The silver light streaking across the sky quickly drew the entire city's attention.
In the southern district of Stone Desert City, a spacious estate bustled with activity.
Two young men stood before a group of mercenaries, instructing them sternly.
The younger one, clad in a mercenary uniform, was tall and lean, his sharp eyes gleaming with a predatory light despite his polite smile.
He was clearly the kind of man who would never provoke others—but if provoked, would bite back harder than a starving wolf.
Beside him stood an older man in white robes. His eyes were brighter than most, filled with calm wisdom and quiet cunning.
These two were none other than the famed leaders of the Iron Desert Mercenary Group...Xiao Ding and Xiao Li....the elder brothers of xiao yan.
"Everyone, lately the Sand Mercenary Group has been stealing our missions again
"Wait."
Xiao Li suddenly froze, his gaze locked on the sky.
Xiao Ding turned, following his brother's eyes, just in time to see a streak of silver light racing past. Within seconds, it vanished over the rooftops.
"Big Brother," Xiao Li said in shock, "was that… a Dou Wang?!"
"It should be," Xiao Ding replied, brows furrowed. "But what would a Dou Wang be doing in a remote city like ours? Could the Empire have sent him because of the serpent-folk's movements in the desert?"
"If that's true," Xiao Li murmured, "Stone Desert City might soon be in chaos."
Neither brother had the mood to continue their meeting. Xiao Ding immediately ordered several scouts to investigate.
Before long, they returned with urgent news.
"Report! The strong one you saw flew straight to the City Lord's Mansion! And not long ago, Mo Xing from the Sand Mercenary Group offended him.
The strong one gave an order...to have the Sand Mercenary Group disbanded by the end of the day!"
"What?!"
Xiao Li's eyes widened, then broke into laughter. "Serves them right! Finally, that arrogant bunch met their match!"
For years, the Sand Mercenary Group had been their fiercest rivals.
Hearing of their impending destruction was nothing short of delightful.
But Xiao Ding's expression remained solemn. "Second Brother, don't celebrate just yet.
We don't know why that stranger came here. Tell everyone to keep a low profile. No unnecessary trouble."
His tone hardened as he warned his men, "For the next few days...no one provokes anyone. Not a soul."
Inside the grand hall of Stone Desert City's lord's mansion, City Lord Xu Guang stood with a flattering smile before the young man seated at the highest seat.....Ye Chen.
"Senior, it is a great honor to have you visit Stone Desert City. May I ask what brings you here?" Xu Guang asked with utmost respect.
Ye Chen replied casually, "Nothing urgent. I simply wish to stay here for the night."
Hearing that, Xu Guang nodded eagerly, though curiosity flickered in his eyes. "Of course! It's an honor for me, Xu Guang, that Senior would grace this humble city.
I'll have a room prepared for you immediately."
After giving a few instructions to his attendants, Xu Guang turned back with a thoughtful smile.
"Senior, tonight I'll be hosting a banquet in your honor. I hope you will grant us the pleasure of your presence."
Ye Chen pondered for a moment before saying, "Fine. Invite the leaders of all the mercenary groups in the city as well."
He had two reasons for coming to Stone Desert City: one was to locate the strange flame, and the other...to meet Qinglin.
And to reach Qinglin, he would inevitably have to interact with the Iron Desert Mercenary Group.
"Yes, at once!" Xu Guang bowed respectfully before leaving to make the arrangements.
As dusk fell, the mansion glowed brightly with lanterns. Banquet tables stretched across the courtyard, filled with laughter and chatter.
The city's prominent clan heads and mercenary captains all arrived with their attendants and female companions.
Outside the mansion gates, the two leaders of the Iron Desert Mercenary Group, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, approached together.
Qinglin, remember," Xiao Li said with a light smile, glancing at the young maid beside him, "once we're inside, don't wander around."
The maid, called Qinglin, nodded obediently. "Don't worry, Captain Xiao Li, I won't cause any trouble."
"Let's go," Xiao Ding said in a low, serious tone.
They valued this banquet greatly and had therefore brought Qinglin...the most well-behaved and least troublesome among their household servants.
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