Chapter 935: Spirit Suppression

Swish!

In an instant, without any warning, a sharp flying knife shot straight and true from hundreds of meters away, landing an inch from Gruggerlass's face, its blade deeply embedded in the wooden board.

Gruggerlass's hair stood on end and cold sweat poured down his face in terror. Before he could recover, another flying knife flew out.

This time, it struck the other side of Gruggerlass's cheek, finally making the fat man scream in agony.

Accompanying this sound was the loud laughter of Xu Yang and his companions, hundreds of meters away.

Undoubtedly, Gruggerlass was being used as a human target by Xu Yang and the others, a mere prop to increase their game's enjoyment.

At this moment, Xu Yang, Ling Yao, Lister, and Clown were drinking and playing games, living an extremely comfortable, carefree life.

"Just kill me already," Gruggerlass groaned. "This feeling, worse than death, is simply despair-inducing!" No sooner had his voice fallen than another flying knife flew over. This time, the razor-sharp blade struck just below his arm, missing his entire arm by mere millimeters.

"No rush," Lister said. "This is just the beginning of the game, Gruggerlass. Our leader, A-Yang, wants to know if you're interested in joining our team and becoming a member of our Glory Battle Team."

Gruggerlass stared wide-eyed, completely bewildered. He had originally thought Xu Yang and the others had captured him merely for amusement, but now, hearing Lister's words, Gruggerlass finally understood A-Yang and his companions' true intentions.

"I haven't personally formed a battle team in years," Gruggerlass replied. "But Lister, you should know very well that I am sworn brothers with Planciss and his wife, the mayor of Saar City. If I absolutely had to be assigned to a team, they and I would be on the same team! Without their consent, I simply cannot join anyone else's team. This goes against the vows and principles we swore when we became sworn siblings."

Hearing Gruggerlass say this, Clown and Lister couldn't help but exchange glances and burst into laughter.

"Are you kidding, you fat oaf?" Lister scoffed. "Talking about principles with those two pirate leaders in front of us. I even think those two guys have forgotten all about you. They only frequent your Black Rose Bar when they want a drink! And their true intention when they made that agreement with you was simply to save money on a round of drinks. You truly are an honest bar owner, always letting yourself be taken advantage of while benefiting others. No wonder a notorious swindler like me can run wild in your bar."

Lister spoke excitedly, and the flying knife in his hand became restless again. The moment his words fell, he flicked out another flying knife, which flew straight and true, piercing the apple on Gruggerlass's head.

Gruggerlass was so terrified he nearly wet himself. He couldn't even tell if the liquid dripping from his head was his own blood or the juice from the shattered apple.

"I, Gruggerlass, have killed many cultivators in my life," he said, "but I have never betrayed anyone close to me. This is my principle of conduct, and it can never be violated."

In fact, it was precisely because of this quality that Xu Yang had kept him around until now. Xu Yang exchanged glances with Ling Yao beside him, and both nodded in agreement.

"This fat oaf, though a bit stingy and petty," Xu Yang mused, "is loyal, principled, and keeps his promises. He possesses the most crucial qualities for forming a battle team. Once on the battlefield, we can confidently entrust our backs to him. He's exactly the kind of person I need. Lack of strength isn't an issue; I have many ways to help you improve your abilities. But if character is lacking, even if I forcefully bind him to my side, there will never be any true spark or connection."

Lister and Clown simultaneously looked at Xu Yang. "Then, Boss, what do you suggest we do?"

"It's simple," Xu Yang replied. "Since he has a sworn bond with the Mayor and his wife, we'll personally go to the Mayor's Mansion to find his sworn brother and have a good talk. We'll also help Gruggerlass determine what kind of people his loyal and principled self has actually befriended!"

Xu Yang left Sabertooth and Little Ape to guard Gruggerlass and the circus. Then the four members of the team headed straight for the Mayor's Mansion.

At that time, in the main hall of the Mayor's Mansion, a middle-aged man dressed in a pirate captain's uniform was embracing a stunningly beautiful woman with flowing hair and an almost perfect figure. The woman held two incredibly exquisite pink pistols. At the far end of the hall, a hundred meters away, ten spirit cultivators, radiating yellow spiritual energy, were tied up. Judging by their attire, they appeared to be captives from the opposing faction's Soul Battle Team.

"Oh, my dear," the man chuckled, "I'm starting to miss that fat oaf, Gruggerlass. We've had a fruitful voyage this time; we've been gone for over a year. The brandy is long gone. I wonder how that fat oaf is doing these days. Has he lost any weight? He's as fat as a ball, almost unable to walk anymore."

Planciss burst into laughter. "It's fine, my dear. If he really can't walk anymore, we'll just treat him like a ball and kick him wherever we go. After all, he's still our sworn brother; even if he truly doesn't deserve to live in this world, he can only die by our hands."

No sooner had Mayor Planciss's words fallen than Xu Yang and his four companions materialized out of thin air in the hall.

Almost simultaneously, the woman in Planciss's embrace fired both pistols, unleashing dozens of bullets in an instant. To their surprise, all the bullets stopped three feet from Xu Yang's body, clattering to the floor.

"Oh? It seems we have some very strong guests, my dear!" the woman remarked.

The woman stepped down from Planciss's side, and both their auras simultaneously became incredibly sharp, firmly locking onto Xu Yang and his three companions.

"Oh, I remember now," Planciss said. "The guards reported to me yesterday, saying some insolent fellows went to our brother, that fat oaf Gruggerlass's bar, and caused trouble. Our city guard team stepped in to help, but they were soundly beaten by your group. Now it seems you are the culprits who caused trouble at the Black Rose! Before my wife and I could even find time to deal with you, you actually came to surrender voluntarily. I quite like this kind of initiative from you."

As the captain of the Glory Battle Team, Xu Yang gave a cold smile. Without a word of unnecessary talk, he snapped his fingers, and a mental imprint swiftly spread from the void above his head.