Chapter 49: Breaking Through the Black Market Interrogation

A cold wind, tinged with the stench of decay, howled through the narrow gaps of the street like an invisible beast growling low. The once bustling black market now seemed muted, as if silenced by an unseen hand. Only a few oil lamps swayed in the gusts, casting faint glimmers that barely pierced the surrounding gloom.

Their flickering light stretched twisted shadows across the ground, resembling clawed specters that deepened the eerie and oppressive atmosphere. The black market overseers, like dormant venomous snakes, wore dark uniforms that gleamed coldly under the dim light. The fierce black serpent emblem on their chests seemed almost alive, writhing within the shadows, sending chills down the spine.

Clutching inscribed weapons of various designs—some jagged like sawteeth, others shimmering with an eerie blue glow—they radiated a terrifying aura of power, each a testament to their extraordinary prowess. They stood motionless like statues forged from steel, their eyes sharp and piercing like hawks, scrutinizing every person who entered or exited as if trying to see through them.

Panyue’s heart felt as if gripped by an invisible giant hand, pounding fiercely. Instinctively, she clenched the short sword in her hand so tightly that her fingertips paled from the strain.

Liu Yong remained silent and reserved, merely narrowing his deep, penetrating eyes—like lenses of a precise instrument—carefully surveying their surroundings. His fingers twitched slightly at his sleeve’s edge, poised to activate some hidden mechanism at any moment.

Sun Yue’s playful smile vanished, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness. Alert like a panther, his body tensed slightly, eyes flickering over the overseers’ inscribed weapons, seeking any exploitable opportunity.

Chen Qiang gripped his shield firmly, his towering frame standing like a mountain, steadfastly shielding the others behind him. His resolute gaze, sharp as a drawn sword, exuded an indomitable spirit.

Wu Xia swiftly analyzed the situation in her mind, her eyes darting over the overseers as she tried to discern their weaknesses and the best escape route. Rare seriousness appeared on her usually graceful face.

Chu Feng’s gaze was like an icy blade in the dead of winter, locked tightly on the lead overseer. His hand slowly moved to the hilt of his sword at his waist, a powerful aura emanating from him like a slumbering beast on the brink of awakening.

Within his heart, a fierce struggle raged. To force their way through now would surely ignite a violent conflict, plunging the team into even greater peril. He had to make a choice—a decision that would determine the fate of the entire squad.

The lead overseer noticed Chu Feng’s reaction and curled a cruel smile at the corner of his mouth. Slowly raising his right hand, he signaled his subordinates to begin the inspection.

The black market overseers commenced their search, ruthlessly overturning goods on the stalls, discarding precious herbs carelessly onto the dirt, letting dust settle upon them. They looked down on every vendor with disdain, as if all were insignificant ants.

Tension and fear thickened the air; every breath was cautious, lest they draw the overseers’ attention. The team members clenched their anger silently, enduring the humiliation. They knew that in this ruthless world, resistance would only bring harsher treatment.

Chu Feng’s knuckles whitened as he gripped his sword’s hilt tightly, yet he maintained his composure.

Suddenly, Sun Yue clutched his stomach, writhing in pain. His face turned pale, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he curled into a ball, rolling on the ground.

“Ouch, my stomach... it hurts so much...” His agonized cries shattered the oppressive silence of the black market.

The overseers were caught off guard by this sudden turn. They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to proceed.

The lead overseer frowned impatiently, waving his hand. “What’s going on? Faking illness? Get him up!”

Two overseers stepped forward, grabbing Sun Yue roughly by the arms to pull him up. Yet Sun Yue only screamed louder, twisting as if in unbearable pain.

Meanwhile, Liu Yong, calm and silent, slipped some ordinary herbs—prepared long ago—into the package the overseers were inspecting. His movements were swift and discreet, unnoticed by anyone.

In the ensuing chaos, the overseers hastily completed their search, finding nothing suspicious. They impatiently dropped Sun Yue to the ground and turned to leave.

Watching their backs recede, Chu Feng exhaled quietly in relief. He glanced at Liu Yong, who merely nodded slightly, maintaining his silence.

Panyue stepped beside Chu Feng, gently entwining her arm with his. Her soft touch, like a vine, wrapped around his arm, warmth seeping through their clothes.

She looked up, her eyes clear and serene like a spring, filled with trust, fixed unwaveringly on Chu Feng’s face. There was no doubt or anxiety—only complete reliance.

Chu Feng felt that trust swell within him, awakening a fierce protectiveness, as if something tender gently struck his heart.

In this treacherous black market, Panyue’s trust was a ray of sunlight that dispersed the shadows in his mind, quietly kindling their mutual affection amid the tense atmosphere.

In contrast to Panyue’s warmth, Chen Qiang stood like an immovable iron tower before them all. He straightened his back like a sword drawn from its sheath, radiating a strong sense of oppression.

When a black market overseer approached Chen Qiang with a suspicious gaze, Chen Qiang did not flinch but met it with an even sharper stare.

His voice was deep and resonant, each word striking like a hammer: “What, you think I’m suspicious? I, Chen Qiang, act with honor and am never afraid of inspection!”

His tone carried a hint of provocation, more like a warning.

His muscles tensed, ready to unleash formidable strength at any moment.

Everyone nearby was astonished by Chen Qiang’s unyielding courage; they had never seen anyone dare to challenge the black market overseers so openly.

The air thickened with the scent of gunpowder, as if a fierce clash was about to erupt at any second.

Yet Chen Qiang’s upright demeanor left a deep impression on all present.

The lead overseer’s cold eyes swept over the group, seemingly weighing his options.

He waved his hand, signaling his men to withdraw, then said coldly, “Consider yourselves lucky.” With that, he turned and vanished deeper into the black market.

Everyone exhaled in relief as they watched the overseers disappear.

Chu Feng turned to his companions, about to speak.

“The overseers... they don’t seem to have gone far,” Wu Xia’s voice carried a hint of gravity. Her gaze fixed on the black market’s depths, where something felt amiss.

Panyue’s expression shifted slightly. She tightened her grip on her short sword and looked at Chu Feng again. This time, her eyes held not only trust but a subtle, barely perceptible worry.

Chu Feng sensed her concern and realized that the true danger was likely only just beginning.

“They... might be waiting for something,” Liu Yong broke the silence, his deep eyes sharp in the dim light.

He slowly raised his hand, pointing toward the black market’s depths—a silent signal heralding the coming storm.

Chu Feng and his group moved quietly with the crowd, gradually distancing themselves from the inspection point.

The tension eased, replaced by the relief of having survived.

Panyue linked her arm with Chu Feng’s, a smile of release gracing her face. She whispered, “Chu Feng, it’s thanks to you this time. If it weren’t for you...”

“It’s the result of all of us working together,” Chu Feng interrupted, his gaze sweeping over each team member.

Chen Qiang laughed heartily, patting Chu Feng’s shoulder. “Good kid, steady as ever! No wonder you’re our team captain!”

Sun Yue, back to his usual playful self, winked at Chu Feng. “Boss, your ‘create a diversion’ trick was brilliant! Next time, I’ll fake a stomach ache again!”

Liu Yong remained taciturn but gave a slight nod of approval.

Wu Xia covered her mouth with a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling with intelligence, as if she had foreseen it all.

Just as everyone basked in their successful relief, Wu Xia suddenly halted, her expression turning grave as her eyes locked onto a nearby corner ahead.

“What’s wrong, Wu Xia?” Chu Feng noticed her change, his voice low and firm, tinged with caution.

Wu Xia said nothing, only pointing at the corner and making a shushing gesture.

The group immediately understood, holding their breath and stepping lightly as they cautiously approached the corner.

A shadow flickered past the corner with astonishing speed.

“Someone’s following us!” Panyue whispered, her tone edged with tension.

Chu Feng’s gaze sharpened. Gripping his sword’s hilt tightly, he said in a low voice, “Be careful. Let’s follow and see.”