Chapter 118: Heavenly Gate Pass

“Reporting to the Hall Master! According to the intelligence personnel’s feedback, the Second-in-Command and the entire Black Tiger Squad have all gone missing. It has been several days without any contact from the Second-in-Command!” At that moment, in a secluded courtyard within the imperial city, a subordinate was reporting to the fierce Tiger Hall Master.

The Hall Master frowned deeply. “A few days ago, wasn’t the Second-in-Command said to be guarding Wu Tian outside the Dark Swamp? How could all contact suddenly be lost?”

“That day, the Second-in-Command pursued Wu Tian, driving him and his group into the Dark Swamp. Afterwards, the Second-in-Command waited outside the swamp for several days. Then, suddenly, one day, all contact was lost. Our men searched the surrounding area and found only signs of a fight—no trace of anyone. Not even a body.”

The Hall Master’s brow furrowed even more. “Could it be that Wu Tian and his group wiped them out? But the Second-in-Command has the cultivation level of a Tier One Martial King, and the Black Tiger Squad members are all above Tier Five Martial Spirit. Wu Tian is merely a disciple from the Qitian Sect branch in Pingyang City. How could he possibly possess such overwhelming strength? Something about this doesn’t add up. Gather the others immediately and search the area for any sign of the Second-in-Command!”

“Yes, Hall Master! There’s one more thing: while the Second-in-Command has lost contact, Wu Tian and his group are heading toward the imperial city.”

“That brat Wu Tian is still alive?! How is that possible?” The Hall Master’s eyes widened in disbelief. “The Second-in-Command is missing, and Wu Tian is still alive? Could it be that the Second-in-Command has... No! Absolutely impossible! Find the Second-in-Command at once. Immediately!”

“As you command!”

...

After emerging from the Dark Swamp, Wu Tian and his group traveled northeast. With the aid of the Gale Wolf, their pace was swift, covering hundreds of miles in just a few days.

Wu Tian glanced at the map. Not far ahead was a large town. He said to the others, “We’ve been on the road for days, braving wind and rain, eating and sleeping outdoors. It’s time to rest properly in the town. Besides, the imperial city is only about a hundred miles away, we can reach it in a day or two.”

“Boss, you’re already nationally wanted by Xinye City. Isn’t it risky to enter a town so recklessly?” Niu Wuji asked with concern.

“It’s not a bounty issued by the royal family. The city guards in other towns won’t care,” Wu Tian replied indifferently.

“Maybe the city guards won’t care, but bounty hunters and mercenary groups will definitely be watching closely. Ten thousand taels of gold is no small sum for many mercenary groups,” Niu Wuji warned.

“Speaking of bounties, it just makes me angry. Ten thousand taels of gold—what an insult,” Wu Tian said furiously.

Niu Wuji was speechless. Knowing Wu Tian had already made up his mind to enter the town, there was no choice but to follow his leader.

After walking another ten miles, a sprawling town came into view.

“Holy hell! What a massive city! It’s several times larger than Xinye City. Boss, look at those city walls—tsk tsk... I bet even Martial Kings can’t fly over them!” Niu Wuji exclaimed in awe.

“This city is called ‘Tianmen Pass.’ It’s one of the key towns surrounding the imperial city, mainly tasked with its defense. The city is heavily guarded by countless experts. Anyone who commits crimes inside is quickly captured. Even bounty hunters and mercenaries dare not cause trouble here, so it’s relatively safe for you to enter,” Old Li explained as he looked at the city.

“Niu Wuji, you really know your stuff,” Niu Wuji said admiringly.

Old Li smiled faintly. “I’ve just been to a few more cities.”

“Old Li, is there a Mercenary Alliance office in Tianmen Pass?” Wu Tian asked eagerly.

“Such a city near the imperial city usually has a Mercenary Alliance base,” Old Li nodded.

“Good. Then let’s enter Tianmen Pass!”

They approached Tianmen Pass. As expected, the city was heavily guarded. Several miles outside the city, city guards were stationed, and everyone entering had to be inspected.

“Boss, they’re inspecting outside the city. Since you’re wanted nationwide by Xinye City, do you think you’ll get arrested?” Niu Wuji asked anxiously as they prepared for inspection.

“If worse comes to worst, I’ll just run. What’s there to be afraid of?” Wu Tian was determined to enter Tianmen Pass.

“Alright then,” Niu Wuji sighed.

“You all, report your names and state your purpose for entering Tianmen Pass,” the city guard asked as they were inspected.

“My name is Wu Tian, a disciple of the Qitian Sect. We’re just passing through and want to rest in the city,” Wu Tian smiled.

At that moment, Wu Tian felt several powerful auras scanning him and his group, clearly experts probing for information.

“Alright, you may enter. But a warning—do not cause trouble, or the consequences will be severe!” After a thorough check, the guards let them in.

Niu Wuji was stunned. “They just let us in so easily? Incredible.”

“Boss is only wanted in Xinye City, and the bounty is relatively low at ten thousand taels of gold. The Kuangwu Empire has criminals with bounties of hundreds of thousands or even millions still at large. The city guards don’t waste time on low-bounty criminals,” Li Tiedan reasoned.

“Compared to those big criminals, I’m just a small fry. The city guards don’t pay much attention to me,” Wu Tian shrugged, amused yet irritated.

“No matter what, getting into Tianmen Pass is a good thing,” Xiao Hui said with a grin.

After passing several more checkpoints, they fully entered Tianmen Pass. True to its reputation as a large city, the bustling streets that greeted them were lined with countless people—commoners, adventurers, mercenaries—of every kind.

“Hoo! After eating beast meat for days, I’m sick of it. First things first, let’s find an inn and have a good meal!” Seeing the lively streets, Wu Tian’s stomach rumbled. He was starved of regular food after days of eating monster meat and was eager to enjoy a proper meal.

After savoring a sumptuous feast and resting briefly, Wu Tian and his group headed to the Mercenary Alliance base in the town. Located in a bustling district, the base was a large multi-storied building with grand doors through which many came and went.

Inside was a grand hall with numerous tables and chairs for resting. Around the edges were bar-like counters where many Mercenary Alliance staff busily attended to matters.

“Boss, what are we doing at the Mercenary Alliance base?” Niu Wuji couldn’t help but ask upon entering.

“Two reasons: one, to inquire about the Tiger Hall’s assassination mission on me; and two... to form our own mercenary group!” Wu Tian declared.