Raising the Price

Becoming a disciple and not becoming one were vastly different.

It was like dating versus marriage. Before marriage, you could have many boyfriends, but after marriage, out of all those boyfriends, only you became the husband. When you thought about it that way, wasn't it a bargain?

In short, Xu Jiang had not taken a master, which meant everyone else still had a chance to snatch him up.

"Xu..."

"Old Lei! You haven't been resting well these past few days. You should head home early, wash up, and get some sleep. Leave this place to me."

"That's right. I'm a Paladin. I'll take Xu Jiang to have his injuries examined."

That group of important figures had already begun bickering. Each one blocked the others, all wanting to whisk Xu Jiang away, take him as a disciple, and bring glory to their own school in the future.

Naturally, Xu Jiang had not expected this situation.

He understood the value of the General's Order very clearly. Letting equipment continuously evolve and improve was more powerful than any cultivation.

So from the very beginning, Xu Jiang had never planned to keep a low profile. Nor had he been able to.

He had only changed classes a few days ago, yet his growth rate had already far exceeded expectations. Even if Grandpa Lei wanted to hide it, he could not.

So he might as well lay everything out in the open. Securing more investment would be the key capital for upgrading his equipment.

Only the weak needed to cling to life. Powerful mechas were built by throwing money at them. He had every confidence that the rate at which his strength improved would surpass all those schemes and calculations.

Watching a group of big shots argue over who Xu Jiang belonged to, the carefree Baozi could not help sighing.

"Tut, tut. Xu Jiang, look how popular you are. Want to consider taking someone else as your master?"

An ordinary conversation naturally could not escape the ears of so many powerful experts. Grandpa Lei's expression immediately darkened.

That damned little blond brat had no filter at all. If I lost my disciple, I'd kill you!

Grandpa Lei wanted to rush over and snatch Xu Jiang away, but Old Mo stopped him immediately.

Before, he had assumed Xu Jiang had already taken a master. Now he learned it had all been this Lei fellow's wishful thinking? Then he would not hold back.

With the brute strength of a Swordsman, he wrapped an arm around Grandpa Lei and winked furiously at Baozi. Hurry, little blond brat, say more! Convince Xu Jiang to leave!

Xu Jiang shook his head with a laugh. "Actually, Grandpa Lei is pretty good too. At least he was the one who got me started."

"You mean that ticket to Black White Forest? And the supply pack you got from logistics? Those things were all free."

"Still, he taught me some techniques."

"Stop trying to fool me. Senior Lei uses revolvers. None of your skills have the slightest connection to him."

Grandpa Lei's face darkened another shade.

"But he did contribute something, didn't he? Like... the transportation costs?"

"Pfft. How much can gas cost? Fifty Credit Points? Tut, tut, Xu Jiang, you're only worth fifty bucks. That's really pitiful."

Grandpa Lei's face went completely black.

"But then again, the Martial Arts Association managed by Old Mo is pretty muddleheaded too. They gave you up over fifty bucks? He'll be humiliated if word gets out."

Grandpa Mo's face darkened right afterward.

"No, it should be the city government that dropped the ball. You were a refugee, and they reviewed you at the first checkpoint. Yet they threw you into the Slums? They must have been blind."

A strange middle-aged man's face also turned rather dark.

"Thinking about it that way, you should still take Senior Lei as your master. At least he was willing to spend fifty bucks sponsoring you."

Everyone's faces went dark.

Xu Jiang: ...

As expected of someone from Team 17. Anyone even slightly normal would not talk like this. If a bunch of big shots dragged you off for tea later, don't blame me.

Xu Jiang hurriedly changed the subject. "Why don't you go provide support? A lot of people over there need your help."

"No problem!" Baozi was enthusiastic and charged toward the battlefield without hesitation. "I just saw a burly guy carrying an iron coffin. He seems to be in danger, so I'm going to save him."

"Wait! Lan Tie, he..." Baozi had already run too far away for Xu Jiang to stop him. Old Tie, I'm sorry. You'd better die quickly!

No sooner had Baozi left than the big shots collectively swarmed over.

"Xu Jiang! It's only been three days, and your strength has improved again. You're truly perfect for our Martial Arts Association. I recently opened a training program. Join it and you'll get a house and a car. It suits you perfectly."

"Give it a rest. What training program? Why haven't I heard of it? Xu Jiang, don't listen to Old Mo's lies!" Grandpa Lei was frantic, terrified that Xu Jiang would be poached.

A strange middle-aged man also followed up by righteously berating Mo Wushan.

"That's right. The city government just called me. Mo Wushan's training program is operating illegally. Xu Jiang, don't fall for it! I'm from the Public Security Bureau, a very legitimate organization. Join us, and you'll get a dedicated female secretary to look after you twenty-four hours a day."

Look after me? I like that term. It sounded very legitimate, and Xu Jiang was quite interested.

He had always felt that he was well suited for work at a place like the Public Security Bureau. He looked upright, eliminated evil for the people, and was irreconcilably opposed to gambling and drugs!

"I'm a B Deacon from CJ. Pleased to meet you. If you wish to leave Nine Rivers Corporation, we can cover the penalty fee..."

The major forces that had come to provide support all extended olive branches. Xu Jiang had not even heard of some of the organizations; they had only a code name, and the conditions they offered were equally wild.

It seemed that only Grandpa Lei, as a retiree, could not offer too many benefits. He was anxiously pacing in circles, unable to contact his superiors for the moment.

It's fine. I'll wait for your offer. Xu Jiang smiled faintly.

"Thank you all for your kindness, but I haven't slept a wink these past two days. I really can't hold on any longer. I'd like to go back and rest for one night before thinking about what comes next. Team Leader, can we go back now?"

"Of course. Let's go!" Ying Xiaoxiao was just as carefree and completely ignored the feelings of those 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 own wish. He had fought in the Void Rifts for two days and two nights, so they could hardly deny him rest.

Second, Ying Xiaoxiao's status was unusual. Stopping her by force was definitely not an option. They could only helplessly watch Xu Jiang leave, which undoubtedly gave Grandpa Lei another opportunity.

Sha Tu smiled from the side. He had already seen through Xu Jiang's intentions. He was raising the price on the spot!

However, Xu Jiang was only waiting for Nine Rivers Corporation's offer. Judging by Grandpa Lei's desperate manner, the company would probably have to bleed heavily this time.

Patting Xu Jiang on the shoulder, Sha Tu said, "I'll help you handle some of the aftermath. Go back and get some proper rest."

"Mm, thank you." Sha Tu really was reliable.

There would definitely be quite a lot of spoils from killing the Bonefiend.

Xu Jiang did not have the energy to stay behind and slowly clean up the battlefield. Having Sha Tu keep an eye on it was the best outcome.

The group passed through the passage. After another bout of dizzying disorientation, they finally returned to Yong'an City.

Behind them was the pitch-black Void Rift. All around stood densely packed instruments and equipment, while not far away came weeping and eyes filled with hope.

When disaster struck, who knew how many more families had been torn apart?

Fortunately, he had made it out. He had also defeated the Bonefiend and opened the exit ahead of time. Hopefully, more people would be rescued afterward.

Just as he was sighing to himself, a golden-armored warrior appeared before him and hugged him the moment they met.

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

Who are you? Do we know each other?

Xu Jiang stood stunned for a long while before he spotted a patch of azure skin through the gaps in the golden armor and barely recognized the other party.

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

"Haha, it seems your tribe has lived in seclusion for too long and has forgotten the armor of our Godlamp Clan. I couldn't connect to the Home Star inside the Void Rift. Once I came out, of course I had to put on my armor before I could feel at ease."

It seemed the Godlamp Clan was not completely without combat power. Wearing that golden armor, Pess looked rather formidable.

It was like setting up a base station on the Home Star. With a network connection, Pess could borrow the Home Star's power at any time.

No wonder those Faceless Ones had gone to such lengths to open the Void Rift. Once the network was cut off, even the fiercest keyboard warrior would be left dumbfounded.

"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 little trinkets."

Pess might not have had much else, but he had money. He casually found a room, shook out the small bag he carried with him, and with a clatter, poured out a huge pile of "little trinkets."