Chapter Three: The Escort Begins

The realm of supreme sanctification is the highest peak every martial artist dreams of attaining! Just moments ago, a sacred beast, equal in strength to a sanctified master, appeared before them so vividly—how could they not be stirred to excitement and madness?

Fire Dance, having drunk a few sips of wine, her cheeks flushed, was utterly enchanting with every gesture and smile. For an instant, Cold Sky found himself entranced, a look that Fire Dance, who had been watching him closely, immediately noticed. Her heart felt sweet as honey. The others saw it too, smiles spreading across their faces, and Little Ke burst into laughter. Cold Sky, coming to his senses, felt no embarrassment, but sincerely praised, “Fire Dance, you’re truly beautiful today!”

“Brother…” Hearing Cold Sky’s compliment, Fire Dance’s face turned so red it seemed she would bleed, coquettishly murmured, and shyly lowered her head.

“Heh… Our Fire Dance can be shy too!” Flame Dragon, who had watched his sister grow up, teased with a smile.

“Enough, I won’t pay you any mind!” Unable to endure their gazes, she pulled Little Ke over to Max’s side, where the girls began their whispered conversation.

In truth, Cold Sky’s feelings toward Fire Dance were hard to define; he regarded her as a sister, yet a subtle, unfamiliar emotion often surfaced within. Having lived over two hundred years without ever having his heart moved by any woman, since meeting Fire Dance, something about this lively, carefree girl stirred emotions in him he could not quite name.

Flame Dragon and the others saw everything, saying nothing, but silently blessed the pair in their hearts.

Smiling freely, Cold Sky drank from his flask and said to Flame Dragon and the others, “Come, let us toast our Blades Mercenary Corps—may we roam the continent and make our mark!”

“Blades…”

The four men drained their wine. From this day forth, a mercenary group destined to command respect across the continent—the Blades—would begin its glorious journey, ignited by the bold spirit of these six men and women.

By dusk, the six returned to the village riding Max.

Two days later, outside Hidden Wind City, Cold Sky and his companions quietly awaited the arrival of their employer. Han Yuanshan did not accompany them, choosing to remain in the village, claiming that age made him unwilling to travel.

The sound of dense hoofbeats arose; soon, a convoy emerged from the city gates. At the front rode a plump, robust chestnut steed, upon which sat a middle-aged man in a purple robe, pale-faced and beardless, with sharp, penetrating eyes.

Seeing the convoy approach, the six stepped forward. Cold Sky clasped his fists before the purple-robed man and asked, “Is this the Ye family convoy? We are the Blades Mercenary Corps, hired for this task.”

The middle-aged man glanced over the six, surprise flickering in his eyes at their youth and small number. Considering the cargo to be transported, a hint of worry surfaced in his heart.

Fortunately, they were not the only mercenaries hired for the job. Looking at Cold Sky, he replied, “I hope you fulfill your duty in escorting us. Your payment will not be shorted. May I ask your name?”

“I am Cold Sky.”

“Good.” The man nodded, then looked at Fire Dance and Little Ke. “My son and daughter will be traveling with us. These two young ladies can share a carriage with them.”

Turning, he instructed a young warrior behind him, “Morning Wind, take these ladies to Miss Ye’s carriage.”

“Yes, Second Master.” The young warrior called Morning Wind led Fire Dance and Little Ke toward the rear of the convoy.

“Second Master, apologies for our late arrival,” a gruff voice rang out.

Cold Sky and his brothers looked over to see a group of about twenty warriors approaching the convoy, led by a burly man with a towering build and bulging muscles. Striding up to the middle-aged man, he greeted him.

The middle-aged man was Ye Xiang, the younger brother of the Ye family patriarch, mainly responsible for the family’s business affairs outside the city. With the arrival of the burly man, the burden in Ye Xiang’s heart eased.

“Brother Wild Dragon,” Ye Xiang laughed, “You’re not late. With your Wild Dragon Mercenary Corps escorting us, my worries are laid to rest.”

The burly man laughed heartily, “Rest assured, Second Master. With us escorting you, your journey will be safe!”

“Let me introduce you. This is Wild Dragon, captain of the Wild Dragon Mercenary Corps,” Ye Xiang said, patting Wild Dragon’s shoulder as he introduced him to Cold Sky and his brothers.

“This young man is Cold Sky, captain of the Blades Mercenary Corps.”

Wild Dragon glanced at Cold Sky and his companions, snorted, and said, “Blades Mercenary Corps? Never heard of it. Don’t slow us down.”

“You…” Flame Dragon was about to retort, but Cold Sky stopped him, smiling calmly at Wild Dragon. “Rest assured, we won’t disappoint Second Master.”

“Hmph, you’d better not,” Wild Dragon replied gruffly, then walked away.

Ye Xiang smiled awkwardly, unconcerned by Wild Dragon’s departure, and turned to Cold Sky. “You are all hired by me, so I hope there will be no misunderstandings. Your greatest responsibility is to escort us safely to our destination, understood?”

Cold Sky smiled and replied, “Rest assured, Second Master, the Blades Mercenary Corps will not let you down!”

“Good, I have faith in you.” Ye Xiang then instructed the returning Morning Wind, “Find them a carriage.”

Cold Sky clasped his fists to Ye Xiang and followed Morning Wind away.

The Wild Dragon Mercenary Corps brought their own horses, spreading out along both sides of the convoy. The twenty-plus men exuded a fierce aura, clearly honed through countless battles.

Besides the mercenary corps, the Ye family had their own trained warriors, all clad in blue martial uniforms and lightweight layered armor forged from black iron. They were tall and sturdy, weapons at their waists, astride fine steeds, presenting an imposing sight.

Cold Sky and his brothers, lacking horses, were settled in a large wagon. Though filled with camping supplies, it easily accommodated the four.

Seated inside, Flame Dragon voiced his displeasure, “Too arrogant, what a piece of work!”

“Second Brother, don’t waste your breath on such people. We’ll have our chance to teach him a lesson,” Xiao Han’s eyes flashed coldly.

“Heh… If they knew we had a giant dragon accompanying us, imagine their expressions,” Zhi Xuan grinned mischievously.

Martial Peak Volume 3, Chapter Three: Escort Departure—End of update.