C16 Despicable Victory

The ten individuals were once Martial Arts Grandmasters and war generals, whose legendary exploits have been etched into history. Yet, here they were, trailing behind a young man waving a small flag, on their way to a place known as the Mercenary Alliance.

Reflecting on their illustrious pasts, it seemed almost surreal that they were now contemplating a life as mercenaries for the sake of money.

"Don't wander off, stay close to me," Liu Xiaobao instructed, holding aloft the small flag crafted by Yan Yongchun. He was concerned that the esteemed figures behind him might inadvertently stray from the group.

Liu Xiaobao had entrusted Zhao Rong and her son with house-sitting duties. The mother and son duo were naturally curious about the sudden appearance of ten new guests in Xiaobao's room, but they refrained from prying too much. After all, doesn't everyone have secrets?

Led by Yan Yongchun, the group finally reached the Mercenary Alliance. Unlike the impoverished Knight Alliance or the refined Mage League, the Mercenary Alliance had one defining feature: its sheer size. The towering five-story building stood out prominently in South City.

Upon entering the Mercenary Alliance, the cacophony inside was reminiscent of a lively marketplace. Liu Xiaobao observed a diverse crowd, including individuals from Aeseaba, the Yalas Empire, and even the seldom-seen elves and the peace-loving Orcish Tauren.

Han Xin and the others, previously unaware of non-human races, were taken aback upon encountering a Tauren engaging warmly with people. "Young Master, have you led us into a realm of monsters? By the heavens, I've traversed battlefields and journeyed across the land but have never seen a bull stand and speak," they exclaimed in astonishment.

Deng Yu agreed, "Brother Han speaks the truth. With all your literary and military prowess, you've never encountered such beings. I feared I was the only one out of touch."

"And look at that one! I, Shan Xiongxin, have traveled far and wide, yet I've never seen anyone with ears longer than their head, nor eyes so sinisterly green and luminous," another added.

Turning to face his companions, Liu Xiaobao responded with a hint of irritation, "Please, don't make a scene. These beings are simply the intelligent races of this world. Consider them as ethnic minorities and avoid causing a stir. We don't want to appear as if we're unsophisticated villagers. Just stick with Butler Yan and try not to invite trouble."

"Butler Yan, what should we do now?" There's something to be said for the reliability of women, particularly a virtuous one like Yan Yongchun. She had already gathered all the necessary information, sparing Liu Xiaobao a great deal of hassle. This was in stark contrast to the ten men trailing behind her, who aimlessly looked around without offering any useful suggestions.

Butler Yan instructed, "We'll head to the Mercenary Registration Office on the first floor; that's where you register a mercenary group. Follow me."

Liu Xiaobao and the group of twelve caught the attention of many mercenaries in the hall. Their sudden appearance, coupled with their obvious unfamiliarity with the surroundings, made them stand out like sore thumbs. The Tauren, known for their amiable nature, and the self-proclaimed noble elves might have already thrown these uncultured folks out if they were any less tolerant.

Before Yan Yongchun and the bumpkins could enter the Mercenary Registration Office, they were stopped by a man carrying a great sword and dressed in coarse clothing, who exuded an intimidating presence.

The man inquired, "Miss, where are you taking them?"

Yan Yongchun replied, "We're here to register a mercenary group. May I ask why you're stopping us?"

"I'm Zhu Fu, deputy leader of the Vipers," the man announced with a hint of pride. "I suggest you forget about registering your own group. Why not join the Vipers instead?"

Zhu Fu's proposition did not sit well with Liu Xiaobao. "Brother Zhu Fu, we are intent on forming our own mercenary group for fun. There's no need for your recommendation."

"Who are you? Can't you see I'm speaking with the lady? Why are you butting in?" Zhu Fu, noticing Liu Xiaobao behind Yan Yongchun, dismissed him. "Where did this idle young master come from, wandering into our Mercenary Alliance? Step aside."

Zhu Fu's bellowing startled Liu Xiaobao, his heart racing despite his Black Iron Knight status, unable to shake off his timid demeanor.

Seeing Liu Xiaobao being shouted at, the ten men behind him were clearly displeased. Dong Haichuan stepped forward, his voice tinged with effeminacy, "You cur, how dare you show such disrespect to our young master? I'll take care of you."

Dong Haichuan's comment had Zhu Fu quickly encircled, prompting Yang Luchan to remark, "Although I sense you're much stronger than any of us, I'm not convinced that we can't gain the upper hand with our superior numbers."

"What's this? Looking for a fight?" Zhu Fu had been dismissive of the group from the start. "A bunch of Level 2 nobodies. I'm a high-ranking Silver Knight. Do you really think you stand a chance against me?"

The clash between Zhu Fu and Liu Xiaobao caught the attention of everyone on the ground floor. The mercenaries, typically restless with boredom, were now eager spectators to the unfolding drama between the two factions.

"Hold on, no fighting, everyone stop!" Liu Xiaobao bravely stepped forward. In truth, had he been alone in this situation, he might have fled long ago. But with his own people now engaged in a skirmish with Zhu Fu, he couldn't just abandon them, no matter how timid he felt. He couldn't bear to see anyone get hurt on his account.

With a forced smile, Liu Xiaobao said, "Big brother, I'm the leader here, Liu Xiaobao from Liu Manor, under Duke Silverwind. Please, big brother, show me some respect and let us through."

"Duke Silverwind's Liu Xiaobao from Liu Manor?" Zhu Fu seemed to recall something. "Isn't this the notorious wastrel from the capital's legends? Look everyone, the spendthrift has turned mercenary."

"It's quite the spectacle. Captain Zhu Fu, aren't you going to offer some guidance to the young master?"

"What's so surprising? He's run out of money and has no skills, so he's resorted to being a mercenary, scrounging for a living. Just look at him, he's got Level 2 strength, not much different from you or me."

"What does Level 2 strength matter? I could take down these pampered young masters with one hand tied behind my back."

"Vice-captain, do you need us to step in and help?"

Zhu Fu replied, "Help with what? Just watch closely. I can handle all of them on my own."

Far from intervening, the onlookers were actually excited to witness the commotion. Zhu Fu was brimming with confidence. Even as members of the Vipers prepared to join in and assist, Zhu Fu waved off his subordinates, determined to handle it himself.

The disparity between a Level 4 Silver Knight and a group of Level 2 Black Iron Knights was stark—no one expected much from the ten Level 2 fighters who had encircled Zhu Fu.

"Brothers, this guy is incredibly strong. We need to be cautious!" Han Xin warned from behind Zhu Fu. Unnoticed, he had drawn a dagger from his sleeve and plunged it into Zhu Fu's waist. Not content with just the stabbing, Han Xin twisted the dagger, further widening the wound.

"Ah!" Zhu Fu, caught off guard, felt the sting of the attack. He spun around and delivered a palm strike to Han Xin. "You despicable scoundrel!"

Han Xin was ready for him. There was no way he'd let this simpleton land a hit. "Everyone, charge!"

Following Han Xin's lead, Liang Shitai and Shan Xiongxin, both seasoned warriors, seized Zhu Fu's arms, while the brothers Geraint and Lancelot crouched down to grip his legs. Together, they pinned Zhu Fu to the ground, rendering him immobile.

Then the Martial Arts Grandmasters joined in, their fists pounding Zhu Fu's muscles and bones, some targeting the fresh wound on his waist, intensifying his agony.

Liu Xiaobao hadn't anticipated the sheer might of the group he'd brought along. Could it be that the Silver Knight had been so easily defeated?

In truth, had Zhu Fu faced these ten men head-on, Han Xin and his companions would have stood no chance. But that single dagger thrust by Han Xin had nearly sent Zhu Fu into unconsciousness from the pain. The waist, after all, is a vulnerable spot, and Han Xin had aimed right for the kidneys. Now immobilized, Zhu Fu was at the mercy of these martial arts experts.

The entire ordeal was executed with chilling efficiency, devoid of any humanity—utterly despicable. No one could have predicted Zhu Fu being subdued in such a manner.

At that moment, the Vipers' members could no longer just stand by. Witnessing their deputy leader bleeding out on the ground, their eyes glazed over with shock. The twenty-odd Vipers, weapons in hand, charged into the fray.

With the situation escalating beyond control, Liu Xiaobao and Yan Yongchun had no choice but to engage in the unfolding battle.

Liu Xiaobao slipped into the crowd and nudged a guileless Tauren forward. The oncoming mercenaries were promptly sent sprawling by the Tauren's might.

Han Xin, dagger in hand, commanded, "Brothers, ignore the dead on the ground. The enemy approaches."

The Vipers' ranks were filled with Black Iron Knights of Level 2. Yan Yongchun took her stand at the forefront, an unyielding sentinel, felling each adversary with a single blow. Onlookers were taken aback by the elegance and ferocity of her seemingly delicate punches, which dispatched enemies in mere moments.

Martial Arts Grandmasters Yang Luchan, Dong Haichuan, and Sun Lutang were equally determined. In concert with Yan Yongchun, they cut a swath through the Vipers, their bare hands compelling the mercenaries to kneel and plead for mercy.

But mercy was off the table for enemies, and soon enough, the Vipers lay vanquished upon the ground.

Who, then, could still underestimate Liu Xiaobao and his companions?

As Liu Xiaobao rallied his group, confidently heading for the Mercenary Registration Office, he was halted by a voice.

"Young Master, a moment, please!" A Tauren addressed Liu Xiaobao with genuine concern, "Young Master, you must be cautious. You've only bested a fraction of the Vipers. There's still a contingent of elite members upstairs accepting missions. They possess Level 3 or Level 4 strength. Those of us on the first floor are just ordinary mercenaries, like myself, waiting for our comrades to descend."

Liu Xiaobao recognized the Tauren he had pushed earlier to block the Vipers' assault and inquired, "Old Bull, why share this with me?"

The Tauren, scratching his large head, explained, "The young masters were harassed by the Vipers, and I intended to assist. However, our captain warned me against stirring up trouble. Now that you've clashed with the Vipers, all I could do was offer a warning. My apologies."

"Old Bull, I appreciate your goodwill," Liu Xiaobao acknowledged, impressed by the Tauren's decency.

When Xiaobao was attempting to push the Tauren, it turns out the Tauren was feigning inattention to catch the Vipers off guard. Otherwise, considering Xiaobao's current level of strength, how could he possibly have toppled a Tauren standing over three meters tall?