From Sword to Slaughter: Evolution

"You've heard about it too!?" Huang Conghui's shock deepened the moment Ren Xing mentioned it.

The Ancient Ruins!

Huang had picked up rumors from various sources, suggesting that an ancient ruin lay hidden within the nearby mountain range. And recently, it seemed that the ruins were on the verge of opening!

The mere thought of such a significant opportunity made the surrounding people visibly excited.

"Heh heh, so what do you say? Follow me, and you won't be disappointed," Ren Xing said, continuing with a smug tone. "In the coming days, I'll wipe out every mercenary group that stands against you."

Ren Xing knew that he still needed to build his power. Only by rallying more people to his side could he solidify his dominance.

"Can I trust your word?" Huang Conghui hesitated, but deep down, he was already tempted.

Ren Xing's display of power had clearly proven that he was much stronger. Becoming his subordinate didn't seem so bad, especially if it meant access to more resources.

After reaching the fifth tier, the need for cultivation resources had increased dramatically, and acquiring the necessary elixirs and treasures required vast sums of wealth!

"What do you think?" Ren Xing asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Huang hesitated for a moment, then made his decision.

"Greetings, Lord Ren!" Huang knelt on one knee, addressing Ren Xing formally.

This action symbolized his complete submission!

"Greetings, Lord Ren!" The surrounding mercenaries followed suit, kneeling one by one.

"Hahaha!" Ren Xing burst into laughter.

With the Steel Mercenary Group under his control, his grip on Star City would only tighten!

"This old man really knows how to play his cards," Ye Fan remarked. "But still, no news about Lin San's death? Could this guy have some kind of protagonist's halo or destiny?"

Ye Fan couldn't help but wonder about Lin San's survival, even though all signs suggested he should be dead.

...

Night soon fell.

Within the territory of the Tyrant Mercenary Group, corpses of many warriors lay scattered on the ground. Ren Xing stood tall, wielding his sharp Demon-Slaying Sword. The blade, now glowing an eerie blood-red after absorbing so much blood, glinted wickedly in the dim light.

"Ren Xing!" A towering, bloodied man roared in anger, his voice booming across the battlefield.

"I gave you a chance—to submit or die," Ren Xing replied coldly, his eyes fixed on the leader of the Tyrant Mercenary Group.

He intended to establish his dominance across Star City, crushing anyone who dared oppose him.

"You're asking for death!" The man, enraged, let out a furious bellow as he charged toward Ren Xing, brandishing a massive warblade.

"Hmph, ignorant fool," Ren Xing sneered.

In an instant, Ren Xing's Demon-Slaying Sword flashed, and he struck with lightning speed.

Clang!

The warblade shattered instantly, and before the man could even react, a crimson line appeared on his neck.

A moment later, his head fell to the ground.

[Killed fifth-tier warrior, gained 500 evolution points.]

Ye Fan received the system's notification.

"Not bad, the evolution points are adding up nicely," Ye Fan commented. "But Ren Xing really is ruthless."

After bringing the Steel Mercenary Group under his control, Ren Xing wasted no time enforcing his brutal policies, swiftly eliminating any mercenary group that had opposed the Steel Mercenaries.

...

Word of the annihilation of several mercenary groups spread quickly throughout Star City. Surprisingly, the common folk were pleased by the news.

These mercenary groups had caused trouble for civilians, and their downfall was seen as a relief. Though Ren Xing was a villain, his new role as city lord seemed to be making things better for the people. He had enacted strict laws preventing mercenaries from harassing or extorting the common folk, with violators being executed on the spot.

Ren Xing's iron-fisted rule terrified the remaining mercenaries, forcing them into submission.

"The more prosperous Star City becomes, the better for my advancement," Ren Xing muttered to himself as he stood atop the city's walls, gazing into the distance.

His ambitions extended far beyond being the city lord—this was merely a stepping stone.

"City Lord! The Governor has arrived!" A guard ran up to Ren Xing, announcing the visitor.

Over the past days, Ren Xing had recruited more guards to replenish the city's defenses, ensuring that the loss of previous soldiers was quickly compensated.

"Yes, I can see that," Ren Xing responded calmly.

Looking into the distance, he saw the imperial governor and his retinue approaching.

It was said that Governor Cheng had personally come this time, overseeing Star City's highest administrative region. His visit undoubtedly signaled the imminent selection of the new city lord.

As long as the empire didn't assign an outsider to the position, Ren Xing was determined to secure it.

With that, Ren Xing descended from the city walls, preparing to welcome the entourage.

Soon, the group—numbering over a hundred—passed through the city gates.

...

"Greetings, Governor Cheng. I am the acting city lord, Ren Xing," Ren Xing said respectfully as he knelt before the man descending from the carriage.

Governor Cheng was a middle-aged man with an imposing presence. Dressed in silver armor, he radiated authority.

"So, you're the acting city lord?" Cheng asked, his tone lofty as he glanced at Ren Xing.

"Yes, sir, that is correct," Ren Xing replied humbly.

But deep inside, he was sneering. Once he became the true city lord, would this governor dare speak to him with such arrogance?

"Take me to the City Lord's Mansion," Governor Cheng ordered as he began walking, glancing around as he moved.

Originally, he had expected Star City to be in chaos, but to his surprise, the city was well-governed.

"You've been managing the city during this time?" Governor Cheng asked casually as they walked.

"Yes, the people entrusted me with this responsibility," Ren Xing answered with a nod.

"It must be tough at your age," Cheng remarked with a hint of condescension.

Ren Xing's expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was seething with anger. Tough at my age? Ever heard of growing stronger with age?

"For the people's sake, it's worth it," Ren Xing said, maintaining a smile.

His response even made Ye Fan chuckle from within. "This old man really knows how to keep up appearances!"