He could naturally tell that the youth before him was a genuine scion of a prominent family. He dared not slacken even for a moment when the other party questioned him.
"Good!" Zhou Yan's eyes flickered, a smile curving his lips.
Bandits!
These existences that dwelled in the shadows were perfect for him!
"Go tell Black Panther that I wish to strike a deal with him!" Zhou Yan waved his hand.
"This..." Hearing this, the black-robed leader was stunned.
"What, unwilling?" Zhou Yan's brows furrowed.
"My Lord, forgive me. Your subordinate will go deliver the message immediately!"
Upon hearing this, the black-robed leader was startled and quickly bowed and retreated.
Only after reaching outside the room door did he let out a long sigh of relief.
Although he held the rank of captain, his status was far inferior to Zhou Yan's, as Zhou Yan was a lord of a realm. Moreover, he was currently under Zhou Yan's control.
If that were not the case, why would the black-robed leader have easily surrendered?
"Alas, I hope Black Panther is sensible!"
...
Zhou Yan sat on his chair, waiting quietly.
He did not underestimate the situation.
Based on his deductions, since it was a bandit group, it must be organized and planned. They wouldn't have come rashly, or they would have been wiped out.
Furthermore, the other party should also be aware of his strength, hence they dispatched a minor subordinate to probe his capabilities.
However, it seemed they had underestimated his power.
"My Lord, we have made all the arrangements!" Soon, the black-robed leader re-entered.
Zhou Yan cast a casual glance at him, "Mm, prepare to depart!"
"Yes!" The black-robed leader nodded and then led Zhou Yan into the city.
This city was named "Black Stone City" and was an industry under Zhou Yan's command, considered an important stronghold.
Back then, Zhou Yan had risen from here and established his dynasty, naming the entire city "Black Stone City."
This also represented Zhou Yan's inevitable ambition for this land.
"What is your name?" Zhou Yan suddenly asked on their way.
"Replying to my Lord, my name is A'Fu." The black-robed leader replied respectfully.
A'Fu was the surname of the black-robed leader. He was responsible for receiving Zhou Yan here and acting as his guide.
"Mm, remember to pay close attention to your surroundings and don't let others notice anything unusual!" Zhou Yan instructed.
"Understood!"
A'Fu nodded hastily in agreement.
Soon, the two arrived at the City Lord's mansion.
At this moment, dozens of people were gathered there.
The leader was a burly man around forty years old, with thick arms and well-defined muscles, exuding a powerful, explosive strength.
"Black Panther, I've brought him to you!"
Upon seeing Zhou Yan appear, the black-robed leader quickly stepped forward.
"Heh heh, you've worked hard!" Black Panther nodded slightly, then his gaze fell upon Zhou Yan's face, greed in his eyes. "Indeed, a young hero. No wonder you dare to venture alone into the desolate ancient world and even defeat three Grandmaster level martial artists!"
His voice was low and hoarse, like the grinding of metal, extremely grating and deeply unpleasant.
"Oh?" Zhou Yan sized him up with interest.
Judging by his attire, he looked like a mountain bandit leader.
However, he keenly detected a hint of blood scent hidden behind his clothes, indicating that he had killed and seen blood.
"Hmph, kid, no matter who you are, you won't escape my grasp today!"
After speaking, Black Panther suddenly stood up.
Rumble!
Instantly, muffled thunder sounds echoed through the previously silent courtyard.
"Hmm?"
Zhou Yan's brows twitched, sensing a suffocating and dangerous aura.
This sense of threat was even stronger than the martial artists he had encountered before.
"Kid, you're out of luck. Today, I'll use you to make my mark!"
Black Panther sneered coldly, took a step, and was about to charge forward.
"Stop!"
However, at this moment, Zhou Yan suddenly commanded.
"Haha, what, scared? Too late. No one can save the person I want to kill!"
Black Panther laughed maniacally, convinced that the other party was afraid of him and would not resist, allowing him to fully savor this delightful prey.
"Is that so?"
Zhou Yan shook his head and chuckled, his eyes filled with mockery.
"Kid, you're still so arrogant at the brink of death!"
Seeing this, Black Panther flew into a rage, his eyes flashing with a chilling killing intent.
"Die!"
In the next instant, he forcefully stomped his foot on the ground, turning into an afterimage as he lunged towards Zhou Yan.
His speed was incredibly fast, like a phantom.
In just a blink of an eye, he was in front of Zhou Yan, his fingers forming a claw, reaching for Zhou Yan's neck to sever his head.
His move was extremely fierce; ordinary martial artists likely couldn't withstand it.
But unfortunately, he encountered Zhou Yan.
"Bang!"
Before Black Panther's palm could touch Zhou Yan's body, he was sent flying back, crashing onto the ground.
Crack!
The sound of bones breaking echoed, and Black Panther cried out in pain, sweat beading on his forehead.
His attack had been forcefully blocked by Zhou Yan.
"You..." Black Panther was utterly shocked, staring at Zhou Yan with wide eyes, as if disbelieving it was real.
He was a peak sixth-grade expert, a rare powerhouse in the entire Black Stone City. Yet, he had been effortlessly repelled by the other party.
"Black Panther, I know you're not resigned!"
Zhou Yan slowly stood up, looking down at Black Panther. "However, I advise you to surrender obediently, lest you suffer further pain!"
"Bastard!"
Black Panther gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with a vicious, ruthless glint.
"Since that's the case, don't blame me for being merciless!"
Zhou Yan smiled faintly, then his figure flickered, instantly appearing before the other party and grabbing his throat.
"Splat!"
The next moment, Zhou Yan's wrist twisted sharply, and crimson liquid sprayed out, dyeing the ground a stark red.
"Ugh..."
Black Panther clutched his throat, coughing violently, his face turning crimson. After struggling for a moment, he finally couldn't hold on, his head lolled, and he died completely!
"Tsk tsk, truly violent!" A'Fu beside him couldn't help but click his tongue.
He had followed Black Panther for a long time and naturally knew how ruthless and decisive he was. But he never expected him to fall at Zhou Yan's hands.
"This is Black Stone City!"
Zhou Yan spoke faintly, his tone calm.
"Uh, I know..."
A'Fu's mouth twitched a couple of times, and he said sheepishly, "But aren't you afraid of causing a disturbance in Black Stone City?"
"Don't worry, they won't dare!" Zhou Yan waved his hand dismissively.
"Uh, alright..." A'Fu sighed helplessly, lamenting Zhou Yan's overconfidence.
However, he also knew Zhou Yan's temper, so he didn't dare to persuade him further, merely reminding him, "Since that's the case, I shall take my leave."
"Mm." Zhou Yan nodded, making no move to stop him.
Soon, A'Fu departed.
"It seems I need to speed up finding my father," Zhou Yan's eyes flickered a couple of times.
He knew that the other party must have had an ambush prepared long ago. If he hadn't joined them, there would have been no return.