Capítulo 79: Chapter 79: The Discovery of the Cave Entrance
Snowlan quickly returned with a group of mercenaries from the Black Iron Mercenary Group, and under Xiao Ding's orders, they began searching the area meticulously under the scorching sun. While Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were anxious, they understood this task required patience, so they waited in their tent for news.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. Exchanging glances, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li stepped out of the tent to investigate.
Outside, Xiao Li immediately spotted Mo Xing approaching with a group from the Sand Mercenary Group. Upon seeing them, Xiao Ding frowned slightly, while Xiao Li's expression grew cold. He called out, "Stop right there! The Black Iron Mercenary Group is conducting official business here!"
Mo Xing ignored the warning and scanned the crowd. When his gaze landed on Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin, a hint of lust and greed flickered in his eyes. Turning to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, he smirked. "Second Commander Xiao Li, your words are misplaced. This is a public area. If your group can be here, why can't ours?"
Xiao Ding met Mo Xing's gaze with an indifferent look that unsettled Mo Xing, though he quickly suppressed his unease. Mo Xing forced himself to confront Xiao Ding directly.
With a faint smile, Xiao Ding said, "Mo Xing, I assume this isn't an official mission authorized by your commander, Luo Bu?"
Mo Xing stiffened, his face paling slightly as he stammered, "W-what nonsense are you talking about? This is a direct order from Commander Luo Bu!"
"Oh? Then why didn't Commander Luo Bu come himself?" Xiao Ding's smile deepened.
Xiao Li leaned closer to Xiao Ding and whispered, "Big brother, are you saying this guy came here on his own without Luo Bu's knowledge?"
"Most likely," Xiao Ding nodded. "Luo Bu wouldn't be so reckless."
Xiao Li chuckled maliciously, "In that case, I'm going to teach him a lesson."
Xiao Ding didn't object but added, "Just don't overdo it. Luo Bu has been cooperative with us recently, and it wouldn't be wise to ruin that relationship."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Xiao Li replied with a grin.
The next moment, Xiao Li approached Mo Xing with a seemingly friendly smile. Sensing something was off, Mo Xing opened his mouth to question Xiao Li's intentions, but before he could react, Xiao Li lunged forward. With a swift motion, he placed the tip of his tungsten steel spear against Mo Xing's throat.
Mo Xing turned pale, panicking as the members of the Sand Mercenary Group behind him drew their weapons in response. The Black Iron mercenaries quickly surrounded them, and tension filled the air.
Just then, a commanding voice rang out from behind the Sand Mercenary Group. "Who gave you permission to cause trouble here?"
Mo Xing froze in terror. The voice belonged to none other than Luo Bu, the leader of the Sand Mercenary Group.
Luo Bu had suspected Mo Xing might act recklessly and confirmed his suspicions when he learned Mo Xing had taken a team out. Without delay, Luo Bu rushed to intervene, arriving just in time to defuse the situation.
Sweeping a cold glare over Mo Xing, Luo Bu shifted his attention to Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, smiling apologetically. "Commander Xiao Ding, Commander Xiao Li, my apologies for failing to discipline my subordinate. I hope you won't take offense. I'll take them back immediately."
Xiao Ding replied warmly, "It's no trouble. As the saying goes, 'the ignorant are not guilty.' No need to blame yourself, Commander Luo."
Xiao Li, however, mocked, "Commander Luo, it seems your management skills are lacking. Your subordinates don't obey orders, and some even act behind your back."
Luo Bu didn't argue, nodding in agreement. "You're absolutely right. I'll make sure to deal with this matter personally."
Turning to Mo Xing, Luo Bu barked, "Apologize to Commanders Xiao Ding and Xiao Li immediately!"
Trembling, Mo Xing stammered, "I'm sorry for causing trouble, Commanders."
Xiao Li smirked and withdrew his spear. "You're lucky your commander arrived in time. Otherwise, you'd already be dead."
Mo Xing's face turned ashen. Knowing Xiao Li's reputation, he dared not retort and could only swallow his humiliation.
Afterward, Luo Bu gathered his men and left without asking about the Black Iron Mercenaries' activities, though curiosity lingered.
Once they departed, one of Xiao Ding's scouts rushed over, shouting excitedly, "Commander! The third squad may have found traces of a passageway!"
"Really?" Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's faces lit up with joy, and even Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin hurried over in anticipation.
The scout, grinning, reported, "Yes, it looks promising. Judging by the signs, something might be buried here, and the sand made it easier to locate!"
"Well done! There will be rewards for everyone involved!" Xiao Ding praised, his excitement evident.
"Thank you, Commander!" the scout replied cheerfully.
Unable to contain his eagerness, Xiao Li urged, "Lead us there right away!"
The scout promptly guided them to the site. After a few minutes, they arrived at a slightly sunken patch of sand. Clearing the area, they uncovered a half-meter-wide opening from which waves of heat emanated.
One mercenary commented, "Commander, the passages inside seem numerous, almost like snake tunnels. We don't know what lies within yet."
After some deliberation, Xiao Ding decided, "I'll lead a small, agile team to explore first. If it's safe, the rest can follow."
Xiao Li immediately objected. "No way! You're stronger than me. If anything happens, it's better if I go first."
While the brothers debated, Qing Lin timidly spoke up, "I'll go with Commander Xiao Li."
"You?" Xiao Li raised an eyebrow.
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