The Black Market's Merchant Street had not opened for business during the day. There were almost no pedestrians on the road, only a few idle lackeys wandering about.
The westering sun stretched the buildings' shadows long. A lookout who had been on duty for quite some time seemed a little drowsy, yawning and stretching.
Just then, a figure suddenly approached, catching his attention.
The lookout turned his gaze toward him and saw an old man approaching through the archway opposite. He wore blue-gray cloth robes and looked travel-worn, yet his white hair framed a youthful face, and he was hale and vigorous.
The old man walked with measured, dignified steps, entirely unhurried. Before long, he turned into the second row of alleys with the ease of someone who knew the way and entered the courtyard within.
"Third Brother, someone's entered the pig farm. An old man, about sixty or seventy..."
The lookout swiftly brought his wrist to his mouth and spoke into the Wristband he wore.
This was their usual Communication Artifact, allowing them to communicate over short distances. Unfortunately, it could not penetrate interference from spiritual essence, and its range was extremely limited.
"Understood. I'll have someone keep an eye on him."
A steady voice came from the Wristband.
But the next instant, a deafening crash like a thunderbolt erupted from within.
Boom!
The lookout saw white light flare and lightning burst forth. Then almost the entire alley, along with the neighboring courtyard, collapsed with a thunderous crash.
The terrifying sight left him frozen on the spot. When he finally recovered, he immediately dropped flat, clutched his head, and cried, "Holy mother!"
Standing amid the ruins, the old man roared with laughter and shouted with overbearing arrogance, "You worthless scum dare stand in my way!"
"Everyone inside, listen up!