Chapter 83: The Watchful Predator

Chapter 83: The Watchful Predator

"Brother Feng, what do we do now?" Bai Ziyue whispered, his grip tightening on his sword.

Mu Feng observed the newly arrived group carefully. Fourteen well-equipped mercenaries surrounded them, each radiating the aura of a Purple Core cultivator. The leader, a youthful yet commanding figure, stood with a faint smile, exuding confidence.

Mu Feng's eyes narrowed. "Stay calm. They might be strong, but they're underestimating us."

The leader of the group, dressed in a sleek leather battle suit, glanced at the slain Fire Python and the lifeless bodies nearby. His sharp eyes landed on Mu Feng and his companions. He chuckled lightly. "Impressive. Three youngsters managing to take down a Fire Python of this caliber. But… it's unfortunate you won't leave here alive with the treasures."

The man's words were laced with arrogance, and his men snickered in agreement.

"Who are you?" Mu Feng asked coldly.

"Le Tian, vice-captain of the Iron Wolf Mercenary Group," the man said, smirking. "And who are you? Though… it doesn't matter. Hand over the Crimson Spirit Fruit, and I might consider letting you live."

Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang exchanged tense glances. The odds were not in their favor, and the hostile group had clearly been lying in wait.

Mu Feng chuckled softly, his voice steady and unyielding. "You think you can just take what's ours? We killed the Fire Python. The fruit is ours."

Le Tian's face darkened. "It seems you three don't understand your position. Very well. I'll give you one last chance—drop the fruit and leave, or we'll take it from your corpses."

"Try it," Mu Feng replied sharply, gripping his blade. His eyes flickered with determination.

Le Tian's smirk returned. "Very well. Kill them."

The mercenaries lunged forward in unison, their weapons gleaming as they advanced on the trio.

The Battle Begins

Mu Feng barked, "Stick to the plan!" He dashed toward the nearest mercenary, his blade cutting through the air with lethal precision.

Bai Ziyue leaped back, drawing his sword in a graceful arc to parry an incoming strike. With fluid movements, he countered with a sharp thrust, piercing his opponent's armor.

Mu Kuang roared, his hefty broadsword cleaving toward two advancing attackers. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, and Mu Kuang's sheer strength forced them back.

"These kids are tougher than they look!" one of the mercenaries spat, clutching a bleeding wound.

Le Tian remained calm, observing from a distance. "Focus. Overwhelm them with numbers."

Mu Feng's Gambit

Despite the odds, Mu Feng's strategic mind worked furiously. He baited several attackers into close quarters, using quick movements to avoid being cornered. Each strike of his blade was precise, aiming for gaps in their defenses.

"Ziyue, fall back and flank them! Kuang, keep the heavy hitters busy!" he shouted amidst the chaos.

Bai Ziyue darted to the side, using his agility to navigate through the skirmish. He positioned himself behind two unsuspecting mercenaries, his sword slashing in a deadly arc that left them crumpled on the ground.

Mu Kuang, meanwhile, roared as he parried blow after blow. His broadsword whirled, forcing the enemy to maintain their distance.

Le Tian Joins the Fray

Realizing his men were faltering, Le Tian unsheathed a gleaming saber. His aura intensified, and a sharp burst of energy shot forward, aimed directly at Mu Feng.

Mu Feng deflected the attack with his blade, the force of the impact sending him skidding back several feet. He steadied himself, glaring at Le Tian. "So, the coward finally steps in."

Le Tian sneered. "Your bravado will cost you." He lunged, his strikes a flurry of deadly precision.

The two clashed fiercely, their weapons creating sparks with each collision. Mu Feng's movements were swift but calculated, using his smaller frame to dodge and counter Le Tian's heavier blows.

Turning the Tide

As the battle raged on, Mu Feng activated his Nine Flames Burst Fist technique. Flames enveloped his fists as he launched a fiery punch toward Le Tian. The attack caught Le Tian off guard, forcing him to leap back.

Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang, reinvigorated by Mu Feng's display, fought with renewed vigor. Together, the trio whittled down the mercenaries one by one.

A Narrow Escape

Le Tian, bloodied and furious, realized the battle was lost. Most of his men lay defeated, their weapons scattered across the ground. He glared at Mu Feng. "You've made an enemy of the Iron Wolf Mercenary Group. We'll be back for you."

With that, he retreated into the dense forest, leaving behind the few remaining mercenaries who surrendered or fled.

Victory

As the dust settled, Mu Feng wiped his blade clean and turned to his companions. "Is everyone alright?"

"Just a few scratches," Bai Ziyue said, grinning through his exhaustion.

"Same here," Mu Kuang added. "But we showed them, didn't we?"

Mu Feng nodded, though his expression remained serious. "This was too close. Let's grab what we can and leave before more trouble shows up."

He retrieved the Crimson Spirit Fruit from its container, securing it tightly. The group swiftly departed, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of pursuit.

As they made their way out of the perilous terrain, Mu Feng couldn't help but reflect on the battle. They had claimed victory through strategy and determination, but the looming threat of the Iron Wolf Mercenary Group lingered in his mind.

"We'll need to stay on guard," he murmured. "This is just the beginning."