Chapter 011: Humiliation

Yet, the mercenaries found themselves growing fonder of Shen Duo after her words. They lived by their own skills, neither stealing nor robbing, and many among them were rare masters across the continent. Why should anyone look down upon them?

Lei Hang watched Shen Duo with a smile, evidently satisfied by her attitude toward mercenaries. Having grown up in a mercenary corps since childhood, he knew that the bonds between mercenaries were far nobler than the false affections found in great families.

Shen Ao Fan's face was livid, choked with anger, and he opened his mouth to curse Shen Duo, only to be stopped by Shen Qing, who forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "Ninth Lady, I heard yesterday you challenged Fan'er in front of the Mercenary Guild. Is that true?"

Shen Duo frowned slightly, uncertain what schemes this shameless fox was plotting, but nodded in affirmation.

Shen Qing narrowed his eyes, appearing amiable as he continued, "It seems yesterday's challenge was interrupted midway. According to the rules of Saint Mang Continent, a challenge must result in victory or defeat. Surely you know that, Ninth Lady?"

Her fists clenched tightly within her sleeves—the old fox had revealed his tail. He simply wanted her to fight Shen Ao Fan again!

Lei Hang frowned deeply, and the mercenaries looked upon Shen Qing and his son with contempt. A seven-star Illusionist bullying someone who wasn’t even an Illusionist—how utterly shameless!

A smug expression finally appeared on Shen Ao Fan’s round face. As long as the useless girl agreed today, he had ways to push her to the brink of death, or worse—life worse than death! Savoring the thought, he saw Shen Duo remain silent and stepped forward provocatively. "Weren’t you so arrogant yesterday? What’s wrong, not daring today? Useless is useless; the Shen family will always be ashamed of you!"

Lei Hang, shocked at their excessive bullying, strode forward and shielded Shen Duo behind him, angrily saying, "I advise you not to go too far. Though you are of the Shen family, this is the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps' territory. If you want a challenge, then challenge me!"

Lei Hang’s words won the mercenaries' support, but Shen Qing, cunning as ever, would not be so easily fooled. Lei Hang was a six-star Spirit Illusionist with a nine-star Spirit Illusion Beast, the Crimson Flame Vermilion Bird. Even Shen Qing wasn’t Lei Hang’s match; he would never send Shen Ao Fan, who wasn’t yet a Grand Illusionist, to his death.

"Young Master Lei Hang, that's not quite right. Ninth Lady bears the Shen name; this is a Shen family matter. When did it become your place to interfere?" Shen Qing retorted.

Lei Hang clenched his fists in anger, the blue-green Spirit Illusion energy swirling around him. If Shen Duo hadn’t grabbed his arm, he might have already acted rashly.

Though Shen Qing was shameless, his reasoning was sound. As much as they disliked seeing Shen Duo bullied, it was indeed a matter within the family.

Shen Duo stepped forward resolutely, casting a reassuring glance at Lei Hang, whose face was full of concern. Her sharp gaze met Shen Qing’s unflinchingly. "If that is so, I agree to continue the challenge."

Shen Ao Fan was a seven-star Illusionist, but as long as he didn’t have an Illusion Beast, her skills gave her a chance to win. She could not shrink back. Since Shen Ao Fan had come forward, she would use him as the first stepping stone toward strength! Shen Duo would no longer be the useless girl others trampled; today, she would show them her true power!

Shen Qing hadn’t expected Shen Duo to agree so quickly, and was somewhat surprised. He had intended to humiliate her first, then force her to accept the challenge. This was unexpected, but it didn’t matter; remembering what he’d discussed with Shen Ao Fan earlier that morning, he felt completely at ease.

"Who would have thought, Ninth Lady, you’ve become much more forthright after all these days. Fan’er, go ahead and spar. Remember, show some mercy."

Lei Hang and the mercenaries glared at Shen Qing and his son, wondering how such vile people could exist.

Shen Ao Fan straightened his sleeves and strode toward the challenge platform in the mercenary camp, only to be halted by Shen Duo’s call: "Wait."

Lei Hang thought Shen Duo was reconsidering, worried she’d be bullied by the Shen father and son, and moved closer to her, ready to strike if they attacked.

Shen Qing and Shen Ao Fan looked displeased. Shen Ao Fan spoke impatiently, "What, Ninth Lady, are you fleeing the field?"

Shen Duo gave a cold, mocking smile. "The challenge will proceed, but I want to add another condition: no matter what happens during the challenge, no one else may interfere!"

Her words caught Shen Qing and his son off guard. They had worried that if something happened to Shen Duo during the challenge, Lei Hang might recklessly intervene. Now that she had spoken, it suited their wishes perfectly. Useless people never think clearly; she was practically courting her own death.

Shen Ao Fan happily agreed, fearing Shen Duo might change her mind, and solemnly swore an oath. As he finished, a silver seal of the Heaven and Earth Pact appeared beneath his feet, then vanished.

Saint Mang Continent still respected the ancient Heaven and Earth Pact; oaths could not be uttered lightly. Once spoken, they must be upheld, or the Pact would exact severe punishment.

The surrounding mercenaries sighed quietly for Shen Duo. Wasn’t this foolish? Though they sympathized and stood with her, few believed she could win, given the vast difference between them.

Lei Hang was too late to stop her. From the first time he saw Shen Duo yesterday, he sensed the pride and dignity in her eyes and actions—nothing could shake her resolve to defend her honor. He silently retrieved a longsword from his spatial ring and handed it to Shen Duo, speaking softly, "Shen Duo, be careful!"

Rare was someone who understood her. Shen Duo nodded firmly, gripping the sword tightly and walking straight-backed to the challenge platform. The mercenaries gathered around, silent and watchful.

Seeing the longsword in Shen Duo’s hand, Shen Ao Fan drew a broadsword from his own storage pouch. He had no Illusion Beast yet; with his opponent armed, he could not lag behind, even though he had other tricks prepared.

Shen Qing stood below the platform, stroking his sparse beard, eyes narrowed into slits, his expression full of malice. He gave Shen Ao Fan a meaningful glance, his gaze flashing with cruelty.

Lei Hang, watching from the side, felt a jolt in his heart and looked anxiously at the frail figure of Shen Duo atop the platform.

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I apologize for the delay in the update—here is the second chapter. Please vote in the PK! I’ll do my best to update at the scheduled time tomorrow. Off I go!