After breakfast, Muli went to Hermon's residence.
Not long after the mercenary announced his arrival, a rough voice came from inside the door.
"What's the weather like today? Why is the young commander here so early?"
Knowing that Muli had come last night, Hermon didn't put on any airs and simply dressed before coming out.
"Commander He, I have important matters to discuss with you, so I came uninvited."
"Oh? Something important?"
Hermon was broad and stout, and his earth-attribute fighting aura made him appear even more imposing and powerful.
Mu Li smiled faintly, "It's not something that can be explained in a few words. Commander He, won't you invite me in for a cup of tea?"
A hint of hesitation flashed in Hermon's eyes, but he quickly smiled and gave way half a body length.
"Please, please!"
Without any hesitation, Mu Li nodded and went straight inside.
The connection in his mind grew stronger, and Muli pretended to let out a soft "hmm," ignoring Hermon's puzzled look behind him, and quickly walked into a room.
"Young Commander, is there a problem?"
Hermon had narrowed his eyes, but his tone remained as honest as ever.
Mu Li withdrew his gaze, glanced at Hermon indifferently, and said, "It's like this, my father asked me to be in charge of the transaction with the Blood War Mercenary Group in a few days, but I am not experienced enough, so I will need Commander Hermon to step in and keep things under control."
"Is something wrong with the commander?"
"Um."
Hermon looked at Muli, seemingly waiting for him to continue.
After waiting a short while, seeing that Muli didn't intend to continue, Hermon suddenly burst into laughter.
"Of course, of course, young commander. Just call me Old He whenever you're setting off!"
As he spoke, Hermon patted his chest, making a loud thumping sound.
"Then Commander Rauch will be the one."
Muli clasped his hands in a salute, then took two steps forward.
Hermon's fighting spirit involuntarily trembled, and his breathing became more rapid.
Muli discovered the secret here and revealed a meaningful smile.
"Commander He, what's hidden down there that makes you so nervous?"
Upon hearing Muli's question, Hermon's breath hitched, and his pupils contracted.
"I don't understand what the young commander means."
Muli shook his head, looking at Hermon with a half-smile.
"Commander He, since I've spoken directly, it means I have good intentions. Otherwise, I could have simply informed my father and asked him to come and explore your secret chamber."
As he spoke, Mu Li's feet were covered in battle qi, and he stomped hard on the ground.
boom!
The space beneath the ground vibrated with a sound, completely different from the echo inside the room, and Hermon slumped down as if deflated.
"Young Commander, you have some impressive skills. I secretly oversaw the construction of this place; no one except my closest confidants knows about it."
Several figures flashed through Hermon's mind. Who exactly betrayed him?
"Commander He, you shouldn't overthink it. In my opinion, everyone looks out for themselves, so hiding things is perfectly reasonable. But if my father finds out what you're hiding, do you think he'll become wary of you? You know, there are more and more skilled people in the group, and your current strength is no longer enough to guarantee your safety."
Hearing Mu Li's words, Hermon's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty. Finally, he forced a smile and said, "What the young commander said makes sense, but you should know that I am a member of the He family of Black Rock City. The commander will not lay a hand on me because of this."
Muli frowned slightly; he was unaware that Hermon had such an identity.
The He family of Blackrock City is indeed not a force to be trifled with.
"But wouldn't it be bad if this caused a rift between you and the leader?"
Muli conceded, a smile on his face.
"Hmph, young commander, you'd better leave. If you ruin my secret with the commander, you won't get away with it."
Hermon thought Muli was scared, so he became even more aggressive.
Seeing Hermon becoming increasingly arrogant, Muli's eyes sharpened.
A withered yellow aura rose from Mu Li's hand, and Hermon's mocking expression froze instantly.
What's going on? Are they resorting to violence because they can't reach an agreement?
"I tried to talk to you nicely, but you wouldn't listen. You insisted on me hitting you."
Muli walked step by step toward Hermon.
"I'm giving you one last chance. Take me down with you, or if you cause any trouble, I can't guarantee the secrets here can remain hidden."
Hermon's expression grew increasingly grim.
Although he was a Dou Zhe at the eighth level, two stars higher than Mu Li, it didn't mean he could crush his opponent.
Even if Mu Li possesses a Xuan-rank fighting skill, he might still lose.
"Okay, I promise you."
Hermon said with a gloomy expression.
"But you must promise not to report me, or I'd rather fight you to the death!"
As he spoke, Hermon unleashed his earth-attribute battle aura.
Muli stopped walking, and a smile returned to his face.
"make a deal."
After reaching an agreement, the two arrived at the entrance to the secret room together.
"Commander He, please go first."
Hermon's face was so dark it could drop dirt, he snorted coldly and walked ahead.
After walking along a winding path that was neither too long nor too short, the two arrived at a secret room.
The secret room contained more than a dozen boxes filled with gold coins, as well as some weapons that looked extraordinary.
Hermon stared at Muli warily, only to find that he walked straight to an open space, waved his hand casually, and then looked satisfied.
Muli got the treasure chest as he wished, and the smile on his face became more genuine.
"I never expected that Commander He's family wealth was so abundant. It's probably not even worth as much as some small families' savings."
Hermon chuckled somewhat reluctantly and explained, "These are all supplies I brought from the Her family before. It's a great honor for the family, and I couldn't refuse."
"Oh? Commander He has such a background. He must be quite famous in the He family. I am truly sorry for my disrespect."
Mu Li gave a casual salute and said, "I will definitely visit Blackrock City in the future to pay a proper visit to the He family."
Hermon's fists clenched tighter, and he said through gritted teeth to Muli, "If the young commander takes a fancy to anything, just take it."
"really?"
"really!"
Muli smiled faintly and stopped trying to provoke Hermon.
After picking out a handy broadsword and a beautifully crafted longsword from the treasure vault, Muli glanced around but didn't take anything else.
Seeing that Muli only took two items, Hermon's expression softened.
"Young Commander, would you like to take two more?"
Hermon put on a magnanimous demeanor.
"No need, I can't carry it."
Muli shook his head, then his eyes suddenly lit up.
"Hey, Commander He, how about you give me a storage ring? That way I'll have somewhere to store it."
Hermon paused, falling silent like a statue.
"What's wrong, Commander He?"
"Commander He?"
"Hmm? Oh, I don't have any extra storage rings here."
Hermon snapped out of his silence and quickly explained.
"It's alright, you have so many gold coins here, it's more than enough to buy one. I'll ask you for them next time we meet, don't forget."
Hermon now wishes he could slap himself twice.
That foul mouth of yours, why does it cause so much trouble!
The two walked all the way to the main gate.
"Commander He, I did not mean to offend you by coming here, but some things that have happened have really exceeded my expectations. Rest assured, our agreement is still valid, and I hope you will keep your promise."
Hermon stared at Muli without saying a word, looking like an honest man on the verge of collapse after being tricked.
"No need to see me off any further, Commander He, please wait."
Muli gave a casual bow, then turned and walked away into the distance.