In the old era, the construction of such a formidable city was a testament to the prosperity of the empire. It was no wonder that humanity eventually stood out among the many enslaved races, defeated the dark descendants, and carved out their own domain in the Eternal Night Continent.
Throughout the thousand-year history of the empire, heroes emerged like meteors illuminating the night sky, tearing through the endless darkness that shrouded human history, and creating new spaces for survival.
The twenty-third emperor of the empire once made a bold declaration: “If our world lacks sunlight, then let us create our own sun!” He was also the only one so far to have penetrated deep into the highest territories of the dark races, though his final whereabouts, along with the derailing and fall of the Star Valley, vanished into the annals of history.
Even today, as the empire spans four continents, becoming more conservative and less aggressive, it still boasts an abundance of talent. The twin pillars of the imperial court, Lin Xitang and Zhang Boqian, stand guard, one over internal affairs and the other over military matters. The eight marshals command the army from all directions. The four Heavenly Kings, as the top human powerhouses, are like the needle that calms the seas, standing against the great lords of the dark races. Each of their names is a legend worthy of reverence!
It was now the small hours of the night, yet the ancient, mighty gate of the city still saw a steady stream of people. A cool breeze blew, carrying not the stench of decay but the vibrant, invigorating aura of life.
Qiyan’s chest felt something leap within, not the restless hunger for flesh, but a long-forgotten thrill.
Before him, dominating his entire field of vision, stood the legendary Eternal Gate!
Unless the city was bracing for a decisive battle with the dark races, the city gates remained open. Anyone who could pay a silver coin for the entrance fee was free to enter. Even if the city guards knew that the person under disguise was a member of the dark race, as long as they paid, they would be let in. As for any brawls, those could be dealt with after entry.
This audacious tradition originated from the then-governor of Darkblood City seven hundred years ago, Peng Huaiyuan.
The rough-and-ready imperial general, who had fought in countless battles, decided to leave the city gates wide open when faced with a joint attack by the Demonkin and Wolfmen. Defying the advice of his officers to close the gates, Peng Huaiyuan slammed his fist on the table and roared, “Today, I will open all four gates and see who dares to challenge me!”
Peng Huaiyuan indeed opened the gates, leading three hundred elite soldiers straight into the heart of the dark alliance forces. He personally beheaded the commanding officer and cut down the central flag. The twenty-thousand-strong dark forces were routed, retreating for a thousand miles.
After this battle, Peng Huaiyuan died from his severe injuries, and the empire lost another brave general. The emperor at the time wrote a couplet in his honor: “Who dares to stand and fight? Only General Peng Huaiyuan!”
Since then, Peng Huaiyuan’s name spread far and wide. Every soldier knew of General Peng, and Qiyan was well-versed in his deeds. Although Peng Huaiyuan’s strength was not the most formidable, his valor in facing the enemy undeterred, inspired every soldier.
Darkblood City rarely closed its gates, leaving the dark races at a loss. Historically, it had fallen three times, but was quickly reclaimed by the empire. During each major counterattack, not only did the imperial expeditionary forces mobilize, but even the normally unruly hunters, lone wolves, adventurers, and the ever-present rebel forces contributed their efforts.
Qiyan had always wanted to see the Eternal Gate since he heard about it in the Red Scorpion’s military history class. It was said that every blue stone used in the construction of the city wall bore the names of those who sacrificed themselves for the city’s establishment, prosperity, and survival. He never imagined he would be standing here as a black blood polluter and a fugitive.
However, the shadow of death was gradually fading. In the battles against Yan Laoer and Qi Yue, Qiyan barely felt the intense bloodlust. The faint glimmer of hope after the junkyard battle seemed to be expanding, and the once-suppressed determination and bravery of a young man and soldier began to re-emerge, ignited by Qi Yue’s deal with the blood race.
Qiyan abandoned his initial plan to find a remote town to live quietly. Having lost everything, including the proud “Lin” surname, and burdened with the nearly impossible last order from the Red Scorpion captain, he now saw a chance for a fresh start. How could he not take it?
In this city, filled with legends, reality, chaos, and evil, the most precious things were freedom and opportunity.
Though lacking in order, there were no powerful elites; might reigned supreme, but it was a different kind of fairness. In Darkblood City, with talent, effort, and a bit of luck, one could carve out a vast world.
Qiyan wasn’t entirely sure how to uncover the conspiracy of the upper dark races, but he knew the first step was to return to the crowd he once feared.
Qiyan quickly tidied up and, disguised as a common scavenger, joined the stream of people entering Darkblood City. When he dropped a silver coin into the tax box, he worried that it might attract attention, but the guards didn’t even glance at him, their faces showing a look that said, “We knew you were disguised.”
Behind him, a group of beggars walked past, each nonchalantly dropping a silver coin into the tax box and swarming into the city, leaving Qiyan in awe.
In Lighthouse Town, beggars barely had a few copper coins, while here, their pockets glittered with gold. It seemed that all sorts of people went out to do business, no wonder the guards were unfazed.
Qiyan entered Darkblood City, inquired around, and found a small inn in the South Pond area near the slums.
The location was convenient, with a mix of taverns, mercenary guilds, and two major gangs in the vicinity. Two blocks towards the city center was the famous Bronze Street, known for its weaponry and equipment.
Qiyan studied the city map in his room and decided to dispose of the black goods he had.
The Hornet, Qi Yue’s personal gun, was best not to keep. The Dawn Light and the first-grade force rifle were too inferior for Qiyan’s taste. The Golden Rose was indeed a good item, but its extravagant decorations made it more suitable for selling. If the ornate engravings got scratched in battle, the value of the gun would drop by a third, which was a waste.
As for the Black Crystal, it couldn’t be sold carelessly. While it was unlikely to bear any traceable marks, the few available channels for circulating this grade of black crystal were limited. Qiyan’s ignorance didn’t mean the black market dealers wouldn’t notice, potentially alerting someone behind the scenes.
Before heading out, Qiyan decided to change his appearance again. In a bustling, mixed population, frequently altering minor facial details was a practical trick. A slight change in eyebrows, eyes, adding a beard, or changing hair could make a significant difference.
Qiyan took out his disguise kit, stood in front of the mirror, and started to modify his appearance. First, he worked on his eyebrows and eyes. He thought his eyebrows were too thin and carefully drew them, instantly changing the overall style of his face.
Now, his brows were sharp and elegant, giving him a more valiant and… beautiful appearance.
Qiyan was dissatisfied with the last descriptor and washed off the eyebrow makeup, redrawing it with softer lines. This made him appear exceptionally alluring and… beautiful.
After several attempts, Qiyan’s face turned grim.
He discovered a terrible truth. A complete makeover was one thing, but trying to subtly alter his appearance to influence others’ perception led to peculiar results, making him look like a woman.
This was a dream effect for most women, but Qiyan was infuriated. He punched the mirror, shouting, “Damn! Why does it end up like this?” He almost wished he could redo the disguise course.
Qiyan’s appearance had changed significantly since entering Lighthouse Town. His once refined features, inherited from the Tiger Scorpion’s robust style, had been transformed by the black blood. Though his physique became stronger, it also appeared thinner.
When he first arrived at Lighthouse Town, he had to deal with harassment due to his appearance. After punishing a few troublemakers, the problems subsided. But he never imagined that a little touch-up would make him so… beautiful.
Standing before his former Red Scorpion comrades, few would recognize Qiyan.
“Fine, this works. No one should recognize me now. To hell with it, I’ll just pretend to be a woman!” Qiyan consoled himself, reluctantly taking out fake mustaches and wigs, determined to go all out with the disguise.
Meanwhile, Yu Renyan and several Shadow Blade warriors appeared at the gates of Darkblood City. Since they no longer needed to track the scent and traces, the expert decided to treat himself, securing a ride with a gun and gold. They were now just two hours behind Qiyan.
Yu Renyan wore a hooded cloak, only his eyes visible. He looked at the bustling street and sneered, muttering, “No matter what you become, I will find you. I don’t look at faces when I hunt!”
With a wave of his hand, the Shadow Blade warriors, disguised as hunters and adventurers, dispersed throughout the city, waiting for his call. Yu Renyan, unperturbed, headed towards the city center, searching for a place to stay.
His prey was cunning, and Yu Renyan was prepared for a long game. This was too much fun to miss. In the dance between hunter and prey, patience, not strength, decided the outcome.
Yu Renyan chose Darkblood City purely on instinct, even though he lost the direct trail. He was convinced his target was heading here. Additionally, the cart he rode delivered goods to the city, reinforcing his belief in fate.
Qiyan left the inn, unaware that the terrifying hunter was so close.
Dressed as a typical adventurer, he sported a dense stubble, a brown-tipped ponytail, and a tattered backpack. He walked leisurely into Bronze Street, browsing through the shops.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage