Blending in

"You may be hiding your face, but you have pretty good taste!"

Among the Wolf Clan Demon Cultivator, the one in the lead, with a striking white fur ring around his neck and the most robust physique, turned his head upon hearing this, his dark yellow eyes, tinged with the scent of alcohol, sweeping over Su Bai's Veil Hat.

He let out a loud hiccup, and with a touch of drunken smugness, said, "That's right! We are... cough, a branch of the Moon Wolf Tribe, the Moonlight Wolf Tribe! Our name has one more character than theirs, you know!"

He patted his chest, and his companions beside him laughed along, clearly quite proud of it.

Although the name Moonlight Wolf Tribe sounds more like a small branch that exists under the Moon Wolf Tribe.

"I knew you gentlemen had quite the bearing! Turns out you have a title with an extra character compared to the Moon Wolf Tribe! Truly... extraordinary!"

Following the other person's lead, Su Bai exaggeratedly praised them, but secretly shook his head in his heart.

He raised the heavy stone cup again, "Come, let's raise a big toast! To my fellow demon brothers of the Moonlight Wolf Tribe!"

"Haha! That's great! Drink!"

The white-haired wolf demon and his companions also raised their large bowls and gulped down the contents.

This "Fierce Blood Liquor" is indeed potent. The scorching Spiritual Power contained in the wine mixes with the wild Yao Qi. Even with Su Bai's Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation, after a few big gulps, he felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head, his cheeks slightly flushed, and his Consciousness became somewhat unsteady.

He subtly circulated his Spiritual Power within his body, quietly neutralizing some of the excessive alcohol's effects, maintaining a superficial state of intoxication while his mind became increasingly clear.

Emboldened by the seemingly exhilarating effects of the alcohol, Su Bai began chatting idly with the few Moonlight Wolf Tribe Demon Cultivator who were clearly somewhat dim-witted and concerned with saving face.

From which Tavern in Demon Star City had the strongest Spirit Wine, to what mineral materials were in high demand in the Market recently, the conversation meandered around the topic, eventually leading him, intentionally or unintentionally, to the major powers in Demon Star City, especially those renowned Ancient Bloodline Demon Race.

"When it comes to our Wolf Clan, the Moon Wolf Tribe and Blood Wolf Tribe are definitely the most prestigious and powerful!"

Su Bai feigned admiration, lowering his voice as if sharing some remarkable insight.

"Especially the Moon Wolf Tribe, I heard their Crown Prince, what's his name again... right, Howling Moon! He's incredible, he's already at the late stage of the Core Formation at just over a hundred years old, and he's also one of the top 100 rising stars? Is he a shoo-in for the Young Wolf Lord competition next year?"

"Crown Prince Xiao Yue?"

The white-haired wolf demon burped, its eyes glazed, but when the name was mentioned, it instinctively straightened its back, as if it were proud. "Of course! Crown Prince Xiao Yue is... cough cough, the cream of the crop among our Moon Wolf Tribe Wolf Clan's younger generation! Pure Bloodline, exceptionally Talent! Young Wolf Lord? He definitely deserves a mention!"

A slightly more sober wolf demon nearby added, "But it's not that simple."

"That Blood Wolf Tribe Crown Prince named ' Crimson Baleful,' and that Frost Wolf Tribe named ' Han Feng,' are no pushovers either."

"At the ' Ten Thousand Wolves Paying Homage ' ceremony next June, the Crown Prince of the three major clans will definitely fight tooth and nail... Hehe, there will be a good show to watch then."

"That's it, that's it! A fierce battle between dragons and tigers, it's bound to be a grand event!"

Su Bai echoed, taking another swig of wine, and cleverly probed for more information, "I've heard that Crown Prince Xiao Yue usually lives a secluded life, diligently cultivating? Such a prodigy must be hard to come by, right?"

"Cultivation is certain, but it's not like I'll never see it."

Another wolf demon clicked his tongue, "The Crown Prince occasionally goes to ' Falling Moon Valley ' in the west of the West City, where the Moonlight Essence is strongest, which is very beneficial to the cultivation of our Moon Wolf lineage."

"Sometimes I'll instruct the younger generation at the clan's Martial Practice Ground, or browse the ' Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion ' to find some useful treasures... but I'm always accompanied by guards, after all, I'm of noble status."

Su Bai silently noted down these fragmented pieces of information: Falling Moon Valley, the clan's Martial Practice Ground, and Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

Although it's vague, at least we have a general direction.

He subtly probed for details about the layout of the Moon Wolf Tribe Settlement's territory and the general appearance of Crown Prince Xiao Yue, until he felt that asking any more questions might arouse the other party's suspicion, so he stopped at the right time.

"It was truly enjoyable to drink with my fellow demon brothers today! I hope we can meet again someday!"

Su Bai swayed as he stood up, raised his wine glass in a gesture of greeting, and then casually glanced at the bunny-eared girls on the stage, who were swaying their hips and looking seductive. He chuckled twice, struck a pose of being distracted, and staggered toward the exit of the Tavern, perfectly blending into the backs of the other departing guests.

As soon as he stepped out of the underground Tavern and onto the relatively Clear and Cold street, a gust of night wind blew, and the last trace of mist in Su Bai vanished instantly.

His Spiritual Power quietly accelerated, and the pores on his body opened slightly. Wisps of light red mist carrying the smell of hot alcohol rose from under his clothes, forming a distorted ring of energy that was almost visible to the naked eye before quickly dissipating into the air.

The aftereffects of that "Fierce Blood Liquor" were truly considerable; if he hadn't possessed solid cultivation, he probably would have passed out on the spot.

"The Blood Wolf Tribe, or the Frost Wolf Tribe..."

While trying to shake off the lingering effects of the alcohol, Su Bai processed the information he had just received.

The motive for spending a fortune to hire Azure Fish Hall assassin to eliminate one of the strongest competitors on the eve of the Young Wolf Lord's election is all too clear.

The internal struggles within the Demon Race are no less brutal and direct than those among Human Race.

"Having a general area of activity is not enough; we must also figure out their specific travel patterns, the strength of their security forces, and the most suitable environment and time to take action."

Su Bai pondered, "Going directly to the vicinity of the Moon Wolf Tribe Settlement to lie in wait is the simplest but also the most basic method."

He determined his direction and headed towards the eastern part of the city where the Moon Wolf Tribe Settlement was located.

The layout of Demon Star City was chaotic. Even with a general direction, it took him nearly half an hour to finally arrive at a relatively orderly and quiet neighborhood.

Although the architecture here is still rugged in style, it is significantly larger in scale, the streets are wider and smoother, and the aura of the Demon Cultivator coming and going is generally stronger, with their clothing appearing more luxurious.

The Moon Wolf Tribe's territory is located here.

From a distance, it appears as a vast complex of massive stone buildings, predominantly in gray and white tones, covering an area of tens of acres.

The towering walls were constructed from a mixture of jade that shimmered with a faint Moonlight Essence and black iron rock, with intricate wolf-shaped totems carved on the surface, subtly forming a powerful protective array.

The main gate was wide and made of ancient ironwood, incredibly heavy. On both sides stood four Wolf Clan guards clad in silver armor, with sharp eyes and auras at the Spirit Gathering Stage (equivalent to the Late Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment Early Stage), meticulously scrutinizing those entering and leaving.

Compared to the bustling streets around it, the area in front of the Moon Wolf Tribe Settlement appeared solemn and quiet. Even the Demon Cultivator passing by would Consciousness slow their pace and lower their voices when they spoke.

Su Bai didn't approach it, but instead found a teahouse that looked fairly clean across the street.

The tea shop wasn't large. The owner was a brown bear Demon Cultivator dozing off in a recliner, while the waiter was a thin, clever Human Race boy who looked to be at the Qi Refining Stage Three.

Within Demon Star City, it is not uncommon for Human Race to engage in this type of service industry.

A pot of Spirit Tea.

Su Bai chose a seat by the window, where he could clearly see the Moon Wolf Tribe's gate.

"Alright, please wait a moment, senior!" The Human Race shopkeeper quickly brought over a pot of steaming hot, fragrant Spirit Tea, along with a small dish of simple snacks.

Su Bai poured himself a drink, his gaze seemingly casually glancing out the window, but in reality, his Divine Sense was highly concentrated, meticulously scanning every movement at the Moon Wolf Tribe's gate.

People came and went in an endless stream. There were Moon Wolf Tribe Clan members dressed in uniform, as well as other Demon Race who came to visit. Occasionally, one could even see one or two Human Race Cultivator. Most of them were in a hurry and had an impressive aura.

However, an entire day passed, from midday to sunset, and Su Bai did not see the figure that matched Crown Prince Xiao Yue's description.

Waiting passively like this for too long is too inefficient, and sitting in one place for too long in this Veil Hat is bound to attract attention.

Su Bai was considering a more effective method.

He raised his hand and beckoned to the Human Race waiter who had been watching them closely and seemed rather cautious.

"Master, is there anything else you need?" The waiter hurried over, a professional smile plastered on his face.

Su Bai took out three Low-grade Spirit Stone, placed them on the table, and pushed them over.

The waiter's eyes lit up, but then he looked puzzled. "Oh, Master Yao, this pot of Spirit Tea only costs two Spirit Stone. We don't charge a seating fee, so you... you gave me an extra one."

As he spoke, his eyes unconsciously drifted toward the snoring bear demon shopkeeper behind the counter.

"The extra piece is for you." Su Bai's voice came through the light Veil Hat, calm and undisturbed.

The waiter was taken aback by what he heard, and then a complex expression appeared on his face, a mixture of flattery and wariness.

In Demon Star City, unearned benefits are often accompanied by trouble.

Su Bai didn't give him much time to think. He slightly lifted a corner of his Veil Hat, revealing a face that was identical to that of Human Race youth, but more angular and composed. He lowered his voice and said, "Are there any suitable places for Human Race Cultivator to make a living around here? We're new here and looking for a stable livelihood."

"Ah! So you're a senior from the same clan!"

The waiter let out a soft exclamation, the wariness in his eyes largely dissipating, replaced by a sense of kinship and empathy.

He glanced quickly at the bear demon shopkeeper, who was still dozing, leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke faster, "Senior, to be honest, it's not easy for us Human Race Cultivator to survive in this Demon Star City!"

"Those Demon Race lords always think we're too weak and useless, so they keep our wages extremely low, and the work is both tiring and messy."

"Someone like me, working as a waiter in this teahouse, only earns seven or eight Spirit Stone a month. After deducting the cost of renting the cheapest shack, it's barely enough to buy a few of the lowest -Lower Grade Essence Replenishing Pill to sustain my cultivation..."

"Alas, it's a pity I was born here. My parents are both incompetent rogue cultivators, and I don't have the ability to travel long distances to leave this godforsaken place. Otherwise, I would have run away to our own Human Race's Heavenly Star City long ago! I've heard that life there is much better than here!"

The boy's words were filled with helplessness, which indirectly confirmed how arduous the journey to Heavenly Star City was for low-level Cultivator.

Su Bai listened quietly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, but simply pushed the extra Spirit Stone towards the boy again.

The waiter hesitated for a moment, but ultimately quickly put the Spirit Stone into his pocket, a look of gratitude on his face.

He continued in a low voice, "However... if you, senior, possess some refined skills such as weapon crafting or alchemy, then that would be a different story!"

As he spoke, his eyes unconsciously drifted towards the direction of the Moon Wolf Tribe Settlement outside the window.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Su Bai asked, showing interest at the opportune moment.

"Look over there," the waiter pointed discreetly with his chin toward the Moon Wolf Tribe's gate, "Large clans like the Moon Wolf Tribe have actually been secretly recruiting Human Race Alchemist and weapon refiners!"

"Think about it, although the demon Demon Race has a strong Demonic Body and is good at fighting, their Demon Power is mostly violent and chaotic, and it is far less refined and stable than our Human Race Spiritual Power."

"Alchemy, weapon crafting, and talisman making—these are tasks that require extreme control and patience, and nine and a half out of ten of them can't do them! That's why our Human Race Alchemist and weapon crafters are highly sought-after by some of the major clans in Demon Star City!"

"If I could pass the assessment and join an High Antiquity Bloodline Lineage like the Moon Wolf Tribe, the treatment, resources, and status would be far superior to struggling outside! My safety would also be guaranteed!"

As the boy spoke, undisguised envy flashed in his eyes, which then turned to dejection. "Sigh, I once saved up some Spirit Stone, wanting to learn alchemy, but unfortunately I just didn't have the Talent. I crashed my furnace a few times, lost all my capital, and then gave up..."

Su Bai suddenly felt enlightened.

This is an unexpected and plausible way to get close to the core area of the Moon Wolf Tribe, and perhaps even to make contact with Crown Prince Xiao Yue!

He had only been thinking about how to infiltrate and assassinate, but he overlooked the possibility of infiltrating "openly and legitimately."

Applying for the job as Alchemist would be the best cover, if successful.

He stood up, his tone calm. "I happen to know some alchemy. If I wish to join the Moon Wolf Tribe, what are the steps?"

Upon hearing this, the waiter's eyes widened, and he scrutinized Su Bai from head to toe, seemingly trying to determine the truth of what his fellow clansman had said. Seeing Su Bai's composed demeanor, which suggested he wasn't speaking recklessly, he quickly said, "If you truly know alchemy, then things will be much easier! Just go to the main gate, tell the guards you are Human Race Alchemist, and ask to see the manager in charge of such matters."

"I've heard that once you enter the camp, you're usually required to refine a batch of Pill on the spot to verify your identity. After all, there are always guys who pretend to Alchemist to sneak in and make a quick buck, and if they're caught, their fate on the Moon Wolf Tribe territory can be quite..."

He shrank his neck and made a throat-slitting motion.

Su Bai nodded slightly and asked, "Is it enough to just be able to refine Pill? For example, do low-grade Pill like Essence Replenishing Pill or Yellow Dragon Pill count?"

"Yes! Of course it counts!"

The waiter nodded repeatedly, "Being able to consistently refine Yellow Dragon Pill is quite good among first-tier Alchemist! It seems the minimum requirement for recruits from the Moon Wolf Tribe is the ability to refine Yellow Dragon Pill! If you can refine them, senior, your chances of success are definitely high!"

"Hmm, that's good. Your information is very useful." Su Bai didn't ask any more questions. He took out an ordinary Jade Bottle from his Storage Bag, which contained about ten of the lowest quality Yellow Dragon Pill he had refined during his practice sessions. He casually tossed it to the waiter.

The shop assistant hurriedly took the bottle, uncorked it, and took a gentle sniff. A fragrance of Yellow Dragon Pill, though not Top Grade, unmistakably filled his nostrils.

His face lit up with joy, and he quickly clutched the Jade Bottle tightly, stuffing it into his bosom. He looked up to express his gratitude, only to find the seat by the window completely empty.

He hurriedly turned his head to look out the window, only to see that the mysterious elder of his clan had removed his Veil Hat at some point, revealing a handsome yet calm face, and walked straight to the magnificent gate of the Moon Wolf Tribe.

Across the street, he saw his senior exchange a few words with the two imposing Silver-Armored Guard, and they seemed to have shown each other something.

The guards' attitude clearly shifted from scrutiny to politeness. One of them turned and went inside to announce their arrival. Before long, he led the senior away and disappeared behind the heavy gate of the Moon Wolf Tribe Settlement.

"They went in... they really went in..." the waiter murmured to himself, his face a mixture of envy, admiration, and a hint of unspoken melancholy.

To become a guest of honor of the Moon Wolf Tribe, even the lowest-ranking Guest Elder Alchemist, is an unattainable dream for a lowly Cultivator like him.

"Hey! You little chicks! What are you daydreaming about?! Instead of working properly, what are you slacking off for!"

A thunderous shout rang in my ears, accompanied by a strong, pungent stench.

The waiter trembled and turned around in terror, only to see that the Bear Tribe innkeeper, who had been dozing off, was now standing behind him. His three-meter-tall body was like a wall, and his copper-bell-like bear eyes were staring at him menacingly, especially at the spot where he had just stuffed the bag into his arms.

"No... no, shopkeeper, I'll go wipe the table right away..." the waiter stammered, trying to cover up his misunderstanding.

"Stop talking nonsense! Hand over what that guy gave you! And the extra Spirit Stone! I saw them all!"

The bear demon shopkeeper stretched out his large, fan-like hand without any politeness, his tone arrogant, "You dare to hide things from me right under my nose? You've gone too far! Hand over the goods, and then get the hell out of here! This month's wages will be used to offset your slacking-off fine!"

"Shopkeeper! No way! That's mine..."

The waiter tried to argue, but the bear demon grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up, easily taking away the Spirit Stone and the precious Yellow Dragon Pill from his arms.

The vast difference in strength left him powerless to resist. He could only watch helplessly as the "windfall" he had just acquired, which could have changed his fate, was taken away, along with the meager job he relied on for survival.

The bear demon shopkeeper tossed the ashen-faced waiter out of the shop like trash, weighed the Jade Bottle in his hand, snorted gruffly, and lay back down in his chair as if he had merely swatted away a fly.

On the street, only the boy, who had lost his job, lost his windfall, and whose future was uncertain, remained, shivering alone in the rising cold wind. In the end, he disappeared into the intricate alleys of the Demon Star City, bewildered and staggering.