MARD Chapter 23 The Raid Begins

The morning light over Meihua Crossing was soft but restless. Shopkeepers rolled open their stalls, the scent of steamed buns and roasted chestnuts mixing with the cool breeze. Yet beneath that mundane rhythm, an undercurrent of tension slithered through the streets. Guards patrolled more often than usual, eyes sharp, voices hushed. The mayor’s men were clearly on edge.

In the narrow shadow of an alleyway, Issei crouched low behind a stack of empty crates, his back pressed against the cool brick wall. His breath came out in slow, controlled intervals as he peered toward the street beyond. From where he sat, he could see the edge of the marketplace, a blur of townsfolk passing by, unaware of what was about to happen.

He adjusted his cloak, pulling the hood a little lower. ‘Stay quiet. Stay still,’ He reminded himself. ‘Don’t give anyone a reason to look twice.’

For once, Issei was doing what Wu Ying always begged him to do, staying out of trouble. He’d promised her that much before she left.

—--------------

-Flashback-

The memory of her words echoed faintly in his head:

“Just wait here. Don’t pick a fight. Don’t talk to anyone. Don’t even sneeze too loudly. I’ll find the mayor’s location and come back.”

“Yeah, yeah,” He muttered under his breath, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Like I’m that bad…”

A stray cat darted across the alley, startling him enough to make him nearly trip over a crate. The noise made a nearby vendor glance toward the narrow gap between the buildings, but Issei ducked quickly, holding his breath until the man lost interest and turned back to his wares.

Okay, he thought, exhaling slowly. ‘Maybe I am that bad.’

—------------

Issei leaned against the wall again, letting his eyes wander up to the blue sky visible between the rooftops. His right hand rested against his thigh.

‘I miss having a watch. How long’s she been gone now?’ He wondered, glancing at the street again. ‘Ten minutes? Fifteen?’ It felt longer. He hated waiting, especially when he knew they were being hunted. Every townsfolk looked suspicious, every passerby a possible threat.

Ddraig’s deep voice finally stirred in his mind, rumbling faintly like distant thunder. (Patience, partner. The hunt favors those who wait for the right moment.)

Issei sighed, resting his head back against the wall. ‘Yeah, but you know, waiting’s not my strong suit.’

(It never was.) Ddraig replied, amusement curling through his tone. (Still, it’s better than being surrounded by fools with swords again.)

A small chuckle escaped him at that. “You’re not wrong there…”

Footsteps echoed down the side street, light, deliberate, and familiar. Issei’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing just before a familiar figure stepped into view. Wu Ying, graceful yet sharp as ever, moved through the narrow space with her usual air of confidence. Her dark green hair was tied in a high tail, her blue eyes scanning the area before locking onto him.

“Took you long enough,” Issei said quietly, rising to his feet. “I was starting to think you got caught.”

Wu Ying’s lips twitched into a faint smirk. “Please. You’d know if I got caught, there’d be an explosion somewhere by now.”

Issei chuckled softly. “Fair point. So, any luck?”

She nodded, lowering her voice as she approached. “I found it. The mayor’s mansion is on the northern edge of town, big, and crawling with guards. You’d have to be blind not to notice it. They’re already on high alert, too.”

“Great,” Issei muttered, rubbing his neck. “You think they’re expecting us?”

“No, more like they are using their full force to find you” Wu Ying corrected. “So many are distracted with many of their people not being there.” Her eyes glinted with determination. “We can use that.”

Issei smiled faintly at that, the familiar spark of excitement lighting in his chest. “You’ve already got a plan, don’t you?”

“Of course,” she replied matter-of-factly. “We’re going to strike before they tighten their patrols any further. But first…” She glanced around the alley, making sure no one was watching, before lowering her voice to a whisper. “We should tell the others and prepare.”

Issei nodded. “Right. Let’s head back.”

The two of them exchanged a brief glance, one of silent trust born of experience. Issei raised his arm, the faint glow of the World Marble’s energy flaring around his wrist. Within moments, the familiar shimmer of a portal began to form beside them, rippling like water.

Before stepping through, Wu Ying looked toward the bustling street once more, her expression hardening. “Hopefully this will stop them and make them leave us alone,” She muttered.

Issei grinned as the light of the portal engulfed them. “Then let’s make sure we hit them so hard they won’t forget it.”

And with that, the alley fell silent once more, the two vanishing into the swirling light, leaving behind nothing but the faint hum of power in the air as Meihua Crossing continued its unsuspecting day.

—------------------------------------------

Inside the World Marble, the eternal sunlight painted the meadow in a warm glow. The familiar smell of cooked rice, grilled meat, and freshly brewed tea drifted through the air, carried on the gentle breeze. Wu Lan and Mei were setting dishes on the low wooden table, their movements graceful and practiced.

Nearby, Wu Xiao was already digging in, tearing into a roasted chicken leg with childish enthusiasm. “Mmm! So good! I love mornings like this!” She mumbled through a mouthful, earning a helpless sigh from her eldest sister.

Wu Lan set down the last bowl and straightened, brushing her hands against her apron. “At least wait for everyone to sit down before you start, Xiao.”

“But it’ll get cold!” Wu Xiao argued, cheeks puffed out as she clutched her prize defensively.

Before Wu Lan could respond, a shimmer of light rippled across the air behind them. The familiar hum of energy filled the meadow as a portal opened. From its glow stepped Issei and Wu Ying.

“Finally,” Wu Xiao said, waving a drumstick. “You two took forever!”

Wu Ying exhaled sharply, placing her hands on her hips. “We weren’t strolling, Xiao. We were working.”

Wu Lan turned to them, her calm eyes studying their faces. “How did it go?”

Issei glanced toward Wu Ying, silently prompting her to explain. The green-haired warrior crossed her arms, her tone firm but measured. “I found it. The mayor’s mansion—it’s massive and heavily guarded, but I also noticed most of their patrols are searching the outer districts. If we move soon, we can strike before they regroup.”

Wu Lan’s brows furrowed slightly. “A frontal assault?”

Wu Ying nodded. “Exactly. We go straight through the main gate, take down the guards fast, and push through before the mayor can rally his men.”

A quiet tension settled over the table. Wu Lan’s gaze fell to the bowls of rice cooling in the sunlight. “We really don’t have a choice,” She said softly, “but… I feel sorry for the ones caught in the middle. Not everyone serving him deserves to suffer for his greed.”

Wu Ying’s expression softened for a moment, but she didn’t waver. “I know. But if we don’t act now, they’ll keep coming after us. They’ll never stop until we make them.”

A sharp whistle broke the heaviness of the moment. Wu Xiao, still holding her chicken leg aloft like a sword, grinned widely. “Then we’ll beat them all down! Right, Luna?”

The silver wolf, lounging beside her, gave a low bark in agreement, tail flicking once like a nod.

Issei chuckled, resting a hand on his hip. “You sure sound ready, Xiao.”

“Of course I am! I’ve been waiting for some real fun since my breakthrough!” She declared proudly.

As laughter and murmurs filled the air again, Issei’s gaze turned to Mei, who sat quietly beside the table, hands folded over her lap. Her eyes reflected both resolve and unease.

“Mei,” Issei said gently, “you don’t have to come if you don’t want to. You can stay here with Ddraig in the World Marble.”

Mei blinked, then slowly shook her head. “I… don’t like fighting,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I can’t just sit and wait while everyone else risks themselves. I’ll help however I can.” Her tone was soft, but the determination behind it was real.

Issei smiled, pride flickering in his chest. “Alright then. Just stay close, okay?”

“Okay,” Mei said, giving a small nod.

—------------------------------------

Once breakfast was done, the air changed. The group moved with purpose, clearing the table, checking weapons, and tightening straps.

Issei stood in the center, fully dressed with a silver furred coat, the red Boosted Gear gleaming brilliantly on his left arm. The red scales pulsed with quiet power, the emerald jewel in its center glowing like a heartbeat.

Beside him, Wu Ying tied her silver wolf-fur coat tighter around her shoulders, her fanged sword hanging at her hip. Her expression was cold and resolute.

Wu Lan slung her bow across her back and adjusted the quiver full of arrows. Her robe fluttered lightly in the wind as she met Issei’s eyes. “Once we enter, we go straight for the heart. Let’s hope we don’t get separated.”

“Right” Issei replied, his voice steady.

Wu Xiao, perched proudly atop Luna, twirled her twin short swords with a grin. “Heh! Finally some action!”

Mei, her hair tied back and her robes neatly fitted, stood behind them, clutching a bow staff that she had pulled out of the various weapons that the group had in a pile. “I’m ready.” She said, mostly to herself, but loud enough for them to hear.

A deep rumble rolled through the meadow as Ddraig approached, his immense form casting a long shadow over the group. His emerald eyes shimmered with faint pride.

(Hmph. You’ve all grown stronger.) The dragon’s voice was both thunderous and warm. (Go. And remember, do not hesitate and show no fear.)

Issei grinned, raising his left arm. “Thanks, partner. We’ll make it quick.”

(Heh. See that you do.)

The group gathered close as the crimson aura from the Boosted Gear flared. Wind swirled around them, grass bending in waves as the air rippled with energy.

“Everyone ready?” Issei asked.

“Always,” Wu Ying answered first, her hand resting on her sword.

Wu Lan nodded silently. Mei gave a small, nervous smile. Wu Xiao whooped from Luna’s back.

“Alright,” Issei said, his voice firm. “Let’s go show that mayor what happens when he messes with us.”

The portal bloomed open before them and one by one, they stepped through. The meadow fell silent again, save for the fading echo of Ddraig’s breathing.

—--------------------------------------------

Mayor’s Mansion, Meihua Crossing

The front gate of the mayor’s mansion loomed tall and imposing, its gilded metalwork reflecting the morning sun. Banners bearing the Shuren family crest fluttered in the wind, and the air was thick with the smell of incense from nearby braziers.

Two guards stood at their posts, spears resting lazily against their shoulders. They looked exhausted, eyes drooping, armor slightly dirty and askew.

“Three days…” One muttered, stifling a yawn. “Three damn days we’ve been searching for that boy. You’d think he turned into a ghost.”

The other chuckled dryly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Wouldn’t surprise me if he skipped town already. I swear, the mayor’s losing his mind over this Spirit Weapon nonsense.”

The first guard frowned, glancing around to make sure no officer was nearby. “You really think it’s that important?”

“Of course it is,” His companion replied, lowering his voice. “They say Spirit Weapons are treasures born from heaven itself. The kind of thing entire sects would kill to get their hands on. If the mayor manages to claim one… he’d have the strength of a mythical Champion.”

The first guard scoffed. “Strength, fame, fortune. Typical. Still, I—” He stopped mid-sentence, blinking. His brow furrowed. “Uh… you see that too, right?”

Down the dirt road leading to the mansion’s gate, a strange sight approached, a little girl riding atop a massive silver wolf. Her short twin blades gleamed at her sides, and her face carried an expression of pure excitement rather than fear.

Both guards stared, dumbfounded.

“Is that… a kid?”

“Riding… a wolf?!”

They instinctively took a step back. The wolf’s silver fur glinted under the light, and its eyes burned like hunger.

“Wait—how the hell did a child tame a Low-Ranked Beast?!”

Neither got to finish that thought.

Because at that moment, Wu Xiao grinned and shouted at the top of her lungs. “LUNA! CHARGE!”

The silver wolf roared, muscles tensing before it launched forward like a silver blur, slamming through the front gate with a thunderous crash. Splinters and twisted metal flew through the air as the two guards were sent sprawling onto the cobblestones.

“Wha—INTRUDERS!” One of them screamed, but it was already too late.

Wu Xiao stood proudly atop Luna, raising one of her short swords high like a banner. “BEWARE, FOOLS! FOR I, THE MIGHTY WU XIAO, HAVE ARRIVED!” She declared dramatically, waving the blade in wild circles.

The nearby soldiers froze, staring at her in stunned disbelief. “Is… is she serious?” one whispered.

The silence lasted all of three seconds as then chaos erupted.

“GET HER!” Someone yelled.

Arrows flew, blades were drawn, and cultivators surged forward to surround the little girl and her wolf. But before the archers could even nock a second volley, a faint whistle cut through the air.

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

Several bowmen collapsed, clutching their arms and shoulders, arrows embedded deep in their flesh.

From atop a nearby rooftop, Wu Lan stood like a silent shadow, her bow drawn and eyes sharp as ice. She exhaled slowly, another arrow already nocked and ready. “Stay down,I won’t allow anyone to hurt my little sister.” She murmured, releasing another again.

Her next volley struck two more archers before they even realized where she was.

The panicked shouts rose higher. “We’re under attack from all sides!”

Down below, a small squad of guards charged at Wu Xiao and Luna. Their blades flashed in the sunlight as they swung, but their strikes met only empty air.

A blur of green and red intercepted them.

Wu Ying appeared first, her fanged sword cutting through a spear’s shaft with a single fluid motion. Her foot lashed out, kicking one guard square in the chest and sending him crashing into another.

Beside her, Issei drove his armored fist forward, the Boosted Gear flaring bright red. His punch connected with a shield, shattering it like paper and sending the man flying several meters away.

The two moved in sync, back-to-back as they took down wave after wave of guards.

“Boost!” 

The Gear pulsed, red energy swirling around Issei’s arm. Each time he struck, the sound of impact echoed like thunder.

Wu Ying ducked low under a blade, her sword flashing once—twice—and two more guards fell. “Tch. I told her to wait,” she muttered, her sharp eyes flicking toward the rampaging silver wolf and its rider.

“WOOOO! THIS IS SO COOL!” Wu Xiao cheered, swinging her swords wildly as Luna barreled through a cluster of soldiers. Armor clanged, men flew, and dust filled the air.

“WU XIAO!” Wu Ying’s voice cracked like a whip. “WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT BEING RECKLESS?!”

The youngest sister blinked mid-swing, ducking as a stray arrow whizzed past. “Uh… don’t die?”

“That’s not what I meant!” Wu Ying snapped, parrying another attack and glaring at her sibling. “You could’ve waited for us!”

Issei grinned as he elbowed another guard into unconsciousness. “Hey, at least she got us in!”

Wu Ying shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. “You’re not helping!”

Issei just laughed, rolling his shoulders as he got ready.

Amidst the chaos, the mansion courtyard had become a battlefield—dust, smoke, and flashes of qi-filled light danced through the air. Luna leapt gracefully over the courtyard, landing with a heavy thud, knocking several guards from the impact alone as Wu Xiao cheered in triumph.

Wu Lan’s arrows whistled above, covering them from every angle, while Wu Ying and Issei carved a path toward the inner courtyard.

Within moments, the guards’ formation had completely collapsed.

But Issei knew better than to relax. His brown eyes narrowed, scanning the upper balconies. ‘These were just the regular guards… the real fight hasn’t even started yet.’

Dozens of defeated guards lay scattered across the stones, groaning in pain or too dazed to move.

Issei, his Boosted Gear still glowing faintly, stood at the front, breathing evenly. The red light dimmed, leaving behind only a low hum from the gauntlet’s jewel. “Alright,” He said, glancing around. “That should be all of them out here.”

“Good,” Wu Ying replied, wiping her blade clean on a fallen guard’s cape. Her sharp blue eyes turned toward the shattered entry doors ahead. “Then we should move on.”

Before they could, Mei came running up the path, her breath heavy and her grip tight on the wooden staff she carried. Behind her, Wu Lan followed with calm composure, bow still slung over her shoulder.

“Finally,” Wu Ying muttered, resting a hand on her hip. “You’re too slow, Mei.”

Mei winced at the comment but didn’t argue. “I… I know. I’m not used to running that fast. My legs feel like they’re on fire…”

Wu Lan chuckled softly, reaching over to give her a reassuring pat on the back. “You did fine. You’re keeping up better each time.”

Mei smiled faintly at that, her breathing steadying. “Thanks.”

Issei grinned, his usual easygoing warmth cutting through the battlefield tension. “Don’t worry about it, Mei. Not everyone has legs built for sprinting like Wu Ying. Or claws like Luna.”

At the sound of her name, the silver wolf beside Wu Xiao huffed proudly, her tail flicking high as Wu Xiao rubbed her head affectionately.

“Luna’s just that amazing,” Wu Xiao said smugly. “Right, girl?”

Luna growled softly in agreement, earning a laugh from Issei.

“Alright, you three,” Wu Ying said, rolling her shoulders. “Let’s focus. We’re not here to sightsee.”

—-----------------------

They then entered through the grand wooden doors, and Wu Ying couldn’t help but pause for a moment.

The interior of the mansion was really pretty. Golden lanterns lined the corridors, polished wood gleamed underfoot, and silk banners hung along the walls depicting the Shuren family’s long lineage. The scent of rare incense filled the air, smooth, rich, and suffocatingly expensive.

Wu Xiao’s jaw dropped. “Whoa… this place is huge! And everything smells weird.”

Wu Lan stepped carefully, scanning the home. “I believe it is sandalwood and amber.”

Wu Ying tilted her head back, taking in the tall ceilings and carved pillars. “I have to admit…” she said, a small, crooked smile tugging at her lips. “This is a really nice house. I’d love to live here instead of our shabby home.”

Wu Lan gave her a look. “Don’t be selfish, Ying. That ‘shabby home’ has memories. It’s where we grew up, where Father trained you.”

Wu Ying’s smirk faded slightly, though her tone stayed casual. “I know, I know… but that house is also falling apart. We don’t even have room for everyone anymore. Issei’s been sleeping outside for days.”

Issei blinked, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey, I don’t mind. The weather is always great inside the World Marble, and the animals like the company.” He chuckled. “Honestly, it’s kind of nice having Luna, the foxes, and a bunch of birds pile on top of me. Though I could do without Xiao using me as a pillow.”

Wu Xiao grinned, entirely unashamed. “You’re warm and comfy! You make the best bed, Big Bro!”

Mei giggled quietly, covering her mouth with her hand. Even Wu Ying cracked a faint smile. “You two really are hopeless.”

They continued walking deeper into the mansion, their footsteps echoing off the fine floors. Every hallway was more elaborate than the last—painted screens, gilded vases, silk curtains—all of it gleaming with wealth that could’ve funded an entire village.

“People actually live like this?” Mei whispered, her eyes wide. “It feels… too much.”

Wu Ying nodded solemnly. “They hoard riches while others starve. It’s no wonder the mayor’s name carries so much resentment when I went looking around for his home.”

“Yeah,” Issei said, scanning the halls for movement. “And he still wanted more. Guess greed doesn’t care how rich you already are.”

Wu Ying’s hand brushed the wooden railing beside her. “Let’s make sure he remembers what happens when greed crosses the wrong people.”

The group stopped at a grand double door, the sound of muffled voices coming from within.

Issei tightened his fist, the Boosted Gear pulsing once. “Do you think that’s him?”

Wu Ying nodded, her eyes sharp as steel. “Maybe?.”

The sisters drew their weapons, Mei readied her staff, and Luna growled low, her hackles rising.

The heavy double doors creaked open, their golden handles gleaming in the lamplight. The air that met them was thick with the palpable tension of waiting hostility.

Inside, the grand hall was wide enough to fit another home. Polished wooden floors reflected the lanterns overhead, and at the far end stood a grand staircase leading to the upper chambers. But it wasn’t the luxury that drew their attention.

Three figures stood in the middle of the hall, all men, each exuding powerful qi that rippled through the air like heat.

Their clothing marked them as the mayor’s elite retainers: dark green robes embroidered with gold, each carrying a different weapon, a curved saber, a spear, and a heavy steel staff.

Wu Ying’s sharp eyes immediately assessed them. “Fourth Stage Fighters…” she murmured, narrowing her gaze. “Looks like we’ve finally got a real challenge.”

Issei, stepping forward, let the red scales of the Boosted Gear gleam under the lantern light. “You guys work for the mayor?” he asked evenly. “Where is he?”

The three cultivators didn’t answer. Their gazes were fixed entirely on his left arm, on the red gauntlet that gleamed from the light.

“The Spirit Weapon…” One of them breathed, his voice trembling with excitement.

Another grinned darkly, greed flashing in his eyes. “The rumors were true. The mayor was right, that boy really does have one.”

Issei sighed. “So that’s a no then.”

Wu Ying unsheathed her sword in a fluid motion, the metal ringing clearly. “They’re not going to talk.”

Mei’s grip tightened on her wooden staff, her expression nervous but focused. “Then do we fight?”

Issei gave a short nod. “We fight.”

The air crackled with killing intent.

The three cultivators moved first, like shadows bursting into motion, their weapons gleaming.

Issei met the saber wielder head-on. Their clash sent a shockwave through the hall, wood splintering beneath their feet. Issei gritted his teeth as the man’s qi surged through the blade, sparks scattering at every strike.

“To think that a child would be worthy of something like that? I’ll make sure to take from you.” The man spat.

“Guess you’ll find out,” Issei shot back. He ducked under a horizontal slash, pivoted on his heel, and slammed his gauntleted fist into the man’s ribs. The impact sent the cultivator flying across the room, crashing through a decorative pillar.

On the left side of the hall, Wu Ying engaged the spearman. His attacks were precise and fast thrust after thrust, forcing her to parry with near-perfect timing.

“Tch!” She hissed, narrowly deflecting a sweep aimed for her legs. “You’re not bad.”

The man smirked, spinning his spear and sending a burst of qi toward her. “And you’re not strong enough.”

“Wanna bet?” Her blade flashed in a flurry, striking in a blur. Her speed overwhelmed the man’s defense, her sword tracing arcs of energy that shattered his spear’s shaft in two. Before he could retreat, she stepped in close, her knee slamming into his chest before a final downward slash sent him sprawling.

On the right flank, Mei faced the cultivator wielding the heavy staff. He towered over her, muscles thick, aura fierce. Her stance trembled slightly under his oppressive qi.

“Little girl,” He sneered. “You should’ve stayed home.”

Mei didn’t answer. Her hands tightened on the staff until her knuckles whitened.

The man swung, a horizontal strike that could’ve crushed stone. Mei sidestepped at the last moment, the staff grazing her robes as it tore through the air. She spun, bringing her own staff upward, striking his wrist.

“Gah—!” he grunted, momentarily loosening his grip.

“Mei, behind you!” Wu Lan’s voice rang from above, and an arrow whistled past Mei’s shoulder, piercing the man’s thigh.

He roared in pain, stumbling and Mei seized the moment, striking his knee, then his chest. Her final blow struck the back of his head, sending him collapsing to the floor.

Breathing hard, Mei lowered her staff, her arms trembling. “I… I did it.”

“Good job, Mei!” Wu Xiao cheered from Luna’s back, cutting down a straggling guard who had tried to enter the hall. “That was awesome!”

Wu Lan, still positioned at the broken doorway, lowered her bow slightly, scanning for more threats. “Stay alert. There may be more.”

Wu Ying kicked away the broken spear at her feet, exhaling sharply. “I wonder if these were simply mercenaries.”

Issei cracked his neck and looked toward the grand staircase. “I’m sure we’re getting close. Maybe he’s upstairs ?”

Luna growled low, her silver fur bristling as she faced the second floor.

Wu Lan prepared another arrow. “Then we move.”

Wu Ying smirked. “Let’s finish this.”

The group regrouped at the base of the stairs, their footsteps echoing softly as they ascended.

Finally done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes.