Chapter Twenty-One: Fierce Battle

Duan Kun stood up, roaring with laughter. “Good! Come on! Pay your respects to Ninth Master!”
The crowd of underlings erupted in cheers. “Greetings, Ninth Master!”
Chu Jie smiled at them. In this Dark City, what was least lacking was hot blood and fighting spirit. In a world where might makes right, earning respect was indeed easy.
Duan Kun wiped his lips, approaching Chu Jie. “Brother, let’s not waste words. Our faction is now the weakest among these districts, but we’re also the fiercest fighters!”
Chu Jie narrowed his eyes. “What’s the fastest way to achieve the best results?”
Duan Kun shot him an appreciative glance. “Tomorrow! Tomorrow is the day when spirit herbs are distributed in our Lingyun District!”
Chu Jie immediately understood Duan Kun’s intention. “Good! We act tomorrow!”
A fiery light flashed in Duan Kun’s gaze. “We may be few, but we’ll make a splash! Only then can we earn the right to enter the Outer City—only then can we reach… the Outer City!”
Chu Jie nodded. To enter the Inner City of Blood Slaughter City, he too had to first pass through this first layer, the Outer City.
And the best chance to enter the Outer City was to join forces with Duan Kun.
Tomorrow would be the perfect opportunity.
“Come, come! Let’s head to our camp and take a look!” Duan Kun’s mood was unusually high, laughing wildly as he strode ahead.
Chu Jie followed, and after a few steps, noticed Xu Meng trailing behind. He turned and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Xu Meng, prompted by Chu Jie’s question, replied shyly, “Now that you’re the boss, I want to follow you.”
Chu Jie looked over Xu Meng’s frail frame, which seemed as if a breeze might blow it away, and chuckled. “Not bad, you know when to seize the moment. Alright, from now on, you’re with me.”
Duan Kun glanced back at Chu Jie. “Brother, may I ask your name?”
Chu Jie hesitated slightly before answering, “I’m Chu Nan, a newcomer here in Blood Slaughter City, arrived just yesterday.”
Duan Kun nodded. “No matter. In this Dark City, strength rules. I like you, so you’re my brother. Anyone who wants to harm you will have to get my permission first!”
Chu Jie nodded, tilting his head back in laughter.
Duan Kun’s camp could only be described as shabby. Tattered tents stretched as far as the eye could see, fenced off with makeshift barriers nearby.
By now, all the underlings had dispersed. Duan Kun curled his lip. “The camp is a bit rundown, but I’m confident I can plan it well!”
He lowered his voice, gazing at Chu Jie. “I know you may not trust me yet, but I need your help. I want to enter the Outer City!”
Chu Jie smiled faintly. “We’ll go in together when the time comes.”
A smile bloomed in Duan Kun’s eyes. “Good!”
Chu Jie gestured to the camp. “Why don’t you seize someone else’s stronghold?”
A light flickered in Duan Kun’s eyes. “Seize one?”
Chu Jie nodded. “Find the most unpopular, least reputable person in Lingyun District and take his stronghold!”
Duan Kun grinned. “Exactly! We have two Spirit Confluence cultivators now—there’s no one left to oppose us in Lingyun District! We’ll seize a stronghold directly!”
…
The night passed uneventfully. Early next morning, Chu Jie and Duan Kun set out to contest the spirit herbs.
Duan Kun’s underlings were few—just over a hundred—but all were young men in their twenties, brimming with vitality. Their marching steps were bold and powerful.
The place for spirit herb distribution was much like that of the Nine Dragon District—a barren field, where several bosses watched coldly from the sidelines, their followers itching to make a move.
Chu Jie wore a bronze mask today, covering his nose and eyes, giving him a fierce, domineering presence.
“Oh? How come Eighth Master Duan has a new helper?” a boss remarked with sinister sarcasm.
Duan Kun lifted his head, face full of arrogant boldness. “If you don’t want to die, shut your filthy mouth! Didn’t I beat you senseless just a few days ago?”
“You—” The boss was angry, but he truly dared not provoke this madman Duan Kun. Last time, after he broke the leg of Duan Kun’s underling, Duan Kun chased him endlessly and gave him a savage beating.
With all the bosses present, Duan Kun pointed at Chu Jie. “This is my brother, Ninth Master! From now on, his word is as good as mine!”
Chu Jie stepped forward and nodded slightly.
The other bosses eyed Chu Jie warily, nodding in acknowledgment.
Just as Duan Kun finished introducing Chu Jie, three black-clad men arrived.
Unlike the Nine Dragon District, the