The innkeeper, watching from the base of the wall, was trembling from head to toe.
These servants of Third Master Jing had already been arrogant and overbearing enough — yet they'd run into someone even more savage than them.
This young man had looked so refined and mild-mannered, but the moment he struck, it was absolutely terrifying?
The innkeeper's vision suddenly went black, and he felt as though the sky were collapsing. He knew — he was completely done for.
If people belonging to Third Master Jing died in his inn, even if he had absolutely nothing to do with it, he couldn't escape the blame. When the time came to find someone to vent their fury on, it would certainly be him — the innkeeper!
In that instant, the innkeeper's legs went weak, his whole body losing strength, consumed by the feeling that the end of days had arrived.
People from Third Master Jing dying in his inn — this was earth-shattering news. When Third Master Jing flew into a rage, the entire Frost Moon City would tremble three times over, let alone his pitiful little inn.
The innkeeper scrambled to his feet without another thought for the spectacle, rushing straight to the inn's entrance. He called out to all his workers: "Quick, quick — everyone collect your wages. You're dismissed on the spot. Leave Frost Moon City, the faster the better!"
His face sheet-white, the innkeeper distributed wages right then and there, not caring how much — just flinging random amounts about before rolling up his valuables and fleeing for his life.
The workers, seeing that even the boss had run, needed no further warning that catastrophe was imminent. One by one, their faces drained of color, and they vanished in a flash.
The enormous inn — discarded just like that, as if it had never mattered.
...
"You... you actually dare to kill Third Master Jing's people?" The burly man was stunned beyond measure, staring at his fallen companions with a face full of disbelief.
The cold, arrogant youth's expression didn't change. He said flatly, "Who is Third Master Jing? Tell me — what are you people doing here? If you can't explain clearly, you won't be leaving."
The burly man's entire body shuddered without warning. Though he stood at the first level of the Emperor Realm, with cultivation far more powerful than his two companions —
Being stared down by those cold, arrogant eyes, he still couldn't suppress a wave of goosebumps crawling up his spine.
He was beginning to regret it — regret his recklessness. This cold, arrogant youth didn't seem to be the young man they were searching for at all.
If this whole mess had started over a case of mistaken identity, it would be far too steep a price.
This youth didn't even know who Third Master Jing was — how could he possibly be an accomplice of that young man? Besides, this youth was clearly the sort who lived beyond all law and reason. Otherwise, how could he kill without hesitation in unfamiliar territory? And show absolutely no pressure afterward? Still wearing that same corpse-like expression?
There was no denying it — sometimes people were utterly contemptible.
Those who bowed and scraped to them, they wouldn't even deign to glance at.
But those who genuinely struck at them with lethal force — that was who they had to take seriously.
"Friend, Third Master Jing... Third Master Jing is the deputy branch master of the Moon God Cult's first branch here in Frost Moon City. In this city, even the City Lord has to show Third Master Jing a measure of face."
"The Moon God Cult?" The youth blinked, then shook his head. "Never heard of them. Are they powerful?"
The burly man was on the verge of tears. He knew — this time, he had truly stumbled upon a madman. Someone who dared claim they'd never heard of the Moon God Cult was no saint.
He refused to believe there was anyone in the Human Domain who didn't know the Moon God Cult. Saying he didn't know was obviously deliberate. And anyone who dared declare ignorance of the Moon God Cult on their own territory clearly had the confidence to back it up!
"Boss, never mind all that — let's rush him together. I refuse to believe we can't handle this kid. He dared to kill our brothers — here in Frost Moon City, this is Third Master's turf. In the Oblique Moon Upper Domain, this is the Moon God Cult's territory. Whatever this kid's background, on our own home ground, does he think he can run wild?"
"Right, kid — now that you've come to Frost Moon City, if you're a dragon, you lie low. If you're a tiger..."
The cold, arrogant youth suddenly arched an eyebrow. "And what if I don't lie low?"
"You..."
"You're looking to die!"
The burly man had been thoroughly provoked by the youth's attitude. He grabbed at something, and a plume of smoke shot straight into the sky.
This was the signal to call for reinforcements. Once it was sent, it wouldn't be long before their companions from the Moon God Cult's first branch arrived.
Third Master Jing might even come in person.
And when that happened, even if this kid had three heads and six arms — so what?
"Kid, just surrender quietly. Before Third Master, we might still put in a word for you."
"That's right. No matter who you are, in Frost Moon City, don't think you can run roughshod!"
These thugs of Third Master Jing, having sent their distress signal, found their confidence swelling. Besides, there were still six of them. This kid might be fierce, but surely six people could at least hold their own until the main force arrived. And when that happened — it would be this kid's day to die!
"Enough noise."
The cold, arrogant youth's face darkened, his gaze sweeping across every face like a blade. "Since you want to die, I'll send you on your way."
The burly ringleader's expression shifted. "Everyone, stay together and form the formation!"
Then he shouted at the youth: "Boy, don't be stubborn! Even if you can beat the few of us, once our first branch's army arrives, you're dead. We came here looking for that swindler — it has nothing to do with you."
"Swindler? What swindler?" The cold, arrogant youth paused.
"The guy who used a fake heaven-grade spiritual medicine to swindle Third Master Jing."