The sudden appearance of the black miasma sent everyone into a panic; many instinctively retreated, including the two who had arrived with the elder. But Evan Chu stood his ground, completely unflustered. With a thought, he instantly flooded his body with Wood element energy.
Immediately, he activated the Star-Siphon Method, raising his palm toward the rapidly spreading Heaven-Severing Toxin in the air. The black poison was drawn straight in front of Evan.
Everyone watching grew anxious at the sight. “Be careful, Evan!” Roxanne Lin couldn’t help but call out, her voice filled with nervous concern.
Evan waved her off, then took out a porcelain bottle from his storage ring. Slowly, he forced the Heaven-Severing Toxin in front of him into the bottle. Once finished, he sealed it and returned it to his storage ring.
Everyone was stunned. Evan had neutralized the city-destroying Heaven-Severing Toxin with almost casual ease, and he remained completely unharmed. Such bizarre strength once again broadened their horizons—especially the Red Lotus Guards from the City Lord’s Mansion, who now worshipped him even more.
The elder and the middle-aged man looked even more miserable than dead pigs. Never in their wildest dreams had they imagined that the Heaven-Severing Toxin—feared by all—would be dismissed so lightly by Evan. They realized their own deaths were likely imminent.
Just then, Lillian Zhang moved. Her figure flashed, leaving a residual afterimage as she shot toward the two men. Evan only saw a streak of white light—then both the elder and the middle-aged man collapsed, while Lillian had already returned to her original position before they hit the ground.
“What incredible sword speed! Lillian Zhang’s draw is even faster than mine—though if I used Windshift, she wouldn’t be able to match me. To dispatch those two so effortlessly… her strength really is terrifying.” Evan muttered to himself.
Evan glanced at the two corpses and noticed a faint red mark on each of their necks. The mark was so small that it would be hard to spot without looking closely.
But Evan knew this was the real cause of death. It would take an extremely sharp and ultra-thin sword to do this, and the attack had to be unbelievably fast. After slicing open the carotid artery, the blade withdrew instantly, so the blood couldn’t even spurt out before the muscles contracted and closed the wound—leaving only a shallow trace on the neck.
Even I might not be able to pull that off. Lillian Zhang’s sword speed shocked me yet again. “That’s an impressive attack method. That speed is something few could achieve. Your sword must be as thin as a cicada’s wing—and definitely a divine weapon, or it couldn’t do this,” Evan said to Lillian.
“I should’ve known nothing could get past you. I got this Cicada-Wing Sword in that same place, and the sword art I used—I learned it there too. It’s called Trace-Leaving Slash. I’m surprised you could see through both the weapon and the technique. I really have to admire you. Good thing I was smart enough not to make you my enemy,” Lillian replied.
“As long as you do your job, I won’t make things hard for you. Looks like we’ll have to pay the Poison King a visit. When the time comes, do you want to handle him yourself, or should I help?” Evan asked.
“Let’s talk about that when the time comes. I’m not arrogant enough to think I’ll never need help. For now, let’s wait until your new City Lord for Shadowlin City shows up,” Lillian said.
Evan conjured two fireballs and dropped them onto the corpses. He had no interest in their storage rings—and as for the Heart-Gnawing Pills, those had to be destroyed. Poisons that could bring disaster to the world must be wiped out; if they fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be dire. After a few breaths, the bodies turned to ash.
The servants in the City Lord’s Mansion all looked at Evan with awe, feeling lucky to have stayed. Evan announced, “Everyone can disperse. Injured guards each get ten thousand Netherstones and a month to recover. I’m always fair—anyone who sincerely follows me will be rewarded handsomely.”
For a moment, many people regretted not being the ones injured. Ten thousand Netherstones was nearly two years’ salary—and a month’s paid rest on top. What a windfall! Everyone envied the wounded.
Just as Evan’s group was about to return to the main hall, a guard rushed in to report, “Young master, someone outside has come to apply for the City Lord position. Should we let him in? He’s waiting at the door.”
“Of course! If someone’s brave enough to show up, they must be strong. Bring him in—I want to see for myself,” Evan said with a smile, shooting a meaningful look at Lillian Zhang.
But as Evan glanced at Lillian, he noticed something odd—she seemed to be wearing a disguise, though he couldn’t be sure. The strangest thing was that Luna hadn’t told him anything about it. In the past, Luna would always identify someone’s real identity for him.
Soon, a servant-looking young man was led in by the guards. Evan and the others stared in disbelief—sure, appearances can be deceiving, but this was a bit much. A mere servant applying to be City Lord of Shadowlin City? No one felt very reassured. Maybe he’d sit in the seat today and end up dead in the street tomorrow.
Still, the fact that he’d come showed real courage, so Evan decided to hear him out. “Are you here to apply for the City Lord position in Shadowlin City?” Evan asked.
“I’m not here to apply myself. I’m here to recommend someone who could actually be City Lord. Didn’t you say anyone who recommends the right person will get a generous reward? I’m after that reward!” the servant replied—completely unfazed by Evan’s reputation.
Everyone understood after hearing his explanation, and they admired his guts. Evan smiled, “So who do you want to nominate for City Lord? If your candidate really fits, I’ll double your reward—since you’re the first to show up at the City Lord’s Mansion.”
“Thank you, young master! I want to recommend Harold Hong, patriarch of the Hong Clan in Shadowlin City. He’s got a great reputation in the city and real strength. If he becomes City Lord, I’m sure lots of people will support him,” the servant said.
“Harold Hong? Got it. Take him to the treasury and give him a thousand Netherstones. If Harold Hong really becomes City Lord, give him two hundred thousand Netherstones. Also, send someone to bring Harold Hong here for me to evaluate,” Evan ordered the guards.