Frost War Bear

"I heard you needed help? I can lend a hand, of course, but I expect to be paid according to what I contribute."

Yang Xiu stated his terms outright so they would not grow suspicious. That way, no one would think he had some hidden agenda. Of course, people who had reached level sixty or seventy would not be naive enough to let down their guard around him completely.

"My name is Haote. What should I call you? How strong are you, and what payment do you want?"

At last, their captain, Haote, spoke.

Yang Xiu said evenly, "I'm Yang Xiu. Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black. Just a nobody. Don't worry about my strength for now. When the time comes, I'll take payment according to what I contribute. I think that's fair."

Haote thought for a moment. He had never heard of Yang Xiu, as far as he could recall. Finally, he said,

"All right. Thanks in advance."

Then Haote added, "Brother Yang Xiu, you look much younger than me. You don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

"Not at all, Brother Haote."

"Would you rather wait for us here or come with us? We still need to see if we can find more people to help."

Haote sounded a little awkward. Asking someone to wait for them made him feel bad.

"I'll wait here. Come get me when it's time to leave." Yang Xiu smiled, then thought for a moment before answering.

"All right, it's settled. Whether we find anyone else or not, we'll set out first thing tomorrow morning. I'll come get you then." Haote was delighted to hear it, and he spoke in earnest. Before long, he led his group away. Yang Xiu returned to his room and began cultivating.

Early