Ming Hao darted back to Lin Yong and the others, moving as fast as lightning, dazzling anyone who watched.
When he landed firmly on the ground, he clutched the spirit stones he had just snatched.
His gaze swept swiftly over his surroundings. Lin Yong and the others had already finished collecting the other disciples' monthly stipends.
The Monthly Stipend Pouches lay piled together, giving off an enticing glow.
Smiling, Lin Hao lifted the pile of Monthly Stipend Pouches high and said:
"Junior Brother Ming Hao, there are nearly two hundred Monthly Stipend Pouches here, all taken from them. Please accept them."
Although this was their first time seeing so many monthly stipends, a trace of reluctance showed on everyone's face.
Yet none of them dared pocket any of this wealth, for Ming Hao's terrifying combat prowess was known to all.
Who would be foolish enough to pull teeth from a tiger's mouth? They were already perfectly satisfied to have kept their own monthly stipends.
The corners of Ming Hao's mouth lifted slightly. "You're too kind, Senior Brother!" he said softly. He reached out to accept the pile of Monthly Stipend Pouches, but did not put them away immediately.
Instead, he unhurriedly opened the bag, took out eight Monthly Stipend Pouches, and handed them to Lin Yong.
Then he gave Lin Hao six Monthly Stipend Pouches.
At that moment, Ming Hao's gaze fell on a breathtakingly beautiful woman.
Her combat prowess was quite impressive as well. During the melee, she had successfully held off six or seven people, buying everyone considerable time. Her contribution had been substantial.
Without any stinginess, Ming Hao gave her seven Monthly Stipend Pouches as well.
Finally, Ming Hao gave most of the others one Monthly Stipend Pouch each. Only a handful who had made some contribution received two.
Everyone received Monthly Stipend Pouches, their delight growing ever stronger as they thanked Ming Hao in a babble of voices.
After all, in the past, they had always had their monthly stipends stolen. This time, not only had they kept their own shares, they had even seized their opponents' stipends. How could they not be ecstatic?
"Senior brothers and sisters, please be patient. I'll escort everyone back to your residences now. That will bring my task to a successful conclusion."
Smiling, Ming Hao tucked the remaining wealth into the Storage Bag at his waist, looking thoroughly satisfied.
"Sorry for the trouble, Junior Brother!" Lin Hao and the others cupped their hands in thanks, expressing their admiration for Ming Hao's performance.
Without further delay, everyone hurried back toward their residences.
Along the way, they chatted and laughed in high spirits, as though they had forgotten their earlier tension and worry.
About half an hour later, everyone finally reached the courtyard.
"Now that I've brought all of you back safely, my task is complete. I won't trouble you any longer. Until we meet again."
Ming Hao cupped his hands in farewell and turned to leave.
However, just as he was about to step away, Lin Yong suddenly called out to stop him:
"Wait, Junior Brother! Are you planning to go back and seize the other disciples' monthly stipends?"
Lin Yong's voice was low and serious, carrying a hint of concern.
"What if I am? And what if I'm not?"
Ming Hao's expression remained calm, a glint flashing through his eyes. Is Lin Yong trying to stop me from making a windfall? If so, he can't blame me for turning on him without mercy.
"Please be patient, Junior Brother. That's not what I meant at all. We've suffered terribly from the other disciples' theft and bullying, but our strength is too meager, and we've never been able to fight back.
"Seeing you display your might today and overpower all your opponents filled us with admiration. Would you consider organizing a team to intercept the other disciples?
"After all, one more person means a little more strength. If you're willing, we'd gladly accompany you."
Lin Yong hurried to explain. Now that they had returned to a safe area, they had grown considerably bolder.
They could simply leave their monthly stipends here, then go out to fight the other disciples.
Even if they lost, their stipends would not be stolen. At worst, they would take a savage beating. Viewed that way, it was hardly a bad choice!
Ming Hao considered it briefly. Their strength was far too weak and uneven. They might not help at all, and could even become a burden.
Having to give them an extra share for no reason would hardly be wise. He absolutely could not enter into such a losing deal.
With that thought, Ming Hao immediately said, "I appreciate your kindness, Senior Brother, but I have no such plans at present. Farewell!" Without waiting for their reply, he swiftly departed, as though he could not get away fast enough.
The courtyard fell quiet for a moment, then a flurry of whispers arose.
"What's he so arrogant about? Does he really think he's invincible?"
"Exactly. If we hadn't helped hold off most of those disciples, who knows how things would have turned out?"
"He'll get beaten until he's crawling around looking for his teeth!"
"He'll get a bitter taste of suffering sooner or later..."
"Shut your mouths! Have you forgotten who just helped you keep your monthly stipends?" Lin Hao roared angrily.
Lin Hao still carried authority, and everyone immediately fell silent like cicadas in the cold, lowering their heads without a word.
Just then, Lin Yong turned and chased after Ming Hao, followed closely by the stunningly beautiful female disciple. Looking at those in the courtyard, Lin Hao sighed helplessly, then turned and strode after them too.
Only the disciples in the courtyard remained, exchanging bewildered looks.
A little while later, Lin Yong and the other two caught up with Ming Hao.
Looking at the three before him, Ming Hao was momentarily puzzled.
Lin Yong was the first to speak.
"The three of us felt that none of them were people who could accomplish great things, so we came specifically to lend you a hand, Junior Brother. We'll follow whatever arrangements you make.
"If you don't need us, the three of us will head back."
"Lin Yong speaks for both of us."
Lin Hao and the other woman voiced their agreement.
Ming Hao looked at the senior sister before him. She had a quiet bearing and an exquisite face, wore a disciple's uniform, and had black stockings faintly visible over her feet, along with white high-heeled boots. Her hair was tied in a ponytail. He asked:
"And you are, Senior Sister?"
"Forgive me, Junior Brother. My name is Lin Zihan. Lin Yong, Lin Hao, and I are cousins."
When Lin Zihan spoke, her voice was serene and clear as a night cuckoo's call.
"I see. Have you really thought this through? Sometimes, effort doesn't necessarily bring rewards."
"Don't worry, Junior Brother. We've made up our minds."
Lin Zihan answered him.
"In that case, let's go."
With that, Ming Hao stepped into the Brawl Arena once more, with Lin Yong and the others following close behind.
"This senior brother was pretty strong. He actually withstood over thirty of my moves before going down."
Ming Hao chuckled, holding a man by the throat.
This was already the fourth group the four of them had robbed, and the disciple before him was far from weak.
However, before the group could rest and recover from their previous battle, Ming Hao and the others had struck with attacks they had charged up in advance. The ambush succeeded immediately, leaving the already-injured disciple struggling to hold them off alongside seven or eight teammates.
He had hoped his other teammates could deal with the remaining three and hurry over to help. When he finally found a brief chance to catch his breath and steal a glance,
he discovered that his forty-odd other teammates were being chased and beaten by Lin Yong and the other two as easily as slicing melons and chopping vegetables. A wave of helplessness surged through him.
Ming Hao seized the opening and unleashed more than a dozen punches in succession, knocking him unconscious on the spot. And that was how he had ended up like this.
Ming Hao removed the Storage Bag from the man's waist, then tossed him onto the ground.
Lin Zihan and the others had also finished fighting. They swiftly stripped their opponents of their monthly stipends and gathered around.
In truth, they were not weak at all. On the contrary, they were very strong. Previously, each of them had been forced to face seven or eight disciples at the same cultivation level,
while constantly watching for sneak attacks from others. On top of that, they had been saddled with a pack of pig-brained teammates, making it seem as though Xu Shu and his group had completely overwhelmed them.
Now, without those pig-brained teammates dragging them down, they had caught their unsuspecting opponents with a prepared assault. Their enemies were in poor condition, and Ming Hao had dealt with all the strongest ones. The remaining disciples were practically walking kills delivered to their door. Cutting them down could not have been easier!
Lin Zihan and the others handed all the Monthly Stipend Pouches to Ming Hao, who accepted them without ceremony and put them straight into the Storage Bag at his waist.
Then he took out pills, one for each person, so they could recover quickly and prepare to intercept the next group!
Lin Yong and the others did not stand on ceremony either, immediately sitting down to meditate.
The disciples lying on the ground and playing dead dared not make a sound or move a muscle, terrified of inviting another savage beating.
Every so often, cries of agony still drifted over from nearby.