Chapter 1143

Lin Cheng couldn't understand; he had to go inside to find out.

Qinghu Territory.

Master Jianong's goal in coming here was precisely those newly excavated spirit stones, for spirit stones were one of the key ingredients in the beast transformation potion.

Without the spiritual energy provided by spirit stones, the potion's power could not be stimulated to trigger transformation within the human body.

The personnel assigned to protect and escort him would meet him at Lucina Pier, then secretly head north toward the Imperial Capital.

"Master Jianong, this batch is probably the last one—you know the output has been dropping steadily since last week." The commander of the spirit stone miners came personally to meet Master Jianong, his face plastered with obsequious smiles, his rubbing fingers subtly hinting at something.

"No problem, here's payment for the excavation." Master Jianong knew the mercenaries' nature—gold mattered more than life—and without further words, he tossed down a sack of coins.

The commander weighed the coins in his hand, his smile deepening further.

The goods are in the warehouse—will you take them yourself, or shall we transport them for you, as last time?

"I'll take this batch myself—and I'll give you an extra chance to earn money: escort me to Lucina Pier for 1,000 gold coins!"

The commander's eyes darted slyly—he'd heard there'd been trouble in Beast Barracks City!

"Master Jianong, I know you've recently stirred up some trouble; 1,000 gold coins won't be enough for us to risk our lives for you—that's the Empire's famed Eternal Night Legion, masters of night pursuit."

"Enough talk—1,000 gold coins!" Master Jianong nearly died of rage at these greedy bastards; back then, 500 gold coins had always been enough to secure their escort.

They'd definitely heard some news and were now exploiting the situation to hike the price.

If he could, he'd have ordered his disciple to kill these bastards—but the disciple's potion effect had worn off, and he seemed to be suffering severe side effects.

He was practically useless now.

"Of course, Master, we're honored to serve you. By the way—you're being escorted alone, right?"

"Just me!" Master Jianong frowned and spoke without hesitation.

He knew these bastards would jack up the price if they heard he was escorting two people—but he simply had no more gold left.

The disciple lying on the ground in agony heard this and felt a crushing despair—he'd risked his life to bring the Master here, only to be abandoned after the potion wore off. He suddenly regretted saving this bastard!

"Master, you can't leave me behind."

"Shut up! Can't you see I'm negotiating with the Master?"

Before the disciple could finish, the commander kicked him twice hard—already writhing in pain, the disciple spat a mouthful of blood and collapsed unconscious.

Master Jianong ignored him entirely, only pressing the commander anxiously.

"When do we leave?"

"Oh, Master, in such a hurry? We'll pack up—should be ready to depart by evening." Master Jianong was dissatisfied with their efficiency, but they were his only lifeline now—he couldn't complain, only urge them to hurry.

The commander nodded and turned to order his men to pack up—they were heading to Lucina Pier.

Hearing they'd all get a share of gold, the men immediately began packing.

As the mercenaries packed, unaware that a squad of Eternal Night Legion soldiers had already silently surrounded them.

Two mercenaries died without a sound; when the others finally reacted, soldiers poured out from all sides of the camp—panicking the mercenaries still packing.

Some nearby mercenaries were slain instantly, with no warning.

The mercenaries in the center only managed to grab weapons thanks to the delay caused by those on the perimeter.

Hearing the clash of battle, the commander and Master Jianong rushed out—and froze in shock. Master Jianong wondered if he'd been under secret surveillance all along; how else could the pursuers have arrived so fast?

The commander was furious and bellowed at his men.

"Damn it! Where the hell are the sentries? What the fuck are they doing? How did so many soldiers get in? Are the alarms dead?"

In fact, the commander was right—the sentries were dead.

It wasn't their fault; they'd encountered the most elite reconnaissance soldier: General Ji Xia.

General Ji Xia was a reconnaissance specialist by training; the mercenaries' petty tricks meant nothing to her—she triggered no alarms, and the hidden patrols were silently eliminated.

That was the very reason the Eternal Night Legion had surrounded the mercenaries' encampment.

"Cangpo Slash! … Hah!"

General Ji Xia led the charge, her heavy sword swinging—she cleaved through a burly mercenary who'd been flexing, believing himself invincible.