Chapter 1198: Chapter 99 Skeleton Mercenary Group_2
Among the heavy cavalry infantry battalions and archer battalions, two hundred samurai enveloped in red clothing stood out, devoid of armor to maintain their agility, each carrying a Narrow Sword on their back. Their appearance might seem less impressive compared to the other battalions, but they were, in fact, the elite force of the Skeleton Mercenary Group, the Blood Skull’s trusted aides, and the core of the assault team. These warriors possessed considerable martial arts skills; each one of them was at least as strong as an Assassin from the Assassin’s Guild. Whenever the Skeleton Mercenary Group faced tough adversaries, it was their time to strike, unbeatable under the leadership of Blood Skull. Since its inception, the team had grown from twenty to two hundred members without a single casualty. The achievements of the Skeleton Mercenary Group today were closely linked to their contributions.
The organization of the Skeleton Mercenary Group was tightly structured, resembling a small military force. With four types of troops cooperating seamlessly, even a regular army could not compare. The Empire of Tian Jing had once offered a handsome reward to recruit the four Skeleton leaders into their military system, but Blood Skull refused, reasoning that they cherished their freedom.
Blood Skull appeared to be an ordinary middle-aged man, tall, with a constant faint smile on his face, his grey attire unremarkable among the mercenary crowds. However, those familiar with him knew the happier he smiled, the more ruthless he became in killing; there was a saying that he would take lives amidst laughter. All four Skeletons were apprentices of the Northern Sword Saint. Based on their individual qualities, the Northern Sword Saint taught them different martial arts, though none of his disciples received his most prized swordsmanship. Among the four Sword Saints, the Northern Sword Saint had the most eclectic knowledge. Blood Skull and Ice Skeleton were siblings, while the other two Skeletons were Blood Skull’s fellow disciples and Ice Skeleton’s senior and juniors, respectively. Being the youngest, Ice Skeleton was especially cared for by her several elder brothers.
Iron Skull, who was hot-tempered, glanced at Blood Skull beside him and said, "Big brother, why has our little sister not yet emerged? What’s keeping this caravan? Could something have happened?"
Blood Skull smiled and replied, "Sister will be alright; aren’t you all aware of her abilities? You need to learn to be more steady, Third Brother. How could you achieve great things with such impatience? Don’t forget, our goal is to surpass the Red Charming Mercenary Group and become the continent’s number one Mercenary Corps. That goal is still far off."
Iron Skull said disdainfully, "It would be good to have a chance to face the Red Charming Mercenary Group in battle. I don’t believe they could withstand the charge of my heavy cavalry infantry. So what if they have numbers?"
Blood Skull frowned and warned, "Never underestimate the Red Charming Mercenary Group. Their three leaders, the commander and deputy commanders, are all very strong. It is said that their commander is a disciple of the Eastern Sword Saint. The achievements of the Red Charming Mercenary Group aren’t just due to their numbers. Although their peripheral mercenaries aren’t much to speak of, their core several thousand are very formidable. We are still in the stage of refining our abilities; we cannot afford to clash with them recklessly. Ah, look, our Fourth Sister is coming now."
Indeed, the Skeleton Mercenary Group’s light cavalry quickly burst forth from the Mimu City Gate. Four hundred soldiers neatly lined up on both sides of the gate, escorting the leisurely moving caravan out of the city.
Ice Skeleton, mounted on her white steed, didn’t bother with her subordinates and charged straight toward her elder brothers. Zong Yue followed closely behind her, looking anxious.
Wind Skeleton asked, "Big brother, why did Fourth Sister come alone?"
Blood Skull also found it strange; according to their plan, Ice Skeleton was supposed to escort the caravan and meet up with them, commanding her subordinates on the flanks.
Soon, Ice Skeleton raced up to them, and with a sharp tug on the reins, her white horse reared, halting her approach. Even with the horse’s majestic grace, it couldn’t tolerate such fierce handling and neighed longly to express its dissatisfaction. Zong Yue, panting heavily, caught up and gasped, "My Lady, why did you run so fast? You’re going to wear me out!"
Ignoring Zong Yue, Ice Skeleton glanced at her elder brother, tugged the reins, and moved to pass by everyone. Blood Skull, in a serious tone, said, "Little sister, what’s wrong? Why are you acting so sulky?" Ice Skeleton, still somewhat intimidated by her elder brother, replied coldly, "I’m fine," then tugged the reins again, moving her horse to the front.
Blood Skull turned to Zong Yue and asked, "Brother Zong, what’s wrong with Bingbing? Did something happen in the city?"
Zong Yue sighed and recounted the events that had unfolded in the city. After hearing his account, Wind Skeleton and Iron Skull exclaimed in unison, "Impossible."
Blood Skull was also bewildered; even their master might not have been able to defeat his sister with a single move, let alone a young man. "Brother Zong, what kind of move did that person use?"
Zong Yue gave a wry smile, "To be honest, I didn’t see it clearly; it all happened in the blink of an eye. That person seemed to create two images of himself, and in a moment of passing by Bingbing, he used a green energy to bind her body. With Bingbing’s capabilities, she had no chance to resist, and once bound by that energy, she couldn’t break free. It was truly just one move! My eyes were wide open; I’ve never seen Qi used like that before. His Qi seemed to be able to take any shape. But I must admit, I’m impressed. That young man was only about twenty years old but his skill was divine. Bingbing was initially out to take his life, but he didn’t harm her. Oh yes, I think I heard Bingbing say, he was from the Tian Gang Sword Sect."
