C20 Enemy

"May your words bring us good fortune, Brother Hu," Ning Gao said with a smile.

"Little Ning, just remember not to forget about us when you strike it rich!" Xue Hong remarked.

"Brother Xue, we're more than friends now; we're brothers in arms. If I do manage to carve out a reputation for myself, it'll be thanks to the good fortune brought by all of you," Ning Gao replied.

"Brother Hu, we should be on our way," Wang Bing interjected.

"Alright, everyone has had ample rest. Let's get moving!" Lee Hu stood up and called out.

Ning Gao, alongside the Snow Tiger Mercenary Group, ventured deep into Arlingwaki Hill. They encountered various small wild creatures and low-level spirit animals along the way, all of which were dispatched to the afterlife by Ning Gao, the slayer of living beings.

Ning Gao's skills had significantly improved; he had reached the mid-level six-star Apprentice rank. His exceptional talent earned him a newfound respect from the entire mercenary group, and they began to address him as "Brother Ning" instead of "Little Ning."

"At last, we've arrived," Xue Hong sighed.

"Let's set up camp right here and stay alert. This area is known for its spirit herbs, and it's likely guarded by strong spirit beasts. Worse yet, we might encounter a Titan-level magical beast," Lee Hu instructed.

"Understood," everyone acknowledged, then busied themselves with their tasks.

That night, they huddled around the bonfire, sharing drinks.

"If we can harvest some spirit herbs and sell them, we'll make a fortune," Xue Hong said, taking a swig of his potent drink.

"Don't get your hopes up. The spirit herbs are sure to be guarded by formidable beasts, and if we run into a Titan, we're doomed," Wang Bin cautioned.

"I was only speaking hypothetically," Xue Hong replied.

"Hold on, everyone be quiet," Ning Gao suddenly interjected.

The group fell silent as footsteps neared.

"It looks like we have company from another mercenary group," Lee Hu observed.

"The number of footsteps suggests a sizable group," Ning Gao noted.

"There's likely more than one group," Lee Hu added.

"Brother Hu, I'll go check out who's approaching," Xue Hong said as he stood and grasped his long spear.

"Calm down," Wang Bin urged.

"Old Xue, you and Brother Ning go check it out. Remember, don't make enemies carelessly," Lee Hu instructed.

"Understood, Brother Hu," Xue Hong replied.

"Brother Ning, I appreciate it," Lee Hu said.

"Don't mention it. I'm a member of the Snow Tiger Mercenary Group, too," Ning Gao responded with a fist salute.

...

Ning Gao and Xue Hong concealed themselves in a tree, using the foliage for cover. Suddenly, dozens of figures came into view.

"It's them," Xue Hong murmured, recognizing the individuals.

"Brother Xue, you know them?" Ning Gao inquired.

"They're from the Snowflake and Snow Lotus mercenary groups," Xue Hong said, his expression turning odd.

"Brother Xue, are Snowflake and Snow Lotus friends or foes?" Ning Gao pressed.

He was feeling an urge to fight, likely a result of inheriting the bloodline of the Taotie, which carried with it a primal ferocity.

"Friends? Hardly. These two groups have teamed up, probably aiming to take down our Snow Tiger," Xue Hong said, his gaze hardening.

"So... should we strike together?" Ning Gao asked, fists ready and itching for action.

"Brother Ning, you're strong, but we're up against the cream of the crop. The least skilled among them is a three-star lower level Apprentice," Xue Hong cautioned.