Chapter Thirty-Three: Whether to Fight or Not, Payment Comes First

Ten years ago, when the Ninety-Nine Mist Zones first appeared, there was a gas explosion at the World Trade Center, claiming fifty-nine lives.

Since then, it seemed as though this place had fallen under some curse. After a costly renovation, three workers from the construction company died. When the work was finally completed, perhaps due to shoddy building practices, an entire pane of glass fell, killing six passersby.

Because of this deadly incident, few dared to walk this road. Over time, especially after a new main road was built behind the World Trade Center, the area became even more deserted.

Lin Yi hadn’t expected the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation to take over the World Trade Center.

The building had eighteen floors. Folk tales claimed there were eighteen levels of the Underworld. The World Trade Center’s eighteen floors seemed to mirror this ominous number. Many believed that this was why so many had died here.

The original owner had intended to build a nineteenth floor, with a rooftop bar to make it nearly twenty stories high. But for reasons unknown, the owner died suddenly. The architects who designed the project also died in a series of mysterious car accidents. In the end, the building ended up with seventeen floors, and the small bar terrace counted as the eighteenth.

After the first owner died, his family sold the building. The second owner also met an untimely end. After several more changes of hands, the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation took over.

Lin Yi truly hadn’t expected the Bureau’s headquarters to be in the World Trade Center.

The taxi driver craned his neck to look at the building, face pale, and refused to drive up to the entrance. He told Lin Yi he could only stop here.

Next to the World Trade Center were several clothing shops. Lin Yi got out, went straight in, and bought himself a new set of clothes. This was like a job interview—you had to make a good impression. He bought a white T-shirt and formal black trousers. Standing there, he cut quite a dashing figure.

He also bought a pair of expensive black leather shoes. Dressed like this, the air of a strong man was unmistakable.

The shopkeeper’s wife’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him, and the more she compared him to her own husband, the more she cursed fate for not meeting Lin Yi sooner—she’d have made him her man.

Under her reluctant gaze, Lin Yi walked toward the exclusive path leading to the World Trade Center.

As he reached the main entrance, he saw more than a dozen people already gathered there.

But as he compared himself to them, Lin Yi realized he’d made a mistake with both his clothes and shoes—casual clothes and leather shoes were all wrong. This wasn’t a company interview; it was a test of strength, where only real ability mattered. He should have bought sneakers—and perhaps brought a weapon, or worn a proper martial arts uniform.

Among the group, both men and women were present, all quite young—some barely twelve or thirteen, still children. Yet each wore either martial arts attire or even full armor-like protective gear. All carried at least a small knife; some had swords at their waists or long iron spears in hand.

Lin Yi thought to himself that he should have brought his Tiger Demon Ghost Blade—but it was too conspicuous.

His arrival drew attention. Some sneered, others offered a sympathetic smile, and some merely glanced at him before looking away.

Each of the sixteen others looked formidable.

“Is this guy serious, showing up dressed like that?”

“Heh… Looks clueless. He must be lost. Wait, no—he doesn’t seem afraid of this place. Maybe he really is just ignorant!”

“No weapon? He’ll be eliminated in the first round!”

All around, there were mocking laughs.

Lin Yi, in his new outfit, was instantly pegged as a newbie—unprepared and probably weak.

A small boy, about twelve or thirteen, dressed in martial arts garb with matching boots and a mop of curly hair, walked up to him with a wide grin. “Hey, big brother, could you go easy on me in a bit?”

Lin Yi hadn’t replied when a powerfully built young woman—muscular as a bodybuilder—let out a laugh.

“Song Ziyang, little brother, you ask everyone to go easy on you. Who doesn’t know you’re an S-class prodigy and a top contender? You’re already B-rank, a real second-rate master! If we all went easy on you, who could pass the test? We all want to win first place, so maybe stop asking everyone for favors.”

Lin Yi thought the boy was just being friendly, but clearly this kid was cunning, teasing everyone with the same line.

He smiled at Song Ziyang. “Little brother, I’m aiming for first place myself, so I can’t go easy on you. We’ll be colleagues soon, and you’ve got plenty of time ahead of you. No need to rush.”

Just as he finished, Lin Yi felt a cold gaze on his back. He turned to see a young man with dyed blond hair approaching, wearing sunglasses and a suit of ancient silver armor, with a steel blade gleaming at his waist—striking quite a figure.

“I know you—you’re Lin Yi, the only one to test with F-class talent this time. If it weren’t for some master supporting you, you wouldn’t be where you are. With such poor potential, how far can you go? Your future is set, while ours is bright.”

“My name is Xu Lianyou. Lin Yi, I’m sure you know who I am and why I’m targeting you. Dare to duel after the test?”

Xu Lianyou stepped closer, removing his sunglasses and fixing Lin Yi with a direct stare. His face was unnaturally flushed, with a medicinal scent on his breath—clearly someone who relied on elixirs for strength.

He had the air of someone between B- and A-class. His words and actions made it clear: he was from the Xu family, targeting Lin Yi because of Xu Liuxiang.

Sensing his opponent’s level, Lin Yi’s eyes brightened.

“I’m up for it—but what’s in it for me? Why would I agree to let you beat me up for nothing?”

Lin Yi feigned nervousness.

Xu Lianyou laughed. “Fair enough. Let me give you a good beating, and I’ll pay you two million. If you, by some miracle, win—you get ten million. How about it?”

“What? Ten million? Damn, this Xu Lianyou is bold. He’s about a second-rate master, same as me. Maybe I should try my luck… Hey, Xu Lianyou, can you count me in too?”

“Two million would buy me a lot of elixirs and boost my strength by a whole stage! Ten million, just like that—he’s a real rich kid!”

Xu’s words set off a chain reaction—many of the others’ eyes lit up, even Song Ziyang started counting on his fingers.

They all joined in, eager for the chance—even a beating was worth two million, and winning meant ten! That was no small sum.

Xu Lianyou was taken aback; he hadn’t expected such a reaction.

Lin Yi continued to feign fear. Xu pressed his advantage, stepping forward, his presence like a gust of wind.

“Lin Yi, you coward! Are you going to embarrass An Miaoyi? Next time you see her, you’ll be ashamed to call yourself a man!”

“I… fine! I’ll take your bet. But the two million comes first!”

Lin Yi gritted his teeth, his neck stiff with bravado.

The others were momentarily stunned—this was a bold move, demanding payment up front.

Even Xu Lianyou was caught off guard. He clenched his fists, coldness in his eyes.

He sneered inwardly. When the time came, he’d show no mercy. If he didn’t cripple Lin Yi, he’d at least leave him broken. The two million was a small price to pay.

Lin Yi, seeing Xu’s feverish look, knew he’d taken the bait. Easy money shouldn’t be refused—the two million was insurance, in case Xu Lianyou tried to run after seeing Lin Yi’s true strength.

If Xu still wanted to fight after that, Lin Yi would oblige him, and claim the remaining eight million—no matter what, he couldn’t lose.

Soon, a furious Xu Lianyou transferred the two million. Lin Yi smiled as the money arrived, leaving Xu momentarily bewildered.