บท 23: Fang Fang Mercenary Group
Zhao Xin and Hu Long quickly rushed into the bushes, encircling Mu Yudie.
Mu Yudie, who had been hiding in the thicket, stood up bashfully, her cheeks tinged with red. She cast a fleeting glance at Shi Yan, secretly mortified by her embarrassment.
But Mu Yudie soon realized her concern was unnecessary. A quick look revealed that Shi Yan was not paying her any attention. His dark eyes were fixed intently on the direction Luo Hao had dashed off, like a predator poised to strike.
A complete circulation of energy swiftly coursed through his body, gradually easing the soreness and numbness within. With a stern expression, Shi Yan silently restored his strength while keeping a watchful eye on Luo Hao's vicinity.
"Chase after it! The 'Fire Cloud Demon Python' is on its last legs! Stay close and don't let it escape!"
"Shoot! Quickly, shoot!"
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
In the nearby woods, shouts echoed as arrows flew rapidly through the air, pursuing their prey.
"Whoosh!"
Suddenly, a fire ignited in the forest, enveloping the area in flames. Thick smoke rose and curled through the trees, causing those nearby to cough uncontrollably.
"Crack! Crack! Boom! Boom! Thud! Thud!"
The sounds of branches splintering, arrows whizzing, and footsteps clashing filled the air. A fierce battle was raging just within the nearby woods.
"Someone's here!" A sharp voice suddenly called out from the forest, tinged with hostility. "Are you trying to steal our spoils?"
"Don't misunderstand, I just didn't want the 'Fire Cloud Demon Python' to harm my people, so I stopped it from fleeing in that direction," Luo Hao's voice came from the forest, sounding as if he was in a dispute with someone.
"Hmph! Our Fang Mercenary Group has been eyeing this 'Fire Cloud Demon Python' for half a month now. You'd better not interfere."
"I told you, I'm not interested in this fourth-level demonic beast," Luo Hao explained.
"Uncle Luo seems to be in a disagreement with someone; we should go over," Mu Yudie frowned and tilted her head in the bushes, unable to see clearly, her heart anxious.
"Hmph!" Hu Long snorted, "I've heard of the Fang Mercenary Group. They don't have a good reputation. Uncle Luo better not get taken advantage of."
"Then let's hurry over," Mu Yudie said, growing more worried after hearing this.
"Alright."
Zhao Xin nodded and said to Hu Long and Di Yalan, "When we go over, make sure to keep Miss Mu surrounded. Even if a fight breaks out, her safety is the priority."
"Do you really need to say that?" Di Yalan replied impatiently.
The four of them muttered as they quietly left the bushes and headed toward Luo Hao.
Shi Yan did not hurry. He waited a while before slowly standing up.
Feeling the energy surging in his meridians, he moved his hands and feet slightly to ensure they weren't too affected by fatigue. Only then did he calmly head in the direction Mu Yudie and the others had gone.
"Hey!" A surprised voice called out, "Two beauties, haha! I've been wandering here for two months and haven't seen anyone this stunning."
"Captain, you promised us we'd get our needs met here. You can't go back on your word now."
"Shut up! Can't you see they're already spoken for?"
...
Shi Yan walked over slowly, frowning as he looked around.
On the ground lay a massive python, seven or eight meters long, its body covered in fiery patterns. Its tail glowed with embers, and its body was riddled with arrows. A bloody hole between its eyes was still oozing blood.
Eight mercenaries surrounded the "Fire Cloud Demon Python," all wearing the same warrior garb. Their left arms, exposed, bore fanged tattoos. Each of these mercenaries was tall, muscular, and rugged, with even the weakest among them possessing the innate realm's power.
The leader, with short brown hair standing like steel needles and a long scar running from his left cheek down to his neck, looked particularly ferocious.
As Shi Yan approached, he noticed that these mercenaries were leering at Mu Yudie and Di Yalan with obvious lust in their eyes.
Only the captain refrained from ogling the two women. Instead, he stared coldly at Luo Hao, his right hand hidden in his sleeve, where a faint silver light occasionally flickered, as if he was ready to strike at any moment.
"Go home and die!" Di Yalan couldn't hold back any longer and cursed at the mercenaries' lewd gazes.
"Haha, this one's feisty! Just my type!" A burly mercenary, his chest bare and covered in thick hair, laughed heartily, slapping his thigh. "Captain, I want this one!"
"Come on then!" Di Yalan drew a short sword from her waist, adopting a combat stance. "Let's see if you've got the guts!"
"Haha, here I come!" The big man eagerly prepared to charge.
"Tumu!" Barnard's voice cut in sharply. "There's always room for negotiation. Don't act rashly."
"Got it, Captain." The burly man named Tumu laughed, thrusting his hips toward Di Yalan. "Girl, we'll strip down and wrestle later. Then you'll see what I'm made of!"
"I'll chop off what little you have left," Di Yalan sneered, undaunted.
Mu Yudie frowned in disgust, her pretty face full of revulsion, but she said nothing, as if used to this behavior.
"Why did you come over?" Luo Hao's heart sank. He knew all too well the nature of these mercenaries. In this region, where they hunted demonic beasts, they lived on the edge, never knowing when a beast might tear them apart.
This constant pressure made them indifferent to moral laws. They often resorted to looting, killing, and raping.
Mu Yudie and Di Yalan were both beauties, and in this place, women were a rare and precious commodity. Their tender bodies were the best way to relieve stress, so Luo Hao knew the moment he saw them that things were going to go wrong.
Shi Yan silently walked over and stood beside Luo Hao, quietly observing the Fang Mercenary Group.
"Tumu!" The captain of the Fang Mercenary Group, Barnard, called out. The scar on his face twitched as he spoke grimly, "Collect the materials!" As he spoke, his cold gaze swept over Luo Hao and Shi Yan, with silver light occasionally flashing from his sleeve.
"Yes, sir!" Tumu stopped taunting Di Yalan and waved his hand. Three more mercenaries stepped forward, knives in hand, and began to skillfully skin the python, extracting its fangs and eyes with precision.
Barnard and the remaining three mercenaries watched Luo Hao and his group coldly, ready to attack at the first sign of trouble.
Luo Hao's face was stern, his broad sword emitting a faint glow as he said, "We have no interest in the 'Fire Cloud Demon Python.' You can go about your business; we'll be on our way." Luo Hao, sensing Barnard was dangerous, wanted to avoid unnecessary complications and get Mu Yudie to safety as soon as possible.
Barnard was momentarily surprised when he saw that Luo Hao and his group were really about to leave. Suddenly, he said, "Wait a minute."
Luo Hao turned, his expression turning icy as he growled, "We don't want any trouble, but don't push us too far."
"Heh." Barnard chuckled, his tone softening. "You've misunderstood, friend. I just want to make a deal."
"What kind of deal?" Luo Hao asked, taken aback.
"In exchange for one of the python's eyes, three of its fangs, and two meters of its skin, I want those two women," Barnard said, pointing to Mu Yudie and Di Yalan. "My men have been pent up for a while. They need to blow off some steam. Women here have a price, and I think this is a fair offer. What do you say?"
"***!" Hu Long's eyes practically shot fire.
Zhao Xin snorted coldly, while Mu Yudie bit her lip. Di Yalan raised her short sword and shouted, "Come and take them if you dare!"
Shi Yan narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.
Luo Hao raised a hand to stop Di Yalan from acting rashly, and calmly replied, "Sorry, they are my companions, not my property. They're not for sale at any price."
"Oh, well, then. No hard feelings," Barnard shrugged, "until we meet again."
"Until we meet again," Luo Hao replied, giving Barnard a hard look before ordering, "Let's go!"
Luo Hao shot Di Yalan a warning glance, telling her to stay quiet and move quickly.
Though filled with anger, Zhao Xin and Hu Long, under Luo Hao's stern gaze, did not dare to act out. They quietly surrounded Mu Yudie as they left. Shi Yan, rubbing his nose, kept his thoughts to himself and followed.
...
"Captain, should we do it the usual way this time?" After Luo Hao's group had disappeared into the forest, Tumu grinned wickedly. "We know your tastes, Captain. We won't fight you for the little girl, but that fiery woman, you have to let us have a taste."
Barnard's expression grew colder as he nodded lightly. "Finish collecting the python's materials first, then proceed with the usual plan."
"Got it," Tumu chuckled darkly.
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