Accepting a Mission

Seeing the unmistakable defiance in Mu Xi's eyes, Tang Wulin paused, then shook his head without hesitation.

"I won't compete."

Those three words came so quickly that even Mu Xi froze.

She had already prepared what she would say next, and had even worked out how to put this nine-year-old Level Two Blacksmith in his place. But Tang Wulin's "I won't compete" blocked every word she had lined up.

Tang Wulin had already turned to Mu Chen and asked earnestly:

"Uncle President, can I accept forging missions now?"

Mu Chen paused, then chuckled despite himself.

This child really didn't beat around the bush.

Most people would be nervous and reserved when meeting the president and receiving their badge for the first time, and would exchange a few pleasantries. Yet from beginning to end, what concerned him most was missions, payment, and whether he could start working as soon as possible.

Beside them, Mu Xi was so angry she nearly bit her lip.

She was a proper Level Two Blacksmith, and she had challenged him to his face, yet this fellow had refused without a second thought. Worse still, immediately after rejecting her, he had asked where to accept missions, making it seem as though she mattered less than a single forging job.

Mu Chen glanced at his daughter. It wasn't a stern look, but it was enough to make Mu Xi swallow the words already on her tongue.

"Brother Cen will take you," Mu Chen told Tang Wulin with a smile. "From now on, you're an officially registered member of the association. If you ever run into difficulties with forging or need help, you can come to the association and find us."

At this point, his tone grew more solemn.

"Our Blacksmith Association may not be the strongest association, but