Chapter 007: The Young Master of the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps

The green light carried a formidable force, evoking a primal fear. In this hidden moment, with all eyes fixed on Shen Aofan and Shen Duo, no one noticed the flying fist. Shen Duo sensed that the strength of the person who launched this punch was several times beyond her own, but it was too late to evade; her body, beyond her control, moved straight into the oncoming blow. Gritting her teeth, she steeled herself to take the hit head-on.

Just as she thought she would have to swallow this loss in silence, a streak of bluish-green light flashed before her, striking the outstretched fist with unerring accuracy. A pained scream rang out, and the burly man behind Shen Aofan clutched his arm, writhing on the ground in agony. Then, from among the crowd, a clear and ringing voice called out, “I never expected the son of the Lord of Luocheng would respond to a challenge with such fairness. Truly, my eyes have been opened!”

The bluish-green light had cleaved between the two combatants, and with the burly man in his current state, the result was clear to all: Shen Aofan had cheated while facing a challenger of lower rank. Such dishonor would shame even the lowliest mercenary; today, Shen Aofan had truly lost all dignity.

Indeed, Shen Aofan’s round face flushed scarlet. He turned toward the source of the voice, and upon seeing the stern, rugged features of the newcomer, managed to force out a stiff smile and bow: “Young Master Lei Hang, I didn’t expect to meet you here—what an honor. The one who intervened was my bodyguard; he must have worried I’d suffer a loss and acted without my permission. I will be sure to discipline him once we return.”

But no one believed him. On Saint Radiance Continent, even a three-year-old knew the rules of a challenge: not even a bodyguard would act without the master’s consent, especially not with such a despicable sneak attack. The surrounding mercenaries rolled their eyes at Shen Aofan’s feeble excuse.

Lei Hang stepped forward, and many mercenaries now noticed him, greeting him with excitement and respect: “Good day, Young Master Lei Hang!” “Greetings, Young Master Lei!”

Lei Hang nodded and smiled at each in turn, then ignored Shen Aofan and strode straight to Shen Duo. The hint of a smile on his rugged face softened his features, captivating many of the onlooking female mercenaries.

He addressed Shen Duo politely, “You must be the ninth young lady of the Shen family. I am Lei Hang, heir to the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Shen Duo’s dark eyes appraised him up and down. She hadn’t expected to encounter the heir to one of the ten great mercenary corps of the continent here. What’s more, judging by recent events, this man was one with no tolerance for injustice.

Her delicate brows knit together. She disliked being called the ninth young lady of the Shen family; after all, they had banished her to this border town to be bullied. Why should she still carry their name? Yet she bowed to Lei Hang and replied, “Young Master Lei Hang, please call me Shen Duo. The pleasure is mine.”

Lei Hang raised his brows in surprise at her crisp and straightforward manner. He appreciated such directness—he detested those who spoke in circles, forcing others to guess their intentions. Having grown up in the mercenary corps, with a mother who died young and a younger sister, Lei Bing, he’d learned that in their world, words were useless without action. And so, Lei Hang had become honest and reserved, preferring deeds to words.

By now, the challenge had effectively ended. Most mercenaries, after greeting Lei Hang, returned to their business; a few inquired if the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps was recruiting, but his two companions politely declined them all.

Only then did Lei Hang turn back to Shen Aofan, smiling: “I have other matters to attend to today. Perhaps another day, my father will visit your home. For now, I must take my leave.”

Shen Aofan’s face twitched, turning a ghastly shade of green. Losing face was bad enough, but to be snubbed by the heir of the Blazing Flame Mercenary Corps before so many mercenaries—how could he ever show his face at the Mercenary Guild again? Just imagining the lowest-ranked mercenaries mocking him stoked his fury; his eyes fixed on the frail figure of Shen Duo, his teeth grinding audibly. That wretch—she had been saved today, but luck would not always be on her side. Just wait—if he didn’t make her beg for mercy, he’d no longer call himself Shen Aofan!

Shen Duo watched as Lei Hang addressed Shen Aofan, then went to retrieve the large bundle she’d left behind. Slinging it onto her back, she headed for the other entrance of the Mercenary Guild.

When Lei Hang looked back, he saw only Shen Duo’s steadfast figure beneath the heavy bundle. A smile tugging at his lips, he hurried after her, catching up to pat her shoulder. “Shen Duo, where are you headed?”

She paused and glanced at him, then took out the mission scroll from her breast. Lei Hang’s eyes lit up when he read it. “Katra Forest! Our corps is headed there as well—we can travel together.”

Shen Duo was delighted. The thought of carrying her heavy bundle alone all the way to the Katra Forest’s edge was daunting; by her current pace, it would take three or four days at least. If Lei Hang was willing to give her a lift, she could hardly wish for more, though they were strangers until now.

Sensing her hesitation, Lei Hang said, “We’re friends now, aren’t we? No need for such formality. You’re a mercenary, just like us; helping you is no trouble at all.”

With Lei Hang’s words so sincere, refusing him seemed pointless—especially since she truly needed the help. She nodded in gratitude.

Lei Hang grinned broadly and patted her shoulder again. Seeing the large bundle she carried, he slipped a ring from his finger and offered it to her. “Here, Shen Duo. Take this as a welcome gift from an older friend.”

Shen Duo was startled; she knew at a glance it was a storage ring. Having lived in the Shen family for years, she’d seen her share of fine things and couldn’t be easily deceived. Instinctively, she wanted to refuse, but the clear sincerity in Lei Hang’s eyes made her swallow her words. She had to admit, Lei Hang was a thoughtful and considerate man. “Thank you, Brother Lei!” she said, accepting the ring without further fuss and slipping it onto her thumb, then storing her bundle inside.

Lei Hang was clearly pleased by her new way of addressing him, his smile growing even brighter. “Well then, let’s be off!” As soon as he finished speaking, the two companions behind him had already brought over four unicorn horses.

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