"Young Master, is this your first time in Blood Jade City?"

In the bustling crowd, a short martial artist asked casually.

Luo Feng asked in return, "How do you know?"

A flicker of smugness appeared in the short martial artist's eyes. "The Martial Artist Market in Blood Jade City is the busiest place. Anyone who's visited Blood Jade City would surely know its location."

"Is that so."

Luo Feng nodded, then said to the short martial artist, "I must thank you for leading the way."

The short martial artist's expression briefly stiffened, then he swiftly regained his composure, laughing good-naturedly. "Helping each other out is what we ought to do when we're out and about."

They fell silent. Luo Feng trailed behind the short martial artist, and after winding through several streets and turning many corners, the number of pedestrians around them gradually dwindled.

Upon reaching a deserted alley, the short martial artist abruptly halted.

"Where is the Martial Artist Market?"

Luo Feng scanned his surroundings, filled with dilapidated houses, and voiced his question.

The short martial artist turned around, the good-natured expression long gone from his face, and sneered at Luo Feng, "The Martial Artist Market? There isn't one here."

Clapping his hands, the short martial artist cried out loudly, "Big Brother, come on out!"

Footsteps echoed as five or six figures appeared at the alley entrance. The leader, a man with a scar across his face, carried an imposing Tiger-knife nearly two meters long on his shoulder. His ruthless eyes appraised Luo Feng.

Seeing that Luo Feng was dressed in fine silks, the scar-faced man grinned. "Looks like we've found a fat sheep. Little Fourth, good job."

Luo Feng had anticipated this. He casually studied them before calmly asking, "Are you planning to rob me?"

The short martial artist cackled. "You catch on quick. That's right, we brothers have been a bit short on funds lately. If you're wise, hand over everything valuable you have."

Luo Feng's gaze hardened slightly, but he smiled faintly. "And if I refuse?"

"Foolhardy!"

The martial artists at the alley entrance burst into cynical laughter.

Luo Feng had concealed his cultivation level. In their eyes, he was just an ordinary young master from a wealthy family, not worth their serious attention.

The short martial artist chortled triumphantly. "Kid, it seems you don't know who you're dealing with. Let me tell you, our Big Brother is the renowned Chen Lihu, the Tiger-knife of the rtiad, a master in the late stage of the Seventh Level Essence Storage Realm! My advice to you: surrender all your valuables obediently, or else, your life is at stake."

Luo Feng touched his nose, shaking his head. "Never heard of him."

"You're courting death!"

Murderous intent flashed in the scar-faced man's eyes. He bellowed furiously and stomped forward, the ground beneath his foot cracking. "Since you don't appreciate kindness, you can leave your life behind as well!"

BOOM!

The moment his words fell, a terrifying aura suddenly descended upon the alley.

THUD!

The short martial artist and the others turned pale, spat out mouthfuls of blood, and collapsed to the ground.

Among them, only the scar-faced man still struggled to remain standing. However, the enormous pressure made his spirit tremble, and his eyes, filled with intense fear, were fixed on Luo Feng.

He realized this overwhelming pressure, which rendered him unable to resist, emanated from the young man before him.

"Where is the Martial Artist Market?"

Luo Feng surveyed them with a cold and indifferent gaze.

"It's... just ahead. Turn at the next three streets, and you'll be there."

Cold sweat streamed down the scar-faced man's forehead as he hurriedly spoke, his voice laced with terror.

His subordinates were all at the Fifth Level of the Rigid-Soft Realm, yet their opponent had severely injured them with his aura alone. His strength was unfathomable!

When that terrifying pressure had appeared, it felt as if a blade was at his throat—a dreadful, suffocating sensation. He understood deep down that the young man before him was unbelievably formidable; even a hundred of himself would be no match!

Luo Feng nodded, retracting his aura. "Lead the way," he commanded.

"Yes."

The scar-faced man hastily nodded, then shot the short martial artist, who was still lying on the ground, a fierce glare.

The short martial artist swallowed hard, not daring to look Luo Feng in the eye.

He thought he'd found an easy target, but he hadn't expected the young man to be so powerful. They had nearly lost their lives.

"Young Master, please follow me."

The scar-faced man spoke respectfully, turning to lead the way out of the alley. Luo Feng followed.

Only after the two had left did the martial artists lying on the ground dare to breathe heavily again.

"Little Fourth, who was that man you brought here? Such a domineering aura! Even 'Chaotic Snow Blade' Hu Yitian from the Floating Snow School, whom I've seen before, didn't possess such a powerful aura," one man said, still shaken, looking in the direction Luo Feng had disappeared.

The short martial artist licked his dry lips and shook his head. "I don't know. I saw his expensive clothes and that it was his first time in Blood Jade City, so I assumed he was just a wealthy young traveler. Who knew he'd be so formidable? Second Brother, what cultivation level do you think he's at?"

The short martial artist turned his gaze towards a thin-eyed martial artist nearby.

The thin-eyed martial artist's eyes glinted. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I can't discern his cultivation level either. However, Big Brother didn't even dare to look up in his presence. This person must be at least at the Eighth Level of the Hell Realm. Perhaps... even the Ninth Level of the Heavenly Court Realm..."

HISS!

A series of sharp intakes of breath echoed in the alleyway; everyone's faces paled instantly.

A master at the Ninth Level of the Heavenly Court Realm could crush all of them with a single finger.

Luo Feng followed behind the scar-faced man, heading deeper into Blood Jade City. The number of pedestrians around them gradually increased; each was armed with blades or swords, their eyes holding a restrained sharpness. They were all Martial Artists.

"Young Master, this is the Martial Artist Market of Blood Jade City," the scar-faced man said respectfully, walking by Luo Feng's side.

Luo Feng nodded, surveying his surroundings. The Martial Artist Market is a place in every city where Martial Artists conduct trade. Martial Artists bring their precious natural treasures and resources here for exchange. If someone wants to post a bounty mission, they also choose this bustling Martial Artist Market.

The two men entered the market, which was quite noisy. The narrow streets teemed with Martial Artists, and stalls lined both sides.

The scar-faced man was somewhat known in the market. Thus, some who recognized him were astonished to see him with Luo Feng, his expression utterly respectful—like that of a servant. This greatly surprised those accustomed to his usual arrogance, and they began to speculate about Luo Feng's identity.

Noticing Luo Feng wasn't looking at the stalls on either side, the scar-faced man respectfully asked, "Young Master, what are you looking to buy in the market?"

Luo Feng redirected his gaze and asked, "I want to accept a mission that goes near Green Wood Peak. Where can I do that?"

The scar-faced man seemed to have a realization. "Is this your first time in Blood Jade City, Young Master?"

"Yes," Luo Feng nodded.

"I see," Luo Feng murmured.

The scar-faced man, showing he understood, said, "There are bulletin boards in the Martial Artist Market where missions are posted. You can look for the mission you need there. However, missions to Green Wood Peak are probably hard to find on the bulletin boards. It might be better to check the Martial Artist Hall."

"The Martial Artist Hall?" Luo Feng looked puzzled.

The scar-faced man nodded. "The Martial Artist Hall is similar to the mission issuing offices of the four major academies. You can post and accept all kinds of missions there, and the Martial Artist Hall provides a guarantee, making it much more secure. However, you need to pay some silver, and before accepting missions, you must pass an assessment. Only Martial Artists at the Sixth Level of the God Bravery Realm or higher are qualified to accept missions in the Martial Artist Hall."

After speaking, the scar-faced man glanced at Luo Feng and said admiringly, "With your strength, Young Master, passing the assessment will naturally be no problem."

Luo Feng ignored his flattery and said, "Take me to the Martial Artist Hall."

"Alright." The scar-faced man readily agreed and quickly led him to an imposing building. Above the entrance were four large golden characters: Martial Artist Hall.

"Young Master, this is the Martial Artist Hall. Can I... Can I leave now?" the scar-faced man stopped and looked at Luo Feng, asking cautiously.

Luo Feng waved his hand. "Your strength is considerable. Don't engage in such activities anymore."

The scar-faced man nodded repeatedly. "Young Master is right. I won't dare to do it again."

He was telling the truth. This experience had been a true brush with death for him; he wouldn't dare repeat such actions.

Luo Feng paid him no further mind and entered the hall.

It was very spacious inside. Sixteen massive stone pillars, each requiring several people to encircle, supported the entire hall. Intricately carved flying dragons adorned the pillars, exuding a majestic aura.

At least a hundred Martial Artists were gathered in the hall; their eyes shone with spirit, and their temples bulged slightly. As the scar-faced man had said, they were all at the Sixth Level of the God Bravery Realm or higher.

Luo Feng glanced around. He saw many Martial Artists gathered at a counter in the front, presumably to accept missions, so he headed that way.

"Token?"

After taking only a couple of steps, a guard in silver armor suddenly stepped out and blocked Luo Feng's path.

Luo Feng frowned slightly and shook his head. "I don't have a Token."

The young guard stated firmly, "Only those who have passed the assessment can accept missions in the Martial Artist Hall. Without a Token, you cannot enter."

"Where can I take the assessment?" Luo Feng asked.

The young guard paused, a hint of impatience on his face, and pointed to a side room. "There!"

"Thank you," Luo Feng said and started to leave.

Seeing that Luo Feng was actually going to take the assessment, the young guard frowned and said with a cold laugh, "I advise you to give up."

"Why?" Luo Feng halted.

The young guard grinned, revealing a row of white teeth. He made a slicing gesture across his neck and sneered, "The Martial Artist Hall's assessment is no child's play. A moment of carelessness, and you could lose your life!"

"I know my limits," Luo Feng said indifferently, then turned and walked towards the side room.

Watching Luo Feng's retreating back, the young guard's expression soured. He felt his well-intentioned warning had been unappreciated. He couldn't help but sneer, "What an overconfident brat. I'd like to see how long you can keep up that act. Let's hope you don't come out crying later..."

With a disdainful laugh, the young guard followed Luo Feng towards the side room.

It wasn't uncommon for people to overestimate themselves and try the Martial Artist Hall's assessment. Seeing how young Luo Feng was, the guard assumed he was just another wealthy young master driven by curiosity, and a feeling of contempt welled up inside him.

ROAR!

As Luo Feng walked towards the side room, even before he got close, a terrifying beast's ROAR suddenly echoed out. The sound was filled with immense ferocity, brutality, and a chilling Demon Qi!

What was that! Luo Feng's eyebrows shot up.

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