Chapter 400 The Mysterious Mask and the New City Lord! A Sixteen-Year-Old Boy Shocks the Entire City!

The morning sunlight spilled into the room through the carved window lattices.

Jiang Yun woke up from his meditation and slowly opened his eyes.

A night of regulating his breathing had restored his mental state to its Peak.

Although his cultivation hadn't seen a significant increase.

He habitually immersed his mind into his Beast Taming Space.

Within the Beast Taming Space, Little Fire was perched on a small hill made of Fire Attribute Spirit Crystals, its body radiating a scorching aura.

Its golden scales were dazzling under the reflection of the firelight.

Every single scale seemed to be forged from the power of heavenly fire.

It emitted heart-palpitating fluctuations.

What surprised Jiang Yun the most was...

Little Fire's aura had already faintly touched the threshold of Gold Rank Nine.

"About to have a Breakthrough?"

Jiang Yun's eyes lit up.

Sensing Jiang Yun's gaze, Little Fire raised its head and let out a low Dragon roar, its eyes sparkling with excitement.

It was telling Jiang Yun...

Give it a few more days, and it would be able to completely Breakthrough to Gold Rank Nine.

Jiang Yun nodded in satisfaction.

When Little Fire came out of the Secret Realm, it was at the Peak Gold Rank Eight. After these few days of Cultivation, combined with the time acceleration of the Beast Taming Space and the supply of Fire Attribute Spirit Crystals and Heaven And Earth Treasures, breaking through to Gold Rank Nine was a natural progression.

Once Little Fire reaches the Peak Gold Rank 9.

It could use that Eclipsing Moon Rank blood flame dragon beast core to charge towards Amethyst Rank.

Using a Eclipsing Moon Rank beast core to Breakthrough to Amethyst Rank...

If word got out, people would probably curse him for being wasteful.

But Jiang Yun didn't care; Little Fire was his beast, and no matter how precious the resources were, they were worth using on it.

Moreover, Little Fire's next evolution required dragon blood bodhi, which was deep within the Molten Cavern. That place was full of dangers; without sufficient strength, one wouldn't even have the qualification to enter.

Therefore, improving Little Fire's strength was a matter of urgency.

Jiang Yun's gaze shifted to the other side of the Beast Taming Space.

Little Skylark was suspended in mid-air, its wings slightly spread, its body Entwine with Wind-Thunder power.

Its silver-black feathers shimmered with a metallic luster under the spiritual light. Although it hadn't Cultivated much these past few days.

First, it had carried Jiang Yun around, and later, it underwent Fusion with the wings of the firmament.

But after entering the Beast Taming Space, it had been working hard to Cultivate, frantically devouring resources.

Now, Little Skylark's aura had steadily settled at Gold Rank Seventh Order and was making steady progress toward Gold Rank Eight.

The Fusion with the wings of the firmament not only gave it powerful defense and speed bonuses but also subtly improved its Physique.

The energy contained within that Sun-Level treasure was gradually transforming Little Skylark's body, making its affinity for Wind-Thunder power higher and higher.

At this rate, it wouldn't take more than a few days for Little Skylark to Breakthrough to Gold Rank Eight.

As for Nether Abyss...

It was still lurking in the darkest corner of the Beast Taming Space, its body shrouded in black mist, appearing indistinct.

Nether Abyss's Cultivation method was different from Little Fire's and Little Skylark's; it preferred to devour dark Attribute Spirit Crystals in the darkness, silently accumulating power.

With the time acceleration of the Beast Taming Space, along with the large amount of dark Attribute Spirit Crystals and Heaven And Earth Treasures provided by Jiang Yun, Nether Abyss's strength was also steadily improving.

Although its progress wasn't as rapid as Little Fire's, it was getting stronger every day.

Nether Abyss, at the Peak of Purple Crystal Tier 5, was not far from Purple Crystal Tier 6.

Jiang Yun withdrew his mind, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

All three beasts were steadily improving, which made him very satisfied.

Everything was moving in a good direction.

He got up to change into clean clothes, then took a storage ring out of his storage ring and gently put it on his face.

The mask was entirely silver-white with smooth lines, covering the upper half of his face and only exposing his eyes, nose, and mouth.

Exquisite patterns were carved along the edges of the mask.

This was the very mask he had worn when he took on the Incarnation of Grand Tutor Dongxuan in the provincial capital.

Today was the City Lord Announcement Ceremony; all the forces of Black Rock City and countless citizens would be present.

While he wanted to establish the authority of the new City Lord, he didn't want to show his true face yet.

Wearing a mask would both maintain a sense of mystery and hide his identity, killing two birds with one stone.

As for whether he would be recognized...

This was the Bone Burial Area's Black Rock City, hundreds of kilometers away from the provincial capital. Information was scarce, and very few people knew Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

Even if someone had seen Grand Tutor Dongxuan's mask, they might not necessarily associate it with the same person.

Jiang Yun checked if the mask was properly fitted, then pushed open the door and went out.

Fox Immortal's room door was tightly shut, with no sound coming from inside.

She was still in seclusion, refining the medicinal power of the nine-leaf purple lingzhi.

A Saint King Rank treasure was not something that could be fully digested overnight.

Jiang Yun didn't disturb her and went to sit alone in the stone pavilion in the courtyard.

A moment later, a Disciple of the Blood Fiend Pavilion brought breakfast.

A few delicate side dishes, a bowl of steaming spiritual rice porridge, and a pot of clear tea.

Their attitude was extremely respectful.

Jiang Yun ate his breakfast unhurriedly, planning out today's arrangements in his mind.

There were two important things today.

One was the City Lord Announcement Ceremony arranged by Iron Mountain Liu.

As the new City Lord of Black Rock City, he needed to make a formal appearance before the people of Black Rock City to establish his authority.

The second was the appointment with the Liu Family.

He had to go to the Liu Family today for the appointment.

The former was a necessary duty, while the latter was a long-awaited opportunity.

Both matters were very important and could not be delayed.

Just as Jiang Yun was thinking, a flurry of footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

"Lord City Lord!"

Iron Mountain Liu's voice rang out from outside the courtyard, carrying a hint of excitement and urgency.

"Your subordinate, Iron Mountain Liu, requests an audience with Lord City Lord!"

"Come in."

Jiang Yun said indifferently.

Iron Mountain Liu pushed the door open, walked quickly to the stone pavilion, and bowed in greeting.

Today, Iron Mountain Liu wore a brand-new silk robe, his hair was meticulously combed, and he looked energetic and radiant, a world away from the disheveled mercenary group vice leader of yesterday.

However.

When he looked up and saw the silver-white mask on Jiang Yun's face.

He was clearly stunned for a moment.

A mask?

Why did Lord City Lord suddenly put on a mask?

A flicker of doubt flashed in Iron Mountain Liu's eyes, and his mouth opened slightly as if he wanted to ask something, but he swallowed the words back down.

Lord City Lord had his reasons for wearing a mask.

As a subordinate, he naturally wouldn't ask what he shouldn't.

Iron Mountain Liu quickly lowered his head, suppressed his doubts, and said respectfully, "Lord City Lord, the City Lord's Manor has been chosen, and the venue for the Announcement Ceremony has been properly set up. I have come specifically to invite Lord City Lord to attend the ceremony."

"Thank you for your hard work."

Jiang Yun nodded and stood up.

Iron Mountain Liu quickly led the way, and the two of them walked out of the courtyard one after the other.

On the plaza of the Blood Fiend Pavilion, the Blood Lady had already been waiting for a long time.

She had also changed into new clothes today, a dark red robe embroidered with golden patterns, which made her look a bit more majestic than usual.

Her beast, the Blood Fiend Demon Spider, lay quietly behind her, radiating the terrifying aura of the Meteorite Level 3.

"Lord City Lord."

The Blood Lady bowed in greeting, a respectful smile on her face.

However, when she saw the mask on Jiang Yun's face, she was also stunned for a moment.

A mask?

He didn't have it yesterday; why did he put it on today?

A flash of surprise crossed the Blood Lady's eyes, and her gaze lingered on the mask for a split second, as if she wanted to see Jiang Yun's expression through it.

But she only took one look before quickly withdrawing her gaze.

Likewise, she didn't ask any questions.

This Master Jiang's appearance was already accompanied by many mysteries.

It seemed more reasonable for his behavior to be mysterious and inscrutable.

"Let's go."

Jiang Yun said indifferently.

He didn't explain the mask either.

The Blood Lady and Iron Mountain Liu followed behind Jiang Yun, one on each side.

Although both were full of doubts, they tacitly remained silent.

The three of them left the Blood Fiend Pavilion and headed towards the center of Black Rock City.

In the center of Black Rock City, there was a wide plaza called Black Rock Plaza.

The plaza was vast, covering tens of thousands of square meters, with the ground paved with smooth bluestone and tall stone pillars standing around it, their tops burning with never-extinguishing spiritual fire.

This was the largest public space in Black Rock City. On ordinary days, it was a place for vendors to set up stalls and for residents to relax. On major holidays or celebrations, gatherings would also be held here.

And today, Black Rock Plaza was packed with people.

A sea of people surged from the center of the plaza to the surrounding streets, so densely packed that the end couldn't be seen at a glance.

These people included ordinary residents of Black Rock City, members of various forces, Loose Cultivator Beast Tamers, merchants, and laborers... all walks of life were represented.

They gathered here for only one reason...

The sky over Black Rock City was about to change.

"Have you heard? The four major forces are all finished!"

A middle-aged man with a stubbly beard shouted to the people around him.

His voice was full of disbelief.

"Nonsense, who hasn't heard of such a big event?"

A thin young man next to him rolled his eyes.

"He Yuanming, the leader of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group, is dead; the three masters of the Black Wind Stronghold are all dead; the Blood Lady, leader of the Blood Fiend Pavilion, has surrendered; and Iron Mountain Liu, vice leader of the Red Fire Mercenary Group, has also surrendered. Overnight, the four major forces were completely wiped out!"

"Exactly! I saw it with my own eyes last night. The commotion coming from the Blood Fiend Pavilion's side—that aura scared me so much my legs went weak!"

Another chubby middle-aged man chimed in, a trace of lingering fear still on his face.

"Falling Star Rank experts didn't even have the qualification to resist before that aura!"

"Just who could have such great ability?"

"I heard it's a big shot from the provincial capital, apparently surnamed Jiang. Everyone who has seen him calls him Master Jiang!"

"Surnamed Jiang? Master Jiang? I've never heard of him! Is there a powerful Family with the surname Jiang in the provincial capital?"

"Of course you haven't heard of him! How could a small character like you know about such a big shot?"

"I heard that Master Jiang is only sixteen years old?"

"sixteen years old?! That's impossible! Wiping out the four major forces at sixteen? Are you joking?"

"It's true! I have a distant relative who works at the Blood Fiend Pavilion, and he saw it with his own eyes! That Jiang Yun is only sixteen years old and quite handsome."

The crowd discussed animatedly, saying all sorts of things.

Some were shocked, some skeptical, some curious, and some fearful.

But on everyone's face, there was a Common expression.

Anticipation.

They wanted to see what kind of person this new City Lord, who could wipe out the four major forces single-handedly, really was.

"They're coming! They're coming!"

Someone in the crowd shouted.

Everyone's gaze simultaneously turned toward the street on the east side of the plaza.

At the end of the street, three figures were slowly approaching.

Walking in the lead was a youth.

He wore a green robe, had a slender figure, and a face as beautiful as jade.

No, he was wearing a silver-white mask on his face, revealing only his eyes, nose, and mouth.

The mask shimmered faintly in the sunlight, adding a layer of mystery and majesty to him.

His steps were unhurried, calm and composed, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll, yet also like a king inspecting his territory.

Beneath the mask, those deep eyes revealed a steadiness and authority that didn't match his age.

Two people followed behind him.

The one on the left was burly with broad shoulders, wearing a brand-new silk robe; it was the vice leader of the Red Fire Mercenary Group.

Iron Mountain Liu.

A First Stage of Meteor Rank expert, a prominent figure in all of Black Rock City.

But at this moment, he kept his head slightly lowered, trailing half a step behind the youth, his posture respectful, looking every bit like a follower.

The one on the right had a graceful figure and a beautiful face, wearing a dark red robe; it was the leader of the Blood Fiend Pavilion.

The Blood Lady.

An expert at the Peak Third Stage of Meteor Rank, once one of the strongest people in Black Rock City.

But now, she also kept her head slightly lowered, trailing half a step behind the youth, her posture respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest.

Two Falling Star Rank experts, one on each side like two door gods, were guarding that youth.

This scene caused everyone present to gasp.

"Is that the new City Lord?"

"The one wearing the mask? I can't see his face!"

"I heard... he looks to be only sixteen or seventeen years old!"

"Heavens, the Blood Lady and Iron Mountain Liu are actually following behind him, and so respectfully?!"

"Just what kind of means does he have to make Falling Star Rank experts surrender?"

"Didn't they say the four major forces were wiped out? Could it be... it was really him?"

"A sixteen years old youth wiped out the four major forces of Black Rock City?"

"To be able to take down the four major forces of Black Rock City, his strength must be at least at the Advanced Falling Star Rank! This is too ridiculous!"

Shocked voices rose one after another, surging across the plaza like a tide.

Some people's eyes widened, their mouths open wide enough to fit an egg, their faces full of disbelief.

Some rubbed their eyes, thinking they were hallucinating, but after rubbing and looking again—yes, that masked youth was indeed walking in the lead, and the two Falling Star Rank experts were indeed following behind him.

Someone even pinched themselves, grimacing in pain, before they were certain they weren't dreaming.

"Becoming the City Lord of Black Rock City at sixteen... this is just too young..."

A white-haired old man murmured to himself, his eyes full of shock.

"I've lived for over sixty years and have never seen such a young City Lord. And he's wearing a mask... he seems extremely mysterious; this lad is definitely not simple!"

"To be able to make Falling Star Rank experts surrender at sixteen, this lad is definitely no ordinary person!"

Another middle-aged man, who appeared to have some status, said in a deep voice.

His eyes sparkled with shrewdness.

"No wonder the four major forces were wiped out... facing such a person, who could stand against him?"

"What kind of face do you think is under that mask?"

"Who knows! But since he's the new City Lord, we'll probably see it eventually, right?"

The crowd discussed animatedly; in their eyes as they looked at Jiang Yun, there was shock, awe, curiosity, and even a bit of... admiration.

Jiang Yun's expression was calm as his gaze swept over the dense crowd on the plaza. Without stopping, he walked straight toward the high platform in the center of the plaza.

Iron Mountain Liu and the Blood Lady followed closely behind, guarding him on either side.

High platform above, everything had been properly set up.

Red carpets covered the floor, banners fluttered, and in the very center stood a grand armchair carved with Dragon patterns, its back draped with golden silk that shimmered in the sunlight.

Jiang Yun walked onto the high platform, turned, and faced the thousands of people who had come to watch the spectacle.

The silver-white mask glinted coldly in the sunlight.

Iron Mountain Liu and the Blood Lady stood on either side behind him.

He looked down at the dense crowd on the plaza, his gaze calm and his expression composed.

"Everyone! Welcome to my territory, Black Rock City! From today on, I am the sole City Lord of this Black Rock City! Jiang Yun!"