Qian Ye’s roar, infused with Origin Power, resonated with the surrounding energy, causing a dizzying effect on the noble ladies. The quarreling ceased as they were momentarily stunned. The guards on the periphery were equally shocked, with several high-level experts almost reflexively dashing into the scene. They exchanged glances, their vigilance notably heightened.
To be a guard leader of a prominent family, one must be an elite among equals. They fully understood the implications of a mercenary leader, who was still at the rank of a warrior, possessing the abilities of a warlord. They knew that on the battlefield, such a bloodthirsty individual could unleash terrifying combat prowess.
The young ladies, dazed by Qian Ye’s shockwave, at least focused their attention on him, with several eyes lighting up in interest. In terms of appearance, Qian Ye could easily pass for a half-blood, and there were few among humans who could surpass him in looks.
Yet, Qian Ye only wished to quickly resolve the current predicament, for he feared what might happen if it dragged on. With a wave of his hand, he declared, “The prisoners will be divided equally, and each family will receive two floating ships! The price will be based on the market rate of Evernight, and that is final!”
Surprisingly, Qian Ye’s forceful decision did not provoke much resistance. Most of the noble ladies found it acceptable, and the few who were slightly displeased merely pouted.
Having finally smoothed things over, Qian Ye dared not let them linger. With a mix of coaxing and strong-arming, he managed to send the troublesome group off.
When the last lady left, Qian Ye sighed in relief, realizing he was sweating. Dealing with these young ladies was more exhausting than participating in the Song Clan’s martial arts examination. Yet, he was relieved to have resolved the issue of the captives and equipment, a significant matter now concluded.
Both the captives and the floating ships were sold at the Evernight market rate. Compared to the Imperial mainland, the captives were practically given away, while the old floating ships fetched a higher price. However, the young ladies were not short of money and agreed without objection, even feeling a bit indebted to Qian Ye.
Without these ladies, Qian Ye would have been hard-pressed to sell at market value; a 40% discount would have been considered good. Trophies from aristocratic families were like hot potatoes, with no channels to dispose of them on the Evernight continent.
In a flash, tens of thousands of gold coins filled the financial gap of the Darkflame mercenary company, reaffirming that plunder and arson were indeed the path to wealth.
With that settled, Qian Ye began to consider the westward expedition seriously. The initial route had been set, but now he needed to decide how far to advance and how to establish a new base. After a whole afternoon of contemplation, he still felt overwhelmed, with countless details yet to be ironed out.
Establishing a permanent outpost was far more complex than setting up a temporary camp. A power tower was essential, which was a massive undertaking. With a power tower, accompanying facilities, equipment, and maintenance personnel were required. In moments, Qian Ye’s mind was brimming with thoughts.
As night fell, Qian Ye suddenly slapped his forehead, cursing his foolishness for worrying alone. He immediately summoned a personal guard and instructed him to call Zhaoyu Ying, Song Zining, and Weipotian for dinner.
Before long, all three arrived, showing great enthusiasm, especially since Qian Ye was hosting. The first to arrive was Zhaoyu Ying, carrying a large barrel of wine. If the Duke of Youguo saw her now, he might have expelled her from the Zhao Clan.
Qian Ye now understood why, despite her formidable strength, she was not well-known. Her thug-like demeanor would surely become a laughingstock of the Zhao Clan.
However, Zhaoyu Ying paid no heed to others’ opinions. She cheerfully dropped the barrel, patting it, and said, “Finally found something good! I never expected to find such fine wine in this desolate city. Seeing the poor state of your room, I guessed you wouldn’t have anything decent to drink, so I got some myself.”
Qian Ye felt a headache coming on and asked, “How did you ‘find’ this barrel of wine?”
Zhaoyu Ying chuckled, “How else? I went door-to-door. Don’t worry, in this dump, no one can track my movements!”
Qian Ye suspected as much; she had stolen the wine. Who exactly was unlucky enough to be her target, though, remained a mystery.
A few minutes after Zhaoyu Ying’s arrival, Wei Potian’s laughter echoed from the entrance, “Finally, an excuse to escape those women! Qian Ye, tonight, I won’t let you off! Let’s have another round, and you’ll see my true strength! There’s plenty of wine!”
Zhaoyu Ying gave Qian Ye a curious look, asking, “Who’s this fool?”
Before Qian Ye could answer, Wei Potian bellowed, “Who called me a fool? Get out here! I’ll beat you black and blue!”
Zhaoyu Ying only sneered.
Wei Potian entered, carrying two barrels of wine. Seeing Zhaoyu Ying, his jaw dropped.
“How, how is it you?” Wei Potian stammered.
Zhaoyu Ying frowned, examining Wei Potian. After a long look, she turned to Qian Ye, “Do I know this fool?”
“How should I know?” Qian Ye shrugged, wisely staying out of it.
Wei Potian’s face darkened, saying, “We, we have met before, I think.”
“Where? I don’t remember,” Zhaoyu Ying said impatiently. “Hey, kid, if you want to flirt, your methods are so clumsy they won’t even work on a little girl, let alone me. For your information, I’m at least three or four years older than you. Save it!”
Wei Potian’s face turned red, protesting, “I didn’t mean that! We really have met!”
Zhaoyu Ying clearly didn’t believe him, chuckling sinisterly, ready to fight.
Qian Ye quickly intervened, calling in A Qi and A Jiu to carry the three barrels to the dining room and instructing the kitchen to serve cold dishes.
“Let’s go, the table is set, let’s eat!”
Qian Ye managed to divert Zhaoyu Ying’s attention, dragging Wei Potian away as he tried to protest.
Wei Potian couldn’t understand why, after spending so much time together in the hospital, she had completely forgotten him.
Qian Ye, however, knew Zhaoyu Ying better. She usually only had one thing on her mind. When she visited the Wei Clan, she must have had other business, and Wei Potian was as unremarkable to her as furniture.
In the eyes of the Zhao Clan’s young geniuses, anyone weaker was simply background noise. Zhaoyu Ying, Zhao Jundu, and even the seemingly mild Zhao Junhong were all the same.
Just as they entered the dining room, autumn leaves suddenly flew in, and Song Zining’s voice came from outside, “You started without me? How rude!”
Qian Ye’s eyes flared with blue light, and the leaves vanished. Zhaoyu Ying, reaching for a leaf, saw it turn to dust under Qian Ye’s gaze.
Song Zining, realizing Zhaoyu Ying was present, exclaimed, “Lady, no violence, please!”
Relieved that Qian Ye had neutralized the leaves, Song Zining jumped in through the window. With everyone present, the atmosphere became awkward.
Qian Ye, surprised by the dynamic, interrupted, “Let’s eat!”
Soon, various dishes and wine flowed in. As powerful warriors, they ate voraciously. Even Song Zining, discarding his usual grace, dove into the food.
Everyone, including Qian Ye, knew the real battle was yet to begin, with the three large barrels of wine waiting. To prepare, they needed to eat well.
After consuming enough for dozens, they felt somewhat full. All eyes turned to the wine, and the tension grew.
Wei Potian, ever fearless, laughed, “What’s a meal without wine? Let’s have a drink!”
Zhaoyu Ying smirked, “A drink? Only if we don’t stop until we’re drunk!”
Song Zining, carefully putting away his valuable fan, said, “If everyone is so enthusiastic, I shall drink to the death.”
Qian Ye, looking at the barrels, felt uneasy.
The clever guests, including Wei Potian, sensed Qian Ye’s unease. Without a word, they poured the wine, placing large cups in front of each.
The aroma of the aged, potent wine filled the air. Qian Ye began to sweat.
Wiping his brow, Qian Ye suggested, “Maybe we should order more dishes?”
“We’ve eaten enough. Bottoms up!” Wei Potian drank his cup in one go.
“Now that’s more like it!” Zhaoyu Ying, also downing her cup, praised.
Song Zining, sipping slowly but steadily, finished his cup.
Only Qian Ye stared at his cup, eventually taking a deep breath and drinking it all.
After the first sip, Qian Ye’s face flushed.
“Good! More!” Wei Potian, standing up, refilled the cups from the barrel.
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