"To think we underestimated them... Fire magic, wind magic, along with archers and swordsmen—this team of female bandits is actually pretty tough," Shenglun observed from the side, analyzing the battle.
"Hmph, a bunch of house dogs aren't worthy of being our enemies!" The brown-haired woman leading the group swung her sword, firing a magical slash that instantly blasted Gutie backward.
"Ugh... I let my guard down," he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stood up stubbornly once more.
"Once we capture you, everything will be over!" A purple-haired woman holding dual short blades closed in, attempting to make a grab for him.
"Watch out behind you," Shenglun reminded her without a hint of nervousness.
"What? Ah—!" Just as the purple-haired woman was about to turn her head, the hilt of a blade struck the back of her neck, sending her collapsing to the ground.
"Bamijie!" Seeing this, the other female warriors shouted in anxiety.
"Sorry I'm late," came that familiar voice—it was Vice Chairman Bensaban!
"You finally made it." It turned out Shenglun had also instructed the cavalrymen to notify Bensaban at the guild to bring reinforcements. Bensaban had even brought along two battle-tested team members, completely turning the tide of the situation in an instant.
"Damn it... Just you wait! We're retreating!" Seeing that the situation was dire, the brown-haired woman issued the order to fall back.
"Since you came, how could you leave so easily?" Shenglun threw the concealed gadget spheres from his pocket toward the female warriors. The moment the small spheres collided with their bodies, thick, paste-like liquid burst forth, wrapping them up securely.
"What on earth is this stuff?!" Several of the female warriors struggled desperately, but found it impossible to break free. The knights and guild members swarmed forward, overpowering and subduing them.
"Surrender quietly. This is the Ultra-Sticky Sphere I developed—even fierce beasts cannot break free from it," Shenglun replied with a smile.
"Escort them back!" Gutie shouted, sheathing his sword.
"Even if I die by my own hand today, I won't become a slave again!" The brown-haired woman struggled, pulling out a dagger to end her own life.
"Foolish!" Shenglun slapped the dagger away with a swift palm strike. "You must be from the Linglai Clan, right?"
"How do you know my identity?!" The brown-haired woman looked up in utter shock upon hearing his words.
"Heh, as expected. The style of your sword is extremely rare, closely resembling the unique weapons once used by the Linglai Clan. Unless you stole this sword, it must be a family heirloom," Shenglun answered with a smile.
"Isn't the Linglai Clan that famous martial arts family that was destroyed in the flames of war seven years ago? To think there are still surviving clan members," Bensaban remarked, also taken aback.
"Even if you know my identity, don't think you can stain my dignity!" The brown-haired woman roared with aggressive defiance.
"Although your clan has perished in the river of history, I still extend the respect you deserve. If your ancestral martyrs knew that their clan descendant had fallen to becoming a bandit today, how heartbroken would they be? I observed your combat earlier—this young lord happens to be short on hands right now. If you don't mind, how about joining my side? Not to mention treasures, even the hope of reviving your clan's former glory is within reach," Shenglun extended a hand of friendship toward her.
"Why should I believe you?! You're just a pampered young lord—stop acting compassionate over there!" The brown-haired woman seemed unwilling to accept the goodwill.
"Young Master Shenglun, I say we escort them back to the city for trial!" Gutie interjected at this moment as well.
"No. Being able to meet members of the Linglai Clan today is a blessing from above. I never break my word, so let them leave. Although you possess martial skills, it is ultimately difficult to make waves in this treacherous world. You would be better off joining my command, borrowing my strength to venture out and reclaim your lost glory. Of course, all of this must be decided by yourselves. Let's go." Shenglun pulled out a few more small spheres and threw them at the female warriors. The shattered spheres evaporated a white mist that gradually dissolved the sticky residue on everyone's bodies.
Paying no further attention to the female warriors, he led his troops and departed.
"Young Master Shenglun, removing their shackles like that—aren't you afraid they might launch a surprise attack?" Gutie asked from atop his horse.
"It's fine. The Linglai Clan isn't some low-class scum. Speaking of which, thanks to Vice Chairman Bensaban's timely assistance today, I owe you another favor," Shenglun thanked Bensaban, who was riding alongside him.
"It's a small matter, that's all. Since the crisis has been resolved, we'll head back to the guild first. Let's stay in touch another day. Farewell, everyone!" Bensaban returned the courtesy with a smile.
"Then we shall part ways here for now. Thanks again for Vice Chairman Bensaban's help!" The two groups split up at the forest exit.
"The team can slow down a bit. I have a feeling they will come," Shenglun said to everyone with a smile.
Sure enough, a moment later, the sound of galloping horses echoed faintly from within the forest.
"Please wait a moment~!" A familiar female voice called out from behind.
Shenglun gestured for the main group to halt. Several white steeds dashed through the forest and caught up with Shenglun's squad. The brown-haired woman arrived before Shenglun, quickly dismounted, and dropped to one knee in a kneeling salute.
"I, Kouwei Linglai, beg to become your knight. From this day forward, I shall defend your honor with my life!"