As soon as Yao Lingling said this, Zhou Xiaoyan immediately came over to deny it.
"You really have a wild imagination. Although there are plenty of Middle-Stage Martial Apprentice students in the special training programs of various high schools, how could a student who has no experience and hasn't been through the harsh realities of society possibly have the mental fortitude of Tang Fan?"
"That's true."
"What do you mean 'that's true'? It's true, isn't it? Besides, have you ever seen a high school student with such superb archery skills?" Zhou Xiaoyan rolled her eyes.
After Wei Qi entered, he overheard a few snippets of conversation.
"What were you guys talking about just now? What high school student with amazing archery skills?"
"It's nothing, none of your business." Yao Lingling was too lazy to explain to him, and instead asked, "Say, are you treating our studio like your home? Coming here almost every day? By the way, aren't you a student at Ancheng No. 9 Middle School? Aren't you in class today?"
Wei Qi scratched his head sheepishly. "I come here every day, all to see my Brother Fan. I can never catch Brother Fan. I figure it's because Brother Fan's at work, which is during his school days, so I secretly skip class and come early. I refuse to believe I can't catch him even once."
Yao Lingling laughed, "That's quite a coincidence. Tang Fan won't be here until after 5:40 today."
Upon hearing the time, Wei Qi was taken aback. "Why is it 5:40?"
Yao Lingling's smile widened noticeably, and she said cheekily, "Guess."
Jiang Fan arrived at the studio around 6:00.
To his surprise, as soon as he arrived at the studio, he saw Wei Qi, who was staring at him with bright, shining eyes, as if he were some kind of tempting prey.
" Brother Fan! I've been waiting for you like the stars and the moon, and you've finally arrived!"
With tears in his eyes, Wei Qi spread his arms and gave Jiang Fan a bear hug.
This scene made Jiang Fan's hair stand on end. He instinctively raised his leg and kicked Wei Qi, who was rushing towards him, away.
With a "thud," it fell to the ground.
Wei Qi winced in pain, but ignoring the pain, he sprang to his feet and charged at Jiang Fan again.
" Brother Fan, we're on the same side, don't—"
Halfway through his sentence, upon seeing Jiang Fan raise his leg again, Wei Qi quickly slammed on the brakes and stopped on the spot.
"Why are you here?" Jiang Fan silently withdrew his foot.
"I just wanted to learn archery from you. I've thought about it. If you don't want to take me on as your follower, you can take me on as your apprentice! I also want to master archery and hit the bullseye every time."
Wei Qi fantasized in his mind about becoming a master archer, showing off his skills in front of Tong Shuyao, and then having the beauty throw herself into his arms, praising him as the best in the country. Just thinking about it made him incredibly excited.
Jiang Fan was speechless. "I don't take on underlings, much less disciples."
"No, don't be so quick to refuse! There are many benefits to accepting my offer. Let me explain. I can serve you tea and water, do your laundry, and even serve you like a slave and warm your bed—"
"Get out." Jiang Fan's lips twitched, wishing he could kick Wei Qi right out of the studio.
Wei Qi retreated to the corner of the wall, looking aggrieved, and occasionally stole glances at the scene with a resentful look, like that of a wronged wife.
Ignoring all of this, Jiang Fan approached Yang Xiaoqiang.
"Boss, what was that special mission you mentioned on the phone earlier?"
Yang Xiaoqiang didn't mince words and explained, "This morning, our employer contacted us, gave us a large commission, and asked us to lead the way to the Inner Wilderness Zone."
" The Inner Wilderness Zone?" Jiang Fan's tone rose slightly. "You mean, this time our mission will take us outside the fortress?"
"That's right. Not only do we need to leave the fortress, but we might also need to venture a little deeper into the Death Swamp to retrieve a special medicinal herb."
At this point, Yang Xiaoqiang paused, then looked at Jiang Fan with a very serious and solemn expression.
"The mission is quite dangerous, and you're only at the Middle-Stage Martial Apprentice, so I specifically called you here to discuss this with you in person, to prevent you from acting impulsively."
Jiang Fan smiled. "Boss, you said it's dangerous. Since the mission is dangerous, how can a squad be without archers to protect them?"
So you've decided to go?
Yang Xiaoqiang had long witnessed Jiang Fan's courage and guessed that Jiang Fan would agree to go, but as an experienced person, he still had to remind the newcomer of some things.
"Although the Inner Wilderness Zone is not as dangerous as the Outer Wilderness Zone, monsters are still everywhere. You need to consider this carefully. If you're not careful, serious injury or disability is the least of your worries; losing your life is not out of the question."
Jiang Fan said firmly, "You don't need to persuade me. I'm not some naive newborn calf unafraid of tigers; I just feel I can go."
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Fan suddenly unleashed his qi and blood.
A surge of vitality can invigorate one's spirits.
" Late-Stage Martial Apprentice!"
" Tang Fan, your strength has increased? When did that happen?"
Everyone crowded around Jiang Fan.
Even Wei Qi, who had been squatting in the corner drawing circles, ran over.
" Brother Fan, you're amazing! You could easily kill Early-Stage First-Rank Martial Artist when you were Middle-Stage Martial Apprentice. Now that you've advanced in strength, you're probably unmatched below the Second Rank."
That flattery was so blatant; it offended everyone present.
What does it mean to have no rivals below the Second Rank? The strongest among them is Yang Xiaoqiang, Late-Stage First Rank. Does that mean they've all been trampled under Jiang Fan's feet?
Feeling the deathly gazes fixed upon him, Wei Qi belatedly realized what he had just said.
"Hey--hehe, I didn't mean that. I'm bad with words, I should be punished."
As Wei Qi spoke, he pretended to fan himself.
Yang Xiaoqiang and his group ignored the lackey and returned to their previous topic.
"Since you've made up your mind, then come on this mission with us."
Jiang Fan asked, "When?"
"The employer's family is waiting for the medication to be administered, so time is of the essence. We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning. Is that alright?"
"So urgent? Okay, I understand."
Jiang Fan knew the importance and urgency of the matter, and it seemed he would have to ask for leave from school.
"Meet at the fortress exit before 6:00 AM tomorrow."
"Yes, boss."
Night fell.
Cemetery management office.
" Master Li, now that you have accepted a disciple, I will not linger any longer. I have come here today to bid you farewell," Ye Qizhen said respectfully.
The Crazy Old Man waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, we've said goodbye, you can go now."
Ye Qizhen took out her phone. " Yan Shuai would like to have a video call with you. Is that convenient for you?"
"Casual."
"Okay, I'll dial then."
The video call connected quickly, and a middle-aged face appeared on the screen—ordinary yet dignified, especially his sharp, eagle-like eyes, which gave one the urge to prostrate oneself on the ground.