Chapter 86: The City of Chaos

Zhang Mei’s expression was anxious.

She hurried along at a half-run, bursting into a café.

“Over here!” Zhao Junhong stood from his seat and waved to her.

When Zhang Mei approached, Zhao Junhong pulled her into a tight embrace and planted a fierce kiss on her lovely cheek.

“Stop it!” Zhang Mei pushed him away.

But Zhao Junhong, grinning, drew her back into his arms. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? I’ve just advanced to B-rank. Shouldn’t you be celebrating with me?”

“That’s exactly why your troubles are about to start!” Zhang Mei’s face grew grave.

“Hm?”

Fang Qingyun, boredly sipping a soda and already pondering which beauty to invite out tonight, glanced up and spoke softly, “Student Council?”

“What?” Zhang Mei’s eyes widened. “How did you know?”

Fang Qingyun remained calm. “Unless it’s something major, the teachers here don’t get involved. After we’ve displayed such strength, even the upperclassmen generally won’t provoke us. Besides the Student Council, is there another possibility?”

His words were steady, but carried a quiet confidence and power.

So what of the Student Council?

When Fang Qingyun and Zhao Junhong began taking on more and more missions, they’d already anticipated that their conspicuousness would attract attention. They’d listed out the possible enemies and prepared countermeasures.

Zhang Mei’s eyes lit up.

“You’re right—it is the Student Council!” she said in a low voice. “They’ve issued a mission, specifically for you two to complete. The mission is in the City of Chaos!”

“City of Chaos?” Zhao Junhong raised an eyebrow. “One of those Dark Cities?”

“Yes,” Zhang Mei sighed. “It’s a city fairly close to the Northwest Military Academy.”

The warfront between the Demonfolk and Humankind had persisted for centuries. In that time, certain Dark Cities had arisen—gathering criminals of every stripe, earning a reputation as the most frenzied cities in existence.

Killings happened everywhere in these cities. Anyone you grabbed on the street might be a wanted criminal, human or demon. The cities revered violence, ignored all laws. As long as you had strength, you could take whatever you wanted. Drifting between the two races, neither side bothered to control them in this stalemate.

Zhao Junhong curled his lip. “Cities like that shouldn’t exist.”

Fang Qingyun replied mildly, “Some people need them, so they exist. Don’t forget, there are plenty of powerful figures there as well. Meet their terms and they’ll do anything for you. That’s why many big shots also need these cities around.”

Zhu Yao had explained as much to them before, even mentioning that the Snake King often hired people from the City of Chaos. Some of the larger Dark Cities were connected to the highest echelons of both humanoids and demons. It was another battlefield, one fought outside the front lines.

“What’s the mission?” Fang Qingyun asked.

“There’s a gang in the City of Chaos called the Blood Axe Syndicate,” Zhang Mei explained. “They have some ties to the Northwest Military Academy, collecting intelligence for the school and providing resources. The Student Council wants you two to intimidate the Blood Axe, to dissuade any disloyalty. It’s become something of an annual ritual.”

Zhao Junhong laughed coldly. “Sending two students to intimidate a gang in the City of Chaos?”

Anyone who could maintain a foothold in the City of Chaos had to be formidable in their own right. Even with covert support from the military academy, they’d have to be tough.

“Do you have any dossiers?” he asked.

“I do.” Zhang Mei produced a stack of papers. “But these are just for reference. The Blood Axe Syndicate would never lay all their cards on the table. People from the City of Chaos are cunning.”

Fang Qingyun flipped through the files, then shook his head. “Not very useful.”

“So should we take the mission or not?” Zhao Junhong asked.

“Shouldn’t… Should we?” Zhang Mei was taken aback.

At the Northwest Military Academy, the Student Council was authority itself. Their word was law—was there ever room for negotiation? It was an order, plain and simple.

Yet from the way these two spoke, it sounded as if taking the mission was their choice to make. If it didn’t suit them, they wouldn’t accept.

Zhao Junhong grinned at Zhang Mei. “We’re not like the rest. The Student Council? Still just a bunch of students. Annoy us, and we’ll smash them.”

A shiver ran through Zhang Mei.

Yes!

She’d forgotten—these two were far from ordinary.

When they’d first entered the academy, the Snake King had sent his own secretary to train them personally. They’d set a record: fifty missions completed in two weeks.

With students like these, the Student Council couldn’t just push them around.

She lowered her head, her eyes flashing with a strange light.

She’d thought to score some resources from Zhao Junhong—now she realized this was a powerful leg she had to cling to tightly.

“The Student Council isn’t easy to deal with,” Zhang Mei warned. “The four chiefs are all advanced martial artists, each with their own special talents. The president is already serving as a battalion commander on the front lines.”

The two men only smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Zhang Mei felt reassured. Judging by their demeanor, it was impossible they didn’t have cards up their sleeves.

“We’ll pass on this mission for now,” Fang Qingyun decided after brief thought. “Old Zhao, you’re going to seclude yourself for training, right? We’ll consider it once you’re done.”

“If the Student Council tries anything in the meantime, I’ll handle it.”

“Fine!” Zhao Junhong nodded and grinned. “Anyway, this seclusion will last at most a week. When I’m out, heh…”

Seclusion? A breakthrough?

Zhang Mei took a deep breath, wrapped her arms around Zhao Junhong’s neck, and smiled sweetly. “You’re going into seclusion? What about me? Should I find someone else?”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Zhao Junhong teased. “Now that you’re my woman, you think you can stray? Dream on!”

Watching the two flirt, Fang Qingyun’s brow twitched. He stood up. “I’ll head back.”

“Wait!” Zhang Mei hurried to say. “Qingyun, I have a few girlfriends. Let me call them out—we can all have fun together. It’s boring if you leave alone.”

“Sounds great!” Zhao Junhong grinned. “The more, the merrier. We’re both strong and full of energy!”

Zhang Mei took out her phone and shot Zhao Junhong a glare. “Just what are you planning?”

...

Early the next morning, Fang Qingyun was roused by the urgent ringing of his phone.

He gently moved the woman curled in his arms aside and picked up.

“What?” Within three seconds of answering, his expression turned icy.

“I understand. I’m on my way.”

He hung up and sat in thought for a while before dressing.

“Going out?” a sweet voice asked.

“You’re awake?” Fang Qingyun smiled at the woman.

She lay naked on the bed, propping her smooth chin with one hand, watching Fang Qingyun with interest—her posture oozed temptation.

She shot him a glare. “You’re just a beast!”

Fang Qingyun shrugged. “It’s been too long since I relaxed. Too long since I really rested.”

“Hmph!” she snorted, watching him dress with some dissatisfaction. “You’re leaving already?”

“Or did you expect me to leave money?” Fang Qingyun laughed.

Her expression changed at once.

“All right, all right!” Fang Qingyun chuckled, pulling her into his arms despite her protests. “Something urgent came up. I’ll be back to have dinner with you tonight.”

She sniffed, but relented.

Her name was Gu Xi—Zhang Mei’s close friend.

She and Fang Qingyun had hit it off at first sight the night before; what followed went without saying. Clearly, Gu Xi knew plenty about him—she’d had her eye on him for some time.

But for such a beautiful huntress, Fang Qingyun had no complaints. He wasn’t the one being taken advantage of, after all.

...

Fang Qingyun walked calmly into the office of Qin Ran, Student Council Vice President. “Where’s Zhao Junhong?” he asked directly.

Qin Ran looked Fang Qingyun up and down, as if he couldn’t believe that this handsome, scholarly youth had shattered school records in such a short time.

Nearly a thousand people had died at his hands.

A harbinger of death.

After a pause, Qin Ran said lightly, “In seclusion.”

Fang Qingyun shook his head. “As the Student Council, is this really the way you want to do things?”

Qin Ran’s face was impassive. “For the good of our people.”

“Heh.” Fang Qingyun smiled. “For the good of our people, using methods like this—aren’t you afraid you’ll lose yourselves in the end?”

“Who can say what the future holds?” Qin Ran replied. “Go on. Your task is to intimidate the Blood Axe Syndicate. Don’t worry about Zhao Junhong—he’s in seclusion here, safe and sound. He’s about to break through, and I have all the resources he needs.”

He added meaningfully, “As Vice President, the resources at my disposal are quite substantial.”

“Thank you, then,” Fang Qingyun said with a smile, turning to go.

He hadn’t gone far when Zhang Mei rushed in, her face pale with fear. “Qingyun, what’s going on?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Fang Qingyun said calmly. “What happened after we parted ways yesterday?”

Zhang Mei’s voice trembled. “After we split up, Zhao Junhong said he was about to break through and needed a quiet place, so we went to my place. Just as he started cultivating, they barged in and took him away.”

“How could they do that?” Zhang Mei gritted her teeth. “I’m going to protest! The Student Council is out of control!”

“Don’t do anything. It’s pointless,” Fang Qingyun replied indifferently. “They’re only helping him, providing resources and protection for his breakthrough. Even if you complain to the headmaster, what good would it do?”

“But… but…” Zhang Mei stammered.

“Enough. Go home and rest. I need to stock up on supplies.” With a wave, Fang Qingyun turned and left.

What a coincidence, he thought.

If he guessed right, Zhao Junhong’s sudden breakthrough was orchestrated by the Student Council.

No matter. He’d go alone. When he returned…

Well, let’s see who lives and who dies.

He first stopped by the supply exchange and converted his stash of points into strategic materials.

Then, he bought a few simple dishes, splurged on a bottle of liquor, and spent the evening drinking with Gu Xi.

That night, the battle was fierce in its own right.

Early the next morning, Fang Qingyun loaded his supplies, got in his off-road vehicle, and drove out of the Northwest Military Academy.

In the Vice President’s office, Qin Ran examined a freshly delivered report and sneered, “So calm. His best friend is in enemy hands, yet he drinks and plays with women. Tch—so this is the world of geniuses?”

“Genius? I’ve always been a genius myself!” His face twisted with malice. He flung a dossier toward the door.

“Damn brat, still wet behind the ears and already trying to climb over me!”

A young man, waiting at the entrance, picked up the letter and looked silently at Qin Ran.

“Go,” Qin Ran commanded coldly. “Deliver this to the Blood Axe Syndicate.”

“Yes, sir.”

...

Four hours later, Fang Qingyun stood quietly, gazing at the ramshackle city in the distance.

The City of Chaos.

Even ten kilometers away, he could smell the stench of blood wafting from the city.

He concealed his vehicle, left his greatsword and sniper rifle behind, and walked toward the city alone.

He looked every bit the student just out of school—full of self-confidence inside, yet outwardly lost and curious.

A shining beacon in the darkness—a fat, naive lamb, reeking of easy money.

He barely set foot in the City of Chaos before he was targeted.

Fang Qingyun was aware of them, glancing back at his followers several times.

They weren’t intimidated; instead, they grinned at him.

When Fang Qingyun tried to look fierce, they burst out laughing.

They watched him with wolfish amusement, practically drooling.

Fang Qingyun quickened his pace, soon ducking into an alley.

The pursuers hurried after him.

They all disappeared into the alley’s mouth.

Onlookers shook their heads. Some sighed in pity, others regretted not acting faster—such a fat sheep, and they’d missed their chance.

Suddenly, a shrill scream echoed from the alley.

It startled many, who looked toward the alley in surprise.

Could there have been an accident? Was this youth not as weak as he seemed?

It wasn’t unheard of.

With that, the crowd dispersed—after all, life in the City of Chaos was always on a knife’s edge.

Inside the alley, Fang Qingyun stood over his defeated attackers, a bloodied brick in his hand, nodding in satisfaction.

“All right, I know who your boss is. No need to repeat yourself. Damn it, can’t you understand? Do you want another brick to the head? This time I’ll smash your right foot.”

“See? If you’d just cooperated, we’d be done here.”

“Now, tell me—do you know the Blood Axe Syndicate?”

“No? Then what use are you? Might as well kill you all.”

“Yes? Then were you lying earlier? Still want to die?”

“That’s right—repeat what you just said.”

“Damn it, you’re contradicting yourself! Are you saying I’m lying?”

“I’ll give you one more chance. Say it again.”

“See your friend there? Want to know how he feels—on every level?”

“If not, then spit it out. I know you’re making things up. I’ll kill you!”

Half an hour later, Fang Qingyun emerged from the alley, satisfied, flexing his fingers and humming a tune.

Only then did pained howls echo from the alley behind him.