On the official road.
A group of well-equipped and powerful mercenaries stood there, blocking a fairly spacious and luxurious carriage. There were about thirty of them, all exuding a fierce aura. Clearly, these were the elite members of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, all at least three-star fighters.
Leading this group was a young man who looked about eighteen or nineteen years old. At this moment, they were all staring at the carriage.
Creak~
As the carriage door opened, a boy dressed in black, with a jade band on his head holding back his hair, a handsome face, and an inexplicable aura about him, stepped out. Behind the boy followed a beautiful girl in white.
"Young Commander, it's them," whispered a mercenary who had been beaten by Wei Yang the day before to the young man leading them, his gaze at Wei Yang filled with both hatred and fear.
The young leader squinted at Wei Yang, sensing the subtle aura surrounding him, and frowned. He had seen people like this before; those with a strong aura were generally not to be messed with. His father, Mu She, the leader of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, also had a similar aura—a natural emanation from someone with power or status.
"It seems troublesome to deal with," the young leader thought to himself. He considered letting it go since they weren't mortal enemies, having only three subordinates beaten. Perhaps asking for some compensation to save face for both sides and giving an explanation to his men would settle the matter.
But when his gaze fell on Ye Xian'er, standing behind Wei Yang, his eyes lit up with undisguised fervor. Though Ye Xian'er still looked a bit tender, this was exactly his preference. His eyes lingered on Ye Xian'er, captivated by her celestial-like aura, beautiful face, exquisite features, fair skin, perfectly sized waist, and budding chest, causing him to swallow and wet his dry throat.
Mu Li, the young commander of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, was notorious for having his way in Qingshan Town but had rarely seen such a stunning beauty. In the original story, Mu Li was greatly infatuated with Little Doctor Immortal, relentlessly pursuing her. However, at that time, Little Doctor Immortal was regarded as a goddess by countless mercenaries, having saved numerous lives and thereby earning their respect and support. Wanyao House was also a major force in Qingshan Town. As a result, even someone like Mu Li did not dare to act rashly, fearing collective anger.
In this alternate timeline, even though Ye Xian'er lacked that goddess halo, Mu Li was instantly smitten. Hence, he refocused on Wei Yang, setting aside his earlier willingness for a peaceful resolution.
...
Wei Yang stood on the platform in front of the carriage door, holding the railing as he looked down at the group of mercenaries, finally fixing his gaze on Mu Li. This was one of the few named characters he encountered that was somewhat notorious in the original work—a small boss who didn't last long on stage before meeting his end because he crossed the protagonist.
Wei Yang disliked the way Mu Li looked at Ye Xian'er. Though he didn't enjoy trouble, it didn't mean he was afraid of it. After making a decision yesterday, Ye Xian'er had already occupied an important place in his heart. He would not allow anyone to desecrate her—not even with lustful looks.
Feeling a hint of bloodlust, Wei Yang asked indifferently, "What's the matter?"
Mu Li waved his hand, and the three mercenaries who were beaten by Wei Yang yesterday stepped forward. Mu Li pointed at them and coldly asked Wei Yang, "Do you recognize them?"
Wei Yang shook his head, "No, I don't."
"You!" The three mercenaries glared in anger.
Yesterday, he had beaten them, and now he claimed not to recognize them? Infuriated, Mu Li spat, "How convenient! You injured them yesterday and now refuse to admit it? Are you forgetful or just trying to deny it?"
"Oh, it's them," Wei Yang said as if he just realized, nodding. "I did beat three dogs yesterday."
Wow~ This statement instantly stirred the crowd. Clang! Clang! Clang! The sound of swords being drawn echoed as they glared angrily at Wei Yang.
Especially the three mercenaries beaten yesterday, their eyes turned red, looking like they wanted to swallow Wei Yang alive. Too much! After beating them, he insulted them as dogs. They'd rather die than bear such humiliation!
Mu Li was also incredulous. Never before had he encountered someone so brazen. Regaining his composure, Mu Li, grinding his teeth, chuckled angrily, "Well, well, well! You really think nothing of my Wolf Head Mercenary Group? Looking to make enemies of us? Without an explanation today, don't dream of leaving Qingshan Town!"
Despite his inner reservations, Mu Li didn't dare to make a death threat or scream for a fight. He was arrogant but not truly foolish.
"Why should I regard you wolf-heads or dog-heads as worth my time?"
"As for an explanation?" Wei Yang shifted aside, revealing Ye Xian'er, "You came to bully my people and expect an explanation from me?"
Wei Yang's words made Ye Xian'er's face flush red instantly, biting her lip as she looked at Wei Yang with both embarrassment and inexplicable joy in her eyes. Annoying, when did she become his person...
Catching a glimpse of her shy irritation, Wei Yang was reassured.
Success!
The reason he'd humor this group for so long was just to have an opportunity to say this. Slowly building a relationship and fostering feelings? Nope! While Ye Xian'er was still young, naive, and easiest to coax, he wanted to establish ownership right away.
Seeing her reaction, Wei Yang was reassured. No objection meant acquiescence, right? Perfect. Sovereignty was declared successfully. Once this brand was established, it wouldn't be shaken. With the sovereignty secured, everything else wasn't an issue.
With his purpose achieved, Wei Yang had no intention of wasting more words on these clowns. His eyes became increasingly dangerous.
"Xian'er, return to the carriage," Wei Yang said, moving his feet, his figure already leaping up.
Swish!
He transformed into a black shadow, swiftly traversing the void, reaching Mu Li in the blink of an eye. His tool had served its purpose; now it could be disposed of!
...
Meanwhile, Mu Li, hearing Wei Yang's words, was overcome with both anger and envy. Such a beauty, already taken? Damn it!
"You really mean to oppose the Wolf Head Mercenary Group? State your name...ugh."
He was still speaking when a black shadow flashed before him, and his throat was clasped by hands like iron pincers. "What were you saying? I didn't catch that," Wei Yang calmly said, lifting Mu Li off the ground before slamming him down.
Boom!
A dull thud accompanied a slight crack of bones breaking. Mu Li's eyes nearly bulged out before slipping into unconsciousness.
Wei Yang let go, standing up. Silence. Deathly silence reigned on the scene. The mercenaries stared wide-eyed at the lifeless young commander on the ground, his neck twisted at an odd angle, hearts icy cold.
Finished.
The young commander was dead. All was lost. They turned fearful eyes towards Wei Yang, the seemingly fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy. A devil!
The three mercenaries in front felt utterly hopeless. They knew they were doomed, either by this devil's hands or eventually by their leader's.
"I recall mentioning that seeking trouble with me would be costly," Wei Yang murmured, his grin widening as his hands glowed with deep red battle energy. With a stride, he turned into a blur, plunging into the crowd.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The three mercenaries at the front had their chests caved in, bodies flung like ragdolls. The black silhouette continued through the crowd.
"Ah~"
Boom!
Each scream signified another life lost.
"Ah~"
"Spare me!"
"Run!"
"Hurry, flee!"
Some were blasted away, others pleaded desperately while a frantic few attempted to escape. Yet without exception, all became corpses in the end.
Quickly, in less than a minute, the ground became littered with crisscrossed bodies, most with collapsed chests, some with sunken skulls. Only Wei Yang stood amidst the scene.
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