Blake picked out the cleanest 100-yuan bill from that stack of cash, then stuffed the rest of the money back into the burly man's pocket, giving his shoulder a pat in passing. “Next time you make a move, figure out who your opponent is first.”

Blake stood up and looked at the group of people behind the burly man.

“Excuse me.”

The group exchanged glances, but still parted to make way for Blake.

It wasn’t until Blake disappeared into the depths of the underground passage that the group snapped out of it and helped the scar-faced burly man up from the ground.

“Boss, do you really not know who he is?” The thug who had tugged at the leader’s sleeve earlier asked.

“Who is he?”

The little thug glanced nervously into the depths of the underground passage and said, still shaken, “He comes to buy a batch of ingredients about every two weeks. Last time, Old Morris messed with him down here and got both his legs broken. He’s still in the hospital!”

The gang leader exclaimed, “Isn’t Old Morris an Awakened?!”

The little thug nodded. “Exactly, so is someone like that really someone we can afford to mess with?”

The gang leader let out a long breath. “Good thing we didn’t make a move…”

……

Seventh District, the largest district in the entire underground city.

Weapons, gene serums, slaves, even young wild beasts… here, you can buy almost anything you want.

Of course, this place is a gray area—most of the transactions are illegal.

It’s just that the government and Silver Watch simply don’t have the capacity to maintain order in such a huge underground district, so they turn a blind eye. That’s why this place is truly a mix of all sorts.

Inside an inconspicuous little bar.

Blake ordered a drink at the bar, then tossed a 100-yuan bill onto the table.

“Looking to ask something?” The bartender asked casually while wiping a glass.

“A way to meet the Hunter Association Chairman, Ethan Brooks.”

The bartender put away the cleaned glass and said, “Do you want to hear the fast way, or the slow way?”

“A discreet way, but not too slow.”

The bartender nodded and smiled. “Three days from now, in twenty-three central cities, there will be a unified Hunter Exam, lasting about a month. If you pass, you’ll have a chance to meet the Chairman when the badges are awarded.”

Blake nodded—he’d already seen this information online.

“So, what’s the faster way?”

The bartender was silent for a moment, then said, “If you can pay enough, I can get you the address of the Hunter Association headquarters. You could just storm in through the entrance and fight your way to the Chairman’s office.”

“…Forget it. Just give me the detailed info on the Hunter Exam.”

The bartender smiled, took a small silver storage device from the safe behind him.

“This contains some basic info on the Hunter Exam. Five hundred.”

Blake counted out five bills from his wallet and placed them on the bar.

After counting the money, the bartender handed the storage device to Blake.

“This info has already been sold over twenty times, so don’t count on it too much—your competitors have probably already got it too.”

“Also, the registration period for the Hunter Exam is over. If you want to participate now, you’ll have to find a way to get an invitation.”

“Oh, and here’s a friendly tip: don’t linger in the Seventh District too long tonight.”

“Otherwise, you might end up dead.”

Chapter 11: Before the Bloody Battle

Seventh District, inside a barbecue restaurant.

“From this page to here, everything—one of each.” Blake said as he flipped through the menu.

The waiter looked troubled. “Sir, that’s enough for five people, and we’re about to close for the night…”

Blake checked the time. “Closing? It’s not even 7 p.m. yet.”

The waiter smiled apologetically. “I’m really sorry, but we’re closing at 8 tonight for a full clean-up. You can still eat if you want, just keep an eye on the time.”

“It’s fine, I’ll eat, you don’t need to worry about me.”

As Blake spoke, he pulled a green crystal from his pocket and tossed it onto the table. “Keep the change.”

“This…”

The waiter was stunned too. What Blake had tossed out was a beast core from a beast-soldier level wild beast—worth several thousand yuan at least. Using it to pay for a meal was a bit too extravagant.

Thinking of what was about to happen tonight, the waiter didn’t dare accept it.

“What are you standing around for? Hurry up and get this gentleman’s order ready!” said a thin, black-bearded middle-aged man.

“Yes, Uncle Grant!” The waiter quickly put away the menu and went to notify the kitchen.

Uncle Grant sat down across from Blake, and slowly pushed the beast core back across the table.

“My friend. I appreciate the gesture, but tonight is a turbulent time. You’d best finish your meal quickly and leave. This one’s on me.”

Seeing Blake casually toss out a beast core, Uncle Grant had no idea what his intentions were and didn’t want any trouble, so he spoke very politely.

Blake pushed the beast core back again. “Don’t overthink it. I just don’t like carrying small change when I go out. I’ll eat, you do your thing, I won’t get in your way.”

Uncle Grant was silent for a moment, then realized Blake didn’t seem to be joking, and nodded. “Alright.”