Chapter 93: The Blazing Mercenaries
The mercenaries, each holding a portrait, were searching for Mu Feng, Mu Kuang, and Bai Ziyue.
From a distance, Mu Feng noticed the mercenaries combing through the area. He immediately grew cautious.
The uniforms and leather armor these men wore, along with the flaming insignia on their chests, matched those of the Blazing Mercenary Corps—the same group whose members he had killed earlier.
"Hey, look! Isn't that the kid?"
One mercenary, holding a portrait, spotted Mu Feng and Liu Yixue in the distance.
"Yes, it's him! He killed the vice-captain. Quick, notify the captain!"
A mercenary who had chased Mu Feng through the mountains shouted, his voice filled with alarm.
The group of a dozen or so mercenaries immediately raised their weapons and began to close in on Mu Feng.
"It seems trouble has found you," Liu Yixue remarked indifferently, observing the approaching men.
Mu Feng's eyes narrowed, but his concern wasn't for himself—it was for Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue.
They had planned to rendezvous in this town, but now Mu Feng feared the Blazing Mercenary Corps might have captured them.
As the group surrounded him, one of the mercenaries sneered. "We thought you died in Flame Valley, but here you are."
"Enough talk. Tell me—where are my two brothers?" Mu Feng asked coldly.
The mercenary's eyes darted cunningly as he smiled. "We've already captured them. You're the last one we need. Surrender quietly, and we might release them."
Mu Feng laughed coldly. "You think I'd believe that? If you're carrying portraits of all three of us, it means you haven't caught anyone yet. Your lie only confirms it."
The mercenary's attempt at deception failed, and his face darkened. "Fine! If you won't surrender, we'll take you by force. Get him!"
At his command, the mercenaries charged. Mu Feng's body blurred as he dashed into their midst. With a slight bend of his fingers, he unleashed two golden streaks of energy.
"Squelch! Squelch!"
Two mercenaries dropped instantly, the golden energy piercing their skulls.
Three swords slashed toward him, but Mu Feng sidestepped gracefully. His fist glowed white as twelve crisp pops echoed from his arm. He swung his fist at a mercenary's head.
"Boom!"
The punch shattered the mercenary's skull, killing him instantly.
Nearby, Liu Yixue stood observing. She did not intervene, deeming the Purple Mansion Realm mercenaries too weak to warrant her attention. However, she was slightly surprised by Mu Feng's performance. Despite being at the fourth level of the Purple Mansion Realm, his explosive strength rivaled that of a sixth-level cultivator, and his movements were exceptionally agile.
"Swish!"
A golden blade light arced toward Mu Feng. The mercenary leader, a sixth-level Purple Mansion cultivator, had joined the fray.
Mu Feng tilted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike. A few strands of his hair were severed as the blade grazed past.
The leader slashed down with another powerful blow, but Mu Feng parried it with his battle blade. Simultaneously, he gathered energy in his other hand and fired a golden energy blast at the mercenary.
The mercenary raised his blade defensively. The golden energy struck the blade, forcing him back a few steps.
"Boom!"
Mu Feng used the opportunity to counterattack. He leaped forward, his body twisting midair as he unleashed a flurry of slashes.
"Frenzied Blade Technique!"
The mercenary struggled to block the relentless onslaught of attacks. Metallic clangs filled the air as sparks flew from their weapons.
The Frenzied Blade Technique, though only a yellow-grade combat skill, emphasized speed. Mu Feng's rapid strikes overwhelmed the mercenary, forcing him to retreat.
"Squelch!"
"Argh!"
Blood sprayed as Mu Feng's blade found its mark, severing the mercenary's arm. Without hesitation, Mu Feng followed up with a fiery blade strike, decapitating his opponent.
Seeing their leader fall, the remaining mercenaries hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes. None dared to advance.
Mu Feng stood tall, his blade in hand, as townsfolk began gathering to watch the commotion.
"Aren't those Blazing Mercenaries?"
"Yes, they are. I can't believe someone dared to challenge them here."
"That young man has some serious guts."
Whispers spread among the crowd. Though Mu Feng had intimidated the mercenaries for now, the townsfolk knew this was the Blazing Mercenary Corps' stronghold.
Their fears were confirmed as a group of over a hundred mercenaries marched down the street, led by a towering man in a yellow robe. His red crew-cut hair and stern face bore a striking resemblance to the mercenary Mu Feng had killed earlier.
"Where is the murderer who killed my son?" the man demanded coldly.
This was Gu Chenggang, father of the slain Gu Tianci and leader of the Blazing Mercenary Corps.
"Captain, it's that boy. He just killed more of our men," a mercenary pointed at Mu Feng, his voice laced with anger.
Gu Chenggang's icy gaze locked onto Mu Feng. "So, it's you who killed my son."
"He came after me. I defended myself," Mu Feng replied calmly, openly admitting to the act.
Gu Chenggang's face twisted with fury. "Bold of you to admit it. Surround them!"
At his command, over a hundred mercenaries encircled Mu Feng and Liu Yixue.
From a distance, two ragged figures in the crowd—clad in tattered clothes like beggars—watched in alarm.
"This is bad! Brother Feng is surrounded," one whispered urgently.
These two were none other than Mu Kuang and Bai Ziyue. Arriving in town earlier, they had disguised themselves to avoid detection by the mercenaries while waiting for Mu Feng.
Exchanging a glance, the two darted through the crowd and placed themselves at Mu Feng's side.
"Kuang, Ziyue!" Mu Feng exclaimed in surprise and joy upon seeing them.
"Brother Feng, we won't let you face this alone. Brothers live and die together," Mu Kuang declared with unwavering determination.
"Together, no matter what," Bai Ziyue echoed.
Mu Feng felt a surge of warmth at their loyalty. True brotherhood, he thought, was priceless.
"Don't worry. This time, we'll make it through. Right, senior?" he said, turning toward Liu Yixue.