Battle Through the Heavens: Heavenly comprehension

After sitting down, a woman named Qingxin, dressed in a green robe, began skillfully roasting the prey they had cleaned and prepared.

After exchanging names and getting to know each other briefly, the group became more familiar and lively.

During their conversation, the middle-aged man named Kagang discreetly probed Xiao Yan about his purpose for venturing alone into the Magical Beast Mountain Range. Xiao Yan, however, skillfully deflected the questions by saying he was here to earn money and even presented a few medicinal herbs he had gathered earlier that day as proof.

This explanation finally dispelled the last of Kagang's doubts, and the group began chatting freely.

Through the conversation, Xiao Yan learned a piece of information:

The members of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group had discovered the bodies of Hemon and his subordinates and were now searching for the person responsible for their deaths.

Xiao Yan found it amusing. "No traces left behind—do they really think they can find me?"

A sudden voice from Yao Lao echoed in his mind, chuckling mischievously:

"Kid, don't celebrate too early. I sensed some Wolf Head Mercenaries approaching at full speed. They might just recognize you."

Wolf Head Mercenaries? Xiao Yan focused his senses, but his soul power was far inferior to Yao Lao's. By the time he sensed them, the sound of hoofbeats had already reached his ears.

Seven or eight figures riding unicorn horses charged through the forest toward the firelight.

"What bad luck, running into those annoying guys," Kagang muttered, frowning.

Qingye, one of the group, smiled bitterly at Xiao Yan:

"It's the second commander of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group, Ganmu. He's recently advanced to a Seven-Star Dou Fighter."

She continued, her voice trembling:

"As we mentioned earlier, the third commander of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group was killed. These days, they've been acting like madmen, constantly picking fights with us."

A petite girl named Qingling hid behind Kagang, shivering. She seemed particularly afraid of Ganmu.

While they were speaking, the Wolf Head Mercenaries arrived on horseback. Their eyes scanned the Blood Battle Mercenary Group before locking onto Xiao Yan—more specifically, onto the heavy Xuan Heavy Ruler strapped to his back.

Hemon and his men had died under strange circumstances. Though the killer's face was never seen, the wounds indicated the use of a heavy, flat weapon.

And this ruler matched perfectly!

Ganmu's gaze turned to Kagang, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

"Well, well, isn't this Kagang of the Blood Battle Mercenary Group? What have you gained from your trip into the Magical Beast Mountain Range this time?"

Kagang frowned but didn't reply.

Seeing Kagang remain silent, Ganmu didn't mind. His gaze shifted to Qingling, his expression turning lecherous. He licked his lips and sneered:

"Qingling is growing prettier by the day. Little girls like you are just my type. Ha! That taste is simply unforgettable! Be careful not to wander off alone, hehe…"

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "You can't even keep her for long. She's so young, and you're still interested? Honestly, that Qingxin lady over there—with her gentle temperament and graceful figure—is far more appealing."

After a round of teasing, Ganmu's sharp gaze landed on Xiao Yan, his voice cold:

"Kagang, is this kid one of your Blood Battle Mercenary Group members?"

"Shao Yan?" Kagang was taken aback by the question but quickly sneered.

"Our group has so many mercenaries. Do we really have to report every single one to you?"

"So, you're admitting this boy is with your group?" Ganmu burst into laughter, as though he had uncovered a great secret.

"I've long suspected that the one who dared to kill members of the Wolf Head Mercenary Group must be from one of the other two major groups in Qingshan Town. And since your Blood Battle Mercenary Group is slightly stronger, it made the most sense. Now it turns out I was right!"

Kagang's face darkened.

"Ganmu, stop slandering us! My Blood Battle Mercenary Group hasn't even provoked your group, let alone killed any of your men!"

"Quit pretending, Kagang," Ganmu scoffed.

"Hemon and his men were killed by a heavy, flat weapon. That kid's ruler fits the description perfectly."

Kagang glanced at Xiao Yan's delicate face, unable to believe Ganmu's claims. His face turned red as he retorted,

"You're just eyeing this young man's weapon. Why make up such ridiculous accusations? He's just a kid. How could he possibly kill Hemon?"

The other members of the Blood Battle Mercenary Group were also skeptical.

Xiao Yan… venturing alone into the Magical Beast Mountain Range and surviving was already considered incredibly lucky.

"Believe it or not, it's not up to you," Ganmu sneered, drawing his blade.

"I'll know the truth after I interrogate him."

Even Ganmu himself found the idea hard to believe but couldn't rule out the possibility that Xiao Yan had stumbled upon some extraordinary opportunity.

"Ganmu, are you really going to attack?" Kagang's face hardened, and he drew his weapon. Was Ganmu planning to use this as a pretext to destroy the Blood Battle Mercenary Group?

Ganmu barked coldly, "If you don't want me to attack, hand over the boy!"

As tension mounted between the two sides, Xiao Yan slowly stood up.

"Kagang, he's right. I was the one who killed Hemon and his men."

"What?!" The Blood Battle Mercenary Group stared at Xiao Yan in shock.

Rumor had it that Hemon and dozens of his men had been killed. Xiao Yan looked so young—how could he have done it?

While they were still processing their disbelief, Xiao Yan stomped the ground hard, releasing an explosive force that reverberated through the forest. Sparks from the campfire scattered as Xiao Yan transformed into a black shadow, shooting toward Ganmu like lightning.

In an instant, Xiao Yan leapt past Ganmu's horse, spun his body, and delivered a powerful kick to Ganmu's chin.

With a loud crack, Ganmu's neck snapped backward as he was sent flying in an arc, landing heavily on the ground.

"Second Commander!" Two elite mercenaries near Ganmu reacted swiftly, leaping from their horses and drawing their blades. Their strikes carried a fierce, mountain-splitting force as they attacked Xiao Yan.

"Be careful," Yao Lao cautioned. "Although Ganmu's men are few, each of them has the strength of a Four-Star Dou Fighter."

Xiao Yan smirked. "Let me show them the Samsara Tribulation of Invincible Group Combat."

As the mercenaries' powerful blades closed in, Xiao Yan's hands traced circular motions.

"Samsara Tribulation!"

The two mercenaries were shocked to find their sabers seemingly absorbed into Xiao Yan's control, their terrifying power dissipating like stones sinking into the ocean.

"Break Heaven and Earth!" Xiao Yan shouted, channeling their force back against them. In an instant, it was as if he had grown two extra arms, and his counterstrike landed heavily on the mercenaries.

(End of Chapter)

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