Chapter 8: Angels and Demons, Section 1

“No, that’s impossible.” The shadow’s voice was steady. Though not loud, it carried a sense of weight. It seemed that once he spoke, nothing would change.
“50,000 crystals.” The black-haired man reached into his chest, and the rich scent of tobacco filled the room once again.
“It’s not about money.”
“100,000.”
“Heh.” The shadow sneered coldly. “Has Blood Pupil not told you? The rules of assassins.”
“200,000.” The black-haired man persisted.
“No matter how high your offer is, it’s useless.” The shadow’s voice was full of mockery. “Assassins have their own rules. Even if you brought all the money from the Silver Star Central Bank here, you still can’t break this law.”
“Oh?” The black-haired man was stunned. He turned around and exchanged a glance with Blood Pupil.
“What rules?”
“Assassins are wanderers in the darkness. Our guild only handles coordination and organization; we never force them to do anything. The only way to get their help is by offering a job with a clear task and payment. A deal can only be made if someone accepts the job. As for your idea of making assassins your subordinates, that would mean putting them directly under your control, which violates guild rules and assassin principles. We can’t make promises on their behalf.” The shadow wasn’t disturbed by the black-haired man’s tone and continued speaking calmly, seemingly also observing Blood Pupil.
“As for the person with you—Blood Pupil, right? He isn’t really an assassin. So our guild won’t apply these rules to him either.”
Blood Pupil? Not an assassin?
Amidst the swirling smoke, a hint of cold light flashed in the black-haired man’s eyes.
What did this mean? Could it be that Blood Pupil, who was so renowned in Berin, wasn’t even recognized as a legitimate assassin here? Or was there some other reason?
Without turning back, the black-haired man fell into deep thought.
Across from him, the shadow waited quietly, showing no signs of impatience. After a long while, he slightly bowed.
“Sir, if you have no further requests, I think our conversation is over. I have many things to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now. No one will disturb you in this room for an hour. You may use it freely.” With that, the shadow turned to leave.
“Wait.” The black-haired man raised his head.
“I see. Then, post a job in the guild. The task is still to find subordinates. The payment is 50,000 per month. If someone volunteers, I think it shouldn’t violate the guild’s rules.”

“Isn’t this unnecessary?” the shadow chuckled darkly. “Assassins prefer to work alone—how would they take on such a job?”
“I don’t think that’s something you need to worry about,” the dark-haired man said as he extinguished his cigarette. “All you need to do is give me a yes or no answer.”
“As you wish, sir.” This time, the shadow hesitated no longer. Turning around, he handed over a pristine white contract from within his robe.
“Please fill out the form. If anyone applies, we’ll notify you right away. But due to the special nature of this task, we require a fee of 3,000 crystal coins. If someone does apply, we’ll take 15% of their monthly payment.”
“No problem,” the dark-haired man said with a smile as he took the contract…
The efficiency of the Assassins’ Guild was undoubtedly extremely high. By the time the dark-haired man left the room, he could already see his job posting on the bulletin board in the hall. Of course, as an organization engaged in covert operations, these postings were thoroughly protected—only the employer and the aspiring assassin could see them; it was impossible for outsiders to spy on them.
After leaving the guild, the dark-haired man didn’t seem eager to return to the merchant guild right away. The two of them started strolling along the main road.
Silver Star truly lived up to its reputation as a commercial hub. Along the way, there were numerous prosperous shops and large department stores. The streets were crowded with people, most of whom had strange appearances. Creatures from over thirty nearby star systems gathered here, turning it into something like a zoo.
For example, the creature that just passed by the dark-haired man was a giant monster with blue skin, two heads, and four arms. Its skin was covered in dense blue scales, and with its massive size, it truly resembled a demon from afar.
“That’s a Lan Giant,” Blood-Eyed One explained softly, noticing the dark-haired man’s surprise.
“They are the most aggressive race in the area. Each one possesses terrifying strength and tough scales. They have a violent temper and excel in group combat. Although they lack their own technology, their innate abilities make them equally formidable. On Silver Star, they are the most highly paid mercenaries.”
“Oh?” The dark-haired man was taken aback. “Can they pilot mechs with that kind of physique?”

“No, they don’t need to pilot mechs to fight. See those protrusions on their bodies? Those are hormone-secreting organs. During battle, they secrete a special hormone that makes their flesh as hard as rock. Coupled with their natural scales, ordinary crystal firearms can’t penetrate them at all. The mucus secreted from their hands solidifies when it comes into contact with air, making it an excellent material for crafting weapons. The short spears that form and are thrown in an instant may not have a long range, but their power is astonishing.”

“So their weapons are their own bodies?” Black Hair realized suddenly. “What a strange race.”

As they spoke, another magnificent sedan chair suddenly appeared in their sight…

It was something so large that it would take a dozen people to carry. From afar, it looked like a small mountain, standing out sharply in the busy street. It didn’t fit in at all with the modern surroundings. The chair was covered in all kinds of decorations, stunningly luxurious.

The crowd around them immediately became agitated. As if driven by something, almost all passersby rushed to the sides to avoid that huge object. Fear appeared on everyone’s face.

Seeing that sedan chair, Blood Pupils’ expression also changed. She quickly reached out and grabbed Black Hair, trying to pull her away.

“What?” Black Hair was stunned. Yet her body was pulled over involuntarily by Blood Pupils.

“Talk about it later.” Blood Pupils seemed a bit nervous. It wasn’t until she pulled Black Hair to a corner of the street that she finally took a deep breath, her face showing signs of fear.

“That’s a Pikxian’s throne. It’s very dangerous. Don’t get too close.”

“Hm?” Black Hair frowned, her gaze growing colder beneath her long hair. Her pupils contracted slightly a few times, and the sedan chair in the distance became crystal clear to her. Then she suddenly let out a cold snort.

It turned out that sedan chair wasn’t carried by people at all. Instead, it was placed on an equally luxurious platform, beneath which a group of beautiful women were kneeling and crawling. Each woman was wearing barely any clothing, only enough to cover their most private parts. In the sunlight, every movement caused their breasts to ripple, revealing their bare flesh. Though each of them looked in agony, they could only use their slender backs to bear the entire weight of the chair.

“The Bixingans are the greatest slave owners in the universe. Their means of survival is trafficking slaves. They possess a unique and exclusive right to capture slaves—any being they desire can be captured, and government forces will not interfere.” Blood-Pupil’s expression also turned grim, his words filled with anger.
“Do you mean ‘anyone’?” Black-Hair immediately grasped the key point in Blood-Pupil’s words.
“Yes, anyone. No matter what country or location, no matter their status. As long as the Bixingans like them, they can capture them and declare them slaves. For example, right now, if they wish, they can legally capture any being on the street—including you and me.”
“How is that possible?” Black-Hair was utterly confused by Blood-Pupil’s explanation.
“Nothing is impossible,” Blood-Pupil replied, his expression dark. “There are many strange races in the universe, and the Bixingans are just one of them. Because of their vast power and military strength, coupled with their customs, they can act recklessly. Of course, they’re not fools either; usually, they only capture those without backing, so as not to offend any powerful forces. And the slaves they sell are among the most sought-after goods in high society.”
After a moment of silence, Black-Hair understood what Blood-Pupil meant.
In short, the Bixingans could act so tyrannically because high society tolerated them. Those powerful groups that controlled entire countries, planets, or even star systems didn’t need to worry about the lives of ordinary beings. For them, as long as they got what they wanted, that was enough. As for ordinary groups, they simply didn’t have the strength to wage war against such a race.
Power—everything comes down to power. Everywhere, survival of the fittest is nature’s cruel law. No being can escape it.
Staring silently as the palanquin disappeared from sight, a faint smile appeared on Black-Hair’s gloomy face, startling Blood-Pupil beside him.
“Boss, you?”
“Let’s go, Blood-Pupil. We’re returning,” Black-Hair said, waving his hand and leaving without hesitation.
After what had happened, the two seemed to lose interest in talking, exchanging not a word until they reached their base. Occasionally, a faint murderous aura appeared around Blood-Pupil, while Black-Hair grew even darker in mood. Passersby in their path couldn’t help but shiver, their faces showing surprise and confusion.

The hall of the Creek Merchant Guild was still splendidly decorated. As Black Hair approached, he saw Sulei sitting calmly on the sofa, holding an exquisite leather portfolio. Upon seeing him, she immediately stood up.
“Sir, here are the documents you asked for. There are seventeen major and minor factions near the guild, and their detailed distribution and combat capabilities are all inside.”
“Hmm.” Black Hair took the portfolio and, without even looking at it, threw it at Blood Pup.
“If you’re in a bad mood, just vent it. Here, take it. Is five days enough?”
“It’s enough time. Are there any restrictions?” Blood Pup’s eyes were filled with fury.
“Other than not using mechs, there are no restrictions.” Black Hair replied in the same tone.