49: Northern Frontier City

The biting north wind, carrying snowflakes, scoured the wasteland like a knife. Looking out, it was a monotonous expanse of white and gray. Dead shrubs shivered in the wind, and distant winding mountain ranges resembled slumbering behemoths, their spines covered in perennial snow.

Li Ao's figure appeared on this desolate horizon. His cyan robe flapped loudly in the cold wind, but his steps were steady, and his body did not sway at all, as if the temperature capable of cracking Jin Shi was nothing more than a spring breeze to him. His dark golden skin shimmered with a restrained luster under the pale sunlight. His deep, pool-like eyes calmly scanned the surroundings, taking in every topographical detail.

Based on his previous judgment and the sporadic traces he had captured along the way, he was certain that there should be a human settlement not far ahead.

Sure enough, after crossing a ridge covered in ice and snow, the outline of a town appeared at the edge of his vision.

Rather than a town, it was more like a massive, haphazard cluster of fortresses. The tall wooden walls were crudely pieced together from rough logs, covered in axe marks, dried bloodstains, and some defensive runes. Although crude, they exuded a fierce, aggressive aura. Inside the walls, the houses were scattered at varying heights, mostly simple wood and stone structures. A complex scent, mixing cooking smoke, livestock musk, cheap alcohol, and a faint hint of blood, drifted over with the wind.

This was the famous lawless territory on the northern border of the Jia Ma Empire—Black Rock Town. Imperial law held little sway here; it was a paradise for fugitives, mercenaries, adventurers, and smugglers, and a quagmire where sin and opportunity intertwined.

Li Ao restrained most of his Qi, making himself appear like a travel-worn lone mercenary with some strength, and walked toward the town entrance.

There were guards at the entrance, but they were not Imperial soldiers. They were a group of fierce-eyed men wearing mismatched leather armor and carrying Evil Qi. They leaned lazily by the gate, scrutinizing the traffic, their gazes like hungry wolves assessing fat sheep. Entering Black Rock Town required paying a considerable "entry fee," which was the local rule.

Li Ao did not cause any trouble, casually tossing over a small pouch of gold coins. The guard leader weighed it, then eyed Li Ao suspiciously, seemingly trying to ascertain if there was more profit to be squeezed out of him. However, Li Ao's calm, unwavering gaze and the subtle sense of oppression emanating from him made the leader wisely shut his mouth and wave him through.

Stepping into Black Rock Town, an even more raucous and chaotic atmosphere rushed forth. The streets were narrow and muddy, lined with various stalls and shops selling Demonic Beast Materials, weapons, herbs, and even some "slaves" of unknown origin. Shouts, arguments, wild laughter, and women's flirtatious giggles were incessant. All sorts of people moved through the crowd: scarred mercenaries, grim-eyed loners, and mysterious figures wrapped in black robes. Everyone carried weapons, and their eyes were filled with vigilance and greed.

Li Ao walked slowly down the street, his Soul Power silently spreading out like invisible spider silk, capturing fragments of information flowing in the air.

"...Did you hear? The Viper Mercenary Group was defeated in Wolf Valley a few days ago. It seems they ran into a tough opponent; even the leader didn't return..."

"...Damn it, the Black Windstorms have been frequent lately. The path into the mountains is difficult, and medicinal herbs have gone up in price again..."

"...Those scoundrels from the 'Blood Wolf' are getting out of hand. They actually dared to steal territory from our Fierce Tiger Mercenary Group!"

"...Things aren't peaceful in Chu Yun lately either. It seems several large Families are active near the border..."

"...Hey, have you heard? Something big seems to have happened in Jia Ma Holy City to the south? The Cloud Mist Sect..."

When the three words "Cloud Mist Sect" faintly reached his ears, Li Ao's footsteps paused imperceptibly. He calmly approached the mercenaries who were drinking and boasting under the tavern's awning.

"...It's absolutely true! I have a brother working in the Holy City who sent back word that half a month ago, a fierce individual single-handedly charged the Cloud Mist Sect, beating those arrogant bastards into a pulp. Even their Old Sect Master, who had been in seclusion for years, was alarmed, yet they still couldn't keep him! Tsk tsk, that's a Dou Zong!" A burly man with a full beard spat as he spoke.

"Is that true? Old Scarface, don't exaggerate!" The person next to him expressed doubt.

"Exaggerate? When have I ever lied to you guys? I heard that fierce individual is called... Li Ao? Yes! It's Li Ao! The Holy City is going crazy with the news! The Cloud Mist Sect has lost a lot of face this time!"

"Li Ao... I've never heard of such a person. Where did he come from?"

"Who knows, but he's awesome, that's for sure! If I could just meet a figure like that, I could die happy!"

Li Ao listened silently, then turned and left. The news had indeed spread. Although the details might be inaccurate, the core content had undoubtedly circulated. This had both advantages and disadvantages for him. The advantage was that the name "Blade Ancestor" Li Ao would carry greater deterrence; the disadvantage was that his appearance and strength would become known to more powers, increasing the difficulty of remaining hidden.

He needed to quickly understand the detailed situation of this place and find a stable source of information and a place to settle down.

His gaze swept over the street, finally landing on a wooden house that looked relatively neat, with a sign reading "All-Purpose Shop" hanging above the entrance. Such places were usually the best informed and the most disciplined.

Pushing open the somewhat old wooden door, a bell rang clearly. The light inside was dim, and the furnishings were simple, consisting only of a counter and a few tables and chairs. An elderly man with white hair and a monocle, who had been writing something at the desk, looked up. He adjusted his glasses, his cloudy eyes scrutinizing Li Ao.

"Guest, what do you require?" The old man's voice was hoarse, yet carried a world-weary calmness.

"Information, a place to stay." Li Ao spoke concisely, placing several gold coins on the counter.

The old man glanced at the gold coins but did not immediately take them. He slowly said, "New here? The rules of Black Rock Town are that information has a price, but it also depends on the person. Some information, if you know too much, will cost you your life."

"No matter." Li Ao's tone was flat.

The old man stared at Li Ao for a few seconds, seemingly trying to discern something from his face, before finally nodding and collecting the gold coins.

"In Black Rock Town, there are three main powers you cannot easily provoke. The 'Fierce Tiger Mercenary Group,' led by Luo Mang, a Five-Star Dou Ling. They are numerous and control most of the town's gambling dens and brothels. The 'Blood Wolf Gang,' led by Lone Wolf, a Four-Star Dou Ling Peak expert. Their methods are vicious, and they mainly deal in 'debt collection' and the underground black market. Finally...