Sitting Down and Setting a Price

Whether to take a master or not makes a huge difference.

It's like dating versus marriage. Before marriage, you can have many boyfriends, but after marriage, from that many boyfriends, you only have one husband. Thinking about it that way, aren't you getting a good deal?

In short, since Xu Jiang hadn't taken a master, it meant others had a chance to poach him.

"Xu..."

"Old Lei! You haven't been resting well these past two days, you should just go home early, wash up, and sleep. Leave this to me."

"That's right, I'm a Cleric. I'll take Xu Jiang for a medical examination."

The group of important figures over there had already started bickering, blocking each other, each wanting to abduct Xu Jiang and recruit him as a disciple to bring glory to their lineage in the future.

This situation was, naturally, not beyond Xu Jiang's expectations.

He was well aware of the value of the [General's Order], which allowed equipment to continuously evolve and improve, making it more powerful than any form of cultivation.

Therefore, from the very beginning, Xu Jiang hadn't intended to keep a low profile, nor could he.

He had only transferred classes a few days ago, and his growth rate had far exceeded expectations. Even Grandpa Lei couldn't hide it if he wanted to.

So, he might as well be upfront about it. Securing more investment would be the key capital for him to upgrade his equipment.

Only the weak needed to hide and survive; powerful mechs were built with money. He was confident that his rate of strength improvement would definitely surpass those schemes and calculations.

Seeing the group of important figures arguing over Xu Jiang's allegiance, the carefree Baozi couldn't help but sigh.

"Tsk, tsk, Xu Jiang, look how popular you are. Why don't you consider switching masters?"

Their casual conversation naturally couldn't escape the notice of the powerful experts. Grandpa Lei's face immediately darkened by a notch.

This damned little blondie, speaking without a filter! If my disciple is gone, I'll kill you!

Grandpa Lei wanted to rush over and snatch him back, but he was stopped by Old Man Mo at the first moment.

He hadn't known before, thinking Xu Jiang had already taken a master. Now he realized it was just Grandpa Lei's wishful thinking? Then he wouldn't be polite.

As a Swordsman, he used his brute strength to wrap an arm around Grandpa Lei and winked at Baozi: "Quick, little blondie, say more, persuade Xu Jiang to leave!"

Xu Jiang chuckled and shook his head, replying, "Actually, Grandpa Lei isn't bad either! At least he introduced me to this path."

"Are you talking about the ticket to the [Black White Forest]? Or the supply pack from the logistics department? Those things were all free."

"Besides, he did teach me some techniques."

"Don't lie to me. Senior Lei plays with revolvers, and your skills have nothing to do with him."

Grandpa Lei's face darkened by another third.

"But there was some cost involved, right? Like... the travel expenses?"

"Hah~ How much is gas money worth? 50 Credit Points? Tsk, tsk, Xu Jiang, you're only worth 50 bucks, how pathetic."

Grandpa Lei's face turned completely black.

"But speaking of which, the Martial Arts Association managed by Old Mo is also muddled. For just 50 bucks, they actually gave up on you. If this gets out, he'll lose face."

Grandpa Mo's face also darkened immediately.

"No, it should be that the city administration was incompetent from the start. You were a refugee, and the first review was done by them. They actually threw you into the slums? They're truly blind."

A stranger, a middle-aged man, also had a somewhat darkened expression.

"Thinking about it that way, you should just take Grandpa Lei as your master. At least he was willing to sponsor you with 50 bucks."

Everyone's face turned black.

Xu Jiang: ...

As expected from someone from Team 17. If they were any more normal, they wouldn't chat like this. Don't blame me later when you get dragged away by a bunch of big shots for a chat!

Xu Jiang quickly changed the subject: "Why don't you go provide some reinforcements? There are many people over there who need your help."

"No problem!" Baozi was very enthusiastic and rushed towards the battlefield without hesitation: "I just saw a strong man carrying an iron coffin. He seems to be in danger. I'll go save him."

"Wait a minute! Lan Tie he..." Baozi had already run far away, and Xu Jiang couldn't stop him. Old Tie, I'm sorry, you have to die quickly!

As soon as Baozi left, the big shots over there collectively charged over.

"Xu Jiang! It's only been three days, and your strength has improved again. You're truly a perfect fit for our Martial Arts Association. I've recently started a training class. If you join, you'll get a house and a car. It's very suitable for you."

"Don't try to trick him. What training class? I've never heard of it. Xu Jiang, don't listen to Old Man Mo's lies!" Grandpa Lei was very anxious, afraid Xu Jiang would be poached.

A stranger, a middle-aged man, also righteously criticized Mo Wushan.

"That's right, the city administration just called me. Mo Wushan's training class is operating illegally. Xu Jiang, you absolutely must not be fooled! I'm from the Public Security Bureau, and we are very legitimate. If you join us, you'll get a dedicated female secretary for 24-hour companionship."

Companionship? I like that word. It sounds very legitimate. Xu Jiang was very interested in this.

He had always felt that he was very suitable for work like that in the Public Security Bureau – upright image, eliminating harm for the people. I am an enemy to gambling and drugs!

"I am Executor B of CJ, and it's a pleasure to meet you. If you wish to leave Nine Rivers Corporation, we can cover the breach of contract fees..."

The major forces that came to reinforce them all extended olive branches. Some organizations Xu Jiang had never even heard of, just code names, offered fantastical conditions.

It seemed only Grandpa Lei, a retiree, couldn't offer much benefit. He was currently anxiously pacing, unable to contact his superiors for the moment.

"It's fine, I'll wait for your offer," Xu Jiang said with a slight smile.

"Thank you all for your kindness. I haven't slept for the past two days and I'm really at my limit. I want to go back and rest for a night before thinking about anything else. Team Leader, can we go back now?"

"Of course, no problem, let's go!" Ying Xiaoxiao was carefree, completely disregarding the feelings of these big shots. Xu Jiang was part of her Team 17, so taking him away was perfectly normal.

The important figures around them wanted to stop them, but first, this was Xu Jiang's wish. After fighting in the void for two days and two nights, they couldn't exactly stop him from resting;

Second, Ying Xiaoxiao's status was not ordinary. Forcibly stopping them would definitely not work, so they could only watch helplessly as Xu Jiang left. This undoubtedly gave Grandpa Lei another opportunity.

Sha Tu chuckled from the side. He had seen through Xu Jiang's intentions; this was a negotiation tactic to drive up the price.

However, Xu Jiang was only waiting for Nine Rivers Corporation's offer. Seeing Grandpa Lei's eager demeanor, the company would likely have to bleed a lot of money this time.

Patting Xu Jiang's shoulder, Sha Tu said, "I'll help you handle some of the aftermath. You go back and get some good rest."

"Mhm, thank you." Sha Tu was indeed very reliable.

There were definitely many spoils of war from killing the Bonefiend just now.

Xu Jiang didn't have the energy to stay and slowly clean up the battlefield. Letting Sha Tu oversee it was the best outcome.

The group passed through the tunnel, and after another dizzying sensation, they finally returned to Yong'an City.

Behind them was the dark void, surrounded by dense rows of instruments and equipment. Not far away, there were also sounds of crying and hopeful gazes.

Disaster had struck, and who knew how many families were torn apart.

Fortunately, he had made it out and defeated the Bonefiend, clearing the exit ahead of time. He hoped more people could be rescued later.

As he was sighing, a golden-armored warrior appeared before him and gave him a hug as soon as they met.

"Xu Jiang! Thank you so much this time. You're really strong, you took that thing down all by yourself."

Who are you! Do we know each other?

Xu Jiang was stunned for a long time before he could see a patch of azure skin through the gap in the golden armor, finally recognizing the other party's identity.

"You're Pace? Why are you dressed like that?"

"Haha, it seems your tribe has been living too far away and has forgotten our Godlamp Clan's battle armor. I couldn't connect to the mother planet in the void, so as soon as I came out, I naturally had to put on the armor to feel at ease."

It seemed the Godlamp Clan wasn't without combat power. With a suit of golden armor, they looked quite formidable.

It was like setting up a base station on the mother planet. With a network connection, Pace could borrow the mother planet's power at any time.

No wonder those Faceless Ones went to such great lengths to open the void. If the network was cut off, even the most powerful keyboard warrior would be stumped.

"Xu Jiang, from now on, you are my friend. I didn't bring any treasures this time, so just pick whatever you like from these trinkets."

Pace didn't have much of anything else, but he had money. He casually found a room and shook his small bag, and with a clinking sound, a large pile of 'trinkets' poured out.