Under Nalan Ping's command, the merchant group's guards and mercenaries, inspired by Li Yi's initial onslaught, charged down the bandits. Initially outnumbered, the bandits were thrown into disarray by Li Yi's ferocity, and with their leader's fate unknown, they fell into chaos. Nalan Ping, a capable figure, seized the opportunity to direct his forces, quickly routing the disorganized bandits.
Li Yi deliberately remained on horseback, easily dispatching any bandit who dared approach, his spear no longer in hand. To Li Yi, these bandits, at most Fighters, and even the bandit leader, a seven or eight crystal Fighter, were insignificant. His only concern was the strong presences he had sensed earlier, which had disappeared since his attack. Li Yi wondered if he had scared them off, though he doubted it. It was more likely they had sensed something and regrouped, knowing their men were no match for him.
Half an hour later, the bandits were scattered, with the remaining few fleeing. The bandits were fierce but not foolish; they had no desire for a futile death. After the battle, the mercenaries' view of Li Yi changed; his solo feat against dozens of bandits and killing the leader had earned their deep respect. Strength was everything in the Naga Mountains.
Shortly after, a guard from the Nalan Merchant Group politely invited Li Yi to meet with Nalan Ping. Anticipating this, Li Yi nodded and followed the guard towards Nalan Ping. Seated on a carriage, Nalan Ping surveyed the surroundings, displaying his keen awareness. Li Yi didn't underestimate him; Nalan Ping's timely and measured actions spoke of his capabilities.
Nalan Ping hopped down from the carriage, gesturing for the guards to retreat before smiling at Li Yi, "Brother, may I know your honorable name?" Li Yi, feeling a sense of goodwill, replied honestly, "Li Yi."
"A fine name," Nalan Ping commented, then sighed lightly before speaking, "But, Brother Li Yi, I have something to say, I'm not sure if it's appropriate."
Li Yi smiled, "Feel free to speak."
Nalan Ping hinted with a smile, "If I'm not mistaken, those people just now weren't after our Nalan Merchant Group but were actually after you, weren't they?"
"Perhaps," Li Yi responded indifferently.
Nalan Ping smiled, "Well, it seems our Nalan Merchant Group has incurred a small loss. We planned to hire mercenaries for protection, but under your scheme, we ended up becoming your protectors."
Li Yi frowned, "You don't think that if I weren't here, those bandits wouldn't have troubled you?"
Nalan Ping shook his head, "Of course not... If I thought so, I would have let my men watch the show when you acted earlier."
Li Yi felt an inexplicable sensation but nodded, "So, what are you implying, Young Master Nalan?"
Nalan Ping spoke calmly, "Regardless of why you've offended those bandits, their arrogance in the Naga Mountains has been long-standing. Tonight's setback for them is a good thing. It's just a pity that their leaders didn't show up; eliminating them would have made future travels through the Naga Mountains much easier."
Li Yi chuckled, "So, you're not upset that I've implicated your Nalan Merchant Group?"
Nalan Ping laughed, "Since you've already implicated us, what's the use of being upset? You should rest and gather strength... If I'm not mistaken, tonight's events aren't over yet."
Li Yi smirked and stopped the conversation, understanding Nalan Ping's intent to form an alliance. Powerful individuals like Li Yi, young and talented, were often sought after by major forces. He nodded and withdrew under the curious gaze of the surrounding guards, pondering by the edge of the camp, "This Nalan Ping... is not simple..."
The Serpent Venerable's voice timely remarked, "Which one of those who roam the Naga Mountains is simple? Don't be deceived by Nalan Ping's courteous demeanor; who knows what he's really thinking? If you believe he can't guess who you are, I wouldn't buy it. Merchants must be well-informed. If not for your Martial Deity's remnant jade, he might have already handed you over to those bandits... His courtesy is likely aimed at that treasure."
The Serpent Venerable chuckled, "As long as you're clear about that... Just don't naively think they're really out to help you." Li Yi snorted, "When has anything ever come easy in this world?" The Serpent Venerable laughed again and fell silent, understanding Li Yi's character and not worried about him.
Seeing nothing urgent at the moment and suspecting the night's events were far from over, Li Yi decided not to return to his tent. Instead, he sat down cross-legged right there and started to meditate. After some time, while Li Yi seemed to enter a profound state, a faint laughter seemed to echo from all directions. The voice was serene, yet carried a chilling murderous intent, "I thought you had run off somewhere, little brother. To think you were hiding with this Naga Merchant Group, making it so easy for me to find you!"
As the figure spoke, several figures emerged abruptly from the nearby woods and landed in front of the camp, ignoring the bustling mercenaries. Li Yi's eyelids twitched as he exhaled slowly and stood up. Glancing at Nalan Ping not far away, both understood that at this moment, they were inevitably on the same side.
The speaker, a slender figure in a plain white dress, examined Li Yi from a distance, her face devoid of distinct features yet carrying a hint of amusement. Li Yi, realizing there was no escape, laughed heartily and approached her, saying lightly, "This must be the master of the Naga Auction House... And as for the other two, Madam Feng and the leader of the Iron Lion Group... it's been a long time."
Madam Feng and the Iron Lion leader, visibly annoyed, snorted coldly at the side of the seemingly ordinary woman. The woman, identified as Gong Wushuang, smiled gently, "Little brother, you do put on quite a show... I just wanted to meet you, and it's been such a challenge..."
Li Yi narrowed his eyes, already guessing her identity. He smiled and asked, "So, what does the auction house master need from me?"
Gong Wushuang replied with a light laugh, "Nothing much. We just haven't seen such a wealthy and generous customer at our auction house in a long time. I simply had to see you in person... But now that I have, perhaps it's time to leave..."
Li Yi responded, "Is that so... Now that we've met, can I leave?"
Gong Wushuang shook her head, a playful smile on her lips, "Not so fast... Besides meeting you, there's an item you took that I need back. Hand it over, and we'll leave. What do you say?"
Li Yi sighed, "I don't recall taking anything from you."
Gong Wushuang hinted with a half-smile, "What about the Martial Deity's remnant jade? Not just anyone is worthy of possessing it... Hand it over, and we'll leave. What do you say?"
Li Yi laughed heartily, "Didn't I already give it to the Iron Lion leader? Why come to me now?"
The Iron Lion leader grunted but didn't respond. Gong Wushuang, still observing Li Yi with a peculiar gaze, seemed to see right through him.
"Naga Auction House is really losing face now, Gong Wushuang..." Nalan Ping suddenly appeared beside Li Yi. Gong Wushuang glanced at him and said lightly, "So, Young Master Nalan is interested in this messy affair too? But remember, this is the Naga Mountains, not Yunshui City, and no one can protect you here..."
Nalan Ping calmly responded, "I know you brought people, but do you think I, Nalan Ping, am afraid of you? Moreover, I didn't expect the notorious bandits of the Naga Mountains to be connected to the two major mercenary groups of Naga Town, and your auction house seems to be half in charge..."
Gong Wushuang replied, "Didn't you guess this already? Why bring it up now? Let's talk business, little brother. Will you hand it over, or shall I take it? You seemed powerful just now, but remember... even the strongest Fighter is just a Fighter."
Li Yi's lips twitched, facing this woman who was probably stronger than the Iron Lion leader and Madam Feng. Could he kill her on the spot with his Blood Moon Fury technique, or would he be powerless against her?
These thoughts flashed in his mind, and Li Yi quickly made his decision. He would not hand over the Martial Deity's remnant jade, meaning today's events wouldn't end so easily...
Without further words, Li Yi shouted, "Attack!" He swiftly retreated, clapping his hands to launch a barrage of Qi-infused weapons towards Gong Wushuang and her companions. This technique, chaotic in appearance, was his best bet against several Warrior-level opponents...