Before the dust had settled in the square, a figure slowly emerged from behind the crowd.

The newcomer was dressed in a gray cloth robe and had an ordinary face. He looked like a typical shopkeeper, but with each step he took, the surrounding noise seemed to be suppressed by an invisible force. Even the sound of stones chasing Tang Wen stopped—not because they didn't want to move, but because a gentle yet irresistible pressure enveloped them, causing everyone to subconsciously hold their breath.

"City Lord."

Bai Biao, Tang Wen, Shi Lie, and the others bowed in unison, their tone filled with reverence.

The newcomer was none other than the City Lord of Wufeng City, a mid-stage Creation Realm expert who had been hiding behind the scenes.

The city lord waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the mess in the square before finally settling on the Shi and Tang families. He said indifferently, "We're all from the same city. What kind of behavior is this, fighting and killing each other? Sit down and let's have a good chat."

His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried a strange persuasive power. Although the Shi and Tang families were unwilling, none of them dared to disobey—their strength was utterly insignificant in front of a mid-stage Creation Realm expert.

Soon, someone brought over tables and chairs. The city lord sat in the center, with Bai Biao, Tang Wen, and Shi Lie on either side. Xiao Chen and Shi Tou were pulled to Bai Biao's side as honored guests.

"The cause of today's events need not be elaborated upon."

The city lord picked up the spirit tea offered by the maid and took a sip. "The Shi family started the trouble, the Tang family assisted from the side, and the Bai family fought back in self-defense. Now the Shi family has lost two elders, the Tang family has also lost a lot of manpower, and although the Bai family won, they have also suffered heavy losses."

He looked at Shi Lie and Tang Wen: "You two families, you lost, do you admit it or not?"

Shi Lie gritted his teeth, lowered his head and said, "I admit it." Tang Wen also snorted coldly and turned her face away, which was taken as her consent.

"It's good that you've accepted it." The city lord put down his teacup. "The Bai family patriarch is currently attempting to break through to the Creation Realm, and this is a time when he needs peace. Starting today, both of your families will contribute 30% of the monthly income of your industries to the Bai family for a period of ten years as compensation."

"Thirty percent?!" Shi Lie looked up abruptly, his face flushed. "City Lord! That's too much! Our Shi family has already suffered heavy losses, and now we're taking another thirty percent..."

"Too much?" The city lord glanced at him, his eyes calm yet imposing. "Then fifty percent. Or, you can take your people and get out of Windless City right now."

Shi Lie fell silent instantly, cold sweat streaming down his forehead. Being kicked out of Windless City meant losing his entire foundation, a fate worse than taking only 30% of the income.

Tang Wen also fell silent—the city lord was giving them a warning, and also paving the way for the Bai family. If they didn't agree today, even the Tang family might suffer.

"I agree," Tang Wen said first, her voice somewhat stiff. Seeing this, Shi Lie could only grit his teeth and nod, "I...I agree too."

A hint of joy flashed in Bai Biao's eyes. He cupped his hands to the city lord and said, "Thank you for upholding justice, city lord."

The city lord waved his hand, said nothing more, got up and left, as if he had just done something insignificant. He came suddenly and left just as abruptly, leaving behind a crowd of people with all sorts of thoughts.

As everyone watched the city lord's departing figure, a chill ran down their spines—what was this city lord thinking?

It was called mediation, but it clearly favored the Bai family; it was called a warning to the Shi and Tang families, but it didn't completely destroy them. He didn't want the Bai family to become too powerful, nor did he want the Shi and Tang families to be completely wiped out. He played this balancing act with masterful skill.

"It seems the city lord wants the three families to check and balance each other so he can secure his position as city lord," Bai Feng whispered to Xiao Chen, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.

Xiao Chen remained noncommittal. This city lord's thoughts were far deeper than they appeared; today's events were probably just the beginning.

After the chaos subsided, the Shi and Tang families slunk away, leaving only the Bai family members and the mess that needed to be cleaned up in the square.

"Mr. Xiao, Brother Shitou, please come to my residence for a chat." Bai Biao invited warmly, his gratitude undisguised. "If it weren't for your help today, the Bai family would be in grave danger."

Xiao Chen nodded and followed Bai Biao back to the Bai family mansion.

Inside the living room, fine spiritual tea and snacks were already prepared. Bai Biao dismissed his attendants and personally poured tea for Xiao Chen and Shi Tou, his tone sincere: "Mr. Xiao, we are deeply grateful. From now on, please feel free to ask for anything the Bai family can do."

Shi Tou was engrossed in eating when he heard this and mumbled, "No, no, we just take people's money to solve their problems... oh no, I mean, we take their quotas to do their jobs."

Bai Biao was amused by him, then said seriously, "I will give Mr. Xiao the spot in Misty Hidden Valley right away."

He took out a cyan jade pendant from his storage bag. The pendant was engraved with intricate patterns, and in the center was the character "隐" (hidden), which emitted a faint spatial fluctuation.

"This is the entrance token for Misty Valley." Bai Biao handed the jade token to Xiao Chen. "Misty Valley opens once every twenty years, and there are still six months until the opening. At that time, the jade token will light up on its own, guiding you to the entrance of the secret realm."

He paused, then added, "However, Mr. Xiao should be aware that although the quota has been set, there will still be a competition at the entrance to the secret realm. It's not enough to just have an entry pass to get in; you also have to pass the tests set up by the secret realm. In the end, only 30% of the quota will be able to enter."

"There are still tests?" Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.” Bai Biao nodded. “While there are many opportunities within Misty Valley, it is also extremely dangerous. The secret realm itself selects those who are qualified to enter. The test content changes every year; it may be a battle of combat strength, a test of mental fortitude, or even a treasure hunt…”

Xiao Chen understood. He took the jade token, its surface warm to the touch, and could feel the spatial energy contained within. It seemed that entering this Misty Valley wouldn't be so easy.

"Thank you, Patriarch Bai." Xiao Chen carefully put away the jade token.

"We are the ones who should be thanking you," Bai Biao said with a smile. "If Mr. Xiao doesn't mind, you can stay at the Bai family's house for a few more days, so that we can do our best to be good hosts."

Xiao Chen shook his head: "No, we have other things to do, so we'll take our leave now." He didn't want to get too involved in the Bai family's affairs; having secured the spot, he had already achieved his goal.

Bai Biao didn't insist on keeping them, and personally escorted them to the gate of the mansion. He also had Bai Feng prepare a lot of spirit crystals and healing pills, which he gave to Xiao Chen: "This is just a small token of my appreciation, Mr. Xiao, please don't find it offensive."

Xiao Chen couldn't refuse, so he accepted it.

After bidding farewell to Bai Biao and Bai Feng, Xiao Chen and Shi Tou walked out of the Bai family mansion side by side.

Sunlight streamed onto the streets, dispelling the previous stench of blood. Windless City gradually returned to its former appearance, but there was always an undercurrent of tension in the air.

"Senior Brother, where do we go next?" Stone rubbed his stomach. "I'm not full yet."

Xiao Chen glanced at the cyan jade token in his hand, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes: "Let's find a place to cultivate first, and wait for the Misty Hidden Valley to open."

Six months is enough time for him to consolidate his cultivation at the Dao Inquiry Realm, and even attempt to break through to the middle stage of the Dao Inquiry Realm.

As for the trial in the secret realm...

Xiao Chen smiled faintly.

It's the challenges that make things more interesting.

The two figures gradually disappeared at the end of the street, but the story of Windless City was far from over.

Whether the Bai family patriarch can successfully break through, whether the Shi and Tang families are willing to lie low, and what the city lord is planning will all be revealed in the days to come.