Rebirth Immortal-Chapter 46: Shadows in the Black Market

The night air was thick with tension as Ye Chen, Lin Xia, and Zhao Ming made their way toward the Black Market. The streets were quieter than usual, but Ye Chen's sharp instincts told him they were being watched. He didn't show any signs of noticing and kept walking at a steady pace.

Zhao Ming glanced around cautiously. "Are you sure we should go straight to the Black Market? The Heavenly Serpent Gang might be expecting us."

Ye Chen nodded. "That's exactly why we should go. If they expect us, they might also slip up and reveal something important."

Lin Xia sighed but didn't argue. She knew Ye Chen was right. The Black Market was dangerous, but it was also the best place to gather information.

After walking for several minutes, they arrived at a hidden alleyway. A large iron gate blocked the entrance, guarded by two burly men with scarred faces. They eyed the group with suspicion.

"This is a restricted area," one of them growled. "State your business."

Ye Chen stepped forward. "We're here to trade."

The guards exchanged glances before one of them knocked twice on the gate. A small window slid open, revealing a pair of sharp eyes.

"Names?" a rough voice asked.

"Shadow Fang sent us," Ye Chen replied calmly, using the name of a well-known underground trader.

The eyes narrowed before the window shut. A moment later, the heavy gate creaked open.

"Go in," the guard said. "No trouble."

Ye Chen smirked. "Of course."

They stepped inside, and the air immediately changed. The Black Market was unlike any other place in the city. Dim lanterns cast eerie shadows over the narrow streets, and the scent of herbs, metal, and blood mixed together.

Merchants in dark cloaks stood behind makeshift stalls, selling rare artifacts, illegal weapons, and forbidden medicines. In the distance, gamblers shouted around dice tables, and thugs kept watch over their turf.

Lin Xia wrinkled her nose. "This place stinks of danger."

Zhao Ming smirked. "That's why we're here, isn't it?"

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Ye Chen's eyes scanned the area, searching for a familiar face. Soon, he spotted an old man sitting behind a wooden counter filled with strange bottles and powders. His beard was long, and his eyes were filled with cunning.

"Old He."

The man looked up and chuckled. "Ye Chen. I was wondering when you'd come knocking."

Ye Chen sat across from him. "I need information."

Old He raised an eyebrow. "Information isn't free."

Ye Chen pulled out a small jade bottle and placed it on the table. "One Heavenly Restoration Pill."

Old He's eyes widened in surprise. He picked up the bottle, sniffed it, and then nodded in approval. "Fine. What do you want to know?"

"The Heavenly Serpent Gang," Ye Chen said. "Who hired them to kill me?"

Old He's expression darkened. He looked around cautiously before lowering his voice. "You've made some dangerous enemies, boy."

"I already know that," Ye Chen said impatiently. "I need names."

Old He sighed. "I don't have a name, but I can tell you this—whoever hired the Heavenly Serpent Gang is from the Zhao family."

Lin Xia's eyes widened. "The Zhao family? But they're one of the noble families!"

Ye Chen's gaze turned sharp. "Which Zhao?"

Old He shook his head. "I don't know. But someone from the Zhao family has been paying a lot of money to remove you. If I were you, I'd be careful."

Zhao Ming clenched his fists. "The Zhao family... My family..."

Ye Chen turned to him. "Do you have any enemies in your family?"

Zhao Ming hesitated before answering. "Not that I know of. My father holds an important position, but we've never crossed anyone powerful enough to do something like this."

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes. "Then there's something deeper going on."

Old He leaned back and sighed. "I've told you all I know. Now leave before you bring trouble to my doorstep."

Ye Chen stood up. "Thanks."

Just as they turned to leave, a loud explosion shook the ground. The Black Market erupted into chaos as people screamed and ran in different directions.

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed. "We've been set up."

From the entrance, a group of masked men rushed in, wielding blades and crossbows. Their leader pointed at Ye Chen.

"Kill him!"

Without hesitation, the assassins charged.

Ye Chen moved first, dodging an incoming blade and countering with a swift punch to the attacker's chest, sending him flying. Lin Xia flipped over a stall, kicking one of the men in the face. Zhao Ming unsheathed his sword, clashing against an enemy's dagger.

The battle turned the Black Market into a war zone. Stalls were overturned, merchandise was trampled, and panicked screams filled the air.

Ye Chen grabbed an assassin's arm and twisted it sharply, breaking it in an instant. Another enemy lunged at him, but he ducked and swept his leg, knocking the man off his feet.

Lin Xia and Zhao Ming fought fiercely by his side. Lin Xia moved with lightning-fast agility, striking weak points and avoiding attacks. Zhao Ming, fueled by anger, slashed through his opponents with precision.

Ye Chen's eyes flickered as he noticed something. The leader of the assassins wasn't attacking—he was watching.

He's waiting for something.

Just as Ye Chen realized this, the leader smirked and pulled out a small whistle.

A signal.

Before Ye Chen could react, the ceiling above them collapsed.

A massive figure dropped from the rafters, landing with a loud thud. The ground cracked under his weight.

Ye Chen's pupils shrank.

It was a giant man, nearly seven feet tall, with muscles like steel and a scar running down his left eye. He carried a massive hammer on his back, and his aura was terrifying.

Lin Xia gasped. "That's... Iron Demon! The strongest mercenary in the underground world!"

Zhao Ming gritted his teeth. "They really went all out to kill us."

Iron Demon cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Ye Chen, I've heard a lot about you. Let's see if you're as strong as they say."

Ye Chen clenched his fists. "I don't care who you are. If you want to kill me, you'll regret it."

The Black Market had turned into a battlefield, and Ye Chen was about to face his toughest challenge yet.