Volume One, Chapter Three: Perils on the Road Ahead

After receiving the mission scroll, Yun Qianbai moved swiftly, soon arriving at the city gate.

From a distance, he saw five figures gathered there, some standing, some sitting—these must be his teammates for this mission.

As he approached, Yun Qianbai took a clearer look at the five.

Three of them appeared about his age, their muscles taut and eyes sharp, likely possessing the strength of the second level of the Body Refinement Realm.

Another was older, burly and steady, presumably at the third level of the Body Refinement Realm.

Most striking was the bald man—standing there like a small mountain, exuding a dangerous aura. The fierce scar slashing across his head sent chills down the spine. Clearly a ruthless character, he was at the fifth level of the Body Refinement Realm and served as the temporary squad leader.

“You must be Yun Qianbai?” The bald man sized him up with a scrutinizing gaze. “Why are you only just arriving? Do you know how long we’ve been waiting for you?”

“Sorry, I’m late.” Yun Qianbai replied calmly, uninterested in explaining further.

“Hmph, kid, don’t think you’re special just because you’re an esper!” One of the second-level Body Refinement young men sneered sarcastically. “Our captain is fifth-level—show some respect!”

“Exactly, a rookie making us wait? Who does he think he is!” Another young man chimed in.

Yun Qianbai cast them a glance, disdainful of their antics.

He strode directly to the city guard, presenting his identification.

“Third level Body Refinement?” The guard’s eyes flickered with surprise upon verifying him, then opened the gate. “You may leave the city.”

“Wait!” The bald man suddenly interjected. “Kid, I want half the reward for this mission.”

“On what grounds?” Yun Qianbai frowned.

“Because I’m the captain and the strongest!” The bald man grinned, revealing yellowed teeth. “Besides, I snatched this mission from Fatty. You should be grateful you get to pick up the scraps!”

“Captain, this isn’t right,” a third-level squad member protested. “Brother Yun was the one who originally accepted the mission…”

“Shut up!” The bald man glared at him. “You don’t get to speak here!”

“Hahaha, all hail the captain!” The two second-level youths immediately started flattering him.

Yun Qianbai observed their ugly faces and sneered inwardly.

One hundred thousand Qing Stone Coins—half was fifty thousand. The bald man really had the gall to ask for that much!

“Kid, be smart about this!” The bald man leaned in close, his scarred face nearly pressing against Yun Qianbai’s, his breath foul enough to make him wrinkle his nose. “Once we leave the city, I can’t guarantee your safety. Got it?”

The bald man’s small, greenish eyes gleamed with malice, staring at Yun Qianbai like a venomous snake.

Lowering his voice so only Yun Qianbai could hear, the threat was unmistakable.

Anger surged within Yun Qianbai; this bald brute was truly unbearable!

He longed to punch that ugly head to dust, but he forcibly suppressed the rage—now was not the time.

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