After a while, Grandpa Lei returned with a bag of materials and handed it to Xu Jiang.
"I managed to find you 8 Hardened Carapaces and 500 Colorless Crystal Shards. I'll think of a way to get the rest."
Grandpa Lei had run all over the place and worked hard to help him, leaving Xu Jiang somewhat moved.
By that logic, Grandpa Lei probably wouldn't harm him, right? Could all those negative rumors about Team 17 have been false? Xu Jiang decided he had to see for himself.
"Then shall we head to Team 17 now?"
"Of course. Come with me." Seeing Xu Jiang so eager to join, Grandpa Lei was very pleased and led him toward the Hunter Department.
Nine Rivers Corporation's headquarters was decorated in a sleek, metallic high-tech style, grand and imposing.
It had everything it should have—bars, KTVs, gyms, and swimming pools.
And everything it shouldn't have—bedrooms, saunas, and massage rooms.
As Grandpa Lei led the way, he said proudly, "Speaking of which, I used to lead Team 17 myself. Even after retiring, I come back often. Most of the people in the team practically grew up under my watch, so I know them very well."
"Really? What are they like?"
"They're all outstanding young people, and the members care deeply for one another."
Care deeply? Then why had the warehouse manager told him those people were terrifying? The evaluations were worlds apart. Are you sure you didn't get it wrong?
Half doubtful, Xu Jiang soon arrived at the entrance to Team 17.
The front yard was clean, and four little mechanical dogs waddled around adorably by the door. The moment he pushed the door open, Xu Jiang knew the rumors couldn't be trusted. This was the team of his dreams.
The first person to greet them was a stunning beauty with pale blue hair.
Her white floral dress outlined her graceful curves, while delicate high-heeled sandals emphasized her tall figure.
Seeing them arrive, she hurried to her feet to welcome them.
"Grandpa Lei, it's been so long! What brings you here today? Please, have a seat."
The woman brushed back the hair by her ear, a sweet smile appearing on her face. Like a beautiful girl-next-door big sister, she warmly ushered them into the living room.
At a desk in the corner, a little girl of around thirteen or fourteen also put down her pen and trotted over obediently.
She held a mechanical puppy in her arms. Though she did not show much expression, she looked incredibly cute. She politely bowed to Grandpa Lei.
"Hello, Grandpa Lei."
"Haha~~ Has Xiao Zhen been behaving herself lately?" Grandpa Lei laughed heartily and patted the girl's head.
"Yes, Xiao Zhen has been very good lately. I've been helping her with her studies, and we're almost done."
The beautiful woman brought over an exquisite tea set and began making tea with practiced movements.
Listen to that gentle, clear voice. Look at that sweet, captivating smile. She was absolutely the perfect mature beauty, the very image of a virtuous wife and mother.
At that moment, a middle-aged man emerged from a side room. He wore a black-and-gray suit, a pocket watch hanging from his waist, and a full beard. He was dressed with great refinement.
Upon seeing Grandpa Lei, he nodded slightly in greeting. "Deacon Lei, it's been a long time. This must be our new colleague."
Everything about the middle-aged man exuded elegance. He sat on the sofa, picked up a teacup, and slowly savored his tea.
"That's right. This is my disciple, Xu Jiang. He only changed classes a few days ago and doesn't understand anything yet, so I brought him here to learn from you all." Grandpa Lei introduced him to everyone.
"She is Ying Xiaoxiao, Team 17's current leader. You can think of her as your senior sister." The gentle girl-next-door big sister gave Xu Jiang a sweet smile, seemingly delighted to have another junior brother.
"This is Xiao Zhen. Although she's still in school, she has already changed classes. She gets along well with Xiaoxiao, so we let her join Team 17 early."
The little girl still did not show much enthusiasm. She merely gave a faint nod as greeting.
Grandpa Lei then pointed to the elegant middle-aged man. "His name is Sha Tu. He has traveled far and wide over the years and seen much of the world. You can ask him for guidance more often during this period."
As they were chatting, someone rushed out of the kitchen. Before Xu Jiang could see his face clearly, the man was already shouting.
"Senior Lei, you're here! I'm making Sweet Flower Stuffed Chicken. Stay for dinner tonight!"
A spatula in his left hand and a ladle in his right, with dyed yellow hair on his head—wasn't this the guy who had exposed Grandpa Lei's empty-handed scheme earlier? He seemed to be called Little Bao or something?
"His name is Silly Baozi." Grandpa Lei was indeed still holding a grudge, and he gave the blond man a new nickname with a dark expression.
"Senior Lei, you can't introduce me like that! Hello, you must be the new member. My name is Bao Dabing, but you can call me Baozi. I've prepared some good dishes. We'll have a welcome feast later."
Xu Jiang looked around. There was the beautiful and gentle team leader, the obedient and adorable little girl, the knowledgeable and elegant gentleman, and a chatty blond man skilled at cooking.
This really was such a warm team! Grandpa Lei hadn't lied to him after all. These were exactly the teammates he had hoped for. The people spreading those rumors had to be jealous.
As dinner approached, Grandpa Lei stayed behind to eat with everyone.
During the meal, he also introduced the team members' circumstances.
Ying Xiaoxiao was a Dark Lightning Warrior, an extremely rare and powerful class. Her spear technique was extraordinary, and she could summon dark lightning. As the team leader, her combat strength was naturally formidable.
Sha Tu was a Fighter. He rarely used his hands in battle and was an expert who specialized in leg techniques.
Xiao Zhen's class was Occultist. It was said that she could communicate with spirits, though her exact combat strength was unknown. According to Grandpa Lei, children should focus more on studying and had no need to get involved in combat too early.
As for Baozi, he was an ordinary Qi Practitioner. If he had any special trait at all, it was probably his cooking.
By the end of the meal, everyone was chatting and laughing in harmonious cheer.
After dinner, Ying Xiaoxiao even specially arranged a room for Xu Jiang. They would be spending their days together from now on, and life would surely be lively and warm.
Seeing how satisfied Xu Jiang was, Grandpa Lei felt greatly relieved. He patted Xu Jiang on the shoulder and instructed him:
"I remember you still have a patrol assignment tonight, so I won't disturb you any longer. Xu Jiang, get along well with everyone. You'll be able to learn quite a few skills. I'll come again tomorrow and begin your systematic training."
"No problem, Teacher. Go without worry." With such a beautiful senior sister looking after him, becoming this old man's disciple was actually not so bad.
After seeing Grandpa Lei off without hesitation, Xu Jiang looked expectantly at Ying Xiaoxiao.
There was still a patrol assignment tonight? No big deal.
Taking a stroll through the streets with his senior sister after dinner and chatting about life was also a fine way to cultivate body and mind.
It was just that this activity... seemed somewhat off?
"Xu Jiang, to welcome you into our team, I've decided that tonight, we'll pull off something big."
Pull off something big? How could patrolling the streets involve pulling off something big?
Ying Xiaoxiao's smile did not change. She clapped her hands and announced, "Come gather around! Let's throw a big party for our new member!"
Under Xu Jiang's astonished gaze, Ying Xiaoxiao suddenly lifted the sofa cushion, revealing a huge map of Yong'an City from a hidden compartment.
Then she pointed at a spot!
"Tonight, we rob this place."
Before you continue