BTTH: I have a key to travel to Wu Dong Qian Kun.

Chapter 40: Instant Kill of a Great Fighter

In Stone Desert City, Xiao Tian returned once again. As he approached the Mobei Mercenary Group's base, he was recognized due to his previous visit and his relation to Xiao Ding.

"Xiao Tian, you're back!" Xiao Ding greeted him with a smile, relieved to see his talented cousin return safely from the treacherous Tagor Desert.

"Yes, I've returned after some training," Xiao Tian replied, nodding.

"Good to see you back safely," Xiao Ding said, inviting him warmly, "Come, Xiao Tian. Let's have a banquet to celebrate your return."

Just as Xiao Tian was about to agree, a burly man rushed over, shouting urgently, "Captain, there's trouble! The deputy captain is fighting with the Sand Mercenary Group!"

"What?" Xiao Ding's expression changed instantly. "Xiao Tian, wait here at the base. I need to handle this."

Xiao Tian interjected, "Let me come with you, Brother Xiao Ding. I can help."

Xiao Ding hesitated, "This is our mercenary group's issue. It doesn't concern you."

"We're family, so it does concern me," Xiao Tian insisted.

"Alright, but you must follow my lead," Xiao Ding relented. With that, a large group of mercenaries marched towards the west gate of the city.

Upon arrival, they found Xiao Li and his men already engaged in a fierce battle with another group of mercenaries. At that moment, the leader of the Sand Mercenary Group, Rob, appeared with his men.

Xiao Ding glanced at Rob and said, "Rob, is your Sand Mercenary Group looking for a beating again?"

Despite being a nine-star Dou Fighter, Rob's group only had two Dou Fighters, whereas the Mobei Mercenary Group had four. Usually, this meant the Mobei Mercenary Group had the upper hand.

But today, Rob seemed different. "Hmph! Xiao Ding, your arrogance ends today. I will show you who the top mercenary group in Stone Desert City is," Rob declared.

With that, he stomped his foot, releasing a powerful aura.

"What? You've broken through to the Great Fighter level?"

Feeling Rob's newfound power, everyone present was stunned. Rob had become a Great Fighter, a rank that even the city lord of Stone Desert City held.

Rob, basking in the shock of those around him, sneered, "Xiao Ding, do you dare challenge me one-on-one?"

Before Xiao Ding could respond, Xiao Tian stepped forward, "A mere one-star Great Fighter dares challenge my cousin? Get through me first."

"Xiao Tian, don't..." Xiao Ding began, but Xiao Tian reassured him, "Trust me, Brother Xiao Ding. I can handle this."

Reluctantly, Xiao Ding agreed, but he remained ready to intervene if needed.

"Arrogant brat, I'll show you the might of a Great Fighter!" Rob roared, launching himself at Xiao Tian with full force, his fist aimed to kill.

As Rob's fist approached, Xiao Tian's own powerful aura erupted, surpassing Rob's. "Another Great Fighter? And so young!"

Everyone was shocked to see Xiao Tian's strength. Rob's confidence wavered as he realized he had miscalculated.

Xiao Tian effortlessly caught Rob's punch, and with a squeeze, Rob's hand was crushed.

"Ah!" Rob screamed, begging for mercy, "Please, spare me!"

"Spare you? You intended to kill me. Why should I spare you?" Xiao Tian's voice was cold. He summoned a blue flame, engulfing Rob.

"Ah!" Rob's screams echoed as he was reduced to ashes in moments.

The terrifying display left everyone stunned. No one expected the young and handsome Xiao Tian to possess such deadly power.

"Mercy, please!" The remaining Sand Mercenary Group members knelt, begging for their lives. Xiao Tian ignored them, having no interest in unnecessary killing.

Turning to Xiao Ding, he said, "Brother Xiao Ding, I'll leave these men to you."

"Understood," Xiao Ding replied, nodding.

(End of Chapter)