113 Crushing the Fly (5600)

Evolution Points: +1 +1 +1 +1...

All the liquid had completely evaporated, granting a total of 115 evolution points. Adding the points earned from killing the two members of the Holy Flame Society earlier, Xiunan’s total evolution points soared to 122.

This was the largest single gain he had ever received, surpassing the 105 points he obtained from killing the Pale-Eyed Vulture inside the ruins last time. It was truly gratifying.

The vial of liquid had been found on the corpse of the Ancient Society’s leader. It was a toxic substance. Xiunan had already tested it and devised the correct method of use: allowing the liquid to gradually evaporate, just as he had done moments ago.

Even half a vial could send evolution points skyrocketing.

If the vial were full, he might have gained over four hundred points, perhaps even five hundred!

“The Ancient Society...”

Xiunan committed the name to memory with unwavering resolve.

He capped the bottle and shook it gently.

A thin layer of liquid remained at the bottom, faintly making a sound. Xiunan chose not to absorb it all, leaving about five or six evolution points’ worth. Once his advanced laboratory was completed, perhaps he could analyze the specific ingredients. Maybe he could even synthesize it himself?

Several days later.

In the afternoon, the sky was dim yet clear. In the distance, clouds glowed with a soft golden-red hue, like a thread of fire silently burning along the far horizon.

Above Nirodo, mist billowed and a wide, thin white ring of clouds formed, through which yellow-red sunlight filtered.

Xiunan stood by the window, gazing quietly into the distance.

He raised his right hand; the ring symbolizing the Golden Spiral Organization was gone. He then reached into his chest pocket with his left hand and took out a silver pendant. Attached was a teardrop-shaped plaque inscribed with the number: 8.

Simple and effortless. After Xiunan unveiled his rune mastery at an expert level, task one—“Become the eighth member of the Golden Spiral Organization”—was easily accomplished without a hitch.

Xiunan always believed that when you possess enough value, attaining the corresponding status becomes exceedingly simple—provided you can protect that value.

“Beep beep beep...” The phone on the desk rang.

He walked over and answered.

On the other end came the deep voice of Black Knight.

“Knight, are you free now?”

“I’m quite free. The rune laboratory equipment hasn’t all arrived yet; for now, I’m just making some small gadgets...”

“I’m calling specifically about that.”

Black Knight paused before continuing, “The items you requested have been purchased with expedited processing. The laboratory site and residence have both been arranged. Do you want to inspect them today or tomorrow?”

Expedited processing meant paying more—roughly double the price. But Black Knight didn’t state that outright. He only hinted slightly, knowing Xiunan would understand.

Being too explicit would spoil the elegance.

“Today, then. I have nothing better to do.”

“All right, I’ll come pick you up now.”

Moments later, Xiunan hung up. On the desk behind him lay an open book titled The Milodaren School, filled with illustrations of various extraordinary species.

A cold wind blew outside, stirring the air. The pages rustled as vivid, fierce, and lifelike depictions of monsters and mythical creatures flipped like a picture scroll.

Xiunan approached, slipped the booklet into his pocket, then drained the last sip of coffee beside him. He poured some water and rinsed the cup lightly.

He donned his trench coat, stuffed some essential tools into his pockets, pushed open the door, and stepped out.

Five minutes later, the car door slammed shut.

“Where is the laboratory located?”

Xiunan glanced at Black Knight sitting beside him, still dressed as before, wearing black gloves and a black hat.

“In the eastern suburbs, not far from here or the city center. The site is quite good...”

Black Knight started the car and began driving slowly.

“Good,” Xiunan nodded. “With convenient transport, delivering materials to the lab will be easy.”

“Besides the laboratory, the organization also bought you a villa. It’s situated at the foot of the mountain behind the lab, with a nice view. I think you’ll like it. Both properties belong to the same wealthy merchant, the vice president of the Taurus Chamber of Commerce. Originally, he was reluctant to sell, but upon hearing your name, he immediately agreed and even gave a 30% discount. However, we’ll need to have dinner with him today...”

The First Evolution

Black Knight steered the vehicle out of the headquarters gate.

“Sounds good—I haven’t had dinner yet.”

“Same here, haha.”

Black Knight chuckled and pressed the accelerator.

The car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

At a restaurant called Starlight, Xiunan met one of the five vice presidents of the Taurus Chamber of Commerce: Julio.

He was a middle-aged man with a friendly aura, dressed in a black suit. His hair was meticulously groomed, and his tie perfectly straight. Julio was well-maintained, still looking healthy and upright as a young man.

“Mr. Knight!”

Upon meeting, Julio smiled warmly and shook Xiunan’s hand enthusiastically.

They exchanged names and chatted as they walked.

Black Knight, feeling neglected, couldn’t help but say,

“I’ve never seen you so cordial with me.”

“Hahaha...” Julio laughed. “That’s because I feel an instant kinship with Mr. Knight. We’ve met hundreds of times—at banquets every day—so it’s different...”

The three chatted as they ascended to the building’s top floor, which housed the third level of the Starlight restaurant.

Here, especially at night, one could sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows and gaze upon the bustling city. The City of Desire, Nirodo, would reveal all its charm in this moment, exuding an overwhelming sense of dominance.

Hence, Starlight was renowned and never short of patrons. It seldom offered private floors, but tonight, only Xiunan, Black Knight, and Julio dined on the entire third floor. Julio was quite generous.

The third floor was also the building’s top.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light dazzling.

Luxurious, low-key carpets covered the floor, muffling footsteps into silence.

Near the window facing the Winter District, beside a long table, the three sat quietly on soft chairs.

Black Knight and Julio chatted about their respective factions’ extraordinary resources and potential collaborations.

Xiunan gazed out the window, admiring the captivating city. Neon lights flickered like the colorful eyeshadow of a mature woman. Traffic flowed endlessly, resembling silver metallic threads on an evening gown.

He blinked, suddenly sensing movement at the corner of his eye. Raising his gaze sharply, his keen vision scanned the distance.

Atop a nearby building, a figure clad in black leather sprinted at high speed. The tight outfit accentuated a curvaceous figure—it was evidently a woman.

Behind her, several figures pursued swiftly, wielding weapons.

The chase was intense, the leather-clad woman cornered.

She leapt directly into the air, gliding like a bat, melting into the city’s darkness.

The pursuers fumed at the edge, frustrated.

“No wonder Nirodo is known as the City of Desire... where gang chases and thefts are everywhere...”

Xiunan sighed. Suddenly, someone called his name. He snapped back to focus, discovering it was Black Knight beside him.

“How do you find Nirodo’s night view?”

“Nothing much, just witnessed something interesting...”

Five minutes later, dishes began arriving one by one.

Not only exquisite in presentation, but delicious as well.

Julio had made reservations well in advance. If not for some dishes requiring last-minute preparation, Xiunan and Black Knight could have eaten immediately upon arrival.

Waiting a little, however, heightened their appetites, making the meal even more enjoyable.

The restaurant echoed with elegant classical music, performed by a full band serving only the three of them.

On the table lay a spread of tempting dishes: pan-seared blue-spotted shark, cream-baked lobster, smoked beef ribs, deep-fried Tunan bagels, and cauliflower soup.

The flavors were excellent; Xiunan was genuinely satisfied.

He cut a piece of beef rib, savoring it slowly. Tender and fresh, it was certainly a high-end steak.

It was a feast for the senses.

Perhaps sensing Xiunan’s hunger, Julio refrained from discussing business immediately. Instead, he chatted casually with Black Knight, keeping the atmosphere lively. Black Knight played along.

After more than half an hour, the main course ended.

Delicate desserts were served: grape blossom cake, cream banana cake, and the like.

Each person received a drink; in front of Xiunan was Earl Yoke Count’s tea, from the southern Agali United States, known for the most authentic tea leaves.

The rich aroma filled the air as they began their discussion.

“Mr. Knight, would you be interested in becoming an honorary advisor for the Taurus Chamber of Commerce? In return, we will provide you with 100 million star coins annually, partial access to precious internal goods, resource networks, special intelligence channels, and exclusive trading rights...”

Julio laid out the offer, eyes fixed on Xiunan.

Before Xiunan could respond, Black Knight interjected,

“You’re poaching him right in front of me.”

“Hey, what do you mean poaching? You know the honorary advisor role is designed for runic experts from other organizations. Becoming an advisor requires almost no effort—just occasionally showing up at large banquets...”

Julio explained, hands folded.

Black Knight smiled, clearly joking.

“So, Mr. Knight, I sincerely invite you to join us as an honorary advisor of the Taurus Chamber...”

“If the demands are this trivial, I have no objections...”

Xiunan met Julio’s gaze and replied.

It would be foolish not to seize such an opportunity. With Black Knight by his side, the true situation was clear.

Becoming an honorary advisor would surely benefit him, likely as Julio described. Otherwise, Black Knight would have objected.

After all, both were members of the Eight-Person Council.

“Excellent!”

Julio rose with a smile and shook Xiunan’s hand once more.

The atmosphere was warm and cordial.

The Taurus Chamber’s invitation was a testament to Xiunan’s reputation as a rune expert.

The chamber already had two rune experts as honorary advisors, which bolstered its prestige. With Xiunan joining, three experts now held the title, further enhancing the chamber’s standing and bringing many implicit advantages.

Xiunan, in turn, could enjoy the chamber’s benefits and leverage its network.

It was a win-win arrangement.

They resumed their seats, feeling closer than before.

Julio began revealing some of the chamber’s special channels, a clear tactic to win hearts and minds—offering what others did not.

“Our chamber has influence along the entire East Coast and worldwide. We have specialists handling intelligence, searching for clients’ desired items. Except for particularly dangerous or special goods, we can fulfill requests within a set timeframe...”

Julio spoke confidently, with a hint of exaggeration. The Taurus Chamber did have global presence, but these were mostly small offices.

Xiunan recalled the vial of toxic liquid and recent analyses identifying several of its components.

Perhaps he could try collecting these ingredients now.

Maybe he could synthesize the evolution serum?

If that were possible, Xiunan might soar to new heights, breaking through the second ring of both rune slots in a short time and possibly becoming a third-ring Sublimator!

The prospect was enticing—definitely worth a try.

After a moment’s hesitation, Xiunan said slowly,

“Vice President Julio, I happen to want to collect some rare materials. I’d like to use your channels. I’ll send the list tomorrow. Thank you in advance...”

Xiunan’s previous attempts to gather these rare ingredients through their own channels had been disappointing. These materials were scarce, and their network lacked the reach.

The Taurus Chamber’s influence was broader.

They should be able to obtain some information on these ingredients...

“No trouble at all. Since you’ve agreed to become an honorary advisor, you can use our special channels. I’ll instruct my subordinates to collect diligently and get back to you as soon as possible...”

Julio smiled faintly as he sipped his tea.

“Much appreciated,” Xiunan responded with a hint of joy.

As their conversation continued, suddenly loud voices erupted outside the restaurant, growing louder.

With a bang, the restaurant door was pushed open.

A handsome young man in trendy clothes swaggered in, holding the hand of an attractive girlfriend. The girl wore a tight dress, revealing smooth, pale thighs, a high, prominent chest, and a slender waist accentuated by a black belt.

Her long, glossy hair rested softly on her shoulders.

The three turned their heads simultaneously.

“What are you staring at? You three booked the entire floor of the Starlight? Get lost, all of you!”

The young man spoke arrogantly, his tone laced with anger.

He was the son of a local real estate company president in Nirodo, wealthy and reckless. The previous night, he’d picked up a pretty girl from school and planned to reserve the top floor of Starlight for dinner, intending to proceed afterward.

But this morning, he was informed the floor was booked.

Furious, he quickly investigated the identities of the diners. Seeing the highest-ranking was Julio, just a small company boss, he erupted in anger.

With his bodyguards and girlfriend, he stormed to the third floor.

“?” “?”

Xiunan and Black Knight glanced at the youth, then at Julio, but said nothing.

Julio felt his face flush with embarrassment. He reasoned that, since the three were powerful secret ring practitioners, he had sent two bodyguards to dine on the second floor.

He hadn’t expected someone to stir trouble and ruin the atmosphere.

Julio immediately pulled out his phone.

“Call? Haha, who could you possibly reach?”

The youth sneered, unimpressed by a small-time boss.

He was about to mock further, perhaps even get physical.

Suddenly, outside came the agonized screams of his two bodyguards. The youth spun toward the entrance.

Two towering men, each about 1.9 meters tall, strode swiftly inside, one carrying a limp man like a dead dog. They were bodyguards sent by the youth’s father.

With two heavy thuds, the unconscious bodyguards were slammed to the ground.

“Vice President...” the bald, burly man began to speak.

“It’s not your fault. I told you to dine on the second floor. Now just deal with this trash so they don’t spoil my and my guest’s meal...”

Julio clapped his hands and apologized to the two men.

At the same time, the two iron-like giants approached the youth and his girlfriend, casting ominous shadows.

“W-what are you doing?!” the youth shouted.

“I warn you, my father is...”

Slap! A palm as large as a fan struck the youth, sending him flying. An iron hand caught him midair.

Like a small chicken, they lifted him up.

“Ah! How dare you hit me! Ah...”

The youth screamed in pain, his face swollen from the blow.

In the distance, Julio frowned at the commotion, apologized again to Xiunan and Black Knight, and said,

“Find out who he is, cut off one arm, then swallow his father’s company. These noisy flies really ruin the mood for me and my guests...”

“Yes!” “Yes!”

The giants nodded. Soon came the sound of bones snapping; the screams ceased abruptly.

The youth fainted, and along with his two bodyguards, was dragged away like three foolish, dead pigs.

The youth’s girlfriend appeared quite cooperative and seemed largely unharmed.

Back inside, the conversation resumed.

They discussed the villa and the laboratory site again. Julio promised to provide manpower assistance, a small compensation for the earlier disturbance.

****************

Nirodo’s night sky was beautiful. No clouds obscured the stars, allowing a clear view of the dazzling firmament above.

The city streets were cool and quiet under the evening breeze. Black street lamps cast pools of light onto the pavement.

Bathed in the dim glow, an inexplicable tranquility enveloped Xiunan. He found this feeling quite pleasant.

Wearing his trench coat, he walked slowly around the corner.

He chose not to return in Black Knight’s car, preferring to stroll and enjoy the night wind and starlight.

This area near Starlight was just steps from the bustling district, yet the street was remarkably quiet.

There was a strange sense of separation.

Sometimes, people were enamored with standing in pale solitude while gazing at vibrant, bustling life.

Xiunan slid his hands into his pockets and continued walking.

In a distant corner, a girl in a dress was crying. Her clothes were disheveled, revealing a delicate, snowy collarbone, evoking a pitiful appearance.

Stepping closer, he recognized her as the girlfriend of the youth who had caused a scene at Starlight. She was hiding here, likely overwhelmed by the recent events.

She wiped her tears, trembling slightly.

Hearing footsteps, she lowered her arms, revealing a delicate face with reddened eyes.

Her wronged, doe-like gaze was heart-rending.

She spotted Xiunan approaching.

Her eyes widened. “Y-you’re the one who just...”

Suddenly, her eyes bulged even further, like two marbles ready to pop from their sockets.

A massive iron arm clad in armor shot through her chest, piercing completely through!

It tore through her vest and blasted a huge crater in the wall behind her. A spray of blood radiated outward, droplets dripping down the wall.

“Wh-why... me...”

The girl whispered in disbelief, blood trickling from her mouth. Her hands pressed against the thick iron arm.

She parted her cherry lips as if to speak again.

Boom! A vague fist blurred past.

Her head exploded; the corpse crashed down heavily.

A faint black smoke dissipated almost imperceptibly.

A black leather boot stepped over the body. Xiunan, hands still in his pockets, walked forward as the cold wind lifted the hem of his coat.

A sinister arm vanished into his broad vest.

“The Ancient Society... truly a swarm of bothersome flies...”