It seems you’re the real clown here.

Stina, Mr. J, and the others followed the Suit-wearing Old Man. The group rose from the round table in the noble restaurant and quickly headed outside.

This Platinum-level 'Noble Restaurant' Hideout, it's said that when it was first captured, the dining tables were covered with human skulls.

Who knows what kind of 'nobles' dined here…

Even the surrounding walls were adorned with murals depicting the cooking of humans, sending chills down the spine of anyone walking through.

Originally, this Hideout belonged to a certain North American underworld guild.

Such an environment was quite fitting for that guild.

But now, after being purchased by the Heaven Serpent Guild, it still feels somewhat out of place.

"Have someone whitewash these murals another day."

The Suit-wearing Old Man, as the guild leader, frowned and said.

In his view, although his position and actions also involved 'devouring people,' the manner should be elegant.

It couldn't be so crude and barbaric.

Hearing his words, Mr. J immediately nodded: "Understood, Guild Leader. I'll arrange it right away."

The Suit-wearing Old Man snorted coldly: "Who told you to arrange it now? Deal with the Shadow matter first."

"…"

Mr. J was reprimanded until cold sweat broke out. Though he didn't show it outwardly, he was quite displeased inside.

"Isn't he just a former governor?"

"With his current strength, this old guy is no match for me at all…"

But there was nothing he could do.

In the early stages of the God Forsaken Game, many former officials in North America held resources in their hands. With resources, they could guarantee their combat power; even at their worst, they wouldn't fall below the average level.

Beside them, the blonde woman Stina coldly observed all of this.

She remained silent, but an ominous premonition lingered.

Would they even have a 'another day'?

…

Meanwhile, Qin Feng leaned leisurely against a broken stone pillar outside the defensive barrier of the 'Noble Restaurant.'

He wore Legendary leather armor, idly twirling an unremarkable-looking dagger in his hand. His face was concealed by a pale, bone-white 'Faceless Mask,' exuding a chilling, indifferent aura.

When he eliminated those North American players earlier, he hadn't even activated the mask's ability…

Because that whole group was covered in slaughter value!

It was clear none of them were good people.

He glanced indifferently inside the Hideout's defensive barrier. Dozens of white 'bodyguards' clad in full sets of Platinum equipment were watching him warily.

These dozens were all elite players of the Heaven Serpent Guild.

They each followed one of the seven leaders, having joined when the Heaven Serpent was formally established.

When the incident with the Quivering Clown occurred, these people dutifully guarded the 'Noble Restaurant' Hideout.

Among them was a tall, thin, middle-aged white mage, staring fixedly at Qin Feng outside, his hand gripping the staff trembling slightly.

He was the captain of this squad.

Usually, in North America, he was considered a top-tier existence, backed by the official authorities, with top-notch resources and strength.

But now…

Facing the 'Shadow,' he found he had no confidence at all!

"Thankfully, there's the defensive barrier…"

Only the defensive barrier of a Platinum-level Hideout could offer him a sliver of security.

However, if he knew this defensive barrier was completely useless before Qin Feng, what would he think?

Soon.

The Suit-wearing Old Man led Mr. J and the other six out of the building in single file.

As they walked over, smiles appeared on their faces.

Upon seeing Qin Feng, the Suit-wearing Old Man quickly brought his people before him, stopping just on the other side of the defensive barrier, not daring to step out…

Maintaining a polite smile, he spoke a string of English with considerable courtesy.

There was a bit of respect for Qin Feng, but not much.

How could Qin Feng possibly give such an old man a pleasant expression?

Hearing the other speak, he slowly said: "I don't understand. Is there anyone who speaks the great xia language?"

"…"

Upon hearing this, the Suit-wearing Old Man frowned.

He believed the 'Shadow' was doing this to seize the initiative in the negotiation…

But Qin Feng wasn't thinking that far ahead at all.

It was purely about not giving face.

Among the seven of them, two could speak the great xia language: Mr. J and Stina.

Hearing Qin Feng's words, Mr. J hesitated slightly. He still retained some habits from before the God Forsaken Game descended, where one gauged others' expressions before speaking or acting.

Now he was under the Suit-wearing Old Man's command.

He worried that if he answered rashly, it might seem like he was 'usurping the host's role,' and he also feared letting the negotiation initiative fall into the 'Shadow's' hands—that would make him the sinner…

But while he hesitated.

Stina had already spoken: "I do. Mr. J does as well. Greetings, Mr. Shadow. My name is Stina. Thank you for taking the time to come to our Los Angeles. We know your time is precious, so let's get straight to the point… May I ask, what conditions would you require to eliminate that Epic-grade Quivering Clown for us?"

She was very direct.

And this was precisely the style Qin Feng preferred.

He couldn't be bothered dealing with politicians, going around in circles without getting to the point—wasn't that just a waste of time?

As Stina spoke these words.

Mr. J immediately caught on, shot a subtle glance at Stina, and then quickly began translating for the others beside him.

"Sure enough, the old man is a bit unhappy."

Mr. J glanced at the Suit-wearing Old Man, secretly pleased.

He and Stina were both vice-leaders of the Heaven Serpent Guild. Although they were responsible for targeting geniuses in different countries, their authority levels varied, including funding, resources, etc., all decided by the Suit-wearing Old Man…

Although Qin Feng disliked idle chatter, he could clearly read the subtle expressions between people.

"Idiot."

Qin Feng couldn't be bothered to pay him any mind.

Anyway…

In his eyes, apart from the blonde woman 'Nikana,' everyone else was already dead.

Hearing Stina's direct question, Qin Feng replied indifferently: "You name the price. I just need to be satisfied."

This statement was quite微妙.

It even left Stina somewhat at a loss.

"Please allow us to discuss for a moment."

After saying this, she stepped aside and began discussing with Mr. J, the Suit-wearing Old Man, and the others.

Mr. J spoke first: "I suggest offering a thousand years of lifespan. He dealt with the Great Calamity Underworld King in the magic capital and the Epic-grade Phoenix in Hai City. The Great Xia Official offered a thousand years each, at most giving him a medal and bestowing the title 'Guardian of Los Angeles.'"

"Are you brainless or truly stupid? That's the Great Xia Official. Are you the Great Xia Official?"

"I'll listen to Miss Stina. Miss Stina, what amount do you think is appropriate?"

This was a suggestion from one of her admirers.

Upon hearing this, Stina pondered briefly and said: "At least ten thousand years to start. After all, this will save a city, concerning tens of millions of people. If we offer too little, it will show a lack of sincerity."

Mr. J sneered sarcastically: "Ten thousand years to start? Should we add another five thousand to befriend the Shadow? Maintain friendly relations?"

Ten thousand years of lifespan!

That was a colossal fortune he hadn't even dared to imagine!

At this stage, a large guild with ten thousand members only collected a few hundred years in taxes daily. A few guilds with higher tax rates and stronger overall strength might collect over a thousand years, enough to rank within the top twenty in Los Angeles.

Now Stina casually mentioned ten thousand years of lifespan—who could accept that?

"Mr. J, it seems you're the real clown here."

Stina cast a cold glance at Mr. J: "Outside, the clown is performing godlike feats, while you're just throwing your life away."