Chapter 623: City of Flame: Arrival and Revelations

Anyway, I ended up following Dracula into the city.

Despite her being a murderer, from what she described, the priest seemed to be one who turned people into spiderwebs and, in particular, converted young, beautiful girls into his fanatical followers. So, having been killed by her doesn’t really raise any eyebrows, does it?

Besides, we’re in Flame City now. If we were in Qinggang, I’d be reporting her myself.

At this point, Lu Xin couldn’t help but admit that although her methods were a bit brutal, her intentions were decent. For instance, her coming to assist him prevented any quarrels with Flame City’s guards. Without her timely appearance, he’d have undoubtedly clashed with the high-ups of the Flame Protection Department right outside the city…

…when things could have been sorted out with a proper discussion.

……

With that thought, he leisurely drove forward.

When he reached Flame City, he couldn’t help but marvel at its dazzling prosperity and futuristic vibe.

Lu Xin had seen the neatness of Qinggang Main City, the pristine Central City’s Second Main City, and even the almost surreal bustle of Heichao City. Yet, seeing Flame City now evoked one overwhelming impression: its immense scale.

This was a city of towering skyscrapers; row after row of glass giants crammed together like a concrete forest.

Everywhere you looked, lights blinked and neon dazzled. Countless overpasses traversed the sky, connecting major roads and buildings while imparting a three-dimensional, high-tech feel that other cities couldn’t match.

The ceaseless river of traffic, the constant blare of horns — it was almost like a vivid vision of a bygone era of civilization.

Even the Red Moon had been pushed to the outskirts, silently watching from afar as orderly skyscrapers took center stage.

“This is Flame City?”

Lu Xin recalled what he’d heard about the city: a metropolis sustained by the entire Chaos Zone.

Nothing else compared – in terms of scale and grandeur, it even surpassed Central City.

…

“The day after tomorrow is our gathering, so plenty of members have been rushing over. I did some research and found that Flame City is suddenly buzzing with trouble from every side — quite reminiscent of our Club’s own style,” Dracula explained as she pointed down the road.

She guided Lu Xin along the congested traffic to a high-end hotel in the northern part of the city. They parked in an underground lot, then took the elevator to the hotel’s rooftop. As they ascended, she added, “After I drop you off, I won’t have time to stick around. I have to pick up as many people as possible before the True Church exposes my identity…”

“Alright, alright…”

Lu Xin quickly agreed, showing ample respect to his club’s big sister.

Even though they had clashed in the group chat before, meeting in person could only pave the way for better relations, right?

Back then, he had no idea she was a woman…

…nor did he imagine she’d one day hand him five million!

……

Dracula led Lu Xin to the top floor, swiped the key card, and stepped out of the elevator. She then took him directly into one of the three available suites on that level. Opening the door revealed a suite so lavish it could rival a palace.

Covering roughly 300 to 500 square meters, it featured a living room, a bedroom, several bathrooms, and was decorated with top-tier luxurious precision.

“How much does staying in a room like this cost per day?”

Lu Xin, clutching his bag, stood in the expansive room feeling slightly out of his element…

“Not too bad. On a monthly plan, it’s just six or seven thousand a day,” Dracula replied casually.

With a dismissive wave, she added, “A single night here could earn me twice my worth.”

Lu Xin felt an inexplicable melancholy as he followed her into the room. Gazing around the empty space, he asked, “Am I the only one here?”

“Yes, the others aren’t really keen,” she replied.

“…”

Dracula had mentioned she was going to change, yet instead she headed deeper into the room and soon reemerged. She still sported her red cloak and that tight little skirt, though her black eye mask had been swapped for a red one. Oddly enough, it had shifted from covering her left eye to her right…

“You wait here,” she instructed.

In true big sister fashion, she continued, “There’s food, drinks, and you can even shower or change. Except for the room with my lingerie, feel free to crash in any of the other rooms. I’m stepping out for a while and should be back soon.”

Lu Xin nodded quickly and, with a trace of curiosity, asked, “Where are you headed?”

“I’m off to handle the priest’s corpse…”

Dracula replied coolly, “I left in such a hurry that his body is still soaking in the bathtub…”

“…”

Lu Xin, not wanting to press further, said, “You go, it really does seem urgent!”

“Tsk tsk, not a shred of gentlemanly conduct…”

Dracula shook her head, her expression tinged with disdain. “He didn’t even volunteer to help me with the dismemberment…”

Lu Xin’s face grew strangely pensive.

Can such behavior really be called gentlemanly?

“Enough, you wouldn’t be professional anyway. Just stay here and rest,” she said.

Grabbing a piece of bread from the fridge, she nibbled on it as she headed out, reminding Lu Xin, “Don’t go out. Remember, you still carry that Flame City A-Level Wanted Poster. Once you step out, I can’t guarantee your safety…”

“It might be a bit boring now, but when more members join the gathering, things will definitely heat up…”

“…”

“Wait…”

As she spoke while strutting out with her trademark confidence, Lu Xin hurried to call after her.

Noticing her single blue eye fixed on him, Lu Xin, a bit embarrassed, said, “Aren’t we still due a final payment…?”

“What are you thinking about?”

Dracula immediately shot back, “I promised it would be given after the gathering—you haven’t even attended yet!”

Lu Xin mulled it over and conceded that she did have a point.

After Dracula left the room, Lu Xin exhaled and began exploring the suite.

He opened the fridge and found it filled with an abundance of food, prompting a soft exclamation of admiration.

Opening one of the bedrooms, he was struck by the sight of large, plush beds and pristine white pillows, marveling at the comfort.

Peeking into the bathroom, he was even more impressed…

…with its separate dry and wet areas, an enormous toilet, and a massive bathtub.

After several days on the road and with exhaustion setting in, and with Dracula away, Lu Xin found himself the sole master of this suite. He prepared a bowl of instant noodles, adding sausage and a braised egg. A quick stint in the microwave made for a hearty meal…

After the meal, he filled the bathtub with water, gathered his clean clothes, and settled in for a soak.

The suite boasted three bathrooms, and to avoid any awkwardness, Lu Xin chose one other than the master bath.

As warm water enveloped him after a satisfying meal, Lu Xin let out a contented sigh.

A hot bath really is the best…

A hot bath always marks the end of a long journey.

Having arrived in Flame City, all that was left was the gathering and the final payment…

He also recalled the uproar over the notorious ‘Hell’ incident in Flame City.

So, what exactly is Hell?

Before leaving, Mom had called to arrange a meeting in Flame City. So where is she now?

Her voice sounded as if she’d been injured…

…so what sort of force could wound her too?

……

Lost in thought, Lu Xin sighed quietly and decided that focusing on happier prospects was best.

After all, he had finally arrived in Flame City, met Dracula, stayed at a luxe hotel with an enormous bathtub, and used premium body wash. Soon, once the gathering begins, another three million will be on the way…

After all, that’s three million!

Ever since entering this business, he’d never made three million so effortlessly.

It wasn’t that making money elsewhere was hard; it was just that rarely could one earn a living while soaking in a tub and singing…

As these thoughts raced through his head, a strong sense of camaraderie surged within him. He pulled out his communicator from his bag, logged onto the Club platform, and enthusiastically messaged, “I’ve arrived. When can we meet everyone?”

Clockwork Orange: “I’m still at home eating. Did you all get there already?”

Family Fun: “Yes, I was just picked up by Dracula.”

None Shall Live without Killing Dracula: “Give Dracula a good beating for me. I demand compensation.”

Family Fun: “?”

Family Fun: “Forget it. Personal grudges are between you guys—this job isn’t for me…”

Blood Drops: “Dracula actually came through for once?”

Family Fun: “?”

Blood Drops: “Hehe, good luck. I’m out.”

Lu Xin felt something strange stirring within him. Just as he was about to inquire further, a flurry of messages popped up:

Night Owl: “Great, you’ve arrived too…”

Night Owl: “I just crawled out from under a car.”

Night Owl: “Bro, where are you? I’m coming to find you…”

Lu Xin quickly replied, “I can’t make out your exact location. Where are you now?”

Night Owl: “I sneaked in under someone’s car and just emerged. I’m right next to it…”

Exasperated, Lu Xin wrote, “Make your location clear so we can come pick you up…”

After a long pause, Night Owl finally replied, “Oh, hold on.”

……

……

Lu Xin waited patiently for more details, growing anxious when suddenly he heard loud bangs from outside the window.

He whipped his head around to see a mushroom cloud of fire erupting on the other side of the dazzling city. Several beams of light streaked upward before bursting into fiery clusters midair.

Crash, crash…

After several seconds, a tremendous roar reached him, rattling half the window frames.

Even heat waves hit his face with vivid intensity.

Lu Xin was so startled by the commotion that he shuddered, thinking war had suddenly broken out in Flame City.

Then, in the group chat, Night Owl excitedly messaged, “Bro, did you see that?”

Night Owl: “I just set off some big fireworks.”

Night Owl: “Bro, is my location clear enough now? Are you coming to pick me up?”