CHAPTER 184: CHAPTER 52: GALUO CITY (PART 2)

Li Zhanbiao gripped his axe, panting heavily, his eyes fixated on Gu Qingqing, furrowing his brows tightly, never expecting that someone who appeared so young could have such a high cultivation!

He finally realized why the opponent only sent two people to chase them—because these two could completely defeat them!

He glanced over towards Hu Li, just in time to see Hu Li’s left arm being severed by the scimitar in Jun Wu’s hand. His pupils constricted; he wanted to help, but Gu Qingqing’s Mixed Immortal Silk had already entangled him, so he could only raise his axe and once again engage in battle.

Hu Li, after having an arm cut off by Jun Wu, lost much of his strength. When defending against Jun Wu’s attacks, his speed noticeably slowed. It wasn’t long before his body was covered in wounds. The main issue was the place where his arm had been cut was still bleeding, and he was losing so much blood that his face turned pale, his vision began to blur. He gritted his teeth and threw an elixir into his mouth, feeling the medicinal power spread inside his body, then continued to defend against Jun Wu’s attack.

However, the elixir he consumed did not have any bleeding-stopping effect; soon after, his vision started to blur again. His defensive moves slowed, and Jun Wu seized the opportunity. With a flash of the blade, the scimitar sliced through his throat, blood spurted out. He couldn’t even reach his hand to cover the wound before his eyes widened, and he collapsed to the ground, losing all signs of life.

Having dealt with Hu Li, Jun Wu pushed off with the tip of his toe to fly over and assist Gu Qingqing.

Li Zhanbiao wasn’t a match for Gu Qingqing to begin with, and with Jun Wu joining in, the situation changed immediately. Li Zhanbiao was being slashed here and entangled there by the two, soon becoming a bloodied mess, covered in cuts!

The rapid loss of physical strength made Li Zhanbiao feel utterly exhausted, and his movements became increasingly slow, further compounded by the massive consumption of Spiritual Power. He could barely lift his axe anymore. Finally, Jun Wu’s sword gleam pierced through his chest. He paused, glanced down at his own chest, and then collapsed heavily, completely losing any sign of life.

Gu Qingqing and Jun Wu glanced at Li Zhanbiao and Hu Li. Gu Qingqing took out two Three-Flame Fire Talismans, crushed them, and threw them onto the bodies of the two. Their corpses were instantly set aflame, turning into a pile of ash, carried away by the wind, leaving nothing behind.

After dealing with Li Zhanbiao and Hu Li, Gu Qingqing and Jun Wu returned together to the Greedy Wolf Mercenary Corps’ base, just in time to see Yue Zhao and the others walking out.

"It’s settled, let’s go." Yue Zhao, seeing that Gu Qingqing wasn’t injured, relaxed a little and spoke as he met Gu Qingqing’s inquisitive gaze.

Gu Qingqing nodded, glanced at the spot where Qiu Yuyan and others stood, then followed beside Yue Zhao as they left together.

Qiu Yuyan and the group didn’t go inside, only stood guard at the door. But seeing Gu Qingqing and the others walking out relaxed, they knew that the Greedy Wolf Mercenary Corps’ people must have been dealt with. Qiu Yuyan, who already knew how powerful Gu Qingqing and the others were, merely sighed with some emotion—after so many years, they were still formidable.

Qin Xuan and the others were different. Qin Xuan, who previously had some poor impressions of Gu Qingqing and the others due to Qiu Yuyan talking to them, especially felt uneasy when Qiu Yuyan asked about Si Lin, now felt both shocked and relieved. Relieved that he hadn’t caused trouble for Gu Qingqing and the others.

Qin Yi shared the same thoughts; even though she’s often love-struck, growing up in the Qin Family gave her the knowledge she needed. They had learned a bit about the situation with the Greedy Wolf Mercenary Corps in Daxing City. Such an organization, which acted like a local tyrant in Daxing City, was so effortlessly wiped out by just a few people like Gu Qingqing’s group. Even if her father brought people over, it might not have been so quick!

She was also glad she listened to Lu Ying at the time and didn’t go pestering Gu Qingqing further. Otherwise, given her cultivation, she’d be no match for Gu Qingqing—it would have been her own misfortune!

Lu Ying watched the departing figures of Gu Qingqing’s group, her eyes flickered with surprise, yet she found it unsurprising, considering these were the people she’d set her sights on earlier!

...

After leaving Daxing City, Gu Qingqing and the group entered Anhe Prefecture.

Anhe Prefecture, Yuehua Prefecture, and Chiyun Prefecture rank quite low among the State Capitals in the Sub-immortal Realm, with Anhe Prefecture ranking the lowest of the three—not only backward but also chaotic.

Anhe Prefecture contains five cities: Biqiu City, Galuo City, Wanxiang City, Qianxi City, and Baiyin City.

The distances between these cities are relatively short. Gu Qingqing’s group needs to pass through Galuo City and Baiyin City to reach Chiyun Prefecture.

Leaving Daxing City, after a day and a half of traveling by carriage, they arrived at Galuo City.

Galuo City is about the same size as Daxing City but has a smaller population flow. Judging by the clothing and expressions of the residents, the people here seem to lead harder lives, with simple and plain dress. Their faces show inevitable worry, and their demeanor lacks the confidence of Daxing City’s people, appearing somewhat hesitant and skittish.

There aren’t many people going in and out of Galuo City, because the order in Galuo City is very chaotic, the City Lord Mansion is basically a mere formality, and the entire city is controlled by the Yang Family, Fan Family, and Cheng Family. Among these, only the Cheng Family is somewhat decent, while the Yang and Fan Families are quite domineering, exploiting the common people severely.

The traveling merchants would rather spend a night outside the city and bypass Galuo City than enter and be exploited by the Yang and Fan Families!

Therefore, when Gu Qingqing and her group appeared at the gates of Galuo City, they attracted most of the attention. Noticing that everyone in their group was extremely attractive and looked quite wealthy, a trace of reluctance and surprise flashed in the eyes of some of the citizens.

While queuing to enter the city, a middle-aged man in front of Mu Chen hesitated for a long time before turning his head to look at Mu Chen.

"You all seem young yet extraordinary, presumably out for experience. If it’s not necessary, I advise you to spend a night outside and bypass Galuo City. It’s too chaotic inside, and as soon as you enter, you’ll be targeted!" said Qian San, a local of Galuo City. With eighth-tier cultivation, Qian San held some status in the city and could hunt demon beasts to supplement his household, living decently.

Because of this, he dared to risk saying these words to Mu Chen. Seeing that Mu Chen and the others appeared to be about the same age as his children, he couldn’t bear to see them being targeted by the city families.

Mu Chen was somewhat surprised to glance at Qian San. He hadn’t expected Qian San to say such things to him.

They had already inquired about the situation inside Galuo City and decided to enter because they were confident in their cultivation, knowing that the others couldn’t do anything to them.

Many people around them had shaken their heads with regret when they noticed them, but no one came out to dissuade them or tell them about the situation in Galuo City, except for Qian San!

"Thank you, fellow traveler, we will be careful!" Facing a kind person, Mu Chen was polite, gently raising the corners of his lips as he spoke courteously to Qian San.

Qian San was startled, looked at Mu Chen, and seeing that he had no intention of changing his mind, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes. He then shook his head, "Anyway, be careful."

With that said, he turned around without speaking to Mu Chen again.

Mu Chen touched his nose, shrugged his shoulders, knowing Qian San likely thought they were out of their minds for being stubborn, and turned away in anger. Mu Chen wasn’t upset with Qian San’s attitude; he kept Qian San’s kindness in his heart, hoping to repay him when an opportunity arose.

Upon entering the city, they felt a distinct difference from other cities, as the entrance fee to Galuo City was five pieces of low-grade Spirit Stone, whereas other cities required only one piece!

The entrance fee to Galuo City was five times more expensive than other cities!

While paying, Mu Chen noticed the greed in the guard’s eyes as they looked at him. His eyes darkened, and he flicked his finger casually, sending a white powder from his fingernail, which landed on the guard’s hand and disappeared instantly.

After entering Galuo City, they found it wasn’t bustling. Usually, other city streets have stalls, but not Galuo City. It had only storefronts along the streets, and the business didn’t look particularly good!

After walking less than a hundred meters into the city, they felt several people following them. Those people thought they were being covert, but they were highly sensitive to aura, quickly noticing something was off. They exchanged glances, their eyes flashing as they pretended not to notice those people.

They walked along the street for a while before finding a relatively decent-looking inn. The innkeeper, seeing someone enter, was delighted and hurriedly came forward with an attendant. When Gu Qingqing’s group requested seven upper rooms, his eyes sparkled with excitement, appearing somewhat unsettling.

After settling in, they gathered in Yue Zhao’s room.

"This Galuo City indeed seems as rumored, not only backward but chaotic. Just within that short distance, there were seven or eight street fights; it’s really chaotic," Nan Hua said, shaking his fan and head.

"I heard the Yang and Fan Families control almost two-thirds of Galuo City’s industries, nearly pushing the Cheng Family to collapse. The methods of these two families are vicious; those who don’t comply are dealt with." Mu Chen added from the side, pausing as he remembered Qian San, who had warned him, "The city people’s lives don’t seem easy either. But I met someone at the gate who seemed quite nice, even advising me not to enter Galuo City. I’ll find a chance to repay him well."

"We’ll only stay in Galuo City for one night, leaving tomorrow morning. Everyone should stay alert tonight," Yue Zhao poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, grimaced slightly, set down the cup, and didn’t touch it again.

"Don’t worry, Second Senior Brother, we’ll be cautious," Gu Qingqing said, stroking Little Yu’s fur with a smile.