After seeing the Merchant Alliance’s leader remain silent, the Shadow Alliance’s leader pressed, “Do you agree or not? Give me a clear answer.”
The leader shook his head. “Those who die in the contest bear full responsibility. They are simply weak, and I will not compensate for their deaths. Why should the Merchant Alliance hand over our contestant for you to decide their fate?”
“Fine. This won’t be the last time you see me,” the Shadow Alliance’s leader grumbled.
He returned to his seat, glaring at the merchants as he calculated when they would die. Despite losing their Diamond adventurer, the Shadow Alliance still awaited the return of four of their Platinum adventurers.
The Imperial Knights and the Adventurer Guild both had zero points, confirming their contestants were likely all dead. Their grudge against the Merchant Alliance ran deeper than the Shadow Alliance’s.
Naturally, the Merchant Alliance’s leader knew exactly what everyone was thinking. He pulled out a silk handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Contestants continued to stream out from the entrance. Soon, Han Wu and the others appeared. The leader hurried over to greet them. Except for Zhan Xiong, the rest looked unscathed; their clothes remained pristine, as if they had come for a leisurely stroll rather than a fierce contest.
The leader quickly turned to the eldest among them. “Master Saurman, did your team clash with the Adventurer Guild, Imperial Knights, and Shadow Alliance?”
Saurman glanced at Han Wu but remained silent, waiting for Han Wu’s permission to speak. Han Wu stepped forward and asked the leader if everything was all right.
The Merchant Alliance’s higher-ups buzzed anxiously. “We have a serious problem! When the contestants from the other three factions died, all their points were transferred to the Merchant Alliance. Without any points, those factions cannot determine resource allocation for the next five years! This cuts off their main source of income. Of course, we’re in trouble!”
“Are the deaths of their representatives connected to you?”
Han Wu nodded. “Yes. I killed all three of their Diamond adventurers.”
“What?!” the leader and others exclaimed.
The leader had considered the possibility but dismissed it outright. Diamond adventurers stood at the top of the pyramid. It seemed nearly impossible for Gold adventurers to kill them. Yet Han Wu’s words implied he had done exactly that.Did he have some sort of trump card up his sleeves?
Lady Mei nodded firmly. “Senior Han Wu is that powerful. Those Diamond adventurers were no match for him.”
Saurman added, “I saw him kill them with my own eyes. I will never forget his heroic deeds.”
Even the youngest, Alice and Xue Feng, stepped forward to defend Han Wu.
“Brother Han Wu saved me from the Imperial Knights’ pigs. Leader, you can’t give him trouble, or I will tell my parents.”
“Han Wu is my partner. Anyone who tries to harm him will have to go through me.”
The Merchant Alliance’s higher-ups were astounded. The Platinum adventurers they had recruited were known for their pride and strength, yet now each one defended Han Wu without hesitation. What spell had Han Wu cast to earn their unquestioning loyalty?
The leader was about to ask more when two Diamond adventurers approached.
“I am Woody, a guest of the Adventurer Guild. May I ask if my overly cautious brother died by your hand?” Woody immediately confronted Han Wu about the death of their fellow Diamond adventurer.
Han Wu did not hesitate to admit the truth. “His summoning skills were strong, but I suppose I’m slightly better than him.”
Woody’s anger flared so fiercely his beard seemed to stand on end. He knew his brother’s abilities well and was certain no one matched him in summoning. How could an enemy claim his brother’s skills were inferior? He refused to let his brother’s reputation be tarnished even in death.
The other Diamond adventurer, Hei Xiang, patted Woody to calm him down a little. He wanted Woody to hold back until after the questioning. “Brat, do you know the only son of the Myriad King joined the contest as a representative of the Imperial Knights?”
Han Wu nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“Then where is he? Is he still alive?”
Han Wu shook his head. “He’s dead. He tried to kidnap my teammate, so I killed him on the spot.”
Hei Xiang lost control and snarled, “You arrogant bastard! That was the Myriad King’s only son!”
Han Wu sneered. “And what does that matter to me? Just because he was the Crown Prince, he could do whatever he wanted without consequences? Tell your king to stop whining if he can’t play fair. Also, he should hurry and produce another heir since his only son is long gone.”
“You brat!” Hei Xiang jabbed a finger at Han Wu’s head, but without the Myriad King’s approval, he couldn’t twist it off just yet.
The Shadow Alliance’s leader also approached and demanded, “Did you kill our Diamond adventurer?”
Han Wu had no reason to lie and nodded. “Yes. He tried to kill me first, so I killed him in the process.”
“Killed him in the process?” the leader shrieked. “You are far too arrogant!”
“You bastard. I’ll kill you for your sins.”
“Kill him here and now. The Myriad King is watching.”
They planned to kill Han Wu on the spot, hoping to preserve their factions’ honor and quell the fury of their people.
The Merchant Alliance’s leader stepped in. “Everyone, don’t forget Han Wu is our representative. We have a duty to protect him after the match. I’m too weak to stop you, and no words will change your minds if you are set on revenge. But I swear on my name, as long as I lead, I will use all my authority to assassinate your talented younger generations.”
“I will kill you too!”
“You are only a merchant, yet you spout such words...”
The three Diamond adventurers prepared to fight when a regal voice echoed from above. “We will announce the winners first. Grudges can be settled afterward.”
It was the Myriad King himself. Hearing his voice, the three Diamond adventurers fell silent, meek as frightened chicks.
Noting their sudden submission, Han Wu watched the Myriad King with keen interest.