In the distance, two lights suddenly appeared in the black fog, resembling the eyes of a night cat in the darkness, glowing a ghostly green.

"Such a treasure, I've encountered it!" Came a voice from within the impenetrable black fog, the speaker's gaze fixated on the pendant around Xiao Tian's neck, eyes filled with tangible greed and desire.

"However, let's first check on the one who boasted arrogantly, only to lose so miserably in the end!" With the words spoken, the black fog slowly began to move into the distance.

His tone, however, seemed as if he had foreseen this outcome long ago, without a trace of surprise.

...

At night, the crowd gathered together, faces unable to hide their excitement, clearly joyous over Xiao Tian's great victory during the day.

At that moment, after disappearing for an entire afternoon, Xiao Tian finally arrived late, his expression lacking the joy of victory but showing no signs of worry either.

Scanning the surroundings, Xiao Tian immediately noticed that within just an afternoon, over a dozen experts had gathered here, all familiar faces, precisely those "clients" he had once recruited while impersonating the rapist.

Upon Xiao Tian's sudden appearance, those experts who occasionally cast glances quickly averted their eyes, fearing Xiao Tian would notice them, while cursing Isaac, that damned dwarf.

If it weren't for him instigating, claiming that working together could surely defeat Xiao Tian, these people wouldn't have taken such risks with him.

However, upon arrival, they discovered everyone's heartfelt fear towards Xiao Tian and his group, and after some inquiries, they learned that Xiao Tian had actually defeated Thunder King Salon, a high-ranking member of the Water Drop Organization.

This news instantly dispelled the last glimmer of hope among the experts, with some immediately considering retreat, yet Isaac's persuasion caused hesitation to take root.

According to their calculations, if Xiao Tian didn't appear by midnight, they'd launch a surprise attack on Ghost Face and others, thereby doubling the compensation for their losses by using them as leverage.

However, with Xiao Tian's sudden appearance, all plans had to be abandoned, hoping he wouldn't cause trouble.

In a silent exchange of glances, everyone decided that if Xiao Tian came knocking, they'd promptly push Isaac forward, blaming him entirely, including the matter of hiring assassins earlier.

...

Xiao Tian's calm demeanor instantly silenced Daoist Lei Tong's prepared congratulatory words, forcing him to awkwardly change the subject: "That Thunder King Salon won't come back, will he?"

"He will!" Xiao Tian affirmed: "And when he returns, it won't be as simple as before!"

His words caused everyone's expression to turn somber, although they hadn't ruled out this possibility, having Xiao Tian personally confirm it dispelled the last bit of hope.

No one doubted Xiao Tian's judgment would be wrong, because if there's anyone in the world who understood the Water Drop Organization besides the organization itself, it would undoubtedly be Xiao Tian, their number one enemy!

Observing the shifting expressions of Daoist Lei Tong and the equally gloomy Celestial Punishment Daoist, Xiao Tian gently said: "So prepare yourselves."

"But rest assured, as long as you don't stab us in the back, I guarantee your absolute safety!"

Xiao Tian immediately noticed Celestial Punishment Daoist's concern about being used as cannon fodder, offering assurance: "Actually, you don't have to fight hard, if you can't win, you can escape." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"You don't even need to participate!"

Xiao Tian displayed a nonchalant attitude: "I won't force any of you into anything, as long as you don't act against us, whether you help or not is up to you!"

Seeing Xiao Tian not like he was lying, Celestial Punishment Daoist felt embarrassed, unable to avoid recalling how they couldn't even intervene in Xiao Tian's battle against Thunder King Salon.

Although they discussed some strategies during that time, all were useless fantasies, uncertain if they could even affect Thunder King Salon.

"Rest assured, even if we brothers can't assist you, we certainly won't cause trouble!" Master Lei assuredly stated: "Next, we'll adapt to circumstances."

Xiao Tian nodded, making use of every moment to accelerate his True Qi recovery, even stabilizing his injuries merely, focusing wholeheartedly on restoring some strength.

Because the Five Elements Crystal's fluctuations were becoming increasingly intense, it seemed ready to emerge from somewhere anytime, and when that happens, it won't be as simple as one-on-one combat with various forces converging!

As they spoke, everyone also began adjusting their states, the current situation left no room for negligence.

Among any casually chosen group of ten, one could find an expert stronger than oneself, surrounded by formidable adversaries, gaining an edge could prove decisive.

Even if not for Xiao Tian, for personal safety, one could not afford to be careless!

——

"Hahahahaha!" Thunderous laughter echoed from within the black fog, making Thunder King Salon's face flush with hot embarrassment, as if being repeatedly hit.

The intense pain emanating from his chest felt like his ribs had shattered into pieces, yet Thunder King Salon forced himself not to let out even a groan, but couldn't suppress the twitching on his face.

"Is this what you call victory?!" The mocking voice continued: "Defeated by an underling, by a weakling not qualified to challenge you. How do you feel?"

"Humph!" Thunder King Salon argued defiantly: "It's merely a lion's momentary nap, I'll show you what a true expert is!"

"I look forward to it!" The swirling black fog motion, however, showed no hint of anticipation, devoid of any emotion.

"Is mocking others the only thing you know how to do?"

Thunder King Salon retorted angrily: "If you have the guts, go face the Hunter, I doubt you'll be here taunting me with reason then!"

"Heh, where did you hear my sarcasm?" The voice from within the black fog said: "You were the one full of confidence before, now you are the one severely injured and fleeing, from start to finish all because of your own assumptions!"

"A mere Hunter doesn't concern me, but he does interest me!" The cold voice echoed in Thunder King Salon's ears.

Thunder King Salon chuckled softly: "Don't forget, Hunter's ranking is higher than yours..."

Before he could finish, he was interrupted.

"Rankings don't equate to strength, that's something you know better than I do! Besides, good luck next time, if you end up like this again, don't complain about being mocked!"

The voice faded into the distance, disappearing with the black fog, leaving Thunder King Salon standing in place, seething with rage.

Hunter, let's see if you can pull off another comeback this time?!