I'll revise the first draft.
At night.
The night in the desert is dark and quiet.
The cool breeze blows into the collar of people's robes, and they will feel a slight chill.
Everyone from the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce set up a camp outside the ancient city and made a fire to cook. After a while, the smell of roasted meat and frankincense of toasted bread wafted out.
There are only a few mud walls left in this small town, and large troops are stationed outside the city.
There were originally a few small tents for Ren and his friends in the city, but now there is only one large, luxurious tent, which belongs to Canosha.
Ren knew from the first moment he met Canosha that this "rich lady president" had a high status in the Chamber of Commerce. Even a fifth-level powerhouse like Uncle Sam would not eat at the same table with her.
Ren once thought she was arrogant because of her "money skills", but now she realizes that not only money, but also in terms of combat ability, no one can compete with her.
The punch he received, among other things, at least made him understand that his strength was still far from the legendary strength system.
Gannicus didn't like to listen to his mother's chatter. He preferred to be at ease, so he went to chat and spank with Uncle Sam and the guards.
Despite Guy's raunchy remarks at the gambling table, this peerless swordsman who has seen through the world of mortals actually doesn't like to deal with people. He doesn't need to eat recently, and his nutritional intake is all "nutritional medicine" carefully arranged by Renn. After the injection, I went to meditate in the tent.
The black cat transformed by Naretta also couldn't understand the common language and was lying on the sand wall feeling bored. A pair of half-closed cat eyes reflected flaming red bonfires, and its tail swept along the left side of the wall, and then swept to the right...
She seems to be getting used to life as a cat.
In the end, only Ren, Canosha and Catherine were left beside the bonfire in the city.
... ...
The sand was covered with a beautifully woven cashmere floor, and on it lay a variety of sumptuous foods and fresh fruits.
The maid from the Chamber of Commerce served food to the three of them and then quietly left.
The three of them chatted while eating, and Catherine talked about some details of the adventure.
That's something Gannix didn't see from his perspective.
"After we were rounded up that day, Gannix was arrested, so I didn't escape. I changed my appearance and got into the Rosas family hunting group, trying to rescue that kid..."
"I didn't expect that those guys had already set up a trap waiting for me to take the bait... When I was on the third floor of the ruins, I was in danger..."
"At that time, I really thought I was dead... Fortunately, Mr. Lane was there. When I woke up, I looked at the dark underground palace and thought I was in the underworld... "
"..."
Ren and Canosha listened with great interest.
It was also the first time that he heard about what happened after they were separated that night during the encirclement and suppression.
I have to say that Catherine is really brave and careful. She has been hiding under the noses of so many masters for so long and almost succeeded in saving people.
"No wonder auntie, you put in a good word for this guy as soon as we met. So that's how it is."
After listening to the story, Canosha looked enlightened.
While she was drinking mushroom soup, there was a hint of a smile on her eyebrows. She suddenly thought of something and asked, "How about Ren's 'Gang Thread' healing method, isn't it very powerful?"
The starting point of the topic is very surprising. It is not the crisis-ridden rescue process, but the "undressing and healing" process.
Catherine naturally knew the ridicule in Canossa's tone and said, "Of course it's amazing. If it were an ordinary doctor, my injuries at that time would probably be fatal."
Canossa: "Did he take off your clothes?"
"Of course there is."
Catherine rolled her eyes at her and said sternly: "Mr. Lane is a doctor, but he doesn't have such a dirty mind as you."
"he?"
Hearing this, Canosha's expression flashed with amusement.
She didn't ask Catherine any more questions, turned to look at Renn beside her, and said with a smile: "Doctor Renn, how is Aunt Catherine's figure?"
"..."
Ren rolled his eyes, ignored the obvious "provoking" topic, and continued to eat his own meat.
The two of them were so familiar. How could Catherine not know that Canosha was making fun of her
Not to be outdone, she pretended to have just discovered that Canosha had changed her clothes, and said with an ambiguous smile: "Hey... Sasha, your clothes are not as good-looking as the silver cheongsam you had before. Why did you suddenly think of changing?" Clothes?"
The concept of gender in this world is so unrestrained. The matter of sex is almost always a necessary topic of conversation among acquaintances after dinner.
"Well~ it's all his fault."
Unexpectedly, Canossa spoke bluntly, tilted her head to indicate that it was the guy next to her who was to blame, and said: "This Dr. Lane wanted to see me embarrassed, so he deliberately let his bird electrocute my clothes, so he just I can change my clothes."
"Kekeke..."
Upon hearing this, Catherine covered her mouth and chuckled.
Although she also guessed that this was probably the truth, she said unforgivingly: "Ouch... I thought you guys hadn't seen each other for a long time, so you were so anxious to make out that you ruined your clothes."
Renn listened to the two women falling in love and killing each other, and did not dare to interrupt at all.
But when he heard this, his eyelids twitched: This Aunt Catherine really dares to say anything.
He didn't know before that how close these two women, who looked like sisters but were actually of different generations, were. But look at it now, they are probably intimate. There are no outsiders now, and there is no scruple when talking.
However, he couldn't get involved in the war between women, so he could just listen quietly.
Canosha did not shy away from this straightforward topic. She spread her hands and said: "Originally, I had this idea. But some guys deliberately mischief and burned my clothes. Then I didn't feel like it anymore... "
As she said that, she glanced at Ren provocatively, with a sparkle in her eyes.
"..."
Listening to these words, Renn felt unfazed, so he didn't want to be fooled.
Judging from the experience of so many confrontations, if you just believe what she says, you really won't get any advantage at all.
Even though I had been punched before, at least the eye addiction was over.
Out of nowhere, he whispered back: "It's not entirely my fault, right? I told you that 'Pika' is very mean and I told you not to touch it, but you didn't listen..."
"snort?"
When Canossa heard this, her crystal eyes widened and she couldn't say anything.
You deliberately took away my storage ring for fear of being damaged by electricity, and you said it was not intentional
She looked at Renn angrily and said faintly, "Hey, I'm talking about Dr. Renn. Not to mention the 'invincible fist spirit' you want to understand, you are so shameless, you are almost invincible." ”
Ren looked calm and said: "Thank you for the compliment."
Hearing this, Catherine on the side was already trembling with laughter, "Hahaha..."
Canossa was stunned again: "???"
"Dr. Lane, it's a little cold in the desert. How about I introduce you to a bed-warming female companion?"
"What do you think of Aunt Catherine?"
"..."
... ... .
Three days later.
Renn and his team arrived at the "Black Wind Collar" on time on the day of the auction.
After more than two months of separation, the territory controlled by Grand Duke Valentin Rosas has become increasingly prosperous.
Because of the auction, many participating business groups came here. Also because the caravans brought a large amount of supplies, this place attracted a large number of hunters. The number of mechanical cities has not changed much, but the area of civilian shanty towns has nearly doubled. Looking at the number of shantytowns, a rough estimate suggests that there are at least hundreds of thousands more people in the territory.
There was a huge flow of people at the city gate, probably because of the heavy flow of people at today's auction. The city gate guards did not check anything. After collecting the entry fee, Renn and his party entered the city smoothly without even asking a question.
But thinking about it, after all, it is a "trap" that has been planned for a long time, and naturally it gives people a chance to jump in.
Moreover, what those guys are most worried about is the Mafa Witch Festival. The outstanding body shape of the Coleman tribe cannot be hidden at all, so the city guards naturally don't need to check carefully, they can tell at a glance.
As for the rest of the "prey", it would be easier to surround and kill them if they are brought into the city.
And just after Ren and his party entered the city, the City Lord's Mansion received the news immediately.
The eldest son of the lord, George Rosas, has been staying in the city honestly since the last time he and his group nearly lost their lives at the ruins, and has not dared to go anywhere again.
After all, the horrific experience of almost being killed several times by a certain "demon" gave him nightmares for nearly a month.
"Master George, the people from the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce are here, and they are accompanied by [Dragon Spear] Sam. It seems that they are ready to ask for an explanation for the 'Redwood Chamber of Commerce' that was eaten by us. The Duke specifically asked you not to go out. ..."
"You said President Canossa came in person?"
"Yes. They are also participants in this auction. The goods reported at the auction this time are a special potion that can remove the residual poison of the fog... That kind of potion will be very interesting to all major forces. When the time comes, It will definitely become a hit at the auction..."
"Is President Canossa as beautiful as the legend says?"
"This... subordinate didn't pay close attention to it."
"Come on, let's go take a look!"
... ... .
Catherine and Gannicus remained outside the city, non-combatants.
The scale of this war may not be large, but the high-end combat power involved may be unmatched by any large-scale battle in recent decades.
When the "legendary" extraordinary battles begin, no one can control how wide the scope will be. In the city, low-level transcendence may be very dangerous.
Ren and Canosha walked into the city side by side.
The mechanics from Black Dragon City who were mixed in the ranks of the Chamber of Commerce also quietly blended into the crowd as planned.
"The City Lord's Mansion has arrested people from our Sequoia Chamber of Commerce. I have to deal with it first and bail them out. Later, remember to dress more formally. You will attend the auction dinner as my male companion..."
"Um."
"..."
There are many procedures to go through at the Chamber of Commerce, and Canosha, the president, must come forward.
Ren didn't understand either and had no intention of following.
Of course, there is no need for him to worry.
Even without the protection of Uncle Sam, he didn't have to worry about Canosha, the legendary and extraordinary person who was already ridiculously strong.
Guy didn't follow the large army into the city. After all, he was now an important wanted criminal in Glory City who killed "Prince Harper". That face could cause conflicts in advance wherever he goes. One person has a small target and can better hide his traces.
After parting ways with the rest of the group, Renn originally wanted to go to the auction venue to check out the spots. Unexpectedly, within a few steps of leaving Canosha, he saw a bearded old man who looked like Marx in the crowd.
... ...
"Master Cavo? What is he doing here..."
Ren glanced at the person in the distance, and the system determined that it was Cavo.
After thinking for a moment, he walked straight towards the old man with the white beard.
When they discussed the rescue operation before, they thought about all the factors that might affect hundreds of people.
Among them, there is such a key figure that cannot be ignored.
That is Cavo Ramirez, the founder of Glory City and the head of the "Top Ten Legends".
According to the intelligence they received, Cavo has completely disappeared and has no longer interfered with anything in the Glory City. It seems that they have completely lost contact with the five major families in Glory City.
However, after all, this is the city that the legendary figure once built with his own hands, so there is no guarantee that he will take action in such a decisive battle.
Looking at it now, it is indeed here.
Renn couldn't guess whether Cavo's purpose of coming was to "help in the battle".
But don’t be afraid either.
The current power of "Black Dragon City" is beyond what outsiders can imagine.
Even if Cavo chooses to help Glory City, it will not change the outcome of tonight.
Although Bazel once said that Master Cavo's current level has reached an incredible level. But no matter how powerful he is, he can't break through the upper limit of level five.
Although Mafa Great Witch Sacrifice has never met Kawo, he also said that in this realm, he himself will not be weaker than anyone.
What's more, the combat power of "Black Dragon City" is not only high-end combat power, but also flying dragon riders and a mechanic army that surpasses the technology of the times!
... ... ..
Renn walked straight over and took the initiative to say hello: "Master Cavo, why are you here?"
He knew that this old man showed up deliberately because he definitely wanted to meet him.
Otherwise, the passers-by would not turn a blind eye to this legendary figure.
Although I don't know what restrictions Kavo has on him, Bazel also said that he doesn't want to be seen, so others will naturally not be able to recognize him.
"I sensed that an acquaintance was entering the city, so I came out to take a look. Unexpectedly, I met little friend Ren."
With a kind smile on his face, Cavo looked like an ordinary little old man, wearing a washed starched white linen robe. He looked like a down-and-out old mage apprentice.
Ren looked at the busy street and saw that it was inappropriate to stand and talk, so he smiled and suggested: "If you are free, may I buy you a drink?"
Cavo didn't refuse and said with a smile: "Then it will cost my little friend."
Not long after, the two came to a not too noisy tavern, the Anchor Tavern.
Renne and Cavo sat opposite each other by the window.
Called the bartender,
Ren asked politely: "What do you want to drink?"
Cavo smiled and said: "Since it's a treat for a little friend, the old man has the audacity to order something expensive?"
"Ha ha... "
Renn also smiled. This old man who was "the best in the world" eighty years ago has no airs at all and is very funny.
"How about Jack Supreme?"
"Very good."
"..."
Not long after, the wine was served.
Two cups cost nearly one gold coin, which was not cheap for ordinary people.
Ren picked up the cup and clinked it with Cavo, and the two drank like old friends.
Cavo took a sip of the wine, showing a happy look as the alcohol was refreshing, and sighed with some emotion: "I haven't drunk such an expensive wine in many years. It tastes really good."
Ren was slightly surprised. For the man in front of him, who is at the top of the pyramid in terms of status and strength, drinking the most expensive wine in the world shouldn't be a problem, but he never thought he would say this.
"You rarely drink alcohol?"
"I follow the path of an 'ascetic monk' and rarely drink alcohol."
"oh... "
The two drank and chatted.
Although Renn guessed that Cavo would appear in the "Black Wind Territory", he probably knew what was about to happen here.
But he did not mention this topic directly, but asked: "Master Cavo, I heard that you and the library suddenly disappeared in Glory City. Did it happen?"
Cavo didn't hide his intentions and said: "I made a bet with that guy Metternich."
Putting down the wine glass, he spread his hands and said: "Then I lost the bet. If I am willing to admit defeat, I will withdraw from the City of Glory."
Metternich
The schizophrenic gambler
When Ren heard this, his face was full of surprise: "You still lost?"
At the same time, his mind was racing. They had previously speculated on various possibilities for Cavo to leave the City of Glory, but they never thought that it was because of a "gamble."
This sounds like too much child's play...
Controlling something as important as Glory City was gambled as a bargaining chip and still lost
Obviously, this "gamble" is certainly not simple.
Cavo didn't think there was anything embarrassing to say, so he took another sip of wine and continued: "Yes. As you know, that guy's gambling skills are very good. And the inheritors of the 'Gambler Sequence' often have very good thoughts. Paranoid. He bet his life with me. The old man couldn't get over it when his age was put on the gambling table. He took a gamble and then lost... "
"..."
When Ren heard this, his eyelids twitched.
It's such a ridiculous story, but it's true.
A picture immediately appeared in his mind: Metternich with an antisocial personality, pointing a musket at Cavo's head with a crazy look on his face, and asked: Are you playing cards? The kind that bets one's life!
However, the "Gambler Sequence" is indeed powerful, but I'm afraid no one in the world can force the person in front of me to participate in the gambling game.
Moreover, even if it was a bet, Cavo should not lose.
There may be something else hidden in this.
... ...
Ren had heard that Prince Quentin of Omar had died in Glory City, and Master Cavo had happened to disappear at the same time. He guessed that the whole thing was probably related to Metternich.
Now that Cavo has said it himself, all the clues have been serialized.
The person behind the founding of the "Glory City" is probably that guy.
He quickly recalled all the clues about Metternich in his mind, and immediately thought of something, and asked: "Metternich made this bet with you because he wanted to establish the Glory City as a country, and then rely on the mixed situation to re-establish a new one." social order?"
"Little friend Ren, you really saw this level..."
Cavo glanced at Ren, showed an approving look, and said: "That's probably what that guy thinks. Although his approach is a bit extreme, I'm willing to admit defeat, so I can't say anything."
After a pause, he added: "Besides, even if I win that bet, it won't change anything. Sooner or later, 'Glory City' will eventually develop into what it is now. If I had heard the story a few decades earlier, My friend's original words of 'harmonious society' may be different. But now... After the establishment of Glory City, it has nothing to do with me anymore."
Hearing these words, Ren showed a thoughtful expression.
It is so difficult to establish a new social order, and it cannot be changed by a gamble.
Obviously, Metternich may have other arrangements.
But today, Renn felt that the top priority was not to care about the plans of the conspirators, but to figure out why the great master in front of him came.
He asked directly: "Then why did you come to this 'Black Wind Territory' this time...?"