Chapter 68: Night Raid on the Wolf Head Mercenary Group
After flying out of the valley, Xiao Yuan retracted his Purple Cloud Wings and descended to the ground, proceeding on foot.
Though his foundation was strong, using the Purple Cloud Wings for long durations was still exhausting. Within the Magical Beast Mountain Range, danger was everywhere—he had to maintain peak condition.
Swiftly weaving through the dense forest, Xiao Yuan eventually reached a thinning treeline. He let out a breath of relief. He was nearly out of the range, and now, the only beasts around were Tier 1s—easily handled with a flick of his hand.
With his current physique, he could match most beasts of his own tier.
Of course, against those with potent bloodlines and high potential, he might still fall short. But if his Dou Qi foundation was included, even Tier 3 beasts were within his reach.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, Xiao Yuan halted, eyes narrowing as he caught sight of a distant campfire.
It appeared to be a campsite—probably a mercenary team.
Approaching slightly, he spotted five figures—three men and two women—all equipped with personal weapons and bearing matching emblems on their chests. The insignia belonged to one of the three major mercenary groups of Qing Shan Town: the Blood Battle Mercenary Group.
Xiao Yuan considered for a moment and decided to bypass them, continuing on his way.
The enrollment for Jia Nan Academy was happening soon—it was time to head back.
Hiss!
Suddenly, the sound of something slicing through the air was followed by a putrid stench—an ambush from the side.
Frowning, Xiao Yuan flicked his finger, sending out a black-and-white flame that incinerated the sneak-attacking Crimson Ice Snake on the spot.
However, the middle-aged man by the campfire sensed the disturbance, snapped his head around, and shouted coldly, "Who's there?!"
At his shout, the other three immediately drew their weapons with a shing. One younger girl had to tug twice before finally pulling out her sword, cheeks reddening in embarrassment.
"Just passing through," Xiao Yuan said indifferently, waving a hand and quickly vanishing through the trees, heading toward the forest edge.
Hearing the young voice, the group relaxed—but the leader's eyes showed a trace of seriousness.
"He's fast."
Even at a casual pace, the youth was faster than his own full sprint. Impressive.
"Who was that guy? Sneaking around other mercs' camps like that—definitely not a good person!"
The young girl who had struggled with her sword huffed angrily.
"Ling'er, don't say such things. That young man's strength isn't low. For him to get that close without us noticing... we're not in a position to provoke him."
The leader, Kagang, shook his head with a stern tone.
"Stronger than you and Brother Mulan?"
Ling'er's irritation faded into curiosity.
"Hard to say. But his speed and stealth are definitely better than mine."
Kagang's expression darkened slightly.
If that guy came back later to ambush them, he might not even notice.
"Let's keep watch tonight, just in case."
He looked toward Mulan with a sigh.
"Mm."
Mulan nodded in agreement.
Xiao Yuan, of course, had long stopped caring about the group he passed. Soon, he exited the Magical Beast Mountain Range.
Posters featuring bounties on him and Xiao Yixian littered Qing Shan Town.
Too bad for them—Xiao Yixian probably wouldn't be returning. And he had almost forgotten: wasn't his original purpose for coming here to expand his influence?
The Blood Battle Mercenary Group...
After a bit of thought, he turned and made his way toward the Wolf Head Mercenary Group's base.
The moon was bright tonight—perfect for killing a few bottom-feeders and reshuffling Qing Shan's power. That would make tomorrow's talks easier.
The Wolf Head Mercenary Group's headquarters was a large estate, guarded by two Three-Star Dou Zhe.
Seeing Xiao Yuan approach openly, the two men scowled and stepped forward. "Who are you? Don't you know this is the Wolf Head Mercenary Group's headquarters?!"
"I came to see your captain. Heard he wants to kill me and steal my treasure?"
Xiao Yuan replied flatly.
"You're Yuan Xiao?!"
One of them recognized the youthful and handsome face. His pupils contracted.
"Correct. Your reward? You get to join your young captain in the afterlife."
Xiao Yuan smiled slightly. Two green wind spirals appeared at his fingertips, and with a flick of his wrist, he launched them forward.
Shink!
The spirals pierced both men's throats, killing them instantly.
This was an improved version of the Green Wind Spiral Fist—Wind Spiral Finger Strike.
It consumed less Dou Qi, made less noise, and was just as deadly when aimed properly.
After eliminating the two guards, Xiao Yuan strolled into the courtyard, unleashing his soul perception to scan the area.
There were around thirty people here.
Only one Dou Shi-level aura—Mu She.
In a small town like Qing Shan, a Dou Shi was already a top-tier expert.
But for the Xiao family? Just sending a third elder would be enough to wipe out all three major mercenary groups.
Three Dou Shis? Nothing worth mentioning.
And at this pace, Xiao Yuan could take them down one by one all by himself.
"Who's there?!"
Just as he advanced, he ran into a patrolling mercenary.
"Sigh... can't you guys come up with better lines?"
Xiao Yuan muttered as he dashed forward.
"Enemy attack!"
One alert merc shouted—his final words.
A green wind spiral pierced his throat, blood gurgling as he collapsed.
"Hah!"
Another, a Five-Star Dou Zhe, came at Xiao Yuan with a broadsword.
But to Xiao Yuan, the attack looked like a child waving a wooden stick.
With a sidestep, he dodged and countered with a Wind Hawk Kick, sending the attacker flying. The mercenary slammed into the ground, unable to get up—alive or dead, that would depend on luck.
But the delay gave the other mercenaries time to draw their weapons and surround Xiao Yuan, blades raised and ready to strike.
(END CHAPTER)
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