Unparalleled Sword Emperor/C14 The Expected Battle
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Unparalleled Sword Emperor/C14 The Expected Battle
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C14 The Expected Battle

"Thank you for your timely intervention, young hero. Might I inquire as to your esteemed name?" Zhuo Ruili, upon witnessing Ling Yunfan effortlessly dispatch two Azure Blue Explosive Essence Bears—each a match for a martial artist of Body Refining Level Nine—swiftly removed his mask to reveal a somewhat grim visage, and approached with a respectful demeanor.

At that moment, Zhuo Ruili harbored no disdain for Ling Yunfan, despite his youth. He had witnessed the young man's prowess firsthand. Though he suspected the ease of the victory was due in part to the bears' prior injuries from his Vortex Slash, the fact that Ling Yunfan had bested creatures of Rank One Peak Demonic Beast status meant his strength was undeniably formidable.

"Captain Zhuo flatters me. I am Ling Yunfan." Responding to the other's affable smile and greeting, Ling Yunfan returned the courtesy. "I'm curious about the reward you mentioned earlier—what might it entail?"

Despite Zhuo Ruili's warm smile, Ling Yunfan saw right through the facade. It was impossible to know what schemes lurked behind that feigned friendliness. To safeguard against potential deceit, he felt compelled to inquire about the reward upfront.

Ling Yunfan's voice, though soft, carried clearly in the silence, causing the previously jubilant crowd to sober up and regard him with a touch of irritation. The trio accompanying Zhuo Ruili even let slip a faint hint of malice.

"Hehe... rest assured, a reward is certainly forthcoming," Zhuo Ruili assured him, his smile unwavering despite his inner annoyance—and his urge to lash out at Ling Yunfan. "We're a bit light on possessions at the moment, and I doubt what we have would satisfy a young hero such as yourself. Therefore, consider these two Azure Blue Explosive Essence Bears as a token of our gratitude. Once we've settled matters here, you're welcome to join us at camp and select from the treasures we've amassed."

Upon hearing this, Ling Yunfan's expression softened into an innocuous smile. Without further ado, he approached the carcasses of the slain bears, efficiently harvesting teeth, fur, claws, and other valuable materials. With only a limited number of sacks at his disposal, he couldn't carry much, so he contented himself with taking just two bear legs before ceasing his collection.

Almost everyone present bristled at Ling Yunfan's actions, as he swept up the most valuable materials for himself. Their strength paled in comparison to his, so no one dared to voice their discontent.

"Alright, I'm not one to be greedy," Ling Yunfan declared, pocketing the last bear leg. "You all put in effort before I arrived, so it wouldn't be fair for me to hog all the loot." He turned, a mischievous grin on his face.

Internally, the onlookers scoffed, thinking, "Sure, if you're not greedy, then greed doesn't exist in this world."

Despite his irritation, Zhuo Ruili forced a smile. "Alright, we appreciate your generosity, Young Hero Yunfan. Shall we head back to camp now?"

"Let's go!" Ling Yunfan replied, pleased with their eagerness to return.

He then followed the Celestial Wolf Mercenary Group, who were hauling the carcass of the Azure Blue Explosive Essence Bear, towards their encampment.

"Captain, are you seriously considering letting that kid back at camp to pick through the treasures?" one of the mercenaries questioned.

"It doesn't seem right. Those treasures were hard-won by our brothers. What if he gets greedy and takes everything?" another added.

"I say we take him out," a third suggested.

As they made their way back, the trio, who had been shadowing Captain Zhuo Ruili, broke their silence, whispering their concerns.

Zhuo Ruili's face twisted into a dark scowl. "Even though I'm only at Body Refining Level Nine, I'm not short on wit. There's no way I'd let some greenhorn run wild over me. Once we're back, we'll lower his guard and then take him down together," he replied, his eyes glinting with malice.

The three mercenaries shared a malevolent grin.

Unbeknownst to them, Ling Yunfan, leading the way, had already picked up on their plot. He deliberately slowed his pace, using the quiet moments to listen in.

"I was planning to just rest for the night, but now it looks like I'll have to turn the tables on them," he murmured, his face betraying no emotion.

After half an hour's march, they finally arrived back at the so-called camp.

Surveying the scene, the campsite seemed quite ordinary, enveloped in a tranquil stillness. It was nestled in an expansive grassland dotted with numerous bonfires, and a cluster of tents stood not far from the flickering flames.

Among these tents, one stood out with its bronze hue—it was the Celestial Wolf Mercenary Group's vault for their treasures.

"Alright, everyone, freshen up a bit, then let's get the meat of the Azure Blue Explosive Essence Bear on the fire," Zhuo Ruili instructed in a hushed tone upon their return to camp.

"Understood..."

As Zhuo Ruili's words hung in the air, aside from the three who had been at his side, the rest scattered.

Once they had all dispersed, Zhuo Ruili turned to Ling Yunfan with a smile and suggested, "Young Hero Yunfan, the night has deepened. Why not rest here and we'll select the treasures in the morning?"

Ling Yunfan considered the proposal, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully before he responded, "Alright, we'll rest for the night."

Zhuo Ruili could barely contain his excitement at Ling Yunfan's agreement. He was close to dealing with the young man who had been a thorn in his side, and soon, the coveted sword would be his.

And so, Ling Yunfan, with his plans laid, joined the Celestial Wolf Mercenary Group for a meal and drinks before he sprawled out on the ground, feigning sleep.

"Now!" Zhuo Ruili, seeing Ling Yunfan seemingly passed out, couldn't hide his smugness.

He drew his long sword, poised to strike at Ling Yunfan, who lay on the ground.

"What's the meaning of this sword? Are you intending to repay my kindness with betrayal?" Ling Yunfan, who should have been unconscious, suddenly rose to his feet, retreating several steps with a meaningful look.

"It means nothing. I simply want you to die quickly," Zhuo Ruili replied, taken aback by Ling Yunfan's sudden rise and energetic inquiry. The three companions at his side bellowed and launched their attack, channeling their full strength.

"You're out of your depth."

"Ugh..."

For Ling Yunfan, facing three martial artists at Body Refining Level Seven posed no threat. With a dismissive snort, he effortlessly swung his Cold Water Sword, brimming with icy chill, to deflect their assaults. In a fluid motion, he delivered a piercing blow to each of their hearts.

"You despicable runt, I swear I won't let this slide!" Zhuo Ruili bellowed with a ferocity akin to a wild beast upon witnessing his three devoted and previously unbeatable subordinates being effortlessly dispatched by the man before him.

Ling Yunfan sneered at Zhuo Ruili's rage, retorting, "Had you not foolishly overreached in your attempt to strike at me, none of this would have happened. But if courting death amuses you, by all means, make your move first."

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