Infiltration

Zhang Tie lay hidden in the mountain forest, sprawled in the snow amid the woods, wrapped in a waterproof cloak and burying himself beneath the snow as he quietly watched the castle below.

This was already Zhang Tie's second day lying in wait here. After leaving the airship, he had avoided the crowded roads. Once night fell, he returned to Black Flame City from the desolate wilderness. Zhang Tie did not enter the city, instead remaining concealed outside it, constantly observing the castle where Master Abian resided.

During these past few days in Black Flame City, Zhang Tie had learned quite a bit about Master Abian through various channels.

After becoming an orange-robed Pill Master, airships had become Master Abian's means of travel. This time, Abian had taken an airship both to and from Nottingham. For that reason, Zhang Tie could only choose Master Abian's castle as the place to ambush him.

It was a castle steeped in sin. Only after carefully gathering information about Master Abian did Zhang Tie realize that, starting around a decade ago, ever since Master Abian had risen to fame in Black Flame City, several people died in that castle every year for all sorts of reasons. Angel and the others were neither the first batch nor the last.

If people died under ordinary circumstances, it would naturally be a grave matter. But when it happened to Master Abian, it became a trivial affair. Master Abian had always been skilled at navigating society. Due to his special status as a Pill Master, no matter who ruled Black Flame City, he could quickly ingratiate himself with those in power and swiftly become their honored guest. Under such circumstances, what did a few deaths matter?

After several incidents of Pill Masters being assassinated across the continent, Master