The guards in the guardhouse were clearly unaware of the disturbance outside. They were swallowed by the black sphere before they could even make a sound.

After dealing with the guards, Nightingale approached Chen Pingchuan with a light, graceful stride, her figure lithe and elegant. She gave him a slight nod, indicating that she had killed all the enemies.

Chen Pingchuan was satisfied with Nightingale's swift and decisive actions. Still, he jerked his chin toward Wang Mazi and asked with a puzzled expression, "What's the deal with this guy?"

Chen Pingchuan gazed at the uncontrollably trembling Wang Mazi. He didn't understand why Nightingale had spared him.

Upon hearing Chen Pingchuan, Nightingale subconsciously bit her lip, leaving a faint row of teeth marks on its soft pink surface. Her eyes flickered. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to break the vow she had just made. The energy of a black sphere began to gather in her palms, where a dark glow faintly appeared.

Wang Mazi, on the other hand, had Nightingale's guarantee. However, the moment he heard Chen Pingchuan speak, he knew who truly held the power over his life and death.

A few seconds after Chen Pingchuan asked his question, Wang Mazi, who had been trembling in silence, suddenly broke down, wailing with snot and tears.

"Don't kill me, sir! The young lady swore an oath! She promised not to kill me! Sir, please, have mercy and spare my life! I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life!"

Tears streamed down Wang Mazi's face, and snot ran to the corner of his mouth. He was the very picture of wretchedness.

"As long as you don't kill me, I swear I'll leave the mine tonight, change my name, and disappear for good! Sir, I'm begging you, please let me go!"

Hearing Wang Mazi's tearful plea, Chen Pingchuan slowly raised his head and looked at Nightingale with a strange expression.

Like a child caught doing something wrong, Nightingale turned her head slightly, not daring to meet Chen Pingchuan's gaze.

Just moments ago, my mind was entirely focused on completing the task cleanly and efficiently. I didn't even consider the need to silence a witness. Now, under his intense gaze, my face is burning. I feel so embarrassed and cornered, regretting it completely.

Chen Pingchuan saw her expression and instantly understood her thoughts. A meaningful smile touched his lips, a mixture of playful teasing and gentle tolerance for her mistake.

"Alright now. You already gave him your word, so don't go back on it. We have to be people who keep our promises, especially in this business."

"Oh."

Chen Pingchuan's words made Nightingale let out a sigh of relief. She quietly dispersed the sphere of black energy in her hand. Normally, she preferred to crush her enemies with overwhelming force. If it hadn't been for Chen Pingchuan's specific request, she wouldn't have bothered dealing with such a small fry. To her, letting Wang Mazi go wasn't a big deal anyway.

With that said, Chen Pingchuan turned his attention from Nightingale to the prostrate Wang Mazi. "Why aren't you standing up to talk?" he asked softly.

"I... I wouldn't dare."

"Stand up."

Chen Pingchuan's voice was low, yet it carried an undeniable authority. Wang Mazi felt that standing up was less safe than lying on the ground, but he didn't dare disobey. He shakily got to his feet, keeping his eyes squeezed shut.

Chen Pingchuan chuckled at Wang Mazi's self-deceiving act. "What are you closing your eyes for?"

"I'm afraid... I'm afraid that if I see your faces, you won't let me live."

"Hahaha, you're an interesting one. What was the promise Captain Nightingale gave you?"

Chen Pingchuan's words made Wang Mazi's scalp tingle.

In reality, I already figured out who they are from their voices—Chen Pingchuan and Nightingale. But I can't say it. I dare not say it. I don't know if her promise is real, but everything I said was total bullshit. Leaving the mine? Changing my name? The second they let me go, I'm running to report to Li Laoqi. Then I'll hide and wait to see which side wins. I'll only leave the mine as a last resort. After all, it's not easy to find another place that provides food, lodging, and women for fun. Not to mention, there are Black Demons out there, too, just not as many as in the outer city. But what does this kid mean by calling her out by name? I don't know... or maybe I just don't want to believe it.

Wang Mazi could only pretend he didn't hear Chen Pingchuan's hint, replying meekly, "The... The young lady said that if she broke her promise and hurt me, she'd never be able to get married."

Hearing this, Chen Pingchuan couldn't help but smile. He stared at Nightingale with an even stranger look until she became so flustered she had to look away. Only then did he speak again.

"That is a pretty vicious oath. It looks like our Captain Nightingale really can't lay a hand on you now. After all, a woman has to get married someday."

"I..."

Nightingale started to speak but was cut off by Chen Pingchuan. "But did Captain Nightingale promise to protect you?"

"Uh..."

Wang Mazi, whose back was already hunched, suddenly went limp. He instantly understood that Chen Pingchuan had no intention of letting him go. Snapping his eyes open, he glared at Chen Pingchuan and started to curse, "You faithless bastards! May you—"

CRACK!

Chen Pingchuan reached out and snapped Wang Mazi's neck. "See? Captain Nightingale didn't break her promise. She didn't kill you. I did. I hope you're a better person in your next life."

Honestly, if I were alone, this would have been much simpler. I would've just crushed his throat without all the theatrics. But with a woman who admires me by my side, everything I do has to fit my persona and take her feelings into account. It has to be said, my skills as a scoundrel are getting more and more refined.

I'm not upset by what he did at all. In fact, I think it's sweet. His excuse might not be much of a reason, but it's more than enough for me.

After dealing with Wang Mazi, Chen Pingchuan walked toward the door of the Energy Crystal Warehouse, his heart filled with anticipation. He paused when he saw the sensor lock on the door.

The dilapidated Spring City White Crystal Mine has such a high-tech warehouse lock? You've got to be kidding me.

Indeed, the door before him was not the old metal type with a simple alloy padlock he had expected. Instead, it was a futuristic, high-precision security lock featuring facial and energy key card recognition.

Seeing Chen Pingchuan standing motionless before the warehouse door, Nightingale immediately guessed the problem. She chuckled. "Are you missing the key? I can go search the guards."

"No need. I have one!"

With a huge number of simulation points about to roll in, there's no point in being cheap now. Thinking this, Chen Pingchuan directly initiated the exchange.

"Exchange for Energy Crystal Warehouse Key One."

"Exchange for Energy Crystal Secret Warehouse Key Two."

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