Chapter 48: Tianshui City

“Grandpa… you…” At that moment, in one of the barracks within the Black Tooth Legion’s camp, a young girl spoke to the old man in front of her, her tone hesitant.
“Enough, enough. This is already the greatest concession I can make. I can’t go any further. Don’t overthink it—it’s impossible. If we spare him this time, we definitely won’t do it next time!” The old man interrupted her, suddenly adopting a serious tone.
“Hmph, what’s that supposed to mean? ‘This time it’s enough’? Don’t you remember who helped you back in Flaming City? Is this how you repay others?” Hearing the old man’s words, the girl seemed to think it was a joke. With a cold laugh and a look of disdain, she retorted.
“How… how dare you speak to your grandpa like that? I’m so angry! I raised you up, and now this is how you treat me? Not intervening this time is already considered repaying a favor. Otherwise, do you think he could have left here? As for the favor of saving you, it was repaid in the last incident!” Filled with anger, the old man shouted, his face red and neck thick—clearly feeling frustrated. Yet inwardly, he also lamented his situation, feeling even more wronged than Dou E. If it weren’t for him losing face and asking Nagran and Emio for help, could those kids have resolved their fights in the barracks so easily?
“Well, you just didn’t step in. So arrogant! Even if you had stepped in, he still could have left. The name of the Death Scythe Squad is now far more well-known than yours. Everyone knows that. Besides, even if you hadn’t intervened to repay that favor from Flaming City, what about now? Don’t forget—he’s saved me twice already. I don’t care, but you must help him at least once. Otherwise…” Grabbing the old man’s hand, seeing that he really had no intention of intervening, the girl launched her most persuasive attack as a woman.
“No, there’s no discussion about this. I’ve already put in a lot of effort for this. Stop talking. As for the two lives he’s saved for you, we can talk about that when the time comes.” The old man firmly stopped her from continuing and walked away, leaving the girl in the room pouting in frustration.

Looking back at the sulking girl, the old man sighed. How could he not know he owed that young man many favors? He also knew that his granddaughter had been saved by that young man twice, and after staying in Iron Bar Town for so long, how could he not know who that young man really was? Though he was a demon, he seemed better than many humans. But he was truly powerless—could he protect himself from those who wanted to hunt him across the entire continent? To protect himself this time, he had to lose face and negotiate with two other elders for a long time, sacrificing much before they agreed not to interfere. Otherwise, those youngsters would really think they could leave so easily?

With another sigh, he glanced at his granddaughter behind him and smiled bitterly—there was nothing he could do about her.

The moment Luo and the others left Iron Bar Town, within the Black Tooth Legion in the town, in one of the camps, an old man and a young woman were talking, and the topic was about Rod. If Rod were here, he would be shocked—one of them was the Ice God Matthew, and the other was none other than the woman he had saved, Shirley! If Rod saw this scene, he would surely understand many things and resolve many doubts, such as why the punishment had suddenly changed last time they were in the camp, allowing everyone to stay safe, and so on…

…

For several days, the group kept traveling, so things seemed unusually peaceful. But everyone knew that beneath this calm surface lay even more crises.

Now that their identities had been exposed and they had left Iron Bar Town, the news would surely spread across the entire continent in no time. With demons appearing and them fleeing Iron Bar Town with them, they had become enemies of the entire continent. In the days to come, they would have to bear slander, ridicule, and persecution. But they no longer cared about any of this—as long as they could follow their leader and fulfill their dreams, everything would be fine.

For several days, everyone stayed in the carriage, allowing the drivers outside to take them at high speed. They spent all their time inside the carriage except when it was time to eat. This continued for six full days. Six days later, today, they finally heard noise coming from outside the carriage. After six days of travel, they had finally reached an inhabited area, putting an end to their days in the wilderness. More importantly, they all realized that although they had been in the wild for days without passing through any towns, they had chosen to avoid them each time. Now that they had entered this town, it meant they were almost at their destination, which must be within this town itself.

Outside the carriage, there was heavy traffic and bustling crowds. Amidst the lively noise, driven by curiosity, everyone followed Hori’s call and stepped outside the carriage.

It was a large town, clearly very prosperous. As the sun set, the entire town was bathed in orange-red light, looking extremely beautiful.

The streets were crowded with people, presenting a thriving scene. There were lively markets. Although it wasn’t yet dark, the night market had already begun to emerge, with birds singing and swallows dancing—a vivid sight.

“What is this??” Rod asked Hori beside him in confusion.

“Tianshui City, the second most prosperous town in the empire after the capital!” Before Hori could answer Rod’s question, Skora spoke up in a deep voice.

“Yes, that’s right. It’s Tianshui City. Our lord wants us to rest here for a while before meeting him again tomorrow!” Hori nodded and gave Skora an appreciative look before answering.

“Tianshui City?” Hearing this definite answer, everyone couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

Although Tianshui City was the second-largest town in the empire and the wealthiest after the capital, it wasn’t considered a popular place among the people of the empire. In everyone’s eyes, it was just a trade hub. If not for that, few would have wanted to come here. Especially those patriotic folks who despised such places even more.

It’s not for any other reason, but because the lord of this place is the younger brother of the current emperor. He took charge of this town, which was once the poorest in the entire empire twenty years ago, at a young age. With his own abilities, he led all the people to build this town into what it is today. Transforming a town so greatly in just twenty years can truly be considered a miracle on the continent.

Such a person should be respected and loved, and such a town should be welcomed. But the problem lies with this lord. Ten years ago, he tried to compete for the throne with the current emperor but failed, and then returned to this place.

After returning, he began to ignore the orders of the new emperor and act as he pleased, clearly aiming to establish his own kingdom!

Yet, despite this, he is loved and supported by all the people of Tianshui City. With a powerful army backing him, the empire has been unable to do anything about him to this day. Although Tianshui City is nominally still part of the empire, it can practically be considered an independent town. Beneath its prosperous economy lies turmoil, so most people don’t like this place unless it’s necessary—of course, except for those desperate adventurers, mercenaries, and merchants.

Moreover, Tianshui City has another name: the Land of Freedom! That’s right, the Land of Freedom! Here, you are absolutely free—no classes, no nobility, equality for everyone! No matter where you come from, what you used to do, or what your status is now, once you enter Tianshui City, you become an ordinary member, with no privileges or restrictions! That’s why Tianshui City is also a favorite among criminals—here, no one treats you as a criminal, no one hunts you, and no one bothers you anymore.

The people present exchanged glances upon hearing they were now in Tianshui City. Although everyone knew about this town, very few had actually been there! Hearing they were here, they were both surprised and secretly shocked. Could it be that this mysterious organization belongs to Tianshui City? With this thought, Luo couldn’t help but turn to look at Huo Li.

“Hehe, don’t worry, we won’t harm you. Alright, let’s get ready quickly and go rest!” Then, led by Huo Li, the group went to an inn that had already been arranged for them.

Watching Hori leave, Luo grew increasingly puzzled. Why did Hori seem more and more mysterious? And this organization, Tianshui City—truly an interesting place. They were actually stationed here! Could there really be no connection at all?
Throughout the night, under Luo’s orders, everyone remained on high alert, keeping a close watch of their surroundings, and the night passed peacefully. Early in the morning, noise could be heard outside. It was obvious that it was Curly causing trouble, as Luo heard his voice most clearly.
Vaguely, he heard some news about Tielan Town. Out of curiosity, Luo headed outside.
“Boss, you’re just in time! I have good news for you. Come quickly—you’ll definitely be interested. It’s about Tielan Town! Hurry!” As soon as he stepped outside, he heard Curly’s call. He really admired this guy; it seemed he had endless energy, always full of enthusiasm whenever they met.
“What news?” With a slight smile, Luo approached him and asked curiously. Had something happened in Tielan Town?