Reborn as a Hatrack in the Mystical Land-Chapter 71 - 4: The Rising Female Mercenary

Ni Qianjun's timely arrival prevented Yue Jinghua and Lihua Xue, who were about to engage in conflict, from continuing their fight.

Lihua Xue is the deputy head of the Blue Crystal Mercenary Group and the younger sister of Li Geshu. There aren't many female mercenaries on the continent, and even fewer are like Lihua Xue, with decent Cultivation and outstanding looks. Before meeting Ni Qianjun, Lihua Xue had always been the center of attention in the mercenary group. However, since being rejected by Ni Qianjun, she stubbornly refused to give up. Upon hearing that the mission led by Ni Huo this time was under Ni Qianjun's command, she pestered her sister to join the mission, hoping to get closer to Ni Qianjun.

Little did she know, Ni Qianjun avoided her like the plague. The two groups had been stationed outside Polo City for several days, and she hadn't even seen Ni Qianjun himself yet.

Upon seeing Ni Qianjun, Lihua Xue immediately put on a demeanor of gentle agreeableness, "Brother Ni, ah, your beard?" Only then did Lihua Xue notice that Ni Qianjun looked different from before.

He had actually shaved off his beard.

Yue Jinghua also noticed Ni Qianjun's difference. Ni Qianjun, with a freshly shaven face, lost a bit of the roguish air common among mercenary loafers. His defined facial features and resolute chin outlined a somewhat sexy appearance, bearing a resemblance to Tom Cruise, a characterful male star of the 21st century whom Yue Jinghua admired before traversing time.

Qing Pu floated by the side for a moment before snorting disdainfully, "Not as handsome as me," while Flash Mink Leopard and Cannibal Green Rush eagerly nodded in agreement.

"Lihua Xue, who allowed you to strike at my honored guest?" Ni Qianjun raised his thick brows, blocking Lihua Xue. It was indeed his negligence for not arranging for someone to meet Yue Jinghua outside the encampment.

The scene was somewhat chaotic. Yue Jinghua's steed, the Gale Horse, was injured, and its blood flowed across the ground.

Yue Jinghua's face darkened, with her belongings scattered on the ground, appearing quite disheveled.

"Brother Chi, her origins are unknown, and just now she attempted to force her way into the camp, which is why I stopped her," Lihua Xue said in a delicate voice, then turned her gaze to two Blue Crystal mercenaries.

The two mercenaries understood and echoed her assertion, slandering Yue Jinghua for barging into the camp without explanation, and that Lord Hua Xue had no choice but to intervene.

"Miss Yue is an Alchemist I have specially invited for this mission. She is the granddaughter of the late High-level Alchemist Feng Wanwan of Shang Kingdom. Her prowess in pill crafting is remarkable, and she's the most talented young Alchemist who has emerged in Shang Kingdom in recent years," Ni Qianjun said, his face unblushing and his heart not skipping a beat, while Yue Jinghua felt slightly guilty upon hearing this.

Ni Qianjun was naturally forthright and not concerned with trivial formalities, yet when it came to matters involving Ni Huo, he was always careful and meticulous. Even though he had a certain fondness for Yue Jinghua, he would not act recklessly.

Before formally extending an invitation to Yue Jinghua, he had someone thoroughly investigate her background. He would never allow someone of unknown origin to infiltrate the mercenary group.

"It's all Hua Xue's fault for being reckless and not asking clearly. Alchemist Yue, I truly apologize for the previous discourtesy. Hua Xue and I owe you an apology," said Ni Qianjun, whose demeanor changed after his arrival. With a lowered voice, Lihua Xue promptly started to apologize—an attitude starkly different from her previous arrogance.

Yue Jinghua remained silent, squatting beside the Gale Horse, her hand stroking the mane stained red with blood, dark currents surging in her eyes.

"Alchemist Yue, sorry for the scare. Let me order someone to treat your horse. Your lodging has been temporarily arranged at—" Ni Qianjun, guessing that the incident was instigated by Lihua Xue, also knew that dealing with Lihua Xue hastily could affect the morale of the Blue Crystal Mercenary Group, as she held a high position within it and was supported by the younger generation of mercenaries.

"No need," Yue Jinghua slowly stood up, and with a gust of wind from her palm, she struck the top of the Gale Horse's skull. The horse immediately breathed its last, as the blood streaming from its back slowly congealed.

Ni Qianjun's face changed drastically; he hadn't expected Yue Jinghua to...

"Better to die outright than to live in agony. Lihua Xue, rest assured that I, Yue, will remember today's 'welcome' from the Blue Crystal Mercenary Group," Yue Jinghua closed the horse's eyes, her face showing no sign of sorrow. Her words, too, were eerily calm.

But Lihua Xue and the two Blue Crystal mercenaries felt as if a needle was pricking their backs, an ominous feeling looming over them.

Ni Qianjun was shocked, and looking at Yue Jinghua again, his eyes flickered uncertainly.

He had once heard someone speak similar words with the same tone and expression.