### Chapter 3: Black Stone City (1)
So, this is Black Stone City?
The towering walls, constructed from perfectly aligned black stones, are a source of pride for the city.
But around the city, it’s nothing but a desolate wasteland of yellow sand.
When Lin Nan first set foot on the front line, she couldn’t believe that the former number one city of the Monster Race stood in such a harsh environment.
The front line commander, the Tiger Demon, explained, “I’ve heard there’s an underground river inside the city that flows abundantly all year round. Black Stone City was built around it, so inside, it’s all green trees and blooming flowers—completely different from the view outside.”
“Oh, is that so?”
But to sustain the many people living in the city, a single river likely won’t cut it!
With the endless yellow sand surrounding it, even the monster race, known for their hunting skills, would face a dire lack of game—not to mention farming like the humans do!
The Tiger Demon, sensing Lin Nan’s doubt, continued, “I remember that Black Stone City used to thrive because it was located at the junction of the Three Races. Trade caravans used it as a hub to exchange goods and make profits that benefited the entire city. Unfortunately, after the Monster Race fell, the city lost its glory.”
The geographical location isn’t too shabby. If the Three Races can just survive this crisis, perhaps this city can once again serve its purpose as a commercial hub for the Monster Race.
“Alright, got it. What’s the status at the front line now?”
The Tiger Demon hurriedly replied, “Forgive me, my king! Ever since the two Stone Guardians left, we’ve made no progress. It’s mainly because those Stone Giants are holding the fort—we can’t even launch a proper assault! I personally led a charge these past two days and still came back empty-handed.”
Lin Nan glanced at the Tiger Demon’s wounded shoulder and the numerous injured soldiers she saw in the camp, confirming the unfortunate truth of his words.
“Where is the Great King of the Split Land?” she asked. “I remember sending him from Thousand Bird City to meet you and attack Black Stone City together.”
The Tiger Demon responded, “My king, I find this very puzzling as well. I tried contacting him via carrier pigeon, but there’s been no response. I suspect perhaps you have other plans for the Great King, which is why…”
Lin Nan furrowed her brows slightly, causing the Tiger Demon to shiver as a chilling aura emanated from her, making him hold his tongue.
It’s now been almost half a month since they were supposed to meet; something must have gone wrong for the Great King of the Split Land.
But for now, there’s no time to search for him; first, they must take Black Stone City and then make further plans.
“I’ll go in and check the conditions of Black Stone City; you hold the fort and wait for my orders.”
“Yes, my king.”
Lin Nan instinctively wanted to summon Jing Feng, but then she remembered that she had already gone with the Demon-Slaying Squad to Sky Void City, so she decided to choose another follower.
“Xi, come with me.”
Suddenly, a man in a short black suit, tall hat, and a pale face appeared in front of Lin Nan. His face looked like he smeared on a thick layer of foundation, while his lips were a bright red, as if he had just finished a meal of fresh bl**d.
He had two short horns about a centimeter long on his forehead, marking his identity as a member of the Demon Race.
“Esteemed master, your beauty shines brighter than the vast starry sky!”
As soon as his feet landed, he took off his hat and held it to his chest before bowing deeply. His voice was soft and warm, like someone whispering sweet nothings as you drift off to sleep.
It’s a demon!
The Tiger Demon was startled.
Compared to the humans, the Monster Race was even less familiar with the Demon Race.
However, the impression of their power was deeply embedded in the hearts of many.
Who would have thought that the king, once a monster queen, would have such a formidable demon under her command?
The king remains unfathomable—this is the demeanor and depth of a strong leader.
Realizing this, the Tiger Demon knelt down, not daring to make a move.
It wasn’t until long after they departed that the Tiger Demon finally climbed to his feet, drenched in cold sweat.
Under the cloak of night, Lin Nan led the way, with Xi following behind.
In mere moments, they stealthily stepped onto the walls of Black Stone City.
If Lin Nan decided to unleash her full power, wiping out the entire city’s guards would probably be a piece of cake.
However, what she wanted wasn’t an empty city; she needed more hands to fight against the Divine Clan. If it was just about killing, what would separate her from the Divine Clan, who aimed to annihilate the Three Races?
Xi, once a platinum-class character card, had recently leveled up to a master-class card, now just a step away from becoming a king.
With him by her side for protection, Lin Nan hardly needed to lift a finger.
With so many loyal followers, why not make full use of their skills?
To keep a low profile, Lin Nan transformed her “Black Robe” into a slightly simpler, lavender gown, resembling a wandering heroine.
Xi, however, kept his original attire. After all, as a noble of the Demon Race, how could he justify wearing clothes that didn’t match his status? That would be like asking him to commit s*icide!
“If you don’t want to come with me, then don’t follow me anymore,” Lin Nan said lightly.
Xi’s face fell immediately.
“How can I possibly scout for enemy intel looking like this? It’s like flashing a neon sign saying we’re not your everyday people!”
“Understood, my subordinate gets it.”
Xi lowered his proud head and instantly vanished into the night.
When he reappeared in front of Lin Nan, he had donned a long black robe, the top hat gone, his long hair tousled behind him—his whole outfit made him look a bit like a vampire bat that had just gained sentience.
Lin Nan, too, disguised her stunning looks to blend in as one of the Bat Monsters’ companions.
“My lord, this simply won’t do! Your unparalleled beauty cannot be hidden!”
“It’s fine, it’s merely a performance for the public. No need to take it seriously. But you must remember, if we get found out, the trouble will come at us quicker than we can imagine.”
“Esteemed master, you need not worry about gathering intel; I have a few leads.”
“Oh? So soon?”
“I found a few of those empty beasts unique to the Demon Race while I was looking for clothes in the city. They have the head of a lion and the body of a bird—two animals mingled through the eating of demon tonics, which are rare to reproduce. Anyone with a beast mount like that must be a high-ranking demon.”
Lin Nan looked at him appreciatively, “Looks like bringing you along was the right call.”
Xi bowed, “Your honor is undeserved.”
“Well then, let’s find out why demons are popping up in Black Stone City.”
“As you wish.”
