Holy Tides City. It was a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, celebrated as the bustling hub of commerce within the Pale Moon country. It held a notable position as one of the key northern hubs in the Azure Water Federation. Its pleasant oceanic climate, captivating vistas, extensive coastline, and exceptional deep-water harbors granted it the status of a favored destination. Each passing year, numerous medium to large cargo ships arrived or departed, numbering in the thousands. This dynamic trading activity, coupled with its comfortable living environment, drew millions to settle in this vibrant region.
To the south of Holy Tides lay a small bay. Here, a venerable and splendid private estate known as White Sands Manor nestled. As one of the four prominent family clans, it housed the headquarters of the merfolk White Sands Clan within the city. The manor showcased an opulent castle, pristine sandy beaches, a family-exclusive harbor, and a plethora of facilities that conjured the ambiance of ten interconnected, luxurious vacation resorts.
Within the halls of the manor's castle, Shui Yao gazed out over the departing family merchant ships. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. These ships bore cargo laden with elixirs and various materials procured through dealings with the Dark Dragon Chamber of Commerce, along with other essential supplies. Soon, these wares would find their way to pharmacies across the cities, rescuing her family business from collapsing just in time.
However, this marked only the initial steps. The elixirs supplied by the Dark Dragon boasted quality far exceeding the market average, while their procurement costs remained notably lower. With the Dark Dragon merchant guild as a steadfast supplier and the covert support of the Chaos Federation, the White Sands was poised not only to weather the storm but to thrive more robustly than ever.
The Chaos Federation had been established just a few days prior. A complex integration of diverse production chains and supply resources was underway, pointing toward the limitless potential that lay ahead. With this favorable opportunity at hand, the White Sands Clan was destined to rise and flourish anew.
"Clan Leader!" a middle-aged merman of dignified demeanor approached and said, "There are a few individuals outside who wish to see you."
Shui Yao immediately became cautious, asking, "Have they identified themselves and explained their purpose?"
In Holy Tides City, various factions harbored lingering hostilities. After undergoing several dangers and plots, Shui Yao had become exceedingly cautious. She didn't even fully trust those around her.
"He introduced himself as Mr. Long from the Dark Dragon Chamber of Commerce."
"What? Mr. Long!"
Shui Yao sat up abruptly, exclaiming, "Quickly, bring him in!"
Five minutes later, four figures entered the room. Shui Yao could not help but be suspicious. Among these four, three were human women. Leading the group was a woman of around twenty-four or twenty-five, with cascading black hair, flawless skin, a perfect figure, and a captivating appearance. Yet, she exuded an aura of strength that left a profound impression. The other two were equally intriguing---one was alluring and enchanting, while the other was icy and cold, possessing an aura that was no weaker than the first woman's.
Apart from the three women, there was an unusual individual. This figure was dressed in a thick black cloak, wearing a deeply shadowed hood that concealed their entire form, rendering them inscrutable. Their imposing stature set them apart from the rest. Compared to the others, this individual was remarkably tall, standing at over two meters. However, this build lacked the typical proportions of a draconian. Shui Yao had encountered the Demon King before. The Demon King was not only taller than the average draconians but also possessed a set of imposing dragon wings. This contrasted starkly with the individual before her.
Could this be an imposter? No.
Only the Demon King and high-ranking members of the Dark Dragon merchant guild knew of the title "Mr. Long". Could it be that individuals from the guild were borrowing the name of Mr. Long?
The mysterious figure in the hooded cloak emitted a voice, saying, "Stop being overly suspecting, it's me." It was not anyone else. It was indeed the true Demon King.
"I took down a formidable adventurer a few days ago, and this magical cloak was among his belongings. It has the ability to alter one's appearance and conceal their aura."
After Zhang Nu killed Yan Qianjun, he inherited a vast collection of legacies from within the Heart of Space ring. Given the possessions of a legendary adventurer, having such a specially functional magical cloak was not particularly strange. Although it was not an epic equipment, it was still a high-quality purple grade equipment. Once Zhang Nu put it on, he could hide his aura and disguise his burly physique. While his essence remained unchanged, the cloak could effectively mislead and confuse others. Even if someone saw his current appearance, they would likely mistake him for a lizard-like species, at best. They would not associate him with the Great Demon King of the Darkness City. With this item, the Demon King could occasionally go on incognito visits.
"Is it really you, Mr. Long? Why did you come in person?" Shui Yao asked, surprised.
Zhang Nu introduced, "I came to have a casual look around and arrange some tasks. This is Han Kexin. You've probably met before."
"Han Kexin, the Queen!"
"How did you turn into a human?"
Han Kexin smiled faintly, "My race excels not only in mental manipulation but also in shape-shifting. These are my two subordinates, Han Qiuyue and Han Dongxue."
Han Qiuyue was the alluring one, while Han Dongxue exuded a cold and elegant aura. These two individuals were not players, they were members of the Demon King's retinue. Han Qiuyue was a Succubus Archmage, a Level 4 overlord unit. Han Dongxue was a Succubus Grand Marshal, also a Level 4 overlord. These two were the most cherished and significant subordinates of the Succubus Queen. Their status was likely equivalent to Zhang San and Li Si under the Great Demon King.
The Succubus Queen had a sense of style and artistic taste. Qiuyue (Autumn Moon) and Dongxue (Winter Snow)---what excellent names. Unlike someone whose subordinates were all named Zhang San, Li Si, Wang Er, Zhao Wu or Da Chui... names that sounded like extras and lacked any sense of style. Qiuyue and Dongxue, both succubi, had the potential to be promoted to monarchs. However, the Succubus Queen currently lacked the necessary funds and resources for their upgrades.
The simultaneous arrival of two formidable Demon Kings in Holy Tides City left Shui Yao somewhat taken aback.
"Why have Mr. Long and Her Majesty the Queen come in person? Do they have any instructions or plans?" she inquired, a mixture of surprise and honor in her voice.
The simultaneous arrival of two formidable Demon Kings in Holy Tides City left Shui Yao somewhat taken aback.
"Why have Mr. Dragon and Her Majesty come in person? Do they have any instructions or plans?" she inquired, a mixture of surprise and honor in her voice.
Han Kexin was about to reveal her plans to Shui Yao, but Zhang Nu interrupted, saying, "Hold on a moment."
A quizzical expression graced Han Kexin's eyebrows. "Is there another rat?"
Zhang Nu's brow furrowed as a vertical eye opened on his forehead. The middle-aged merman standing next to Shui Yao emitted a brief, horrified scream. The next moment, his body shattered into countless pieces, dissolving completely into the air. From head to toe, from weapons to armor, not a single trace remained.
What just happened? What kind of ability was this? Both Han Kexin and Shui Yao were filled with shock. A fully alive person had been erased in an instant, as if they had never existed, evaporating entirely from this world.
[You've slain a Level 4 Hero. Hero's soul +1!]
Zhang Nu had only used a tenth of the power of his Death Stare and had effortlessly dispatched this highly skilled merman. Such strength and ability were truly chilling.
Shui Yao, puzzled, said, "This was the guard captain I recently appointed..."
Han Kexin explained, "This place, from top to bottom, is filled with members of the Heroes Guild. The one who was just eliminated was also a Hero."
Hearing this, Shui Yao's face turned pale. She did not doubt this statement, as there was no need for the two Demon Kings to deceive her. However, the guard captain had been promoted from the White Sands Clan's ancestral land by her father over a decade ago. He had remained fiercely loyal to the family all these years.
She had not anticipated that he was also a Hero. Once someone became a Hero, although their memory and ability retained, they gained tremendous potential for growth. However, their temperament would undergo a drastic transformation, making them seem like an entirely different person. This Hero had hidden himself so deeply, never exposing his true nature from beginning to end. Shui Yao had even promoted him to her side without the slightest inkling. Were it not for the Demon King's keen insight, her life would have been in imminent peril, unbeknownst to her.
Zhang Nu assured, "You need not worry. I will meticulously sweep through both the estate and its surroundings, eradicating every single rat."
Quick to express her gratitude, Shui Yao responded, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhang Nu then elaborated, "As for my purpose in coming here personally, it's quite simple. I want to establish a collaboration between the White Sands Clan and the Succubus Queen."
Han Kexin nodded, affirming, "I will help you seek revenge and assist the White Sands Clan in seizing control of Holy Tides City."
Shui Yao was caught between surprise and joy. "But how can we achieve that? The major families and factions hold significant power, and their relationships and influences are intertwined."
"No worries," Han Kexin reassured with a smile. "Our expertise lies in infiltration, confusion, and sowing discord. We'll make them turn against each other, engaging in constant internal strife and infighting, effectively eroding them from within."
While Han Kexin might not possess the same might as Zhang Nu, she still governed a city. Despite her singular city compared to Zhang Nu's sprawling Darkness City with its hundreds of thousands, in terms of both population and overall strength, she surpassed the larger cities within the Chaos Forest by a considerable margin.
In terms of the number of Heroes alone, there were more than a few thousands in Gloom City. Han Kexin's success in conquering Gloom City was not solely due to her personal strength but rather the manipulation, enchantment, and control exerted by her succubus subordinates. She instigated infighting among Gloom City's various factions, causing internal conflicts, perpetual battles, and ultimately a significant decline in overall strength. She then seized the moment to take control from within.
If such a feat was achievable in Gloom City, it was likewise feasible for Holy Tides City. Han Kexin's plan was direct. She aimed to kindle conflicts among the factions and foment suspicion and rivalry among the Heroes Guilds. The goal was to sow division and then escalate internal strife and combat. This approach would lead to rapid internal disintegration. Throughout this process, Han Kexin would continuously send reinforcements to bolster the White Sands Clan's influence, ultimately gaining gradual control over pivotal positions within Holy Tides City. Such a nuanced task was well within Han Kexin's unique capabilities. While Zhang Nu's power was considerable, his expertise lay more in direct conquest rather than indirect manipulation.
Han Kexin's objectives were clear. Once she helped the Darkness City gain control over Holy Tides City, Gloom City could also capitalize on the sale of resources from the underworld. The underworld held many rare materials not commonly found on the surface, allowing Han Kexin to amass substantial profits. This strategy held minimal drawbacks for Zhang Nu. The collaboration between the two Demon Kings was purely strategic, with each party reaping their respective benefits.
Zhang Nu stated, "Starting today, both Darkness City and Gloom City will provide you with assistance. Your mission is to aid me in gaining control over Holy Tides City."
Shui Yao's spirits were invigorated, and she responded with determination, "Understood!"
She was not inherently driven by ambition, but the weight of a deep-seated vendetta and the responsibility of leading her family clan compelled her to act. This endeavor would enable her to seek vengeance for her loved ones and fulfill her duty as the clan leader, all while improving the lives of her White Sands Clan.
"Then we entrust this to you," Zhang Nu said, casting a glance at Han Kexin's two subordinates.
Han Qiuyue and Han Dongxue promptly assured, "Rest assured, illustrious Lord of the Darkness City. We will not fail your expectations or those of our master's."
With the task delegated and the issue of the rats at the White Sands Manor addressed, Zhang Nu's purpose for this visit was achieved. "It's time for us to return."
Han Kexin playfully looked at him and proposed, "I rarely get the chance to venture out. Since you're not particularly busy these days, why not accompany me for a stroll in the city?"
Hearing this, Zhang Nu hesitated. He was indeed relatively free at the moment. All matters were being handled by his subordinates, and he merely needed to await their reports. After all, he had dispatched assistance to Shui Yao and set the plan in motion. Come to think of it, he had been in this world for quite some time, yet he had never visited a city in the civilized world. The Azure Water Federation was a thriving empire and a significant force of civilization, distinct from the Chaos Forest. The cities here were likely quite different. Zhang Nu was also intrigued to learn more about this world.
"Alright then, since you insist," he conceded, "I mustn't neglect the role of a gracious host. Holy Tides City is vast. Where would you like to go?"
Han Kexin excitedly exclaimed, "Is there even a need to ask? Of course, we're going to the market! Who knows, we might find many treasures!"
For women, it seemed the instinct of shopping was indeed inherent. Yet, Han Kexin's point was valid. Among various places to explore, the market was certainly the most enticing."
