The silence at the gates of Sanmiao City was so profound that even a needle hitting the ground would have echoed like a thunderclap. The fury etched onto City Lord Wang Long's face was nothing short of a dormant volcano on the verge of eruption. As his daughters unveiled their true identities and exposed the vile deeds of the guards, the atmospheric pressure surged so violently that commoners found it difficult to breathe.
Wang Long's gaze shifted to the two guards. Those who had moments ago carried themselves like lions were now writhing on the ground like mere insects. Their tongues were parched, frozen against the roofs of their mouths.
"Protectors... you dare call yourselves protectors?" Wang Long's voice felt as if it were rising from a cold grave. "Under my very eyes, you attempted such a lowly act against my own daughters? You haven't just broken the law; you have shattered my trust."
Wang Long slowly rotated his palm in the air. Instantly, a terrifying sphere of energy coalesced around the two guards. Before they could utter a single plea for mercy, that energy surged through their bones like a lightning strike. Not even a scream could escape as they collapsed instantly. Wang Long hadn't just killed them; he had pulverized their entire cultivation base in a single heartbeat.
The crowd recoiled in terror. Wang Long spared a brief look for his daughters, placing a hand on their heads, before turning toward Ye Fang.
Ye Fang remained standing in his characteristic nonchalant posture. Beside him, the Little System bobbed gently in the air, as if it already knew something monumental was about to happen. As Wang Long approached, the horrific fury on his face gradually softened into a look of profound respect.
He observed Ye Fang's tattered robes and plain appearance, yet his experienced eyes could sense something extraordinary hidden within this youth.
"Young man," Wang Long said in a heavy tone. "The courage you displayed today is a rare sight in Sanmiao City. You have not only protected my daughters but prevented me from becoming an accomplice to a great sin. Ask! Wang Long is pleased with you today. Wealth, status, a high-ranking position, or precious medicinal herbs... whatever your heart desires, name it. I shall not let the savior of my daughters leave empty-handed."
The surrounding crowd began to whisper. "This boy will become rich overnight!" "His destiny has truly changed!"
But no spark of greed for wealth or fame touched Ye Fang's face. He tilted his head slightly and met Wang Long's gaze with a faint smirk.
"Lord Wang Long, I thank you for your offer," Ye Fang's voice had a peculiar resonance. "But I have no need for gold, silver, or palaces. I have come to this world as a traveler, and my destination lies elsewhere."
Wang Long was stunned. "Then what is it that you desire?"
Ye Fang clenched his fists, a calm yet ferocious energy pulsing beneath his skin. He spoke firmly, "Lord, I have heard that Sanmiao City is not lacking in warriors. I have a purpose—I must challenge the Eight Strongest Cultivators of this city. If you wish to reward me, then grant me the chance to battle these masters. I wish to test the limits of my strength."
Dead silence fell over the gates once more. People stared at one another in disbelief. No one had imagined a person would trade their safety to "court death" by challenging the city's elite.
A strange glint appeared in Wang Long's eyes. He was startled for a moment, then burst into a booming laugh. "Marvelous! Truly marvelous! While others fall at my feet to beg for their lives, you demand a battle? And against the eight strongest warriors no less?"
Wang Long scrutinized Ye Fang. He realized this youth was no ordinary cultivator; his hunger was not for gold, but for combat.
"So be it, young man!" Wang Long roared. "If that is your wish, Sanmiao City shall fulfill it. I personally will arrange for opponents who will make your very soul tremble. Tomorrow, a grand spectacle will take place in the city's main Arena. Let us see if your iron fists can back up your words."
Ye Fang bowed with a smile. The Little System flew close to his ear and whispered, "Host, the game is about to begin. Be ready, for these eight will not be weaklings like those guards."
Ye Fang felt his 'God-Demon' power stir within him and thought, "Let them come... I want to see exactly what this physique of mine is capable of."
The sun had fully set, but the streets of Sanmiao City were already buzzing with talk of a new storm—a boy who took pleasure in looking straight into the eyes of death.
As they reached the grand, intricately carved walls of the Guest Pavilion, the atmosphere was filled with the scent of burning incense and tranquility. City Lord Wang Long paused, took a deep breath, and spoke in an affectionate manner, "Young man, you shall lack for nothing here. Whatever you need, just give the word."
Suddenly remembering something, he smiled and said, "Ah, look at me, I've forgotten my manners in all the excitement. I am Wang Long, Lord of Sanmiao City and a cultivator of the Spiritual Ring Level. But I haven't asked your name. What is the name of this courageous youth?"
Ye Fang clasped his hands in a formal greeting and said humbly, "Lord Wang Long, my name is Ye Fang. I am but a simple traveler seeking to discover the boundaries of my own strength."
Wang Long nodded with satisfaction. "Ye Fang... an imposing name! Very well, Ye Fang, rest now. Tomorrow shall decide your fate." With that, the Lord departed.
As soon as the door closed and Ye Fang was alone, he hissed at the Little System. His face still carried the lingering embarrassment from the scene outside.
"Hey, Little System! Seriously, why didn't you tell me earlier that you're invisible to everyone else? Do you have any idea how much I embarrassed myself out there? Everyone was looking at me like I was a lunatic!" Ye Fang grumbled.
The Little System appeared before him, putting on an innocent yet mischievous expression. "Oh, Host! How is this my fault? You've read so many Xianxia and System novels in your old world, yet you didn't know this basic rule? Systems are always invisible; they are only seen by their hosts. If you talk to thin air in front of everyone, of course they'll think you're an 'eccentric'!"
Ye Fang held his head and slumped onto the bed. "Man, reading about it is one thing, but living it is completely different! Next time something like this happens, give me a warning first."
The Little System stabilized in the air and replied, "Fine, Host, I'll keep that in mind next time. But for now, you should calm your Qi. Tomorrow, you must face the Eight Warriors of Sanmiao City."
Ye Fang closed his eyes, visualizing the upcoming battles. Within him, the Demon essence began to throb once more—silent, yet terrifyingly potent.