The rules of Not Redeem City were obscure to most, yet this gracefully posed woman seemed an exception.

She walked with a slow, deliberate pace, as if strolling through a bustling, prosperous district, utterly unlike the nervous newcomers or the brazen regulars of Not Redeem City. Here, people of all kinds gathered, and the locals were largely unmoved by such sights. Most who lived here were those who couldn’t survive elsewhere, desperately needing to accumulate wealth. Without the protection of “life gold,” their lives could be extinguished at any moment.

But even the most indifferent among them couldn’t help but steal a second glance at this woman. Though her attire was modest, her every movement exuded a captivating charm. A veil obscured her face, yet her eyes possessed a soul-stirring allure.

“Miss, you’ve forgotten to pay your life gold,” a city gate sin guard, more languid than most, couldn’t help but remind her. He cared little for Not Redeem City’s revenue, the amount of life gold collected was of no consequence to him. But for this woman, it was vital. He had lived here long enough to understand Not Redeem City and its inhabitants – a place where humanity’s basest and most repulsive aspects were laid bare. A woman, one whose veiled face held such enchantment, if unprotected by life gold upon entering the city, would swiftly be torn asunder.

The woman turned her head, her exquisitely captivating eyes meeting his gaze. “My purse is empty. Consider it forgone.” Her voice was soft and sticky, like a gentle caress against the ear.

The sin guard swallowed hard. “I can lend…”

“Lend your mother’s leg!” A single palm strike sent him reeling back three inches.

A man with a single braid, clad in black patterned blood robes, appeared at the city gate as if from nowhere. He nodded towards the woman. “Pray release my useless subordinate. His soul was about to be ensnared by you!”

“Even Commander jest. This humble woman, representing the Three Points Fragrance Building, dares to intrude. I hope the Sin Monarch will be magnanimous.” The woman covered her mouth with a light laugh, her mirth rippling through the air, sending waves that tickled the hearts of those who heard.

The unexpected appearance of the Sin Guard Vice Commander caused many of the hidden onlookers to sigh, their hopes of opportunity vanishing. If there was anything in Not Redeem City with more persuasive power than life gold regarding “safety,” it was undoubtedly the Sin Monarch and her Sin Guards.

Even Heng, the Vice Commander, sighed helplessly. “You should enter first. Blocking the city gate is unsettling the hearts of every man in the city.”

“Or perhaps women too,” he added.

The woman’s beautiful eyes curved slightly. With a delicate lotus step, she glided into Not Redeem City. “Then I shall trouble Commander Even to maintain order.”

Even Heng shot a fierce glare at the city gate sin guard. “I’ll deal with you later!” He turned and led the way, heading directly for the core of Not Redeem City – the Prisoner Tower.

The city gate sin guard shrank back, not overly bothered by the scolding. He just felt a strange emptiness as he leaned against the city wall. He had seen countless people in his time, but for some reason, when this veiled woman left, a part of his heart felt hollow. In this age, where could one find an easy meal? Especially in a place like Not Redeem City.

Even Heng was a man of romantic inclination, typically lazy in his demeanor. Yet, from beginning to end, he displayed not the slightest hint of frivolity towards this woman, not even a single flirtatious word. This was precisely because he deeply understood the woman’s strength. Even though he had already opened his Inner Mansion, facing this enchanting woman, he knew he stood no chance. He was romantic, but not foolish. He generally avoided seeking out a beating.

The Sin Monarch had instructed him to lead the way, and so he did.

The Prisoner Tower was the residence of the Sin Monarch, Huang Jin Mo, and the absolute core of Not Redeem City. That Not Redeem City could survive amidst the friction and apprehension of the three nations of Yong, Zhuang, and Luo was not only due to their mutual restraint and dread, and Not Redeem City’s unique geography and rules, but also the indispensable strength of the Sin Monarch herself. Had a weaker person held the position, Not Redeem City, this gathering place of villains, would have long since been razed.

Though her dominion was but a single city, she had already titled herself Monarch. Not Redeem City was her kingdom. The Prisoner Tower was her palace.

Even Heng stopped outside the tower. The veiled woman was then led inside by a maid, ascending all the way to the fourth floor. The fourth floor was sumptuously decorated, the furnishings largely ancient artifacts. The maid offered a cup of tea without a single extra word.

A short while later, a cold and beautiful woman in black descended from the upper floors. She lifted her hem and sat directly on the main seat. Her narrow phoenix eyes, sweeping across the room, radiated inherent majesty.

The veiled woman had already risen and bowed. “Mei Yue of the Three Points Fragrance Building greets the Sin Monarch Hall Down.”

Huang Jin Mo lifted the tea cup offered by the maid and took a light sip. Her tone was casual. “Take off your veil.”

“Yes. Mei Yue was impolite. My spirit was excited to pay respects to Hall Down, hence my disarray.” The veiled woman explained as she complied, removing her veil to reveal a face that was charming to the bone.

Huang Jin Mo looked at her and shook her head. “That name isn’t good. Miao Yu suits you better.”

Exposed, Miao Yu remained calm and composed, her smile unwavering. “Sin Monarch adult possesses foresight like autumn hair, this humble woman is in awe. It is true that I recently entered the Three Points Fragrance Building, and thus, my former name is no longer necessary.” This was her explanation to the Sin Monarch – that changing her name wasn’t a lack of sincerity, but a matter with underlying reasons.

Were it a man, he would have already been captivated and spellbound by her charming smile. But Huang Jin Mo was clearly unaffected. “Some things you may forget, but others may not be willing to. Zhuang Country’s pursuit of you has not been lifted. Regarding the White Bone Saintess, the bounty they offer is exceedingly high.”

“Here with Hall Down, Mei Yue has no worries,” Miao Yu flattered subtly. “No matter how arrogant Zhuang Country may be, they must abide by Not Redeem City’s rules.”

“Not necessarily, as long as they are stronger than I am,” the Sin Monarch, Huang Jin Mo, remarkably unconcerned with reputation or her own rules, said with brutal honesty. “If Zhuang Gao Xian comes to claim you, I will immediately bind you and send you over.”

Miao Yu’s smile finally faltered for a moment.

“But that old monster from Yong Country always eyes things covetously. I doubt Zhuang Gao Xian will give him this opportunity,” Huang Jin Mo said, changing the subject.

Miao Yu immediately flattered, “Not Redeem City is, after all, your territory. Anyone who comes must give it thought.”

“But I also hear…” Huang Jin Mo looked at her. “The No Life Teach is also searching for you everywhere.” Huang Jin Mo, like a cat toying with a mouse, pulled and prodded. Her absolute strength and status allowed her this leisurely approach, while Mei Yue appropriately conveyed a sense of embarrassment.

She pulled the corner of her mouth stiffly. “I didn’t expect Hall Down to have heard of the No Life Teach, such a newborn little organization.”

Huang Jin Mo shook her head. “The No Life Teach is developing rapidly. In just half a year, they have already established some believers in Yong, Cheng, and Yun countries. I will not underestimate it, and I think you shouldn’t either.”

The Sin Monarch’s vision was so broad, her information so detailed, even a newly established No Life Teach was on her radar. Not Redeem City’s strength was clearly not limited to what was seen on the surface.

Miao Yu’s forehead began to perspire. She perfectly portrayed a weak woman who had been caught out but was desperately trying to appear calm. “This is something I don’t quite understand.”

“Why is the No Life Teach looking for you?” Huang Jin Mo asked again.

“Perhaps it’s related to the White Bone Path? I hear they have some connection…” Miao Yu simply feigned ignorance. “I have already detached myself from the White Bone Path, dissolved the evil god imprint, and have no further connection to it.”

Huang Jin Mo rested one hand on the armrest, her upper body leaning slightly forward. It was a very oppressive posture. Her question shifted direction once more. “Why do you call yourself Mei Yue now?”

“Is it because the bright moon obscures?”

Her eyes seemed to want to pierce to the depths of Miao Yu’s heart. “Who do you want to illuminate?”

PS: Happy Double Seventh Festival to everyone. If happiness is too difficult, then I wish you good health.

Read Red Heart Patrol Heaven.