Chen Chang'an was never the type to put all his eggs in one basket. While he sought the Purple Gold Medal, he hadn't given up on investigating the whereabouts of the City Lord of No Return City.
This City Lord was deeply hidden. Neither Chen Chang'an nor Da Huang could confirm whether he was even in No Return City—and if he was, who could he be?
No one in the entire city had ever seen the true face of the City Lord. He was far too mysterious.
Da Huang had just stumbled upon something odd about the small wooden hut, but by the time Chen Chang'an and Da Huang arrived, they were a step too late.
Chen Chang'an glanced at the discarded black robe on the ground and frowned.
"Da Huang, why don’t you sniff the scent on this robe and track it down?" Chen Chang'an asked with a laugh.
"You really think I’m a dog?"
"This place reeks. I’m not sniffing anything. Do it yourself if you want to," Da Huang grumbled unhappily.
"Never mind. There’s nothing useful here. Let’s go."
Chen Chang'an chuckled before leaving the hut with Da Huang.
Now, as Chen Chang'an walked through No Return City, he stood out like a dazzling star. Everyone’s eyes were inevitably drawn to the medal on his chest.
A Platinum Medal—worn by someone so young. There was no doubt this was Chen Chang'an.
"That’s Chen Chang'an? He really is that young?"
"Exactly. And his cultivation test showed he’s at the first level of the Transcendent Realm."
"First level of the Transcendent Realm, yet he advanced to the Platinum Medal with an unbeatable record. That’s terrifying."
"Ugh, I’m so envious. Forget the Purple Gold Medal—if I could just get the Platinum Medal, I’d die happy."
"Right? Platinum Medal holders don’t have to pay any fees, and they get a fifty percent discount on all purchases in No Return City."
The Platinum Medal wasn’t just a symbol of strength—it also came with privileges. That’s why so many in No Return City sought to become medal holders.
Of course, there were restrictions too. They had to obey the commands of the City Lord, Asura.
For those who reached the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm—or even broke through to the Void Comprehension Realm—medal holders would be prioritized as Asura’s trusted subordinates, promoted to commanders of No Return City.
"So, you’re the one who showed off in the Medal Arena today?"
"Not bad, you’ve got some skill. But becoming a Purple Gold Medal holder won’t be so easy."
"You won’t even get past me."
A discordant voice suddenly cut through the air. Chen Chang'an turned to see who had spoken.
"Is that… Yan Xiong? He’s back?"
"My god, when did Yan Xiong return?"
"It’s over. Yan Xiong is here? Looks like Chen Chang'an’s good days are numbered."
"Who’s Yan Xiong? I’ve never heard of him."
"You must be new to No Return City if you haven’t heard of Yan Xiong."
"So, who is he?"
"The strongest among the Platinum Medal holders!"
"Ten years ago, his cultivation was already at the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm. He could’ve become a city commander long ago."
"But Yan Xiong is too proud. He refused to take the position unless he reached the Void Comprehension Realm."
"For the past decade, he hasn’t stayed in No Return City. He’s been out training, seeking a breakthrough. By now, his cultivation must be…"
The Void Comprehension Realm?
A Platinum Medal holder at the Void Comprehension Realm?
How the hell is anyone supposed to compete with that?
"Wait, if he’s that strong now, shouldn’t he be promoted to commander? He shouldn’t be fighting in the Platinum Medal battles anymore, right?"
"As long as he doesn’t apply for promotion, he’ll always be a Platinum Medal holder. Him participating doesn’t break any rules."
Listening to the chatter around him, Chen Chang'an understood just who this arrogant man was.
A Platinum Medal holder who had broken through to the Void Comprehension Realm?
"Took you ten years just to go from the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm to the Void Comprehension Realm? Not very impressive," Chen Chang'an said with a faint smile.
"Hahaha, such arrogance."
"Even if I’m ‘not impressive,’ you’re still no match for me."
"I won’t waste my time with you today. I’ll be waiting in the Medal Arena."
"I’ll show you what happens to those who act cocky."
Yan Xiong didn’t attack Chen Chang'an outright. In his eyes, Chen Chang'an wasn’t even worth the effort.
Among Platinum Medal holders, there were plenty who could teach Chen Chang'an a lesson.
"Then you’d better watch closely."
"If you don’t show up, I’ll win too easily. It’ll be boring," Chen Chang'an sneered.
"Hahaha, good!"
"I’ll remember that. Don’t disappoint me by failing in the first round."
With that, Yan Xiong left, as if his only purpose in appearing was to throw a few threats Chen Chang'an’s way.
"What’s wrong with that guy? Did he just come here to show off?"
"Or to announce to everyone that Yan Xiong is back?"
"Did all that bloodlust rot his brain and turn him into an idiot?"
Da Huang nodded in agreement. Yan Xiong really didn’t seem all that bright.
And whatever he’d been through in those ten years, the bloodlust around him was overwhelming—like he could snap at any moment.
But Chen Chang'an also noticed something else: long-term residents of No Return City had far less bloodlust. It seemed they had some method of suppressing it.
Still, that wasn’t Chen Chang'an’s concern right now. All he had to do was wait for the Medal Arena’s announcement.
"Hey, idiot, kowtow to me. Do it, and I’ll give you food."
"Hahaha, yeah, harder, harder!"
Suddenly, Chen Chang'an noticed a group of teenagers—around sixteen or seventeen—mocking a fool in a corner.
The fool’s eyes were dull, his face stuck in a vacant smile. He didn’t understand their malice, only that obeying was his way of survival.
At first, Chen Chang'an paid no attention. He wasn’t the type to meddle in others’ affairs.
But one careless glance sent a jolt through him.
That face… it was so familiar. Though changed, Chen Chang'an would never forget it.
Da Huang noticed Chen Chang'an’s reaction and looked toward the corner.
"This… no way it’s that easy?"
"Did we really find him this fast?"
Even Da Huang was stunned. Because that fool looked exactly like Wu Mingdao.
Just younger, without the unwavering confidence in his eyes—and missing the fearless aura he once carried.
Is it truly... a reincarnation?
Chen Chang'an wasn't sure, but since he had encountered it, he felt compelled to intervene and ask.
The moment Chen Chang'an appeared, the group of youths froze, especially when they caught sight of the platinum badge on his chest—their expressions instantly tensed.
"Y-you... Is there something we've done to anger you?" one of the young men stammered.
"Do you... recognize him?"