The noise of the arena faded behind him.
Step by step, Lin Feng followed the well-dressed man through a quieter section of Blackstone City. The chaotic energy of the outer streets slowly gave way to something more controlled.
More refined.
More dangerous.
A Different Side of the City
The buildings here were taller.
Cleaner.
Stronger.
Stone pathways replaced dirt roads, and guards stood at regular intervals—not the lazy kind at the city gates, but disciplined cultivators with sharp eyes and steady breathing.
Lin Feng glanced around.
"…Didn't know this place had a 'rich' side."
The man walking ahead chuckled lightly.
"Blackstone City has many sides."
"You've only seen the surface."
Unspoken Rules
As they moved deeper—
The number of people decreased.
But the pressure increased.
Every person they passed—
Felt strong.
Not flashy.
Not loud.
But real.
Lin Feng's instincts stayed alert.
Yeah… this is where the real players are.
The Destination
Eventually, they stopped in front of a large compound.
Dark stone walls.
Minimal decoration.
But the aura it gave off—
Heavy.
Like something inside was watching everything.
The gates opened without a word.
Inside the Compound
The moment Lin Feng stepped in—
He felt it.
A shift in the air.
Controlled.
Measured.
Dangerous.
This wasn't a place for show.
This was a place of power.
The Guide Speaks
"My master is inside."
The man gestured forward.
"Go in."
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"That's it?"
The man smiled faintly.
"If you're worth meeting…"
"You won't need me."
Walking Alone
Lin Feng stepped forward.
Each step echoed softly against the stone floor.
The courtyard was wide and empty.
No guards.
No noise.
Just silence.
At the center—
A single figure sat calmly.
Waiting.
First Impression
Lin Feng stopped a few meters away.
The man sitting before him looked… ordinary.
Middle-aged.
Simple robes.
No visible weapon.
No overwhelming aura.
But—
That was exactly what made him dangerous.
The Man Speaks First
"You're Lin Feng."
His voice was calm.
Steady.
Lin Feng shrugged slightly.
"Depends who's asking."
A faint smile appeared.
"I am someone who can offer you a path forward."
Direct Approach
Lin Feng didn't sit.
Didn't relax.
"What kind of path?"
The man studied him for a moment.
Then said—
"One where you don't die early."
Blunt Truth
Lin Feng chuckled.
"Straight to the point, huh?"
The man nodded.
"You've drawn attention."
"Strong attention."
He paused briefly.
"And not all of it is friendly."
Reality Sets In
Lin Feng crossed his arms.
"I figured."
The man continued—
"Blackstone City is not just an arena."
"It is a battlefield."
"Factions."
"Clans."
"Hidden forces."
"All watching."
Why Lin Feng Matters
"You defeated three Core Condensation cultivators in one day."
The man's eyes sharpened slightly.
"That is not something that goes unnoticed."
Lin Feng smirked.
"Good."
"I didn't come here to stay unnoticed."
The Offer
The man leaned back slightly.
"Then I'll make this simple."
"You join me."
"I give you resources."
"Protection."
"Information."
"And opportunities to grow."
Lin Feng's Reaction
No immediate answer.
No excitement.
No agreement.
Just—
Silence.
Then—
"What do you get?"
A Fair Question
The man smiled.
"Loyalty."
"Strength."
"And results."
Lin Feng tilted his head slightly.
"…So basically, I work for you."
The man shook his head.
"No."
"You work with me."
The Difference
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…That sounds better."
A Hidden Test
The man raised his hand slightly.
"Before you decide…"
"Let me ask you something."
Lin Feng waited.
"Why do you seek strength?"
No Fancy Answer
Lin Feng didn't hesitate.
"To win."
"To survive."
"To go higher."
He paused briefly.
"…And because I like it."
The Response
The man stared at him for a moment.
Then—
Laughed.
A quiet, genuine laugh.
"Good."
"No lies."
"No fake ambition."
The Real Offer
"Then I'll give you something real."
He leaned forward slightly.
"A mission."
Lin Feng's interest sharpened.
"What kind?"
The First Mission
"There is a group operating just outside the city."
"Rogue cultivators."
"Dangerous."
"Uncontrolled."
He paused.
"I want them gone."
Simple… But Not Easy
Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.
"That's it?"
The man nodded.
"If you can handle that…"
"Then we continue."
Understanding the Test
Lin Feng smiled slowly.
"A test."
"Of course it is."
A Step Forward
He turned slightly.
Walking toward the exit.
"Where are they?"
The man's voice followed calmly—
"North of the city."
"In the broken hills."
Cliffhanger
Lin Feng didn't look back.
"Alright."
"I'll take care of it."
As he stepped out of the compound—
The night air hit him.
Cool.
Quiet.
But filled with possibility.
And somewhere beyond the city—
Enemies waited.
Real enemies.
The next step in his path.