Chapter 118 - Black Eagle Town
Chapter 118: Black Eagle Town
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Next, Zhou Chen asked a bird that looked like a hawk. After learning that it did not know about other demons, he instructed it to gather more information in this area and inform him if there was any news.
Then, he left the mountainous area and returned to the plains, continuing to advance towards the town he had heard about.
A few hours later, Zhou Chen crossed fields and passed several villages. A large area of brick buildings similar to the ancient Chinese buildings appeared in front of him.
These brick houses were mostly one to three stories tall. They were lined up on both sides of the street that was paved with slab stones. The street was boisterous. There were hawkers carrying loads on shoulder poles and peddling. There were also warriors moving on horses.
“There are no walls here?”
After observing from afar, Zhou Chen realized that the town had no protective walls or a gate.
“I can’t see the guards either… It seems like anyone can enter and exit freely?”
After walking closer, Zhou Chen realized that there were fewer figures in the town than he had expected.
However, after a while, he realized that there was a management committee in this strange town. They were people dressed in black. They walked in twos and threes on the streets, and from time to time, they would walk into some shops, seemingly taking a fee.
“These people look very similar to the men I killed in the forest.”
At this moment, Zhou Chen had already walked into the town. He observed the scenery while searching for his goal.
“Hey! That beggar! Stop right there!”
Suddenly, a black-clothed man not far from Zhou Chen noticed him. He quickly walked towards Zhou Chen.
“…”
Zhou Chen was speechless. Although his clothes were in tatters and were stained with a lot of dust, his disposition should be enough to eliminate the possibility of him being a beggar. He did not expect that he would still be misunderstood.
“I’m not a beggar. I came from afar and encountered some robbers on the way.”
Zhou Chen stopped and explained to the black-clothed person.
“Hehe.”
The black-clothed man smiled disdainfully when he heard his words.
“I don’t care what your identity is! But since you’re in the territory of our Black Eagle Sect, you have to follow the rules! The first rule is to pay ten copper coins as the fee to enter the town. Otherwise, I will have to chase you out!”
This person was domineering and looked like a corrupt official.
“Here.”
Zhou Chen did not bicker with him. He had the copper coins he had obtained from the bag, so he took out ten copper coins and handed them to him.
The person’s attitude eased a little after receiving the coins.
“At least you’re sensible. Remember not to cause trouble in the territory of our Black Eagle Sect. Also, quickly change into a clean set of clothes.”
He turned and left.
“The territory of the Black Eagle Sect… Is this town controlled by a gang? Is there no Imperial Court or other organizations to control them?”
Zhou Chen felt that this place was a little strange. Some people who were clearly trash gang members were showing off here and publicly charging fees, as if they were officials.
However, he was in no mood to delve into these questions. He focused on his own matters.
After a while, he spent some silver pieces on a blue long robe to make himself look more like a native. Then, he walked around the street and entered an inn called Wulong.
“Waiter! Wine!”
“Coming!”
…
As soon as he entered, Zhou Chen felt a dense smell of ancient China assault his face.
“This world is interesting. Although there are some strange parts, it is similar to the ancient China seen on television.”
Although this was the first time Zhou Chen had seen this scene, he had watched many period dramas in his previous life, so he did not feel that it was unfamiliar.
Soon, he found an empty table and sat down. He called the waiter who passed by.
“Bring me some meat dishes and rice.”
“Sir, you came to Wulong Inn and you are not ordering wine? Our rice wine is very famous.”
When the waiter saw that Zhou Chen had not ordered alcohol, he promoted it.
“Alright, give me a bowl.”
Zhou Chen did not refuse. He was new here and was quite curious about the things available here.
“Alright! Please wait, the dishes will be served soon.”
Seeing that his promotion speech was successful, the waiter left happily.
“This world… seems to be quite peaceful.”
Zhou Chen thought to himself as he looked at the lively customers eating and drinking in the inn.
However, before the dishes could be served, he realized that a middle-aged man, who was about 1.9 meters tall, had walked to his table and sat on the chair opposite him.
“Little brother, I think you look unfamiliar. What’s your name?”
After the burly man sat opposite Zhou Chen, he crossed his arms and asked Zhou Chen with a fake smile.
“Hehe, brother, my surname is Li and my name is Xing. I am called Li Xing.”
Zhou Chen immediately replied with a cowardly smile.
“Hmm, Li Xing, good name.”
A trace of disdain flashed across the muscular man’s eyes when he saw Zhou Chen’s cowardly expression, but he still said calmly.
“Little Xing, I see that you’re also a talent. Since you’ve just arrived in our Black Eagle Town, why don’t you follow me, Old Zhu? However, I, Old Zhu, have a rule when I take in followers. They need to give gifts. Do you understand?”
He leaned forward slightly and stared at Zhou Chen.
“Understood! I’ll treat you to a meal first. There will be good gifts later.”
Zhou Chen replied with a fawning expression.
“Hmm, you’re sensible.”
The disdain in the muscular man’s heart increased when he saw Zhou Chen’s expression.
Zhou Chen did not mind. He continued to chat with this person with a smile and asked about the situation in Black Eagle Town and its surroundings.
This muscular man who called himself Old Zhu was quite talkative. Although he looked down on Zhou Chen’s cowardly behavior, on the account that he had eaten a meal for nothing and would also get gifts, he gave Zhou Chen a simple explanation.
Before long, Zhou Chen learned that this town called Black Eagle Town was the territory of the Black Eagle Sect. South of the Black Eagle Town were many larger towns. They belonged to the scope of influence of Fire Cloud Valley, the Tyrant Fist Sect, and other sects.
‘This world is ruled by various sects. There is no Imperial Court.’
This world looked like ancient China on the surface, but there was an intrinsic difference.
‘The Black Eagle Sect is only a small sect. No wonder their people are weak. If I continue south, the chances of me obtaining a good cultivation technique will definitely increase.’
Zhou Chen decided not to stay in Black Eagle Town for long and planned to move south as soon as possible.