11 Ch11 - New girls

In the morning, a young woman woke up, and was about to go on with her morning routine when she noticed she wasn't alone.

She froze in fear, but after seeing who was there, she relaxed. The mysterious young man she encountered the previous day, and who got rid of Tie Kang the previous night, was there.

"You've done it. He's gone."

"Yes."

She already knew, but she needed to hear it from him. She collapsed on her knees and began to cry. Yue Yang felt sympathy for her, so he got next to her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He let her cry for a while, she needed it after holding on for so long. After she was able to calm down, she stood up and bowed to him.

"What do you require of me and my sisters, young master?"

"I want you girls to work for me. I have several tasks I want you to perform, but I'll get into the details later."

He took out a piece of paper and a small purse, and handed them to her.

"I want you and your sisters to gather there tomorrow at noon. Be sure to be sneaky. I will evaluate each of you and decide your roles then. Consider the money in the purse advance payment."

"Thank you, young master. I'll be sure to bring all of them there."

"One last thing. You were familiar with Tie Kang. He must have had some notorious aquitances I should look out for. People that you would want dead as well."

"You're right. There are 2 people that even Tie Kang spoke to with respect. I only know their aliases, not their actual names. The first one is Chang Dao, we don't know much about him, except that his sword is extremely fast, able to kill dozen in quick succession. He often drink liquor, and he enter and leaves the city randomly. The other one is Xie Huo, and he periodicaly comes to White Stone City. They should be there within a week."

"Good. If you see any of those 2, or someone from the Tie clan, let me know by leaving a message at the place we're going to meet. It doesn't matter how you hide it, I'll find it. I'll see you tomorrow then... Lin Shuren."

And like that he disapeared from her sight again. Lin Shuren was surprised that knew her name at first. After all, she was just a widowed prostitute. She didn't think he would bother remembering her name. When she looked into the purse, she found a dozen of gold coins. Tears started to stream down her face again. She was very gratefull to this young master, and it reinforced her desire to do anything for him. She wouldn't disapoint him.

As Yue Yang was training his beasts, he though back to the names given by Shuren. He finally remembered the name Xie Huo. He was almost certain he was the demon worshipper who would sacrifice the people of the Merry Forest. However, he wasn't the one to possess the barbarian cow. He was also sure Chang Dao wasn't that one either, as he didn't remember anyone like him during the Merry Forest incident. Once they got in town, he would have to spy on them to find out which of their friends held the barbarian cow.

In the evening, Yue Yang put on his Han Jeehan outfit and left to explore the city. He had 2 goals in mind; meet Yi Nan, and prepare the meeting place with the sisters. The place he selected was the abandonned property where he killed Rock. Instead of doing one task then the other, he sent a clone to the meeting place, and took to the roofs.

Roof-hopping in his assassin gear made him feel like a ninja. Roof-hopping in his mercenary gear made him feel like a martial artist from an old anime an older guy had recommanded to him, Ranma 1/2. He couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled the crazy things that happened its protagonist. As he moved around, he finally caught sight of his target.

She was also standing on a roof, and she seemed to be observing some important people. With his stealth and counterfeit skills, he easily snuck behind her. He took the time to admire her body. Her chest, despite the obvious warping, seemd similar to Bing's, and maybe a bit bigger. But what he liked better was that gorgeous bubble butt of hers. He could already imagine himself diving balls deep inside as she laid on her front, legs spread with her butt in the air, hands clenching on the sheets of his bed. He flinched in mild pain as his newly aquired boner was restrained by his clothes. It helped him calm down, and instead of focusing on her rear, he focused on her targets.

It looked like they were people investigating the disapearance of Tie Kang. They didn't find any hints as to who might be responsible, but they suspected it was someone well connected and powerfull. Probably someone with a storage item, given how thoroughly the house had been looted. Yue Yang couldn't help but smile at that.

Anyway, he wasn't there for them. He went right behind Yi Nan and gently tapped the nape of her neck with a finger. He was ready for her reaction, so when she lashed out with a backfist as she turned around, he merely leaned back with his arms crossed in front of him.

"If I meant you harm, I would have knocked you out, dragged you somewhere more private, and done whatever I wanted" he whispered to her, not wanting to alert the people bellow.

That stopped her from continuing to attack, but she didn't drop her guard. It allowed Yue Yang to look carefully at her face. Even though most of it was hidden, he could see the general shape of her nose and lips. He also understood why his counterpart nicknamed her the "Bright Eyed Thief". She truly had beautiful eyes. Adding everything else, she was a beauty.

"I had already caught sight of you the night I dealt with Tie Kang. I'm guessing you're after someone connected to him, yes?"

She couldn't hide her surprise at his admission, and got nervous when she realised she hadn't been nearly as discreet as she wanted. To the last part, she cautiously agreed.

"So am I. With Tie Kang gone, his associates are going to be even more cautious than they used to be. And quite frankly, judging by your stealth skills and first strike, I don't think you'd be able to deal with them on your own."

He saw her bristle at that comment, and cut her complaints off.

"Don't be angry, I'm not trying to look down on you. I can tell that you're a good person, that's why I'm trying to help. You may have some battle skills, but they aren't your speciality. You're a grimoire contractor, aren't you?"

Once more, she nodded.

"You're going to rely mostly on your beasts for offense, and your grimoire shield for defense. Unless you have enought beasts, or they are strong enough, you're going to die. The protection offered by the grimoire shield is limited, and once both it and your beasts are down, you'll be easy picking. I have what you lack: good stealth skills and martial arts. I suggest we work together for the time being. What do you think?"

She looked at him carefully for a few seconds, then sighted.

"What you said made sense... And it's true that I'm lacking in certain areas... I guess I'll accept your offer."

Yue Yang nodded, then presented his hand to her.

"My mercenary name is Han Jeehan. I'm from a good family, however I'm laying low because I have some enemies within. Sorry if I'm a bit secretive at times."

She hesitated for a second, then exchanged handshake with him.

"You may call me Yi Nan."

"If you don't mind, we can meet tomorrow at dusk near the mercenary guild. Considering what we're dealing with, it would be better if people didn't see us together until our targets are down, so stay on the roofs out of sight and I'll find you. Is it alright with you?"

"Sure."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow, Yi Nan. Good night."

And just like he did with Lin Shuren, he disappeared from her sight. She blinked for a moment, before relaxing, and her shoulders slumped a bit.

It was an interesting experience for her. She was confident in her skills, maybe even proud of them, but that encounter was like having a glass of cold water dumped on her back. He had been right behind her and she didn't notice. Had it been an enemy, she wouldn't even have the time to use her grimoire shield. He was skilled, she couldn't deny that. And he had been honest about everything he said, she was sure of that. That was why she was willing to trust him.

The next day at noon, Yue Yang went to the abandonned property he selected as meeting point. His clone had cleaned the main room and placed benches so the girls could sit down.

When he entered the room, still hidden, he was surprised by the number of females present. He counted 27 of them, the youngest being around 13-14 years old, while the oldest were going into their mid-thirties. They were all good looking, or at the very least, above average. Lin Shuren was at the front of the group, patiently waiting for him. The other girls and women looked anxious, but also eager. He used Celestial Steps and appeared right in front of Shuren. She tensed a bit, but that was her only reaction. However, several of the girls were quite startled by his appearance and some screamed. Yue Yang looked at Shuren in disapointment.

"Hello Shuren. You knew I was going to make sneaky entrance and suddenly appear nearby, right?"

"Good morning young master. And yes, I was expecting you to make an entrance."

"I wanted to surprise you, but I guess that can't work all the time."

The carefree conversation between the 2 seemed to calm down the girls.

"Now, back to business. I demanded your service in paiment for the elimination of the one who caused you and your families misfortunes, and abused you. Let's tell you a bit about me. I'm from a good family, and I'm laying low because I have enemies both in the family and outside."

He paused to make sure they understood, and to observe their reactions.

"First.There are people in my family whom I want to protect, and I'll need some people to keep an eye on them, because once my capabilities are revealed, they will become more attractive targets. Some of you will receive training so they can look after my family from affar, and interrupt any actions against them either from a distance, or from the shadows. I do not want for those sentinels to face a threat directly, because I do not want you to die, even if the risk will be present."

Some of them looked anxious, but most looked understanding and resolved despite the inherent danger.

"Second. As a cultivator and summoner, I'll be travelling around quite a bit. Aside from a few interesting encounters, it will be boring. I want some of you to accompany me as attendants and entertainers, but also as sentinels. People are most vulnerable when sleeping, after training, or when answering nature's call. It will be good to have someone keep an eye on the surroundings for me, and buy me some time when something comes up."

Some looked doubtful and concerned, yet still resolved, while others looked quite interested, eager even.

"Finally. I intend to start a business here in the future, and some of you will be my employees. Until that business is ready, you'll have to do some training and studying to perform your future tasks properlly."

That last one seemed to stir a good 2/3 of them. Those who longed to get back to a more standard occupation.

Because he had been observing them, he had a good idea of who in the group wanted to do what. As much as possible he wanted them to do something they choose, he still had to take into consideration their natural aptitudes. The ones with the best combat potential would come with him, while the ones with the least potential would take care of his business venture.