Extraordinary Realm from Persuasion System

Ancient Rome.

It was once an entity that could stand side by side with our Great Xia, one of the four major ancient civilizations, and the origin of the Ouzhou Renaissance. To this day, its nation, Maro, has existed for over twenty-five hundred years and is called the ’Eternal City’ by the world.

It sounds very grand and prosperous, but in reality, only those who have been there truly know. Maro is not like that at all; it’s extremely down-to-earth. So much so that walking down its streets, one sees few tall buildings. The overall image is rather old-fashioned. The view is dominated by ancient structures that have stood for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Even the ground isn’t asphalt but cobblestones with a century of history.

In Great Xia, such houses are considered dangerous, and such roads are termed dirt roads. If both appear together, it signifies poverty—an indication that Great Xia’s economy is struggling and its residents are living in misery, a situation calling for reflection. But here in Maro, people describe them as art, as classics.

Honestly, whether it’s art or a classic, I don’t know, Zhang Beixing thought. He had strolled around Maro all afternoon and felt nothing special; these so-called relics seemed merely so-so. Perhaps I really don’t have an artistic bone in my body, like a boar that can’t appreciate fine chaff.

”Fortunately, I’m not here for sightseeing,” Zhang Beixing commented. ”Otherwise, I would have suffered a huge loss.”

As he spoke, he had already followed the Tiber River and arrived near Tiberina Island. This was one of Maro’s landmark attractions. Passing it, he continued eastward and would soon reach another landmark, the Maro Colosseum. But that wasn’t Zhang Beixing’s goal. His purpose for this trip was to reach the residential district three blocks southeast past the Maro Colosseum. According to information Zhou Zhenghua had revealed in their conversation that afternoon, the Black Gangs possessing intelligence on the criminal syndicates were located here.

Zhang Beixing moved on. After passing through Maro’s most bustling area and arriving in the residential district, the filth hidden beneath the prosperity became increasingly visible as the streetlights gradually dimmed.

The area Zhang Beixing had just left was the city center. Though it too was messy, dirty, and shabby, it at least resembled a place inhabited by people. But this place... It was no exaggeration to say this place felt like a completely different city from the Maro he had seen earlier!

Trash was strewn everywhere. In the mere ten minutes Zhang Beixing had been walking here, he had seen it all: idlers lounging by the street, their eyes following his every move—the unemployed and the homeless; young punks fresh from a robbery, darting out of a store and vanishing in a flash; addicts, blissfully high, sprawled on the ground like heaps of refuse; scantily clad women smoking under dim lights, soliciting clients; and robbers who, noticing Zhang Beixing’s neat attire, began to tail him, looking for a chance to mug him.

No wonder this is a hotspot for the mafia! With an environment like this... TSK, TSK... Zhang Beixing thought, smacking his lips.

He stopped, took out his Hidden Weapon, and after a ”friendly exchange” with the robber tailing him, sent the man scurrying. Then, Zhang Beixing continued forward. It wasn’t long before he arrived in front of a bar. This was the very place Zhou Zhenghua had specifically warned him against visiting at noon that day. It was the territory of the Brotherhood, one of Ancient Rome’s Black Gangs, and it was Zhang Beixing’s target for the night.

Confirming the location was correct, he stepped forward to enter.

However, just at that moment, a voice barked out, ”Oi, you yellow-skinned monkey, stop right there! This bar isn’t for the likes of you to just waltz into—show me your membership card!”

A Black Ghost blocked Zhang Beixing’s path, glaring at him.

Seeing this, Zhang Beixing frowned. Then, after hearing the Black Ghost’s words, his frown deepened. ”Membership? What membership?”

Zhou Zhenghua hadn’t mentioned anything about this bar requiring a membership when they talked that afternoon, Zhang Beixing recalled. Moreover, as I was approaching, I kept an eye on this place. I saw people going in and out, and none of them ever showed any card. So why me? What does this Black Ghost mean?

His brows furrowed slightly as his hand silently moved towards his Hidden Weapon.

The Black Ghost, however, didn’t notice. It took a drag from its cigarette, then looked at Zhang Beixing with a sneer. ”That’s right, membership,” it said. ”Ever since that yellow-skinned Zhang Beixing of yours showed up, he’s been far too arrogant, openly mocking us. So, from today onward, if you yellow monkeys want to get in here, you’ll need a membership card.”

It paused, a cruel smile playing on its lips. ”Getting a card is simple, too. Just crawl between our legs, bark like a dog a few times, and if you amuse us enough, we’ll give you one!”

”And what if I refuse?” Zhang Beixing’s expression darkened.

”Refuse?” The Black Ghost stared, then, as if it had heard the world’s greatest joke, it turned to several other Black Ghosts nearby. They all erupted in raucous laughter, doubling over in mirth.

”FUCK, you yellow-skinned monkey!” the first Black Ghost snarled, the laughter dying in its throat. ”You think we’re negotiating with you? Surround him, boys! If you don’t kneel today, you’re not leaving this place!”