"Since you’re already here, why the rush to leave?"
In the darkness, a figure slowly strode forward.
The newcomer was clad in armor; except for his cheeks, his entire body was covered in plates of refined iron.
He was like a ponderous iron statue!
This suit of armor weighed no less than dozens of pounds, and combined with his body weight, it totaled two to three hundred pounds.
Yet, as he stepped forward, he appeared no different from an ordinary person, and even seemed more agile.
Gazing at Carl, he nodded, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "You’re brimming with vitality and have reached the limit for an Advanced Knight. No wonder you want a Life Potion. The people who came down this time are finally somewhat decent."
"Captain Barnard!" Little South recognized him and hurriedly said, "We’re here to exchange for supplies. What are you trying to do?"
Before he could finish speaking, a whip lashed out from the darkness, striking him to the ground.
The soldier retracted his whip and sneered, "Who gave you permission to speak?"
Carl’s expression darkened, his gaze swiftly sweeping over the area.
There were thirteen soldiers, most in half-armor. Serving in the City Guard meant that even if they weren’t at the level of a Knight’s Attendant, their strength was considerable.
These were fierce beasts trained by the City Guard. They were comparable in size to leopards, with fur as hard as needles. They possessed astonishing strength and speed. With their ferocious temperament, a few of them could besiege a Knight.
He was a Knight, and moreover, he had been a Knight for many years.
Suddenly surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, despite his strength, Carl was powerless to resist, and his eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
It wasn’t just that they were refusing to provide the supplies; from the looks of it, they also intend to forcefully detain those who came for them!
"Take them away," Barnard waved his hand. "Carl, is it? If you survive, you can apply to join the City Guard. There will be plenty of Life Potions."
A group of soldiers crowded around. One of them pointed forward with a Long Spear. "Move!"
"What exactly are you trying to do?" Little South struggled to his feet, roaring in indignation once more.
"Just move when you’re told! Cut the chatter!"
Carl stepped forward to help Little South up, shaking his head to signal that they shouldn’t resist for now. He then walked down the passage.
Strangely, the City Guard didn’t confiscate their weapons, nor did they seem to intend to search them, merely urging them forward.
"Uncle," Leon, who possessed the Shadow Dharma Seal, could see in the dark as if it were day. He was also more familiar with the layout of the underground tunnels, so he whispered, "This is the way to Pit No. 2."
In the darkness, the whip struck again with precision, hitting Leon’s back. A cold reprimand followed. "Silence!"
"Ugh!" Leon grunted, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Pit No. 2? Carl’s mind stirred. The recent unrest in Black City was caused by the eruption of foul qi from Pit No. 2. Could their detention be related to this?
The mining tunnel was pitch black; only the figures ahead were vaguely visible.
Torches were set into the stone walls at regular intervals, illuminating stretches of the path and indicating the way.
Thanks to his powerful spiritual power, Carl could memorize the path even with his eyes closed.
We’ve changed direction seven times and passed three occupied caves, one of which stored various supplies.
Each junction is guarded by two or three people.
What is the City Guard planning?
"We’re here!" the soldier’s voice sharpened as he shoved the three of them into a wide, open area, where dozens of busy miners came into view.
Miners swung pickaxes against the rock walls, sending sparks flying. Others squatted on the ground, resting.
They all looked over when they saw the newcomers.
"More people have arrived?"
"Let them scout the path first!"
"I wonder how long this batch will last?"
The miners whispered among themselves, their eyes cold as they looked at Carl’s group, as if gazing at dead men.
"What you have to do is very simple," the soldier leading them barked. "Explore the path, dig the tunnels!"
He pointed towards the narrow passage ahead. "You can leave when you reach the end."
They’re treating us like miners.
The passage was narrow. Some places were only wide enough for one person to pass, while others were much more spacious.
However, it was precisely the most spacious areas that were the most dangerous.
Leon held up a torch for light. Little South walked in the lead, shield held ready with both hands. Carl followed closely behind.
"So they’re just letting us scout the path ?" Little South muttered. "They don’t even warn us about any dangers!"
Carl’s eyelids twitched slightly. His broadsword shot out from the side, pinning something to the stone wall with a sharp WHOOSH.
After switching to the Giant Spirit Breathing Technique, the keen perception from the Poison Wolf Breathing Technique hadn’t vanished; instead, it had grown stronger.
The Giant Spirit Breathing Technique enhanced all aspects of his body, including his perception of danger.
"Black lizards?" Little South looked at the corpse on the wall, his face darkening. "It’s those things!"
"Uncle," Leon explained, "black lizards are venomous creatures. They aren’t very strong, but their venom is potent. If licked by their tongue, even a Knight would suffer greatly; without an antidote, death is certain."
"Hmm." Carl nodded. "Go slowly. No need to rush."
"Yes." Little South swallowed hard and continued forward cautiously.
"Interesting," a man holding a large machete squinted at Carl. "This guy is strong. The speed of his sword strike just now was almost on par with a Knight."
"Yes," a brawny, scarred woman nodded. "With another expert among us, scouting ahead will be safer."
"Hmph!" someone snorted. "So what if he’s strong? Isn’t he still being worked like a dog by the City Guard? He’ll end up dead all the same!"
The area fell silent. Resignation filled everyone’s eyes.
"Dying later is better than dying sooner. Every day lived is a victory. If you’re tired of living, go ahead and resist the City Guard."
Someone spoke disdainfully, "If you dare, I’ll actually respect you for it!"
A violent collision interrupted their murmurs. Ahead, figures moved, and sword light suddenly flared.
A series of sounds followed as blades cut through flesh.
When the others caught up, they found more than ten red-eyed giant rat corpses scattered on the ground.
Red-eyed giant rats were pack beasts, comparable in size to small wild boars, and their strength far exceeded that of the rat swarms controlled by the Rat Woman.
And now, before Carl, they had been utterly powerless.
Carl sheathed his sword and looked back at the others. "Your turn now."
"Right." The scarred woman nodded and urged, "Sandy, it’s your turn."
She stepped forward enthusiastically. "Brother Carl, I’m Jacqueline of the Whisperers of the Wind."
"Whisperers of the Wind?" Carl’s eyes shifted slightly. "Is anyone from that organization still alive?"
The Whisperers of the Wind’s stronghold was near Pit No. 2. When the foul qi erupted, it’s said they were all caught in it.
Rumor has it that none of them survived!
"There are." Jacqueline unconsciously clenched her fists, a wry smile on her face. "We were indeed affected by the foul qi, but not all of us were wiped out. However, if the City Guard decided to take advantage of the chaos... then our survival wouldn’t have been guaranteed."