203: Chapter 203 Nighttime Slaughter

Sensing the old wizard's weak life force, Nie Ning couldn't help but frown.

It was one thing for the city to be dilapidated, but he hadn't expected the resident wizard to be in such a state as well.

Yet, logically, this shouldn't be the case.

After all, a wizard's resources were provided by The Federation and rarely required local resources, so why would they assign a wizard on the verge of death to this place?

"Who are you?"

The old wizard scrutinized the pair with murky eyes.

"We are passing wizards and stopped by to pay our respects," Nie Ning said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, a trace of disappointment appeared in the old wizard's eyes, but he still invited them into the Wizard Tower.

Compared to the outside, the interior of the tower was much cleaner and tidier, not weathered by the wind and sand like the exterior.

...

After chatting for a while, Nie Ning learned the other's name: Ogden.

When Nie Ning spoke of going to the nearby volcano, the old wizard's face revealed a grave expression.

Seeing Ogden's expression change, Nie Ning asked, "What is it? Is something wrong?"

"Years ago, I sealed a Scarlet Feather Fire Demon there, but I was afflicted with fire poison as a result and my days are numbered, so I advise you best not go there."

Ogden sighed and said slowly.

Moreover, because this place was too barren, no wizard was willing to come here to replace him.

He couldn't even recruit Wizard Apprentices in the city because young people had left for other lands, and in his view, the city's destruction was only a matter of time.

"Scarlet Feather Fire Demon?"

Nie Ning thought for a moment, recalling having read about it in a book.

Although called a fire demon, it was actually a large bird with fire-elemental abilities.

Its entire body was covered in orange feathers that emitted scorching heat, and its primary attack methods were explosive fire-type skills, which dealt outrageously high damage.

Typically, a Scarlet Feather Fire Demon's strength was between Tier 1 and Tier 2, with a very small number capable of growing to Tier 3.

"What tier was the Scarlet Feather Fire Demon you sealed?" Nie Ning asked.

"Although it was Tier 2 when I sealed it, I was already severely injured at the time and was forced to seal it on the spot."

"And the volcano is beneficial to the Scarlet Feather Fire Demon; I fear that by now, not only has it recovered from its injuries, but its strength has also advanced further."

Ogden's wrinkled face was filled with helplessness.

Originally, he had come here because he had no hope of advancing.

Coupled with his advanced age and declining strength, he couldn't defeat the Scarlet Feather Fire Demon that utilized the power of the earth fire, so he could only use a formation to force it into slumber.

Hearing it was only Tier 2, Nie Ning couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

The normal limit for a Scarlet Feather Fire Demon was Tier 3, but that didn't mean it could only reach Tier 3.

Utilizing the earth fire's power to temper its bloodline, it wouldn't be strange for it to even reach Tier 4.

But that Scarlet Feather Fire Demon had only been sealed for a few years, which was not enough time for it to undergo such a transformation.

"As long as it's within Tier 3, it's no problem. I will help you resolve this hidden danger," Nie Ning said with a smile.

Ogden was stunned upon hearing this and couldn't help but take another look at Nie Ning.

To be so young and yet speak so arrogantly?

Even if you were a gifted prodigy who had reached Tier 2, it would still be very difficult to defeat that Scarlet Feather Fire Demon.

"Young man, I advise you to think carefully. It would be better to wait until The Federation sends someone, and then go together," Ogden advised earnestly.

"Alright, I'd like to ask, what is the situation with the Wild Sand Gang?"

Nie Ning understood Ogden's meaning and didn't continue the topic, instead asking about the Wild Sand Gang.

He would be staying here for a while, and if this Wild Sand Gang was truly harming the local populace, Nie Ning wouldn't mind taking action to completely eradicate them.

"The Wild Sand Gang?"

A look of confusion appeared on Ogden's face: "What do they do?"

Upon hearing this, Nie Ning didn't know how to answer.

"Just how many years has it been since you last stepped outside, old man? How could you not know about the Wild Sand Gang that manages the water supply?"

"I indeed haven't left in several years, but someone brings water and food every so often. Aren't those people from the City Lord's mansion?"

Ogden thought for a moment, the confusion on his face deepening.

Nie Ning's mouth twitched slightly.

He had just heard from the old woman that several City Lords had already been replaced, and no one had come to succeed the position in the last two years.

Nie Ning sighed and explained helplessly.

"Damnable bastards! I was wondering why the people delivering food were so ruffian-like, so that's what's going on!"

After hearing Nie Ning's explanation, Ogden was so angry he blew his beard and stared.

Not only that, during the last wizard aptitude test, only two hundred or so children had come.

Remembering the previous tests, there were at least over a thousand people each time.

He had assumed it was because the living environment was too harsh, causing all the young people to move away, but now he realized they were probably forced out!

"Don't be angry anymore. Leave the rest to me; those people will disappear very soon," Nie Ning said to comfort him, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

But it had to be said, the Wild Sand Gang was quite good at handling people, actually going out of their way to send people to keep this strongest wizard stable.

However, their good days were over; it was perfect to use their lives to help the soul of corruption reach Tier 3.

After chatting with Ogden for a while longer, Nie Ning left the Wizard Tower with Heloise.

...

After wandering the streets for a while, the two could deeply feel the barrenness of this city.

The food here was mostly cakes and bread, with almost no places selling meat or vegetables.

And in the streets and alleys, one could always see the figures of thugs, as well as desperate women and dying Beggars on the roadside.

Nie Ning went to check several water sources, all of which were guarded by groups of burly thugs, and everyone could only receive a fixed share of water.

What was even more infuriating was that the water actually cost money!

In such a barren land, water meant life.

And those without money could only pay with other things, which was the reason there were so many women in those alleys.

In comparison, men could only end up on the streets, and their final fate went without saying.

Seeing such a scene like a living hell, even the usually indifferent Heloise showed an angry expression.

The entire city exuded an eerie aura of death, seemingly devoid of any hope.

...

As night fell, Nie Ning settled Heloise into an inn.

The upcoming scene would be very bloody and not suitable for Heloise to witness.

Nie Ning left Sensen behind to keep Heloise company, and then left the inn alone.

The entire city had no screams, only a heavy stench of blood.

In the span of a single night, Nie Ning slaughtered the Wild Sand Gang from top to bottom, with the death toll reaching over three thousand.

And as the sun rose, someone soon discovered the head hanging at the city gate; it was none other than the head of the Wild Sand Gang leader!