The number one on the Black List does not equate to the Black List’s leader.
Only by remaining in the top position of the Black List for five full years can one be served by everyone on and below the Black List, control the Black List, and become its leader.
Alternatively, if the previous Black List leader steps down, the second-ranked individual can temporarily manage the Black List and become an acting leader.
An acting leader’s authority is limited and also requires five years to officially assume leadership of the Black List.
Scary Clown and Scorpion entered the Black List in the same year, but Scary Clown, in terms of performance, strength, and mindset, was far superior to Scorpion!
Even before Scorpion broke into the top ten of the Black List, Scary Clown had already defeated the previous leader and become number one.
By rights, all he had to do was wait five years to be promoted smoothly.
But a young man shattered Scary Clown’s fantasy.
That young man’s name was Tian Zui!
He rose meteorically.
From a naive youth, he grew into a top-tier powerhouse spanning various regions, taking less than three years.
And from tenth on the Black List to defeating Scary Clown, it took only twenty-five days…
A true prodigy, heaven-sent talent!
Since then, Scary Clown had challenged Tian Zui numerous times, but each time he was defeated, even instinctively feeling the gap between them widening.
Later, Tian Zui led a group to explore the Road of Hunger, and they were gone for four expeditions, accumulating over ten years.
During this time, Scary Clown managed the Black List on his behalf.
It was also during these ten years that Scorpion witnessed much and continuously improved, always setting Scary Clown as his goal.
As for why his target wasn’t Tian Zui…
Come on, one has to be realistic and not overly impractical.
…
Scorpion continued to ask, “If it’s such a terrifying entity, it shouldn’t have appeared in the human world. Or rather, it is the enemy of all living beings. How did your King make it obey?”
Dao Tongyi replied, “This… I am not sure. I only know that the Envoy of Fear wreaked havoc in one region, causing countless deaths, directly and indirectly.” Later, the Divine Servant Shaka and His Majesty the King joined forces to eliminate this scourge.”
“However, the details of that battle, and what happened to the Envoy of Fear afterward, are highly classified secrets. They are not something a commander like me can know.”
“Divine Servant Shaka… interesting.”
“Alright, you may leave.”
Having obtained considerable information, Scorpion waved his hand.
Dao Tongyi’s heart pounded!
Unexpectedly, unexpectedly!
There were actually people on the battlefield who were… so trustworthy.
Dao Tongyi bowed in gratitude, “Your mercy not to kill will be repaid another day. Farewell!”
With that, Dao Tongyi ran for his life without looking back, fearing Scorpion might change his mind.
…
Within three minutes, Dao Tongyi returned to his own ranks.
He had run too fast and too urgently, his throat felt like it was on fire, and his lungs ached intensely.
“Damn it, I must have sustained too many hidden injuries in the circus. I definitely can’t get by without eating something good to replenish myself.”
“On a battlefield of this level, the risks are too great. Even with my strength, I’m barely scraping by… Cough cough… My lungs… it’s too painful.”
Those around him quickly stepped forward.
They held Dao Tongyi down firmly.
“Speak, what intelligence did you sell!”
“Intelligence? I didn’t!”
This was something he would deny to the death!
At this moment, someone emerged from the crowd.
It was Dao Tongbing, who had returned earlier.
Dao Tongbing said, “Everyone, don’t believe him. When I escaped from the circus just now, I saw this guy being captured by Scorpion from the North. Fortunately, I was quick enough to escape, otherwise, I would have suffered the same fate.”
“But it’s strange that he’s back. I clearly saw him talking to Scorpion!”
Dao Tongyi was furious!
He hadn’t expected Dao Tongbing, this seemingly upright man, to be such a double-dealer!
Damn it, how could this scapegoat be placed on me alone!
Just as Dao Tongyi was about to curse loudly, he suddenly felt the pain in his lungs intensify, and he spat out a mouthful of dark red blood…
*Screech*
The blood, like sulfuric acid, corroded a large hole in the floating algae.
Dao Tongyi said in disbelief, “This… what in the world is happening!”
“I feel… so cold… I’m so cold!”
“Could it be that I’ve been poisoned? When did it happen?” “Argh!! Damn it, I’ve braved so many dangerous places, why must I die in the end! I’m not convinced, I’m not convinced!”
“Scorpion, you treacherous dog, I curse you to die a horrible death!”
*Plop!*
Another mouthful of fresh blood!!
Dao Tongyi’s body began to swell, and in a short moment, he became grotesquely fat!
*Bang!!*
Dao Tongyi swelled to his limit and exploded with a deafening roar, scattering green flesh and blood everywhere. No one nearby was spared, all being stained by the green flesh and blood!
*Bang!!*
Dao Tongbing also exploded.
Within a mere second or two, the crowd had no time to react!
“Not good, it’s potent poison!”
“They both brought deadly poison back! Quickly, everyone wipe yourselves dry and fetch some antidote herbs! Hurry!”
The entire Dao Tong camp fell into chaos!
Meanwhile, the reinforcements from the Cloud Kingdom had arrived half an hour ago, and not a single person had managed to break through yet.
In desperation, they had to bypass this charnel house.
Neither the North nor the Cloud Kingdom was willing to step into the battlefield of Scary Clown and the Envoy of Fear.
More and more people chose to avoid direct confrontation and detour to provide support.
Scorpion and Scary Clown lacked the ability to pursue, they could only intercept some, but as long as they could delay the enemy’s advance, it was a great accomplishment.
Defending alongside Scorpion and Scary Clown was the Skin Doll.
At this moment, the Skin Doll abandoned its disguise and assassination methods, entering its true form and transforming into a terrifying, abomination-like monster, straddling the battlefield!
With a height of seven to eight meters, its limbs were thick, grotesque, and ever-changing. Just a glance would make ordinary people feel nauseous.
In the crowd.
A tall figure slowly approached the Skin Doll.
The Skin Doll exclaimed, “It’s you!”
“Heh heh, long time no see. Didn’t expect to see me again, did you?”
The person before them was the demon Bogang, who had been abducted by the Bloodhound days ago! Bogang’s limbs were now intact, and although he appeared somewhat thinner than before, the oppressive aura had not diminished at all!
Bogang gritted his teeth, his expression contorted as he said, “Back then, at Fiery Sun Mountain, you sneak-attacked me from behind with a poisoned blade, and later you and two others chased me for half a month. This debt of gratitude…”
“I have always kept this debt of gratitude in mind, and I think of repaying you handsomely every moment!”
Saying this, Bogang brought down his blade with immense force!
However, to Bogang’s surprise, this powerful strike was steadily caught by the Skin Doll.
He knew that when he was severely injured back then, the three of them combined dared not to easily contend with its edge!
The Skin Doll retracted its black-smoking bone spurs and slowly reverted to human form.
“Bogang, many things have happened during your period of severe injury and captivity.”
“I am no longer the me I once was.”