Wilderness Guardian

Zhang Tie had no idea how strong this Wilderness Guardian was, but he found no hostility in the man's eyes—only a trace of scrutiny. That let his taut nerves relax a little.

"This man is Dawson, a Round Table Knight from Demon Snake Island—a piece of trash. I ruined their plans on Saint Hena Island, so they've been hunting me all the way here. I was just luckier and killed him first. Now I'm gathering a bit of loot," Zhang Tie said calmly, looking at the man. "So this isn't murder and plunder. If we really want to split hairs, it barely counts as eliminating evil and bringing peace to the people!"

"How am I supposed to believe you?" the man asked.

Zhang Tie shrugged. "Whether you believe me isn't important to me. But judging by that mouthful of gold teeth, if the people from Demon Snake Island don't get to it first, you could cut off his head, preserve it properly, and send it to Ewendala. You might get several thousand gold coins for it! Though Wilderness Guardians from the Church of the Guardian God generally aren't too concerned with disputes between people."

The man's eyes flashed sharply when he heard Zhang Tie state his identity outright. "You know who I am?"

"I heard Village Chief Qige mention you when I was in Kurgan Village..." As he spoke, Zhang Tie glanced at the enormous black eagle perched on the man's shoulder and said steadily, "Your pet left a deep impression on Village Chief Qige. I wasn't sure it was you when I first saw you, but the moment I saw this giant black eagle, I knew it was you!"

At the mention of Kurgan Village and Village Chief Qige, the Wilderness Guardian immediately laughed. His guard against Zhang Tie