As evening fell.

The river cutting through Jiangcheng flowed quietly as a small sightseeing cruise ship slowly docked at an abandoned pier.

Almond parked the rented business car on the riverside road, gazing at the distant cruise ship before turning to Heavenly Artisan in the passenger seat.

"Setting the negotiation with Master Thief on the water? You're truly a genius!"

Lin Yu, currently disguised as Heavenly Artisan in the passenger seat, nodded: "Naturally. I don't want Order interrupting our negotiations. And... choosing this relatively enclosed location will prevent that girl from pulling any escape tricks."

Red Fuji nodded in agreement: "Indeed, escaping is Master Thief's greatest specialty."

Almond pondered briefly: "Fair enough. But can we trust the cruise staff..."

"They're trustworthy, just ordinary people."

Lin Yu stated confidently.

Noticing Almond's lingering concern, he patted their shoulder: "Relax, Almond. Just wait ashore as our backup."

"Don't worry, Red Fuji and I... can handle most situations ourselves."

Red Fuji nodded as well.

"When it comes to battles between Players, we Marauders fear no one!"

"Right guys?"

Inspired by Red Fuji's energy, the three other Marauders in the car all voiced their agreement.

"Exactly, nothing to worry about!"

"Even if Order shows up, we can still fight!"

Lin Yu was pleased with their morale.

"Good, excellent spirit!"

He then led Red Fuji and three other non-Promoted Marauders aboard the cruise ship.

Seeing the staff on deck, Lin Yu waved his hand.

"Set sail!"

The cruise ship slowly departed, soon reaching the river's center.

As a sightseeing vessel, the cabin was luxuriously appointed.

The Marauders settled comfortably on sofas, helping themselves to sodas from the fridge.

"Hey, there's even playing cards..."

"These river cruises really have gambling functions?"

"My first time seeing this..."

The three non-Promoted Marauders chattered excitedly.

As Red Fuji cracked open a beer, Lin Yu approached and patted his shoulder.

"Come, let's get some air on deck."

"Jiangcheng's nightscape is quite beautiful."

Red Fuji considered briefly before nodding: "Alright."

The two left the cabin.

Emerging onto the deck, Lin Yu pulled out a pack of Liqun cigarettes he'd found in Heavenly Artisan's pocket, lighting one and offering another to Red Fuji.

Red Fuji accepted, lighting up at his lips.

Leaning against the railing, they enjoyed the night breeze and river view.

"Jiangcheng's night scenery really is stunning."

"No wonder it's nationally renowned."

Red Fuji marveled.

The towering office buildings and trade centers along the riverbanks glittered with colorful lights, their reflections dancing on the shimmering water.

"Just the CBD... venture to the suburbs and it's nothing special."

Lin Yu remarked casually before asking: "Come to think of it, I've never asked - how did you join the Marauders?"

Red Fuji seemed taken aback: "Who in our organization asks that?"

"I joined for revenge," Lin Yu continued in Heavenly Artisan's gravelly voice, "My life savings were stolen by my most trusted colleague and partner, turned into that unfinished development zone."

"I couldn't accept it, so I decided to kill them - though I lacked the courage to kill ordinary people. Fortunately... some had already become Players!"

Lin Yu said calmly.

"So I killed them, not for their items... but because someone had to pay."

Red Fuji seemed moved. He took a deep drag, smoking it down to the filter before flicking the butt into the river.

"Brother Heavenly Artisan, why tell me this..."

"Now I'd feel bad not sharing, but my story's simple... Before my Promotion, fearing I might fail, I set up and killed two former teammates... only to get caught by Order."

Red Fuji smiled bitterly.

"Our members lack trust," Heavenly Artisan said quietly, "Even among ourselves, there's constant suspicion - truthfully, I dislike that."

"So through this mission, I want to find a few truly reliable comrades."

"Being attacked made me realize... no one goes far alone."

He spoke earnestly. After consideration, Red Fuji responded:

"Alright, Brother Heavenly Artisan, I'll trust you."

Then Red Fuji laughed.

"But don't think this means you can skimp on payment!"

Lin Yu laughed too.

"Haha, fair enough - but let me be even more honest."

Lin Yu produced the Bone Crusher from his coat.

Red Fuji's face showed shock as he leaned closer.

"That's... your hammer?"

"Didn't Master Thief steal it?"

Lin Yu smiled and nodded: "I took it back."

Just as Red Fuji started to react—

"CRACK!"

Lin Yu's full-powered swing smashed Red Fuji to the deck.

The downward Bone Crusher shattered the man's jaw, teeth and blood spraying as facial bones fractured.

Then—

Before the agonized Red Fuji could scream, Lin Yu struck again!

"CRACK!"

This time both hammers struck simultaneously at Red Fuji's temples!

[Item: Hammer] and [Bone Crusher] hit left and right.

The Bone Crusher even scored a critical hit!

Red Fuji's eyes bloodshot as he collapsed silently.

Bloody foam bubbled from his nose and mouth - no life remained.

Lin Yu shook out his wrists and exhaled.

"Whew—"

He pulled out Zhu Ming's phone from his pocket.

Opening the camera, he photographed Red Fuji's corpse, then uploaded it to the Hunters' Association app.

Like the forum, the Hunters' Association was less an organization and more a platform.

Open to all Players, it functioned solely for bounties.

No point system - only cash and gold transactions.

Similarly, its functions were robust, its developers mysterious.

Some claimed it was created by a former forum developer who left dissatisfied.

Others said it was the Psychological Society's work.

Regardless, it worked well.

As now - after uploading, Lin Yu found Red Fuji's bounty post.

The app quickly verified completion.

"Congratulations on completing Bounty C-1805, including D-0907 and D-2315. Total reward: 1,040,000 RMB."

"Please select payment method."