Early the next morning, Qi Wu arrived alone at the mission hall of the 749 Bureau's Nanjiang Branch Bureau.
The hall bustled with people. Many Psychics and team members were selecting missions or submitting reports before the light screens, and a busy, tense atmosphere hung in the air.
Qi Wu had barely entered the mission hall and had yet to approach a terminal when a steady voice called to him from the side.
"Young Qi Wu."
Qi Wu turned and saw Iron Buddha rising from a nearby rest area and walking toward him.
Iron Buddha still wore his black leather outfit and sunglasses, his presence as steady as a mountain.
"Hey, Mr. Iron Buddha. Morning!"
Qi Wu greeted him with a smile. "Here to pick up a mission too?"
Iron Buddha nodded, his gaze sweeping over the flickering mission screens in the hall as his tone grew slightly grave.
"There have been frequent disturbances lately, and far more missions than usual. I came to see if there's anything that requires the Pagoda Team's help."
He paused and looked at Qi Wu.
"Young Qi Wu, are you taking a mission alone?"
"Yeah."
Qi Wu answered casually, "Just looking for somewhere to stretch my legs and earn a little extra cash."
At that, Iron Buddha's brow seemed to furrow slightly beneath his sunglasses.
"Captain Qi Wu, you're powerful, but you should still be cautious when taking solo missions. Especially now. The Danger Level assessments for many missions may not be entirely accurate."
His voice carried a hint of genuine concern. Clearly, he had heard a few things. He acknowledged Qi Wu's strength, but that also made him worry all the more that Qi Wu might become overconfident.
Qi Wu could sense his goodwill and smiled.
"Relax, Mr. Iron Buddha. I know my