Infiltrating the world of cultivation

The Tang Empire was vast and rich in resources. Although border wars were frequent, it could not conceal its unprecedented power.

In this region, the Tang Empire was undoubtedly the hegemon, with all corners of the world submitting and all directions paying tribute.

The area east of the Qinling Mountains and south of the Huai River was known as the Southern Barbarians. The Southern Barbarians were full of bandits, and many big shots who couldn't make a living in the inland areas came to the Southern Barbarians to make a living.

The people here are fierce and brave, and everyone practices martial arts. This is a haven for the most wicked.

Zhen'an City is located at the southernmost tip of the Southern Barbarians, bordering the vast mountains. There are many bounty hunters here. Because it is backed by mountains and has abundant resources, many desperados hunt wild animals here and then sell them to the wealthy.

When Wang Chao and his two companions arrived, they were questioned by the guards at the entrance. Fortunately, Wang Chao had received a tip from Shi Wen beforehand and had put away anything of value.

"This wild rabbit smells too bloody; it can't be brought into the city!"

The guard at the gate was also a peak-stage acquired martial artist, a master even in the Wei Kingdom, and not weak even in Zhen'an City.

However, this time, he ran into a brick wall. While Wang Chao was still hesitating about whether to keep a low profile and give the rabbit to the gatekeeper,

Sun Juan took a step forward, took out a token from her sleeve, and subtly showed it to the guard.

The guard, who had been very arrogant, turned a deep purplish-red upon seeing the token. His expression became somewhat fearful, and his previous arrogance vanished.

"My lords, I was blind and did not recognize your greatness. I have mistaken you for someone else."

The guard lowered his head. He recognized the token. He would rather offend those rich kids than offend the owner of this token, otherwise, the consequences could be very serious.

"Never mind, let's go into town."

Wang Chao saw that Sun Juan was about to start lecturing him, so he stopped her in time, saying that life is hard for everyone, and there was no need to make things difficult for anyone.

It's like when Wang Chao worked part-time at university. After handing out flyers and experiencing all sorts of cold stares, he would accept any flyers he came across.

The dynasty has not yet entered Zhen'an City, so it is impossible to judge what it is like inside. However, the city walls are quite tall and thick.

According to Sun Juan, a massive battle, in which ten thousand beasts besieged the city, took place here two years ago.

It seems that some kind of change has occurred in the mountains and forests, causing the ferocious beasts that usually lie dormant deep in the mountains to attack Zhen'an City like madmen.

At that time, the imperial court was marching north to attack the nomadic tribes in the north, and the remaining troops were also responsible for guarding the capital and protecting the emperor. There was simply no spare strength to go south to provide support.

At that time, the city garrison commander of Zhen'an City stood up to testify, vowing to live and die with Zhen'an. He led the city's garrison and reinforcements from surrounding cities in a bloody battle against the ferocious beasts for three days without retreating. The city's garrison, which he had personally trained, was almost decimated.

Many forces in the mainland, upon hearing of the deeds of the city garrison commander of Zhen'an, were deeply impressed by his integrity and sent troops south to provide support.

At that time, Broken Sword went east to study, which also made Guiguzi think about retiring from this line of work. They now lacked nothing and there was no need for them to continue in this line of work.

Since we needed to keep up with the times and find a new way out, Guiguzi took advantage of this opportunity to lead a group of elite troops south to Zhen'an City to assist in the defense of the city.

Guiguzi had influence throughout the Tang Dynasty. His elites were all experts at the Innate Stage, and even the worst among them were at the Peak of the Acquired Stage.

All of them were assassins by trade, and they played a decisive role on the battlefield.

That's why the city gate guard was somewhat apprehensive when he saw Sun Juan's token; after all, their reputation was earned through battle.

Especially that method of poisoning, which is done without anyone noticing, can kill you and you'll have nowhere to seek justice.

After defeating the beast tide, the city garrison of Zhen'an City was unparalleled in its power and fame spread throughout the Tang Dynasty.

He used the money allocated by the imperial court to organize a mercenary guild on the spot and recruited many talented people.

They then used this opportunity to create momentum, claiming that the Southern Barbarian Forest contained countless resources, in order to attract various forces to establish themselves there.

Because of the complex web of various factions in the area, and because the imperial court, mindful of Zhen'an City's meritorious defense, did not send anyone to govern it, Zhen'an City gradually became a no-man's-land.

Those desperados and some major criminals wanted by the imperial court all hide here. It can be said that nine out of ten people you meet on the road have been stained with blood.

After listening to Shi Wen's introduction, Wang Chao was very impressed with the city garrison of Zhen'an. His integrity, strategic vision, far-sighted planning, and control over the current situation were all extremely accurate.

It can be said that the city garrison commander of Zhen'an City is a man of great vision and skill.

Upon entering Zhen'an City, the biggest impression the dynasty had of the city was its heavy industrial atmosphere.

The clanging of blacksmiths could be heard everywhere. Not a single clean bluestone slab could be seen on the ground; they were all covered in black grime, revealing that their original color was bluish-white.

This is not quite what I imagined. It's not luxurious, but at least the city is clean, right?

"This is still considered good. If it were a busy time, the scene would be even more appalling."

Shi Wen explained to the dynasty that, after all, Zhen'an City was one of the most unique cities in the Tang Dynasty. It was a dark area of ​​the Tang Dynasty, just like a diseased organ in the human body.

I know it's harmful, but I can't get rid of it.

Sun Juan told Wang Chao that they had a base in Zhen'an City, but the three of them didn't have much luggage to store. After putting the two of their equipment into the nine-story ancient pagoda, the three of them headed towards Kuanzhai Alley.

Kuanzhai Alley is a historical and cultural district in Zhen'an City, consisting of three old streets running east to west, and residential courtyards between the streets.

This Kuanzhai Alley is said to have existed for nearly 10,000 years, before the Southern Barbarians were conquered by the Tang Dynasty.

Even now, it still retains some of the customs of the southern barbarians and has become a landmark area of ​​Zhen'an City.

The entertainment facilities here are very complete, and in this era without the internet and mobile phones, the place is always packed with people.

After the three arrived at Kuanzhai Alley, the two brought Wang Chao along, saying they wanted to treat him to some local delicacies. Judging from Shi Wen's winking expression, it probably wasn't anything good.

However, Wang Chao did not refuse. On the contrary, he was quite interested and followed along. Since he was going to take this trip, he wanted to experience it properly and broaden his horizons.

To truly understand spiritual practice, one must experience the myriad aspects of human life.

The most ruthless people are often those who are most sentimental.

Even before entering the store, Wangchao sensed a unique atmosphere.

The buildings in Kuanzhai Alley are different from the brick and stone houses outside; they are all adobe houses with yellow earthen walls, which look very primitive.

This shop was no exception; its walls were also earthen yellow, but the stone steps in front of the shop were blood red.

There were many red dots around the stone steps, which looked very much like bloodstains.

The shop sign was black, made of wood, and had some protrusions; it looked like a coffin lid no matter how you looked at it.

On the plaque, four large, blood-red characters were solemnly written: "Five Internal Organs and Six Bowels"!

Could it be a haunted house? Wang Chao thought to himself.

"Brother Chao, please!"

A sly smile appeared on Shi Wen's lips. This guy was full of bad intentions. Although Wang Chao was not afraid, he still had to be on high alert.

Knowing full well that Shi Wen wanted to see him make a fool of himself, Wang Chao still stepped onto the platform. That's just how he is; he has an innate adventurous spirit.

"Crack!"

When Wang Chao stepped onto the first step, there was no reaction. However, when he stepped onto the second step, the stone steps suddenly sank.

pat!

Suddenly, a scarlet shadow darted out from both sides of the stone steps and slapped Wang Chao directly on the calf.

Wang Chao felt something grab his feet, and when he looked down, he saw a pair of human hands!

A chill ran down Wang Chao's spine instantly—it was an instinctive reaction—but he quickly regained his composure.

With two people present, it's unlikely that anything dangerous will occur in this place.

Wang Chao leaned down, looking at the two hands gripping his calves with great interest. The skin was bluish and the nails were black. It was undeniably just like the real thing.

bass!

The two simulated hands retracted, and Wang Chao, somewhat curious, walked to the side of the steps to observe them.

This triggering device is quite ingeniously designed; you really couldn't make it without some skill.

"This thing is very realistic, but I don't know what principle it uses."

Wang Chao pretended to be nonchalant; he couldn't possibly reveal his inner thoughts, which had just been startled.

If you're going to put on a show of bravado, you'll be ready to take the hit.

"This was designed by Broken Sword. That guy seems aloof on the surface, but he's actually a repressed pervert. When he was around, I even saw him go to the 'wine pool and meat forest'!"

Shi Wen rolled his eyes. Clearly, when Can Jian was around, he had been severely suppressed.

"What kind of place is 'wine pool and meat forest'? How is it any different from these internal organs?"

Wang Chao was puzzled. Could he be a wine seller? In the state of Wei, he had taught the distillation and purification method because he had no money for wine. He hadn't drunk any wine in a long time.

"I drink alcohol, and other things too."

Shi Wen smiled in a lewd way, and Wang Chao understood immediately; men only ever talk about a few things.

The three of them chose a corner spot, with walls on two sides and a window on one of them.

As expected of someone with a background in assassins, this position is very strategic. There aren't many areas to observe, and the entire shop is within sight.

From the side window, one can observe the activities outside the shop, and it also facilitates evacuation in case of any unexpected events.

This seat also avoids the front desk, a prominent and isolated location, making it less likely to attract attention.

It can be said that the seemingly random choice of seat contains a great secret.

"Brother Chao, do you know why you chose this seat?"

Shi Wen feigned profundity, and Wang Chao assumed he was trying to show off his experience as a retired assassin, so he didn't expose him.

"Oh? Could it be that there's some other reasoning behind it?"

Wang Chao also wanted to hear it; he wanted to see how much it differed from his own predictions.

"Tonight, Lady Liu Mei, known for her lavish lifestyle, will be passing through here. She parades through the streets every three months, so you're lucky to be here today!"

Shi Wen squinted his eyes, looking quite intoxicated. Clearly, that Lady Liu Mei was a bewitching beauty.

Wang Chao's forehead was covered in black lines; it seemed he had been overthinking things.