Chapter 282: The Monster’s Black Inn

White Lotus, along with her two companions, sat cross-legged on the ground, trying to recover their spiritual energy as quickly as possible.

Tracking someone wasn’t just a skill-based task—it was also exhausting.

“A woman’s compassion is useless. Why waste words on those cowards?” Eight Ghosts looked up, sneering coldly, his ghastly face twisted with disdain. “Anyone who refuses to move—kill them on the spot. Gentlemen, please.”

His tone was flat, and his gaze ice-cold as it swept across the other evil cultivators.

Among such people, power was everything. And these low-level stragglers had no power to resist.

Though reluctant, they were forced to grit their teeth and march into the Dusk Dunes, dispersing like a swarm of locusts as they began to search for Chen Fei.

Only then did White Lotus open her eyes and state simply,

“Let’s move.”

Meanwhile, Chen Fei had also entered the Dusk Dunes for the first time—but not recklessly. He had done so on the guidance of Cold Moon Saintess.

“The Dusk Dunes are swept by gale-force winds. The dunes shift every moment, and any trace of your movement is instantly erased,” she had said with seriousness.

“Once I find a safe enough spot, I’ll hide in the Ziqing Palace to lay low,” Chen Fei had replied helplessly.

These last three days had drained him—mind and body alike.

“Makes sense,” Cold Moon had acknowledged from within Ziqing Palace. Though hidden away, she constantly kept track of Chen Fei’s status.

Thinking back on his days of fleeing nonstop, she couldn’t help but be amazed.

Chen Fei… was really just in the Foundation Realm?

Even she—at the peak of the Profound Realm—would have long since run out of spiritual energy from fleeing at such high intensity. It would have been miserable.

But Chen Fei?

Though looking somewhat battered, he was completely intact—and had already killed an unknown number of Foundation Realm evil cultivators.

Chen Fei looked up. The scorching sun above sent brutal heat onto the Dusk Dunes, and the surface temperature was terrifyingly high.

Even with his strong physical body, standing on the sand sent waves of searing pain through his feet.

“Not a bad place, honestly,” he muttered, glancing around.

With a quick swing of his Edgeless Greatsword, he blasted a crater into the ground.

But it was immediately swallowed by flowing sand.

Chen Fei frowned.

At the moment of his strike, he had felt a cold, eerie presence sweep past.

That made him reluctant to act again. This was a forbidden zone, after all—he still remembered the terrors of the Tianzhang Mountain.

Best not to stir up more trouble.

But some troubles didn’t need to be invited—they came to you.

Without warning, a small inn appeared before him.

A proper, traditional-looking inn—quaint and aged. The outer walls were made of jagged stones, weathered by wind, forming a strange but sturdy structure.

In a boundless desert, a sudden inn might usually bring relief.

But this was the Dusk Dunes!

Just as Chen Fei hesitated, the inn doors swung open, and a stunning woman walked out, her waist swaying seductively. She leaned by the door and smiled warmly at him.

She had an alluring charm—every gesture and glance stirred the heart.

“Dear guest, the winds and sands here are brutal. Why not take a break in my humble inn?” she said with a honeyed voice after sizing him up.

Chen Fei was still wary, but seeing his surroundings, he smiled and nodded.

“Sure. Finding an inn here is… rare enough to be a blessing.”

“Well said! My Dusk Inn is fair and honest. We never rob or cheat our guests,” she said cheerfully, winking at him playfully.

“Oh, and my name is Bai Jing—you can call me Boss Bai.”

“Then I’ll trouble you, Boss Bai,” Chen Fei replied politely and followed her into the inn.

Boss Bai welcomed him with enthusiasm, leading him inside with swaying hips. Once at the front counter, she leaned on it with a charming smile.

“Would the guest prefer a meal or a room?”

“What are the rates for each?” Chen Fei asked in return.

“If it’s food, we have local delicacies from the Dusk Dunes—meals you’ll never forget!” she beamed.

“As for lodging…” she lowered her voice and showed a flicker of fear,

“The night in the Dusk Dunes—that’s when the real horror begins.”

Chen Fei stared at her.

“In that case, I’ll take a room.”

“Great choice!” she clapped, eyes lighting up. She rummaged behind the counter and handed him a key with a Heaven Marked token.

“Isn’t a Heaven-grade room expensive?” Chen Fei asked.

“Oh, you misunderstand! Here in the Dusk Inn, Heaven-grade rooms are the most basic—quiet, peaceful, and perfect for rest. As for the price… don’t worry, you can definitely afford it!”

Still grinning, she didn’t mention the cost. Chen Fei didn’t press her and followed her to Room #5, Heaven Section.

“You’ve had a tough journey, guest. I won’t disturb you. I’ll send some food shortly to welcome you,” she said sweetly before backing out.

“Thanks, Boss Bai,” Chen Fei nodded and looked out the window.

Among the harsh sands, resting in a quiet inn like this was a small blessing.

Suddenly, a strong wind swept by.

One of the massive dunes outside vanished, replaced by flat, stony terrain. In the distance, a swarm of black figures approached.

Clearly, the evil cultivators were catching up.

Chen Fei’s brow furrowed.

“Looks like the Dusk Inn is about to get busy…”

A knock sounded.

“Come in,” Chen Fei said calmly.

Boss Bai pushed the door open with a bright smile.

“Sorry for the wait. This is our inn’s specialty—sure to delight!”

She clapped her hands, and a group of young women filed in behind her, each holding a tray of steaming dishes, laying them neatly on the table.

“Smells great. You weren’t lying,” Chen Fei nodded in approval.

“If the guest enjoys it, I couldn’t be happier!” Boss Bai grinned. Then she turned to leave, but paused at the door.

“By the way… those people outside—they’re probably here for you, right? Want me to help? My prices are very fair.”

“No need,” Chen Fei declined instantly.

Boss Bai looked a bit disappointed, but quickly regained her cheer.

“Well, lucky me! It’s been a long time since things were this lively around here.”

She winked playfully and slipped away.

After she left, Chen Fei looked at the table full of fragrant dishes.

His eyes, however, were filled with icy suspicion.