Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

Chapter 178 – Bad Influence

Unlike the Capital, Chengdu was peaceful.

The streets were full of people and shops, and the air was refreshing. There was a sense of freedom and joy that couldn't be found in other cities.

And because the Hallowed Insect's base was located near the red light district, fun atmosphere was everywhere.

The people here were different. They didn't care about status or fame, and they worked hard to survive and earn money.

Yue Yue was happy here. She was not a social butterfly, but she felt comfortable. And because the atmosphere was familiar, she didn't feel out of place.

Not only that, she had kind people looking out for her.

Anya was... a bit loud but she taught her a lot. The blonde assassin was always smiling and kind, not even once she got angry even when Yue Yue made a mistake.

And Astrid was also nice. She didn't force her to talk, and she always checked up on her. She even gave her a small dagger and told her to protect herself. Sometimes she also brought her some sweet snacks and asked her about her day.

Yue Yue was grateful for that.

Her life was rough and tiring before she met Leo. She was sold by her parents to a brothel, and the treatment was harsh and cruel.

However, there was something that she wasn't used to. Everyday, the Leader would be accompanied by different girls at night. They seemed to take turns sleeping in his quarter, and Yue Yue couldn't help but wonder why.

When she asked that question, Astrid blushed and waved her hands.

"N-No no no, you're too little to know that!"

Upon seeing her reaction, Yue Yue knew that it was something adult. But, she was curious. Why did Astrid have such an innocent question?

Then it came to her.

"A-Astrid... A-Are you a virgin?"

An innocent question that made the girl's face flushed red.

"N-No, of course not! I have experience!"

Astrid's eyes were wide and her hands were trembling. She couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth.

As a former Peng Clan's princess, she had a strange pride that didn't allow her to admit her inexperience. Even though she was a virgin, she was too stubborn and strong-headed.

And because she was a senior, she didn't want her junior to look down on her.

"Everyday, I helped Leader to... clean his bed. Compared to the others, he likes me the most and sometimes we even had a chat. We have a close relationship, and he always makes sure that I am happy. And I am the one who teaches others how to please men in bed! I have been doing this for years!"

"O-Oh. Then, that's great. So, you have a special relationship with the Leader. That's amazing, Astrid."

Seeing a gaze filled with respect directed to her, Astrid puffed her chest proudly.

"H-Hmph! Of course! He likes me the most. I am his favorite!"

"That's right. The Leader is very kind."

"Right?! I will teach you more about him. So, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!"

"Thank you. C-Can you answer me now?"

"Of course, what do you want to know?"

After hearing that, Yue Yue bowed, her eyes sincere and bright. She was fidgeting, and her voice was trembling.

"Um... What kind of position does Leader like?"

"No, no, no. I know you've been teaching her many things, and I am happy that you did. However, I am still your Leader. I have the responsibility to listen to what you've been teaching her."

"U-Um, nothing. I've not taught her anything."

"Now, Astrid. The last time you tried to lie, your eyes were swimming around. Like... right now."

"Uh..."

Astrid's gaze was moving from left to right and her feet were shuffling.

"You're a bad liar, Astrid. Now, you know what to do, right?"

Grunting, Astrid approached him, her head lowered. Her face flushed red, and her hands were shaking.

"L-Leader, p-please forgive me. I-I'm not used to talking about those things. I-It's embarrassing, and I-I..."

"It's okay." He patted her head, his eyes warm and understanding. "You did a good job, Astrid. Don't worry, you're not in trouble."

"R-Really?"

"Yes. In fact, I want you to continue teaching Yue Yue. She's new, and you're her senior. I trust you to help her a lot. You're a smart girl, and I am glad that you're working hard. But don't teach her something you shouldn't. Especially by lying."

Astrid couldn't help but blush and nod. She felt a bit ashamed for lying and being caught, but she was glad that the Leader wasn't angry.

"Um, I'm sorry, Leader. I will teach her correctly."

"Good." He nodded and smiled, turning his gaze to Yue Yue. "Now, you shouldn't trust Astrid 100% too. She's a little mischievous, and she might pull pranks on you. Also, if you are unsure about what she teaches you, you can ask Jessica or Chiaki. At least they won't lie to you."

Yue Yue giggled, understanding what he was implying.

"Don't worry, Leader. I will be careful and do my best."

"Very well. Now, go and play. I am still busy getting the last prep ready for the attack. We will leave tomorrow."

With that, Yue Yue and Astrid nodded and left the room, closing the door behind them.

They could hear Leo chuckling and sighing.

"How can she pull such a prank on Yue Yue? Ah, kids these days. I have to keep an eye on her. She's learning too fast."

Leo couldn't help but feel a bit worried. He didn't think Astrid was bad, but her mischievous personality and innocent nature was something he couldn't ignore. She was influenced by Anya too much that she became such a prankster.

"Anyway, the Murim Alliance's movement is a bit worrying."

Since Xue Wang met him in the Capital, the Murim Alliance began to gather their strength again. This time, they chose to strengthen their defenses, putting guards in important places that made the Outcast group have a hard time attacking.

"They adapted to our strategy. But, they couldn't find us since we're not in the city. We have to strike them before they can fully recover. This time, the Hallowed Insect will launch an all-out attack. But how?"

Sheng hadn't made any progress with his preparation, and Leo couldn't think of anything else to start the attack.

The only idea he had was to gather more information, which was easier said than done. The Murim Alliance began to keep everything under the wrap, probably with the help of the remaining of Supreme Evil's followers. They were pretty good at hiding.

"This is troublesome."

At least if Emperor Sheng finished his preparation, he could begin his attack in earnest. But the Emperor was too busy dealing with internal and external issues, and Leo didn't know if he had the time or resources.

"We have to wait and see. There's nothing we can do."

Unless there was something or someone who could help him, he couldn't think of a way.

In the morning, Leo received unexpected news.

"Murim Alliance's leader has changed?"