Jiang Chen followed Meng Qingxue closely, curiosity evident in his voice. "Qingxue, where exactly are we headed?"
Meng Qingxue explained as they walked, "The Thunder Cloud Mountain Range is vast and extremely dangerous. Typically, disciples from the martial academies who venture here join an adventure group based in Thunder Stone City for safety and support."
"When I first came here, I joined the Azure Adventure Group. I built a good relationship with their leader, Ye Qingshuang."
"If they assist us, it will save us a lot of trouble in the Thunder Cloud Mountains."
After navigating through several streets, they arrived at an old courtyard. Meng Qingxue's brows furrowed as she noticed the desolate entrance.
"Strange… There's not even a guard at the gate. Something's wrong."
Jiang Chen raised his head and listened, his eyes narrowing. "There's noise coming from inside. Something's definitely happened. Let's go in and check."
---
Inside the Azure Adventure Group's meeting hall, tensions ran high. Ye Qingshuang, the beautiful leader of the group, stood firmly with several of her members, facing off against a band of menacing individuals.
At the forefront of the intruders stood a young man dressed in fine clothing, his gaze locked onto Ye Qingshuang.
"Ye Qingshuang, since your Azure Adventure Group operates under the protection of our Black Tiger Adventure Group, you must pay your monthly tribute."
"Thunder Stone City is a ruthless place. Without our protection, you know very well what fate awaits you!"
"Master Lu, your Black Tiger Adventure Group doubled the tribute this month. Isn't that going too far?"
A girl in leather armor behind Ye Qingshuang spoke up, her voice laced with desperation.
Lu Xiao, the young leader of the Black Tiger Adventure Group, shot her a cold glare. "I'm speaking to your leader. Who do you think you are to question me?"
The girl flinched, her face turning pale under his intimidating stare.
Ye Qingshuang swiftly stepped in front of the girl, her voice calm but firm.
"Master Lu, last month, you raised the tribute from 20,000 gold coins to 50,000. Now you demand double that. Why?"
"Our Azure Adventure Group is small and doesn't earn much. How do you expect us to come up with 100,000 gold coins?"
Lu Xiao smirked, his eyes lingering on Ye Qingshuang's striking face.
"If you can't pay the tribute, there is another option."
"Merge the Azure Adventure Group with ours. Follow me, and I promise you won't be treated poorly."
The hall erupted with anger from the members of the Azure Adventure Group. It was clear to everyone that Lu Xiao had long desired their leader and was now using this as leverage to force her hand.
"Lu Xiao, you've gone too far!" Ye Qingshuang's voice trembled with anger as she clenched her fists.
Lu Xiao sneered. "Ye Qingshuang, strength rules the world. Submission is your only option."
"Otherwise, your Azure Adventure Group will be wiped out!"
He laughed loudly, his arrogance filling the room.
---
Suddenly, a cold, amused voice drifted in from the courtyard entrance.
"Well, it seems things are quite lively here."