Chapter 21: The Surprise Attack

"Hey beautiful, don’t go just yet, us guys want to chat with you."

The big man with a stubbly beard, dressed in a military uniform, grabbed Liu Zhaozhao’s arm, his gaze was drunken and his mouth carried a smirk.

Beside him stood another big bald man, his head shining under the light and a cigarette dangling from his mouth, looking quite roguish.

"Let go!"

Liu Zhaozhao frowned slightly, her voice clear and cold.

Qin Dadi and Xiao Yunlong immediately stood by Liu Zhaozhao, glaring at Stubbly Beard and angrily admonished:

"Let go!"

"Hah, a few stray dogs dare to shout in front of your Master Dai."

Stubbly Beard sneered disdainfully, he had noticed this table’s situation for a while now. Spending so much time at the base surrounded mostly by men, they were almost ready to explode. Seeing a beautiful lady appear was like setting them on fire.

But he wasn’t a fool either, knowing there were some people at the base who were untouchable, such as high tier Spiritualists or those from big families.

To be cautious, he specifically observed for a while, and from the military number on the young guy’s chest, did some digging and learned of this table’s situation.

Turns out these folks were from the 319th Corps, a defeated battalion that had just returned to Lieyang Valley after losing a battle.

Although he hadn’t figured out these people’s exact identities, truly powerful individuals wouldn’t belong to such a trashy unit.

Seeing Stubbly Beard still not letting go, Liu Zhaozhao’s face turned cold, and a ball of flame suddenly emerged from her arm.

"Hiss~"

Stubbly Beard quickly released his grip. He was a Tier Two Spiritualist, and couldn’t be hurt by a mere flame, but being treated like this by Liu Zhaozhao made him feel slightly humiliated.

"Yo, didn’t expect this woman’s character to be so fiery."

The bald man stepped up, a wicked smile on his lips. "Brother Dai is a Bauhinia Medal recipient, having slain hundreds of Beastmen, a bona fide war hero. Inviting you for a drink is showing you face, you’re not happy?"

Bauhinia Medal

The eyes of Qin Dadi and the others flickered; anyone who earned this medal was undoubtedly a good warrior on the battlefield.

But just because someone can win battles doesn’t mean they are good people.

Some soldiers strictly discipline themselves using good morals as a yardstick.

And some are fierce tigers on the battlefield but become blatant rogues off it.

Qin Dadi pulled Liu Zhaozhao behind him, speaking calmly:

"Gentlemen, I don’t care who you are, don’t forget this is a military base, not a place for drunken antics."

"Hah, a waste teaching me a lesson now."

Stubbly Beard breathed out alcohol fumes, his face filled with disdain. "Your 319th Corps couldn’t even take the Golan Heights, now you’ve got the nerve to retreat back to Lieyang Valley."

"Let me tell you, Master Dai is a vanguard soldier in the Battle of Lieyang Valley, every inch of this land was fought for bit by bit by us veterans. Without us, would you lot be here drinking and enjoying yourselves?"

"Why can’t I have her drink two cups with me?"

Stubbly Beard’s words were like steel spikes, stabbing into the hearts of Qin Dadi and the others. For the 319th Corps, failing to take the Golan Heights and having to retreat to Lieyang Valley was indeed humiliating. When this wound was exposed so brutally, their mood worsened immensely.

"Whatever contributions you have made, the Military Department will reward them. Though we’ve lost, the Beastmen we’ve killed might not be less than yours."

Xiao Yunlong coldly said, "Move aside, if not, I’ll report to the patrol team."

Upon hearing the words "patrol team," Stubbly Beard noticeably shook, the drunkenness faded slightly from his eyes. He coldly snorted and said:

"Stray dogs sure have some temper, fine, I’m in a good mood today and won’t bother with you, but from now on, I don’t want to see you lot in this tavern."

"This is a tavern for heroes and warriors, not for cowards!"

After he said this, other patrons cheered and applauded.

Seeing this, Stubbly Beard’s grin grew even more smug, waving his hand, "Da Chao, let’s go."

"Sure thing."

The bald guy made a thumbs down gesture towards the Earth Dragon Team, and then swaggered out of the tavern with Stubbly Beard.

"Damn it, they’re too much."

Xiao Yunlong was so mad his face turned blue and white alternatively, wishing to rush up and smash the two.

Luckily, Qin Dadi held him back, shook his head and said:

"We’re new here, try not to cause trouble."

Xiao Yunlong’s chest heaved, angrily said: "If there’s a chance in the future, I’ll definitely punch their faces until they swell like pig heads."

Qin Dadi knew Xiao Yunlong was just venting. Anyone who could earn the Bauhinia Medal probably had strength above Xiao Yunlong’s.

"Let’s go too."

Qin Dadi waved his hand, his previously good mood ruined, feeling somewhat disheartened.

"Hold on, I want to go to the bathroom."

At this moment, Qin Tian spoke.

"Alright, you go ahead, we’ll wait at the entrance." Qin Dadi said.

"Okay."

Qin Tian nodded, heading towards the bathroom, an eerie glint flashing in his eyes.

...

Night was like water

In the alley, two men were staggering forward, arm in arm.

"Brother Dai, that girl was quite a stunner just now, should’ve groped her too, taken some advantage."

"That’s why you’re not as smart as your brother. That chick’s arm was soft as water, so fine and smooth, thinking back, still kind of high; should have groped a bit longer or picked another place to touch."

"Haha, Brother Dai, where would you want to touch then?"

"Where else but... hehe."

The men talked all sorts of crude words, occasionally bursting out into sleazy laughter.

"Hey."

Just then, a faint voice came from behind.

The men hadn’t noticed anyone behind, hair stood on end instantly, yet before they could turn, a sharp pain hit the back of their heads, and in the next moment, blackness took over, passing out.

Under the night, a straight figure stood behind them, then disappeared into the shadows like sinking into a bog.

...

"Why did you take so long?" Xiao Yunlong questioned with curiosity.

Qin Tian replied coolly, "Crowded restroom, had to wait."

"Thought you got harassed too."

Xiao Yunlong put an arm around Qin Tian’s shoulder, earnestly advised: "Qin Tian, something you may not understand, most men like women, but some men only take interest in other men."

"Though your handsomeness is slightly inferior to mine, we’re all good-looking; out here, be wary not only of women but of men with unclean thoughts too."

Hearing this, Qin Tian couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

Beside him, Qin Dadi chuckled, Liu Zhaozhao scoffed:

"Qin Tian is a hunk, unlike you, forget it."

"Wow, Zhao zhao, saying that hurts me, am I not handsome? How about you take another glance?"

The moonlight was gentle, as the group chatted and laughed, walking towards their dormitory, the warm yellow street lamps stretching their shadows together, creating a cozy scene.

On the other side, the two men slowly got up, touching their bulging backs of the head, first filled with fright, then shouting furiously:

"Ahhh! Damn it, I will find you!"