After a brief display of its power, the Fish-Transformed Dragon had all the Kobolds too scared to make a move.

The same went for the Horned Wood Knot Monsters.

They just stood their ground quietly, watching as Wang Yi and his Brocade Guard entered the dilapidated building.

The interior of the dilapidated building was a wreck. Rubble from collapsed sections was piled high, leaving only a single clear path. Wang Yi led his men along the passage for about a hundred meters, where they discovered a staircase leading underground.

The moment he stepped onto the staircase, Wang Yi received a system notification: "Ding! Congratulations, you have discovered an ancient ruin, Building No. C61. Designation: Armory. Danger Level: Average. Exploration Value: Average. Please explore with caution."

’It really is a C-class ruin, but...’

Wang Yi looked at the empty and desolate passage ahead, his brow gradually furrowing.

’Something’s wrong with this place. And something’s wrong with that group outside, too.’

’Nothing about this feels right.’

’The Sufferers demanded fifty Soldiers, and that woman agreed without hesitation. Does she really believe those Sufferers keep their word? And the Sufferers themselves—wouldn’t it be more satisfying to just kill all those Kobolds? First, they told me it was none of my business and to get lost. Then, when I was about to leave, they insisted I leave fifty Soldiers behind for them to slaughter...’

’This has to be a setup. Are they putting on a show for me? But it’s full of holes. If I’m not mistaken, the inside of this ruin must have been tampered with as well. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be this quiet...’

Wang Yi had the Jade Jiaolong stop and commanded, "Everyone, halt!"

The Brocade Guard immediately halted. Hai Zhongxian, reading his master’s expression, bowed and asked, "Master, what are your orders?"

"This is a perfect job for you, Factory Director. Go take a look outside. If those groups aren’t at each other’s throats, then... dissolve them all."

Wang Yi spoke nonchalantly. He had seen Hai Zhongxian’s methods before—the Bone-Softening Palm, a technique terrifying enough to make gods and ghosts weep. The "softening" part was a misnomer; it was more like "incinerating." There was nothing subtle about it; the technique was savage and overwhelming.

"Yes, Master!"

Hai Zhongxian acknowledged the order and retreated with a bow, taking small, quick steps.

Wang Yi then commanded, "There may be a trap ahead. Everyone, draw your swords and sabers. Stay alert and advance with caution!"

"Yes, sir!"

The Brocade Guard answered in unison. They raised their swords and sabers, forming a protective circle around Wang Yi and Watermelon as they cautiously pushed forward.

Soon, as they passed an intersection in the corridor, a dark shadow lunged out at them.

Wang Yi got a good look and saw that it was a Horned Wood Knot Monster. It didn’t seem to be controlled by a Sufferer, however; its face was blank, its eyes cold and indifferent.

Immediately after, six more Horned Wood Knot Monsters emerged from a side passage and, without a second thought, charged straight for Wang Yi’s group.

The Fish-Transformed Dragon snorted. With a lift of its palm, the seven Wood Knot Monsters were instantly seized by an unseen force, as if grabbed by a giant hand, and slowly lifted into the air.

The Feng Yuxiu immediately swarmed forward, slashing wildly. Amid a flurry of blades, blood spattered everywhere.

Under the sharp swords and sabers, the Wood Knot Monsters were quickly reduced to bloody sacks. The Fish-Transformed Dragon lowered its palm, and their bodies fell to the ground with a series of heavy thuds, all of them slaughtered.

"It’s a shame I didn’t bring a pot. I wonder if this Wood Knot Monster meat can be used for Alchemy," Wang Yi mused, shaking his head. He then commanded, "Everyone, keep moving!"

The Brocade Guard re-formed their defensive formation and slowly continued their advance.

Before long, Hai Zhongxian returned. He bowed before Wang Yi and reported, "Master, by the time I got outside, they were already gone. I searched the area and killed just over twenty Kobolds. Based on their tracks, they seemed to be heading for the Fire Dragon Vehicle outside the city. Furthermore, I discovered large numbers of Minotaurs converging on this location, so I rushed back to report!"

"In that case, Sea Governor, return at once and defend the Fire Dragon Vehicle. Ensure it remains secure, without fail. If you encounter that woman in the pointed hat again... kill her."

Wang Yi’s eyes turned cold as he issued the command.

After watching Hai Zhongxian depart on a Jade Jiaolong, Wang Yi’s brow furrowed as he fell back into thought.

’I don’t have much information, but I can already draw a conclusion. That Li Bolili is one cunning bitch, teaming up with the Sufferers to plot against me...’

His mind raced.

’They must have been targeting me for a while, perhaps with some advanced reconnaissance methods. That would mean this ruin is likely just an empty box. Are Li Bolili and those Sufferers trying to attack my little train while I’m away? If so, I’m afraid they’ve made a serious miscalculation... ’

’The little train’s defenses aren’t weak. I even have an Assassin, Old Mo, hiding in the shadows. With Hai Zhongxian returning, it’ll be completely secure.’

’As for me, I need to pick up the pace. Li Bolili likely has a two-pronged plan: attack the little train, and at the same time, lure a horde of Wood Knot Monsters to surround and kill me here.’

What Hai Zhongxian said about the large number of Wood Knot Monsters gathering here seems to confirm it.

With this in mind, Wang Yi pointed ahead and ordered, "Scout this area quickly, then we’re returning outside the city!"

The rest of their exploration was unimpeded. They met no resistance, but they also found nothing of value. It was just as Wang Yi had predicted—the place was an empty box, already picked clean and stripped of all supplies.

However, in a room in the deepest part of the ruins, Wang Yi did find a Treasure Chest with its lid wide open. Inside was a note and a Green Blind Box.

Wang Yi picked up the note. A few lines were scrawled across it.

"By the time you’re reading this, I’ve probably already started ransacking your train. Please don’t take it personally. As a token of my apology, I’ve left you a Green Blind Box—consider it generous compensation! My friend, if you manage to break through the Wood Knot Monster army’s siege, then you’re welcome to come and find me for revenge. I am the great Giant Dragon Lord, Li Bolili!"