Lin Yan walked toward Metal Mountain, step by step. His pace was unhurried, yet it held a steady rhythm, each footfall seeming to land on some invisible cadence.
The closer he came, the more violently the dense radiation and aura of death churned in the air, as though countless unseen vengeful souls were howling, trying to tear apart any living creature that approached.
Yet these negative energies, deadly threats even to ordinary Nen users, dissolved without a sound the moment they came within three feet of Lin Yan, like spring snow beneath a blazing sun.
His protective true qi had long since sealed him off from this polluted world, creating a sanctuary of absolute purity.
"Stop!"
A cold shout came from behind a massive armor plate on Metal Mountain.
Immediately afterward, dozens of figures emerged from the shadows of the surrounding ruins and encircled Lin Yan.
These people were nothing like the scavenging thugs on the outskirts.
Though they wore the same ragged clothes, all of them radiated concentrated nen aura.
Their eyes were like poisoned blades, brimming with vigilance and murderous intent. Their positions were carefully chosen, forming a loose encirclement that sealed off every avenue of retreat for Lin Yan.
Their leader was a tall, thin man wearing a beaked mask.
He held a long metal staff assembled from assorted discarded parts. Set into its tip was a stone that glowed an ominous red.
"Outsider, this is no place for you."
Bird-Mask Man's voice sounded muffled and oppressive through his mask. "Turn around and leave immediately, and we can pretend none of this ever happened."
Lin Yan stopped. His gaze passed over them to the enormous Metal Mountain behind them as he said calmly, "I've come to take something. Once I have it, I'll leave."
His tone sounded