C9 Deterrence

In the blink of an eye, the entire torch vanished as though it had been swallowed by the void. Once the dark glow had fully dissipated, there was nothing left in its place, as if nothing had ever been there at all.

"Captain Kou Quan, what do you think?"

Lin Yaoyang had effortlessly executed the sequence of actions. Standing opposite him, Kou Quan's eyes were wide with astonishment, resembling copper bells. He murmured in disbelief, "This... How can this be? The release of Qi! A combat technique! You're merely a level one martial artist; how could you possibly master a combat technique? It's inconceivable!"

Lin Yaoyang simply smiled, watching Kou Quan, who seemed to have a sudden epiphany, regaining his composure in an instant. A subtle glint of realization flickered in his eyes.

Pretending to be oblivious, Kou Quan exclaimed, "Good heavens! Brother, you've certainly got it. This is... this is outstanding!"

Kou Quan's excitement made his words jumble together. Once he had regained his composure, he calmly asked Lin Yaoyang, "Brother, what would you like as a reward?"

Clearly, Kou Quan recognized that Lin Yaoyang was no ordinary individual. He appeared to be a mere First Grade warrior, yet he wielded an enigmatic combat technique. It was possible that Lin Yaoyang's cultivation technique was of the superior Yellow Grade.

Or even...

It could even be of the inferior Black Grade! The thought made Kou Quan's breaths come heavy, and a glint of greed sparkled in his eyes. With a Profound Grade cultivation technique, his potential wouldn't be limited to the Martial Master level. Advancing to Martial Arts or even Wu Zong was within the realm of possibility!

Hearing Kou Quan's question, Lin Yaoyang, recognizing that Kou Quan was a man of understanding, didn't beat around the bush. He stated plainly, "I don't need anything else, just one Demonic Core. No specific attributes, no quality requirements."

Kou Quan's face contorted at the request. Did Lin Yaoyang think Demonic Cores were as common as cabbages, to be asked for so casually? Was he unaware of their rarity? Even venturing into the Demonic Beast Forest and risking our necks doesn't guarantee obtaining a single Demonic Core. And on the off chance that we do, it's usually divided amongst the entire squad.

You show up and immediately ask for one? Kou Quan's face took on an awkward expression. Lin Yaoyang, aware of the challenges in securing a Demonic Core, quickly backpedaled, "It doesn't necessarily have to be a Demonic Core. We'll figure it out later."

Kou Quan gave a nod. The ability to take down a Demonic Core was uncertain, after all. Plus, Kou Quan genuinely needed Lin Yaoyang's martial prowess. Kou Quan had something in mind...

With a smile, Kou Quan said to Lin Yaoyang, "Deal! Go ahead and wait at the outer gate for a bit. We'll bring in one more person and then head out. If we don't find anyone within half an hour, we won't wait any longer!"

Lin Yaoyang nodded in agreement with Kou Quan. Heading out earlier was preferable to avoid spending the night in the Demonic Beast Forest.

As Lin Yaoyang left the tent, Kou Quan watched his retreating figure, his eyes glinting with avarice and a hint of ruthlessness.

Once Lin Yaoyang had stepped out, the man who had been calling out earlier approached him, asking, "Brother, what happened? Did the captain turn you down?"

Lin Yaoyang shook his head and replied, "We're heading into the Demonic Beast Forest together in a little while."

The man, grasping Lin Yaoyang's intent, grinned and said, "Brother, you're full of surprises! So young and yet so strong. The name's Li Tian!"

Clearly impressed, Li Tian introduced himself to Lin Yaoyang, who responded with a smile, "I'm Lin Yaoyang."

"From the Lin Family?" Li Tian inquired.

Lin Yaoyang confirmed with a nod. Seeing this, Li Tian's eyes shone with envy. "You're from a prestigious family; why wander around? Isn't it enough to focus on your cultivation at home? Unlike me, I'm on my own, struggling just to make ends meet."

Lin Yaoyang furrowed his brow and countered, "What good is it to stay home and cultivate all day? Without real-world experience, no matter how high your cultivation level, who could you possibly defeat?"

Li Tian nodded in agreement. "You've got a point, brother. I'm just a simple man with a narrow view, always chasing after pleasure."

With a wry smile, Li Tian exchanged pleasantries with Lin Yaoyang, who then stepped aside, patiently awaiting the departure of the Snake Thorn Mercenary Team.

Before long, a woman clad in a black robe, her hair tied in a high ponytail and her face veiled, made her appearance. Despite the veil, it was clear that her beauty was extraordinary.

When their eyes met, Lin Yaoyang noticed the unusual purple hue of the woman's pupils. That single glance felt as if it could captivate his soul.

Sensing something amiss, Lin Yaoyang quickly averted his gaze. The woman chuckled softly, paying him no further attention as she strode toward Kou Quan's tent.

Soon after, she emerged alongside Kou Quan, who then bellowed to the heavens, "Members of the Snake Thorn Mercenary Team, prepare to set out!"

Kou Quan's voice boomed like a great bell, causing Lin Yaoyang's ears to ring even from a few meters away. He furrowed his brow, but the black-robed woman remained unfazed.

Observing this, Lin Yaoyang was certain that the woman was no ordinary individual.

He then found himself puzzled by Kou Quan's ability to project such a powerful voice. Even with Qi to enhance his vocal cords, it shouldn't be to this extent. Could it be a martial technique?

Lin Yaoyang pondered with curiosity, "Was Kou Quan's shout a martial technique?"

"Yes, it's the Lion's Roar, a low-level Yellow Rank martial skill. It's a fundamental skill recorded in many places, rumored to have originated from a single page of a secret Earth Rank martial skill from an ancient sect. Though just a single page, it has become a martial skill in its own right," came the explanation.

Lin Yaoyang's eyes widened in awe. This was merely a fragment of an Earth Rank martial skill. The full power of an entire tome was beyond imagination.

Suddenly, Lin Yaoyang's mind was filled with an inquiring voice.

"Would you like to spend one point to master the advanced Lion Roar?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yaoyang paused, momentarily taken aback.