Chapter 89 – When the Roses Bloom (7)
◎ Little trash, why are you here?! ◎
After the beautiful sister, who had a similar temperament to a rose, finished speaking, everyone including Song Ke looked directly at her.
The pursuing mercenaries seemed wary of her, exchanging glances, hesitant to act immediately. The leader, observing this, took a few steps back, intentionally lowering his voice as he communicated with his superior through the earpiece.
The remaining mercenaries occasionally stole glances, their eyes not only filled with admiration but also mixed with indescribable implications that Song Ke couldn’t comprehend.
She simply turned her head, mouthing a “thank you” to the beautiful sister. The sister’s gaze lingered on Song Ke’s face for a moment, then coldly turned away. Even though she had just actively helped Song Ke out of the situation, her current attitude made it clear she didn’t want any association with Song Ke.
The head mercenary returned, glaring darkly at Song Ke and the woman. “If you two want to talk, I can arrange a meeting room for you to ‘sit down’ and have a proper chat, but it must be outside the restricted garden.”
“No need, I don’t want to talk,” the beautiful sister interrupted, ungraciously refusing.
The mercenary sneered, “In that case, it’s getting late. I will ‘escort’ your friend to the Hero Banquet venue.”
Though he said ‘escort,’ it was more like ‘escort’ with vigilance, personally monitoring Song Ke to ensure she didn’t wander off again.
Someone pushed Song Ke forcefully from behind, “Move!”
Damn it, my fist is hard.
[Song Ke, don’t start a conflict,] even though not aware of what was happening on her side, Zhuang Qingyan timed in to caution her. [Judging from the layout of this mansion, the place you’re in should be the conference hall. Mu Qin and Miao Lun are likely having a confidential discussion inside.]
Alright, she endured it. Song Ke shrunk her head, feeling pitiful as she was chased away, and before leaving, she couldn’t help but glance back.
The beautiful sister was still gazing absently at the closed window, her solitary and elegant figure resembling a painting.
After leaving the restricted garden, the mercenaries began gossiping, “She’s just a plaything, Banya, you’re giving her face.”
“That’s not right. Even if she’s a plaything, she’s Miao Lun’s canary, thinks she’s so noble.”
“I heard she’s been favored for almost three months now. That’s quite a long time, huh?”
“With a face so pretty, I wonder what her skills are in bed?”
The group exchanged lewd glances, then slyly smirked, understanding each other’s insinuations.
Song Ke’s temper flared upon hearing this, wishing she could just punch these people right then and there.
The mercenary leader named Banya coldly interjected, “Shut up! If you want to die, don’t drag me into it. Do you really think this place is impenetrable? If Miao Lun finds out that you dare gossip about him, skinning you alive would be considered lenient!”
There were plenty of advanced awakeners by Miao Lun’s side, some skilled in eavesdropping. If the recent conversation truly reached his ears…
Everyone fell silent as if collectively struck dumb, sweating cold bullets.
The fierce-looking mercenary escorted Song Ke to a heavily guarded, large bamboo hut, which was the main venue for the Hero Banquet.
“Banya, who is she?” asked the guard at the entrance, a bit confused about the situation.
“Watch her for me. This guest has a habit of wandering,” Banya instructed.
The guard glared and spoke with a lowered tone, “The Hero Banquet is about to begin. Please enter as soon as possible.”
Banya only left with his people after seeing Song Ke enter, personally observing her go in.
Song Ke walked into the bamboo hut like a silent quail, head down.
[It’s safe now, you can switch on the microphone,] Zhuang Qingyan said.
Song Ke pretended to adjust her collar, casually flicking the receiver’s switch.
[Are you okay?] Zhuang Qingyan inquired. They couldn’t hear anything earlier, so they couldn’t be sure if Song Ke was in trouble.
Song Ke said softly: “I’m fine, there’s no fight, I’ve already entered the venue.”
Because she arrived the latest, as soon as she entered, numerous scrutinizing gazes fell upon her. There were men and women inside, each with unique physiques. Some who were familiar sat together conversing, while others, unknown to anyone, remained quietly alone in corners. But it was evident they were all powerful awakeners. Song Ke counted, and aside from her, there were a total of 36 individuals.
As an unfamiliar face, Song Ke didn’t recognize anyone, so she tried her best to diminish her presence and found a seat in the farthest corner. The internal space of this banquet hall was quite vast; those sitting at opposite corners might not even see each other clearly.
Concealed by her oversized coat, Song Ke released a pocket-sized ladybug that flew up to the ceiling, scanning the entire room with its compound eyes.
Lu Xiaoyu had always been proud of his intelligence and rarely showed interest in anything. However, with Zhuang Qingyan as a close friend, who had the knack of provoking him accurately, this time, his creations—spider surveillance devices, collar microphones, and ladybug cameras—astounded Song Ke and their group.
[The real-time footage has been fully loaded. Song Ke, your task is complete.] [Adapt to the situation as it unfolds,] Zhuang Qingyan cautioned in a slow tone. [Also, be mindful of safety.]
Ten minutes later, finely crafted bamboo curtains were lifted by servants, and under the guidance of Su Fengsa, a group of people entered gracefully.
At the forefront were two middle-aged men dressed in high-ranking military uniforms, exuding remarkable airs. One was robustly built, with sharp facial contours, neatly trimmed goatee, and eyes that sparkled despite their narrowness. Upon entering, he confidently took the main seat, commanding respect from the entire room.
Song Ke understood instantly; this was definitely Mu Qin.
However, the person standing beside Mu Qin left Song Ke stunned. He appeared gentle and amiable, with a seemingly affable demeanor. Compared to Mu Qin’s sturdy physique, this man had a rounder face and a body with a protruding belly that strained against his belt.
Rather than letting her guard down, Song Ke furrowed her brow slowly, sensing that this person was undoubtedly more formidable than he appeared.
Behind the man, Song Ke spotted Godanwei, who had clashed with V587 at the city gate. Based on the information she had gathered, this smiling man was most likely the other warlord, Miao Lun.
Sure enough, after Mu Qin sat down, his sharp gaze swept the room, and he spoke solemnly, “All of you here are the talented awakeners of Mu City. Thank you for giving me face and being willing to join the Mu Qin family’s guard. I solemnly promise to all of you here that as long as you pass the selection, whether in terms of wealth or status, I, Mu Qin, will never treat you unfairly!”
“Great!” The participants at the event cheered enthusiastically.
Mu Qin raised his left hand, pointing towards the guest seat. “Today, we are honored to have Brother Miao Lun here as well.”
Miao Lun waved amicably, “Oh, I’m just here to join in the fun. Please don’t mind me.”
In Song Ke’s earpiece, she heard her companions discussing.
[Are Mu Qin and Miao Lun on good terms?] Lin Youyou asked in confusion. [On the surface, the three warlords coexist peacefully without conflicts. Their true relationship, however, is unknown to anyone,] Zhuang Qingyan answered.
Mu Qin stood up from his main seat, and his resonant voice filled the entire room, “Now, I announce the rules for tonight’s selection…”
“Wait, Mr. Ruan, you can’t go in!”
“Stop him! Quickly report to the boss!! Ah—”
Sudden and intense sounds of fighting erupted outside the banquet hall, followed by grunts and cries. Three to five of Mu Qin’s private guards stumbled in, looking disheveled, while the footsteps of another group neared the door.
“Bang—”
The formidable supernatural ability poured out, causing the bamboo gate to instantly split into five parts, and amidst the debris on the ground, a sturdy figure appeared.
Wearing a similar high-ranking military uniform with the same domineering air, this person was much younger than Mu Qin and Miao Lun. His countenance was delicate, with pale skin and neatly arranged black hair tucked under the brim of his hat. With his semi-long black military boots, he fiercely kicked aside the mercenaries blocking his path.
“Sir!” Banya rolled several times, coughing blood, and desperately shouted towards Mu Qin seated on the high platform.
Mu Qin suddenly stood up, exuding an overpowering aura, engaging in a confrontation using his unique abilities. Judging by the intensity of their awakened energy, both of them were A-level awakener. The people present were compelled to release their own abilities to counter the pressures exerted by these two, causing an ominous gust of wind to stir within the area.
Song Ke felt no sense of suppression, casually eating fruit from a plate while observing the situation, glancing left and right.
Suddenly, she noticed Godanwei with his abilities fully activated, steadfastly shielding Miao Lun.
Pondering for a moment, Song Ke realized that after the awakening, there is a special awakened energy force generated within their bodies. Even if they were at a technical disadvantage against higher-level awakener, at most, they would be immobilized. It’s only ordinary individuals who might be severely injured or even die from such pressure.
Could it be that Miao Lun had no abilities?
“Ruan Wenjun, what’s the meaning of barging into my residence without a greeting?” Mu Qin, the master of the house, angrily demanded.
“It’s nothing much. Two days ago, my people mysteriously lost a Grade 3 crystal in Xiangang, and I was pretty unhappy about it. I heard something about a Hero Banquet going on here, so I came to find that pest. Why not extend a welcome?” Ruan Wenjun replied nonchalantly.
Xiangang, Ruan Wenjun, Grade 3 crystal… Could it be the one they snatched?
Song Ke choked on her fruit, silently patting her chest as she accidentally swallowed it.
“Even if you don’t welcome me, today I’m determined to dig out that person, no matter the cost,” Ruan Wenjun declared.
With a flourish of his coat, Ruan Wenjun confidently walked in, causing people along the way to fearfully evade him.
[Hmm, it seems the relationship between these two isn’t great,] Lin Youyou commented. [Deep water and scorching fire,] Lu Xiaoyu incisively remarked.
As tensions escalated between Mu Qin and Ruan Wenjun, Miao Lun calmly stood up, assuming the role of mediator: “Just over a Grade 3 crystal, is it worth the two of you getting so worked up? Let’s rein in these abilities, don’t scare our future elite guards.”
Under Godanwei’s protective ability, Miao Lun walked up to Ruan Wenjun and greeted him warmly: “Old Ruan, why don’t you take a seat first? Everyone’s here, we can take it slow. If you can’t find it, I’ll make it up to you, right?”
“A mere Grade 3 crystal, why would I care? Those who dare challenge me will die.” Ruan Wenjun’s effeminate face revealed a hint of cruelty and malice.
Miao Lun chuckled, “Let’s be frank, you just want to find someone, easy as that.”
He then turned to Mu Qin, patting his round belly, “Mu Qin, look, Ruan isn’t here to make a scene. Why don’t we all sit down today? A peaceful gathering can be profitable.”
“Thanks to you, except for meeting the general, I didn’t expect the three of us to sit together. Hahaha.”
Ruan Wenjun was clearly unwilling to let it go.
Mu Qin coldly snorted and, under Miao Lun’s mediation, reluctantly agreed, “The guest is here; take a seat.”
Not wanting to escalate the situation, Ruan Wenjun gave Mu Qin some face, leaving his people at the door and entering the banquet hall alone.
Now, the three major warlords of Mu City gathered under one roof, creating an atmosphere rife with eerie tension, causing some awakeners to break out in a cold sweat.
[This smiling tiger seems to have two sides, huh?] Lin Youyou marveled. [Bad thing, just like Zhuang Qingyan,] Xu Xing insulted in one sentence.
After a brief moment of silence, a crackling sound erupted from the earpiece.
[Sister, help me!]
Song Ke’s fruit-eating action paused. She rolled her eyes to the sky, utterly speechless.
In her distraction, she hadn’t noticed two young people sneaking in through a side door and seating themselves behind Mu Qin.
Ruan Wenjun’s interruption altered the atmosphere, making it chilly and stagnant.
Mu Qin announced the selection rules again: “Among you, if anyone can defeat one of my men in a one-on-one combat, you’ll pass and be formally enlisted in the elite guard.”
One-on-one? Is it that simple? Song Ke found it somewhat surprising.
She had assumed there would be layers of selection and strict assessments, yet winning a single combat seemed like an inconsequential requirement for joining the elite guard.
It was a bit strange. The entry requirements seemed stringent, but the assessment appeared overly lenient, or rather, excessively lax.
“I’ll go first.” The Southern District free mercenary, Wild Wolf, volunteered.
Su Fengsa gestured, and a private soldier stepped forward behind Mu Qin.
Inside the banquet hall, a transparent isolation room rose up to facilitate the combat between the two. Once Wild Wolf and his opponent entered, they engaged in a fierce battle.
At the guest seat to Mu Qin’s left, a servant respectfully offered a cigarette to Miao Lun. Leaning back in a spacious chair, Miao Lun unbuttoned his collar, loosened his belt, and comfortably exhaled smoke rings. After a while, he whispered a few words to the person beside him.
Soon after, a servant brought over an exquisite bamboo screen, escorting a beautiful lady to Miao Lun’s side, whom he warmly embraced without reservation.
The beautiful lady displayed no emotions, neither compliant nor resistant, sitting down obediently.
Despite having prepared herself after hearing Banya’s comments earlier, Song Ke found herself feeling a chill in her heart when witnessing this scene. It felt like the collapse of her world, and she couldn’t even continue eating her fruit.
So, the beautiful lady was indeed Miao Lun’s new favorite… The feeling in her heart was gloomy, inexplicably uncomfortable.
Perhaps due to her repeated sneak peeks, she caught the ice-cold glare from Godanwei directed at her.
Startled, Song Ke quickly averted her eyes and lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.
In the hall, Wild Wolf successfully defeated his opponent, winning the match.
Mu Qin nodded in satisfaction, “Southern District mercenary, truly valiant in combat. Congratulations on joining the elite guard. You’ll formally join starting tomorrow.”
Wild Wolf was elated, “Thank you, Sir. I will devote myself wholeheartedly to your service!”
Ruan Wenjun played with the gun in his hand and sneered disdainfully.
Meanwhile, Miao Lun caressed the smooth shoulders of the beautiful lady, puffing smoke leisurely. His face became increasingly obscured by the smoke, his smile growing deeper.
Successive individuals were called up to single combat, with more wins than losses overall. By the 11th round, only two had been defeated.
“Next up,” Su Fengsa brought out the screen to check the list, “Western Street free mercenary, Song Ke.”
Finally, it was her turn. Song Ke wiped her mouth and stood up from the corner.
[Come on, sister! Beat them down!] Xu Xing encouraged her. [The skills are really lacking, just throw a few punches.] Lu Xiaoyu suggested. [Stay low-key,] Zhuang Qingyan softly advised.
Low-key, low-key, finish the fight and leave.
Reciting this sage advice in her mind, Song Ke briskly walked towards the center of the stage.
Su Fengsa announced, “The mercenary stepping up is—”
A sudden sound interrupted, and the bamboo chair was pushed aside, revealing someone standing behind Mu Qin.
“You little trash, what are you doing here?!” A voice unexpectedly spoke out from a young man with a deep brown complexion.
Song Ke froze, her heart pounding with worry. It couldn’t be, it couldn’t be— It was Tun Qin! She also wanted to ask, how could Tun Qin be here?!
However, Tun Qin’s next words caused her mental shutdown.
“Free mercenary? Aren’t you from District F?”
**TN Deep water and scorching fire – is a Chinese idiom that metaphorically means being in an extremely difficult or challenging situation, akin to being caught between deep water and scorching flames. It describes a situation where one faces multiple serious difficulties or dangers simultaneously, often expressing the feeling of being trapped between two equally dire or dangerous options.
