The People's God: Sacrificing Trillions to Ascend

The instant Han Wu stepped out of the inn, he sensed eyes on them from the shadows. There were at least a dozen watchers. Their movements had been exposed long ago. Mobilizing so many people to capture four fugitives with a combined bounty of only a hundred silver coins was absurd. The reward wouldn’t even cover the hiring cost.

Han Wu spoke into the darkness. “Alright, come out. You haven’t made a move yet, so I’m guessing you’re not here just to apprehend us.”

A dozen figures in matching black garments emerged from every direction. “You’re as sharp as they say. Our master would like a word,” the leader said.

Han Wu spread his hands. “As if I have a choice. Lead the way.”

The men escorted them to an estate. Judging by the decor, the owner was clearly wealthy. After winding through a maze of corridors, they were brought into a large hall.

Inside, dancers in thin dresses performed before a middle-aged man seated at the head of the room in expensive robes. Guest fighters lined both sides of the hall, and every one of them was at least a Third-rate practitioner.

Once Han Wu’s group entered, the man dismissed the dancers and introduced himself. “My name is Han Feng. What the four of you did today was truly impressive. I apologize for using such crude methods to invite you here tonight.”

Han Wu nodded and said they didn’t mind. What he really wanted to know was what Han Feng wanted. Qin Shuang was equally confused. They had only beaten up a shopkeeper today. Why would this man go to such lengths to bring them here?

Han Feng seemed to read her thoughts. “You may not know this, but the man you injured today is the city lord’s brother-in-law. That’s why the city lord is hell-bent on catching you.

“As for me, I have a grudge against the city lord. The harder he tries to capture you, the more determined I am to keep you out of his hands.”

Han Wu understood. “Then just let us go. Why bring us here?”

“I heard you are all skilled fighters. I’d like to befriend you,” Han Feng replied.

Han Wu scoffed inwardly. Making friends or recruiting subordinates?

With Han Feng’s men surrounding them, however, Han Wu chose not to blurt out the truth.

“Being friends is fine, but we have business elsewhere and can’t stay in Maple City for long,” Han Wu said courteously.

Han Feng’s expression stiffened. He had risked the city lord’s anger precisely because he wanted to recruit them. Letting them leave was never part of the plan.

Naturally, he didn’t say that aloud. Instead, one of his guest fighters, a bald old man, abruptly rose to his feet. “Arrogant brats. Just because you’ve got a bit of skill, you think you’re something special? I am Iron Head and can’t stand people like you! Kid, how about a round with this old man? Let me see what you’ve got.”

Without waiting for a response, he leapt into the center of the hall and assumed a fighting stance.

Neither the other guest fighters nor Han Feng made any move to stop him. This was clearly premeditated.

Han Wu’s group exchanged glances.

Jia Gui was the first to bow out. “He said brats. I’m no brat. I’m a grown man.”

Han Wu was speechless. Was that really the important bit?

He Xu stepped forward. “Han Wu, let me handle this one.”

Han Wu shook his head. “The guy calls himself Iron Head. Your special ability isn’t a good match for him. I’ll take him.”

He Xu nodded and reminded him to be careful.

The hall cleared for the duel. Iron Head slapped his skull, producing a metallic ring. Han Wu seriously wondered whether the man’s head was actually filled with iron.

Without a word, Iron Head charged and used his head as a battering ram. His momentum was tremendous, forcing Han Wu to retreat again and again. With that Iron Skull Technique alone, Iron Head was at least one of the top-ranking Third-rate fighters.

The guest fighters lining the hall shook their heads. They had expected more from Han Wu, but he couldn’t even beat Iron Head.

Han Feng wasn’t convinced. His scouts had reported that the city lord’s brother-in-law had suffered a piercing wound, not a blunt injury. Why was Han Wu only using his fists?

After dodging several more attacks, Han Wu grew bored. He’d been holding back long enough. Surely he could surrender now without raising suspicion.

He stepped back and raised his hands. “Master Iron Head, your skill is beyond me. I admit defeat.”

Han Wu had assumed that surrendering would end this pointless sparring match and let them leave, but Iron Head had other plans.

“Kid, I’m not finished yet! I’ll wash my head with your blood today!” Iron Head roared and charged again.

Nobody in the hall moved to stop him.

Fine. So that’s how it’s going to be, Han Wu thought.

As Iron Head closed in, Han Wu launched Shadow Xun’s attack. The golden and silver axes shot forward and slammed into Iron Head’s skull. Their sharp edges carved two gashes across his scalp, and blood streamed down his face until his entire head was stained red.

No one in the hall could tell where the axes had come from. Shadow Xun drew the weapons back into the shadow.

Han Wu chuckled. “Master Iron Head, can I surrender now?”

Iron Head was enraged. He was already wounded like this, and Han Wu still wanted to surrender? To him, it was a blatant insult!

“I’ll kill you!” With blood covering his head, Iron Head charged once more.

Han Wu sighed and shook his head. The man wouldn’t listen. He had offered him a way out, and Iron Head had refused to take it. It was too late now.

Han Wu activated Shadow Xun again. The tail shot from his shadow like a spear and pierced straight through Iron Head’s prized head. The arrowhead tip punched through bone and churned his brain. Iron Head died with his eyes wide open.

“Did it really have to come to this? I tried to surrender,” Han Wu said with feigned regret, then turned toward the other guest fighters. “Anyone else want to challenge me? Step right up. I’m very weak.”

Even after witnessing the killing blow, none of them could figure out how to defend against it. They waved their hands and declined. None of them wanted to die.