Chapter 53: The Old City Lord

“Brave sir, I truly must thank you for this. All this time, I’ve been focusing my attention on the scions of those great families, and neglected the matters within my own walls.”

After the prison cart had been withdrawn, the old city lord bowed deeply to Bai Feiyu, expressing his gratitude.

“You’re too kind, City Lord. I simply happened to pass by and couldn’t stand by in silence,” Bai Feiyu replied with a light laugh.

In truth, Bai Feiyu was somewhat dissatisfied with being called “brave sir.” Damn it, I’m just a young sapling, barely showing my first leaves, hardly the image of a seasoned warrior. What’s with calling me ‘brave sir’?

But the old city lord failed to notice Bai Feiyu’s displeasure and instead made a welcoming gesture. “Brave sir, would you do me the honor of coming to my residence for a discussion?”

Seeing the invitation, Bai Feiyu readily agreed. After all, this city was the closest settlement to the Toba Ruins; perhaps he could glean some useful information.

“My name is Bai Feiyu, a disciple of the Sect of the Returning Void,” Bai Feiyu added as they walked.

Once inside the city lord’s residence, Bai Feiyu and the city lord took their seats, while several servants brought in tea.

“A disciple of the Sect of the Returning Void? That makes sense. The Toba Ruins are about to open, and it’s only natural that disciples from the great sects would arrive at this time,” the old city lord nodded, then continued, “But I confess, I have my worries. I wonder if the arrival of these disciples might spell trouble for the residents of our city.”

“Those disciples from the great sects are formidable, and I fear our little city would be hard-pressed to protect its people, should conflict arise.” With a deep sigh, the city lord expressed his concern.

Bai Feiyu smiled calmly. “You needn’t worry. The disciples who come from the great sects are all upstanding individuals. There won’t be any troublemakers among them. There’s no need for concern.”

Reassured by Bai Feiyu’s words, the old city lord relaxed. After all, he was the strongest in the city, yet only at the eighth rank of the Haoqi realm. If it truly came to a contest with those disciples, the outcome would hardly favor him.

“City Lord, might you tell me about the Toba Ruins?” Bai Feiyu asked. “I’ve been preoccupied with my cultivation and haven’t heard much about them. Now that the ruins are about to open, and I’ve had a falling out with my seniors, I feel awkward asking them.”

The city lord nodded. “It’s said that in ancient times, the Toba Ruins were once called Toba City, a place of dazzling splendor, renowned throughout the world.”

“No one knows quite why it fell, but there’s something you likely don’t know—and perhaps even your sect elders are unaware: the original inhabitants of Toba City... were not human.”

“Not human?” Bai Feiyu was taken aback. “Was it a city built by beastfolk?”

In this world, though humanity was weak, other races still had their place. Among the beastfolk, many powerful tribes had established their own domains, with intelligence rivaling that of humans—building a city was hardly surprising.

The city lord shook his head. “Not exactly. From what I’ve heard, passed down by word of mouth from the elders, the inhabitants were neither beasts nor humans, but another race—an offshoot of humanity, yet still different. They were a dark-skinned people, fierce and brutal by nature. Perhaps they angered the heavens, or perhaps they made a powerful enemy, and thus met their demise.”

“Still, the Toba Ruins hold many treasures. When you enter, young friend, be vigilant. That strange race excelled at formations and traps. Hidden dangers abound, so you must be careful.”

Hearing this, Bai Feiyu’s expression grew grave. If there were only lingering energies, he wouldn’t be worried—he could always pick up attributes from them. But formations were a different matter: a single misstep could mean death. With so many people coming this time, it seemed inevitable that some would perish inside. The competition among the sects would only make it more dangerous.

“But…” The city lord’s voice dropped conspiratorially. “There is, perhaps, a way. Long ago, one of our ancestors acquired a special compass.”

“It’s said that with this compass, one can avoid danger around the Toba Ruins. Moreover, it seems to point toward a certain direction within—though no one knows what lies there.”

“Young friend, if you wish, perhaps we can make an arrangement. Since your sect’s disciples have arrived first, you should shoulder the responsibility of protecting our people until this matter of the Toba Ruins is concluded.”

“If, by chance, disciples from other sects make trouble for our people, you must stand with us. When the ruins open, I shall naturally hand over the compass to your sect.”

With that, the city lord fixed his gaze upon Bai Feiyu.

Bai Feiyu was speechless. So that’s why the city lord had gone on about the dangers inside—it was all to set the stage for this request, to persuade them to protect the city.

It wasn’t an unreasonable demand. Bai Feiyu considered it; most disciples from the great sects were unlikely to bully the locals, and if any did, he could intervene. After all, in the ruins, having one less enemy could mean a better chance of survival.

With that in mind, Bai Feiyu said, “May I see the compass first? I must examine it myself to judge whether it’s truly as useful as you say.”

“But don’t worry—even if it turns out to be nothing special, I’ll do my utmost to assist you. I’m always eager to help where I can!”

Bai Feiyu thought to himself, This is the perfect opportunity—if anyone tries to bully the locals, I can step in, act righteously, and gain a good reputation while collecting attributes. It’s a win-win.

Even if the city lord hadn’t offered the compass, Bai Feiyu would have looked for opportunities to help out. The city lord’s proposal was perfectly timed.

Seeing Bai Feiyu’s assurance and recalling his earlier actions, the city lord trusted him completely. It was only because Bai Feiyu had displayed such uprightness and captured the corrupt constable that he was willing to share this secret. Otherwise, he would never have revealed such a thing.

The city lord then rose and went to another room to fetch the compass.