Chapter 89: Chapter 89 – Mercenary Union
Chapter 89: Chapter 89 – Mercenary Union
Using Nanites, he amplified his voice so everyone could hear.
"Thank you for gathering today. I believe everyone is already aware of what is happening through the rumors. We want to keep it secret for a bit longer, but I don't think that's possible so we decided to announce it formally instead,"
Leo's voice was calm and clear.
Everyone listened, even the guards patrolling the area stopped and watched from a distance.
"The rumors going around the city are true. The Butterfly Pavilion and Tang Clan had signed a secret agreement with us, the Hallowed Insect. We will form a new faction, a group that accepts everyone, not caring about your background. Wandering martial arts, you are welcomed to join us."
Gasps and mutters followed. The previously calm and silent crowd was now excited and buzzing with energy.
Leo was satisfied.
This was a good start.
He continued, "Of course, our faction is different from the usual Clans or Sects. The two people standing beside me are just sponsors, not investors. Let me introduce you to them. The man over here is Tang Clan's patriarch, Tang Jiaofu. He's the representative of the orthodox faction."
Tang Jiaofu waved his hand with a smile.
The crowd cheered.
"The beautiful lady beside him is Nabi from Butterfly Pavilion. Maybe a lot of you don't know, but... She's the esteemed Leader of Hao Sect. Yes, she's the representative of the unorthodox faction."
"Fufufu, nice to meet everyone. Please call me Nabi."
The beautiful woman smiled seductively.
The crowd fell silent. They couldn't take their eyes off Nabi after the announcement. Surprise filled their gazes.
Who didn't know about Hao Sect? They dealt with information, not strength, and their power was only second to the 10 Great Sects, not even the Murim Alliance.
How could they not know?
And more importantly than that, the identity of Hao Sect's leader had always been shrouded in mystery. Anytime someone found out who the leader was, that person disappeared.
So, the revelation stunned them.
"With that being said, I want to ask you something. Are you tired of not getting a job even when you're a martial artist? Are you tired of being looked down upon because you have no family background or no master to teach you? Are you tired of living without a purpose and just wandering around aimlessly starving and without money?"
"Yeah!"
"We're tired of it!"
"Everyone is just looking down on wandering martial artists. No one is willing to hire us."
"We also need a place to stay and some money."
"Yes, yes. We have heard all about that." Leo smiled as he tried to calm the crowd down.
His voice, which carried the authority and respect of a leader, quieted them down.
"If you're wondering who I am, then let me introduce myself." He took a deep breath and continued, "I am Leo, the founder and leader of the Hallowed Insect. We are a new mercenary group, a gathering of people with nowhere to go. If you want to ask about our position, then I will say that we're perfectly neutral. We took job from everyone as long as there is a decent pay."
And, before long, they began to cheer and shout their agreement.
"Long live! Hallowed Insect!"
"Let's join this faction!"
"Yes, yes! Let's work together!"
"Finally, I can be free and strong."
"I will finally get a chance to prove my ability!"
"How do I sign up?!"
Everyone began to approach the stage, excited and cheerful. Their attitude was completely different from before.
Leo was satisfied.
Everything went according to plan.
As the crowd chanted his name, he spoke in a low voice.
"Very well! With this, I declare that the Mercenary Union will be open. Everyone, welcome to the family!"
***
After the announcement, a massive line formed in front of a large building created solely for Mercenary Union. Many people gathered and wanted to sign up.
Many hired and staffs trained by Jessica began to deal with their registration. Each member was given a badge, a small pin with Coco's face to act as their membership proof. They were also asked to give their blood to bind the badge, or so they were told, when actually the badge collected their DNA and created a unique identification.
It was a long day, and the sun was beginning to set.
But, the Mercenary Union still remained crowded.
Meanwhile, Leo and the two figures sat on a balcony, watching everything from above.
"It's beyond of what I expected." Tang Jiaofu muttered. His face was solemn and his tone low.
"You can say that." Nabi giggled, "This is a huge success. Now, let's see how things will unfold from now on. The news will spread and many Sects and Clans will hear about this. We have driven Beggar Sect out of this city, but I doubted they will stay silent. Most probably, Wudang Sect will take a drastic measure and attack Chengdu."
"I bet." Leo nodded and looked at the crowd, "This will bring a huge change in Murim, but I am prepared for it."
With his Base and all the rooms upgraded to Level 2, he was confident that he could win against Wudang Sect's attack. Chiaki also put defensive measures around Chengdu City. The surveillance was perfect, and the mini-Cocos were everywhere.
"Well, if you don't need me anymore, I will take my leave." Tang Jiaofu bowed slightly, "There are many things I need to prepare and deal with in my own clan."
"Fufufu, me too. I have to see the staffs training. Your secretary, Jessica, was it? May I have her for a few days? She's so skilled that I am envious." Nabi giggled, "Anyway, it was fun working with you. Let's see how everything turns out."
After saying their goodbye, the two of them left.
Leo remained seated, his eyes focused on the crowd. He would also get busy soon.
'I feel bad for Anya, but she will have to work hard.'
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