Chapter 374 Recruiting Meteorites as Henchmen! Blackrock City, from this day forward, I'm in charge!
Red Fire Mercenary Group Headquarters.
Iron Mountain Liu knelt on the ground.
His forehead pressed against the gravel on the ground, his whole body trembling slightly.
Behind him, the Diamond Rank and Amethyst Rank members also knelt down in succession.
No one spoke.
No one dared to move.
Only the wind blew through the ruins, carrying a faint rustling sound.
To live.
Nothing was more important than staying alive.
This was the only thought in Iron Mountain Liu's mind at this moment.
He was a First Stage of Meteor Rank powerhouse who had run rampant in Black Rock City for over a decade, witnessing countless deaths and personally sending off many people.
But today, for the first time, he felt so clearly that death was so close.
That aura.
In that instant, it felt as if an ancient Vicious Beast had opened its eyes and given him a cold look.
Just one look.
And his Soul nearly froze.
He knew that if that existence wanted to kill him...
He wouldn't even last a single second.
So, he knelt.
He knelt without hesitation, knelt completely.
Dignity?
Face?
In the Face of death, they were worthless.
The Diamond Rank powerhouses behind him felt this even more so.
Zhou Ba, at the Diamond Ninth Tier Peak, was now sprawled on the ground, his body limp, lacking even the courage to lift his head.
His Iron-backed Azure Bear huddled beside him, letting out low whimpers like a small beast facing its natural predator.
Wang Lie, Diamond Eighth Tier, pressed his forehead firmly against the ground, not daring to make any unnecessary movements.
His Blazing Mad Lion lay beside him, its fur standing on end, yet it didn't dare move a muscle, only shivering.
The other Diamond Rank powerhouses were in an even more pathetic state.
Some sat slumped on the ground, their eyes vacant, muttering to themselves about who knows what.
Some leaned against the walls, their legs trembling, their Faces as pale as paper.
Some simply fainted outright, lying on the ground unconscious.
As for the Amethyst Rank members, they had long since knelt in a mass, their heads buried low, not daring to even breathe loudly.
Even the Vice Leader had knelt.
What right did they have to remain standing?
The entire Red Fire Mercenary Group headquarters, over a hundred people.
At this moment, all were prostrate on the ground.
Like a field of flattened wheat.
In the sky.
Jiang Yun stood with his hands behind his back, looking down from above.
His expression was calm, his gaze indifferent, as if all of this was only natural.
He didn't speak.
He just watched quietly.
That silence was more oppressive than any words could be.
Below, those prostrate people felt even greater fear in their hearts.
This new leader... what on earth was he thinking?
Would he... suddenly change his mind and kill them?
After all, they were just shouting provocations moments ago.
They were still making threats.
They were still talking about waiting for their leader to return.
If this new leader held a grudge...
The cold sweat on Iron Mountain Liu's forehead increased.
He knelt on the ground, not daring to breathe, simply waiting for the judgment of fate.
After a long time.
Jiang Yun finally spoke.
His voice wasn't loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly.
“Rise.”
Just two words.
Yet they made everyone feel as if they had received a grand pardon.
Iron Mountain Liu raised his head and looked at Jiang Yun.
There was no expression on that young Face.
But those eyes were terrifyingly deep.
Iron Mountain Liu's heart jolted, and he hurriedly lowered his head again.
“Thank... Thank you, Leader, for sparing my life.”
His voice was raspy and trembling.
Behind him, those prostrate also spoke up one after another.
“Thank you, Leader, for sparing our lives!”
“Thank you, Leader, for sparing our lives!”
The voices rose and fell, echoing throughout the headquarters.
Jiang Yun nodded slightly.
“From today onward, the Red Fire Mercenary Group is merged into the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group.”
His voice remained calm, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.
“The organizational structure remains unchanged, but one thing...”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the people below.
“If anyone has divided loyalties, they shall be executed without mercy.”
The last few words were spoken nonchalantly.
Yet they made everyone feel a chill rush from their feet straight to the crowns of their heads again.
Iron Mountain Liu hurriedly said.
“This subordinate wouldn't dare! This subordinate swears loyalty unto death to the Leader!”
Behind him, those people also expressed their stance.
“Loyalty unto death to the new Leader!”
“Loyalty unto death to the new Leader!”
Jiang Yun nodded.
“Very well.”
He looked at Iron Mountain Liu.
“Vice Leader Liu.”
Iron Mountain Liu quickly responded.
“This subordinate is here!”
Jiang Yun said.
“Now, select a group of people. High-tier Diamond Rank and above shall accompany me to the Black Wind Stronghold.”
Iron Mountain Liu was stunned.
What?
Go to the Black Wind Stronghold?
And take them along?
He looked up at Jiang Yun in disbelief.
“Leader... You... You still intend to subjugate the Black Wind Stronghold?”
Jiang Yun looked at him.
“Why? Is there a problem?”
Iron Mountain Liu's heart trembled, and he hurriedly said.
“No... No problem! It's just...”
He swallowed hard and said cautiously.
“Leader, regarding the Black Wind Stronghold... their Fortress Master...”
He didn't finish.
The meaning was already clear.
Lie Yunkong was dead, so the Red Fire Mercenary Group was leaderless and could only submit.
But isn't the Black Wind Stronghold Master, the Black Wind Old Demon, still alive?
Jiang Yun said indifferently.
“Their Fortress Master is also dead.”
Iron Mountain Liu's pupils constricted!
Dead?!
The Black Wind Old Demon is dead too?!
He suddenly looked at Jiang Yun.
His eyes were filled with horror.
If the Black Wind Old Demon was also dead...
Then how many Meteorite powerhouses had this new leader of theirs actually killed?!
Lie Yunkong, Meteorite Level 4.
Black Wind Old Demon, Peak of Meteorite Level 3.
Two Meteorite powerhouses both died at his hands?!
Iron Mountain Liu felt his scalp go numb.
He recalled that terrifying aura from earlier once more.
As expected.
That existence had even killed the Black Wind Old Demon.
The fear in his eyes as he looked at Jiang Yun deepened by a few more degrees.
But soon, he thought of another issue.
The Black Wind Stronghold was not something the Red Fire Mercenary Group could compare to.
It was the oldest established power in Black Rock City, with a terrifyingly deep foundation.
He hesitated for a moment but still spoke up.
“Leader, this subordinate is so bold as to... have something to say, though I don't know if I should.”
Jiang Yun looked at him.
“Speak.”
Iron Mountain Liu took a deep breath.
“Leader, the Black Wind Stronghold is a much tougher nut to crack than our Red Fire Mercenary Group.”
“They have existed for over a century and are the most senior power in Black Rock City. Although the Fortress Master, Black Wind Old Demon, was only at the Peak of Meteorite Level 4, they still have two other masters whose strengths are not weak.”
“The Second Master is Meteorite Level 3. The Third Master is at the Peak of Meteorite Level 2.”
“Furthermore, they have at least twenty Diamond Rank powerhouses under them, and hundreds of Amethyst Ranks.”
“If the new Leader intends to subjugate them, you must be extremely careful...”
As he spoke, he looked at Jiang Yun, his eyes full of worry.
It was genuine worry.
Because he was now Jiang Yun's man.
If Jiang Yun met his downfall at the Black Wind Stronghold, what would happen to those who had just surrendered?
There was no need to even think about it.
The people of the Black Wind Stronghold would definitely not let them off.
Jiang Yun listened, his heart stirring slightly.
Meteorite Level 3, Meteorite Level 2.
Two masters, both with strength that wasn't weak.
Including the deceased Black Wind Old Demon, the Black Wind Stronghold actually had three Meteorite powerhouses?
As expected, it wasn't as simple as He Yuanming had made it out to be.
He was about to ask for detailed information about the Black Wind Stronghold.
But He Yuanming beat him to it.
“Vice Leader Liu, you are overthinking it.”
He stood with his hands behind his back and said indifferently.
“The Black Wind Old Demon was indeed killed by Master Jiang. I can testify to that.”
“As for those two masters...”
He smiled, a hint of disdain in his expression.
“What of Meteorite Level 3 or Meteorite Level 4?”
“Master Jiang could kill Lie Yunkong at the Peak of Meteorite Level 4 and the Black Wind Old Demon at the Peak of Meteorite Level 3, so why would he fear these two?”
“What's more, I am here as well.”
“With the two of us joining forces, the Black Wind Stronghold can be wiped out with a flip of a hand.”
He looked at Iron Mountain Liu, his tone carrying a meaningful undertone.
“Vice Leader Liu, you keep making excuses. Could it be... that you haven't truly submitted to Master Jiang?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Iron Mountain Liu's expression changed drastically!
What a heavy accusation!
He hurriedly looked at Jiang Yun.
“Master Jiang, please be the judge! This subordinate has no divided loyalties!”
He grit his teeth and immediately turned around, shouting to the people behind him.
“Red Fire Mercenary Group, all high-tier Diamond Ranks and above, step forward!”
As his voice fell.
Figures stepped out from the crowd one after another.
Zhou Ba, Diamond Ninth Tier Peak.
Wang Lie, Diamond Eighth Tier.
Along with three other Diamond Rank Seven powerhouses.
Five people in total.
They stood behind Iron Mountain Liu and cupped their fists in salute to Jiang Yun in unison.
“Greetings to the new Leader!”
“We are willing to follow the new Leader to conquer the Black Wind Stronghold!”
“Loyalty unto death to the new Leader!”
The voices of the five were loud and orderly.
Jiang Yun looked at them and nodded slightly.
“Very well.”
His gaze swept over the five of them.
Zhou Ba, Diamond Ninth Tier Peak, his Beast Taming aura was steady.
Wang Lie, Diamond Eighth Tier, his Beast Taming Battle Intent was high.
The other three were also Diamond Rank Seven, each with their own characteristics.
This force, combined with Iron Mountain Liu, a First Stage of Meteor Rank.
Was indeed a significant boost.
He looked at He Yuanming.
He Yuanming also happened to look at him, a respectful smile on his Face.
A subtle, deep look flashed through Jiang Yun's eyes.
This old fox.
Just now, he was clearly interrupting his questioning on purpose.
Why?
Did he not want him to know the full details of the Black Wind Stronghold?
Or... was there another plot?
Jiang Yun sneered inwardly.
But his Face remained impassive.
He simply said indifferently.
“Commander He is quite thorough. In that case, let us set out.”
He Yuanming nodded quickly.
“Yes, Master Jiang.”
With a wave of his hand, the Blood Feather Demon Eagle flapped its wings and took flight.
Iron Mountain Liu also summoned his own beast.
A Crimson Flame Demonic Tiger, First Stage of Meteor Rank, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.
Zhou Ba and the others also summoned their beasts and took to the air.
The group flew out of Black Rock City in a grand procession.
Below.
On the streets of Black Rock City.
Someone looked up and saw the scene in the sky.
Then.
That person was stunned.
“Holy crap! What is that?!”
The person next to him looked up and was also stunned.
“So many... so many people!”
“To dare fly over Black Rock City, they must all be Diamond Rank powerhouses or above!”
“Wait! That looks like Leader He Yuanming of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group! I recognize his Blood Feather Demon Eagle!”
“Who's that next to him? Why is there a Crimson Flame Demonic Tiger? That's... that's Vice Leader Iron Mountain Liu of the Red Fire Mercenary Group!”
“Iron Mountain Liu? Why is he with He Yuanming?”
“No! Look! There are so many people behind them!”
“Those are the Diamond Rank powerhouses of the Red Fire Mercenary Group! Zhou Ba! Wang Lie! And several others!”
“My god! What a lineup?!”
“The elites of two major mercenary groups moving out together?! What are they doing?!”
“The times are changing! Black Rock City is about to undergo a major shift!”
Exclamations rose and fell one after another.
Countless people looked up at the grand procession in the sky, their eyes filled with shock.
Someone muttered.
“With so many powerhouses moving together... could they be going to attack the Black Wind Stronghold?”
The person next to him shook his head.
“Impossible! The Black Wind Stronghold is even stronger than the Red Fire Mercenary Group! They're going to attack? Are they seeking death?”
“Then where do you say they're going?”
“How should I know...”
“Wait! Look! The direction they're flying... it really is the Black Wind Stronghold!”
Everyone was stunned.
Then.
BOOM!!!
The entire Black Rock City instantly erupted in a frenzy!
“Hurry and notify the Black Wind Stronghold!”
“It's too late! They've already flown past!”
“It's over, it's over! Something big is about to happen in Black Rock City!”
And in the sky.
Jiang Yun looked down at the panicked crowds below, his expression calm.
He turned his head and looked at He Yuanming.
“Commander He, how much further to the Black Wind Stronghold?”
He Yuanming hurriedly said.
“Replying to Master Jiang, we're almost there. It's on that mountain ahead.”
Jiang Yun looked in the direction he was pointing.
In the distance, there was a towering mountain.
The mountain was steep and rugged, shrouded in mist and clouds.
Faintly visible on the summit was a continuous complex of buildings.
Black tiles and white walls, built into the mountainside.
Easy to defend and hard to attack.
Jiang Yun nodded slightly.
“It's quite a good place.”
Soon.
The group flew closer.
Jiang Yun also saw the full view of the Black Wind Stronghold.
It was a massive fortress, built along the mountain in layered tiers.
The fortress walls were high, all built from massive blue stones, several zhang tall.
On the walls, there were watchtowers at intervals, with figures moving upon them.
The fortress gates were tightly shut, with dozens of black-clad guards at the entrance, weapons in hand and eyes vigilant.
The entire fortress exuded a stern and forbidding aura.
He Yuanming stopped before the fortress gates, hovering in the air.
He took a deep breath and called out loudly.
“Everyone of the Black Wind Stronghold, stop hiding and come out to chat!”
His voice was like thunder, rolling outward.
A moment later.
A commotion came from within the fortress.
Immediately following that.
Several powerful auras soared into the sky!
BOOM!!!
Two figures flew out from the fortress and hovered in the air.
Behind them followed over a dozen more figures, their auras equally formidable.
Jiang Yun looked up.
His talent quietly activated.
【Name】: Li Fengxing
【Realm】: Meteorite Level 3
【Beast】: Netherworld Ghost Vulture
【Identity】: Second Master of Black Wind Stronghold
...
【Name】: Li Potian
【Realm】: Meteorite Level 2
【Beast】: Dark Demonic Ape
【Identity】: Third Master of Black Wind Stronghold
...
【Name】: Tie Zhan
【Realm】: Diamond Ninth Tier Peak
【Beast】: Ironclad Earth Dragon
...
A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Yun's eyes.
One Meteorite Level 3.
One Meteorite Level 2.
Two at the Diamond Ninth Tier Peak.
Five at Diamond Eighth Tier.
And seven or eight others below Diamond Rank Seven.
Plus the dozens of Amethyst Rank elites behind them.
The strength of this Black Wind Stronghold was indeed a large step above the Red Fire Mercenary Group!
He couldn't help but glance at He Yuanming.
This old fox.
He had made it sound so easy before.
Saying one or two Meteorites were nothing to fear.
And now?
One Meteorite Level 3 and one Meteorite Level 2.
This is "nothing to fear"?
It seems He Yuanming wants me to clear the obstacles for him.
Jiang Yun sneered inwardly.
On the surface, he remained impassive.
He just watched the scene ahead quietly.
The Second Master of the Black Wind Stronghold, Li Fengxing, was an old man in his fifties with a thin build and sinister eyes.
He stared at He Yuanming, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
“He Yuanming?”
His voice was raspy and gloomy.
“What is the meaning of bringing so many people to my Black Wind Stronghold?”
He Yuanming smiled.
“Second Master Li, don't be nervous. I've come to inform you of some good news.”
Li Fengxing sneered.
“Good news? What good news could you possibly have?”
He Yuanming stood with his hands behind his back and said indifferently.
“Your First Master, the Black Wind Old Demon, is dead.”
“He died in the Nether Ancient Ruins Secret Realm.”
“Therefore, I have come today to offer you a new choice.”
He pointed at Jiang Yun.
“This is Master Jiang. From today onward, the Black Wind Stronghold is under his jurisdiction.”
Li Fengxing was stunned.
Li Potian was stunned.
The Diamond Rank powerhouses behind them were all stunned as well.
Then.
BOOM!!!
Li Potian was enraged!
“Bullshit!”
His voice was like a thunderclap, echoing through the sky.
“My big brother is at the Peak of Meteorite Level 3! Who could possibly kill him so easily?!”
“He Yuanming! Stop trying to deceive me with your damn lies!”
He stared intently at He Yuanming, killing intent boiling in his eyes.
“If you don't give me an explanation today, I'll make your Blood Thorn Mercenary Group vanish from Black Rock City!”
Li Fengxing also spoke coldly.
“He Yuanming, do you know what you are saying?”
Behind him, those dozen or so Diamond Rank powerhouses also released their auras in unison!
One powerful aura after another soared into the sky!
The entire sky seemed to solidify!
Behind He Yuanming, Iron Mountain Liu's expression changed slightly.
Zhou Ba and the others looked even more tense.
This power was too strong!
Two Meteorites, over a dozen Diamonds!
Plus the hundreds of Amethyst Ranks below...
If a fight really broke out...
If Master Jiang didn't take action...
They would undoubtedly be defeated...
However.
He Yuanming's expression remained calm.
He even smiled.
He turned his head and looked at Jiang Yun.
“Master Jiang, what do you think?”
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