As the setting sun dyed Gengxin City's blacksmith shops a warm red, Tang San and Lin Zhixia had just left Myriad Treasures Metal Shop. They had bought some basic Cold Iron billets but failed to learn anything about Deep Sea Silver, so they turned into the Iron Furnace Tavern near the Blacksmith Association, intending to rest there while waiting for Ning Rongrong's information.
They had barely chosen a window table and sat down when, before the waiter could even bring a menu, an arrogant laugh rang out from the stairway. "Innkeeper, clear out your finest private room! We people from Spirit Hall can't squeeze in with common rabble!"
The newcomer wore a brocade robe embroidered with Spirit Hall's emblem. His face was greasy, and he was none other than Bishop Miles. Four black-clad Soul Masters followed behind him. As his gaze swept across the tavern, it suddenly stopped on Lin Zhixia, and his eyes immediately lit up. The girl wore a pale blue dress, with the Star Pattern Bracer concealed beneath her sleeve and a Crushed Star Hairpin tucked into her hair. Her cool, aloof bearing was especially striking in rust-scented Gengxin City.
Miles changed direction and strode straight to their table. Ignoring Tang San entirely, he grinned at Lin Zhixia. "You look unfamiliar, little lady. Here in Gengxin City for business? Why not come with your big brother? I'll make sure you eat and drink like royalty. That's much better than following this poor brat!" As he spoke, his greasy hand reached for Lin Zhixia's shoulder.
Lin Zhixia's gaze turned cold, and Star Blade was just about to take shape when Tang San moved first. His left hand clamped around Miles's wrist like iron pincers, his fingers tightening. With a sharp crack, the sound of bone shifting made Miles