Chapter 122: The Enemy

Lei Hang led Zheng Wu as he pushed through the crowd, his handsome face unable to conceal his joy.

"Brother Lei, what are you doing in Lorcadane?"

When she was in Normans City, she had gone to the Mercenary Guild to inquire about the Blazing Mercenary Corps. At that time, the receptionist had told her that the group was still within the borders of the Cass Empire.

Lei Hang looked Shen Duo up and down with excitement. After several months apart, the sharpness in the young girl’s aura was significantly more pronounced, and her strength had greatly increased. Her clear eyes shone like stars, though her complexion was inexplicably pale.

Lei Hang frowned. "The mercenary corps accepted an A-rank mission within the Tianfeng Empire, and it will be a while before it's completed. I came to Lorcadane to look around and happened to be purchasing supplies for the corps. Xiao Duo, what happened to you? Are you unwell?"

The worry in Lei Hang’s eyes was undisguised. His sincere concern warmed Shen Duo’s heart; no matter where you are, it is always moving to have friends who are constantly thinking of you.

"I encountered some trouble in Normans City, but I am fine now. Don't worry, Brother Lei." The place was noisy and not suitable for conversation, so Shen Duo did not elaborate.

This ambiguous remark caused Lei Hang to knit his thick brows together. "Normans City? Xiao Duo, you came from Normans City? If I recall correctly, that is exactly where the Valley of Genesis is currently open."

Lei Hang grasped the crux of the matter immediately. Seeing the faint bitter smile on Shen Duo’s face, he was even more certain that her malaise was related to the Valley of Genesis.

"This is not the place to talk. Let’s find somewhere to chat properly. If you face any difficulties, come back to the Blazing Mercenary Corps with me. The Blazing Mercenary Corps is always your home." As he spoke, he grabbed Shen Duo’s arm, intending to pull her out of the bustling market.

Eleanor stared in surprise at this handsome man who had suddenly appeared. A look of realization dawned on her, followed by a mischievous, gloating glance at the poker-faced man beside her, her lips curling into a strange smile.

Feng Jun, who was standing behind Shen Duo, was clearly ignored by Lei Hang. He frowned as he watched Lei Hang’s large hand gripping Shen Duo’s arm. An inexplicable sense of irritation welled up in him, and his body acted before his mind could.

Feng Jun pulled Shen Duo behind him to shield her, blocking Lei Hang’s gaze. He stared back with his long, cold, narrow eyes.

"Who are you, and what is your purpose in approaching Xiao Duo?" Feng Jun exuded a freezing aura, as if he wanted to drive away anyone within three feet of him.

Having a young man suddenly pop up, block his path to Shen Duo, and audaciously question him left Lei Hang, the young master of the Blazing Mercenary Corps, feeling quite displeased. He was in the middle of catching up with Xiao Duo; how could this person be such an eyesore?

Lei Hang had already advanced to the rank of Sky Illusionist during their mission in the Cass Empire; he, too, was a genius. He did not yield an inch to Feng Jun’s obstruction.

Thus, in a corner of the crowded market, a bizarre scene unfolded. The two men glared at each other, releasing the pressure of Sky Illusionists in a silent confrontation. The once-packed crowd retreated three steps, surrounding the two equally handsome and cold men.

Such a standoff instantly drew a large crowd of onlookers. Some men and women with specific tastes watched the two beauties, who possessed such distinct temperaments, with hungry, wolf-like eyes.

"Brother, I advise you to step aside. Xiao Duo is my good friend; what business is it of yours if I talk to her?"

The onlookers immediately began to jeer. Shen Duo and Eleanor had been pushed to the side. Watching the situation about to escalate, Shen Duo rubbed her temples in silence.

Just as she was about to step forward to intervene, members of the Royal Investigation Team pushed their way in.

"Who gave you permission to brawl here? You have violated the Lorcadane Market Law. I am arresting you on behalf of the Tianfeng Empire Royal Guard!" the investigator declared with official severity.

When the investigation team arrived, the onlookers scattered in a flash. Shen Duo stood with her mouth agape, unable to fathom how things had turned out this way. The Royal Investigation Team were no fools; every one of them was a Sky Illusionist.

Even though Lei Hang and Feng Jun were "rivals" looking at each other with hostility, they had to be sensible and follow the investigators. Both men turned to look at Shen Duo as they left, and she awkwardly averted her gaze.

Shen Duo, Eleanor, and Zheng Wu—who had emerged from somewhere—helpedlessly followed behind them. Before long, they were brought to a building used by the Royal Investigation Team nearby.

Shen Duo followed them with concern, shooting a warning glare at both men. The soldiers of the Royal Investigation Team did not register their identities but instead brought them to a fighting ring inside the building.

The soldier’s tone was calm. "Whatever grievances you have, settle them here! Do it before you leave. Whether you die or get injured is your own business!" With that, he left them alone.

Shen Duo felt ashamed of the ruthless efficiency of the Lorcadane Royal Investigation Team. She walked up to the two men, speechless. "Do you really need to fight?"

Both Lei Hang and Feng Jun saw the displeasure on her face. They exchanged a glance, then both turned their heads away and snorted coldly.

In the end, Lei Hang was more articulate. "Xiao Duo, is he your friend?"

The gunpowder-like atmosphere in the air clearly dissipated, and Shen Duo breathed a sigh of relief. Lei Hang was the first friend she had truly valued since arriving in this strange world, while Feng Jun had shared trials and tribulations with her along the way. Both were people she cared about; she did not want them to be so hostile at their first meeting, which put her in a very difficult position.

Shen Duo smiled faintly and said to Feng Jun, "Brother Lei, this is Feng Jun, my closest partner who has adventured with me all this way. This beautiful beast tamer beside us is Lady Eleanor."

Shen Duo then turned to introduce Lei Hang and Zheng Wu to Feng Jun and Eleanor. Both Lei Hang and Feng Jun looked slightly startled after hearing her introduction. However, Feng Jun was naturally reticent and did not voice his inner surprise.

"Xiao Duo, is he the Feng Jun from the Feng family, one of the Four Great Clans?" Lei Hang’s words were filled with astonishment.

Shen Duo nodded with a smile. She did not intend to hide this from Lei Hang.

Eleanor stood behind Shen Duo, speechless. What kind of people does this little girl know? Any two of them could be counted among the top of the younger generation on this continent. Even she, a beast tamer, didn’t have connections as good as hers. Having lived for so many years, Eleanor found herself, at this moment, starting to feel a shameful jealousy toward a young girl.

"Since we’ve met here, let’s find a place to talk!" Shen Duo suggested.

After Lei Hang and Feng Jun emerged from the fighting ring room and humbly accepted a stern reprimand from the captain of the Royal Investigation Team, they left safely. Led by Eleanor, the group went to a quiet tavern, ordered drinks and desserts, and took a private room.

Once inside, Lei Hang couldn't help but press, "Xiao Duo, what exactly happened? Tell Brother Lei clearly, and I will take revenge for you!"

Shen Duo gave Lei Hang a reassuring look. "Brother Lei, don't be anxious. My body is not in any serious danger, and I will recover soon."

Lei Hang had been traveling across the continent with his father and the Blazing Mercenary Corps, and these past few months had been grueling. Not only did he have to cultivate, but he also had to find time to manage the massive mercenary corps. Ever since they parted ways in Luo City, he had missed her deeply.

However, he could not leave the corps; he could not selfishly shirk his responsibilities. Therefore, he cultivated frantically. With the help of the Water Spirit Flower, he finally crossed the threshold of a Spirit Illusionist and advanced to a Sky Illusionist. At that time, he had wished more than anything that Shen Duo were by his side to share the joyous news. He could only sit outside his tent on starry nights, missing the tough, beautiful girl from afar, hoping that she was looking at the same stars.

After the Blazing Mercenary Corps was upgraded to an A-rank group, it received more attention on the continent. Shen Duo could inquire about the corps at the Mercenary Guild at any time, but Lei Hang could not keep track of Shen Duo’s whereabouts.

Two months ago, he wrote to his senior sister, Lina, in Luo City, and she told him that Shen Duo had left. When he received the letter, he felt a deep sense of loss. The Saint Brilliance Continent was so vast; he didn't know if they would ever meet again in the vast sea of people. It was then that Lei Hang realized how important a place Shen Duo held in his heart.

Today’s accidental meeting felt almost like a hallucination to him. Once he confirmed it was reality, his heart overflowed with unprecedented excitement—a wonderful emotion he hadn't even felt when he advanced to a Sky Illusionist. He gazed greedily at the young girl before him, as if he wanted to carve her face deep into his heart.

Shen Duo felt uncomfortable under Lei Hang’s gaze, tilted her head slightly, and coughed.

"Brother Lei, did you hear what I said?" Shen Duo twitched her lips in silence; please don't tell her that her long explanation had been in vain.

Feng Jun noticed Lei Hang’s gaze, his face turning cold as he moved quietly to Shen Duo’s side.

Prompted by Shen Duo, Lei Hang regained his focus, then his face filled with rage. "The Shen family’s training squad dared to threaten you! That is too much! There isn’t a single good person in the Shen family; Shen Qing was a jerk from the start!"

Zheng Wu twitched his lips and reminded him, "Young Master, Xiao Duo is also from the Shen family."

Lei Hang coughed dryly and looked at the others at the table. "Xiao Duo, are the Shen family’s investigation team and the Zhou family tracking you?"

Shen Duo nodded solemnly. "Brother Lei, if you have nothing urgent, you should return to your corps as soon as possible. If the Shen family investigation team and the Zhou family find out about our connection, they won't let it go."

Lei Hang looked completely disapproving. He turned to Zheng Wu and instructed, "Zheng Wu, you return to the mercenary corps first. Take the supplies we bought in the last few days, and tell my father that I will be staying in Lorcadane for a while. Tell him not to worry."

Zheng Wu acknowledged and nodded.

Then, Lei Hang turned to look at the slightly pale Shen Duo, his expression firm. "Xiao Duo, Brother Lei cannot leave you alone at a time like this. You said the Shen investigation team and the Zhou family could show up at any time, so I will stay by your side to protect you until you are settled at the Jocelyn Academy. Don't forget, Brother Lei is a Sky-rank now."