The waiter led Li Xiao through the bustling main hall to a relatively quiet courtyard at the back.
The courtyard was piled with sundry items.
A portly middle-aged man in a silk shirt, with two thin mustaches, was holding an account book and tallying the mountain goods in several baskets. He was presumably Steward Liu.
"Steward Liu, this youngster has come to apply for the Hunting Team."
After making the announcement, the waiter bowed and withdrew.
Steward Liu raised his head and narrowed his eyes as he sized Li Xiao up.
Seeing that he was well-proportioned and sturdy, with large hands and feet and bright, lively eyes, not someone lacking in strength, he immediately gained two points of approval.
"You want to join the Hunting Team? Young man, you do not look very old. Do you know that entering Great Green Mountain is no child's play?
There are not only ferocious beasts in those mountains, but perhaps Exotic Beasts as well. You must also guard against bandits. This is work where you tie your head to your waistband."
Steward Liu set down the account book and spoke as if going through the usual formalities.
"I know." Li Xiao met his gaze, his tone steady.
"I am a disciple of the Iron Wire Fist Martial Arts School, and I also come from a hunter background. I am fairly familiar with the forests and mountains.
I heard your establishment was recruiting hands, so I came to try my luck."
"From the Iron Wire Fist Martial Arts School?"
Steward Liu's eyes flickered, and his expression softened somewhat.
"Master Qian's prized disciple? Have you developed Internal Force?"
Master Qian was fiercely protective of his own. If this man was a Martial Master, the pay would have to be raised accordingly, lest he offend the