The atmosphere immediately grew somewhat somber.
"This is our last chance. If we can't retrieve what's in the rift this time, our Death's Breath Mercenary Group will truly have to disband."
"It is I, your leader, who is incompetent. The former leader handed the guild emblem to me, and I was supposed to lead everyone to a prosperous future for the mercenary group. I never imagined it would come to this… I have failed you all."
The current leader of the mercenary group was a woman around fifty years old, though she looked closer to sixty. Perhaps the difficult life of a mercenary over the years had worn her down, making her appear very weary.
The other members of the mercenary group looked at her with concern.
"Leader, this is not your fault. Ever since the former leader passed away, our combat strength has been lacking. Coupled with the constant suppression from the First Mercenary Group, our group has had no room for development or prospects…"
"Yes, Leader, you shouldn't blame yourself. In fact, you should blame us the most. If it weren't for our lack of ability and our constant inability to improve our cultivation, our group wouldn't have been suppressed so severely. To put it bluntly, it's because we are not strong enough."
Hearing this, everyone lowered their heads in shame.
In truth, the Death's Breath Mercenary Group had once been a very famous organization with glorious deeds to its name.
They had even created miracles in the past.
At that time, many people wished to join their mercenary group, and some even fought fiercely for a single spot.
They used every method imaginable, yet still couldn't successfully join their ranks.
At that time, the outside world had some complaints, feeling that their selection criteria for members were too stringent. But in reality, they all knew that this was the leader's way of protecting them.
Many members were lone wolves, lacking in cooperation. Once people like them joined the group, everyone else would be taken advantage of.
A good group member was someone you could trust with your back, someone who faced life and death together, not someone who would backstab for treasures and resources.
These people had always believed the leader's actions were correct. However, those who were rejected bore grudges and, colluding with the First Group, launched a brutal attack on them.
"Actually, we didn't have to take that job back then…"
Recalling that battle from years ago, everyone's face turned somber.
The leader died in that fight, after which the Death's Breath Mercenary Group never recovered. Moreover, they were suppressed openly and covertly by others.
Some people even intentionally offered them high-paying missions, forcing them to accept. At first, they didn't realize it was a trap and foolishly went.
They never expected that in the end, some died and some were crippled. The mercenary group, once comparable to the First Group, was now left with only the old, weak, and disabled, numbering less than fifty in total.
"Actually, we shouldn't have resorted to this method. It's very unfair to that young girl, but…"
No one else spoke.
The leader continued, "This is our last chance. If we fail to seize it, our group might truly have to disband."
"Everyone, I have also prepared some travel expenses for you. If the group truly disbands, I hope you will all find a good future and destination. I only hope you will not find it lacking."
"If you still wish to make a living in this profession, I also have some connections. I can introduce you to other mercenary groups. Although the treatment will certainly not be as good, the advantage is that they are not dangerous missions, and you can still earn some spending money."
"Leader!"
Tears welled up in everyone's eyes.
This old leader had thought of and arranged everything for them, but had forgotten herself.
The old leader said resolutely, "You don't need to worry about me. I will never leave the mercenary group. Even if I am the only one left, the Death's Breath Mercenary Group will continue to exist. As long as the guild emblem is here, and I am here, the mercenary group will exist, and we will still accept contracts."
"Even if our mercenary group is left with only the last member, they will only die on the way to completing a mission."
Everyone was deeply moved.
Over the years, their fighting spirit had been somewhat eroded.
Although they had not chosen to leave, it was clear that being constantly bullied had made them lose their will to resist.
Furthermore, they didn't believe they could still resist.
The Death's Breath Mercenary Group would never rise again.
This was a consensus among everyone.
This time, although they had devised an extreme plan and thought of seeking help from others, they knew deep down that even if that person arrived, they might not truly succeed.
It could only be said that they were making a desperate gamble.
It was better than giving up all hope directly. Otherwise, they would truly become walking corpses, and perhaps never be mercenaries again.
"Knock, knock, knock."
As everyone's sorrow reached its peak, a knock sounded at the door.
Everyone froze and suddenly turned to look. The previously dim gazes gradually gained a glimmer of hope.
"Did you… hear something?"
"Yes, it sounds like someone is here."
"Could it be the person we were waiting for?"
The group felt a sense of apprehension, like approaching home after a long absence. They hoped for the other party's help, but when they realized the person might have arrived, they dared not anticipate their assistance.
After all, their methods were not proper, and it would be understandable if the other party resented them.
"I'll go open the door."
The youngest member of the group walked over and pulled open the door. Everyone saw the young innkeeper standing at the door, smiling and saying, "Guests, the person who will share the room fee with you has arrived."
His words caused everyone's gaze to dim.
Their intention to find someone to share the room fee was not a planned setup to await someone, but because they truly had very little spirit stone left.
It was fortunate that the innkeeper of the Yue Lai Inn was kind enough to let them share a courtyard with others. Otherwise, with so many of them, not having enough spirit stones to pay for everyone's accommodation would have likely left some without a place to stay.
"Thank you."
The light in everyone's eyes gradually extinguished.
The old leader composed herself and asked, "May I ask who is willing to share the rental?"
Yan Jiaojiao emerged from behind the young innkeeper. She frowned as she glanced at the group before her and said in a deep voice, "It's me, Yan Jiaojiao."
The members of the mercenary group were stunned.
"Yan Jiaojiao?"
"You are Yan Jiaojiao?"
Everyone was momentarily surprised and flustered, but mostly disbelieving.
"How did you find us? Weren't you supposed to be met by our people?"
Upon hearing this, Yan Jiaojiao's gaze became even more complex.
She had originally thought that the people who kidnapped Rong'er and Dongfang Xu were some ferocious bandits.
Unexpectedly, after listening at the door for a while, she learned that these people were somewhat pathetic, much like the students of the Gunan Academy.
She rubbed her temples, "With people like you, how dare you attempt kidnapping? Where are Rong'er and Dongfang Xu?"