In the boundless expanse of the plain, as far as the eye could see, it was a monotonous black, contrasted by a somewhat dim sky. A suffocating and irritable atmosphere lingered over the plain. In such a bizarre place, it was no wonder that chaotic rules would flourish. Suddenly, a black shadow shot across the silent plain at an astonishing speed, flashing like teleportation. Every time it touched down, it brought with it a thunderous boom that spread out in ripples across the plain before gradually fading away.
As he sprinted, the figure slightly raised its head, revealing a clear, youthful face. It was Xiao Yan, who had rushed here from afar. At this moment, he frowned, gazing at the vast plain, muttering under his breath, “This damned place is so oppressive. But why haven’t I seen anyone after entering the plain for so long?”
“Let’s keep moving forward. I think Hai Bodong hasn’t been here, so the map he gave you doesn’t have the exact route for the Black Domain Plain. Now, we can only enter some small towns on the plain and buy a new map there,” the Pharmacist Elder said somewhat uncertainly, for he was not very familiar with this place either, having only heard about it.
Xiao Yan nodded helplessly and continued to push forward. “By the way, little one, let me remind you again. In the ‘Black-Corner Region,’ don’t show too much mercy. That kind of sentiment is thrown into the gutter here, and it won’t do you any good; it will only drag you into a quagmire.”
“The most effective method here is to make an example of someone,” the Pharmacist Elder added.
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, “Master, I’m not a naive do-gooder, nor am I a saint who values compassion. The great deeds of saving the world from suffering are not for me. I just want to become strong and protect those I should protect. As for the rest, I have neither the mood nor the qualifications to care.”
“This is the best mindset for survival in the Black-Corner Region,” the Pharmacist Elder laughed, relieved. He also hoped that his student wouldn’t be a soft-hearted saint, for he knew such people don’t live long. He would rather Xiao Yan be a ruthless and decisive hero who chooses to protect those he should.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yan resumed his dash. After nearly half an hour, a small black dot finally appeared in his line of sight. As he approached, the dot expanded, and white tents dotted the landscape. It turned out to be a small tribe.
Seeing the voices coming from the tents, Xiao Yan sighed in relief. His feet touched the ground, and he dashed towards the small tribe like a shadow. After about two or three minutes, the tribe fully appeared in front of Xiao Yan. He slowed down and walked toward the entrance.
As he got closer, Xiao Yan noticed that the tribe wasn’t small. There were at least a hundred tents, and the bustling sounds indicated a decent population. Stepping closer to the entrance, Xiao Yan’s expression suddenly changed. He took a step back as a long arrow whizzed past, piercing the grass in front of him. The wiggling arrow tail suggested that the archer had intentions of keeping him alive.
From not far away, a low, surprised sound came from the fence. “I’m just passing through and need supplies. What’s the meaning of this?” Xiao Yan glared at a spot on the fence and shouted coldly.
“Ha, are you a rookie who just entered the Black-Corner Region? Don’t you know the rule of paying the road fee before entering the tribe from a hundred meters away?”
A figure leaped onto the fence, and upon hearing Xiao Yan’s question, raised an eyebrow, a strange glint in his eyes.
Xiao Yan frowned, “Road fee?”
“Five hundred gold coins, quickly. Don’t waste my time. You better not tell me you can’t even pay the road fee.”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s hesitation, the man’s strange gaze intensified. His voice slowed, urging, “What a peculiar rule.” Relaxing, Xiao Yan flipped his hand, producing a bag of gold coins, and tossed it to the man. The man eagerly counted the coins and then waved his hand, dryly shouting, “Open the gate.”
At the sound, the broken wooden gate creaked open, revealing the street and the people inside. “Come in, rookie,” the thin man grinned.
Xiao Yan frowned slightly, as the Pharmacist Elder had said, there weren’t many normal people in the Black-Corner Region. He gripped the handle of the heavy ruler on his shoulder and, with heightened alertness, stepped through the gate.
Entering the tribe, the street made up of tents appeared before him. Outside the tents, various stalls were set up, displaying all sorts of oddities. Armed individuals wandered the streets.
“Let’s find a map first,” Xiao Yan thought. Just as he was about to enter the street, a figure flashed in front of him. Three men with gleaming blades blocked the way, smiling sinisterly.
“Hey, young rookie, I’ll teach you a rule of the Black-Corner Region: don’t let others see that you’re a newbie,” the ugly laugh of the thin man echoed behind. Xiao Yan turned to see the man with a bow, the arrow pointed at him.
“Hand over your belongings, money, weapons, everything. If I’m in a good mood, maybe I’ll just leave you with one arm as a punishment for your mistake,” the thin man grinned.
“Indeed, the Black-Corner Region… but sadly, a bunch of grasshoppers jumping around are still just grasshoppers,” Xiao Yan swept his gaze over the street. The crowd noticed the commotion but didn’t intervene, instead watching with amusement.
“Little one, now you understand. Don’t let anyone see your true self in the Black-Corner Region. There are no good people here, so don’t expect help from bystanders. They’re not chopping you up, which is already quite normal,” the Pharmacist Elder’s voice sounded in Xiao Yan’s mind.
Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his hand gripping the heavy ruler. Seeing this, the three men’s faces darkened. Without further ado, they swung their blades at Xiao Yan’s neck, their strikes vicious.
Before the blades reached their target, a black shadow flashed, and the three men turned pale. Their bodies slammed into the tents, splattering blood on the white canvas.
“Damn!” The three comrades heavily injured, the thin man’s eyes flashed with fear and malice. As he was about to release the bowstring, a black shadow appeared behind him, and a chilling whisper said, “Next time, discern the difference in strength. But I doubt there will be a next time.”
With a thud, the black ruler smashed into the man’s back, spewing blood and shattered organs. Xiao Yan watched the man crumple, re-sheathed the ruler, and walked down the street. The previously amused crowd sobered, letting the bloodstained figure pass.
As Xiao Yan disappeared around the corner, the crowd regained their chatter, looking at the body with no pity. “That young man is really ruthless. He acts decisively, with no hesitation in killing. He’ll fit in well in the Black-Corner Region.”
Xiao Yan didn’t know that his actions had earned such high praise. Indeed, the Pharmacist Elder’s words were true. After searching the streets, Xiao Yan was disappointed to find no maps for sale. Sighing, he decided to ask for directions. A slightly plump figure appeared, smiling.
“Sir, are you looking for a map? I saw you asking around,” the fat man said cheerfully.
“Do you have one?” Xiao Yan asked, glancing at the stranger.
“As a merchant traveling the Black Domain Plain, I carry the most detailed maps,” the fat man replied.
“How much?” Xiao Yan’s voice remained steady. In the Black-Corner Region, nothing was free.
“Truthfully, sir, even with a map, it’s hard to find the right destination on the Black Domain Plain. Black storms can obscure the sky, rendering maps useless. Only experienced people can navigate them. But since you’re new, you probably don’t have that experience, right?” The fat man shook his head, smiling. “I’ll be straightforward. I saw you were strong, and I need a guard for my caravan. If you want to cross the plain and enter the inner Black-Corner Region, you can join us. But in return, you’ll need to help if we encounter trouble. How about it?”
Xiao Yan frowned, asking in his mind, “Teacher, is he telling the truth?”
“Black Domain Plain is indeed known for its black storms. People without experience often get lost. Once, a poor fellow got disoriented in a storm and ended up circling the plain until he died from exhaustion. Traveling with an experienced caravan can save you a lot of trouble,” the Pharmacist Elder explained.
The fat man continued, “Our destination is the ‘Black Mark City’ in the inner Black-Corner Region, where the annual auction will take place in a couple of days. I need to strengthen our guard and get there quickly, so I sought you out.”
“Auction?” Xiao Yan’s heart stirred. The auctions in the Black-Corner Region attracted countless people vying for the rare items. Considering this, Xiao Yan nodded without hesitation.
“Pleasure to work with you. You can call me Doma,” the fat man sighed in relief, extending his hand.
“Yao Yan,” Xiao Yan shook the plump hand, responding coolly.
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