Early the next morning, Xiao Yan got up and circulated the Flame Mantra for a full cycle before slowly opening his eyes and looking out the window.
'It feels great to have a higher-class Qi Method. The cultivation speed is nearly ten times faster compared to a Low Xuan Class Qi Method.' Qi Methods were the lifeline of cultivators. In just over ten days since the Flame Mantra evolved, his cultivation progress had equaled what it would have taken him a hundred days in the past.
Even though cultivating as a Dou Grandmaster was more difficult and required more Dou Qi than as a Dou Master, the Dou Qi within his body had already reached the intermediate 1-star stage. He estimated he could break through to the 2-star Dou Grandmaster stage with another month of cultivation.
Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as his Spiritual Strength sensed someone approaching.
Knock, knock, knock. There was a knock on the door, followed by Qing Lin's tender voice coming from outside, "Young Master, I've brought hot water for you to wash your face."
Xiao Yan got out of bed and said, "Come in."
The door opened with a creak, and Qing Lin walked in carrying a basin of hot water. "Young Master, let me help you wash up."
She soaked a towel in the water and wrung it out forcefully before walking up to Xiao Yan with a hint of timidity, ready to help him wash his face.
Xiao Yan shook his head with a wry smile and said, "No need, I can do it myself. I'm really not used to this kind of life where I need help even for washing my face."
He reached out and took the towel from Qing Lin's hand. Even at home, he wasn't the type of young master who needed to be waited on hand and foot.
Qing Lin's expression was a bit unnatural as she tugged on her sleeve to cover the snake scales on her wrist. She asked nervously, "Is Young Master bothered that Qing Lin is a dirty snake- human hybrid?"
Xiao Yan wiped his face and put the towel back in the basin. Glancing at Qing Lin, who had a trace of tears in the corner of her eyes, he said in a voice as calm as a gentle breeze, "You're overthinking it. I don't hold any prejudice against hybrids, Snake-People, or anything like that."
"I really should take you to the imperial capital in half a year and introduce you to someone. You always have this inexplicable sense of inferiority, whereas she's the opposite, always brimming with a mysterious self-confidence."
Xiao Yan stretched his neck and body, did a few warm-up exercises, and then walked out of the room. Looking up at the bright, sunny sky, he smiled and said, "Today is a good day to do great things!"
Leaving the room, Xiao Yan brought Qing Lin to the training ground in the back courtyard. By the time they arrived at the spacious training ground, the Desert Metal Mercenary Company's hundred-plus members were lined up like an army, fully equipped and waiting. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were standing in the middle, waiting for his arrival. Just as Xiao Yan said moments ago, today was a good day to do great things!
"Big Brother, Second Brother, good morning," Xiao Yan greeted his two older brothers with a smile.
Both Xiao Ding and Xiao Li broke into rare smiles when they saw Xiao Yan arrive. Xiao Li said, "All the excavation equipment and survey personnel are here. Big Brother and I have discussed it. He will lead some of the excavation and survey people to the desert first for a detailed investigation and start the excavation."
"You and I will take the rest to the Sand Mercenary Company and take care of those troublemakers first."
There was even a hint of ferocity in Xiao Li's eyes. He had long found that group of idiots from the Sand Mercenary Company an eyesore. If it weren't for their leader Luo Bu being a Dou Grandmaster, there would only be one mercenary company in Rock Desert City right now.
It was common knowledge that monopoly was the most profitable business model. If the Desert Metal Mercenary Company was the only one in the entire Rock Desert City, there was no doubt that both their income and reputation would greatly increase.
Xiao Yan shrugged. "Up to you, Second Brother. If that Luo Bu guy doesn't know what's good for him, then let's just wipe out the Sand Mercenary Company."
They split into two groups. Xiao Ding took Qing Lin and a group of technical personnel toward the city gate to head out into the desert. Meanwhile, Xiao Yan followed Xiao Li to the northwest part of Rock Desert City where the Sand Mercenary Company was located.
The fully equipped group marched impressively toward the north. It would be hard not to attract attention with such a conspicuous display.
There were only two major mercenary companies in Rock Desert City: one in the southeast and the other in the northwest. Now, the Desert Metal Mercenary Company was taking all its members to the northwest district. Anyone with discerning eyes could immediately tell what was happening.
"That's Xiao Li, the Second Leader of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company. He's heading toward the Sand Mercenary Company!"
"Look at the people behind him. They're all advanced Dou Practitioners and even a few Dou Masters. This is a full-scale mobilization!"
"Something big is about to happen!"
News quickly spread in the not-so-large Rock Desert City. Many people even brought out chairs and climbed onto rooftops to watch the impending battle.
"What?! Xiao Li is leading all their advanced Dou Practitioners and Dou Masters to our place?!" Upon hearing the urgent report from his subordinate, Luo Bu, who had been sleeping, woke up with a start. Not even bothering to change clothes, he rushed out of his room and hurried into the main hall.
"Leader, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li are getting more and more arrogant. Don't forget, our Sand Mercenary Company is the veteran power in Rock Desert City. Those two brats have only been here for a few years, and now Xiao Li actually dares to bring people to our doorstep. They must be planning to start a war and monopolize the mercenary business in the city," said Mo Xing of the Sand Mercenary Company, his voice cold as he licked his lips.
Luo Bu slammed his fist on the table, his face darkening with anger as he said, "Damn that Xiao Li. Just because their mercenary company has two more Dou Masters than us, he thinks I, a Dou Grandmaster, don't exist!"
"Where are they now?"
Bang!!! Just as Luo Bu finished speaking, a loud bang suddenly came from the front gate of the mercenary company's compound.
A mercenary stumbled in and reported, "Leader, Xiao Li, the Second Leader of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company, brought a group of people and just kicked open the front gate!" "This is outrageous! Do they think the Sand Mercenary Company is made of mud?!" Luo Bu slammed the table again and roared, "Immediately gather all our brothers. Today, we fight them to the death!"
At this moment, in the front courtyard of the Sand Mercenary Company, the guards were already terrified upon seeing Xiao Li. Some ran, while some even pretended to faint. Xiao Yan directly took out a chair from his storage ring, sat to the side to watch the show, and yawned
"Xiao Li! Aren't you going too far?! Our Sand Mercenary Company has never interfered with your Desert Metal Mercenary Company's business. What's the meaning of this?!" Luo Bu led over a hundred people out from the inner courtyard.
Xiao Li gripped his long spear and pointed it at Luo Bu with a cold smile. "Luo Bu, even you don't believe your own words. How many of our hunts and missions have been sabotaged by your Sand Mercenary Company? Today, let's settle all the old and new grudges."
"There will be no Sand Mercenary Company from this day forth! I'm not here to negotiate
with you. I'm just letting you know."
Luo Bu's face immediately darkened upon hearing his words. He laughed angrily, "Hahaha, good! Today, I want to see how you plan to 'let me know'! Everyone, attack!"
Xiao Li led the charge with his long spear in hand, with all the mercenaries following closely
Xiao Yan remained lounging in his chair as he watched the battle unfold. On the way here, Xiao Ding had told him to wait a bit before making a move. Xiao Ding intended to assimilate the Sand Mercenary Company to expand their own company's power.
So he had Xiao Li lead the team to see which people were worth recruiting for their use. After all, once they integrated Rock Desert City's mercenary industry, they would need a large number of people to support it.
'Big Brother is really... it's just a mercenary company led by a Dou Grandmaster. Even if we assimilate them, they won't be of much use.' Xiao Yan thought as he shook his head slightly.