Chapter Twenty-Three: The Fanged Mercenary Corps

Zhao Xin and Hu Long hurried over to the thicket, forming a protective circle around Mu Yudie. Hidden in the grass all this time, Mu Yudie stood up shyly, her cheeks flushed as she cast a furtive glance at Shi Yan from afar, inwardly lamenting her embarrassment.

But almost immediately, Mu Yudie realized her concerns were unfounded. Glancing over, she saw that Shi Yan had not spared her a single look; his dark eyes were fixed intently in the direction Luo Hao had dashed off, like a beast lying in wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.

A full cycle of energy surged through his body, gradually easing the fatigue and numbness in his limbs. Shi Yan kept a stern face as he silently restored his strength, all the while keeping a close watch on Luo Hao’s position.

“Catch up! The Firecloud Demon Python is almost done for—stay close, don’t let it escape!”

“Loose your arrows! Quickly, now!”

The sound of arrows tearing through the sky was soon accompanied by frantic shouting from not far off in the woods, as the hunters closed in on their prey.

Suddenly, flames surged up between the trees, enveloping the area in a blazing inferno. Thick smoke spiraled upward and drifted through the woods, causing those nearby to cough violently.

The cracking of ancient branches, the whizzing of arrows, and the chaos of pursuit and battle filled the air. Not far away, a fierce conflict was erupting in the forest.

“Someone’s here!” came an unfriendly shout from within the trees. “You want to steal our prize?”

“Don’t misunderstand me. I only didn’t want the Firecloud Demon Python to hurt my people, so I stopped it from escaping in that direction,” Luo Hao’s voice replied, as if some argument had arisen.

“Hmph! Our Fang Mercenary Company has been tracking this Firecloud Demon Python for half a month. You’d better not meddle.”

“I told you, I have no interest in this fourth-level demon beast,” Luo Hao explained.

“It seems Uncle Luo’s gotten into a dispute with someone. Let’s go see what’s happening,” Mu Yudie said, frowning. She craned her neck in the grass but couldn’t see clearly, growing more anxious by the moment.

“Let’s go!” Hu Long grunted. “I’ve heard of the Fang Mercenary Company. Their reputation is far from good. I hope Uncle Luo doesn’t get taken advantage of.”

“Then let’s hurry,” Mu Yudie urged, her worry deepening.

“Alright.” Zhao Xin nodded, instructing Hu Long and Di Yalan, “When we go over, keep Miss Mu surrounded. Even if a fight breaks out, her safety comes first.”

“Obviously. Do you really need to remind us of that?” Di Yalan replied impatiently.

The four of them muttered quietly as they slipped out of the grass and made their way toward Luo Hao.

Shi Yan did not rush. He waited a moment, then slowly stood, feeling the vigor pulsing in his meridians. After flexing his limbs to ensure fatigue hadn’t dulled his senses, he moved at a measured pace toward the direction Mu Yudie and the others had gone.

“Hey!” a delighted voice rang out. “Well, well, what do we have here—two beauties! I’ve been wandering these woods for two months and haven’t seen beauties of this caliber yet.”

“Captain, you promised us you’d take care of our needs out here. Don’t go back on your word now!”

“Shut up. Are you blind? These flowers are already taken.”

Shi Yan strolled over, scanning the area with a frown.

On the ground lay a massive python, seven or eight meters long, its body covered in fiery patterns and riddled with arrows. Its tail glowed with embers, and a bloody hole gaped between its eyes, blood still oozing forth.

Eight mercenaries, all in matching martial attire, clustered around the Firecloud Demon Python. Each had a tattoo of fangs on their left forearm, their physiques burly and faces rough—none weaker than the Xiantian realm.

Their captain stood out with short brown hair bristling like steel needles and a long scar slashing across his left cheek all the way to his neck, giving him a fearsome appearance.

Shi Yan arrived just in time to see these members of the Fang Mercenary Company rubbing their hands together, their eyes gleaming as they roved over Mu Yudie and Di Yalan, the lewdness in their gazes all too obvious.

Only the captain kept his eyes off the women, instead glaring at Luo Hao, his right hand hidden in his sleeve, where a glint of silver flashed from time to time—ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

“Go home to your mother!” Unable to endure their stares, Di Yalan erupted in rage.

“Haha! Fiery, aren’t you? Just my type!” laughed a brawny mercenary, his chest hair thick and wild. He slapped his knee and shouted, “Captain, I want this one!”

“Come and get me then!” Di Yalan drew her short sword and readied herself for a fight. “Come on, let’s see if you’ve got the guts!”

“Oh, I’m coming!” the brute replied, grinning as he prepared to rush over.

“Tumu!” Barnard, the captain, snapped coldly. “Everything can be negotiated. Don’t be rash.”

“Got it, Captain.” Tumu grinned, thrusting his hips lewdly at Di Yalan. “Darling, let’s strip down and get physical. Then you’ll see what I’m made of!”

“I’ll slice off that pathetic piece of yours,” Di Yalan shot back with a cold sneer.

Mu Yudie frowned in disgust but said nothing, as if she was accustomed to such behavior.

“Why did you come over?” Luo Hao’s heart sank. He knew all too well what these mercenaries were like—living by the blade, always at risk of being torn apart by demon beasts. In such an environment, morality was a forgotten luxury, and robbery, murder, and worse were commonplace.

With beauties like Mu Yudie and Di