. But when they saw a troop approaching on one-horned horses, they relaxed noticeably.
The troop reined in at the settlement’s entrance, exuding an aura of finely equipped, formidable warriors. The two guards trembled with nerves.
Fei Liuhuo dismounted and addressed the guards, “Take me to your leader. I am Fei Liuhuo, leader of the Blazing Stream Gang from Heavenly Ox City.”
The guards, never having witnessed such an imposing scene, stammered, “Yes... yes!”
“Knock, knock, knock!”
“Chief, the leader of the Heavenly Ox City Blazing Stream Gang is here to see you.”
Inside, Li Kuang opened his eyes in confusion. What business could such a major force have with him? Opening the door, he saw two men standing outside. “Come in.”
Fei Liuhuo strode in, the two sitting opposite each other.
Fei Liuhuo spoke first, “Let’s not waste words. I need your help. An old enemy insists on making trouble for me. Our two sides are evenly matched, but you are the only variable. I want you to lead your people and aid me.”
Li Kuang almost cursed aloud. Dragging a small fry like him into a fight between two major powers was suicide.
“That’s... not really appropriate, is it?”
“One tier-three spirit fruit, yours in advance.”
“Deal!”
“Alright, you don’t have to act with us. In a bit, just gather your team and pretend you’re going to explore. When the time comes, do this... and this, and then that. Understood?”
...
Fei Liuhuo left, not caring in the least that Li Kuang might take the spirit fruit and not follow through.
He wouldn’t dare!
Li Kuang stared at the tier-three spirit fruit in his palm, feeling its weight burn in his hand. But a man must look out for himself—this fruit would allow him to break through to tier three.
As for offending another major power, he wasn’t stupid. He’d make sure the Skyblade Gang didn’t recognize him.
The twenty sets of Blazing Stream Gang uniforms left on the table were the solution.
When the time came, he’d have all the elite fighters above tier two in his group don the Blazing Stream uniforms.
No one in the Skyblade Gang knew him, so the Wildwind Settlement would never be implicated.
Now, he needed to break through to tier three first—only then would he survive the coming battle.
An hour later, Li Kuang gave the order for everyone to assemble and head for the large dungeon.
In the ranks, Mu Kui frowned in confusion, “Captain, what do you think the chief is planning? There’s no way we can mess with a large dungeon.”
Shi Jiu also didn’t know, so he forced an explanation, “Maybe he’s hoping to sneak in and grab some scraps while the main city bigshots are around.”
“Then why did the higher-ups tell us to act freely and avoid dangerous places?”
“Are you stupid? If we’re just there for scraps, of course it’s for our safety.”
“Hmm, that must be it. Should focus on weak monsters, and run at the first sign of anything strong.”
Lu Sheng made up his mind to lie low; only by surviving was there hope for the future.
If he could, he’d rather not go out at all. Through breeding, he could gradually grow stronger—why risk his life? If his strength were enough to defy Li Kuang’s orders, he’d have rebelled long ago.