"Ah! Young Master, I—I—I…" Qing Lin's hands clasped tightly together as she stammered nervously.
"Kill them," Xiao Zhitian said firmly, looking at Qing Lin with both heartache and exasperation in his eyes.
The Little Fairy Doctor, standing beside them, wanted to speak but, understanding Xiao Zhitian's intention, ultimately remained silent.
"I… I… alright," Qing Lin said softly, tears welling in her eyes. She glanced at the people begging on the ground, then back at her Young Master. Afraid of disappointing him, she trembled as she whispered to the Fire Spirit Snake inside her sleeve, "Fire Spirit Snake… kill them."
Receiving the command, the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake burst out of Qing Lin's sleeve and rapidly expanded to its original size. Its two massive heads opened wide and struck down at the kneeling figures.
"Ah! Don't kill me, spare me!"
"Help!"
Screams of agony instantly filled the air.
Hearing the cries and witnessing the bloody scene, Qing Lin's face turned deathly pale. This was her first time killing someone, even if these people were clearly not good.
The Little Fairy Doctor sighed and shot Xiao Zhitian a helpless look. Xiao Zhitian simply shrugged slightly; this was something Qing Lin had to experience. Only through this could she truly grow.
When the screams finally stopped and silence returned, the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Snake slithered back, looking rather satisfied.
"Young Master… did I disappoint you?" Qing Lin asked softly, lowering her head as she walked to Xiao Zhitian's side.
Instead of answering, Xiao Zhitian asked, "Do you know why they were targeting you?"
Qing Lin shook her head.
"Look at that old man earlier—his arm was transplanted. And you possess the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. If we hadn't been here today, what do you think would have happened to you?"
Qing Lin was not foolish. After imagining the scenario, her face became even paler.
"I'll tell you. You would have been captured. Then your eyes would be forcibly transplanted. You wouldn't be able to live properly, nor die peacefully."
"This world is a man-eat-man world. If you spare such people, they will return with reinforcements. They will spread your information. More enemies will come. What do you think would happen then?"
"Your kindness can be your strength—but it must never become your weakness. You must know when to be merciful and when to be ruthless. Otherwise, you will harm yourself and everyone around you."
After speaking, Xiao Zhitian gently stroked Qing Lin's head and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
Regret and understanding gradually appeared in Qing Lin's eyes. She sniffed, then looked up with determination.
"I understand, Young Master. I won't be like this again."
Xiao Zhitian nodded in satisfaction.
"However, this matter is not fully resolved. We don't know who else may be aware of your eyes. We must eliminate future threats."
He also remembered that there was still a snake lurking near the Mo Family—one that could serve as an excellent future guard.
Somewhere in the forests near Yan City, a massive black snake suddenly shivered. It raised its head and released its aura, sweeping its surroundings.
"Why do I suddenly feel uneasy…?" The strange feeling soon passed, and the snake shook its head.
After cleaning the battlefield, Xiao Zhitian and the others returned swiftly to the city.
Upon returning, Xiao Zhitian sought out Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
"Big Brother, Second Brother, I've come to discuss something important," Xiao Zhitian said seriously.
"Little Tianzi, what is it?" Xiao Ding asked, noticing the change in his expression.
"Big Brother, have you ever considered expanding beyond this place… to somewhere like the Black-Corner Region?"
"The Black-Corner Region? That place known as the most chaotic land on the entire continent?" Xiao Ding asked in surprise.
"Yes. I intend to establish a force there. Eventually, I will also move the Xiao Family there."
"Our Xiao Family will face greater enemies in the future. We must develop external strength to protect ourselves. Besides, I will also be studying nearby, which makes it convenient to manage things."
Xiao Zhitian spoke calmly, thinking of the hidden members of the Hall of Souls. If trouble arose within the Jia Ma Empire, he might not be able to return in time.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Ding asked, "Then what is your plan?"
"I plan to have Old Shui accompany you there and help build upon your mercenary group foundation."
"Old Shui?" Xiao Ding frowned. "But isn't he supposed to protect you? What if you encounter danger without him?"
"It's fine. I have other means of protection. Without Old Shui's presence, I wouldn't feel at ease sending you into the Black-Corner Region. That place has no morality—only survival of the fittest."
Xiao Zhitian spoke honestly.
"And the force you want to establish is called…?" Xiao Ding asked.
"Boundless Heaven Hall."
"Big Brother, you will be the Vice Hall Master, responsible for the overall development. With your leadership and strategy, combined with Old Shui's strength, building a powerful force will not be difficult. As for resources, I will provide everything you need."
Xiao Zhitian looked at Xiao Ding with sincere expectation.
"You think that highly of me?" Xiao Ding asked in surprise.
"The fact that you and Second Brother built one of the strongest mercenary groups here proves your ability."
Xiao Zhitian gave them both a thumbs up.
Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged glances, then laughed.
"Since you trust us this much, and this path suits us, then we won't refuse."
"Good," Xiao Zhitian smiled. "But we must ask others whether they're willing to go."
"Of course."
Xiao Ding gathered all the members of the Mo Tie Mercenary Group and explained the dangers of the Black-Corner Region, as well as the protection that powerful experts would provide.
"Wherever the Leader goes, I go!"
"Leader, you saved my life. I'll follow you anywhere!"
"Me too!"
"Leader, I can't go. My family is here. It's not convenient for me."
After the speech, Xue Lan was the first to express her willingness to follow.
With Xiao Zhitian's financial support, Xiao Ding distributed compensation:– 100 gold coins to those unwilling to follow– 1,000 gold coins to the core members as severance– And 1,000 gold coins to every mercenary who chose to follow
After dismissing everyone, Xiao Zhitian winked at Xiao Ding.
"Big Brother, I think Xue Lan has feelings for you. She looks like a wife following her husband, hehe."
"Little Tianzi, I think so too. She always secretly looks at Big Brother," Xiao Li added.
"You're asking for a beating!" Xiao Ding lifted his foot, ready to kick them.
"Look, he's flustered!" Xiao Zhitian laughed. "Big Brother, you're not getting any younger. Father wants grandchildren!"
"Right, right!" Xiao Li laughed loudly.
Xiao Zhitian and Xiao Li burst into laughter as they dodged Xiao Ding's kick.