Stalked by three people at Peak Rank 4

While James was still in the vicinity of Mortos City, he intended to find some rank 4 beasts to fill up some of his experience. That was why James instructed the wind crane to lower its speed on the way there. 

However, after flying slowly around the road for a while, James discovered that three peak rank 4 Elite Martial Warriors had been following him for some time. 

They were smart enough to wear cloaks that concealed their presence, making it difficult for anyone of the same rank to detect them.

James quickly checked their information before devising a plan while instructing the wind crane to continue moving as if nothing unusual had happened. 

[Name: Ding Feng] 

[Age: 24] 

[Race: Human] 

[Affiliation: Ding Family] 

[Attribute: Middle-level Fire Element] 

[Cultivation Rank: Peak Rank 4 Elite Martial Warrior] 

…. 

[Name: Ding Tiren] 

[Age: 38] 

[Race: Human] 

[Affiliation: Ding family] 

[Attribute: Middle-level Water Element] 

[Cultivation Rank: Peak Rank 4 Elite Martial Warrior] 

…. 

[Name: Ding Liran] 

[Age: 40] 

[Race: Human] 

[Affiliation: Ding Family] 

[Attribute: Middle-Level Earth Element] 

[Cultivation Rank: Peak Rank 4 Elite Martial Warrior] 

…. 

Looking at their information, James actually had a guess but didn't want to jump to conclusions as he wasn't 100% certain. So, he decided to test his theory with a plan that had come to mind.

"Ahhhhh... fuck, I still couldn't find the beast I was looking for after searching for so long. I guess I'm just unlucky today. Nevermind… Let's head back to the city first, since I also forgot to buy something before leaving."

James said it loudly, making sure the three sneaky bastards could hear him. He then immediately instructed the wild crane to turn around and head back towards the city and the three sneaky bastards at once. 

Because the distance between them was short (approximately 180 meters), the three bastards were caught off guard as the wind crane unexpectedly changed direction and headed towards them, which made one of the three startled and shout, 

"Stop!" 

James acted as if he were surprised and immediately told the wild crane to stop in his heart while speaking in a surprised tone,

"Huh? Who are you guys? Were you following me secretly this whole time? Don't pretend we were heading in the same direction, since this is not the main road, and it would be such bullshit if you said something like that." 

James became wary of them, which would be a natural reaction to being secretly followed.

"This..." one of them wanted to make an excuse, but was interrupted by the young man who appeared to be their leader. 

"There's no need to hide anymore. Quickly hand over all your belongings, and I'll spare your life." The young man said impatiently. 

"He's lying." Little Fluffy informed James since he was enjoying the show and decided to help with certain things. 

"Will you really let me go if I give you everything?" James asked in a 'scared' tone, as he decided to play along with them after he heard from Little Fluffy that this young man had the intention of killing him. 

"Of course." The young man responded with a smile. 

"He's lying again." Little Fluffy reminded him again. 

"Really? Will you actually let me go and not kill me?" 

"I told you that I would let you go, didn't I? Stop talking nonsense and hand over your belongings before I lose my patience." The young man was annoyed with James's question and frowned. 

"This little boy is such a liar at a young age." Little Fluffy commented with a smirk. 

"You were lying, right? I can actually tell when someone's lying, you know. Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? You're such an ugly man and a liar. I bet no girls ever fancy you, innit?" 

James smiled mockingly and insulted the young man blatantly as he decided to end this little drama.

The young man's face turned ugly, veins popping out as he became enraged at James's insults.

Unable to contain his anger any longer, the young man ordered, "Capture him alive. I want him to know that sometimes being alive is worse than death." 

"Lemme do it." Said the one who had shouted before, immediately charging towards James.

'Did they think that the wind crane was just for show? Or perhaps they assume that it's merely a naturally large beast? If so, it makes sense. There are beasts much bigger than the others at the same rank, like the Big Wild Boar, which is as big as 3,5 meters while being only a mid-level bronze rank beast.

However, how could they be so confident since I am riding the wind crane while they are on foot? Even if the wind crane's speed is the same or even slower than theirs, I can simply tell Wind Crane to fly in the sky, and they wouldn't be able to attack me the same way I could with my martial sword skill or magic skill.' James thought as he watched the man run towards him.

"Wind Crane, kill him." James ordered, as he didn't want to waste any more time.

The wind crane immediately moved so quickly that it used its skill (Wings of Blade) to slash the man's neck in the blink of an eye.

The man barely had time to react before he saw his own body as his head fell to the ground.

The rest of the Ding family were shocked to see their companion dead in an instant.

They quickly regained their senses and fled towards Mortos City. 

At the same time, James sighed and complained in his heart, 'As expected, I won't get any experience from letting the wind crane kill him.'

James immediately instructed the wind crane to chase them, telling it not to let them run away and attack them without killing them.

After hearing James's order, the wind crane flew off in pursuit while James walked slowly towards the dead body and put him in his best space.