Chapter 242: Freelance Summit

Chapter 242: The Freelancer Summit

The two ascended the wooden stairs to the second floor.

The second floor was a tea restaurant; rows of pillars upheld the roof, and the walls on all four sides had been knocked through, replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows and latticed carved windows, allowing guests to sit by the panes, sipping tea and watching the scenery.

Kou Beiyue stood at the stairwell, scanning the hall. Tea tables were scattered about, the space vast and empty, not a soul in sight, save for an old shopkeeper standing by the counter.

Renxue Mantou led him to the counter and said:

"Old sir, we're here for the summit."

The old man's hair was grizzled, clad in a simple, unadorned jacket, head bowed over his accounts. At the words, his cloudy eyes lifted slowly, and he spoke in a measured tone:

"Spirit Realm ID, Recommending Organization!"

"Renxue Mantou, Spirit Ability Association, East District Branch."

"Kou Nanyue, Spirit Ability Association, East District Branch."

The old man nodded, retrieving two tokens from a drawer. "Put them on!"

Kou Beiyue reached out to take his, but the instant his fingertips brushed the token, he froze in shock—he saw that the hand, skin slack and mottled with age spots, had transformed into a slender, fair, delicate little hand.

He looked up and saw a young woman with a gentle smile, her eyes curved like crescent moons, clear and pure, touched with a hint of tenderness. She smiled and said:

"Beiyue."

Kou Beiyue went rigid. He stared at the young woman in a daze, a crystalline shimmer welling in his eye sockets, and murmured:

"Sister..."

The sister, in the prime of her youth, smiled faintly and asked:

"Beiyue, what ties do you have with the Authorities, the Public Security Bureau?"

Hearing this, a ripple stirred the stagnant, sorrowful lake of Kou Beiyue's heart. This ripple smoothed his grief and bewilderment, sending a violent shiver through his soul, dragging his reason back from the brink.

He looked at "Sister" again and found, plainly, that it was still that same grizzled old man.

I've fallen for an illusion just now, unawares, without any chance to react... A nameless rage surged in Kou Beiyue's heart. He felt the enemy using his dead sister to deceive him was an insult to her memory.

"Beiyue?" Sister asked once more.

Fortunately, though Kou Beiyue wasn't clever, he wasn't a fool either. He gazed deeply at "Sister" and said:

"Ties? Sure. After you died, I was put on the wanted list. Now I spend my days dodging Enforcers; the mere sight of one terrifies me. The Authorities' people are hunting me too, Sister. I'm at the end of my rope."

Sister smiled faintly and asked again: "Then have you sought a backer?"

Kou Beiyue shook his head: "I'm alone, with no one to rely on, daring to trust no one. But... Sister, I recently made a good friend. He's called Renxue Mantou, from the Spirit Ability Association. I've found a comrade."

As his words fell, he saw the old man behind the counter nod:

"Go on in!"

The moment the words fell, Renxue Mantou at Kou Beiyue's side snapped awake, pressing a hand to his throbbing temples, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

What did he see in the illusion? Mantou has a story too... Kou Beiyue thought, feigning a sudden awakening, then lunged forward, grabbing the old man by the collar, raising a fist, and roared in fury:

"You motherf—"

He could finally vent his emotions.

"Bei Yue! Bei Yue!!"

Witnessing this scene, Ren Xue Mantou went pale with fright, slapping him away. "You little bastard, got a death wish?"

Then he turned to the old man, bowing and scraping: "Senior, this kid's got shit for brains. Please don't lower yourself to his level."

The old man smoothed the wrinkles at his chest, chuckling:

"Rare to see a Gu-Huo Yao so volatile and impulsive. Almost thought a Fire Master had slipped in.

"Though, belligerence is a trait of the Gu-Huo Yao, after all. Their sovereign, you see, is the Ancient War God."

Seeing the old man took no offense, Ren Xue Mantou exhaled, signaling Kou Bei Yue to put on the hand plaque.

The next second, the two saw the spacious, empty tea restaurant now packed with people, sitting in twos and threes, attire bizarre beyond measure—some hulking and sharp-eyed, some cloaked in shadow and silence, some tailored suits radiating talent, some in baggy shorts, white tank tops, and flip-flops, utterly carefree…

Like a convention, every sort present, men and women, young and old.

Kou Bei Yue swept a glance across the hall, estimating roughly two hundred.

Like Master Wu Hen's temple, a gathering existing only in an illusion? Kou Bei Yue guessed silently, following Ren Xue Mantou to an empty seat.

"Time's not up yet. Wait a bit."

Ren Xue Mantou said.

Kou Bei Yue nodded, eyes scanning the crowd.

Ren Xue Mantou leaned in, pointing at a young man by the window:

"See him? That's Ah Yi. Disciple of the Spirit Ability Association's South Branch Chief. Number one on the Five Elements Alliance's Most Wanted."

Ah Yi, hailed as the strongest Transcendent among evil professions? Kou Bei Yue followed the gesture—by the window sat a youth, plain tee and capris, delicate features, gaze hollow.

From his face, Kou Bei Yue read a profound indifference.

The kind that disregards all, as if nothing in the world merits concern—humanity, morality, face, wealth, all passing clouds.

"This guy's an emotionless machine. Capable of anything. If necessary, you tell him to violate an eighty-year-old granny, he won't bat an eye. Meet him in a slaughter dungeon, run for your life." Ren Xue Mantou warned.

"How strong is he?" Kou Bei Yue asked.

"Not weaker than Zhao Cheng Huang, I'd say. Even Yuan Shi Tian Zun might not be his better. As for potential…" Ren Xue Mantou lowered his voice:

"Our Chief says Ah Yi is a born Gu Beast. His achievements in Gu cultivation are limitless. Give him ten years—no, five. In five years, the Five Elements Alliance will face a terrifying Wu Gu Master.

"That's why the Alliance fears him, wants him dead."

Ren Xue Mantou pointed at another chubby kid: "That one's Ze Zhu Er Sha. Don't let his looks fool you…"

Kou Bei Yue looked instantly—a bespectacled fatty, round face, round belly, not a trace of evil profession malice, instead quite amiable.

"I know. The kinder they look, the more vicious and cruel." Kou Bei Yue wore the air of a seasoned veteran.

Ren Xue Mantou froze:

“Oh, that’s not what I meant,” he said. “The guy’s genuinely decent, mild as they come for an Evil Class. What I’m saying is, he excels at using that harmless face of his to bewilder people, get them to accept him as boss.”

“Huh?” Kou Beiyue didn't understand.

Human Blood Bun spoke in a low voice:

“This fatty is sinister. Word is, he’s served under many a boss, but every single one who took him on died horribly—either perished in the Spirit Realm, executed by the Officials, or killed in infighting among Evil Classes.

“Bottom line, no boss survives three months. When you enter the Slaughter Dungeon, if you run into him and he tries to swear fealty to you, whatever you do, don't agree. Or you might find yourself sent straight back to the Spirit Realm on the spot—I wouldn't even get to eat your funeral noodles.

“Still, the dead fatty’s got loyalty. Heard he killed a Saint to avenge his last boss.”

Everyone who becomes his boss dies? What is that, a curse... Kou Beiyue clicked his tongue in wonder.

Next, Human Blood Bun introduced the remaining few notorious Extraordinary powerhouses one by one.

Kou Beiyue was listening, rapt, when newcomers appeared at the stairwell—one man, two women. The man was dark-skinned and gaunt, features ordinary, a gold chain around his neck.

He was bare-chested above, wearing loud floral shorts below, looking for all the world like he'd brought his lovers on vacation.

“The War Archbishop’s Lust General, fucking wherever he goes.” Human Blood Bun murmured.

The War Archbishop’s General... Kou Beiyue couldn't help recalling the Demon Eye Heavenly King, that Ancient War God rumored to want him as a disciple—he hailed from the War Archbishop.

The Lust General entered with a tall beauty on each arm, scanned the crowd, eyes suddenly lighting up. He strode toward a curvaceous young woman and grinned:

“Little sister, interested in following Uncle?”

The woman looked twenty-five or six, white tee and pale jeans, silky hair cascading down her back like a waterfall, strikingly beautiful. Kou Beiyue had just learned from Human Blood Bun that she was the infamous “My Fate Is Mine, Not Heaven’s.”

Ranked third on the Five Elements Alliance’s Extraordinary Most Wanted list.

“My Fate Is Mine, Not Heaven’s” frowned, but before she could speak, an ethereal voice drifted from the stairwell:

“Lust General, three thousand beauties in your harem—keep your hands off my disciple.”

All eyes turned. The newcomer wore a black robe—yes, a floating black robe. In the shadow of the cowl, two points of ghostly green light flared.

The Lust General went “Heh”:

“Netherworld. Long time no see. Thought you’d returned to the Spirit Realm.”

Arms still around the two tall beauties, he took a seat at the head table.

“Netherworld Ghost Soul, one of the Twelve Rudder Masters of the Void Sect’s Southern Branch, a peak Saint. Hmph, that’s last year’s data.” Human Blood Bun played the part of the big brother, briefing his little brother on the arriving big shots.

A Level 6 Illusionist, a full rank above Xiao Yuan... Kou Beiyue nodded, face grave.

Subsequently, several more Saints arrived in succession: the Spirit Ability Association Western Branch Guardians “Snake Woman” and “Madman Zhang San”; Southern Branch’s “Blood-Thirst Drinker” and “River of Oblivion Water”; Void Sect Northern Branch Guardians “Death God” and “Phantom Immortal”; plus the newly arrived “Netherworld Ghost Soul” and the Lust General.

Eight peak Saints in total.

Every Extraordinary in the hall held their breath, sitting obediently still.

The Lust General hugged his two beauties, striking the “Breast-Lifting Heavenly King” pose, and shouted toward the counter:

“Thousand-Face Elder, everyone’s here. Shouldn’t you, the host, make an appearance?”

El, Elder?! That old man is a Ruler? Kou Beiyue gasped in shock, whipping his head toward the counter, face full of astonishment.

The old man he had just grabbed by the collar, intending to beat—he was a Sovereign?

A layer of cold sweat soaked Kou Beiyue’s back; he felt as though he had just walked a circuit around the gates of hell.

The old man kept his head down, tallying accounts, his voice flat: "Thirty seconds remaining."

Thirty seconds? Was there some significance to this specific interval... Kou Beiyue counted silently. The moment the thirty seconds elapsed, the old man set down the ledger and emerged from behind the counter.

Clad in a gray changshan, his feet shod in a pair of worn cloth shoes, it was impossible to reconcile such a plain, unremarkable old man with the title of Sovereign.

"This year's Summit falls under the jurisdiction of my Southern School. Thank you all for gracing us with your presence, and thank you for not being late. I am a man who values punctuality above all."

Having delivered his opening remarks, he made his way to the head table, yet did not sit. Hands clasped behind his back, he continued:

"Our Free Faction holds two Summits every year. The purpose is to unite all Free Professionals, minimize internal attrition, and jointly combat those hypocrites of the Lawful Faction within the Slaughter Dungeons.

"For juniors who clear the Slaughter Dungeon, whether they be lone cultivators or members of organizations, we offer a reward of five million. Should one rank in the top ten of the leaderboard, a Saint-grade artifact is awarded; top three, two artifacts.

"However, should anyone defect to the Lawful Professionals, or murder teammates for points, they shall be hunted down by all."

The old man finished, his gaze sweeping gently over the assembly before continuing:

"Lawful Professionals and we Free Professionals are like fire and water—one of us must perish. What breaks the heart is that Fu Qingyang remains uneliminated, and this year the Five Elements Alliance has produced yet another Yuan Shi Tianzun.

"The theme of this Summit is the hunting of these two."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward the Saints seated at the head table:

"You are all participants in the Slaughter Dungeon. There are only three Sovereign slots. Have you decided how to deal with Fu Qingyang?"

The God of Lust shrugged: "I'm not participating. I'm merely attending in place of the War Master."

The other Saints fell into silence.

The Thousand-Faced Elder let out a cold, disappointed snort, turning his gaze to the alluring Yi Chuanmei:

"You crossed blades with Fu Qingyang in Songhai. What is your assessment of his strength?"

Today, Yi Chuanmei wore a demure floor-length gown, her face bare of makeup, concealing the bewitching curves of her figure; she actually cut the figure of a refined lady.

She pursed her lips and said:

"Fu Qingyang’s slashes have fused with Rule Power. Any means of evasion or concealment are difficult to employ. The killing power of a Swordsman even surpasses that of a Fog Lord of the same stage. A single strike of his is enough to wound the likes of us, and he can unleash ten, a hundred strikes—his limit remains unknown to this day."

Yi Chuanmei continued:

"Furthermore, Fu Qingyang possesses a Saint-grade set. He undoubtedly possesses Sovereign-grade artifacts as well. As for Saint and Transcendent-grade artifacts, they are innumerable..."

A Saint-grade set, Sovereign-grade artifacts, and countless mid-to-low grade artifacts... The Saints and Transcendents fell silent upon hearing this.

Yi Chuanmei sighed: "The Fu family has money to burn."

According to the Evil Organization's investigation, the Fu family held seven or eight listed companies alone, with investments spanning every industry—from heavy industry to finance, from technology to livelihood. Their financial resources were staggeringly deep.

As the eldest young master of the Fu family, even if Fu Qingyang simply threw money at the problem, he could fill a warehouse with artifacts.

Amidst the crowd's silence, the God of Lust let out a cold snort:

"Fu Qingyang comprehended Rule Power while still in the Saint Realm. If he ascends to Sovereign, he will become a dire threat—just like the Marshal of the White Tiger Legion back then. Therefore, Silver Moon will also participate in the mid-year Slaughter Dungeon."

As these words fell, the Transcendent Walkers felt nothing, but the Saints at the head table revealed looks of delight, and the Thousand-Faced Elder’s eyes also brightened.

Silver Moon of the War Bishop stood foremost among the Eight Divine Generals.

He was a madman of such violent temperament he dared curse the Heavenly King with "Fuck your mother"; beyond mere disposition, the crux was that Silver Moon possessed the audacity to call out the Heavenly King.

This foremost Divine General had once received a boon from the Asura; the Asura said: Wrath is the wellspring of power, wrath shall enable you to rend all enemies asunder.

Henceforth, Silver Moon possessed power surpassing the limits of the Saint realm.

Although Fu Qingyang was hailed as the Invincible Beneath the Ruler, this was a title unilaterally boasted by the official factions; the evil organizations did not acknowledge it.

The Thousand-Faced Elder mused, "Is Silver Moon participating specifically to kill Fu Qingyang, or to ascend to Rulerhood?"

If the former, he could deliberately stall his points and forfeit the slot. If the latter, then next, there would be a good show to watch.

The Divine General of Lust pursed her lips:

"That guy, Magic Eye, ate a fall in Songhai; he won't be crawling out for years."

The Thousand-Faced Elder realized suddenly.

Yi Chuanmei was in high spirits, smiling as she said:

"Interesting. I do wish to see, between Fu Qingyang and the Divine General Silver Moon, just who is stronger."

The Snake Woman hissed, flicking her tongue, vertical pupils blazing with light:

"If the Divine General Silver Moon participates in the mid-year Slaughter Dungeon, then we shall follow Silver Moon's lead and wipe out the Lawful-aligned Saints in one fell swoop."

The Snake Woman was a monster with a human torso and serpent tail, her appearance bewitching, red lips, vertical pupils, possessing a beauty that was both heart-stirring and bone-chilling.

The remaining Saints said nothing, tacitly accepting the Snake Woman's proposal.

At this moment, a sneer rang out from the stairwell:

"You just said it yourselves—you want to see who is stronger between Silver Moon and Fu Qingyang; that alone proves you lack the certainty of victory. Even taking a step back, even if Silver Moon is stronger than Fu Qingyang, do not forget, he does not fight alone. The Fengdu Ghost King and the Yin Princess of the Taiyi Sect, and Jiang Ju who bears the bloodline of the current Flame Emperor—which of them is not a paragon among Saints?"

Everyone looked toward the sound; the newcomer was a tall, burly man, wearing a black mask, draped in a robe embroidered with flame patterns.

The man strode forward leisurely, approached the head table, and let out a contemptuous hmph:

"If the goal is to ensure Fu Qingyang's death, there can be no room for 'probably' or 'perhaps'; the success rate must be pushed above eighty percent."

The Thousand-Faced Elder spoke slowly:

"Allow me to introduce him. This is the Steward of the Night Rose, representing the Night Rose in this Summit."

The 'Bloodthirsty Drinker', with sunken cheeks and heavy dark circles, raised an eyebrow:

"On what grounds does the Night Rose participate in our Freelancers' Summit?"

Yi Chuanmei scrutinized the man of profound aura, subconsciously licking her lips, drooling with desire.

The man in the black mask ignored the hostility of the peak Saints, as well as Yi Chuanmei's seductive intent, plopping down unceremoniously in the last seat at the head table, laughing:

"On the grounds that we share a common goal!

"In this Slaughter Dungeon, we will deploy four Saints to participate, compensating for the shortage of evil-aligned professionals, and together hunt down the Saints of the Five Elements Alliance and the Taiyi Sect."

Four Peak Saints? The occupants of the head table froze as one.

Elder Thousand-Faces added, "This old man has already reached an accord with the North Faction, and the Masters of the Spirit Ability Association’s Southwest Branch. For this Killing Instance, I have borrowed three Grade-7 artifacts for you—the absolute limit the instance can accommodate."

Having spoken, he turned his gaze upon the nearly two hundred Transcendents gathered in the hall.

Among these two hundred Transcendents, only a third were truly slated to enter the Killing Instance; the rest were companions in nature, or Transcendent Walkers of promising potential whose levels had not yet arrived, come merely to broaden their horizons.

Elder Thousand-Faces’ tone shifted, growing grave, yet he smiled like a benevolent old man. "Little ones, the enemy you are tasked to deal with is Yuan Shi Tianzun.

"There are those who know little of Yuan Shi Tianzun, or know next to nothing. Allow me a brief summary. Yuan Shi Tianzun acquired his Character Card this past April, rising to fame by clearing the Bug-tier Spirit Realm, the She Ling Tunnel. He subsequently cleared the S-grade Spirit Realm, the Jinshui Amusement Park, and his reputation shook the heavens.

"Afterward, within the A-grade Spirit Realm of Yin-Yang Town, he slew Li Xianzong, a disciple cultivated by the War Pope, his momentum boundless. But the true reason we placed him on the must-kill list is his recent victory in the Arena Championship, where he defeated Zhao Chenghuang of the Taiyi Sect...

"Ah, yes. It seems he recently cleared another highly dangerous Instance as well; the harvest should be no small thing."

By the time he finished, the hall had fallen into a deathly silence.