After finishing their discussion with Peng Li-Yue, Leo had Anya to protect her until the tournament started. Based on what she said, it would be held in a place called Qin City.
Leo already read that this would happen in the novel. The protagonist, Kim Min-Gu, would make his appearance here as an independent martial artist. He would advance through the tournament while using underhanded tricks to win and gain the recognition of all the major forces in Sichuan.
'It's the start of his fame and despair.'
Knowing this made Leo feel a bit sorry for the protagonist because he suffered so much until the very end of the novel. But that story might be different now that Heavenly Demon was alive. The protagonist had no reason to join the tournament, and Leo could use this chance to gain fame.
'The tournament format is simple. Independent martial artists would engage in a free for all to get spots. While a prominent family can choose a representative to get a spot in the tournament. That would require a lot of energy and I don't want to enter it. However, there is an exception.'
As a prominent family in Murim world, Peng Clan and Tang Clan were given privileges to have an exhibition match after everything was over. In this tournament, Peng Li-Yue and Tang Clan's third son, Tang Jiuyang, were going to send their representative to battle.
In the original novel, Peng Li-Yue made her first appearance here, announcing his bet against Tang Jiuyang, which he agreed to kindly.
Without her knowing, her representative was chosen by her father and was told to lose. The plan was for Tang Jiuyang to win and announce his engagement with Peng Li-Yue at the tournament, cutting her way out.
'She only made an appearance way later after Kim Min-Gu rose in rank and was chosen as Tang Clan's warrior. But she's just a husk of her old self. That's why I don't recognize her immediately back in the Butterfly Pavilion. Not that recognizing a novel character is easy.'
Anyway, they got the job. And he would finish it flawlessly.
"Excuse me."
Jessica entered the bar where Leo sat alone, pondering about the mission. She wore her secretary's clothes like usual.
White business shirt hugged her slim figure and the tight short skirt revealed her long slender legs underneath it. The bodysuit that could be seen accentuated her sexiness to the max.
"Do you need something, Jessica?" Leo asked after giving her a glance.
"I am here to report on our current situation."
Jessica walked forward and stood next to him.
"Anya is protecting Young Lady Peng at the hotel. I have also contacted the others, beside Chiaki, to return to the base and explain that we have a job. Shui is the most excited about it and requested to be chosen to finish this job."
"Choose him for the job then." Leo commented before asking, "What about the funds? How much money do we have now?"
"Chiaki is currently in the gambling den. She would've already won most of the games by now if she is still there. I am just worried that she would get into trouble. When you gave her an order, she would always overdo it. So I will check on her after Shui and Jack return. As for our funds..."
She pulled out her smart lenses and pressed something before turning it toward him.
"These are the numbers in our account currently."
Leo checked the numbers before nodding with satisfaction.
'It's amazing. We only have 950 Golds from Heavenly Demon at the start and now we have more than 5,000.'
Most of them were gathered by Chiaki alone. She spent her time in a gambling den called Soul Dragon Arena playing with the rich kids who thought they were the best in town.
As someone who controlled Coco and all kinds of technologies, gambling was like child's play for Chiaki. She didn't even need to cheat to win. She was good at math and strategies, so winning in a card game like poker was a piece of cake for her.
'But gambling alone won't secure our funds. And I think Chiaki will get banned soon. Right now, I don't want to make any trouble with Hao Sect, the one who owns the gambling parlor. We should make a business too. And this... It seems Jessica has already planned it.'
Under the monetary report, Jessica put a plan to create a few businesses that she thought would benefit their mercenary group. And she chose the most popular one to work on in the meantime; bar and restaurant business.
"Good work Jessica."
"Thank you." She replied with a proud tone as if she was waiting for him to praise her hard work.
At that moment, the entrance creaked open as two people entered. The alcoholic smell that came from them was noticeable as soon as they entered the room.
"Yo, Leader!" Jack greeted him enthusiastically as he made his way over before sitting down on the couch in the corner of the room, "So what is the job?"
"Jessica has already explained it, gun maniac." Shui muttered as he walked towards Jack and sat next to him. Then, he looked at Leo with a serious gaze. "Let me work this job, Leader. I want to try fighting those martial artists and clans in a martial arts tournament."
"That's the plan." Leo nodded, "I will stand out too much, and so will Chiaki. The only choice here is you, someone who uses a sword."
Hearing that, Shui smiled excitedly. "I understand. I will not disappoint you, Leader."
Jack raised his brows in surprise, "What? I can also use a sword. Why not me?"
"Because I am better." The Swordsman smirked.
"Dude! Do you want to go outside?! I will punch you with my new machine gun!"
As usual, they bickered with each other. Shaking her head, Jessica decided to stop them like a stern teacher.
"Enough. Go back to your room. I will have you help me investigate something tomorrow."
Normally, they would agree and not talk back. But because they drank too much alcohol earlier, their senses weren't completely sober yet.
"Come on, lady boss! You said that but you would stay all night with the Leader anyway. Look at those clothes! You're wearing them to seduce Leader right now. Am I wrong?" Jack remarked while grinning widely.
"Hey Jack, I don't think saying that is a good idea." Shui, being more sober than Jack as he purified the alcohol using Nanites, already moved away from the couch.
"Huh, what do you-"
Bam!
Jessica's fist passed through the wall beside him, leaving a large hole while missing Jack's face by a hair's breadth. Smoke emitted from her hand as she glared daggers at him.
"Don't." She threatened. "Say a word about my fucking personal business."
Jack looked at the hole in disbelief before swallowing a mouthful of saliva. He was sober instantly. "Y-Yes Ma'am. U-Understood."
Seeing his frightened expression, Jessica clicked her tongue before leaving the bar to cool her head while grumbling in annoyance. She didn't like anyone poking into her private business.
"Haaa... A girl is scary after all..."
Leo and Shui laughed upon hearing what he said. Even though they said that, they were not joking that Jessica would stay all night with Leo. Their relationship was so close to that extent after all.