A new day dawned beneath the blazing sun.
Several dozen miles outside Shi Mo City lay the isolated area occupied by the Mo Tie Mercenary Group.
Inside, those tasked with surveying the terrain continued their work cautiously. Around the perimeter stood nearly all the Mo Tie Mercenary Group's mercenaries, led by Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, awaiting battle in tight formation.
Farther out were many unaffiliated mercenaries who had received word and come to watch the show.
Naturally, members of the Storm Mercenary Group, one of the three major mercenary groups, were also hidden among them.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out among the crowd waiting outside for a good show.
"Look, people from the Sand Mercenary Group are here!"
"I never thought Mo Xing would actually convince Luo Bu, the Sand Mercenary Group's leader!"
"Looks like the Sand Mercenary Group and the Mo Tie Mercenary Group are really going to war this time!"
"Luo Bu, the Sand Mercenary Group's leader, is a Da Dou Shi. The Mo Tie Mercenary Group's two leaders are only Dou Shi—do they really dare stand their ground?"
"Brother, your news is outdated. Didn't you hear what happened yesterday? The Mo Tie Mercenary Group has gained a Da Dou Shi too, and he's only sixteen or seventeen!"
"A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old Da Dou Shi? That has to be fake, right?"
"..."
Xiao Ding, Xiao Li, and the others naturally heard the commotion outside and noticed the Sand Mercenary Group drawing near.
"Everyone, be careful! Stay fully alert and be ready to fight at any moment!" Xiao Ding shouted sternly to the Mo Tie Mercenary Group, who had long since been prepared for battle.
"Yes, Leader!"
The crowd shouted in unison, drawing their weapons and preparing to fight at any moment.
Xiao Li's face was equally cold