novelraw Chapter 332: I broke my promise
Chapter 332: I broke my promise
Liu San didn't dare to be distracted, focusing all his lifelong learning as the blade tip wandered across Su Zhan's face.
He altered the height of the cheekbones.
Narrowed the line of the jaw.
Reshaped the curve of the nasal bridge.
Subtly adjusted the direction of the brow bones and the shape of the eye corners.
He had to carefully control the force, not crossing the line that might provoke the other party, or... accidentally sending himself off ahead of schedule.
Sweat continuously slid from his temples, dripping onto the leather apron, but he didn't even dare to wipe it.
Time passed slowly under the oppressive atmosphere.
After who knows how long, Liu San completed the final crude stitch.
He set down the tools, staggering back two steps, almost collapsing: "G-Great... Great one, i-it's... it's done."Su Zhan slowly opened his eyes and sat up.
He merely flexed his facial muscles slightly, feeling the strange sensation of skin being pulled and the presence of sutures.
"It's acceptable."
Su Zhan said flatly.
Liu San's face squeezed out a smile uglier than crying: "G-Great one, w-what do you think... are you satisfied? This humble one's craftsmanship..."
Su Zhan moved his face again, his tone indifferent: "You did well."
Upon hearing this, Liu San hurriedly bowed, tentatively asking: "Then... then what about your promise to spare this humble one's life..."
Su Zhan slowly turned around, his gaze icy.
Liu San's heart plummeted, a chill instantly shooting through his entire body.
Su Zhan looked at him and spoke faintly: "You did an excellent job, but as everyone knows, I don't keep promises."
He wouldn't show foolish kindness.
The other party had already seen his true face during the cosmetic procedure, so he couldn't be left alive.
Only the dead are the best at keeping secrets.
"You!"
All color instantly drained from Liu San's face. He stumbled backward, knocking over the tool rack behind him.
Bottles and jars shattered all over the floor.
He rasped out a cry: "You can't do this! I... I'm under the Dragon Rise Society! If you kill me, the Dragon Rise Society won't let you go! They will definitely investigate to the end!"
"Dragon Rise Society? Hah, the same old rhetoric."
Su Zhan used his pinky to dig at his ear, his gaze like he was looking at a dead man: "Do you think they would offend a Special-risk first-order like me, for a Stream Realm eighth-order like you?"
This sentence completely shattered all of Liu San's delusions.
In Black City, value determined everything.
His value was insignificant before a Special-risk level powerhouse.
The Dragon Rise Society would absolutely not provoke such a troublesome enemy just to avenge him.
"No... don't..."
Liu San completely broke down, tears and snot flowing, still wanting to make a final plea.
Su Zhan didn't give him another chance.
He flicked a dark red thread of flame from his fingertip.
The flame thread vanished into Liu San's glabella.
Liu San's begging voice cut off abruptly.
Dark red flames surged violently from his seven orifices, instantly devouring his entire head and even his upper body.
A few seconds later, the flames dissipated.
Not even a trace of bloodstain remained on the ground.
Su Zhan adjusted his collar, feeling the new sensation on his face.
He had checked for surveillance when he entered, only starting the procedure after confirming there were no cameras, otherwise his true face would have been exposed.
This face... from now on, is my face.
Whether Liu San's craftsmanship was good or perfect was unimportant to him.
What mattered was that from this day forward, the original face of "Su Zhan" had to be completely buried, never to be exposed to sunlight again.
That face belonging to the Vermilion Bird Academy genius had now become the most dangerous taboo.
He was no longer Su Zhan, at least in appearance.
Who was he?
He could become anyone in Black City, an inconspicuous passerby, a potential schemer, or... an unknown factor about to stir up waves.
But regardless, that face which carried too much of the past had been sealed away by his own hand.
Su Zhan pushed open the crooked wooden door.
Three figures emerged from the shadows ahead, just blocking his path.
These three wore matching dark-colored martial attire, the corners of their clothes embroidered with a faint dragon pattern. Their auras were condensed, clearly not the usual riffraff common on Shatterbone Street.
They stood in a triangular formation, subtly poised for a combined attack.
But when facing Su Zhan, not a trace of hostility could be seen on their faces.
The leader stepped forward half a pace, bowing deeply to Su Zhan, his tone humble: "Great one, our intrusion is presumptuous, we beg your forgiveness."
Su Zhan's steps paused. His gaze swept over the three, feeling a slight surprise inwardly.
The Dragon Rise Society?
So fast?
His expression remained unchanged as he asked faintly: "What is it?"
That person hurriedly replied, his head bowing even lower: "It's our boss, the president of the Dragon Rise Society, who wishes to invite you over for a chat and a cup of tea."
Su Zhan raised an eyebrow slightly: "I have never met your honorable president. Why would he invite me?"
Not only did they know of his existence, they had directly sent people to wait here. This efficiency and control over information was not to be underestimated.
The leader said cautiously: "We dare not hide it from you, Great one. Our brothers are responsible for overseeing this area. Liu San... was also within our purview of duty.
Earlier, we sensed the powerful aura you... you emanated when you graced this place. We didn't dare neglect it and immediately reported it to the president.
Upon hearing, the president greatly admired you and specifically ordered us to wait here respectfully, earnestly requesting your esteemed presence to go for a chat."
He paused, stealing a glance at Su Zhan's expression. Seeing no anger, he continued to add, his tone even more cautious: "The president also specifically instructed that whether Liu San lived or died was entirely his own fault, of no consequence.
The president... sincerely wishes to befriend a powerhouse like you, Great one, with absolutely no other intentions."
These words were flawlessly delivered.
They clarified their knowledge of the Liu San matter while immediately stating their non-pursuit stance, lowering their posture completely, presenting a facade solely for making connections, not seeking revenge.
A faint, seemingly amused smile appeared on Su Zhan's face: "Oh? Your Dragon Rise Society is quite well-informed and acts quickly."
Sweat beaded slightly on the leader's temple. He hurriedly said: "You flatter us, Great one. Making a living in Black City, one's ears and eyes must always be sharp.
The president is also thirsty for talent. Upon learning a powerhouse like you had appeared, he couldn't wait to make your acquaintance. For any abruptness, we hope for your generous forgiveness."
The other two also hurriedly bowed in agreement, their posture humble, not even daring to breathe heavily.
They could clearly sense the immeasurable, abyss-like aura emanating from the person before them, a power far beyond their comprehension.
Facing such an existence, the slightest hint of disrespect could bring about utter destruction.
Su Zhan fell silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the three's tense and respectful faces, as if weighing the situation.
In truth, he was also quite interested.
Newly arrived in Black City, if he could make contact with the leader of a local snake force, it might help him find a channel to communicate with the City Lord.
"Very well."
Su Zhan's voice was flat: "Since your honorable president extends such a warm invitation, I shall impose myself for a cup of tea."