Chapter 14: Who Killed the Scorpion? The City Searches for a Hero

"This ring is quite good—steady control." Xu Han slipped the Soul Ring into his pocket and turned his attention to the dagger.

[Dark Gold Dagger]
[Quality: Gold Grade]
[Strength +80]
[Agility +100]
[Skill 1: Lethal Strike (Deals double damage to the enemy, cooldown: 5 minutes)]
[Skill 2: Throw (Throw the dagger to inflict terrifying damage upon hitting an enemy, cooldown: 2 minutes)]
[Description: A dagger forged from dark gold. Extremely hard, with a sharpness far surpassing ordinary daggers.]
[Equipment Requirement: Level 40]

Though the dagger was a gold-grade weapon, its attributes were rather ordinary, and it required level forty to equip. Even if he put it up for sale in the market, it wouldn't fetch a high price. He tossed the dagger casually into his backpack and quickly set off toward the city.

Not long after Xu Han left, the beams of flashlights cut through the shadows of the marsh. Over a hundred people were searching the Shadow Marsh, their lights flickering through the darkness. The poisonous insects of the marsh, disturbed by the commotion, prepared to attack, only to be casually dispatched by the investigators. The difference in level was overwhelming—dealing with these venomous creatures was nothing short of a slaughter. Yet the investigators remained cautious; even a single bite from these insects, despite the level gap, could prove fatal.

Outside the Shadow Marsh, Dai Guoqiang sat in a hastily erected tent, waiting for news. Suddenly, the forest rustled with a suspicious noise, as if something was moving through the trees. Dai Guoqiang’s expression darkened. He stepped out of the tent and shouted sternly, "Who's there? Show yourself!" Several squad captains quickly advanced, eyes alert and fixed on the swaying grass ahead.

A figure emerged from the undergrowth—it was Xu Han.

Seeing that it was just a young student, Dai Guoqiang frowned and said, "It's late. Don't linger in the leveling zone. Go home and get some rest!" Xu Han nodded and left swiftly.

Time ticked by. As Dai Guoqiang and the others grew increasingly impatient, the communicator chimed. He answered at once.

An excited investigator's voice rang out, "Director, we've found a body in area 103 on the eastern side of the Shadow Marsh. After identification, we're certain it's the Scorpion!"

Dai Guoqiang was taken aback. The Scorpion's corpse?

"Secure the scene. I'm coming over immediately!"

He ended the call and, gathering several squad captains, hurried toward the location as fast as possible. Soon, they reached area 103. The perimeter was already cordoned off, with dozens of investigators forming a tight ring around the site.

Dai Guoqiang stepped inside and instantly saw the corpse. The face had been partially devoured by the marsh’s poisonous insects, but most of the features remained intact—especially the centipede-like scar.

Excitement shone on Dai Guoqiang’s face. He exclaimed repeatedly, "Excellent! Very good! Although the Scorpion is dead, this case can finally be closed! Who took down the Scorpion?"

"I'll apply for a commendation right away—a second-class merit at the very least! And our own East Sea City Investigation Bureau will award a promotion and a bonus of two hundred thousand!"

The investigators' eyes lit up. Such generous rewards! Not only military honors but also a hefty cash prize—fame and fortune, both within reach. Yet, they looked at one another, and no one spoke up.

Seeing this, Dai Guoqiang frowned in confusion. "Come on, who killed the Scorpion? Does someone want to remain an anonymous hero?"

At that moment, someone spoke up, "Director, the Scorpion... wasn't killed by any of us."

Dai Guoqiang was stunned. "Not by you? How is that possible?"

The investigator explained, "We found the Scorpion’s corpse during our search. Based on our assessment, he's been dead for over an hour."

A buzz of speculation spread through the crowd.

"Could it have been a bounty hunter?"

"That's possible. The Scorpion's crimes angered heaven and man alike—a top-level expert must have taken action!"

"It's a shame, though. So much bounty and no one to claim it..."

Dai Guoqiang frowned. "Alright, bring the Scorpion’s body back. Also, release a public notice—whoever killed the Scorpion should come to the Investigation Bureau to claim their reward and merit."

The others nodded in agreement. Before long, the team packed up and returned to East Sea City.

Meanwhile, the true perpetrator, Xu Han, had already returned to the city and headed straight for the trading market.

The marketplace was fronted by a vast plaza, where many people set up stalls. Many exotic beast hunters chose to sell their equipment and finds here; it was convenient, and they could avoid the market’s commission.

No sooner had he reached the entrance than he noticed a large crowd gathered around a particular stall.

Curious, he went over for a look. The stall owner was a woman clad in a white robe, a longsword hanging at her waist. She had striking phoenix eyes, her features as delicate as porcelain. The robe split at the waist, reminiscent of a cheongsam, revealing glimpses of snowy thighs that drew more than a few lingering gazes.

Yet the woman wasn’t selling wares, but had set out a sign.

Xu Han glanced at it.

"Seeking teammates between level 5 and level 10 to challenge the Newcomer’s Secret Realm."

He stroked his chin. Level 5 to level 10. Only this year’s newly awakened professionals would meet those criteria. With only two days passed, most were still at level 3; anyone above level 4 was already considered fast-progressing. As for those above level 5, they were as rare as phoenix feathers.

No wonder this beauty was sitting here looking for teammates. After some thought, Xu Han decided not to join. If he ended up with someone like Li Bin again, he would be at a great loss. Besides, while secret realms were tempting, this one was far too low-level to produce anything valuable. He had no interest.

He found an empty spot, took out the equipment he’d collected, set their properties to public viewing, and sat down to wait for buyers.

He hadn’t been seated long when a warrior-type student approached, shield in hand.

"Hey brother, what are the stats on this gear?"

Xu Han replied casually, "Have a look yourself, I’ve set it for sharing."

The boy checked the shield’s stats—and his eyes widened in shock.

"Holy crap?!"

His voice thundered across the noisy square, drawing irritated looks from many nearby.

But the boy didn’t care. His gaze was glued to the Bramble Shield, afraid someone else might snatch it away.

"Brother, I want this shield. How much?"

Xu Han considered for a moment. "Ten thousand."

The shield's stats were comparable to gold grade, but it would only be useful up to level 20. Beyond that, its attributes would fall behind.

By now, a crowd had gathered to watch the commotion. When they saw the Bramble Shield and Iron Crocodile Armor’s attributes, their breaths grew heavy with excitement.