Fourth Rank Battle

Chen Ming said, "Finally, someone's stepping up. Looks like those pirates have gotten way out of hand, affecting the business of the major merchants."

This is a good thing. In Qingfeng City, the real power lies with these seven major merchants. It's just that they're usually low-key and prefer to stay behind the scenes.

But at a time like this, they have no choice but to come forward.

Those pirates are robbing them, the seven major merchants, directly. If they don't take action, who knows what will happen?

Zhang Mingyu said, "Those pirates are crazy. They not only steal money but also love to kill and set fires. The other night, Golden Source Commerce's warehouse was torched. The fire burned for a whole day and night. The Qi Family is in a terrible state this time; I'm afraid they'll lose everything this year."

Chen Ming had already heard about this. He should have been happy that his enemies were suffering. However... according to the original owner's memories, that was an old warehouse, quite dilapidated, and had been empty for a long time.

Now, Golden Source Commerce is actually claiming that most of this year's goods were destroyed in the fire.

That doesn't seem right.

It couldn't help but remind him of the "fire dragon burning the granary" story.

These thoughts flashed through Chen Ming's mind, and he said, "However, Four Seas Trading Company is a bit too eager. Even if they gather all the martial artists in the city, how can they deal with those Fourth Rank Jiao Kings?"

The lack of high-end combat power is a fatal problem.

Zhang Mingyu said, "I heard that Four Seas Trading Company has hired two Fourth Rank experts from outside. That should be enough to deal with those Jiao Kings."

Chen Ming nodded and said, "If that's the case, then gathering the strength of all the martial artists in the city should indeed be enough to drive away this band of pirates."

Half an hour later, Chen Ming and Zhang Mingyu arrived at Six Doors together.

Although Four Seas Trading Company was the one who gathered the manpower this time, the location was Six Doors.

This was his first time setting foot in the city's highest authority.

Both of them had a proof similar to an invitation. After the guards checked it, they let them in, and someone led them to a spacious hall.

Inside the hall, it was solemn and dignified, with dozens of people standing.

Chen Ming saw many familiar faces. The hall masters of the twelve martial halls were all present, even Hall Master Liu of Wu Martial Hall had arrived.

The people standing in the center were all extraordinary in bearing.

One of them was wearing blue official robes, and should be the highest official of Six Doors in the city, Blue-Robed Commandant Yu Xiuming, at least a Fifth Rank cultivator.

This person looked to be in his thirties, quite young, and had an air of nobility about him. It was said that his family background was extraordinary.

Another old man in gray robes, about fifty years old, was probably Manager Qian of Four Seas Trading Company.

He didn't recognize the other three.

Chen Ming also saw the Qi Family father and sons from Golden Source Commerce.

The leader of the Giant Tiger Gang, Deng Yuhu, Deng Ziyang's father, and so on.

I'm afraid that almost all the martial artists and merchants with a little strength in Qingfeng City were present.

"Junior Brother, let me introduce you, this is..."

Zhang Mingyu took him around, introducing him to acquaintances.

As Huo Chengkun's third disciple, he had quite a wide network.

The entire Six Doors yamen had now become a huge social gathering. People who knew each other gathered in twos and threes, forming social circles.

There were some intersections between different social circles, making it intricate and complex.

New faces like Chen Ming were only a minority, and many people were quite interested in him.

He took the opportunity to get to know many people. Although he didn't say much, with this opportunity, he could naturally visit them later and slowly cultivate relationships.

Half an hour later, almost everyone had arrived.

Manager Qian coughed lightly and clapped his hands forcefully to attract the attention of those present. Soon, everyone quieted down and looked at him.

He said in a deep voice, "I believe everyone knows the purpose of my inviting you here. In recent days, the remnants of Zheng Kou have been killing, setting fires, and robbing money in the city, becoming increasingly rampant. They are not giving us a way out, and we have no choice but to rise up in resistance..."

Chen Ming listened below, his heart without a ripple, even a little wanting to yawn.

It felt like he was back in his student days, listening to a speech by the school leaders.

However, the people around him had their emotions stirred up, and they became agitated, obviously Manager Qian's words had struck a chord in their hearts.

"...I, on behalf of Four Seas Trading Company, have invited two Fourth Rank experts to join you in suppressing those pirates."

Then, several people walked out from inside.

The man and woman at the head had eyes like lightning, and did not conceal the ferocity on their bodies, giving people a great sense of oppression.

It was clear at a glance that these were extremely powerful experts.

The only concern was, how strong was their fighting will?

These hired mercenaries were always only able to fight in favorable situations. Once the situation turned against them, they might run faster than rabbits.

As Chen Ming thought this, he heard Manager Qian introduce the two of them, "This is Iron. He is skilled with axes. This is Sand, she is skilled with long whips."

Very brief, even the names were omitted.

Someone asked, "These two faces are unfamiliar. May I ask which school or sect they hail from?"

Iron, with a stern face, said in a hoarse voice, "It's not convenient to say."

As soon as these words came out, everyone understood that these two were probably from a dubious background.

In this world, every martial artist particularly valued family background and lineage, especially those with higher strength. Most of the time, a simple sentence like, "I am a disciple of so-and-so sect," could resolve disputes.

That's why martial artists placed so much importance on reputation.

If someone didn't even dare to reveal their family background and lineage, what good could they be?

Either they were traitors expelled from their sect, which was still considered good.

Perhaps they were members of a demonic cult, which was the most terrifying.

For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.

Suddenly, someone laughed wildly, "Hahaha, when did Iron Sea General and Sand Sea General under the Crimson Enchantress join the Four Seas Trading Company?"

Iron's expression didn't change despite having his origins exposed. He still said in that hoarse voice, "Poison Jiao, you actually walked right into our trap today. Come out and face your death."

Instantly, the people present were in an uproar.

These two were actually the two great sea generals under Red Sea Lord!

The Four Seas Trading Company had actually hired two pirates to deal with another group of pirates. It was simply outrageous.

The thought had just flashed through Chen Ming's mind, and then he grabbed Zhang Mingyu and ran.

No joke, there was about to be a chaotic battle between Fourth Rank martial artists here. If they didn't run, they'd be waiting to die!

Poison Jiao King roared, "Defeated generals, how dare you speak such arrogant words in front of this King?"

Three figures flew out from the crowd, rushing towards Iron Sea General and Sand Sea General respectively.

"Hmph, bold!"

This was the last sound Chen Ming heard, and it seemed to be the voice of that Blue-Robed Commandant Yu Xiuming.

He was the chief official of Six Doors, and he was actually joining forces with two pirates to fight against three other pirates…

"What a pity, this is a battle between Fourth Rank experts."

After leaving the Six Doors yamen, Zhang Mingyu said with some regret, "How wonderful it would be if we could witness this battle firsthand."

However, Chen Ming didn't think so. As long as he was down-to-earth and constantly sparred with others, he would reach that realm sooner or later.

Therefore, he was unwilling to stay in this potentially dangerous place.

"Senior Brother, this place is dangerous. Let's go back first."

"You go first, I want to stay." Zhang Mingyu was unwilling to miss such an opportunity.

Chen Ming didn't bother with him and left alone.