CHAPTER 514: CHAPTER 244: GATHERING

Hei Ao and Zuo Lv exchanged glances, then both turned to look at Fang Yu.

"Of course we’re here for a reason."

"Recently, there have been frequent appearances of martial artists from outside the area. Are you aware of this?"

These two seemed to communicate through Qi; as Zuo Lv spoke these words, Hei Ao showed no reaction at all.

Martial artists from outside?

What martial artists from outside?

Diao Ruru was utterly confused, clearly an outsider to the situation.

Fang Yu, on the other hand, simply nodded slightly without a trace of emotion.

"You know?"

Zuo Lv was somewhat surprised, but then she thought about it.

Though not a member of the Five Great Families, Diao Deyi has been promoted to a Patrol Officer of the Foolish Underworld—no longer a minor character; it is normal for him to be in the know of recent news.

Zuo Lv smiled, knowing that Fang Yu was aware made things much easier.

She glanced at Hei Ao, who, feeling her gaze, nodded slightly.

Then, Zuo Lv began.

"The thing is, these visiting martial artists, although they are just passing through Tianyuan Town for now, a dragon does not suppress the local tyrants. Perhaps out of fear of Tianyuan Town’s strong local influence, they spontaneously gathered and formed a temporary gang called ’Bonfire Gathering.’"

Fang Yu looked puzzled.

Others banding together against the Five Great Families and the Foolish Underworld, seeking warmth in numbers—what’s the issue with that?

But hadn’t Zhuo Xueer just said earlier that as long as these visiting martial artists don’t cause trouble, they should be ignored?

From the looks of these two gentlemen, do they want to stir up some trouble?

It fits my stereotype of the rich kids—never at peace unless causing trouble.

Anyway, I’m not getting involved.

Fang Yu folded his arms across his chest.

"What then?"

"Don’t rush me."

Zuo Lv revealed a toothy grin, looking extremely attractive.

"At first, the ’Bonfire Gathering’ was indeed formed by visiting martial artists for self-protection, but the human heart is prone to change."

"Power inflates people."

"The large number of members and the addition of expert fighters caused the ’Bonfire Gathering’ to expand rapidly. Coupled with the fact that these are martial artists with surging Qi-Blood, they naturally wanted to flex their muscles."

"According to the reports from the spies we sent, tonight, the ’Bonfire Gathering’ will hold an internal tournament. The winner will become the leader of the ’Bonfire Gathering.’"

A disordered organization, choosing a leader through combat, seemed quite logical.

Fang Yu looked at Zuo Lv and then slowly shifted his gaze to Hei Ao.

This guy was ruthless enough to even attack his own privates; Fang Yu felt a phantom pain every time he saw him.

"What? You’re interested? Aren’t internal tournaments only for visiting martial artists to participate in?"

Zuo Lv laughed.

"That is the theory, but... if you don’t tell, and I don’t tell, with a little deception, are we afraid the ’Bonfire Gathering’ will discover our true identities?"

Saying this, she tossed something over.

Fang Yu subconsciously caught it; it was somewhat heavy.

Looking down, it was a mask with a red leather bull’s horn.

Then he looked at the other two; Zuo Lv lifted a monkey mask in her hand, while Hei Ao lifted a dragon head mask.

Compared to Fang Yu’s and Zuo Lv’s plain masks, the dragon head mask was extremely colorful and flamboyant, intricately lifelike, and it didn’t look like something whipped up hastily.

Fang Yu:...

Zuo Lv shrugged helplessly at Fang Yu.

Facing the gaze of the two, Hei Ao turned away half his face, remaining coldly silent.

"I’m not going."

Fang Yu spoke up directly.

Yet he showed no intention of returning the mask.

The red leather bullhorn mask felt quite soft to the touch and seemed to be a fine object.

At Fang Yu’s words, Hei Ao immediately raised an eyebrow as if he were upset.

However...

[Hei Ao: 521/521.]

Fang Yu glanced at the health bar above his head.

Times have changed; they used to dominate me, but now it’s not so certain.

[Life: 12510/19678.]

Nearly twenty thousand in health, I’m invincible—do as you please!

Plus, I haven’t even dealt with the Evil Qi issue yet; where would I have the energy for this?

Zuo Lv was not in a hurry, but instead continued.

"We’re not just playing around; the ’Bonfire Gathering’ tournament offers rewards based on ranking."

Fang Yu looked at them with skepticism.

Both of you are from the Five Great Families; what could you possibly lack? Why do you need to get it from the ’Bonfire Gathering’?

Seeming to understand the meaning behind Fang Yu’s gaze, Zuo Lv blinked.

"While Hei Ao and I are from the Five Great Families, the things abundantly available around Tianyuan Town are limited. Some Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures can only be found beyond our borders."

She paused, her expression one of longing and reverie.

"The world is very vast. Diao Deyi, don’t let the small piece of land that is Tianyuan Town confine you. Even if I become eligible to inherit the Zuo Family fortune, I might refuse it. I wish to see a broader world, not be confined to this... but I digress. Anyway, the ’Bonfire Gathering’ has many fine things. I’ll just mention a few items to see if they pique your interest."

"For example, Demon Eggs, which are akin to betting on stones. If you’re lucky enough to reveal a Pure Blood Demon, whether you use it to bleed for research or refine it to assist in Martial Arts, it can greatly boost the strength of most Martial Artists."

At this, Zuo Lv looked towards Fang Yu, observing his reaction.

Unfortunately, although Fang Yu was somewhat tempted, he made no move to speak.

Zuo Lv helplessly turned towards Hei Ao.

He snorted in response.

"Then there’s the Black Phoenix Blood, which you can obtain by coming in third. Rumor has it that just one drop can transform a person’s blood into Black Phoenix demon blood. Though it burns away your lifespan, energy, and makes you very short-lived, it continually bestows upon you special bloodline powers. Those who acquire this bloodline are said to wield special black flames that nothing can extinguish, flames that are eternal, and some even claim they can be reborn from the fire!"