Still the Same

Around 11 a. m., fourteen bricklayers returned to the club, settled their wages with Jiang Xueming, and recommended three decoration companies. Before they even had a sip of water, they left Nine Realms Station to continue working and earning money elsewhere.

One by one, the companions woke up and came to the bar counter from their rooms in the Council of Five Kings.

Bailu was the first to arrive. She had a long history class today, and carrying her schoolbag and weapons bag, she was going to the firing range to collect ammunition before heading to Galahad for school.

She jogged to the bar, grabbed a glass of milk soup, drank it, and greeted Xue Ming, "Brother! I'm off to class!"

Xue Ming asked one more question, "How are your grades lately?"

Bailu immediately replied, "That's great!"

Xue Ming: "How wonderful?"

Bailu: "Type 92! Fifty-meter target! Forty shots, four hundred rings!"

Xue Ming: "That's really impressive."

Bailu said with a grin, "Hehe! Impressive, right? You were fed with 140,000 bullets!"

As the girl spoke, she began to gesticulate wildly, striking a pose as if she were an instructor.

"Raise your hand and draw your gun! Fire as soon as you draw! Defeat the enemy as soon as you fire!"

Jiang Xueming looked at his younger sister in surprise--

--140,000 bullets? In half a year, she fired 140,000 bullets?

He fires an average of 777 shots a day, and even his training regimen is named after his sister-in-law.

Thirty-two trigger pulls per hour, or twelve hours excluding eating, drinking, relieving oneself, and sleeping. During the Bailu season, live-fire exercises are conducted every minute.

This amount of training was beyond Jiang Xueming's imagination, so he quickly asked more questions.

Do you like firing a fire?

Without hesitation, Bailu replied, "I especially like it."

Jiang Xueming immediately went to get his sister's gun holster, took out the Type 92 rifle, and saw that the black five-pointed star grip was shiny and had been polished to a high shine. The barrel was very new; he wondered how many rifling grooves this girl had worn out.

After checking the condition of the firearm, he returned it to his sister.

"I'm glad you like it."

"Okay, brother, I need to go buy lunch. After I eat, I have to take the intercity express to Balason. I'm off!" Bailu covered her face with her handkerchief and ran out.

Jiang Xueming: "Be careful!"

"Okay, brother! Be careful too!" Seeing Bailu running further and further away...

Xue Ming suddenly felt worried.

--The reason is simple: supporting the girl's [little hobby] would definitely cost a lot of money. Among these 140,000 bullets, there must be other rifle bullets, machine gun bullets, and sniper training ammunition.

Just now, Xue Ming could see that Bailu's upper arm and shoulder muscles had become much stronger. She was beginning her first transformation, turning from an ordinary person into an insect egg. It was estimated that soon Ming De would be ecstatic for a while, and then assign Bailu her first exploration mission.

Also, will she be bullied in Galahad, Balason?

Will she feel wronged when she goes to magic school and spends time with her friends?

She.

"Ming Ge, what are you thinking about?" A Xing had just raised his teacup and downed the milk soup in one gulp. "Ah~~~"

He then burped and roared excitedly.

"Feels good! Delicious!"

Before Xue Ming could answer, Meteor, like a powerful, energetic child, immediately reached out its hand.

"Did you practice your skills today?!"

Xue Ming: "No."

The meteor gave him a high five, and then they shook hands tightly.

"I don't have any either!"

Xue Ming: "Hahahahahaha."

Meteor: "Hahahaha!"

After the strange ritual ended--

A Xing then asked about what had just happened.

"Ming Ge, Bailu went to class. Are you worried about her?"

Jiang Xueming tidied up the cups, took them to the cleaning pool, and then told Liuxing about it.

"She seems to really like guns, just like me, but her training is excessive. It's comparable to that of a top special forces soldier—I'm worried she might be suffering from bullying at school."

Bu Liuxing: "School violence?"

Jiang Xueming: "Yes, they only think about how to fight back when they're being bullied. That's what I'm worried about. Most of the kids at the Galahad Magic Academy come from underworld families. Their parents are passengers, and Bailu, a VIP with a prestigious reputation, doesn't know anyone and can't rely on anyone. She's afraid that the school isn't violent enough."

Bu Liuxing chuckled, "You're overthinking it, Ming Ge!"

Jiang Xueming: "Are you overthinking it? Really?"

Bu Liuxing leaned casually on Xue Ming's shoulder. This scoundrel was 192 centimeters tall, almost making Xue Ming look like he was only 1.6 meters tall, but it didn't matter, it didn't hinder the two brothers from communicating.

"Bailu and I are the same age, so I don't think she has such complicated thoughts."

Jiang Xueming's eyes lit up.

What did you just say?

Bu Liuxing suddenly became timid. "I said... she's definitely not that complicated."

"The sentence before?" Jiang Xueming pressed on. "The sentence before?"

Bu Liuxing: "She and I are the same age."

Jiang Xueming: "I need to report to the BOSS and send you to Galahad. A Xing, this is very important. Why don't you accompany Bailu to class?"

"No, no, no, I don't understand her." Bu Liuxing immediately changed his tune, on the verge of tears. "Ming-ge, Ming-ge, Ming-ge, I'm all grown up now. I don't want to go to class!"

Jiang Xueming: "Why?"

A Xing kept scratching his head, recalling his mother's lecture.

"Think about it, my mom always told me when I was little that I could do whatever I wanted, since we're not short of money. So many people go to school and work at my mom's company, with such high levels of education, just to make money. There are very few who truly want to benefit society and change the fate of all mankind with knowledge. Aren't they all geniuses, one in a million? I'm not a genius, let's get started!"

This answer surprised Jiang Xueming.

Bu Liuxing continued, "My eyes get dizzy when I look at things with a lot of words, especially numbers, you know? Like my sister-in-law, I once got a six in math; I just don't have the talent. My mom doesn't scold or hit me; she doesn't blame me. She just wants me to go out and travel the world—after all, there are countless books to read, but my brain can't understand them anyway. It's better to just go out and see the world. I like that kind of life!"

9527: "Who's like you?"

A Xing: "Ah, sister-in-law."

Xiao Qi finished her milk soup indignantly, and then helped her employer put the cup in the sink.

"Who's like you? You got a six on a math test?"

A Xing: "I'm sorry, sister-in-law. I..."

Xiao Qi patted his little brother's face. "You really overestimated my abilities."

Although it wasn't morning, Xue Ming still greeted her with a "Good morning."

Xiao Qi immediately perked up. "Where's the good morning kiss?"

Jiang Xueming: "Where should I kiss you?"

"Wait for me to brush my teeth!" Xiao Qi disappeared in a flash, heading back to wash up. It was as if she had been thinking about her lover since she woke up, wishing she could see him immediately. She rushed over like a whirlwind and then rushed back just as fast as she could.

The shooting star was completely stunned.

"--Sister-in-law, is this... a strange and eccentric character?"

Jiang Xueming decided to be clear and make things explicit. "A Xing, I have a favor to ask of you."

Bu Liuxing: "Is it to protect Bailu? Should we follow her to Galahad and see if there are any strange or bad people around her?"

Jiang Xueming: "That's right, I'll go to class while I'm at it. Brother Ye Bei is looking for me, so I have to go back to Hengyin."

"Alright." Meteor was still a little reluctant, after all, the Blue Stone People didn't like to talk. "Last time, that guy pulling the carriage glared at me just because I asked him about constellations."

Jiang Xueming: "You can try again, just don't ask what the horse's zodiac sign is."

"Oh," the shooting star stammered, still hesitant.

Then I saw 3301 grab the teacup and gulp it down, letting out a burp just like his employer. He was still drunk, adjusting his glasses, looking like a mixed-breed canine that had difficulty breaking down alcohol and was having a long hangover.

"The shopkeeper"

Jiang Xueming: "Don't call me manager, I'm not the boss."

Teacher San San immediately changed his tune. "Gunsmith, I have class today, I'll be going now."

3301 is usually called Teacher San San by Xue Ming and Liuxing. This isn't some internet meme; it's because her Lapis Lazuli Guards ID card includes the duties of a substitute teacher. In the Bluestone District, she's also considered a new recruit instructor, often going to Galahad to teach the new generation of Blue Stone People how to protect themselves.

Jiang Xueming: "Okay."

After saying that, 3301 went back to her room to change her clothes, to take off her Flash Butterfly Armor outfit.

Bu Liuxing hesitated for a moment, but when he heard that the half-wolf girl was going to Balason, he started to talk tough.

"I... I'm not going. I'll go with you! I also want to see Brother Ye Bei, I'm so looking forward to it. I need to go back and let Mom know I'm safe."

Jiang Xueming: "Then let's do it your way. I never force anyone."

Bu Liuxing: "Okay. Ming Ge, when do we set off?"

Jiang Xueming: "I need to go to the VIP tea room first. I haven't had my Soul Might checked since I acquired it. I also need to ask the BOSS for my wages. There are a lot of things waiting for me to handle."

Just then, 3301, carrying his lesson plan, changed into a guard's uniform, maintained his wolf form, and talked to the students about the characteristics of the blood-bearing monster. His two ears perked up and twitched involuntarily, and he was very sensitive to ambient noise.

He wore glasses perched on his protruding nose and kept squinting as he stared intently at the lesson plan and curriculum.

She leaned closer to Liuxing and pointed to the timetable. "Help me take a look. My eyesight isn't very good. What day of the week are my classes? Morning or afternoon? The print is so small."

Meteor was jolted stiff by the fluffy tail. One second it was clinging to Xue Ming, the next it turned into a scalding hot popsicle, its whole body standing upright.

He could smell the strong insect repellent perfume on Teacher San San, her dark, beast-like lips looked like they were coated with greasy lipstick, and her upturned eyes were as charming and alluring as a Disney princess who had run away from home.

Jiang Xueming: "Let me know when you're ready. After Jason and Tang Ning finish their honey milk, I'll say hello to them and then we'll set off."

"I love learning!" Meteor declared righteously and assertively, her voice loud and clear. "I especially love learning! I love the romance of language arts, the solemnity of history, the order and mystery of mathematics, the artistic sentiment of painting, the wonder and magnificence of nature, the ingenuity of geography, the pursuit of knowledge through physics, the magical transformations of chemistry, the emotional expression of language, and the diversity of biology. I love the diversity of biology! I love the diversity of biology!"

Jiang Xueming said expressionlessly, "Alright, alright, I understand. Get out of my club. There's no need to repeat the last sentence three times. Go be your assistant coach."

"I'll definitely protect my sister! Don't worry, Ming Ge!" Bu Liuxing put his arm around Teacher San San's arm. Comparing their heights, he did indeed look like Teacher San San's "girlfriend," being a little shorter than the big wolf. "I'm leaving!"

Although he had said it many times, Jiang Xueming still had to say it.

That's my sister, not your sister.

There's something else—

"--You've recited all the required high school courses, how come you don't like politics?"

From a great distance, the shooting star turned back and shouted, "I don't like it! It's so far, far away from me!"

"This kid," Jiang Xueming chuckled, "Is pretty good."

Just then, Jason Megan and his two girlfriends, one older and one younger, returned to the bar.

Jason was the first to drink the milk soup, his face full of disgust. "Do you know how sweet and oily it gets when it's cold? Is it whole milk? If I were the President of the United States, I'd want to attack you."

Jiang Xueming: "I'm sorry, Chef, my work certainly won't meet your standards."

"Good sir! On the morning of August 2, 2025, I criticized Jiang Xueming's honey milk and got one point!" Katusha silently recorded this great achievement in her diary.

Jason then added, "My waiter and I are off to catch our ride, so we don't have time to teach you how to make hangover soup. You can try using skim milk, but don't let it get cold, or the guests will get diarrhea."

Jiang Xueming: "Okay, Chef, are you going to inspect your VIP carriage?"

Jason put on his coat and walked outside. "That's right."

Little Katusha, holding onto Wendy's arm, said goodbye to Xue Ming: "See you later! Handsome gunsmith!"

Wendy did the same, tilting her head and adding, "See you later, Xiao Shuai gunsmith."

It seems Jason had already greeted them, and from then on, he referred to Xue Ming as the Gunsmith.

"And after opening, Jason!" Jiang Xueming shouted, "Casto's convenience store is doing very well, thanks to your skills. I'm waiting for you!"

Jason gave Thumb, said nothing, and walked toward the Council of Five Kings without turning back.

Next came Robert Tang Ning, who waited outside for a while before finally coming in, very politely.

"Boss! I think..."

Jiang Xueming's eyes turned fierce and sinister.

Robert Tang Ning immediately changed his tune, saying in broken Chinese, "Gunsmith! Gunsmith, gunsmith, gunsmith!"

After saying this, the young man gently patted his cheek, as if slapping himself, to remind himself of this incident.

"Gunsmith, I have another favor to ask of you."

Jiang Xueming: "I will never use [Fragrant Dream] on you again."

"No way! How did you know what I wanted?" Tang Ning exclaimed in surprise, switching to English to communicate, afraid that he might not speak fluently, "Masha and I went to the Vienna Opera last time, and this time we're supposed to go to Hawaii—I can't keep her waiting."

Jiang Xueming: "That was a dream, it wasn't real."

Tang Ning hurriedly explained, "I know, I know it wasn't a dream, it's just like playing a game! I just wanted to play video games, is that how it's called? In Chinese, it's called 'playing video games'?"

Jiang Xueming: "Tang Ning, this isn't what you and I said back then—you called me your teacher, wanted me to teach you combat, and help you become stronger. Are all Black Stone people like this? They love to absorb everything? They have absolutely no resistance to their desires?"

"Alright." Tang Ning said dejectedly, "Gunsmith, I understand what you mean. I..."

"Go find the BOSS to receive the quest. After completing the quest, whether you become stronger or not, and you return alive, I will restore the mental damage you suffered during your journey, so you can be with Masha."

Before Jiang Xueming could finish speaking, Tang Ning, who had just prepared a fresh batch of honey milk, suddenly switched to a Tom and Jerry style, his mouth and head moving sideways and sweeping away several cups on the bar. He then rushed into the guest room of the Council of Five Kings and carried the half-dragon girl.

Anna was half asleep, still wearing her blue A Xing pajamas, with half of her forked snake tongue sticking out. She felt herself moving at lightning speed. Her employer picked her up and ran, carrying the heavy half-dragon without feeling tired at all. After Anna finished drinking the milk soup and completing the ritual, he immediately headed towards the cabinet.

Just as the half-dragon girl's magician's nightcap fell, it floated into Xue Ming's hands. Then Tang Ning rushed back and took the nightcap away.

"Gunsmith! Wait for my good news!"

Xue Ming was at a loss for words, marveling at the energy contained within the Black Stone Men's bodies. They seemed to be able to absorb anything, not picky at all. Once they saw the bait of their desire, they would immediately rush towards it.

The lobby manager was in the inner cabinet, talking to Ming De about the results of Jiang Xueming's investigation.

The lobby manager said, "The Polarized Sextant is still the same as before."

BOSS: "It's alright, didn't we recently purchase a special instrument for measuring the elemental properties of calamity beasts?"

The lobby manager repeated himself like a broken record, "The same as always."

The boss also repeated, "Didn't we purchase an additional instrument specifically for measuring the elemental properties of calamity beasts?"

The lobby manager stuffed two batteries into the tape recorder. "Same as always."

The boss finally came to her senses and covered her mouth.

"Oh wow. Wow!"