Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

Chapter 68: Chapter 68 – Moving Out [1]

Three days had passed since the deal with Nabi. Leo started the last-time preparation before heading out to the epigraph's location.

By last preparation, he meant upgrading the base and creating the Humvee. Unfortunately, steels and irons rose in price lately due to large Sects securing them in bulk. As a result, the advanced payment of 5,000 Golds wasn't enough to buy all materials.

They had to take money from their savings, depleting the Golds they had left. Of course, they didn't touch Astrid's liquidated asset at all. This would be used for future plans.

Anyway, spending Golds right now was worth it. The upgraded base, Armory room, and Humvee would improve their combat capability tremendously. They even had Infirmary upgraded to Level 2 from the rest of the materials.

'Steels and irons are so expensive. It costs more than when we bought it in the past.' Leo sighed, 'Even someone who is not interested in Central Plains realize the situation in Murim is now tense. All Sects and Clans are trying to secure weapons. War is imminent and everyone wants to be prepared.'

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That was the reason for the price hike. Not just iron and steel, but wood and clothes also increased.

From his prediction, the price would continue to rise until war broke out, which most likely started by competing to secure the epigraph. No matter who got it, this would lead into a full-blown war between Sects and Clans. Or at least started a tense situation.

'Let's just focus on the job.'

With the vehicle fully loaded, Leo and his team finally set off.

"Alright."

He stood in front of the three members joining the expedition right now: Chiaki, Shui, and Jack. They were fully equipped and ready with the best equipment they had.

"I will explain the mission again. We have to retrieve an epigraph left behind by the Supreme Evil's Venom Sect and return to the Hao Sect's warehouse. Other groups are our enemies without question. So, stay vigilant and watch out for any ambush or trickery."

"Yes, sir!"

All three of them answered with a nod.

"The path to the epigraph would open when the moon turned orange and bigger than usual. It's a phenomenon we usually call the super moon. Don't ask me how it works, just think it's one of Qi's magic doing work. So, be careful."

By his estimation alone, there would at least be 5 to 6 large groups joining the fray. Two which belonged to Great Sects in Shaanxi, Mount Hua and Wudang Sect. Leo was particularly cautious of them.

He had heard about their reputation. They were not like the small Sects and Clans who were only interested in protecting their territory. Instead, they were aggressive and ambitious.

The two Sects had the largest number of 6 Stars Martial Artists and were willing to risk everything for more power and fame. Their reasons for getting the epigraph might be for good, as they were Daoist Sect, but Leo wasn't naïve enough to believe they would stop there.

And with the epigraph's power, it would be easy for them to rise to the top of the martial world.

"We will stop by the Butterfly Pavilion to get the person from Hao Sect with us. The condition to finish the mission is to extract the epigraph or at least the content. Chiaki, I will leave that to you. Coco will be able to do it, right?"

"Yes, Leader. I will make sure there is a space in Coco's stomach for the stone."

"Great. Let's move then. I will drive. You three can take a rest in the back seat. Jessica, you are in charge of the base operation while I am gone. Make sure the...

research subjects in the infirmary are taken care of. And try not to make a mess, please. Also, I will have Anya to contact you. Compile the information and do what you please."

"I understand, Leader. May luck be with you." The secretary nodded and grinned, "I will make sure everything is taken care of when you return."

"I am counting on you."

Both of them had smiles that could even make the Devil shiver as they chuckled deviously.

The new member, Astrid, looked at the spectacle and took a step back. She had just joined the group and was not used to their eccentric behavior.

'D-Did I make a mistake joining them?' She asked in her mind.

Leo and the other three hop on the Humvee. The vehicle was a rare six seater, with armor covering exterior and a powerful engine. It was an essential tool for the mercenary group.

They departed immediately after everyone was seated. He started the engine and the Humvee rolled on the road.

Many people looked over at the strange roaring beast's sound. They were surprised when they saw the metal monster passing through. Some even recognized Leo and his group.

"Oh, the Hallowed Insect mercenaries are moving out."

"What is that beast? Or is that carriage? I can see it's moving with wheels."

"It's a vehicle. Remember the one the Thunder God's ride? It's his Divine Beast!"

"Ooh! Divine Beast!"

Naturally, people had misconceptions about something unknown and dangerous looking. Especially when they saw a famous person with a God in their title driving it.

Meanwhile, Leo was driving without a care in the world. His mind was on the mission and the possible threats waiting for him.

Before long, they had arrived at the Butterfly Pavilion. He could see Nabi standing outside with a middle-aged man beside her.

Nabi waved her hand when she saw them approaching. Her expression was a mix of surprise and fear.

While she was told by Leo that he would bring specialized equipment, she had never expected something like this. A vehicle that roared like a dangerous beast.

"Hi, Nabi."

Leo stopped the Humvee right in front of her. He and his teammates quickly jumped off and approached her. He looked at the middle-aged man with graying hair next to her and asked.

Unfortunately, he couldn't judge how strong the man was. But he was sure he was at least 6 Stars martial artist from his quick scan. His bone and muscle density was pretty amazing.

"Is he the person tagging along with us on this mission?"

"Yes, he is. Mr. Leo, this is the Hao Sect's representative, please call him Zhen. He will accompany you during the mission."

She introduced the middle-aged man with a respectful tone and he cupped his hands.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Leo. Please call me Zhen. I am a 6 Stars martial artist, so I believe I won't be in your way at the mission. But if I do become the weakest link, feel free to cut me off. As long as it's for the mission."

A person with a determined value and no hesitation. Leo liked him already.

"No worries, Mr. Zhen. We will work together just fine."

"Great! Let's move then!"

Nabi seemed a little bit relieved seeing the two getting along well. She was a bit worried whether it was the right decision at sending the man or not, but it seemed like it was no problem.

Zhen was a 6 Stars martial artist and was a valuable asset. But the Hao Sect couldn't send any of their members or the Sect itself due to the political pressure from other sects as well as the low manpower.

"Well then, feel free to hop behind with my subordinates. The one with long hair is Shui and the other one is Jack. The girl who sits beside me is Chiaki. I will call their names a lot in the mission later to give command, so I hope you remember them."

"Oh, okay, Mr. Leo. I will take note of that."

"Good, then we will move out."