A brief rest later, led by the guide, the group finally arrived at the local branch of the Dark Association.
A Xuan Forty, wearing a silver mask, scurried to Zi Long's side.
"Lord Zi Long, you've returned. You must be tired. Please come in."
Xuan Forty's eyes showed fawning. After bowing respectfully to Zi Long, he then cupped his fists towards Ye Cangtian.
Ye Cangtian quickly returned the gesture. Although he didn't know him, they were of the same rank, and basic courtesy was necessary.
On the other side, Xuan Forty handed the rest of the team to his subordinates before quickly leading the two into the reception hall.
"What's the situation here now?"
"Anyone causing trouble without knowing their place?"
Zi Long accepted the tea offered to him and asked indifferently.
Since entering the ruins only required strength, there were no distinctions between factions.
Therefore, various factions often gathered people here, preparing to claim a foothold and rival the Dark Association.
The Dark Association had always shown zero tolerance towards such existences, eliminating them directly.
However, this world lacked nothing except ambitious individuals and megalomaniacs, so such matters could never be eradicated.
They could only be treated like harvesting leeks; as soon as a batch grew, it would be cut.
Xuan Forty quickly and respectfully replied, "It's been relatively stable recently, but as you know, the calmer it is, the more violent the subsequent outbreak."
"Heh heh, violent?"
"No one here can stir up any trouble!"
Upon hearing this, Zi Long sneered coldly, a palpable killing intent flashing in his eyes.
"Yes, yes. With Lords like you overseeing things, those are merely clowns, insignificant."
Seeing Zi Long's displeasure, Xuan Forty quickly chimed in, though he dared not flatter inwardly.
Zi Long was a Earth-level expert; these troubles were nothing to him. But he was only Xuan-level. If he wasn't careful, he might meet his end here.
After all, the reason he could manage this place was that during the last riot, the previous administrator was killed, giving him this opportunity.
Therefore, he naturally did not want to repeat the past.
"Alright, prepare some food, and get the carriage and supplies ready. After eating, I will take Xuan Qi to headquarters."
Zi Long, feeling indifferent towards Xuan Forty, waved his hand and spoke.
Ye Cangtian, who had remained silent, displayed a faint smile.
He had been listening in, sifting through the idle chatter for useful information.
After all, both the Dark Association and the Hidden Group were in Huaxia, and a major conflict was inevitable sooner or later; it was only a matter of time.
Therefore, he needed to gather more intelligence for emergencies. Just like now, with various factions gathering strength in secret within the ruins.
If these forces were to be linked, under specific circumstances, they might play a decisive role in the outcome.
However, Zi Long's subsequent words made him unable to hold back any longer.
It was obvious that Badak had provoked him immensely earlier, and he had held back for days. Now that he was finally on his own territory, he could vent his frustration.
On the other side, upon hearing Zi Long's words, Xuan Forty quickly acknowledged and then rose to leave.
…
In another corner of Reception City, within a secluded courtyard.
The courtyard gate slowly opened, and two men entered from outside.
One in front, and one behind.
The man in front walked with his head held high, hands clasped behind his back, appearing like a condescending noble.
The man to his side and slightly behind bowed obsequiously, his face displaying flattering deference.
The disparity in status between the two was immediately apparent.
If Ye Cangtian or Zi Long were present at this moment, they would undoubtedly be shocked. The person in front, resembling a noble, was none other than Badak, who had been fawning over them throughout the journey.
According to the rules of the Dark Association, everyone who entered the ruins had to complete a mission. However, there was one exception.
That was if someone was willing to pay double the points to be exempted from the mission.
In fact, Badak had been able to escape the mission squad by using the points of the man beside him.
"Lord Badak, this is your first time here, and you are not familiar with the ruins. Therefore, please try to keep a low profile."
The man ushered Badak into the room, served him hot tea, and began to discuss matters.
In his eyes, Badak was a notorious troublemaker, unparalleled in his ability to cause chaos, leaving a trail of blood wherever he went.
With Badak now here, truthfully, it made him quite nervous.
They had been lurking here for a long time to achieve this scale, and they didn't want it all ruined because of Badak.
After all, to exempt Badak from his mission, he had paid points and had been registered.
Points were a small matter, obtainable through missions, but registration was a big deal.
Whether it was him or Badak, if they committed any offense, it would definitely implicate the other.
In fact, this was a form of management by the Dark Association. From the moment he exempted Badak from the mission, he had been linked with Badak.
On the other side, Badak looked at his subordinate's advice with a playful, yet somewhat ruthless smile.
"Kuri, I hope you understand that there is only one superior here, and that is me!"
"So please do not dictate to me. I know better than you what should and should not be done!"
As the words came out, Kuri's expression instantly changed, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.
The moment the other party spoke, he distinctly felt an oppressive killing intent, so tangible that it made it difficult for him to breathe.
He repeatedly nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Badak displayed a satisfied smile and said, "Now tell me about your situation here."
"Yes."
Kuri quickly responded and continued, "As of now, our lurking here has been relatively successful. Excluding the informants in various cities, we should be able to mobilize a hundred people for you to command..."
Kuri indicated that this did not include those who had accumulated enough points and could leave at any moment to relay information in an emergency.
If those people were included, the number would be at least close to two hundred.
"Less than 200 people!"
"After so many years, with so many people sent here, only this few remain?"
Badak's eyes widened in disbelief.
The Bright Hall had invested quite a bit here over the years. If not three thousand people, then at least two thousand.
He had expected to have over a thousand people at his disposal upon entering, but now with fewer than two hundred, it was truly hard for him to accept.
"Lord, this place is not as simple as you imagine."
Sensing the look in Badak's eyes, Kuri explained helplessly.
Over the years, the Bright Hall had indeed sent many people, but the vast majority found it difficult to survive.
Firstly, there was the very first mission upon entering the ruins. This mission alone would result in a significant loss of personnel.
After all, not everyone was like Badak, with someone willing to pay points for them. That was equivalent to being bound, with the risk of collective punishment.
Besides that, at least one mission had to be carried out each year, which would also consume a considerable number of people.
Then there were the covert conflicts between various factions, the mindless actions of some arrogant individuals in the ruins, and so on, all contributing to personnel reduction.
In addition, some people, unable to bear the life within the ruins or the oppression of the Dark Association, eventually launched suicidal attacks.
Considering all these factors, it was already quite good that these people remained.
This...
Listening to Kuri's coherent explanation, Badak's expression turned grim.
He had already made a preliminary assessment of the environment within the ruins, and it was indeed unexpected. However, he hadn't anticipated it to be so dire.
With such a small force, if he wanted to achieve anything, he would have to plan meticulously.
On the other side, seeing Badak frown, Kuri pondered for a moment before slowly stepping forward and asking, "Lord, what important mission brings you here in person this time?"
"Kill Xuan Qi."