From Sword to Slaughter: Evolution

"When the Violent Tiger Mercenary Group was wiped out, it was reportedly done by a one-armed swordsman, according to witnesses," the spy continued.

"A few days ago, we found a skeleton missing an arm. It's likely the same person."

Zhao Gao suddenly realized something. "Wait, how were the members of the Jin family killed?"

"Most of them had sword wounds," the spy replied.

"And Jin Qiong? Was he also killed by a sword?"

"Yes."

Zhao Gao nodded slowly, piecing it together. "I think I know what's going on. It's very likely they acquired a sword capable of absorbing blood."

"A bloodsucking sword!?" The spy was startled.

"Yes. Throughout history, there have been records of such demonic weapons, swords and blades that can drink the blood of their victims," Zhao Gao said, pacing back and forth. "We can't wait any longer. We must find and kill this person. The Tianqiong Sect will be arriving soon. If they find Tianlang City in such chaos, I'm finished."

Zhao Gao's tone was urgent. The Tianqiong Sect was a powerful sect located on Tianqiong Mountain, with many skilled warriors. Their sect leader was a sixth-tier warrior, the most powerful in the region. Tianlang City was responsible for providing promising young warriors to the sect every year. With the sect's arrival imminent, Zhao Gao couldn't afford any more disturbances, especially since so many warriors had already died recently.

"Quickly, organize a search. We need to find out who wiped out the Jin family!" Zhao Gao commanded.

...

The past few days had left the people of Tianlang City in a state of fear. First, the Violent Tiger Mercenary Group was annihilated, and now the Jin family had suffered the same fate. The Jin family was one of the largest and most powerful in Tianlang City.

"Open up! The Violent Mercenary Group is collecting protection fees! Anyone who refuses will be killed!"

The Violent Mercenary Group had been rapidly expanding its influence, while elsewhere, the Ma Gambling House had been established.

"From now on, no one will look down on me, Ma Honghu," Ma Honghu declared with a laugh in the courtyard of his new establishment.

In just a few short days, his life had undergone a complete transformation.

"Report, Leader! Today, we recruited fifty-three new members!" a man reported to Ma Honghu.

"Excellent," Ma Honghu said, grinning. "Keep recruiting. The Violent Mercenary Group will become the most powerful mercenary group!"

"By the way, has there been any movement from the City Lord's Mansion recently?"

"Yes. Some of the City Lord's spies have started investigating our group," the man replied. The recent rapid expansion of the Violent Mercenary Group had drawn attention. For a mercenary group to grow, it needed not only strong leadership but also substantial funds. It was clear that the group's sudden rise was suspicious.

"No matter. If they dare to come, we'll kill them," Ma Honghu said coldly.

"Kill them!?" The man was taken aback. The City Lord's Mansion had many guards, and the City Lord himself was a peak third-tier warrior.

"Kill them, just as I said. What's there to fear?" Ma Honghu's voice dripped with disdain. "I've already said that one day, our group will replace the City Lord's Mansion. Do you doubt me?"

"Of course not, Leader. Your strength is unmatched in Tianlang City!" the man quickly replied.

"Heh," Ma Honghu chuckled. "Prepare yourselves. Tonight, we'll pay a visit to the Huang family. They should have plenty of money."

It was time for his revenge!

...

Late at night, Huang Qingxi was relaxing in a hot spring at his home, surrounded by a group of barely-dressed women. Of all his pleasures, women were his favorite.

"Ah!" Suddenly, a series of screams echoed through the night.

"What was that?" Huang Qingxi asked, his expression changing.

"Tianlang City has been restless lately, so he had been more cautious than usual.

"Huang Shao, there's nothing to worry about. You must have heard wrong," one of the women said, wrapping her arms around him and speaking in a coquettish tone.

"You're right. My home is heavily guarded. Who would dare come here?" Huang Qingxi relaxed and resumed his revelry.

"Enjoying yourself, aren't you?" a voice suddenly cut through the air.

"Who's there!?" Huang Qingxi jumped up in shock. The women around him screamed and clung to each other. He looked up and saw a man with a sword sitting on the wall.

"Ma Honghu!" Huang Qingxi growled. "You're courting death by coming to my home! Guards, get in here!"

"Don't bother. No one's coming," Ma Honghu said, a sinister smile on his face. His eyes drifted to the women, and among them, he saw a familiar face—his former wife.

"You're really here, huh," Ma Honghu sneered.

His ex-wife looked at him with disgust. "Didn't you sell me for a thousand gold coins? What are you doing here now? Disgusting." She looked at him with contempt, almost spitting at him.

"Heh, you'll soon see what 'fun' really means," Ma Honghu replied, his smile twisted. There was something in his expression that sent chills down her spine.

"Where are the guards!? Damn it!" Huang Qingxi was furious, his temper flaring.

Thud

At that moment, a body was thrown to the ground. "Leader, we've killed them all," a man with a bloodstained sword reported.

"Good," Ma Honghu replied with a smile.

"You dare kill my guards!?" Huang Qingxi trembled with rage.

"Not just your guards. We've slaughtered your entire family," Ma Honghu said, his smile cold.

As his words sank in, Huang Qingxi's face turned ashen. He could hardly believe what he was hearing.

"Impossible… This can't be happening..."

His voice quivered as he struggled to comprehend the situation.

"Take this woman and do with her as you please," Ma Honghu said, pointing at his former wife.

"Thank you, Leader," the men replied, moving toward the terrified woman.

"Ma Honghu, I was wrong. Please, I'm begging you—don't do this," she pleaded, her face pale as fear consumed her.

"Take her away," Ma Honghu ordered, showing no mercy.

"You enjoyed betraying me before, didn't you?"