Chapter 118: Repulsive Presence (1/2)

A mixture of fear and stress could be seen on the faces of everyone that was currently present there. It was not just because of the dead mercenary, but because of the mercenary company that he belonged to. The Ashen Cloak mercenary company was considered to be the strongest mercenary company.

Although it was not the biggest one, it did have the largest amount of cultivators in it than any other mercenary company. Their elite teams were considered to be the best and had the highest success rate than any other mercenary company.

They were also the only mercenary company that actually had the backing of a Nascent soul realm cultivator. No one knew who this backer was, but they knew better than to offend them. Because of this, even the cultivation sects were respectful to them and actually employed them in certain matters.

An elite team of mercenaries usually had around seven people, all of whom were cultivators. Some of them were even led personally by the higher-ups of the mercenary company. These were people who were actually core condensation realm cultivators themselves.

Exactly because of this, everyone was afraid. Teng Xiaolian and his team knew that they perhaps had the same strength as that of this team. But if even this team had died, they could not help but imagine if the same would happen to them.

But even still, they knew that they could not just let this go and would have to investigate it. The mercenaries had their own code of conduct, which they followed. They would help out their comrades if the need so arose and inform their higher-ups.

Their current situation was already stressful, as most of the higher-ups were on missions, while the others would take a long time to respond. Thus all they could rely on right now was themselves.

”We have to investigate this.” Hao Xiao was the first one to break the silence.

”Are you sure it would be wise?” Hong Luo spoke.

Teng Xiaolian and the others gritted their teeth in hesitation. They knew that while they were afraid, if they didn't investigate this and went against their code, they would lose all their respect and reputation.

For a mercenary, if there was something that was above money, it was their respect and reputation. For it was this very thing that allowed them to receive jobs. It was also because of this that they were trusted and employed. If they lost it, there would be nothing they could do.

”We will wait till the morning and see if Zhou Ye wakes up. We will have to talk to him and get to know what exactly happened. Unless we do that there is no point in further discussing this.” Teng Xiaolian spoke.

After saying this, Teng Xiaolian looked around and made sure that everyone understood his words. Seeing that no one seem to be objecting, he nodded his head.

Lin Mu could see the benefit in waiting till the morning, thus he had nothing to say. And besides this, he had not said that he was going to take part in their investigation. It was fine for him to save Zhou Ye, but he was not going to help them unless he got something in return.

Teng Xiaolian looked at Hong Luo and then at Lin Mu. He let out a breath before speaking.

”Brother Lin Mu, if it comes to it, will you be willing to help us? Fear not, we will ensure that proper remuneration is paid to you.”

Hong Lou's eyes lit up a little bit, and he turned to Lin Mu as well.

”Yes, brother Lin Mu, we need your help. We don't have many people and if you help us, I'm sure the Ashen Cloak mercenary company will rightfully compensate you for your effort.” Hong Luo spoke.

Lin Mu looked at the two men in silence and did not speak. Instead, he was talking with senior Xukong in his mind.

”What do you think, senior?” Lin Mu asked.

”Hmm, if they are willing to give you resources, you can indeed help them. But you should first get information from Zhou Ye first. He should awaken in the morning. While he won't be fully healed, he shouldn't have any problem talking.” Xukong answered.

Lin Mu inwardly nodded before thinking of his response.

”I would be willing to help, but only if it's something within my capabilities. Zhou Ye will wake up in the morning, we will decide after talking with him.” Lin Mu replied to the two men.

Neither Teng Xiaolian nor Hong Luo were dissatisfied with his answer and knew that it was acceptable. In fact, Teng Xiaolian preferred that they do this in this way. He had not forgotten about Lin Mu's background, thus if it was indeed something extremely dangerous, he himself would reject Lin Mu's help.

”That is acceptable. Anyway, we don't have to wait long for the morning. The sun should be up in four more hours.” Teng Xiaolian replied.

”Hopefully, Zhou Ye would be awake by then.” Hong Luo added.

Everyone nodded in tacit understanding and decided to wait. The man in question Zhou Ye had already been taking by a couple of the common mercenaries to a tent so that he could rest and be taken care of.

”Brother Lin Mu, you must have used up quite a lot of your spirit qi. I offer that you rest in a tent, we will handle your post and keep a lookout.” Hong Luo suggested.

Lin Mu thought for a second before deciding.

”I will take you up on that.” Lin Mu replied while nodding.

Hong Luo gestured to nearby mercenaries that were standing guard and called them.

”Guide brother Lin Mu to a proper tent for resting.” He ordered.

”Yes, sir!” The mercenaries replied.

Then, under the guidance of the two mercenaries, Lin Mu reached a tent. The tent was as large as Hong Lou's and he had no problem standing upright. There was a bed kept in the corner and a lamp hung in the center of the tent. The rest of the tent was empty unlike Hong Lou's which was littered with their valuable supplies.