CHAPTER 328: CHAPTER 181: HIDDEN KILLING INTENT

The Golden Wind Empire, located in the western part of the Soul Energy Continent, is a nation renowned for its prosperity and strength. The people here are open-minded, the economy is booming, and the military power is astounding. Many foreign merchants come here, seeking business opportunities, and join hands with local traders to create a prosperous future together. Countless outsiders are also drawn to this fertile land’s development potential, hoping to find their foothold here.

As the flow of people and goods increases rapidly, the Golden Wind Empire boasts a wide variety of professions, while businesses and entertainment venues spring up like mushrooms after a rain. The streets here are bustling with pedestrians, and the shouts of street vendors rise and fall, creating a lively market scene.

After several hours of carriage travel, Luo Chen and Thunderstorm finally arrived at Nadas City in the Golden Wind Empire. As the third largest city in the Golden Wind Empire, Nadas City ranks only below the capital Muni City and Han Gao City. More importantly, it is the nearest major city leading to the eastern part of the continent, serving as a transportation hub.

As the carriage slowly approached Nadas City, Luo Chen’s gaze was firmly drawn to the towering and majestic city walls. The wall, entirely built of sturdy granite, stood towering like an unbreakable barrier, silently guarding the peace inside the city. The height of the wall was about thirty to forty meters, imposing enough to inspire awe. Atop the wall, a troop of fully armed archer guards stood ready, their eagle-like eyes prepared to fend off any invading enemy at a moment’s notice.

Luo Chen could imagine, when enemies attack, these archers would unleash a rain of arrows from high above, with enough downward force to pierce any common defense. Such military arrangements undoubtedly added an extra layer of security to Nadas City.

Under the city gate, a troop of lightly armored cavalry patrolled back and forth. Their faces, weathered by years of exposure to the elements, appeared resolute and steadfast, exuding a unique soldier’s aura. Their steadfast gaze and upright posture involuntarily drew terrified looks from passersby.

Just as Luo Chen was immersed in admiration for Nadas City’s military power, the guards at the gate suddenly shouted irritably at some passersby, "What are you looking at? Open your bundles for inspection!" This angry yell pulled Luo Chen back to the present.

He turned to look at Thunderstorm next to him and found that the formidable man remained expressionless, seemingly oblivious to the imposing gatekeepers. Luo Chen wondered to himself if only someone of Thunderstorm’s caliber had the right to disregard all forms of power. He felt his own insignificance and powerlessness, but at the same time, he was filled with expectation and yearning for the future. He hoped that one day, he too could stand strong and confident in this world like Thunderstorm.

As the crowd gradually moved forward, Luo Chen and Thunderstorm also reached the gate. The guards thoroughly inspected every person entering the city, not overlooking any potential suspicious signs. Although Luo Chen felt somewhat nervous, he understood that it was for the city’s safety. He waited quietly for his turn, observing everything around him in secret.

Finally, it was their turn. The guards carefully checked their luggage and identification before signaling them to pass. Luo Chen let out a sigh of relief and, together with Thunderstorm, entered the prosperous and opportunity-filled Nadas City. He knew their adventure had just begun, and ahead awaited even more challenges and opportunities.

But just as Luo Chen and Thunderstorm were about to pass through the city gate inspection, a hurried voice suddenly called from behind, "Hey, handsome guy in front, wait for me!" The sudden voice sent a shiver through Luo Chen. He looked back to see a young man running towards them with a somewhat sly yet expectant smile on his face.

If this voice had come from a girl, Luo Chen might have felt a bit surprised, but it belonged to a guy—a rather handsome one at that, but with an indescribably sly expression. This made Luo Chen frown slightly, feeling a bit displeased.

The young man rushed to Luo Chen’s side and familiarly grabbed his arm, as if they were old friends who hadn’t seen each other for years. Luo Chen felt a wave of awkwardness and discontent; he tried to free himself from the young man’s grip and asked, "What are you doing?"

The young man seemed oblivious to Luo Chen’s displeasure and continued trying to get friendly: "Hey, handsome guy, seeing that we are all good-looking, why don’t you let me travel with you?" As he spoke, he looked at Luo Chen with a pleading expression, as if he was afraid of being rejected.

Thunderstorm, standing aside, cast a cold eye at the young man, the murderous glare causing many passersby to shiver. However, the young man seemed completely unaware and continued chatting to himself, making one marvel at his thick-skinned nature.

Feeling creeped out by this odd young man, Luo Chen only wanted to enter the city quickly. Yet, he wasn’t someone who could speak harshly. Hence, he attempted to reject him gently, "I don’t seem to know you, so please don’t hold onto me..."

The young man, however, did not let go after hearing this; instead, he chuckled bashfully and said, "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Du Ziteng, and I’m also from the eastern Auslan Empire. We could be considered fellow countrymen, so now you should know who I am, right?"

Luo Chen’s mouth twitched at these words. He couldn’t believe this young man’s name was so unique. Initially, the guards standing aside burst into laughter upon hearing this, laughing so hard they bent over backward, "Hahaha, Du Ziteng? Where did this guy come from, coming here specifically for comedy, huh!"