Chapter 6 - Mercenary Mastery: An Introduction to the Life of a Hired Warrior

Li Weis' spirit soared with each successful breath, he was closer to completion with each successful cycle.

The Ten Thousand Wars Breathing Technique not only enhanced Li Wei's physicality but also nurtured his spirit. Every breath he took overflowed with the essence of heaven and earth, seamlessly merging with his soul.

After hours of struggle, his body radiated with strength, and a solid foundation had been established.

He had finally achieved success in altering his cultivation technique. The narrowing of his meridians had begun, and as he continued to cultivate, they would gradually reach their utmost limit. Simultaneously, his body underwent a transformative process, moving closer to perfection and harmoniously aligning with his newfound cultivation technique.

His Dantian underwent a transformative process, expanding its capacity by three times the amount of Qi as before. This process had also only just started and would continue to improve as he cultivated. Moreover, the Qi itself became denser, enhancing his efficiency in its utilization. Additionally, his control over the Qi had improved, resulting in reduced wastage.

Overall he had achieved what he wanted.

With his Qi replenished and transformation done, Li Wei felt refreshed.

The three women were curiously staring at Li Wei who seemingly changed in such a short period. They were not sure if their eyes were deceiving them, but something felt different about him.

Throughout Li Weis's cultivation, they looked at him strangely as they couldn't figure out what he was up to. They had never met a monk before as they were usually quite reclusive and did their own thing. Monks were rarely adventurers and sought solitude and or to stay in their monasteries pursuing enlightenment.

Even if they tried talking to Li Wei he would not answer so after a while they gave up.

Just then a shout came, "Everyone stop!" The heavily bearded man Eamon shouted.

The wagon driver tugged on the harness, bringing the horses to a halt. At the same time, all the adventurers also stopped their vigilance dropped.

"We are done for the day, assemble the camps! Gerold, Haldon you two and your teams will be on guard tonight take turns to sleep."

Li Wei opened his eyes, he looked at the two elves and a dwarf. Sensing Li Weis's movement the three turned to him looking strangely.

Li Wei stood up, stretching his muscles that hummed with newfound energy. He turned to the three women, who still held expressions of puzzlement on their faces. He smiled, the grin both unnerving and comforting in its own way.

"Did you notice something different?" Li Wei asked, curiosity dancing in his eyes. The three women exchanged glances, uncertainty written all over their faces.

Li Wei continued to converse with the three women, before hearing a shout targeted at him. "You're alive!" The call came from Eamon, his burly figure standing out among the crowd. His eyes sparkled under the evening sun, a clear sign of a seasoned warrior.

The man was the mercenary leader, a person of high stature and respect among the adventurers. He approached Li Wei, his steps heavy, his gaze filled with interest.

The mercenary leader observed Li Wei for a long moment, his eyes filled with appraisal. At the same time, Li Wei observed the bearded man.

Both of their evaluations were, 'Strong!'

"I am indeed alive. Thank you for picking me up, I have heard of what happened from the three friends of mine." Li Wei gestured at the merchant party.

Eamon, the mercenary leader, had a reputation for being gruff, but his eyes held an odd respect as he looked at Li Wei. He scratched at his bearded chin before speaking, "You owe me a story kid."

Li Wei looked at Eamon's bearded face, then turned to the merchants, his lips curling into a lopsided smile. "I have discussed my story with Eolande and her companions. I would like to keep it private. Just know that your party is not in danger and I have no one in pursuit of me. I apologise for worrying everyone. "

Eamon's burly frame relaxed slightly at Li Wei's words and gave him a nod. "Alright, kid. We'll respect your privacy. But remember, we're a team here. If you need anything, you let us know."

A sense of relief swept over Li Wei, his eyes reflecting gratitude. "I appreciate your understanding, Eamon."

The interaction between Li Wei and the mercenary leader was observed by the surrounding mercenaries, and their interest was piqued.

The mercenaries swiftly established their camps, boldly taking charge of the merchants' encampments. With remarkable speed, they kindled a roaring fire, its flickering flames swiftly chasing away the encroaching chill, embracing them in its comforting warmth.

As twilight settled over the expansive plains they had just traversed, an ethereal hush descended upon the land. The grassy knolls, earlier dancing in the whimsical winds, now lay dormant under the vast blanket of darkness. The last vestiges of the setting sun dotted the horizon, the vivid hues of orange and red slowly fading into the indigo of the night.

Murmurs of conversations, punctuated with laughter and friendly banter, floated within the group, creating a warm aura that was enchanted by the crackling of fire.

The sounds of the night were a symphony of nature. The crickets strummed their nightly tunes, their rhythmic chirping filling the quietude of the plains. The occasional hoot of an owl from a distance added to the mysterious allure of the night. The rustling grass echoed the whispers of the night, their secrets carried away by the gentle breeze.

The dancing flames reflected in the adventurer's eyes, mirroring the thrill and curiosity that all of them had.

The night was alive with sounds. The distant howl of a nocturnal predator, the soft whispers of the wind - all blending into a serenade of the wilderness.

In the silence of the night, under the canopy of the starlit sky, the plains bore silent witness to their laughter. This was their world for the night - a world that consisted of a roaring fire, the vast expanse of the plains, their shared tales, and the symphony of the night. As the moon made its ascent in the sky, heralding the arrival of the night hours, their voices seemed to blend with the whispers of the night, creating a harmonious melody that echoed across the vast plains.

The group sat around the fire as they turned a huge wild boar over the fire once in a while.

"Li Wei let me introduce you to my Mercenary band. We are called, 'The Iron Bears.' This here is Gerold," Eamon motioned towards a stern-faced Dragonborn with a scar running down his face, his physique incredibly imposing. "He's my right hand, one of the strongest spear-wielders I've ever seen."

Next, Eamon pointed at a quiet Orc seated away from the crowd, his focus clearly on sharpening a blade. This was Haldon, a stout orc man with sharp features and eyes that seemed to hold an ocean of calm. "Haldon is our strategist. He's got a mind sharper than any sword and has saved our hides more times than we can count."

Lastly, Eamon affectionately ruffled the hair of a young boy standing beside him. The boy couldn't have been more than 14, but his eyes held an eagerness that belied his age. "And this lad here is Theo, my apprentice. He's young, but don't underestimate him. He's a quick learner, with a heart braver than most men I know."

Li Wei glanced at the Haldon and Gerold the Dragonborn and Orc warrior.

Gerold, the Dragonborn warrior, was an imposing figure. Standing at nearly seven feet, his physique was built like a fortress, with muscles that rippled beneath his well-worn armour. His scales, a deep, rich bronze colour, were like hardened metal plates, each perfectly overlapping to provide him with an additional layer of natural protection. His eyes, narrow slits of intense gold, illuminated his stern face, adding an aura of formidable authority that could intimidate even the bravest of souls.

The Dragonborn's armour bore the marks of numerous battles; it was dented and scratched, with a few scales missing, revealing the scars underneath. However, every imperfection was a testament to its resilience. The armor was expertly crafted from half-leather half-steel, known for its lightness and durability. It hugged Gerold's substantial form, providing protection while allowing him full mobility. His armour shimmered in the firelight, its surface rough, almost resembling the natural scales of Gerold himself. Each segment was meticulously fitted, the interlocking plates echoing the arrangement of his own scales.

The shoulder plates bore the emblem of The Iron Bears, engraved deeply into the metal. His gauntlets were studded, adding weight to his punches, while the plates covering his legs were ornamented with intricate etchings of past victories. Gerold's armour was not simply a protective shell but an extension of his own body and the countless struggles he'd been through.

On the other hand, Haldon, the quiet Orc strategist, was a stark contrast to Gerold.

Haldon, unlike his Dragonborn comrade, was not a towering figure. Standing at a modest height, the Orc strategist had a robust frame sculpted by countless strategic manoeuvres and battles. His skin was a rich, earthy green, a shade that was characteristic of his race. It was tough, yet had a suppleness to it, a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Haldon's muscles were not as pronounced as Gerold's, but they were dense and lean, attesting to his strength and agility.

His face, though hardened by years of experience, held a certain tranquillity. His eyes, a brilliant emerald green, held a sharp, calculating gaze. His jaw was strong, holding onto numerous scars.

A pair of tusk-like canines, a unique characteristic among Orcs, jutted out from his lower lip, curving upwards. They were a mark of pride and honour, symbolizing his maturity and status among his kin. His hair was dark and coarse, often tied back into a simple ponytail that did nothing to hinder his broad vision.

His attire exuded an air of simplicity and practicality. He wore a suit of dark leather armour, with multiple layers of hardened, boiled leather stitched together, providing him with ample protection without hindering his movements. His armour was designed for efficiency and discretion, perfectly fitting for someone who valued strategy over brute force. The texture was smooth to the touch, weathered with use, but it was evident that it had been lovingly cared for.

The strappings crisscrossed his broad chest in an elaborate design, each one fastened with an intricately carved bone buckle. The dark leather was beautifully juxtaposed by the pale, almost milky white of the bone. His vambraces were adorned with meticulously placed shards of metal, providing an additional layer of protection.

Resting on his thighs was a blade, its gleam reflecting a history of countless battles, as he meticulously sharpened it to maintain its formidable edge.

Haldon's armour was less flashy than Gerold's but no less impressive. The leather bore the marks of numerous adjustments and repairs, each one a testament to its owner's resourcefulness.

Li Wei had stepped into an entirely different realm. In his world, such races didn't exist, let alone the diverse group of people gathered around the campfire.