"Even more than last time-one hundred and fifty-four!"
After counting the insect core crystals they had collected, someone shouted out the tally.
Hearing him, Shi Chun called out as well, "Brother Chu, come collect the goods."
"Coming, coming."
The full-bearded Chu Jingtang cheerfully squeezed through with several junior sect brothers. After counting them on the spot, he loudly announced to everyone, "We collected one hundred and fifty-four, bringing the total to two thousand and ninety-four."
Everyone was all smiles. A haul was certainly something to celebrate, but another two or three hundred crystals still meant very little.
There was one benefit, though: afterward, they could prove that they had done some work. They had simply done it poorly.
A tally of casualties showed no deaths and six people with minor injuries. Two were hurt a little more seriously, but neither was in much trouble.
After visiting the wounded, Shi Chun said to Mai Zhanchang, "Brother Mai, you take charge of the merit ledger. Make sure you clearly record who deserves credit for every battle."
It was a job that would offend people, but given how they were all just coasting along, it could hardly offend anyone too badly. He accepted with a smile. "All right. I'll do as the Chief says."
Who could have expected Shi Chun to turn around, take out the Mother-Child Talisman, and leap onto high ground? He raised the talisman toward the crowd and amplified his voice with magic. "Our scout has reported a new target. Strive for victory in the Mystic Continent Championship! Assemble and move out!"
As usual, once he finished shouting, he ran off without a care.
"Chief!"
"Chief..."
Quite a few people cried out, wanting to have a proper talk with him. Unfortunately, the Chief was in a hurry to strive for