"Wu Xinyu, huh? That's a nice name..." Li Yi touched his nose, "Seems like this eventful night just got more interesting!" "Master Li is wise!" Billy quickly bowed in agreement, careful not to show any dissent in his expression. Li Yi smiled faintly, then narrowed his eyes as he gazed towards the end of the street, "The opening act is over, and it seems the main character is about to make an entrance..."
As he spoke, thunderous sounds of hooves approached from the far end of the street, bringing a wave of murderous aura that spread like thick air. The mercenaries still fighting on the street hesitated, slowing their attacks, some even showing a hint of fear. Billy, standing behind Li Yi, gasped softly, "Master Li, it's Yin Tianjie with his Four Killing Gods!"
"Four Killing Gods?" Li Yi murmured, his expression remaining impassive. The approaching cavalry finally became visible. About two hundred riders emerged from the end of the street, each clad in blood-red armor and cloaks, wielding shimmering spears. Their cloaks bore a black wolf's head emblem – the core force of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group. Li Yi sensed Dou Qi from these riders, likely at Fighter level. Such a force, arrayed like an army, could deter even a Warrior.
At the forefront rode a grim-faced Yin Tianjie. He had changed significantly from his appearance at Tianxiang Tower, exuding a murderous aura that overshadowed the hundreds of Fighters behind him. Yin Tianjie was indeed a formidable Fighter pinnacle, even more powerful than the two who had fallen to Li Yi earlier. Accompanying Yin Tianjie were riders who were probably the Four Killing Gods. Billy observed sharply, "Why are only two of the Four Killing Gods present? Does Yin Tianjie have another plan?"
Li Yi asked calmly, "What are these Four Killing Gods?" Billy explained in a low voice, "They're the four deputy leaders of the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group, known as the Four Killing Gods due to their countless kills. They usually handle conflicts with neighboring forces."
Li Yi smiled slightly, "I see. Then who are these four?" Billy swallowed nervously before continuing, "They are Fang Feng, Ma Fan, Bai Xiutian, and Daniel."
Li Yi nodded, "Now I understand... With Fang Feng long dead and Ma Fan crippled, I wonder if Bai Xiutian and Daniel will survive tonight. If not, Yin Tianjie might end up quite alone." He chuckled lightly, unnerving Billy, who dared not say more, instead focusing on the street below.
Yin Tianjie's arrival had cooled the heated atmosphere. He flicked his whip, drawing everyone's attention before speaking, "You all should understand the rules of Blood Wolf Town better than I do. When you entered, you knew that fighting and bloodshed are forbidden. Violators are killed without exception. What happens outside the town is none of my concern... Today, you've disregarded my rules. Isn't it time to give an account?"
The mercenaries calmed down, knowing the town's rules. But when significant interests are at stake, rules often become meaningless. Someone suddenly shouted, "Yin Tianjie, you sound righteous! Aren't you after the technique yourself? You're just waiting to take advantage of the situation!"
Yin Tianjie smiled faintly, "Are you worthy? In my eyes, you're nothing but ants... If I wanted something, why would I need to snatch it from you? Many know my Blood Wolf Mercenary Group has bought techniques before, always paying generously. We had already reserved that scroll and agreed on a price with that young man. Your killing and looting in front of me mean I must avenge him... I give you a chance to surrender the murderer and the scroll. If not, well, you know my character. Have you forgotten who rules Blood Wolf Town?"
The mercenaries gasped. Though some were Fighters, none dared confront Yin Tianjie. After a moment of hesitation, someone bellowed, "Don't fall for his trick! If we hand over the scroll, we're doomed anyway! Let's fight our way out and be free!"
As soon as these words fell, someone spat disdainfully, "Fool, the scroll is in your hands, and yet you speak without fear of tongue-twisting! Hand over the scroll to me, and I'll break through this siege!" This outburst nearly reignited the tension among the now calm mercenaries. Thankfully, the watchful Blood Wolf Mercenary Group prevented further internal conflict, understanding that any more fighting would result in their collective demise.
Yin Tianjie rubbed his temples, scanning the crowd with an indifferent gaze. He knew these mercenaries well; with enough profit, they'd risk their lives here. But faced with grave danger, they'd retreat. Dealing with this rabble wasn't difficult under normal circumstances - he had a hundred ways to make them comply. But today was different. The only option was swift and decisive action. Sighing softly, he murmured, "You choose not to take the path to life; don't blame me, Yin Tianjie, for being ruthless. You broke my rules, and it's not my fault!"
"Onward!" At his subtle command, hundreds of cavalry raised their spears, Dou Qi surging on their tips, creating a spectacular wave of energy. Billy, witnessing this, expressed his surprise, "This is the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group's famous tactic, the Tidal Battle Formation. I didn't expect them to use it in such a situation. Seems like Yin Tianjie is really determined to annihilate everyone!"
Li Yi commented, "Good, he should be ruthless. If he weren't, I'd have to lend him a hand." Billy felt chills at Li Yi's words and dared not speak recklessly. His master seemed to view many things with extraordinary indifference. Such was the demeanor of a true power player. Secretly praising Li Yi, Billy's respect and admiration grew.
Li Yi, however, wasn't concerned with the thoughts of this minor character. His focus remained on Yin Tianjie, pondering the situation. Despite the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group's visible strength not matching that of Wan Chao City's three major families, it wasn't far behind. Yin Tianjie, a man of his caliber, surely had hidden cards to play, suggesting the group's actual power was terrifyingly formidable. Such a force faced opposition in Blood Wolf Town - an unimaginable scenario for Li Yi.
Unlike Billy, Li Yi could see that killing these worthless mercenaries wasn't difficult. Yin Tianjie's display seemed more about guarding against someone. Was he wary of that Maple Pavilion? Just then, a flirtatious laugh echoed from afar. Its seductive undertones could almost weaken one's knees. "Ah, so fearsome and imposing, Commander Yin! Such ruthlessness - would you even destroy little me? Oh dear, at least let me say a few last words before I perish!"
Accompanying this playful voice, a woman in a red dress appeared from one side of the street. Her mature and alluring figure contrasted with her youthful, innocent face, creating an irresistibly seductive aura. She couldn't be older than twenty, but her experienced charm was evident. Her full bosom, likely over 36D, drew many thirsty gazes, including a fleeting look of lust from Yin Tianjie. As the woman emerged, dozens of hidden guards followed, their presence rivaling the Blood Wolf Mercenary Group's.
Yin Tianjie's expression shifted, but he seemed to have anticipated her arrival. Laughing loudly, he addressed her, "Miss Wu, why leave the comforts of Maple Pavilion for this bloodied street? This place of death doesn't suit a peerless beauty like you. Please, return home... The matters here, I assure you, will be handled properly."
The woman, Wu Xinyu, chuckled lightly. Her gaze swept across the street, settling on a particular spot. Sighing softly, she responded, "Commander Yin, let's dispense with these pretenses today. If it were anything else, I'd happily concede to you. After all, we've cooperated many times over the years. But... this is a Vermilion Bird-level technique! Honestly, even I'm tempted... If you'd kindly give it to me, I'll repay you with the most precious thing I possess. How about that?"
Her provocative demeanor swayed even Yin Tianjie for a moment. Li Yi, observing from above, couldn't help but smirk, thinking, "This Wu Xinyu is indeed a siren!"