9. Pledge Loyalty to me or die!!

His other friends were alarmed and flee to other places. His wife can't endure it any longer and committed suicide. Their children was sent to an orphanage after their mother's death. A few days later, news spread saying that they were poisoned.

When he arrived back to the city after several months. What awaits him were news of their death.

The family he loves the most left him. His loyal brothers vanished for the sake of his family while some others silently left. He was overcome with grief and sorrow. His happiness was taken away from him, he felt alone.

In that same day, two people showed up saying that if he agreed to join their Faction, they'll help him take revenge. His mind was in chaos that time, so he agreed without thinking.

Days later, one sect after another got attacked suffering heavy losses. Even to the point that some of their elders and sect leader died from assassination. 

Ling Bing's name was written using the blood of the people that has been killed. Because of this, his reputation dwindled and was then chased by many powerhouses. Even the royal family sent their SS rank powerhouse just to get rid of him. He have no choice but to hide and seek refuge through joining the underground faction.

And today, the higher ups of the underground have given him assignment to manage this bandit group. Although he hate doing something like this, he couldn't do anything. Underground was so strong and the only way in leaving it was death.

***

"Ling Bing, we should attack now or the enemy might notice us" Ling Bing's partner spoke solemnly. He was Tang Bai, another S rank warrior.

He joined underground faction because of Ling Bing saving his life in the past. Ling Bing was thankful that Tang Bai followed him here volunteering to help.

"Okay, brothers let's attack now!"

"Yaahhhhhhh!!..."

The bandit's swarmed at the caravans like madman while they stayed behind to assists them when things got out of hand. 

The people in the caravan notice the disturbance happening outside. They hurriedly rang the warning bell to alert everyone.

But too late, a person materialize behind him cutting his throat. Even though the assassin was fast and secretive, some still manage to rang the bell.

Ding!! Ding!! Ding!!

The continuous ringing of the bell echoed in the dark night. Alerting everyone from the enemies surprise attack.

Rows upon rows of people in various classes rushed out like a mighty army. They're like trained soldiers not worried at the enemies emergence, it was as if they were waiting for this moment. 

“F***! They're prepared! Everyone retreat!!” Ling Bing hurriedly shouted seeing that their enemy was well organized.

Boom!

“Kyaaaakk!.. helpp!!“

A fight broke out between the two sides as people's scream could be heard everywhere. 

Spells flew here and there.

"Boss help.. kyaak!.."

"Where's the boss? Boss!"

"Ahh.. help me.. "

The bandit group was in a disadvantage, the mercenary's and adventurer's were organize and in sync. Ling Bing and Tang Bai dashed to help but a man blocked their path before they could take a step. It was a man with gray and black hairstyle.

"What are you so excited for? Wait for a bit. Master wants to talked to you two" the man said.

"Don't talk sh*t! If you want to stop us, let's fight! Who do you think you are to boss us around" Tang Bai furiously said directly throwing a punch at Ding Bang's jaw. 

"Your attack are fast and strong, but if it can't hit me, it's useless altogether" Ding Bang commented while dodging easily.

Ling Bing was surprised that Tang Bai wasn't able to land a punch even once. 'He's strong' he thought as he dashed over to help his partner.

Ling Bing and Tang Bai have great synergy with each other. Although Ding Bang found so many openings, he didn't attack even once. 

"You two are good, master would be happy if you accept his offer" Ding Bang happily said with a smile.

"What b*llsh*t!! We would never accept his offer even if it means death" Tang Bai rebutted angrily. "The master you're talking about was trash of the trashiest, he didn't even show his face” he added.

Ding Bang suddeny stop dodging their attacks as he glared at Tang Bai angrily. Even though he was a Triple S ranker, Ding Bang still respected Feng Shaotian next only to his Father.

'F*ck. We're in trouble?' the two of them thought while looking at each other. However, as it was their only opportunity to land a hit. They immediately used their fusion skill, gathering mass energy into their palms.

However, before they could send their attack. Ding Bang who halted his movements suddenly vanished without a trace. 

When suddenly, a strong gust of wind carrying a chilling force pushed them backwards like they were paper.

'Impossible!' they both exclaimed in their thoughts.

With no other choice, the two of them throw the ball of energy where they thought Ding Bang was attacking. However, they were shocked to find out that the ball of energy they throw suddenly disperse without their consent.

Whoosh..!!!

A strong gale of wind was released from Ding Bang's real position. Generating a massive destruction on their surrounding but surprisingly, they weren't hurt at all. 

Gulp..!

They both gulped their saliva hard. Ding Bang's show of strength greatly scared the both of them. 

“Are you convinced?” a youthful voice suddenly asked. Then meters away from them, a refined young man walked out behind a tree. His clothes were unusual and look different from the others.

'Don't tell me that the master hes talking to is that young man?' the both of them thought. 'If that's true, then he must be someone important from a Hidden Family or Organization'.

"What do you want from us?" Ling Bing cautiously asked. 

The young man halted his step a few meters away from them. "My name is Feng Shaotian, let me asked you. Did you come here to rob that caravan?". Feng Shaotian asked while looking directly at them.  

However, Ling Bing and Tang Bai stayed silent and didn't answer his question.

”I'll give you two choices, Pledged loyalty to me or die!!" Feng Shaotian said expressing his superiority.

He know how valuable human resources were, especially those with higher ranks and talents. So he tried using this method even though it has low probability of success.

"What's your choice?“ Feng Shaotian asked coldly. Surprisingly, Tang Bai and Ling Bing still didn't reply although they're covered in cold sweat. 

Feng Shaotian sighed, he then turn around and said. "Go back to where you came from, I don't have any grudge to any of you or something. But, the next time you trouble my business, washed your neck clean first”. After saying those words, Feng Shaotian then left heroically.

Ling Bing and Tang Bai didn't thought of leaving here alive. They were prepared to be killed by the hands of the enemy, only to be spared.

Ding Bang withdraw the chilly pressure he emits as he spoke coldly, "You're lucky". His silhouette then vanished out of thin air leaving the two of them.

Although their leg's were shaking. The both of them still hurriedly went to the battlefield to help their subordinates retreat.

***

"Boss, why didn't you help us early?" A man in red robe said aggrieved. His left hand was almost burned by the enemies fire spell.

"Yeah boss, our brothers died there because they have faith in you. However, you only showed up late and issued retreat which cost so many of our brothers life. Are you even considering us as your brother's?" another person spoke, his eyes were red in grief.

"I know, we're sorry that we didn't do our job well as your Boss“ Ling Bing said sympathetically at everyone.

”You don't know this but we're almost got killed. If that person didn't show mercy on us, no one would have survived by then" Tang Bai said as he thought of Feng Shaotian's leaving figure.

Everyone stayed silent hearing their boss were almost got killed. After some time, all of them left and went home in defeat.

***

After the fierce battle concluded, everyone from Red Tulip Chamber of Commerce celebrated. Although some are injured while others died, it was still considered a complete victory. 

They then started cleaning the surrounding area, burying their companion who died from the battle. While Shadow Killer and Tang Jun already started distributing the reward. 

The adventurers who were commissioned to this mission received their gold as per agreement. Some received many golds but still haven't broke to 10,000 mark. 

Shadow Killer spotted Feng Shaotian among the group in a distance, he walked over and bowed his head respectfully. This show of respect shocked everyone in the scene.

“Who is that young man?”

“I don't know. Does anyone saw him fight?”

“I didn't see him. Maybe he's a high rank assassin?”

“His clothes were unusual. He didn't wore any robe at all”

Everyone discussed animatedly while guessing Feng Shaotian's identity.