CHAPTER 44: 044 EARTHQUAKE

Iron Fist Abei had been operating in Black City for many years and had naturally accumulated quite a few treasures. Now, the spoils of war piled up like a small mountain, most of which were food and Black Stones.

There were also several large boxes.

The Exotic Beast Meat was in one of those boxes.

A total of eighteen portions of frozen, fresh Exotic Beast Meat, neatly stacked, made Carl’s heartbeat accelerate.

Eighteen portions!

Even if a part of the life essence was shared with the Dharma Seal, it could still push his Constitution value to 0.9.

"Uncle," Little Nan pulled over a box and said, "Iron Fist Abei also collected quite a few crafts."

"Oh!" Carl raised an eyebrow.

He stepped forward to open the box. Sure enough, it was full of gold and silver items, jade bracelets, and exquisite crafts.

He couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, "What did he want these for?"

"I know about that," Ayala replied. "Iron Fist Abei has a son outside. These things, including the Exotic Beast Meat, were probably all prepared for him."

"Every month, caravans enter and leave Black City. As long as you are willing to spend money, you can get things out." When she spoke of Abei’s son, a glint of killing intent flashed in her narrowed eyes.

Carl nodded. Gold, silver, jade, and crafts were of little value in Black City, but outside, they were hard currency. If he could do this kind of trade, others naturally could too.

"There are also a few Dharma Seal seeds." Little Nan opened another small wooden box and sighed as he looked at the Dharma Seal seeds inside. "What a pity, there’s no Dharma Seal."

"What are you thinking?" Ayala said, rolling her eyes. "Dharma Seals are extremely rare, mostly held by the leaders of major powers. Although the City Guards occasionally sell Dharma Seals, the price and requirements are very high. We never have a chance to get them."

"Hm?" Carl’s eyes flickered as he asked, "What price could a Dharma Seal fetch in Black City?"

"This..." Ayala frowned and said hesitantly, "I’ve only heard about the sale of Dharma Seals, never seen one, but I imagine it definitely exceeds two thousand Black Stones."

Two thousand Black Stones was the price to leave Black City.

"If trading with Exotic Beast Meat, I estimate that thirty to forty portions might be required, though I’m not exactly sure of the specifics."

Thirty to forty portions? Carl’s eyes lit up.

"Uncle," Ayala looked at him sidelong, her face full of surprise, "do you intend to sell your Dharma Seal?"

"Hmm," Carl nodded. "That’s the plan."

Though the Fire Seal was good, it could affect the practice of the Knight Path. Moreover, unlike witchcraft, Dharma Seals do not increase in power as one’s Cultivation rises; their destructive power has its limits. Therefore, he planned to replicate the Fire Seal’s Magic Model into his Spiritual Inner Sea, turning it into a witchcraft. Firstly, this would allow him to continue on the Knight Path. Secondly, as his spiritual power increased, the power of his witchcraft would also increase. Lastly, he could exchange the removed Dharma Seal for a large amount of Exotic Beast Meat. It was a case of killing several birds with one stone—why not do it?

"If Uncle wants to exchange for Exotic Beast Meat, I suggest you trade for high-quality Exotic Beast Meat," Ayala advised. "Exotic Beast Meat is also graded. The meat from certain powerful Exotic Beasts can yield better results in cultivating breathing techniques. Plus, Grandfather Lev mentioned that after consuming a certain amount of Exotic Beast Meat, its effect on aiding cultivation diminishes. Therefore, only by consuming better quality beast meat will the desired effect be achieved."

"Of course... high-quality Exotic Beast Meat is even rarer and more expensive."

She knew her limits; Dharma Seals were too expensive for her to even consider at the moment. In the future, perhaps it was possible. So, she didn’t even mention keeping one for herself.

"I’ll take the Exotic Beast Meat and the crafts. Leave Iron Fist Abei’s gauntlets," Carl decided. "The rest is yours."

The other two had no objections. Without Carl, the outcome of this battle was debatable. However, one thing was certain: Ayala would have definitely met disaster. As for Eve and her companion, their compensation had already been paid; indeed, by the time they had finished cleaning up the battlefield, the two had already left silently.

Carl cautioned, "Iron Fist Abei is backed by the Brotherhood. Be cautious in the coming days."

"We know," Ayala nodded. "There are City Guards in the marketplace, so the Brotherhood wouldn’t dare act openly. The underground tunnels are extensive. Once we’re inside, they’ll struggle to find us."

「Underground of Black City.」

Brotherhood headquarters.

The woman writing under the kerosene lamp twitched her ears lightly and then stopped to look over at the corner.

SQUEAK SQUEAK...

Several rats crawled out of a hole and made their way towards the woman’s arm.

The rats, filthy and stinking, rubbed against the woman’s arm, their affectionate behavior on full display.

The woman had delicate features and a beautiful appearance, seemingly unfazed by the dirt on the rats, even smiling as she gently stroked them. Her slender, tender fingers contrasted sharply with the greasy, shiny fur of the rats.

As the squeaking continued, the woman’s expression gradually changed.

SWISH!

She stood up abruptly and walked into the depths of the cave.

"Boss," the woman strode into the cave where a group was discussing matters, interrupting them. She addressed the burly man, "Iron Fist Abei is dead."

"Abei?" The burly man looked up, a flash of surprise in his eyes. "Who did it?"

Abei’s strength was not weak; he had even been prepared to make him one of the core members of the Brotherhood. But now, unexpectedly, he was dead.

The burly man was Mu An, leader of the Brotherhood, also known as ’the Bull’. He was the Brotherhood’s second-strongest fighter. Although Mu An was not a Knight, it was said his strength was not less than that of a Knight.

"It should be related to the person who killed the Redhead," the woman, also known as the famous Rat Woman of the Brotherhood, said. "My rats saw a familiar flame. The Redhead’s Dharma Seal has clearly fallen into someone else’s hands."

"Hmm..." Mu An narrowed his eyes. "Interesting. I remember you tasked Abei with investigating this matter. It seems that person realized something and killed Abei to silence him."

"Yes," the Rat Woman nodded. "I think so too."

"Iron Fist Abei was not alone. It wouldn’t have been easy to kill him." Mu An waved dismissively. "That person must have had accomplices. Find out who they are."

"Yes." The Rat Woman nodded. Just as she was about to leave, the ground beneath them suddenly trembled, and everyone’s complexion changed dramatically.

BOOM!

RUMBLE RUMBLE...

The ground shook violently, with soil and rocks from the ceiling of the cave crashing down, throwing people around.

"What’s happening?"

"What’s going on?"

"Get out fast!"

Everyone rushed out of the headquarters to a square where many had already gathered, all wearing panicked expressions. Such a strong earthquake could potentially cause the mines to collapse, trapping them all inside.

Fortunately, the shaking only lasted a moment and then ceased, allowing everyone’s racing hearts to slowly settle.

"Go," Mu An’s expression was grim. "Find out what exactly happened. Such a severe disturbance must have affected the entire Black City. The City Guards couldn’t possibly be unaware of it."

"Yes." Someone responded and hurried off.

The news came back swiftly.

"Pit Two had a surge of dark energy, causing mutations in those nearby, including a squad of City Guards."

"Powerful Exotic Beasts and half-dead beings have suddenly emerged from the depths, currently moving towards Pit Three. Subterranean creatures are now fleeing towards the surface."

"Our location might also be affected!"

"How could this happen?"

"Silence!" Mu An roared, cutting off everyone’s discussions. "First, make contact with the City Guards. Though outbreaks of dark energy are rare, we have encountered them before. Don’t panic. Stabilize the situation first."

"Rat Woman."

"Present." The Rat Woman stepped forward.

"Go contact the Shadow Alliance and the Betty Family to discuss what to do," instructed Mu An.

"Yes," the Rat Woman responded affirmatively.

They didn’t mention another power, the Whisperers of the Wind, because this faction was near Pit Two.

Now... the likelihood of their survival was slim.