Li Feng stood, staring at the lifeless body of the bandit leader, who had been a First-rate warrior. Despite being only a Third-rate peak warrior himself, Li Feng had managed to defeat the bandit leader with the help of poison.
Li Feng muttered, "Trusting your subordinates in a bandit's lair... You deserved to die."
After looting the area and collecting valuable items, along with the severed head of the bandit leader, Li Feng silently left the scene under the cover of night.
As he traveled through the dense jungle, Li Feng thought, I could present this head to the local authorities and declare myself a wandering warrior, seeking an identity in exchange. Hopefully, no problems will arise in the process. Besides, I’m not far from becoming a Second-rate warrior—maybe half a month of training or so.
After three days of traveling through the forest, Li Feng finally arrived at Zhen Mo City, a bustling city located on the edge of Mystic Sect's territory.
Zhen Mo City is known for being a place where martial artists come to test their strength, and dark secrets often linger beneath the surface. While the city is beautiful, it is also dangerous, attracting both the brave and the reckless.
Li Feng thought to himself, I can’t rush into asking for my reward just yet. This place is too close to our hideout, and the people in power might be connected to the bandits. First, I need to gather some information and find a safe place to rest. Traveling through the forest is no easy feat, especially for someone who’s only recently been transmigrated.
After spending a few days in the city, Li Feng learned that the disciple who had wiped out the Ox Bandit group was traveling to Zhen Mo City. As a result, the bandits and rebels had scattered, and the city was quiet for the moment. However, beneath the surface, the black market for rogue warriors still thrived.
Li Feng soon discovered that the governor of Zhen Mo City had once been a disciple of the Mystic Sect, and was not affiliated with the bandits. Deciding it was safe to strike a deal, Li Feng made his way to the governor’s mansion.
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At the front gate, two bodyguards, both at the Third-rate warrior level, stopped him.
One of them sneered, “Hey, kid, you can’t just walk in here without permission.”
Li Feng replied calmly, “I’m here to report on the bandits who raided the village a week ago.”
The bodyguards exchanged glances, unsure what to do with this information. Finally, one said, “Wait here, I’ll inform the governor.”
Moments later, the bodyguard entered the mansion and reported, “Sir, there’s a kid at the gate claiming to have information on the bandits who caused the recent trouble.”
The governor, who had been looking troubled, perked up at the news. “Quickly, bring him here,” he ordered, muttering to himself, Finally, someone might have some useful information. I’ve been under pressure ever since I heard the future Holy Son is supposed to come here, and the situation hasn’t been well managed.
Li Feng entered the governor's mansion with a confident stride and casually sat down on the couch without asking for permission.
Amused, the governor asked, "So, what news do you bring?"
Li Feng casually replied, “The leader of the bandits is dead, and there’s only one Second-rate warrior left at their base.”
The governor raised an eyebrow. “And you want me to believe your word?”
Li Feng smiled. “Well, it’s up to you. But if you want proof, you’ll need to help me secure registration in your city.”
The governor chuckled. “If you can prove it, then why not?”
Li Feng casually tossed a small sack onto the table. “Here’s your proof.”
The governor signaled for a bodyguard to open the sack. Upon seeing the severed head inside, the bodyguard trembled. Though his job was to guard, he had never seen a severed head before, and this one made him visibly nervous. He looked at Li Feng with fear.
The governor, recognizing the bandit leader from the numerous descriptions of him, nodded gravely. “Since you’ve brought me the head of the bandit leader, you must know their base’s location as well.”
Li Feng replied, “Of course, I’ll tell you their location. But in exchange, I want an introduction to the Mystic Sect disciple who will be visiting here soon.”
The governor hesitated for a moment, his face troubled, but then relented. “Fine, I’ll arrange it.”
Li Feng told the governor the location of the bandit base, then stood up and made his exit. "By now, they’ve probably already run away," he said, turning to leave.
After Li Feng left, the governor turned to his bodyguard. "Keep an eye on this kid. A Third-rate warrior managing to kill a First-rate warrior surrounded by his subordinates... he’s not someone simple. And gather our troops."
"Yes, Governor," the bodyguard replied.
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Later that day, 200 people were seen riding horses at the front gate of the city, with the governor at the lead, heading toward the forest. Their destination was unknown to the onlookers, but to Li Feng, who was watching from the top of an inn, the scene was all too clear.