Zhao Xian wasn't surprised by Zhou Qingyun's sudden appearance.
What truly caught Zhou Qingyun off guard was the strength of the Exploding Heavens Hunters Company. His initial plan had been to strike during a moment of vulnerability, gradually eradicating their elite members over time. Yet, faced with mounting pressure from his superiors and unfavorable intelligence, he was forced to launch a premature night raid.
What he hadn't anticipated, however, was that all the formidable fighters of the Exploding Heavens Hunters were present, ready to defend.
Still, Zhou Qingyun remained confident. He believed that, with the four top-tier mercenary companies under his command, he could crush these Heaven Ranking experts.
Just as he was about to make his next move, Shen Mengchu descended from the sky, her presence causing him to momentarily freeze.
When he saw her leap down from the high-altitude battlefield, he exhaled in relief. He had feared that his hired hands might have been eliminated already.
"Brother Xian, I'm here to back you up!" Kun Shao said as he positioned himself beside Zhao Xian.
"No need. Handle your own tail first," Zhao Xian replied, his eyes fixed on Zhou Qingyun.
"Then let's trade targets," Kun Shao suggested eagerly.
"Fine. Be my guest," Zhao Xian agreed with a smirk, sparing a glance at the two individuals pursuing Kun Shao.
Noticing their distinctive white sleeves and red lining, Zhao Xian understood why Kun Shao was struggling. Individually, Kun Shao surpassed them, but together, they were a formidable duo. Their strength rivaled that of the Yue Family's Ten Heroes.
Had the **Battle Strength Heavenly Rankings** been activated, the confrontation's outcome might have been easier to predict. For now, everyone gambled on the hope that their own side's strength exceeded the enemy's.
"You'll have to pay extra for this," said the bald mercenary leader who had been targeting Shen Mengchu.
"Fine. Just complete the mission," Zhou Qingyun replied without turning his gaze.
"Done. Money's all that matters," the bald man said, grinning as he rubbed his shiny head.
"Enough chit-chat. Let's fight!" Kun Shao interjected, charging forward with his spear in hand.
As Kun Shao engaged, Zhao Xian launched his own attack against Zhou Qingyun, setting the battlefield ablaze with fierce clashes.
Zhou Qingyun didn't underestimate Cai Kun. He knew enough about the young fighter to take him seriously.
Spear and blade collided, the clash of forged steel resounding across the battlefield. Zhou Qingyun spun his blade in a sweeping arc, unleashing his signature **Yan Yue Slash**.
The blade's glow sliced through the air with overwhelming pressure, aiming directly for Kun Shao.
"Intercepting Spear Technique!"
Kun Shao swiftly shifted his spear into a defensive stance, countering with a fluid motion that transformed defense into offense: the **Spiral Spear Form**.
Originally, Kun Shao had pursued a more explosive fighting style, but Xu Que's advice had steered him toward a balanced approach. This versatile style was one Kun Shao himself had conceptualized in a past life but never fully perfected before his untimely demise.
As the **Spiral Spear** collided with the **Yan Yue Slash**, the two forces vied for dominance. Zhou Qingyun retaliated with the **Breaking Blade Technique**, its ferocity catching Kun Shao off guard.
The devastating strike forced Kun Shao back several steps, his grip on the spear tightening.
"Damn it, I picked the wrong target!" Kun Shao exclaimed, observing Zhao Xian's composed duel. "Switch with me!"
Without missing a beat, Zhao Xian dismissed Kun Shao's request and advanced toward Zhou Qingyun.
"It seems you're my only worthy opponent," Zhou Qingyun remarked, a sly smile playing on his lips.
"You overestimate yourself," Zhao Xian replied coldly. "You don't deserve the honor."
"Let's see about that," Zhou Qingyun said, launching himself at Zhao Xian with lethal precision.
Meanwhile, Kun Shao fended off his own pursuers, taunting them with a wave.
"You brat, courting death!" one of them roared, lunging forward with a spear. His companion, wielding a battle axe, followed closely.
Elsewhere, Yue Xiaoqin and Shen Mengchu fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. Though unable to overpower their opponents, they managed to prevent themselves from being overwhelmed.
Amidst the chaos, a blade gleamed ominously, heading straight for Shen Mengchu. Just as it seemed her fate was sealed, two silhouettes suddenly appeared before her.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
A longsword deflected the incoming strike, while a shield intercepted a pair of deadly hooks.
"You came!" Shen Mengchu exclaimed, astonished.
The newcomers were none other than Liang Jinyu and Murong Xuan'er.
"Do you expect us to watch you die?" Liang Jinyu replied calmly.
"That useless man! His woman is nearly killed, and he's nowhere to be found!" Murong Xuan'er fumed.
"Well, well," the bald man sneered, licking his lips. "Another pair of beauties! This company sure has treasures!"
"Cripple them all, then we'll savor them one by one," Chameleon said, his lecherous grin widening.
"Focus. We're just here to get paid," the leader barked, charging at Murong Xuan'er with clenched fists.
Before his attack could land, a black longsword materialized in the air, its edges unfurling like petals.
"Hummm... Hummm..." The sword's eerie hum filled the battlefield.
"What... what is that?" the dual-bladed fighter murmured, his wariness growing.
"It's a Sword Command Technique!" another swordsman warned.
"But why does it look so different?" Chameleon asked, his voice trembling.
Before an answer could be given, a single black petal drifted from the sword, heralding its strike. The blade darted toward Chameleon like a vengeful specter.
Startled, Chameleon dove for cover, only to find the blade awaiting him as he rose.
"I—"
*Slice!*
Before Chameleon could finish, his head was severed cleanly.
"This isn't worth it—retreat!" the leader shouted, alarm spreading as the black sword relentlessly pursued the remaining attackers.
One by one, their forces faltered, either slain or surrendering in panic.
As the chaos subsided, a lone figure emerged from the shadows, his face obscured by an ominous mask. With a silent motion, Xu Que directed his black sword to return to him.
Shen Mengchu gazed at the figure, her heart heavy with gratitude and intrigue.
"Who is he?" Murong Xuan'er whispered.
"No idea," Liang Jinyu murmured. "But I think he wants to keep his identity hidden. Perhaps it's because of Bell and Lu Ang's presence in the city."
Shen Mengchu's eyes flickered with understanding, her lips curving into a faint smile.