Sikote was taken aback by his strong reaction and couldn't help but ask Tuigui with surprise, "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

"Y-you said you ran into the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' and even had them save you?" The man's voice began to falter.

"Yes, what about it?" Sikote was completely bewildered now, especially seeing the strange looks the surrounding people were giving him, which only increased his confusion.

"Good heavens, you're not kidding me, are you? How could you possibly have met the Ethereal Mercenary Group?" The man put on an air as if he were about to extract a confession. "Tell me honestly."

"You know the Ethereal Mercenary Group?" Sikote stared at him blankly.

"What nonsense are you talking of? Ask everyone here—who among us hasn't heard the name 'Ethereal Mercenary Group'!" the man said irritably.

"No way. The Ethereal Mercenary Group is that famous? Then... why have I never heard of them?" Sikote was genuinely confused.

"You seriously haven't heard of them? Have you really been stuck in the 'Gloomy Forest Valley' for months?" The man stared intently at Sikote, his expression serious.

Sikote nodded.

"If that's the case, then that explains it," the man paused slightly before continuing, "this 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' has only become famous recently. Almost no mercenary doesn't know of them!"

He then cast another glance at Sikote, as if regarding him as some strange anomaly.

"No wonder they are so powerful," Little Sikote muttered to himself.

"Hey, Sikote, did you really see the Ethereal Mercenary Group? What do they look like? Are they really as strong as the rumors suggest?" the man asked, his eyes gleaming.

He didn't notice that as soon as he asked, all the surrounding mercenaries pricked up their ears. It seemed everyone wanted to know the answer to that question.

Sikote felt the pressure of their expectant gazes. He had never imagined a day when he would be the center of attention. After a long pause, he managed to say, "They are generally young, and there are quite a few beautiful women among them. Their strength is indeed formidable."

Sikote could only evaluate Zhong Shenxiu and the others while deep in thought. Though they had only separated recently, he realized his knowledge of the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' was superficial at best.

"How exactly are they powerful? Tell us more detail!" The man leaned his head slightly toward Sikote.

"They can cleave a Demon Insect the size of a small mountain in a single strike!" Sikote replied, the image of Xia Luo splitting Black Luo resurfacing in his mind.

"Sikote, how many people are they? What are their backgrounds, what unique skills do they possess?" The man fired off a string of questions, eventually pulling up a chair right next to Sikote.

Sikote didn't answer but countered instead, "Don't you know about the Ethereal Mercenary Group? Why are you asking me these questions then?"

"I only know by hearsay, and what I know is limited." Before the man could finish speaking, seven or eight other mercenaries walked over.

"Excuse us, if you don't mind, we would also like to hear some information about the Ethereal Mercenary Group!" one of them said very politely.

Sikote nodded, feeling strangely like a storyteller.

His simple nod was enough to draw a crowd. Suddenly, another group rushed over, clamoring, "We want to hear too! Tell us about them!"

What left Sikote momentarily speechless was that among this group of burly men were several female servers, all looking at him expectantly.

Sigh, why does the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' hold such immense appeal? What is it that makes these people so obsessed?

With this question lingering, Sikote recounted what he knew about the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group.' These details were all innocuous; revealing them wouldn't infringe upon the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group's' privacy.

Everyone seemed utterly engrossed. The surroundings became utterly quiet; one could almost hear the sound of each other's breathing.

"Um... may I ask how the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' became famous? Their mercenary group ranking isn't very high, so how did you all hear about them?" Sikote voiced the curiosity burning in his mind.

Seeing everyone look at him with puzzled expressions, Sikote quickly added a supplementary explanation: "I was trapped in the 'Gloomy Forest Valley' for months. I'm unaware of many things happening in the outside world!"

Upon hearing this, everyone seemed to relax. One person spoke in a very mysterious tone, "You must have heard the name 'Tornado Mercenary Group,' right?"

Sikote nodded. He knew this was the group that wiped out the world's second-ranked 'Dragon Slaying Mercenary Group,' rumored to be an incredibly formidable force that even the Association treated with considerable caution.

"And do you know that the 'Tornado Mercenary Group' has been annihilated?" the person asked again in a lowered voice.

"What? You're saying that mercenary group was destroyed?" Sikote was shocked.

Before their 'Bear Bone Mercenary Group' entered the 'Gloomy Forest Valley,' rumors about the 'Tornado Mercenary Group' were everywhere. Although many wished them dead, no one dared to act because they were too powerful; it was said they only needed about twenty breaths to wipe out the entire 'Dragon Slaying Mercenary Group!'

Yet, now they had been destroyed. How could this not shock people? Just who could accomplish such a feat?

Could it be...

Sikote seemed to grasp the person's implication, his eyes showing an even deeper sense of astonishment.

Although the speaker knew Sikote had guessed correctly, he continued, "That's right. The one who wiped out the 'Tornado Mercenary Group' was precisely this, the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group'!"

"This 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' has rid us mercenaries of a major scourge!" another person chimed in.

"It's truly hard to believe any mercenary group could surpass the 'Tornado Mercenaries.' When I first heard the news, I was completely stunned!"

"Heh heh, I didn't sleep for two days over this matter!"

"It looks like this year's 'Mercenary Alliance Tournament' is going to be incredibly lively!"

In an instant, everyone began chattering excitedly, completely disregarding Sikote's stunned expression.

The Mercenary Alliance Tournament? Sikote's heartstrings were tugged; his body trembled violently, and he asked in surprise, "Wasn't the Mercenary Alliance Tournament postponed until next year? How come..."

"Do you know why it was postponed in the first place? It was to prevent the 'Tornado Mercenary Group' from causing trouble. Since they have been eliminated, there's naturally no need to worry anymore, so the 'Mercenary Alliance..."

After hearing the explanation, Sikote was slow to recover. He hadn't expected that several months of isolation could lead to so many major events happening outside.

"Um... you said you met the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group.' Do you know where they are now?" One person asked, suppressing the excitement surging in his heart.

Everyone present shared his hope of witnessing the glory of the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' firsthand, perhaps even dreaming of establishing a connection with them.

"I parted ways with them not long ago. I think they should still be in this town!" Sikote replied distractedly, his mind still wrestling with the matter of the 'Mercenary Alliance Tournament!'

"What? You said the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' is in this town right now? Good heavens, did I hear that right?"

In a flash, the atmosphere boiled over again. Everyone scrambled to ask for the specific location of the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group,' creating a lively scene!

※

While these mercenaries were searching the town, Zhong Shenxiu and his group had already arrived at the capital of the 'Spring Dew Empire'—Bone Phoenix City!

Perhaps people wonder why Zhong Shenxiu and his party always go to the capital of every empire they visit. The reason is quite simple: the capital is the most prosperous place, and the city that best symbolizes the empire's characteristics!

The 'Spring Dew Empire' truly lives up to its reputation as the birthplace of Necromancers. Upon entering 'Bone Phoenix City,' one could see art crafted from the bones of various magical beasts everywhere. Moreover, many people dressed in necromancer robes could be seen coming and going.

However, Zhong Shenxiu's gaze was not fixed on these necromancers, but rather on the mercenaries passing by.

Why are there so many mercenaries here? And they belong to different mercenary groups? Did something happen here?

Though curious, Zhong Shenxiu didn't show it. He had plenty of time; he would figure out what was going on eventually. The most pressing matter right now was to find an eatery and fill their stomachs.

Zhong Shenxiu and his group hadn't eaten since separating from the 'Bear Bone Mercenary Group!'

They chose a decent restaurant and went straight up to the second floor.

Since it was already afternoon, the lunch rush had passed, so there weren't many patrons. Zhong Shenxiu and his party chose a good spot by the window, allowing them to enjoy the street scenery while waiting for their food.

Before long, the table was laden with dishes. Just as Zhong Shenxiu and the others were thoroughly enjoying their meal, a commotion suddenly erupted outside.

"Huh? What's happening outside? It sounds quite lively?" Diya asked curiously.

The group quieted down and listened carefully, vaguely hearing shouts from outside:

"Look, look! It really is the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Group'!"

"The world's number one, the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Group!' That's right, it's really them!"

"My god, this is the first time I've seen them in person!"

"Don't push! They are coming this way!"

"Huh? Is the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Group' very famous?" Diya asked again, sticking her head out to look.

Compared to her, her sister Robin was much calmer, having not been distracted since the food arrived!

"Is the 'Heavenly King Mercenary Group' really here?" Xia Luo's expression was strange, as if she were suppressing excitement. "That—my former idol..."

Before Xia Luo could finish speaking, she had already leaned over the railing, mimicking Diya as she peered into the distance.

Looking out, a group of people was indeed approaching slowly. The person leading them was none other than... A