C11 Grouping up to Take Orders

"Do you need anything else?"

"I'm looking to make some extra cash. Are there any beginner-level jobs available?"

"What level have you attained?" Wen Lu sized up Liu Feng, realizing she could no longer gauge his level. It appeared that the devil crystal from the guild leader had helped him advance.

"I'm at the low-level fire second level," Liu Feng stated, a hint of pride in his voice. He had hoped to impress Wen Lu, but her expression remained unchanged, almost as if to say he wasn't all that impressive, leaving Liu Feng feeling somewhat deflated.

"If you're thinking of taking on jobs alone, well, the small ones aren't worth much, and the big ones can be quite risky. I'd suggest teaming up for the larger jobs. Even if the payout is smaller, it's better than risking your life. Do you know anyone from the Hunter Guild?"

Wen Lu offered her advice, not wanting Liu Feng to meet an untimely end on his first job, which would be devastating for her since she had invested heavily in him. She was also keen on him tackling more significant challenges to accelerate his growth.

After considering her words, Liu Feng had to agree that Wen Lu was right. Sharing the rewards with a team was definitely better than going solo. He recalled the last time a giant rat demon had nearly squashed him with a single blow. It was only later that he learned it was just a lowly slave-level demon.

"No, I don't know anyone."

"Ah, wait, Uncle Lei!" Liu Feng exclaimed, smacking his forehead in realization.

"Yes, Uncle Lei is exceptionally powerful, specializing in thunder arcane. He's known for his reliability. Teaming up with him would certainly increase your safety. The only question is whether he'd be willing to take on an extra like you," Wen Lu said, her gaze dripping with condescension.

"Don't worry about that. The guild leader mentioned Uncle Lei would look out for me. I'll be sure to pay you back once I've earned some money."

Wen Lu gave Liu Feng a skeptical look. "Look out for you? If he doesn't take advantage of you, consider yourself lucky. He's known to be quite tight-fisted. I suggested him because I thought it would be good for you to get some experience. But with your current skills, maybe you shouldn't get your hopes up about the money," she chuckled.

"No need. Just swing by my place more often when you're picking up orders. Looking after my business is all the help I need," Wen Lu said with a smile.

"Got it, sis. You can count on me to come to the Hunter Guild and find you every time," Liu Feng replied with a mischievous grin.

"Alright then, head back for now. I'll get in touch with you when Lei Boshi is ready to take orders. It's up to him if he wants to include you."

"Sure thing," Liu Feng said aloud, though inwardly he was groaning. Where am I supposed to go now?

The ancient tree at the Liu family's place.

He sighed to himself quietly.

"Oh, if it isn't Liu Feng?" Lei Boshi clapped Liu Feng on the shoulder from behind, his smile warm and seemingly genuine, yet Liu Feng sensed a sly undercurrent.

"Hey, Uncle Lei, are you taking on any orders soon? Could I join you?"

"Hmm, let me think about that," Lei Boshi feigned contemplation, appearing reluctant to take Liu Feng on.

"He could take a smaller cut of the profits. Just bring him along. He's at least reached the second level with his fire skills," Wen Lu interjected, seeing right through Lei Boshi's act and speaking up with a hint of resignation.

"Hahaha, I see potential in you, kid. You can join my team. How about I give you a quarter share? What do you say?" Lei Boshi had been waiting to say this, clearly taking advantage of the situation. Liu Feng wasn't playing along, but thankfully, Wen Lu had his back.

"Uh, sure," Liu Feng begrudgingly accepted, internally lambasting Lei for his greed. Why not just rob me? At least offer a half share – that sounds more reasonable. A quarter share is just insulting. Once I've mastered both elements, I'll take on orders myself. Despite his complaints, Liu Feng was inwardly thankful to Lei Boshi for the opportunity, even if it meant being taken advantage of.

"Are you free right now? We've got a mission coming up, and we're heading out to the Verge of Serenity," Lei Boshi stated coolly.

Liu Feng's heart sank. No good news ever came easy. The Verge of Serenity again? Last time, I nearly died because I didn't go. As he pondered whether to decline, Wen Lu caught his eye with a meaningful glance.

Liu Feng believed Wen Lu was warning him to stay away because it was too dangerous, which solidified his decision not to go.

"Um, I've got some things to take care of today."

Wen Lu had given Liu Feng an encouraging look, signaling that it was perfectly fine to accompany her. Yet, Liu Feng unexpectedly turned her down, igniting Wen Lu's temper in an instant.

"Do you really have things to do today?" Wen Lu seized Liu Feng's ear with one hand while her other hand rested on her hip. She spoke with an icy tone that could chill the depths of hell, all while maintaining a smile directed at Liu Feng.

This was the first time Liu Feng had witnessed such a frightening smile from Wen Lu, one that was more unsightly than tears.

"No... nothing at all," Liu Feng responded with an equally pained smile. He couldn't understand why he was so fearful of angering Wen Lu, perhaps because he felt indebted to her for past favors. After all, there's a saying about being beholden to those who give you something. Moreover, Liu Feng was actually curious about the world beyond the Verge of Serenity. His earlier refusal had been influenced by Wen Lu, but now, remembering that he had mastered the second level of fire arcane, he felt a surge of confidence and silently breathed a sigh of relief.

"Great! Let's set off!"

On the train...

"Let me introduce our new member, Liu Feng, a fire arcanist," Lei Boshi announced enthusiastically.

The 'everyone' he referred to was merely two people. Due to Lei Boshi's frugality, the team had always consisted of three members.

"Hello, I'm Ai Xinran, a water elementalist," a girl with twin ponytails chimed in. Liu Feng appraised her; she was dressed in a schoolgirl outfit, exuding an air of innocence. Impressive, Lei Boshi, how did you manage to recruit such a girl? While Liu Feng pondered, his thoughts were interrupted.

"Qin Wu, make sure you don't hold us back," a tall man beside him remarked, glancing at Liu Feng disdainfully, as if he were nothing more than trash, which Liu Feng found quite unsettling.

"Hey, that's not fair. Brother Liu Feng is quite capable," Lei Boshi interjected, attempting to defuse the tension.

"Hmph," Qin Wu grunted, then closed his eyes.

Liu Feng remained silent, unfazed. He knew that true strength would be proven in battle, not through idle banter.

"Our current mission is to locate a water-type spirit seed. Let's not engage in combat recklessly while we're out there. Some demons may not be hostile or might not have even noticed us. It's best to steer clear of them." This advice was clearly meant for Liu Feng, cautioning him against impulsive actions.

Everyone nodded in agreement, then silence fell as they each focused on preparing for the impending battles beyond the Verge of Serenity.

Liu Feng, relishing some downtime, started to delve into the shadow arcane tome he had recently acquired, eager to make the most of this moment to study it thoroughly.

Ai Xinran and Lei Boshi noticed Liu Feng engrossed in the shadow arcane tome but didn't give it much thought. It wasn't uncommon for someone to explore arcane arts from other schools. They certainly didn't suspect that Liu Feng was a shadow arcanist, let alone a low-level arcanist with mastery over two elements. Who would believe that?