Hearing Mo Han’s incredibly forceful words, everyone in the Tianyun Mercenary Group flushed crimson with excitement, including Dai Li.
Yan Shi exclaimed excitedly, “Boss, I truly feel fortunate to follow a leader like you. I believe we can definitely achieve the goals you’ve set. I will dedicate myself completely to cultivation.”
Ladi also chimed in, “Don't worry, Boss, I will work even harder. I absolutely won't bring shame upon you.”
Although Jack and Dai Li remained silent, their visibly moved expressions spoke volumes about their current feelings.
At this moment, Murong Tian, standing nearby, smiled and interjected, “Well spoken, Brother Mo Han. Your words have made my own blood boil a little. I honestly can’t recall the last time I felt this way. I must truly thank Brother Mo Han for letting me experience this flavor again, hehe. I wish you all the best in realizing your dreams soon.”
Mo Han, hearing this, also smiled and replied, “Hehe, then I thank the General for his auspicious words. That day will surely come.”
After these exchanges, Mo Han continued, “By the way, General Murong, it would be best if you also inform the Emperor tomorrow to heighten the defenses of Tianlong City. He should pay close attention to any strangers coming and going, especially those whose faces are obscured by masks. While it might not be effective, it’s certainly better than having no precautions at all.”
Murong Tian immediately nodded his agreement upon hearing this.
Murong Feixue, who had been sitting silently to the side, suddenly spoke up, “Brother Mo Han, I have a request. I wonder if you can grant it?” Hearing Murong Feixue’s words, Mo Han asked curiously, “Hehe, Xue’er, just say what’s on your mind. Why be so formal? Whatever it is, I promise to agree.”
Even Murong Tian looked at his daughter with a touch of confusion, wondering what request she might make. Only Dai Li seemed to sense something, maintaining a quiet smile.
Murong Feixue, hearing Mo Han’s assurance, replied happily, “Then I thank you in advance, Brother Mo Han. I wish to join your Feiyun Mercenary Group. I also hope to join your adventures someday. I want to experience the feelings you just described, Brother Mo Han; I imagine it would be very fulfilling.”
Mo Han hadn't expected Murong Feixue to bring this up so suddenly. He hesitated slightly before saying, “Perhaps that isn't quite appropriate?” Murong Feixue grew anxious upon hearing this. “Even though I don’t know any martial arts or magic, I can learn! My health has improved greatly too. Furthermore, once your mercenary group becomes truly powerful, you’ll surely need to recruit more personnel. I could help train them then! I am quite confident in my training abilities, Brother Mo Han. Please don’t dismiss me so quickly.”
Mo Han smiled and shook his head, replying, “It’s not because of those reasons that I hesitate. It’s because you are the esteemed eldest daughter of the Murong family. Becoming a mercenary might negatively affect your reputation. This decision really rests with General Murong.”
With that, Mo Han looked towards Murong Tian, waiting to hear his opinion. Murong Tian quickly smiled and said, “Why has Brother Mo Han become so conventional? What is wrong with becoming a mercenary? No one in this world is inherently nobler than another; it all depends on how you view yourself. My ancestor, the founder of the Murong family, was once a mercenary himself. He later assisted the Emperor of the Tianlong Empire in establishing it, which is how our Murong family came to be. Therefore, if Xue’er wishes to be a mercenary, she would merely be returning to the original profession of our Murong lineage, hehe. The only real concern is if Brother Mo Han finds Xue’er lacking in skills.”
Mo Han quickly responded, “How could I look down on Xue’er? She is so intelligent and sensible. If she wishes to join, I’d be delighted! However, I am not the leader of the mercenary group; Dai Li is. But I believe Dai Li would certainly agree to Xue’er’s request. Don’t you agree, Dai Li?” Dai Li, standing nearby, smiled and said, “Of course. Xue’er and I are the best of sisters now. Even if you refused, I would have accepted.”
After speaking, Dai Li turned to Murong Feixue and said, “Xue’er, as long as you don't mind that the Feiyun Mercenary Group is still small, we absolutely welcome you to join.”
Murong Feixue immediately replied with joy, “Then thank you, Dai Li. I promise to work hard to become a qualified member.”
Ladi, witnessing this, cheerfully remarked, “Hehe, I can’t believe we have a new member! That’s wonderful.”
And Yan Shi added, “That’s great! With Xue’er joining, I won’t be the newest member anymore. Xue’er will be the newest, so you all won’t tease me constantly.”
Hearing Yan Shi’s words, everyone in the hall erupted in happy laughter.
The very next morning, Murong Tian went directly to the palace to report Mo Han’s suggestions from the previous day to the Emperor. Mo Han, meanwhile, stayed at the Murong manor to personally guide Dai Li and the others in their martial arts. Murong Feixue also began learning the Mad Dragon Battle Aura passed down through the Murong family, though she frequently visited Mo Han’s small courtyard, asking him to instruct her in martial techniques. Mo Han naturally agreed without hesitation. In the time Mo Han had been away, Dai Li and the others’ martial arts had seen substantial progress. Dai Li was on the verge of breaking through from a Novice Swordsman to an Intermediate Swordsman. Ladi and Yan Shi were also preparing to break through their current cultivation levels and step into the ranks of Novice Swordsmen. Jack was much luckier; guided by the notes of the Saint Magus Xavier given to him by Mo Han, he had already reached the level of Magus. Even Yun Xiang, who started learning later, had reached the rank of Intermediate Swordswoman. At this point, the strength of Feiyun completely surpassed what a D-Rank mercenary group should possess; all they lacked was undertaking missions to advance their team rank.
Mo Han’s task during this period was to help Dai Li, Ladi, Yan Shi, and the others overcome their respective cultivation bottlenecks to reach a new echelon.
Inspired by Mo Han’s impassioned declarations that night, Dai Li and the others cultivated diligently. Finally, after ten days, they each managed to break through their respective bottlenecks and ascend to a higher level.
Seeing that Dai Li and the others had all advanced their cultivation, Mo Han happily suggested they go out to celebrate. Everyone eagerly agreed. For the past few days, they had been intensely focused on practicing martial arts and magic, barely leaving their small courtyard except for meals, so they were naturally feeling cooped up. Upon hearing Mo Han’s suggestion, they all nodded in assent.
Jump to