That day, three figures were slowly climbing the bluestone steps along a mountain path on the eastern side of Chivalrous Heroes Island.
Besides Zhang Chao and Li Cheng, there was a young man in a plain blue robe walking between them.
He was thin, nodding and bowing as he spoke.
It was Xu Xiuran.
"Old Xu, although Juejue has already looked into your background," Zhang Chao said, looking back with a broad, friendly grin.
"Joining our Worry-Relief Pavilion still takes the approval of our Boss and our Young Shopkeeper. Those are the rules. There's no getting around them."
The three chatted back and forth, seemingly discussing his introduction.
Xu Xiuran wore a broad smile and repeatedly agreed. "Of course. I'll leave all the arrangements to you two."
Li Cheng chimed in enthusiastically, "Don't worry. Boss is easy to talk to, and so is the Young Shopkeeper. As long as you don't talk nonsense and work hard, we'll put in a good word for you."
As he spoke, Li Cheng even thumped his chest.
The two octopus monsters exchanged a glance, both rather pleased.
Apart from Zhou Jue and Granny Fan Dai, Xu Xiuran was the only good friend they had made on Chivalrous Heroes Island.
And this good friend of theirs, Xu Xiuran, had actually turned over a new leaf.
Apparently, the Eastern Sea Immortal Arena and Seeking Immortals had cost him terribly at the gambling tables, bringing him to a sudden awakening. He had decided to wash his hands in a golden basin and never gamble at Nine-Square Hall again.
He wanted an honest job to make a living. The two Octopus Demons were simple-minded, and seeing his sincerity, they remembered how they too had arrived in the Eastern Sea without a soul to turn to. Compassion stirred in