It seemed he was unwilling to die just like this, unable to avenge his motherâs murder.
Gu Shengâs expression did not show the slightest fluctuation. He squatted down and searched Lian Xubai, finding a few silver notes, and surprisingly, also a yellowed book titled "Insights on Raising Poison Bees." Slightly opening it, he could see the newest page still had fresh ink.
Clearly.
This was the work that Poison Bee Guest had compiled on his own, recording it at any time, with the effort of most of his life being placed within.
Joy flickered in Gu Shengâs heart, thinking that after returning, he could study it well. Even if he didnât need it, he could also exchange it for money. It could certainly sell for a good price.
The axe blade twisted, and a bloody head fell into Gu Shengâs hand.
He was about to leave.
When a few figures appeared in front of him, each face filled with frustration and anger.
It was the Three Fiends of the Gale.
They had finally managed to kill those poison bees. In fact, they were already very fast, but they didnât expect Gu Sheng could kill Poison Bee Guest so quickly, snatching the prize. Their feelings could be well imagined.
"Butcher, isnât what you did rather underhanded?"
The leader of the Three Fiends, Li Wen, snorted and said coldly, looking at Gu Sheng with a frosty gaze.
Second brother Li Wu was also indignant:
"Thatâs right! We three brothers went through all kinds of hardships to corner this Poison Bee Guest, and now you intervene without a word, cutting in disgracefully!"
Youngest Li Ping said nothing, just stared sinisterly at Gu Sheng. Among the three brothers, he was the most ruthless. The majority reason why they were called fiends was because of this man.
Gu Sheng slowly hung Poison Bee Guestâs head on his waist, a snarl twisting his beefy face, and laughed heartily:
"Then what do you want?"
"We put in a great effort for this task; we should get the lionâs share of the silver bounty. We can give you a copy of the Golden Body Skill."
Li Wen said deeply, seemingly somewhat wary of Gu Shengâs strength. They ultimately didnât voice excessively demanding terms.
In their view, this was already a very reasonable arrangement.
Unexpectedly.
The butcher before them suddenly burst into wild laughter.
After laughing, a chilling voice slowly sounded:
"The mission of sword for hire is never exclusive. Now that Poison Bee Guestâs head is in my hand, naturally I claim the bounty. You speak so righteously, do you take it as a reward for some family?"
His glaring eyes exuded a soul-stirring aura instantly.
"Get lost!"
A task completed by oneâs own skill, and yet they dare to provoke?
Donât think backing down would settle the matter. These mercenaries are not to be trifled with; the softer you appear, the easier it is for others to oppress you.
Gu Shengâs hand slowly tightened on the giant axe.
The faces of the Three Fiends of the Gale changed in unison, never expecting the butcher to be so arrogant, his behavior simply disregarded their presence. This was no longer about just a task. If word got out, others might think they feared the butcher!
"Good! Good! Very good!"
"Butcher, youâre renowned for not taking Fast Blade Zhou Song seriously before, and now acting so audaciously, we Three Fiends of the Gale must seek this reckoning!"
Li Wen was extremely furious but laughed instead, his fine steel sword ringing as it unsheathed, exuding a coldness.
Li Wu also brandished a longsword, his eyes fierce.
As for Li Ping, he bore a pair of sharp iron claw gloves, ferocious and menacing.
In an instant, the three of them formed a triangular formation, surrounding Gu Sheng.
Gu Shengâs eyes gradually narrowed.
"Attack!"
With a shout from Li Wu, the three of them simultaneously launched an assault.
All three were born of the same mother and understood each other very well, skilled in combined attack techniques. One was adept with the sword, one with the blade, and one with fists and kicks. When they attacked together, it was as if they were facing one person, only this person had three heads and six arms, with numerous techniques.
Li Wu turned his long blade into a light band, with a dazzling blade light aiming towards Gu Shengâs face.
Li Wenâs fine steel sword slashed diagonally outwards at a tricky angle, targeting Gu Shengâs armpit.
As for Li Ping, with a gloomy gaze and sinister claw grips, he took advantage of his two brothersâ cover to approach closely, one claw tearing towards Gu Shengâs groin.
All three burst with vitality, their initial attacks filled with murderous intent, showing no hint of restraint.
It was not uncommon for hired hands to slaughter each other; these people were never on the same side after all.
"Seeking death!"
Gu Shengâs half-narrowed eyes suddenly widened. An inch longer, an inch stronger, an inch shorter, an inch riskier. With a gentle swing and twist of the giant axe in his hand, Li Wenâs and Li Wuâs blades and swords were knocked aside, and the metallic clang echoed across the fields.
Li Pingâs eyes shone, seizing the opportunity to approach with savage claw winds, but what greeted him was a pair of iron legs.
His leg muscles suddenly swelled, filling his pants, and as they swung fiercely, they carried a thunderous boom, lashing towards Li Pingâs head. The whistling wind made Li Pingâs complexion change, quickly retreating in defense.
In an instant.
The four of them battled into a blur.
In the distance, martial artists of Tianze Village gradually gathered but dared not intervene. From the fragmented dialogue earlier, they knew that all four of these men were notorious mercenaries with considerable strength.
At this moment, seeing the intensity of the engagement, it was all the more fierce.
If an ordinary martial artist got caught up in it, they would be dead on the spot.
In the distance, an unknown swordsman appeared, Zhou Song looked at the four engaged in battle, his heart sinking:
"Itâs the butcher and the Three Fiends of the Gale... Iâm late..."
He glimpsed two other figures behind, also mercenaries. These few were initially deceived by Poison Bee Guest and only adjusted course after realizing it, though even then they were very late. Upon seeing the four fighting on scene now, they immediately understood what had unfolded.