Having been under Gao Zhong throughout his time as a higher-up, Xu Feng knew extremely well of the former's shrewd nature.
He refused to believe MIST and Heaven's Destiny would suddenly try to target his guild out of nowhere.
Therefore, when Carmen had informed him of the news and even went ahead to unleash a massacre, he had been investigating behind the scenes.
Sure enough, traces of evidence led the sources back to Gao Zhong. Added with Hundred Ghost being his spy, it was basically confirmed that Gao Zhong had not once stopped sabotaging him.
'Jason hired the Eternal Guild secretly to sabotage me to raise his position but if exposed of his failure, then Gao Zhong would have sacrificed him without hesitation. This damn bastard never changes his way.'
Since Gao Zhong was operating behind the scenes, there was no way he would admit or agree to open confrontation. His power had yet to consolidate with the interference of many elders, especially Dreadpoint.
Thus, he could only agree to make amends on the surface while thinking of more ways to retrieve them back later on. That was just how insidious Gao Zhong was— completely rotten to the core.
Unfortunately for Gao Zhong, things would never go his way anymore.
Having already made a counter plan and in the process of delivering a devastating blow to Gao Zhong, Xu Feng exited the office and made his way to the City Hall.
The City Hall was the ruling governing of Star Falls City, but not once had Xu Feng actually stepped foot in this place.
After all, the City Hall could be considered inactive and had the Adventure Association acting as its proxy until recently.
As he arrived at the City Hall, it was no longer desolate and was filled with a lively environment. Despite having just suffered a monster wave attack, it appeared that everything was still operating normally.
'Star Falls City is finally on the trajectory to become one of the prominent points of interest within the Aetheria Empire.' He mused and admired the scenery.
Amidst his admiration of the scenery, an employee clad in a uniform designated for City Hall exclusively approached him.
"Hello, may I ask if you are acquainted with Jessica?" The employee asked.
Nodding in response, Xu Feng revealed the badge of proof.
Shortly after verification, the employee confirmed the authenticity of the badge and guided Xu Feng to the upper floor.
City Hall, Fifth Floor
Upon arriving at the fifth floor, the employee continued to guide Xu Feng until they reached the end of the corridor. Behind there was a majestic-looking door, with the label City Magistrate Office.
"Inside is where the City Magistrate presides. This is the furthest I can guide you as I'm not qualified to enter." The employee bowed and said politely.
Without even waiting for a response, the employee swiftly exited the floor with a ghost-like movement. It became apparent that the City Magistrate was so intimidating that even his employees were fearful of meeting them.
However, there was nothing to be fearful of since he wasn't guilty of anything.
With a calm demeanor, Xu Feng knocked on the door. As a Baron, his status was still inferior to that of the City Magistrate. Not to mention, their authority was the real deal— a far cry from the Adventure Association.
Proper etiquette and respect must be met.
"Come in!" A solemn voice echoed from the interior, their tone alone was already enough to exert pressure and dominance.
'Damn, this isn't the aura of a Tier 4, but a Tier 5.' Startled, Xu Feng didn't anticipate the City Magistrate to have advanced a tier. By logic, the City Magistrate should have been at the top of Tier 4.
As he regained his composure, Xu Feng opened the door and was quickly greeted by an elder. Contrary to having a beard or anything to depict them as old, the elder looked very young, almost as if they were at the age of 25 rather than 40ish.
'What kind of skincare did he use?' He wondered, feeling quite envious of his youthful look.
Nevertheless, it was only for a brief moment as he stepped inside the office, placed his right hand by his chest, and gave a 30-degree bow.
"Greetings, City Magistrate. I'm Baron Lin Feng, and I am here to inquire and request your permission regarding an issue." Xu Feng then said in a noble-like manner.
"Oh, so you're the Baron that I've been hearing a lot of." The City Magistrate finally paused his work and glanced at Xu Feng with an amiable smile. "Your contribution toward Star Falls City is immense. Calling me City Magistrate sounds too distant, so why don't you address me as Magnus?"
"It would be my honor to be able to address you as such." Not one to lose his composure, Xu Feng kept his cool and replied adequately.
The City Magistrate was named Magnus, but not just anyone could address him as such.
Only those who were higher ranked than him were eligible or people that have been recognized and approved by Magnus himself. Otherwise, directly addressing the City Magistrate as Magnus was a challenge to his authority.
"Haha, Howard says you're one rude person, but it seems like he got it wrong." Magnus suddenly chuckled and continued, "There's no need to continue the etiquette talk. I much rather prefer to converse with a real person and not some other nobles."
Hearing that, Xu Feng smiled bitterly. "I supposed Howard must have bad-mouthed me quite a lot."
"Quite the opposite actually. He said you're rude and arrogant, but the fact that you are indeed capable, simply meant you're worthy. In hindsight, that's a favorable trait."
"Then I suppose this favorable trait would make our conversation way easier, right?"
Almost immediately, Magnus clapped his hands and gestured for Xu Feng to take a seat.
"Alright, let's not beat around the bushes and tell me what you want to request. So long as it's within my power and not something outrageous, I don't mind granting you the permission." Magnus declared and seemed eager to listen to what Xu Feng was seeking.