The news of Ye Cangtian's return was told to her by Yao Bao'er.
After healing Gu Qin, Yao Bao'er left the capital. Before leaving, she specifically asked Gu Qin to notify her if Ye Cangtian returned.
In addition to this, Viper had intercepted a significant amount of information online.
This included news of the Bright Hall and the Dark Association joining forces to deal with the Shinobu Clan and the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group.
As the Tamu Mercenary Group was showing signs of operating in the Eastern Isles, it was safe to assume that the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group would be handled by the Caesar Mercenary Group.
The Caesar Mercenary Group was backed by the Dark Association. Combined with the news of Ye Cangtian's return, Qiangwei naturally connected everything.
After all, Xuan Qi held a rather important position within the Dark Association.
...
Listening to Qiangwei's explanation, Ye Cangtian smiled faintly.
"Hmm, you've made some progress, learning to analyze."
"Although I didn't return because of this matter, it has indeed fallen into my hands."
"Hmph! You came back for Shangguan Yanran, didn't you?"
"Hua Xia has been frantically searching for her lately. Do you think I wouldn't know?"
Qiangwei snorted dismissively.
"Uh, alright. What's the matter that you're calling so late?" Ye Cangtian said with a helpless wry smile, changing the subject.
"You're going to deal with the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group, right? For such a large operation, do you need the brothers to make a move?"
"Everyone misses you, and they want to show you their recent progress."
Qiangwei spoke upon hearing this.
"Don't mess around, okay?"
Ye Cangtian was instantly speechless. He was participating in this operation under the identity of Xuan Qi from the Dark Association, while the Death Squad was on his side.
If the Death Squad were to appear, wouldn't that expose him?
Not only would his identity as Xuan Qi be ruined, but his opportunity to go to the Dark Association headquarters would also be shattered.
"We'll just observe from afar and ensure your safety."
Qiangwei said, somewhat unwillingly.
It wasn't just her; the Death Squad members were all restless upon hearing of Ye Cangtian's return.
She was carrying everyone's hopes.
"Don't mess around. This matter cannot be taken lightly."
"If you truly want to help me, then don't come. Providing some information about the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group is enough."
Ye Cangtian refused decisively.
Hearing Ye Cangtian's firm stance, Qiangwei sighed helplessly and said, "Alright. Actually, besides confirming your participation, I had another piece of news when I called."
"What news?" Ye Cangtian asked.
Upon hearing this, Qiangwei didn't drag it out and directly said, "The Rattlesnake Mercenary Group has also received news. They have already requested reinforcements from the Shinobu Clan, so you must be extra careful during this operation."
This information was also intercepted by Viper. If Ye Cangtian hadn't been involved, Qiangwei wouldn't have gone out of her way to inform him.
But now, it was the opposite, so she had to remind Ye Cangtian to be prepared.
The Rattlesnake Mercenary Group also knew?
Ye Cangtian's expression became a little more serious. If that were the case, this operation might not be so simple.
However, even so, the reinforcements provided by the Shinobu Clan would likely be very limited, as the Shinobu Clan also had to face the Bright Hall.
With that in mind, Ye Cangtian chatted for a few more minutes, briefly inquiring about the condition of his brothers, and then hung up the phone.
...
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, three to four days had passed.
Ye Cangtian received news from the Dark Association that the Bright Hall's deployment was basically complete. Zilung informed him that he could rendezvous with the Caesar Mercenary Group.
Upon receiving the news, Ye Cangtian informed Tang Xinwan and then left Hua Xia by plane.
...
After an unknown amount of time, Ye Cangtian's plane landed on an island in the sea.
The island was not large, but it was surrounded by warships.
As soon as he arrived at the camp, a burly man emerged from the large tent.
The man wore western trousers and a white shirt on his upper body, looking out of place among the mercenaries in camouflage uniforms.
This person was Miller, the overall commander of the Caesar Mercenary Group.
Miller held a wine glass and scrutinized Ye Cangtian from head to toe, smiling as he said, "You must be Lord Xuan Qi sent by the Dark Association, right? Please, come in, come in."
Seeing Miller's casual demeanor, Ye Cangtian's brow furrowed.
The Caesar Mercenary Group was under the Dark Association. Even as proud and fierce soldiers, they should have shown at least a modicum of respect to an Echelon Xuan official of the Dark Association.
Yet, Miller in front of him clearly didn't take him seriously.
Heh, it seemed Zilung's mention of testing his abilities wasn't just about combat but also about whether he could manage these difficult subordinates.
Coldly sneering inwardly, Ye Cangtian walked into the large tent.
Inside the tent, fine wine and delicacies had been prepared, and a row of attractive, slender girls stood in the center.
Upon seeing Ye Cangtian and Miller enter, more than a dozen girls immediately knelt down.
"What is this?"
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian looked at Miller curiously.
Miller smiled slightly and said teasingly, "My Lord has traveled hard. These girls are prepared for you, my Lord. Please don't be polite."
"Take them away."
"I appreciate the kind offer, but I hope you understand why we are here!"
Ye Cangtian's expression turned grim, and he said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Miller quickly waved his hand and had the girls removed.
Then, he spoke, "My Lord, your subordinate did not know that you disliked these things. Please forgive me. My Lord has traveled hard, please have some wine to relieve your fatigue."
Ye Cangtian didn't even glance at the lavish spread and said, "Miller, I don't want to repeat myself."
Seeing Ye Cangtian's somber expression, Miller's gaze shifted slightly, and he quickly said, "My Lord, your subordinate does not understand your meaning."
It was just some delicacies, was there something wrong with that?
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian snorted and said, "With the great battle imminent, you are indulging in wine and revelry in the camp. What would others think when they see this? I think you, as the overall commander, no longer wish to be in this position!"
"I..."
With one sentence, Miller was rendered speechless and immediately understood that this Lord Xuan Qi was likely a practical fighter.
Without another word, he quickly ordered his men to clear away the banquet, then returned to Ye Cangtian with a fawning smile.
"Sand table."
Ye Cangtian said indifferently.
Upon mentioning the sand table, Miller's expression changed, and he said, "My Lord, you have traveled hard and should rest more. Matters concerning the command of troops should be left to me!"
In Miller's opinion, while people from the Dark Association possessed immense personal strength, they were completely clueless when it came to commanding troops.
Every battle commanded by these individuals resulted in heavy losses for the Caesar Mercenary Group.
Furthermore, these lords might very well treat them as cannon fodder, abandoning them without a second thought in times of life and death.
To put it simply, people from the Dark Association would do anything to complete their missions and preserve their own lives.
This was also a major reason why Miller looked down on them.
"Oh? Are you saying you don't want me to concern myself with the war, but rather to enjoy myself here?"
Ye Cangtian immediately understood Miller's intention and then raised an eyebrow, "So, you're saying you'll handle the annihilation of the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group?"