South of the City, at the Hunter's Guild.
This was one of the most chaotic places in Canglan Prefecture, and the base of every Blade Catcher.
It was less a guild than a massive tavern and mission hall rolled into one.
A rugged, three-story building stood at the end of the street. A huge black iron sign hung above the entrance, carved with two crossed long knives and radiating a murderous aura.
Even before he approached, Lu Chen could hear the ruckus inside: drinking games, clashing weapons, and loud voices.
With a bamboo hat pulled low over his brow to hide most of his face, Lu Chen wore a faded blue outfit that made him look like a down-on-his-luck wandering swordsman.
He strode through the entrance.
A wave of heat, thick with the stench of sweat, cheap liquor, and blood, hit him in the face.
The hall was enormous, with dozens of long tables packed with all kinds of martial artists.
Some drank greedily, bare-chested and covered in scars. Others polished their weapons, casting cold glances around the room. Still others huddled together, murmuring about various missions.
Lu Chen's entrance drew little attention.
Every day, countless newcomers like him arrived here with dreams in their hearts. In the end, they either became stepping stones for others or nameless corpses in the mass grave outside the city.
Lu Chen swept his gaze around the hall, then headed straight for a counter at the very back.
Behind it sat a burly man built like an iron tower.
Bare-chested and knotted with muscle, the man had a thick mat of black chest hair. He looked like a black bear walking upright.
He was idly rolling a pair of iron balls in his hands. Each was as big as a fist, and they spun