Late at night!
The center of Kyoto City was bustling with activity.
However, in a place far from the city center, on the outskirts of the urban-rural fringe, it was relatively quieter.
A taxi drove up and stopped by the roadside.
A man wearing a mask and dressed in expensive clothing stepped out of the car, possessing the demeanor of a rich young master.
This young master-like figure generously tossed a hundred-yuan bill into the car.
“No need for change!”
With that, he strode into the alleyway ahead.
The taxi driver picked up the hundred-yuan bill, curled his lips, and grumbled, “The fare is 101 yuan, and you give me 100? What change do I have to give back!”
When did these damn rich kids start being so stingy?
The taxi driver drove away, muttering curses.
A few steps ahead, Ye Cangtian put a cigarette into his mouth. Looking at the dimly lit old alleyway before him, he couldn’t help but observe his surroundings cautiously.
Even though he was only here as an undercover agent, who knew if the person who posted the message earlier had intentionally lured him here?
If he encountered an ambush, he had to have a retreat plan.
These old alleyways had complex terrain with many interconnected lanes, some even leading to dead ends. Such a layout was perfect for hiding or for a swift escape amidst chaos.
A moment later.
Ye Cangtian arrived outside a courtyard. Two burly men, with strong physiques and not weak in skill, stood guard outside. They were estimated to be outer members of the Dark Association.
The Four Great Vajras who once served under Batianhu were also outer members of the Dark Council, their strength comparable to these two guards.
As they saw someone approaching, the two burly men became more vigilant.
However, upon seeing the bronze mask on Ye Cangtian's face, their vigilance immediately vanished. They opened the gate and bowed to welcome him.
The bronze mask signified a Yellow-tier member of the Dark Association. Even a lowest-ranked Yellow-tier member was considered a significant figure by these outer members.
Ye Cangtian smiled and walked directly into the courtyard.
Inside the courtyard, there were about ten or so people, all wearing bronze masks like him. Most of them were staying alone, with little interaction.
His arrival did not attract much attention. After all, everyone looked similar with masks on, and no one recognized each other.
Ye Cangtian’s lips curved slightly. It seemed no one had seen through him?
This meant that after his mask recognized him through blood, it could truly be used without revealing his identity?
Seeing that no one paid him any mind, Ye Cangtian, like the others, found a corner and sat down, secretly observing these Yellow-tier members.
This was his first time seeing so many members of the Dark Association, and also his first time going undercover within this organization.
It was inevitable that he would be curious about these fellows.
In fact, Ye Cangtian really wanted to strike up a conversation with someone, preferably to gather information about the Dark Association, as he knew very little about this organization.
If he didn’t understand anything, what if he exposed himself later?
As Ye Cangtian was looking around, he noticed a Yellow-tier member quietly approaching him from nearby. “Hey, brother, do you know which overseer summoned us?”
Ye Cangtian glanced at him. He was inwardly delighted. He was just worrying about not finding anyone to talk to, and now someone was proactively approaching him.
He remained outwardly composed, frowning, “I don’t know either. I just received a message and rushed over immediately.”
The Yellow-tier member nodded. It seemed this person, like him, was unaware of the reason for this gathering.
He smiled and continued, “My name is Huang Thirteen, and I’m under Lord Xuan Wu.”
Ye Cangtian pondered for two seconds and replied, “Huang Jiu!”
Huang Thirteen quickly asked, “Brother Huang Jiu, under which overseer are you?”
The Dark Association had numerous Yellow-tier members, and each Silver-masked Overseer had many Yellow-tier members under their command. Therefore, when introducing themselves, they would usually include their numbers.
For example, he was called ‘Xuan Wu Huang Thirteen’.
Ye Cangtian couldn’t help but frown. He only knew that Batianhu’s mask number was 9, indicating his current identity was Huang Jiu. But how was he supposed to know his superior?
That silver-masked middle-aged man hadn’t mentioned if he was Xuan something. Now that he was impersonating Huang Jiu, he was stumped by a single question.
He naturally couldn't just make one up. If he was exposed, wouldn't it be a complete failure?
Seeing that ‘Huang Thirteen’ was looking at him.
Ye Cangtian feigned displeasure and said, “My overseer instructed me not to mention his identity to outsiders, not even his number.”
Huang Thirteen was exasperated and helpless. “Brother, are you new? Although our organization requires everyone to keep their identities confidential, it doesn’t include numbers. What’s the big deal?”
Ye Cangtian hesitated for a moment, then said, “I’ve been with the organization for over a year, but I’ve always been in hiding in a small place. This is my first time interacting with other Yellow-tier members.”
“No wonder!” Huang Thirteen exclaimed, as if he had realized something.
Ye Cangtian appeared extremely calm on the surface, but his heart was relieved. Fortunately, he played the part of an ignorant rookie. Otherwise, he might have been suspected. Sudan Novel Network.
This Huang Thirteen, while chatting with him, seemed to be probing for information. He wondered what his objective was.
Another point was that this fellow gave Ye Cangtian a vague sense of familiarity.
However, everyone was wearing masks, and their voices were also modified, so he couldn't be sure if this ‘Huang Thirteen’ was someone he knew.
He had heard from Zhang Liang that the members of the Dark Association were very well-hidden. Many of them had other identities, and it was possible that someone he knew was among them.
The two chatted idly.
Ye Cangtian remained vigilant, not giving the other party a chance to pry for information.
After a while, more people entered the courtyard, all wearing masks like them, their true faces hidden.
“Huh? There’s a woman?” Ye Cangtian exclaimed in surprise.
Among the Yellow-tier members who had just entered, one had a voluptuous figure, with a high chest and a voluptuous ample behind, attracting the gaze of many men.
Even through the masks, one could see those ardent gazes.
Huang Thirteen, while staring at the woman, explained, “Of course. Our Dark Association is not just for men; we have women too.”
“Her name is Huang Yi, a Yellow-tier member under Xuan Ba. She’s been stationed in Kyoto for years. Don’t underestimate her just because she’s a woman; her strength is not weak!”
Xuan Ba Huang Yi?
Ye Cangtian sighed. The numbering system of the Dark Association was too convoluted!
Huang Thirteen swallowed and winked, “Brother Huang Jiu, this woman has a great figure, doesn’t she? Although I don’t know what she looks like, with this figure, she’s like a ripe蟠桃 (pan tao - peach), juicy with every bite!”
Ye Cangtian was stunned. How did this sentence sound so familiar?
Damn it, didn’t I say this before?
He looked at ‘Huang Thirteen’ and finally realized why he felt a sense of familiarity.
This guy was Shangguan Yun!