Chapter 377: Battle on the Edge

Battle was imminent.

Just as Yenir reversed his mental focus to target his own soldier—ready to kill and flee—two rapid shouts rang out.

“Attack!”

“Stop!!”

One shout came from the Second-Stage Squad Captain atop the City Wall. Wu Youde felt a surge of unease that compelled him to act immediately.

But the second “Stop” came from within the city.

With a piercing shriek, a Third-Stage Awakened clad in red armor—with a blue wolf-head medal on his shoulder—stepped between the two sides.

Before the wall-guarding soldiers could react, a middle-aged man in red armor, his face contorted with urgency and rage, erupted in curses:

“Are you blind?!”

“How dare you touch a guest of mine, Tang Hai!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the man disappeared in a flash and reappeared before the Squad Captain blocking Yenir, delivering a brutal kick.

Bang.

After a horrid cry of pain and the sickening thud of flesh against the wall, the Third-Stage Awakened turned his gaze back to Yenir.

Studying him intently, a strange glint flashed in the man’s eyes as he quickly spoke:

“Sorry, Night.”

“I was assigned to receive you by my superiors. I’m just a bit delayed by some matters.”

As he spoke, the man made frantic gestures at Yenir, signaling him to hold his tongue.

Hmm?

Just as Yenir was about to unleash his Sword Technique, he paused in confusion, staring at the middle-aged man before him.

“Third-Stage Beginner? Not exactly formidable. But judging by his attire, he must be someone from the Canglang Safe Zone?”

Since he couldn’t recognize the man, the only possibility was…?

Meanwhile, the city guards—who had been ordered by the man to drop their weapons—suddenly changed expressions, as if they were well acquainted with this Third-Stage fighter, and all ceased their aim.

This man was the Director of Supplies for the Canglang Safe Zone. Although he held no military command, everyone knew the power that came with his position.

In their eyes, he was a person of immense stature.

“Lord Tang Hai… are they… your guests!?”

“But… but what about the Credit Points they’re holding…”

At the city gate, the deputy leader of the city’s Awakeners stuttered, trying to mention the card they had just seen.

Yenir and his companions looked furtive—clearly outsiders.

Not only did they ignore protocol, but they also brandished the very Credit Points the Military favored. Wasn’t that suspicious?

Before he could finish, Tang Hai’s expression darkened as he coldly snapped:

“How dare you question me!?”

“What’s wrong with the Capital’s Credit Points? My guests belong to the Merchant Guild! What business is off limits!?”

“Scram! You’re souring our guest’s mood. I’ll have you fed to zombies in the Wasteland right now!”

Following his tirade, the city guards—who never wished to offend Tang Hai—fell silent, nervously watching Yenir.

Who on earth is this? A scion of some private powerhouse? To have earned a personal welcome from Lord Tang Hai?

Meanwhile, survivors lining up outside the city to watch the spectacle looked on in awe at the retreating figures of Yenir and his group.

Moments ago they’d been mocking their counterparts—it turned out the visitors had quite the pedigree.

The farce swiftly reversed. With a broad smile, Tang Hai beckoned Yenir into the city just as a barely audible mental transmission resonated:

“Um… Night?”

“Aren’t you the one that Lord Fang Hao mentioned?”

“Sorry for any trouble caused.”

“I promise to apologize profusely later; please don’t hold it against me.”

His lips twitched.

Tang Hai’s gaze swept imperceptibly over Yenir as he escorted him into an old executive car, all the while gauging the aura of Yenir and his companions.

He didn’t really know Yenir’s identity—only that Lord Fang Hao had entrusted him with watching over a ‘junior.’

Like everyone else, he wondered just who Yenir really was.

Masked and evasive… from his build and the aura he exuded, he didn’t seem particularly strong.

Yet to have earned a personal greeting from Lord Fang Hao and then boldly come over on his own…

Could he be a scion of the Capital’s elite? Just killing time, perhaps?

Tang Hai silently shook his head.

Ever the people-person, Tang Hai quickly labeled Yenir in his mind.

Just a second-generation heir with little strength—traveling from the Capital to the Far Frontier for sport. Honestly, he looked inexperienced; if it weren’t for his earlier intervention, things might have turned much darker…

Oh well, since Lord Fang Hao entrusted him, he resolved to offer proper hospitality.

After a moment’s thought, Tang Hai made no show of his earlier disdain for Yenir. Instead, he offered a genuine smile and, noticing their puzzled looks, softly said:

“Night, I’m Tang Hai, Director of Supplies for the Canglang Safe Zone.”

“When you arrived, Fang Tong and I arranged to welcome you properly. I heard you’re quite interested in the Far Frontier. If you have any questions, just ask—I won’t hold back.”

“And if you need anything at all, feel free to speak up.”

After his cheerful words, the old soldier Huang Yuanhao—seated beside Yenir—suddenly relaxed, his earlier wariness melting away.

“Hey, brother, are you with the Military as well!?”

He asked, agitated and indignant.

Huang Yuanhao looked at Tang Hai and urgently asked:

“What’s with the Far Frontier and Canglang Safe Zone? How dare they even touch our Military personnel!? Even if they’re a bit unruly, our people represent the nation!”

No wonder Huang Yuanhao was so incensed.

As a soldier, he had sworn to defend the honor of the Military! Tactics like those in the Canglang Safe Zone were tantamount to betrayal. This isn’t even the Huaxia Battle Zone anymore!

Sharing similar doubts, Yenir furrowed his brow, realizing that the situation here didn’t match the intel from the Capital.

Listening to Huang Yuanhao’s indignant words, Tang Hai’s face grew strangely somber, and after a brief hesitation, he forced a bitter smile.

“Night, my friends, you might be mistaken—I’m not with your Military.”

“I was simply saved by Lord Fang Hao and now work on his behalf…”

“As for your questions…”

The man chuckled awkwardly:

“The news you heard in the Capital is only half-truth, isn’t it?”

“You see, sometimes certain truths cannot be spoken… Here, the Military’s status is no better than that of street rats…”

“Especially recently—they say our Military clashed with several major factions, and quite a few lost their lives.”

Shrugging, Tang Hai said no more and extended his hand once again.

“Night, it’s your first time in the Far Frontier, isn’t it?”

“You must be exhausted. Why not take a rest?”

“Creak.”

The off-road vehicle halted as it entered the main district and stopped before a lavish hotel. With ore-forged architecture, the building resembled an exclusive club complete with sumptuous wool carpets. Fully armed Awakeners on either side underscored that this was no place for just anyone.

Before Yenir could furrow his brow and jump to questions, Tang Hai personally opened the car door for him.

At that moment, Tang Hai, as if reading Yenir’s mind, made an exaggerated inviting gesture.

“Night, do you know what captivates people most after the apocalypse?”

“Do you know what the true treasure of the Far Frontier is?”

With a mysterious smile and sparkling eyes, Tang Hai signaled for Yenir to come along.

……………..