While Qiao Mu and the others enjoyed their soup, the mercenaries had already polished off their meals and commenced packing up.
One of the younger mercenaries couldnât help but size up Qiao Mu with curiosity. He discreetly lowered his voice and asked his companion, âHey, whatâs your take on them?â
/Considering their attire, they seemed like a bunch of privileged youngsters. Despite heading towards North Wangda Forest, they seemed to lack a proper guard. Are they really venturing into this forest alone?/
âQuit poking your nose into matters that donât concern you,â retorted the other person, a seasoned mercenary. He shot a sidelong glance at the chatty youngster and rolled his eyes. âRemember what the commander drilled into us?â
âI recall.â The young mercenary pursed his lips and droned, âAvoid unnecessary trouble while traveling.â
According to their commander, the future held unforeseen dangers, ones they were currently oblivious to.
In the realm of martial arts, caution ranked highest. Those who appeared unremarkable could easily turn out to be lethal.
If this predicament escalated, it could spell trouble.
âDonât you find the commander excessively vigilant?â
âI disagree.â The elder mercenary sneered. âLet me make this clear, if you disagree with our commanderâs approach, itâs better for you to make a swift exit.â
Observing the older mercenary walk away, the younger one pursed his lips and held his peace. Nonetheless, a hint of skepticism lingered within him.
Once more, he assessed Qiao Mu and company and internally criticized, /Based on appearances, they strike me as a bunch of incapable young elites. What sort of peril could they possibly encounter?/
Clang, clang, clang, clang!
âCommander, thereâs a fierce battle occurring at 10 oâclock.â A reconnaissance mercenary swiftly approached the captivating and elegant woman, dropping to half-kneel as he inquired,
âShould we consider changing our camp?â
The captivating and elegant woman happened to be the leader of the Dayle Mercenary Group. Standing beside her was her partner, Su Ha, a muscular man.
Their extensive mercenary background had honed their ability to maintain composure in such situations.
Daiâer nodded, affirming, âLetâs begin packing up.â
Upon hearing the bossâs decision, the same young mercenary from earlier couldnât help but grumble, âWhy are we moving out right after weâve taken a break?â
The veteran mercenary shot him an irritated look. âDongzi, you have quite the gift for chatter.â
âJust follow the orders!â
âThe commander has her reasons.â
The young mercenary, addressed as Dongzi, huffed but reluctantly started gathering his belongings.
Swish! An incendiary iron arrow abruptly found its mark on a tree.
Yet, the North Wangda Forest was thick with humidity, the ancient trees drenched in moisture. The flames struggled to spread extensively, managing only to singe a tree trunk or two.
Daiâerâs brows knitted as she expressed her concern. âPrepare for combat, everyone.â
In the midst of her words, several silhouettes sprinted into view, shielding an injured comrade. The whistle of iron-tipped arrows intertwined with pockets of fire, putting Daiâerâs group on edge.
Qi Xuanxuan and the rest were in the midst of tidying up pots, bowls, and utensils. Upon turning around, they were met with a stray arrow hurtling in their direction.
Frowning, Little Fatty intervened with a swift punch, deflecting the projectile.
âInviting trouble, are we?â Lu Yuâs voice cut through the air, his tone icy and penetrating, reaching everyoneâs ears distinctly.
âA pack of imbeciles dares to interrupt our respite?â Qi Xuanxuanâs irritation was palpable.
âAh! Could it be Qiaoqiao?â