You Already Have A Path To Your Own Demise!

Before long, night fell.

The neon lights of S City lit up one after another.

After parting ways with Cheng Xiaoyu and Liu Chenhao, the city's neon lights had already illuminated the streets with a dazzling glow.

A cool evening breeze blew past.

Xu Feng walked alone on the road back to the auction house, but his mind was still replaying the events of the underground city today.

Cheng Xiaoyu's sudden burst of recovery power, Liu Chenhao's seemingly naive and sweet demeanor, and the potential trouble lurking behind Huang Dongshi...

The information was slowly replayed in his mind.

Damn it, I need to use my brain!

Xu Feng shook his head. As he passed an old, well-known shop emanating a rich aroma of spices, he paused.

A wooden sign hung at the entrance read "Chen's Secret Roasted Pigeon."

Inside the glass display window, glossy, golden-brown pigeons were neatly arranged, their aroma enticing.

Xu Feng remembered that a few days ago, while chatting with Mai Xiao Wen, she had mentioned that the roasted pigeon was a taste she had longed for since childhood, after trying it once near the orphanage.

Unfortunately, that shop had moved away later, and she never got to taste it again.

"Sister Xiao Wen..."

Xu Feng's lips curved upwards unconsciously as he pushed the door open and walked in.

"Boss, one signature roasted pigeon, to go. Extra sesame seeds and chili powder, please."

He remembered Mai Xiao Wen liked spicy food.

He came out with a paper bag exuding a rich aroma. After a few steps, he saw a small stall by the roadside run by an old lady, selling handmade glutinous rice balls. The plump, white balls tumbled in brown sugar and ginger water, looking incredibly warming.

He bought a portion of the hot glutinous rice balls as well.

Carrying the delicacies in one hand and with the other in his pocket, Xu Feng walked briskly back to the Wanbao Auction House.

The building was still brightly lit, but most of the staff had already left for the day.

He took the private elevator directly to his supervisor's office area on the top floor.

The office door was ajar, emitting a soft light.

Xu Feng tiptoed inside and saw a slender figure hunched over the large desk, staring at the computer screen, her fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard, occasionally moving the mouse to click.

The light from the screen reflected on her focused profile, her long eyelashes casting faint shadows on her lower eyelids.

It was Mai Xiao Wen.

She had changed out of the goose-yellow dress she wore during the day and was now in a beige knit sweater and casual trousers. Her hair was loosely tied up at the back, revealing her fair neck.

She seemed to exude a gentler, more relaxed aura than during the day, but her brows were etched with concentration.

Xu Feng quietly walked up behind her, remaining silent, his gaze sweeping over the screen.

It was a compilation of information on items for several important upcoming auctions, security assessments, and a schedule of times when he, as the "Security Supervisor," needed to review or be present.

A notebook lay open beside it, filled with densely written key points.

His heart softened. He raised his hand and gently placed it on Mai Xiao Wen's slender shoulder.

"Ah--!"

Startled by the sudden touch, Mai Xiao Wen jumped, and the wireless mouse in her hand flew out, skidding far across the smooth desktop.

Still shaken, she turned her head. When she saw Xu Feng's face, adorned with a mischievous smile, her eyebrows shot up.

"Xu Feng! You scared me to death!"

She playfully punched his arm, not with much force, more like a gentle scolding.

"Why didn't you make any noise coming in! Are you a cat?"

Then, as if remembering something, she pointed at the computer screen and began to complain.

"Look! You're having a great time playing the hands-off boss, running off to have fun while leaving all this work for me!

I'm here organizing documents for you, checking procedures, and figuring out which auctions you, the big supervisor, need to personally oversee! My legs are numb from sitting!"

Despite her words, there was no real anger on her face.

And when Xu Feng's warm palm remained on her shoulder, the comforting warmth seeping through the thin knit sweater, Mai Xiao Wen's earlobes quietly flushed, and her tone softened unconsciously.

Xu Feng's smile didn't waver. He raised the bag in his other hand and dangled it in front of her.

"Here, my all-capable little assistant. Isn't this exactly what an assistant should do? The capable ones work harder."

He deliberately drew out his tone, with a hint of teasing.

"Here, this is your hard work reward."

Mai Xiao Wen's gaze was immediately drawn to the bag, especially when she caught the tantalizing aroma of roasted pigeon that made her mouth water. Her eyes lit up instantly.

She took the bag, opened it, and sure enough, it was roasted pigeon!

Here's a hot and steamy glutinous rice ball, too!

"Hmph! Just a few days ago you were calling me 'Sister Xiao Wen' and acting all respectful, and now you're calling me 'Little Assistant'? Hah, men are so fickle!"

Although her words were sharp, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up. She carefully took out the still-warm roasted pigeon, took a deep breath of its aroma, and a satisfied, happy smile spread across her face.

"Wow! It's really my favorite pigeon! How did you know I wanted to eat this?"

"Just a guess," Xu Feng said casually. Seeing her happy expression, his mood lifted as well.

Mai Xiao Wen's heart felt sweet. She knew Xu Feng must have deliberately remembered something she'd mentioned in passing.

Holding the roasted pigeon, her head tilted suddenly, and she leaned gently against Xu Feng's chest beside her. She found a comfortable position and nuzzled in, like a spoiled cat.

"I guess you're not completely heartless..."

She mumbled softly, her cheeks flushing.

But Xu Feng's body stiffened slightly.

Years of martial arts training and fighting in underground cities had made him instinctively wary of physical contact, especially contact on his chest.

The moment Mai Xiao Wen leaned against him, the Qi and Blood in his dantian almost surged instinctively, and the muscles in his right arm tensed. A standard uppercut was almost thrown.

Fortunately, his willpower forcefully suppressed this combat instinct.

He lowered his head and looked at Mai Xiao Wen, who was leaning against his chest and quietly enjoying the aroma of the food. Her soft hair brushed against his chin, carrying a faint scent of shampoo.

The coldness in his heart, like an ice surface brushed by a spring breeze, melted away a trace.

He relaxed, letting her lean against him. He even raised the hand that was on her shoulder, hesitated for a moment, and then finally gently rested it on the top of her head, stroking it like he was comforting a small animal.

Mai Xiao Wen felt the movement of his palm. Her body paused for a moment, then she leaned against him even more relaxedly. The smile on her lips deepened, and even the tips of her ears turned red.

The office fell silent, with only the low hum of the computer's main unit and the faint sounds of Mai Xiao Wen nibbling on the roasted pigeon.

Outside the window was the bustling night view of S City, with neon lights flashing and traffic flowing like a river.

But in this small space, a warm and tranquil atmosphere permeated the air.

After a while, Mai Xiao Wen reluctantly sat up straight. The blush on her face had not faded, but her eyes had regained their professional clarity.

She pulled out a tissue to wipe her hands and mouth, and said to Xu Feng, "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. There's a mid-sized auction starting at 8:30 in Auction Hall B1. There are a few antiques worth over fifty million and a B-class Monster core. I need you to keep an eye on things, just in case."

"As you command, Little Assistant," Xu Feng agreed readily, nodding. He pointed at the food on the table, "You finish eating first, don't let it get cold. It's bad for your stomach."

Mai Xiao Wen's heart warmed again. She hummed in response and continued to enjoy her hard-earned reward.

At Wanbao Auction House, in a special glass booth above Auction Hall B1.

This place offered an excellent view, overlooking the entire auction hall, but people outside couldn't see into the booth.

The soundproofing was excellent, completely unaffected by the bidding sounds from below.

The booth was decorated simply and comfortably, with a leather sofa and a solid wood coffee table, on which were placed fresh fruit platters and drinks.

Xu Feng held a glass of warm water, leaned back on the comfortable sofa, and idly watched the spotlight on the auction stage below through the one-way glass.

The auctioneer was passionately introducing a Ming Dynasty blue and white porcelain vase. Dozens of bidders sat below, and the atmosphere was quite lively.

The so-called "watching the place" was truly a leisurely task for him.

Auctions of this level already had sufficient security. All he needed to do was step in to deter or resolve any abnormal energy fluctuations or any foolish individuals who tried to rob the place.

He was happy to have some free time.

He took out his phone and began to search for information through the auction house's dedicated network.

The first name he entered was Liu Chenhao.

The information that popped up made him raise an eyebrow slightly.

Liu Chenhao, 20 years old, the second son of Liu Chen Group Chairman Liu Zhenbang.

Liu Chen Group, one of the top ten large comprehensive conglomerates in Country H, with businesses covering energy, finance, high-tech, Hunter supplies, and many other fields. It held a particularly significant position in Hunter-related industries.

It owned its own large expedition team, equipment research and development center, and material processing factory. The group's market value was conservatively estimated to be over a trillion.

"As expected, born with a silver spoon in his mouth... No wonder his equipment is so flashy, and he's foolish enough to come experience life."

Xu Feng smiled, not taking it too seriously.

These kinds of top-tier second-generation rich kids had strong backgrounds but were relatively simple-minded. Befriending them wouldn't hurt, but there was no need to deliberately curry favor.

Next, he began to search for information on Huang Dongshi and his expedition team members.

As he searched, his brow gradually furrowed.

Huang Dongshi, 42 years old, a high-level C-class Hunter, a registered solo Hunter, with a... very poor reputation.

Records within the Hunter Association showed he had been complained about multiple times for intentionally harming temporary teammates during missions and for snatching loot. However, due to a lack of direct evidence and the fact that most victims had "accidentally" died or disappeared, he had never been convicted.

Most of his expedition team members were also individuals with checkered pasts, privately referred to by those in the circle as the "Vulture Squad."

They specialized in picking up easy opportunities and feeding on "carrion."

What made Xu Feng's expression most grave was the section on Huang Dongshi's family relations.

Brother: Huang Dongshu.

Age: 35 years old.

Hunter Rank: Low-level S-class.

Attribute: Physical Enhancement.

Personality Evaluation: Tyrannical, vengeful, suspected of involvement in multiple overseas Hunter disappearances, but no conclusive evidence.

"An S-class Hunter... and with that kind of personality..."

Xu Feng's fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of the sofa, producing dull thuds.

Trouble had indeed arrived.

Given Huang Dongshi's treacherous nature, he might not have left any contingency plans or messages before his death.

And with Huang Dongshu, an S-class powerhouse, possessing evaluations of "tyrannical" and "vengeful," it was almost a certainty that he would lash out at everyone involved once he learned of his own brother's unnatural death.

Although Cheng Xiaoyu was the primary killer, Xu Feng had been present at the scene and had displayed B-class strength, making it difficult for him not to be considered a primary target.

"After dealing with the subordinate, the superior comes... this is truly a classic plot."

Xu Feng curled his lips, a hint of coldness appearing.

"S-class... Currently, I'm high-level B-class in my normal state. When I unleash the Blood Dragon State, I might be able to briefly contend with an A-class, but facing an S-class..."

He exhaled slowly, feeling a long-lost sense of urgency.

My strength... it's still not enough!

He closed his eyes slightly, his fingers gripping the water glass tighter and tighter.

His brow furrowed deeper and deeper.

Why are you forcing me!

I just wanted to live a peaceful life!

Huang Dongshu, is it?

Xu Feng opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing through them.

He put down the water glass and took out the faint blue invisibility pearl from his inner pocket.

His fingertips caressed the cool surface of the pearl, feeling the magic power contained within.

A thought gradually became clear in his mind.

That night, when the city was deep in slumber.

On the S City Hunter forum, an inconspicuous post appeared with a short title:

["Wind Hidden One" possibly sighted in S City? Continuously assisted a power team in clearing two C-class dungeons and one B-class dungeon!]