《After leaving the team, the adventurer ladies regretted it deeply》


 Chapter 1: 1. Teammates for three years, turned out to be just beasts of burden

    Late at night.


    The towering World Tree stood in the center of White Dove City, emitting a magic glow like fireflies, mysterious and magnificent.


    The World Tree was also known as the Golden Tree, and its existence attracted countless adventurers like moths to a me.


    In a luxury vi on the second floor, the lights in the room were as bright as daylight.


    The floor was a mess, scattered with papers filled with strategies for battling Magical Creatures.


    Lin Da sat at the desk, rubbing his temples, feeling exhaustion coursing through his bones.


    "A month has passed, and the Ice Flower adventure team has reached the eleventh level, yet we are still stuck on the eighth. The gap is only widening!"


    A white palm pped down on the table.


    The displeased voice of a young girl made Lin Da''s head ache even more.


    The girl who burst into Lin Da''s room was quite beautiful, with a slender and curvy figure, fiery red hair like mes, and long slender legs encased in ck over-the-knee socks.


    Like a rose with thorns, she was always the center of attention wherever she went.


    She was Lia, the captain of the Snow Goose adventure team.


    When Lin Da had first arrived in this world, he felt fortunate to have met Lia.


    Lin Da possessed knowledge about this "game", and Lia was a naturally talented Swordsman; together, they could have decimated various Magical Creatures in the World Tree Secret Realm and made a name for themselves.


    But now, as he looked at the girl standing with her arms crossed and an arrogant posture, all he saw in his eyes was disappointment.


    "There''s no rush to reach the ninth level right now; we should secure our strategy first," Lin Da said, setting down his quill pen with a sigh of helplessness.


    "Strategy, strategy, you''ve been repeating that word for a month now. I''ve heard other teams don''t take nearly as long to devise their strategy, right?"


    Lia frowned, her expression fraught with skepticism as she looked at him.


    "The ninth level isn''t as simple as you think. The more thorough our strategy, the better."


    Lin Da sighed.


    The game "Mystic Continent" was known for its high difficulty.


    There were fifty levels in the Mystic Realm, and the Magical Creatures on each level were much stronger than those on the previous one, so entering unprepared was akin to suicide.


    Lin Da cautiously chose a more gentle approach, "Perhaps, our team''s strength isn''t quite up to par with that of the Ice Flower adventure team? Moreover, there''s a good chance that a Lava Giant guardian could appear on the ninth level, which doesn''t bode well for our team''spatibility."


    "Are you saying we''re inferior to the Ice Flower adventure team?"


    Lia''splexion changed, and she did not take in a word of what followed, fixating only on his previousment.


    "I think you''re just scared," she dered, mming her hands down on the table, the front of her silk nightgown unremarkable despite her leaning forward,cking any hint of curvature.


    "Everyone else in the team has reached level 20, only you, the Healer, are still at level 15. Is it because your healing capabilities aren''t up to the requirements of the ninth level, so you keep making excuses to dy us?"


    Upon hearing this, Lin Da raised his head, looking at Lia in surprise.


    It was true that he was only at level 15, and his healing output as a Healer wasn''t very high.


    But the reason for hisgging level was something that Lia, as the team captain, should have been well aware of.


    Devising strategies was no simple task; it required an enormous amount of time and energy.


    And preparing strategic materials, taking responsibility for the team''s meals¡ªall of it was on him.


    While Lia and a few other youngdies were out shopping, enjoying leisure and pleasure, Lin Da was working overnight.


    There could be dozens of reasons, but faced with the fierce Lia, Lin Da found himself at a loss for words. With her temperament, it seemed that whatever he said would be snappily retorted.


    He attempted to speak, "My level is low because I don''t have time to train."


    As expected, Lia''s eyebrows rose, hands on her hips, she said arrogantly, "So, others have the time? If you tried harder, couldn''t you at least be level 16 or 17? In a few years, when we are all level 30 and be Star-ranked adventurers, do you still want to be stuck at level 15? Don''t you have any ambition?"


    It was always the same, either he wasn''t trying hard enough or he wasn''t serious enough.


    This youngdy always felt that the team''s shorings were his fault.


    Lin Da couldn''t help but want to ask Lia, isn''t it possible that the biggest problem lies with you?


    The rtionships among members of the Snow Goose Adventure Team were not harmonious, and their coordination in battle was very poor.


    Even though each member''s talent was outstanding and their levels were high, their performance in battle was aplete mess.


    Without a precise strategy to guide them, they werepletely disorganized.


    Under the sharp gaze of the young woman, Lin Da only felt a deep sense of weariness.


    He didn''t retort anymore, nor did he bother to pick up the scattered strategy papers on the floor. Instead, he picked up a cup of hot water from the table and sipped it lost in thought.


    "I''m talking to you," Lia''s hand mmed on the table again.


    "I''m tired, you go back first. We can talk about it tomorrow."


    Lia frowned and stared at him for a while, then slowly said, "Would it matter to you if you got reced?"


    "What?"


    Lin Da was a bit confused by Lia''s implication.


    After a brief silence, Lia pulled out a resume from her pocket and handed it to him.


    On it was a young man with dyed blond hair, barely handsome, with the prominent title of ''Healer'' written in his upation column.


    Lin Da''s heart sank.


    It was like working hard in a job, earning only 1800 a month, and still being criticized for not being diligent enough, ending up sacked.


    "This is Phyllis, a level 20 Healer, a top graduate from the Noble Academy in White Dove City. He came by this morning."


    Lia paused, then said, "I sent him away. You understand what I mean, right?"


    "Lin Da, there''s more than one person in the team who is dissatisfied with you. You are only level 15 ande from a poor background. It''s Miss here who has been protecting you, persuading them to keep you. Can''t you show some spirit?"


    Lia stomped her foot in frustration, "We''re heading to the ninth floor tomorrow. Show us what you''re worth then! Always being useless to the team, how can Miss keep you?"


    Useless?


    Lin Da stared nkly at the papers crushed under Lia''s foot, those that detailed various strategies for handling Magical Creatures.


    So in her eyes, they were as good as useless?


    Initially, it was Lia who had begged him to lead everyone, not a single one to be left behind, through the World Tree.


    Wishing for no fatalities yet demanding fast progress was typical of a troublesome client, raising ridiculous demands.


    Lin Da, filled with pent-up resentment, finally exploded today.


    "What if I still disagree about the team advancing to the ninth floor tomorrow?"


    Lia was momentarily taken aback, but soon spoke angrily, "Are you deliberately opposing me? Do you know how many better Healers than you want to join our team? I sent them all away! If you are still unwilling tomorrow..."


    "Unwilling then?" Lin Da''s smile grew increasingly sarcastic.

 Chapter 2: 2. I withdraw from the team.

    Lia felt offended.


    She gritted her teeth and said, "If you''re unwilling, then don''te, Young Lady will find another Healer!"


    After hearing Lia''s words, Lin Da felt aplete chill in his heart, yet he also felt relieved.


    Perhaps he had always been waiting for an opportunity like this, to give himself a reason to leave this suffocating ce with perfect justification.


    "What are you dazing off for? Remember to gather on time tomorrow, otherwise Young Lady will really find another Healer!"


    Lia said irritably, then yawned, ready to return to her bedroom to rest.


    "I''m leaving the team."


    Lin Da suddenly dered.


    "What?"


    Lia''s hand, reaching for the doorknob, froze.


    She seemed to havepletely not anticipated this turn of events.


    A look of astonishment flickered in the girl''s ruby-likerge eyes, as if she couldn''tprehend what Lin Da was saying.


    Lin Da stood up, towering over Lia, who was more than a head shorter, still with her mouth open and a somewhat vacant expression.


    "There''s no need to wait until tomorrow, you can now contact that Healer named Phyllis to join the Snow Goose Adventure Team."


    Having said that, he grabbed a brown jacket, put it on, and headed for the door.


    "Stop right there!"


    As Lin Da stepped toward leaving the room, a piercing voice came from behind.


    One could tell that Lia was shaken; otherwise, her voice wouldn''t have sounded as shrill as a chicken being stepped on the neck.


    Expecting to hear some words of retention, Lin Da paused his steps.


    But what followed was a barrage of the girl''sints and iprehension.


    "All I asked was for you to wake up a bit earlier tomorrow and go to the ninth floor together, and now you want to leave the team? Is it necessary?"


    Lia''s face turned red with anger, her chest heaving violently.


    She really wished she could rush over and give Lin Da a harsh kick, then grab his ear and ask loudly once more: Do you even know what you''re talking about?


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team was initially established by three people, one of them being Lin Da. Lia had considered the possibility of anyone leaving the team, but she had never thought that Lin Da would be the one.


    After all, even the name of the adventure team was something she came up with alongside Lin Da; how could anyone abandon their own team and choose to leave?


    Lia took a deep breath, clenched her fists tightly, and with a voice that was cold and slow yet extremely firm, she said, "Lin Da, if you dare leave, don''t evere back."


    "Mhm."


    Lin Da nodded.


    This casual ''mhm'' made Lia''s expression even uglier.


    She said, "Young Lady will definitely recruit that Phyllis into the team by tomorrow."


    "Whatever."


    "There will be no ce for you, you know?"


    "Mhm."


    Lin Da didn''t bother with Lia, who stood with a foolish expression like a pir in his own room.


    If it had been Lia from three years earlier showing this kind of expression, Lin Da would have offered a few words offort, but now, he found he had neither the sentiment nor the inclination to do so; it was as though he was looking at a stranger, feelingpletely indifferent.


    Lin Da thought with self-mockery, he should never have epted Lia''s invitation to create the Snow Goose Adventure Team from the start.


    Comrades for three years, and in the end, it amounted to nothing.


    Thud, thud.


    The sound of footsteps descending the stairs echoed around the spacious vi, seeming somewhat cold and lonely.


    Lin Da entered the living room.


    "It''ste at night, stop ying and go to bed."


    "Still reading at this hour? It''s bad for your skin."


    As he passed through the living room, he noticed the other two Young Ladies of the team hadn''t gone to sleep yet.


    The former was a mature and seductive-looking Mage Miss from the Holy Light Church, Aiko, lounging on the sofa in a white dress that hugged her breathtaking curves,zily flipping through a fashion magazine with thetest summer releases,


    Thetter was the undersized little tyke, Klrona, with pink twin tails, serving as a Heavy Armored Warrior, and ying Whack-a-Mole with a fiercelypetitive expression on her face.


    Lin Da had a rather good rtionship with these two Young Ladies, certainly much better than with Bilya.


    "Sote, where are you going?" Aikoid down her magazine and looked quizzically at Lin Da, tilting her head.


    Klrona, on the other hand, acted as if Lin Da didn''t exist, wishing he wouldn''te back for the night. A new board game had recentlye out in the shops, and she nned to y all night long; Lin Da being home would definitely have something to say about it.


    "Nothing much, just going out for a walk."


    Lin Da smiled softly, not nning on telling the two about his resignation from the team.


    He was really afraid they might show a sign of happiness, just Lia alone was enough to chill his heart.


    "Oh,e back early," Aiko said, sensing something was a bit off in his expression, but didn''t think much of it.


    Both of them, including Klrona who was thoroughly enjoying her game of Whack-a-Mole, were unaware that this was Lin Da''sst day with the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Lin Da walked out of the vi and blended into the dark night outside.


    This vi was located in a luxurymunity in White Dove City, with wide and clean roads, and the deep night of summer was very quiet, with only scarce chirping of insects to be heard.


    It was unlike the small shabby house they first rented in Sparrow District, where drunk adventurers often caused trouble nearby, creating a messy scene.


    After three years of hard work, Lin Da and the others had bought thisrge vi in the pricey Inner City District, upying nearly three hundred square meters ofnd.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team was wealthy and had gained enough fame to be known as a prominent team in White Dove City.


    But Lin Da was bing increasingly suffocated, having to face Lia''s questioning every day.


    ''When will you be able toe up with the strategy?''


    ''I''m level 23 now, what about you?''


    ''There''s no level 15 Healer in the first-ss adventure teams in White Dove City, you know?''


    And so on...


    Before the team became famous, Lia was not like this.


    Lin Da sighed.


    Lia used to be down-to-earth and earnest, always full of energy and, because she was pretty, he was willing to create the Snow Goose Adventure Team with her.


    But now, all Lia thought about was how to conquer the next level of the Mystic Realm, overtaking those established adventure teams and pressing them underfoot.


    Lia, wielding a small whip, was crazily squeezing Lin Da like a donkey spinning a mill, never satisfied with his extensivete-night efforts, always thinking he was cking, not working hard enough.


    He was tired, and that was why he could only leave.


    Lin Da put his hands in his pockets and looked lonesomely toward the north,


    at that towering, verdant tree which still twinkled with magic light even in the darkness of night.


    The World Tree Secret Realm.


    Just like the game he had yed in his previous life.


    Inside the World Tree, there were fiftyyers of Mystic Realms, each with different Secret Realm Guardians. Defeat these bosses and you would receive the rewards of the World Tree Goddess.


    Various equipment, Skill Books, Gold Coins, Magic Potions... the rewards became richer the higher one went.


    Like when the Snow Goose Adventure Team had recently conquered the eighthyer; the bounty from that venture was worth tens of thousands of Gold Coins, enough for an ordinary person to work from the Ancient Times until today.

 Chapter 3: 3. Deitys Invitation

    After leaving the Snow Goose Adventure Team, what should he do next?


    Lin Da stared at the starry night sky, feeling a bit lost.


    It was like a prisoner who had been jailed for three years was finally set free, holding his freedom but unsure what to do with it.


    Walking out of this affluent neighborhood under the night breeze,


    Lin Da gradually made up his mind.


    No doubt, he had to continue being an adventurer.


    With a wealth of strategies and game-clearing experience in his mind, finding a few teammates who would follow orders could make it possible to clear up to the thirty or forty floors, even if not the topmost ones.


    If his future team surpassed the floors the Snow Goose Adventure Team reached¡ªwould Lia be so angry that she might bite him?


    Lin Da had never quibbled with her, nor had he seen her breaking down.


    The thought was quite intriguing.


    Ding Dong.


    He hallucinated a sound in his ears.


    An icon resembling a mailbox popped up at the bottom right of Lin Da''s vision.


    "Is this relic of a system going to start up now?"


    Lin Da''s eyes sparkled, and he felt a bit happier.


    For three years, the system had been gray, unresponsive to any clicks, and he had almost lost hope in it.


    With a thought, he opened the mailbox, and a golden envelope appeared.


    A line of text emerged before Lin Da:


    Item: "Invitation from a Deity"


    Quality: Fantasy Grade


    Content: The Divine Realm extends an invitation to you; do you ept?


    Yes/No


    Without hesitation, Lin Da chose ''Yes''.


    The invitation''s quality was Fantasy Grade; it would be a waste not to use it.


    After selecting ''Yes'', the invitation disappeared from the system interface, transforming into a golden glow that enveloped Lin Da.


    In the silent night, Lin Da vanished from his spot without a trace.


    The view in front of him changed.


    Supporting his slightly dizzy head, Lin Da looked around.


    Darkness surrounded him, no stars or moon above.


    It was as if he had entered a piece of ck paper.


    In this eerie space, a stone chair was positioned right in front.


    A man sat regally on it.


    An authoritative voiQce rang out:


    "Brave one, you have finally arrived. This deity has waited for you for eons!"


    A hero?


    Me?


    Lin Da blinked in confusion.


    So it meant, three years had passed, and his benefits as a transmigrator were finally kicking in?


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the vi of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, inside Lin Da''s room.


    Papers filled with various data were scattered all over the floor.


    On the table, the water in the cup had long since gone cold.


    Lia stood motionless, her fiery red hair looking a bit disheveled.


    She maintained her position with her back to the room''s door for almost half an hour, but Lin Da still hadn''t returned.


    A trace of panic surfaced in her heart.


    She couldn''t help but wonder, was Lin Da serious?


    Had he really decided to leave the team just because she had rebuked him a few times?


    When she heard Lin Da say he wanted to leave the team, Lia was stunned for a moment, feeling a tightness in her chest, almost unable to resist turning around to pull Lin Da back.


    ¡ª¡ªThankfully, she held back.


    Why did she have to yield to Lin Da? Clearly, it was Lin Da who couldn''t keep up with the level, so why did it seem like she was the one in the wrong?


    Besides, she hadn''t nned on kicking Lin Da out. She just took out Phyllis''s resume to scare Lin Da, so he would agree to enter the ninth level tomorrow.


    Was such a big reaction necessary?


    Lia looked at the papers scattered all over the floor, picked one up at random, and soon felt a headacheing on.


    What were these? Was Lin Da just fiddling with these things to appease her every day?


    They were filled with many things she couldn''t understand: HP, MP, STR, T, aggro, phase two... and a multitude of forms that dazzled her after a while.


    Lia mmed the door, annoyed, and went into the living room.


    "What''s going on? Who upset our revered leader?"


    Aiko was applying cucumber slices to her face and nced over, only to see Lia with a stern face, as if everyone owed her eight million Gold Coins.


    The atmosphere instantly filled with a heavy aura.


    Lia didn''t speak, sullenly sat on the couch, and started to read aic book from Klrona, her mind in turmoil. Her eyes weren''t even on the book; she just flipped the pages mechanically.


    Aiko, recalling Lin Da''s odd behavior earlier, sensed something was amiss.


    After a long silence, Lia spoke in a nonchnt tone, "Lin Da has left the team."


    "What?"


    Aiko was staggered, about to blurt out and inquire what had happened between them in the room. But one look at Lia''s darkened expression, she swallowed her words back.


    As one of the old members of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, Aiko knew Lia''s character well: spoiled, whimsical, and hot-tempered. She quickly got a rough idea of what had urred.


    Lia''s bad attitude toward Lin Da wasn''t new; it''s just that everyone thought Lin Da was tolerant and wouldn''t leave the team over such trifles.


    "Lin Da has left the team? That''s great!" Klrona, who was happily building a monster out of blocks on the side, cheered suddenly.


    She dashed back to her room, grabbed a big box of board games, her eyes gleaming, and looked at them, "Let''s y together? Let''s not bother with that useless Small Fry Uncle like Lin Da anymore. Better he''s gone!"


    Seeing someone supporting her eased Lia''s mood considerably.


    Outside of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, other front-line teams wouldn''t take in a Level 15 Healer like Lin Da.


    Once that guy faced rejection everywhere, he would definitelye back, tail between his legs.


    Right... no need to worry.


    Lia began tough, sitting across from Klrona, "What''s this game? It looks fun."


    "Brave Fight Against the Dragon. I''ll be the hero, you be the dragon," Klrona excitedly said while holding a hero figurine, pushing the dragon figurine towards Lia.


    "Is it really okay to just ignore Lin Da?" said Aiko in her pristine white long gown and a pompous blonde Mage expression, still slightly hesitant, "Lin Da did contribute to the team after all."


    This murmuredint was soft, but Lia''s ears were as sharp as a cat''s.


    Aiko highly doubted that Lia was genuinely ying the game with Klrona. She seemed to be all ears, using them like radar to check if anyone might me her for driving Lin Da away.


    "Hmph, as if Lin Da would leave the team. Just watch, it won''t be long before hees back begging me to take him back!"


    Lia purposefully raised her voice to sound utterly justified.


    Aiko bowed her head to hide the scorn on her face, mentally cursing Lia thoroughly.


    Still dreaming!


    With that good-natured guy''s personality, he wouldn''t leave unless pushed to the brink.


    Normally, Aiko would indirectly remind Lia to hold back her words, acknowledging that Lin Da was indeed trying hard and that they should be understanding.


    Otherwise, where would she find such a useful and fun "toy" if Lin Da was driven away?


    Her health wasn''t great, and Lin Da would wash her feet every night!


    Looking down at Lin Da''s head, the sight of that dog diligently massaging her feet was blissful for Aiko, both spiritually and physically.


    Lin Da could also cook, strategize, and had the smallestpensation among the main team members.


    Such a good person was hard to find.


    So, Aiko had a lot of grievances against Lia, the little Shar Pei.


    But now, Lia wasughing, feeling very justified in what she had said.


    That wimp Lin Da would probablye back before tomorrow night.


    Lia picked up her game piece and consecutively captured several of Klrona''s pawns.


    "Oh no, I lost!"


    Klrona pouted, unwilling to ept defeat, "Let''s have another round!"


    "Sure, sure, no matter how many times we y, I''ll win," Lia said confidently, flipping her fiery red hair.

 Chapter 4: 4. The Brave Responder

    On the other side.


    In a pitch-ck space without stars or moon.


    "Mortal, I am the supervisor of this world, the deity Kafni."


    The man with golden short hair satzily on a stone chair, resting his chin on one hand as he looked down at Lin Da:


    "Young man, be a hero and defeat the Demon King. Purify all the evil that shrouds the continent!"


    "What?"


    At first, Lin Da was quite excited, thinking that his golden finger had finally arrived.


    But at the mention of "Demon King," his expression copsed in an instant.


    As everyone knows.


    The Mystic Continent is a highly challenging fantasy adventure game where the main task for yers is to get through the World Tree Secret Realm, obtain the Sword of the Hero, and defeat the final Demon King.


    In the game, a level 100 Demon King is not so tough.


    Grind for a few months, level up, spend twenty thousand RMB, and defeating the Demon King wouldn''t be a big problem.


    A professional gamer like Lin Da could even pass the game without spending a penny on in-game purchases.


    But what about in reality?


    Level 100?


    In White Dove City where Lin Da lived, arge magic city with a poption of a million, not even a level 40 could be found.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team led by Lia had an average level of only 20 and was already a renowned small team in White Dove City.


    Currently, the strongest human adventurer isn''t even level 70.


    So, defeating a level 100 Demon King ispletely impossible!


    Lin Da looked at the golden-haired man earnestly and said, "Defeating the Demon King and all that, it''s better left to someone more capable, right? I''m just an ordinary person who wants to live a stable life, get married, buy a house. Why not just give me a lump sum of gold coins, and let me leave?"


    The golden-haired deity named Kafni crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head haughtily, "That won''t do. ording to the rules of the Divine Realm, anyone who enters must be a hero, or else you must stay here forever."


    "Isn''t this forcing someone to be a hero? If I be a hero and don''t do any real work, that would be troublesome for you too, wouldn''t it?"


    Lin Da was astonished.


    "Do you think I want this? These are the rules set by the big shots above. Why else would I seek you out, a man? Wouldn''t it be nicer to have a beautiful girl as a hero?"


    Kafni stood up from his stone chair in a fury, his dignity and respectable aurapletely dissipated:


    "You little mortal ant, don''t you dare look down on a deity. Bing a hero is not up for negotiation! If I don''tplete the task of saving the world, I''ll be punished. Why else would I waste my breath on a mortal like you?"


    "So... do you understand? Unless you''re willing to subdue the Demon King, there''s no way I''ll let you go!"


    Lin Da''s head was spinning.


    He had just escaped from Lia, ready to enjoy a life of freedom, and now he was being forced to be a hero, subdue the Demon King, and save the world?


    No chance to spend money, no chance to cheat.


    It would have been nice to have a big-breasted goddess at his side; instead, he''s stuck with the kind of ugly-faced, male cannon fodder often found in novels.


    What a mess.


    Lin Da thought and then said helplessly, "So, if I be a hero, what''s in it for me?"


    "Cough cough, let me see here, ording to the ''Divine Realm Salvation Student Handbook'' 7th edition, there are three ways I can help you."


    Kafni took out a small book from his robes and read aloud, "First, the deity may grant the Chosen Hero profession, a powerful all-round enhancement temte that increases growth potential.


    Second, a high-quality Legendary-grade Skill Stone. But you''ll have to wait for this one; it takes at least a day for the express delivery from the Divine Realm.


    Third, the hero may wish for a custom skill, and I will do my best to help create it.


    That''s all the help I can give you."


    "You''ve already changed sses when you came in, so you should check it out for yourself."


    Kafni raised his eyebrows proudly, ready to receive Lin Da''s admiration.


    Lin Da opened his panel with a mixture of skepticism and disbelief. After changing his ss to hero, he didn''t feel an increase in strength¡ªin fact, he felt a bit weaker...


    In this world, no one can have two professions at the same time. Lin Da''s original profession was a level 15 Healer. If he changed his ss to hero, his Healer level would be overridden.


    In other words, he dropped from level 15 to level 0.


    This was not good news. If Lia found out, she would probablyugh at him to death.


    But upon further thought, Lin Da felt something was amiss. After bing level 0, he seemed to only be slightly weaker than a level 15 Healer, and there wasn''t that much of a disparity.


    It''s true that a Healer''sbat capability is incredibly subpar, but could it be almost the same as a level 0 Warrior?


    Lin Da silentlymanded in his mind, "Panel, summon."


    A screen of light, strikingly simr to the interfaces from video games of a previous life, appeared.


    Most notably, there was a line of text shimmering like the sun after the profession column:


    Profession: [Chosen Recovery Warrior]


    "What''s this?"


    After seeing the attributes on the panel clearly, Lin Da was utterly astounded.


    He was still a Healer. At level 0, all his attribute points were no more than 10, with pitiable strengths and defenses at a mere 5, and his only initial skill was Healing Art.


    But now, the numbers on the panel all reached double digits.


    The initial skills were also numerous, too many to fit on one page.


    Lin Da''s gaze swept over, revealing the entire panel before his eyes.


    Name: Lin Da


    Profession: Chosen Recovery Warrior


    Level: 0


    Hit Points: 200


    Magic Power: 13


    Strength: 13


    Defense: 12


    Magic Defense: 17


    Agility: 11


    Resistance: None


    Experience: 0/10 (10 experience points needed to reach the next level)


    Inherent Skills¡ª


    Bnce Conservation (Legendary): Your strength will always equal your magic power points.


    Venom in the Heart (Legendary): You will master Poison Healing Art.


    Eye of Truth (Legendary): You can see the damage numbers you and others cause.


    Hidden Skills¡ª


    Devour Everything (Fantasy Grade): You will gain Mystical Points after killing Magical Creatures.


    Equivalent Exchange (Fantasy Grade): You can exchange Mystical Points for experience points, talent enhancement, skill proficiency, and so on.


    ...


    Recovery Warrior, turns out to be a hexagonal bucket profession?


    An initial Magic Defense of 17, even higher than a magic-resistant tank.


    Lin Da couldn''t help but feel excited.


    As a former professional yer, he was acutely aware of the importance of initial attributes.


    Initial attributes indicate growth potential; their level directly determines whether an ount is usable and can be considered a main yer.


    At level 0, if the total of five basic attributes on one''s panel reaches 50, it''s considered exceptionally excellent.


    In the reality of Mystic Continent, it equates to genius.


    The total of Lin Da''s previous Healer temte basic attributes was only 37.


    However, the Recovery Warrior''s total of five basic attributes was 66.


    Initial Hit Points, 200, twice as high as those of a Healer.


    Lin Da pinched the soft flesh between his thighs, afraid he was dreaming.


    The positioning of the Recovery Warrior profession was to have exceedingly high hit points and Magic Defense, while also being able to regenerate health¡ªpretty much a tanky healer.


    No need for the front line to protect him; he was the front line!

 Chapter 5: I want a pretty girl

    The Healing Hero''s skills were also quite outrageous.


    Usually, a starter profession that possesses a single Legendary Skill could be called a Legendary temte.


    But this Hero panel came with three Legendary Skills, two Fantasy Grade Skills!


    Since the creation of the game Mystic Continent, Lin Da had never seen such an outrageous temte.


    With it, clearing the top floor of the World Tree and defeating the Demon King were no longer ''impossible.''


    The first Legendary Skill of the Healing Hero was Bnce Conservation: the strength value would always equal the Magic Points.


    This allowed Lin Da to easily cultivate both physical and magical skills, shedding the Healer''s disadvantage ofckingbat capability.


    Although there were traditional professions like the Pdin who could fight and defend, the Pdin''s so-called ''fighting'' wasn''t even half as good as the lousiest damage-dealing ss.


    They could fight, but not much.


    Then came the second Legendary Skill, Poison at Heart.


    An extra branch appeared in the profession''s Skill Tree, called "Poisonous Healing."


    A Legendary-grade Skill Tree was presumably not weak at all.


    Healing one monster to death with poison was entirely possible.


    The third skill was the ''Eye of Truth.''


    It disyed damage numbers when fighting monsters.


    This skill was rtively weaker and was mainly used to observe the reality of friend and foe.


    The remaining two Fantasy Grade Skills belonged to system capabilities.


    Killing monsters gave Mystical Points, which could then be used to enhance oneself.


    The experience bar also appeared, which perfectly matched the baseline setting of the game ''Mystic Continent'': killing monsters to grow stronger.


    If everything matched the game without error, this meant that Lin Da didn''t have a cultivation bottleneck; he would eventually reach the maximum level of 100.


    Lin Da felt relieved; the pressure to be a hero wasn''t so great anymore.


    Once he reached level 100, he, a former professional yer, would not fear any Demon King.


    "Hey, mortal, how do you like this boon from the deity? Aren''t you grateful and ready to kiss my boots?"


    Kafni''s haughty voice came through.


    Lin Da snapped back to his senses.


    The disdainful tone made his eyebrows twitch.


    If these abilities were a bountiful act of goodwill from Kafni, he would have to respectfully show some gratitude.


    But Kafni was giving them to make him fight the Demon King.


    The two of them should have a partnership.


    He was responsible for exerting force, and Kafni was to provide the equipment.


    This golden-haired Deity, however, always looked down on him, speaking like a haughty Female Lady, which made one''s teeth itch with irritation.


    Lin Da kept his annoyance hidden deep inside; firstly, he had to im all the rewards.


    "The third aid you provide me, am I allowed to wish for any skill I want?"


    "Of course, after all, I am a deity!"


    "Time is precious, make up your mind quickly. I am waiting to move on to the next world!"


    Kafni''s tone contained half pride and half disdain for a bumpkin like Lin Da.


    Lin Da remainedposed and started thinking.


    The skills he already had werepletely sufficient.


    Another Legendary Skill would merely change the difficulty from easy to very easy.


    What he needed was some unconventional support.


    Lin Da looked intently at Kafni, who was floating in the air, elegantly popping a crystal grape into his mouth:


    "I want you to transform into a pretty roasted chicken girl to serve as my Summoned Beast."


    "Summoned Beast, no problem! Let me see, there are Holy Dragon hatchlings, Amethyst Behemoth hatchlings... wait, what did you just say?"


    The grape in Kafni''s hand dropped to the ground.


    Instead of anger, a hint of panic appeared on Kafni''s face upon hearing Lin Da''s highly offensive request.


    Lin Da smiled, showing his bright white teeth:


    "I want you to turn into a big, white panda girl, tender skinned and fiercely beautiful, to serve as a summoned beast for this hero,"


    Lin Da said it, but he didn''t actually hold out much hope for sess.


    He was just joking to express his dissatisfaction, hoping that Kafni would tone down that superior deity attitude.


    After all, which deity would be foolish enough to truly turn into a girl and be his summoned beast?


    What if he were some pervert who wanted the deity to help satisfy his physical needs?


    However, Lin Da was not from the Divine Realm and was not very clear about some rules.


    Kafni was far from asposed as he had imagined.


    As a deity guiding the hero''s transformation, Kafni couldn''t reject the hero''s wish; ording to the rules of the Divine Realm, he must do his utmost to satisfy the hero, assist the hero, inspire the hero, to save another world.


    At that moment,


    Bear, girl, summoned beast... These three keywords were captured by the Divine Realm''s rules, and they heard Lin Da''s words of confirmation.


    An overwhelming power that Kafni couldn''t resist enveloped him.


    Suddenly, Kafni''s face changed.


    His expression went from confused to shocked, then to copsing and despair, all in just few breaths.


    "Hero, you scoundrel!"


    Kafni was about to cry.


    "Are you cursing at me?"


    Lin Da touched his head, puzzled.


    Seeing the other''s pale face, he realized what had happened, albeit btedly.


    Kafni, could it be that he couldn''t refuse his request?


    Lin Da was stunned.


    Then... what was he pretending all this time?


    If he had just honestly handled his hero employment business and had been a bit nicer, Lin Da wouldn''t have thought about joking around, right?


    It turns out he''s just a clerk processing hero business.


    How could there be such a lousy deity in this world?


    "Can I take back what I said earlier? It was just a joke; let''s choose another skill,"


    Lin Da coughed, saying awkwardly.


    But Kafniughed.


    It was the kind ofugh that had tears streaming down his face.


    Lin Da read the answer from his tragic expression.


    The matter was settled, he could only maximize the benefits now.


    Lin Da sighed and looked up at the sky.


    Looking at Kafni being enveloped in golden light and undergoing transformation, he spoke rapidly:


    "Please grant me a goddess with a big panda, long legs, a peach-shaped butt, a bit fuller, and a face like an older sister...! Oh, can it be pinchable? If so, I want it to be white..."


    Kafni''s body twisted in the golden light, being kneaded into various shapes by the giant hand of the rules.


    Sharp cries of agony continued to sound out.


    "Waaaaah! Stop it, stop right now, you damn hero!"


    "How can you manipte a deity''s body like this?! I''m going to kill you aaaaah!"


    Poof¡ª


    The giant panda appeared.


    Snap¡ª


    His pride and joy vanished without a trace.


    Kafni cried.


    Everything was just as Lin Da had expected.


    The woman in the golden light had a perfect, firm-bodied panda, a waist slender enough to be grasped with one hand, long smooth legs, and a perky, stic panda butt.


    And a head of soft, sunshine-bright golden hair.

 Chapter 6: Lia Hongwen

    "Stop, stop now! I really don''t want to be a girl and do something as filthy and tiring as vanquishing the Demon King, which could easily cost me my life!"


    The voice of despair in the golden light had turned into a soft feminine voice.


    "Hmm?"


    Hearing Kafni''s words, Linda''s head was filled with question marks.


    So, vanquishing the Demon King is a filthy, tiring job that risks one''s life?


    Wasn''t it guaranteed earlier that with divine help, vanquishing the Demon King would be very easy?


    It turns out it was all nonsense!


    The little sympathy Linda had felt for Kafni disappeared.


    A momentter, his attention shifted to Kafni''s body.


    Or rather, should this deity now be called ''Princess Kafni''?


    The Kafni part of the name meaning hibiscus.


    Princess Kafni''s appearance was entirely formed by Linda''s XP, featuring a teardrop mole at the corner of her eye and a beautiful, mature-looking face.


    But what attracted most attention was Princess Kafni''s hands crossed over her chest and the tearful, embarrassed look in her eyes.


    She looked like a precious princess who had fallen into a Goblin cave, both scared and unwilling to give up her dignity, shielding her front as she faced the magical creatures.


    The d¨¦j¨¤ vu was extremely strong.


    Linda walked over, smiled broadly, and appreciating the whiteness in front of him, nodded and said, "Pretty good."


    "You...!"


    Princess Kafni''s face turned blood red, and grinding her teeth, she reached for Linda''s neck.


    Just then, a majestic voice echoed through the dark space.


    "Hero''s induction time has ended; God''s Space is closing."


    "Chosen hero, with the power bestowed upon you by the deity, go and save another world!"


    Whoosh whoosh!


    Two beams of lightnded on Linda and Kafni.


    Before they could react, their figures reappeared at the entrance of the World Tree Secret Realm in White Dove City.


    ...


    Due to a different flow of time, it was already the next morning in the outside world.


    The Secret Realm Square in White Dove City was bustling with noise.


    Adventurers were jostling against each other, their armor and swords shing, producing a sobering metallic sound, as they began their new day''s journey of exploring the Secret Realm early in the morning.


    This was a gourd-shaped square covering thousands of square feet, and at the deepest part of the gourd was a sky-high tree shimmering with magical light¡ªthe World Tree Secret Realm.


    Many adventure teams were purchasing strategy materials and recruiting temporary members in the square.


    The square was packed with people.


    Yet, one team upied a clear space on their own.


    The surrounding adventurers preferred to squeeze elsewhere rather than venture into that group''s territory.


    "Look, it''s the Snow Goose Adventure Team; they''re preparing to conquer the ninthyer!"


    "Miss Lia''s red hair is still so stunning!"


    "Their team seems off by one member, aren''t they?"


    There were only a few well-known squads in White Dove City and the members were rtively fixed, so someone quickly recognized:


    "It''s the ''Eye of Wisdom'' Healer Linda who''s missing!"


    Everyone looked intently, and there stood Miss Lia with a greatsword on her back, her fiery red hair tied in a ponytail, looking strikingly heroic.


    The blond mage Miss Aiko.


    Chloe with pink twin ponytails, wearing heavy armor, and carrying a short-handled battle axe on her shoulder.


    And the dark green-haired Elf Archer Kenny and her boyfriend, Heavy Hammer Warrior Oru.


    Only Healer Linda was nowhere to be seen.


    "Tsk."


    Lia crossed her arms over her chest, fingers anxiously drumming on her arm, and she cast a sidelong nce at the towering clock tower in the square, which showed exactly nine o''clock.


    The usual practice for the Snow Goose Adventure Team was to gather at eight-thirty, yet now, half an hour had passed, and a certain someone still had not appeared.


    That Lin Da definitely knew that the Snow Goose Adventure Team was entering the Ninth Layer Secret Realm today.


    She had also told Lin Da that if he did not show up soon, she would really find another healer to rece his position!


    "Perhaps, another day for the Ninth Layer?" Aiko, observing Lia''s gloomy expression, lowered her voice.


    However, deep down, she was secretly sneering, hadn''t they agreed yesterday that no one was to sympathize with Lin Da?


    Lia had asked them toe early at eight-thirty, while she purposely arrived half an hourte, iming she had suddenly remembered that her weapons needed maintenance.


    In reality, she wanted them to wait here first to see if Lin Da would show up.


    If he did appear, Lia would arrive ''fashionablyte'' and nonchntly say, ''They waited here for you, letting you, this lost dog,e back, but I haven''t agreed yet; I''ll have to see your performance in the secret realm.''


    Aiko saw through Lia''s brain-shrinking leadership.


    It was now past nine, and Lin Da still had not appeared, Aiko caught a glimpse of Lia''s fingers tapping faster and faster, and she couldn''t help but feel schadenfreude.


    Continue waiting for Lin Da? she would like to see whatme excuse you coulde up with.


    "Miss Lia, why aren''t we going yet? We''ve been waiting for Lin Da for half an hour and he still hasn''te, let''s just go by ourselves."


    Chloe, who had finished her snacks, licked the oil from her fingertips, and spoke with dissatisfaction.


    Urged by others and fearful that her thoughts might be exposed, Lia immediately blushed.


    Giving someone a chance, and yet he doesn''t take it, huh?


    Fine.


    Just go in!


    Lia sneered and said, "Olu, go fetch that healer named Phyllis and tell him that I, Miss Lia, have agreed, and from now on, he will be the healer of the Snow Goose Adventure Team!"


    "Ah? We''re not waiting for Lin Da anymore?"


    Olu was a burly and tall fellow with a simple appearance, serving as the team''s Heavy Hammer Warrior.


    He had a good rtionship with Lin Da, and this morning, after hearing about Lin Da''s departure from the team, he had spoken highly of Lin Da in front of Lia.


    "Just go when I tell you to, no need for so much talk."


    Lia nced at the dark green bobbed-haired elf girl Klyne, pointed ears showing, and said, "Control your boyfriend, I''m the team captain, and he needs to listen to me."


    Klyne smiled embarrassingly and gave Olu a look.


    Olu silently found a carriage and headed to Phyllis''s residence.


    Another half an hour passed, and Lin Da still hadn''t arrived.


    "Let''s set out." Liamanded, expressionless, leading the team and their new healer into the World Tree Secret Realm.


    ¡­


    Time flew by, and soon it was noon.


    On the Secret Realm Square, the appearance of a man and a woman drew the attention of many adventurers.


    They appeared out of nowhere on the tform outside the World Tree, somewhat like adventurers returning using a Teleportation Stone after sessfully conquering the secret realm.


    The man was Lin Da, a somewhat famous healer known as ''Eye of Wisdom'' from White Dove City.


    With his handsome and rugged looks, tall stature, and membership in the renowned Snow Goose Adventure Team, Lin Da was quite popr.


    However, today, the woman by his side was even more dazzling.


    Kafni, in a pure white long dress, had golden hair that reached her waist, and her outstanding chest could thin a veil by ny-nine percent for women.


    Added to that was a shy yet charming face, causing many men''s gazes to heat up.


    Just moments ago, a debacle happened here, as an adventurer set his sights on Kafni and nned to use a certain ''little trick'' to knock her unconscious.


    Lin Da had promptly discovered this and used his reputation as the ''Eye of Wisdom'' to frighten the aggressor into hurriedly fleeing.


    "Um..."


    Kafni coughed, speaking somewhat coyly, "You did help me, it''s true, but the deity I am will not thank you."


    The intervention by Lin Da had eased the tense atmosphere somewhat.


    "It''s nothing, after all, we are ''partners'', aren''t we?"


    Lin Da remarked wistfully.


    After exiting from that God''s Space, theynded directly in the Secret Realm Square, and the time hade to noon.


    Otherwise, he might have seen Lia nearby, her face flushed with embarrassment.

 Chapter 7: 7. Ice Flower Adventure Team

    Yesterday, Lia said she would enter the World Tree Secret Realm this morning.


    Lin Da thought to himself, thankfully, he came out at noon, so he didn''t run into Lia.


    Otherwise, if they had met, he would probably have been ridiculed a lot.


    Not returning to the vi for the night, he actually went to find that blonde youngdy, how disgusting!


    If Lin Da''s level 0 status were exposed, that would be even worse, Lia would definitely step on his head with her little ck-stockinged foot.


    Gathering his thoughts, Lin Da looked at Kafni with a grave expression.


    "About bing a girl... I''ve already apologized, since we can''t change the fact, let''s think about how to defeat the Demon King? Afterpleting the mission, you should be able to go back to normal."


    The two of them walked and talked, nning to find a quiet ce to sort out their current situation.


    Kafni clenched her fists unwillingly, her voice trembling, "But, but, my level has dropped to the same as yours!"


    In the game setup of Mystic Continent, a Summoned Beast''s level cannot exceed that of their master.


    Lin Da smiled awkwardly, "But I didn''t know things would turn out like this. You''ve already scolded me several times, so we''re even, right? From now on, you just assist me well, and defeating the Demon King is what we''ll do."


    "Even? You''re dreaming!"


    Kafni suddenly became agitated, her eyes bulging, "I''ve never even touched a girl''s hand, and before I could use it, it''s gone? What are you going topensate me with?!"


    "Uh... when I was doing it, I called your name?"


    "?"


    A momentter, Kafni finally understood what Lin Da meant.


    She first exploded in rage, then felt an emptiness below, and was overwhelmed with grief. Unable to hold it back, she squatted on the side of the road, shedding delicate tears.


    She just broke down.


    "It''s okay to cry, but can you find a secluded ce to cry slowly?"


    Lin Daforted considerately.


    Kafni lifted her head, her eyes filled with a murderous look.


    "Cough cough, let''s not talk about this. Our main task is to defeat the Demon King, right? Since you''re a Deity, what skills do you have, and what is your profession?"


    Lin Da lowered his voice, attempting to change the subject.


    But he saw Kafni hang her head low, her red lips moving slightly, uttering a mosquito-like whisper.


    "What?"


    "Thief..."


    "Didn''t catch that."


    "Thief, I''m a thief! A thief, a burden, a profession with neither attack nor defense, what, do you have a problem with that?!"


    Kafni yelled, on the verge of a breakdown.


    "Why are you yelling so loudly?"


    Lin Da covered his ears, taking a good look at the holy and goddess-like Kafni.


    A thief ss? That really sucks in the beginning.


    Before Agility is high, the sess rate of the thief skill Stealing is very low.


    Once it''s high, though, you can sneak rare materials off guardians.


    "Let it be, a thief is a thief, we''ll take it slow." Lin Da said with a mild smile, stroking Kafni''s smooth blonde hair as if petting a small dog.


    "That said, we better get out of here, or the Law Enforcement Bureau might think you''re a roasted chicken and take you away for questioning."


    Lin Da, with hands in his pockets, didn''t bother with Kafni, and just strode forward on his own.


    By the time Kafni realized that Lin Da''s reference to a roasted chicken was about her, Lin Da had already walked far ahead.


    "Damn hero!"


    Kafni followed in anger.


    At this point, she could only ept reality.


    Transformed into a beautiful girl by a hero, her profession a thief, level zero, any adventurer she met on the road could easily dispatch her.


    Though she still had a bit of divine power left, this level-zero body was too frail; using it once might render it useless.


    She had to bear humiliation and burdens before she could regain her strength.


    "Please wait."


    Not far after leaving the Secret Realm Square, a crisp female voice rang out from behind them.


    Kafni thought she was the one being called and stopped to look back.


    So beautiful¡­


    It was a tall girl with silver hair.


    She wore exquisite light armor and had a one-handed sword hanging at her waist, her brows exuded a masculine heroism.


    The silver-haired girl first looked at Kafni in surprise, then said to Lin Da with admiration, "As expected of the ''Eye of Wisdom,'' you always attract pretty girls."


    "Isa, you misunderstand, she''s just amon friend."


    Lin Da was a little surprised, not expecting to bump into this ''old acquaintance''.


    The girl named Isa smiled and did not confirm or deny it. Then, with serious expression, she said, "I heard that you entered the World Tree this morning. Have you already conquered the ninth floor?"


    There was a hint of gunpowder in the girl''s tone.


    Lin Da knew the reason why.


    Isa was the captain of the Ice Flower Adventure Team, the greatest rival of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Yesterday, the Ice Flower Adventure Team sessfully conquered the eleventh floor, which was widely reported by major newspapers, and it also provoked Lia to storm into his room and make a scene.


    Given that it was noon, Lia and the others should have entered the World Tree Secret Realm by now.


    ¡ª¡ª''If you don''te over tomorrow, Miss truly will find another healer!''


    Lia''s voice seemed to echo in his ears.


    "The ninth floor? I hope they seed," Lin Da said calmly.


    Isa frowned in confusion, "Sorry, I don''t understand what you mean."


    Could it be that the rumor this morning was true?


    Lin Da, left the Snow Goose Adventure Team?


    Isa''s face was full of gossip.


    About this matter, Lin Da did not hide anything and answered honestly, "I''m no longer with the Snow Goose Adventure Team."


    It really was true.


    Although she had suspected it, Isa was still somewhat surprised. That Lia, she really kicked him out of the team.


    After digesting the news, a smile appeared on Isa''s face.


    If that was the case, she would not be polite.


    As the captain of the Ice Flower Adventure Team, Isa had lost several teammates while leading the team to the eleventh floor, which had always been a knot in her heart.


    For this reason, Lin Da, who was known as the ''Eye of Wisdom'' and had helped the Snow Goose Adventure Team reach the eighth floor unscathed, came into Isa''s focus.


    The first time she noticed Lin Da was at the fifth floor in the Public Grand Secret Realm, when they werepeting for the World BOSS with the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Although Lin Da as a healer was of lower level, his use of magic power was adept. Each time he healed, itnded on the person who needed it the most. As soon as a teammate got hit by a magical creature, their health dropping, a healing art would be cast right after.


    Such a method could only be achieved by someone who had an extensive understanding of magical creatures and could perform well amidst the constantly changing situations of realbat.


    Now that the Ice Flower Adventure Team was looking to expand its membership, they were in dire need of talent.


    With Lin Da having be a free agent, she had no reason not to try to recruit him.


    Without hesitation, Isa extended her right hand and said,


    "Although I don''t know what happened between you and Lia, I regret that you left the team. And then... Ice Flower Adventure Team, wee aboard."


    "Ah?"


    Lin Da was stunned for a moment, not expecting Isa to extend him an invitation.

 Chapter 8: 8. You serve dogs better than them

    "Should I join the Ice Flower Adventure Team?"


    Lin Da fell into deep thought.


    Objectively speaking, the captain of Ice Flower was enthusiastic and highly capable, having led the team through eleven levels.


    During the Attacker''s conference, Lin Da had seen the members of Ice Flower a few times, and he could sense that their adventure team had a great atmosphere.


    Inparison to the Snow Goose Adventure Team, it was like heaven and earth.


    But.


    Lin Da essed his personal panel.


    Beyond basic information, there was an option on the left called "Squad Module."


    Clicking it would prompt: To unlock this temte, you must form your own squad.


    In the game Mystic Continent, the Squad Module provided many attribute bonuses, andcking this module meant iplete system functionality.


    Moreover... Lin Da looked towards the towering lush tree in the distance.


    The person who reached the top of the World Tree would receive the strongest Brave''s Sword and a chance to make a wish to the World Tree Goddess.


    The person who obtained the Brave''s Sword was the team leader, and the person given the chance to make a wish was also the team leader.


    To vanquish the Demon King, the Brave''s Sword was indispensable.


    Lacking the "Anti-Demon" trait, the game''s difficulty would increase by tens of times.


    Thinking this, Lin Da shook his head and declined politely, "Sorry, I n to establish my own adventure team."


    Isa frowned, thinking Lin Da was making excuses, "You think the sry from the Ice Flower Adventure Team is too low? What does Lia give you? I guarantee to increase it by twenty percent based on that."


    Lia only gave junk, believing that a level 15 Healer didn''t deserve good equipment.


    Lin Da didn''t have the heart to say it out loud, it was too shabby, and he feared beingughed at.


    "It''s not about the pay." Lin Da smiled, "I have certain reasons that I must create my own team, and besides... I''ve turned back to level 0, joining the Ice Flower Adventure Team would only hold them back."


    "Ah, level 0?" Isa looked at Lin Da in surprise, "So that''s it, no wonder you were kicked out by that Lia..."


    Isapletely misunderstood.


    She thought that Lin Da encountered an ident inside the World Tree, which was why Lia kicked him out of the team.


    Lin Da didn''t exin further, humbly stating, "That''s how it is, thank you for your kindness."


    While the invitation from the Ice Flower Adventure Team was tempting, Lin Da still wanted to create a team of his own.


    After bidding goodbye to a regretful Isa, he hadn''t walked far when Kafni curiously approached him.


    "What''s going on with the Snow Goose Adventure Team? Who is Lia? Why does your expression change whenever she''s mentioned by Isa?"


    "None of your business." Lin Da said irritably.


    But Kafni didn''t give up on getting to the bottom of things; she smelled a juicy story on Lin Da and was determined to get it clear.


    "Aren''t we partners in fighting the Demon King? What can''t be shared?"


    "Spill it,e on!"


    "This Deity is asking you!"


    The more Lin Da refused to talk, the more Kafni persisted.


    Annoyed beyond tolerance, Lin Da finally briefly ryed the story about the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    A momentter.


    "Ha? You''re totally a lickspittle, right? Doing theirundry, cooking for them, even preparing strategies for free? Dogs aren''t even as fawning as you!"


    After hearing Lin Da''s story, Kafni was dumbfounded.


    She envisioned a troublesome trio and one man ying house.


    Team leader Lia often shed with other adventurers, rendering their lives unmanageable, all dependent on Lin Da''s mediation.


    The Mage Young Lady had leg issues that required daily massages.


    The heavy armored warrior was just an immature brat who also had a foul mouth, loving to call Lin Da a "useless Small Fry Uncle."


    If Lin Da didn''t cook her specified meals three times a day, she would refuse to eat, forcing Lin Da to always give in to the kid.


    I''ve seen good guys, but I''ve never seen anyone quite like Lin Da.


    Serving dogs would be easier than serving that bunch of youngdies!


    "Lickspittle, lickspittle hero, how did I choose someone like you to be a hero? Ah, I really want to switch to a hero that respects me, is strong, and isn''t a lickspittle."


    Kafni, with hands behind her back and chest out, nced sideways at Lin Da''s darkening face and taunted him with a hateful expression akin to that of a Female Lady.


    "Shut up already, will you!"


    Lin Da was somewhat annoyed, "You don''t have OO, so of course you don''t understand men''s thoughts! Besides, when we first formed the team, Lia was normal, it was only after the team got famous that she began to change."


    Kafni retorted unbowed:


    "Who do you me for me not having OO? By the way, I think the abnormal one is actually you, weren''t you the one who spoiled them like that?


    If someone cooked me meals every day for a year and then suddenly stopped one day, of course, I would curse them out.


    Why would they stop now after having done it before?


    They don''t take you seriously, purely because you are too subservient!"


    Lin Da frowned, "Yourck of OO is none of my business. You said earlier that a deity must fulfill the hero''s wish when it''s made, why would I make such a useless wish?


    Moreover, I am not subservient; I just do what I need to do. I can''t just let them starve, can I?"


    "That''s why I said you are a lickspittle!"


    Kafni burst intoughter.


    She thought bing ady was miserable enough, but Lin Da seemed to have it even worse.


    The group that Lin Da called teammates didn''t really consider him a teammate; they were just using him, knowing that if they pushed him, he would back down.


    After backing down so many times, Lin Da got used to it and felt that doing those things was his duty and responsibility.


    In other words, Lin Da got yed!


    A grand hero, and yet he couldn''t figure this out!


    Kafni conveniently addressed another of Lin Da''s remarks: "What do you mean by saying I''m useless? If I had told you earlier that I need to fulfill the hero''s wishes to the best of my ability, you, being a subservient type, would definitely wish for something even more absurd, like licking someone to gain favor or something, haha!"


    "What? Don''t underestimate others, you damn deity!"


    Lin Da waspletely infuriated, and the two of them started a big fight in the street.


    Passers-by looked on in surprise at this odd pair.


    A tall, dark-haired man angrily chasing after a gold-haired woman.


    With an aura that seemed to say he wouldn''t stop until he caught her and thrashed her thoroughly.


    Thetter was not afraid at all, standing at the edge of the fountain''s pool, arms crossed, taunting the former: "Lickspittle, lickspittle hero!"


    "Darn it!"


    Lin Da almost burst his lungs from running, yet he couldn''t catch up to the thief-profession Kafni.


    He wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve and panted heavily.


    Despite being tired, oddly enough, after all that frantic running, he felt somewhat refreshed as if he had vented all the frustration and gloom in his chest.


    This made Lin Da recall the early days when the Snow Goose Adventure Team was first established, with membersughing and yfully chasing each other just like this.


    Indeed, it was somewhat nostalgic.


    Lin Da sighed softly.


    Leaving the team he had helped to establish over three years, it definitely felt sad.


    At that moment, he looked ahead at Kafni standing on the edge of the fountain, arms akimbo and a smug look on her face as her soft panda toy fluttered in the wind.


    It felt like a return to the carefree days three years ago.

 Chapter 9: 9. Bursting Flames Lia

    Level zero hero plus level zero deity, one could say it was the lowest of the low, sufficient only for cutting down slimes.


    Lin Da, however, felt very rxed with no pressure at all.


    He pondered and gradually understood the real reason he had left the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Being pressured by Lia was just secondary.


    In fact, he had subconsciously realized that the current Snow Goose Adventure Team wasn''t the one he wanted to stay in, staying there would only continually contradict his true inner desires.


    To build a team of his own and slowly enjoy climbing up the World Tree while admiring its scenery.


    To not abandon any member and stand shoulder to shoulder to reach the highest point of the Mystic Continent.


    That was what Lin Da hoped for.


    Even though it sounded a bit like a fool''s dream, Lin Da knew the strategy to defeat every level of Magical Creatures and could ovee the Secret Realm Guardians with minimal conditions.


    Therefore, it was possible.


    Havinge to this game world not without difficulty, Lin Da met Lia and agreed with her concept, "taking everyone with us, leaving no one behind to clear the top floor of the World Tree."


    Having the same goals and principles, he then founded the Snow Goose Adventure Team with Lia.


    As the team''s original intention changed, he naturally had no reason to stay.


    Having left now, he nned to build a new team, and he had to pick the members carefully.


    Lin Da looked ahead.


    The first member should rightfully be Kafni, who was bound to the hero and would never betray him.


    Looking up at the vast azure sky, Lin Da put his hands in his pockets, a leisurely and rxed smile ying on his lips.


    Everything was pretty good. Except for the fact that his pockets held only a pitiable seven copper coins.


    Leaving with only the clothes on his back was far from easy.


    If "she" had still been around, the teamprising a healer, a damage dealer, and a frontline¡ªcould have been directly formed.


    Lin Da caressed an exquisite pocket watch, his heart filled with myriad emotions.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the ninthyer of the World Tree Secret Realm, the Twisted Forest.


    The sky looked as if covered by ayer of gray waxed paper, the light dim.


    The dry, twisted trees, as if hands stretching out from hell, wed at the sky.


    "Yah! Ha!"


    The red-haired girl, her expression intense, gripped her greatsword tightly, like a redet, lunging at the Secret Realm Guardian seven meters tall, a level 23 ''Giant Carnivorous Flower.''


    The Giant Carnivorous Flower looked like a sunflower, with a big mouth split in the middle of its bloom, crowded with serrated teeth.


    Thick drool dripped from the mouth, falling to the ground.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team had been battling on the ninth level for over an hour, each team member bearing various wounds.


    The newly joined level 20 Healer, the blond youth Phyllis, was frantically casting Healing Arts, drenched in sweat.


    That Lia, too reckless.


    She alone had used up nearly half of Phyllis''s magic power.


    If they continued fighting like this, the Magical Creatures wouldn''t be dead before his magic power was depleted.


    How did that previous level 15 Healer, who had even less magic power than himself, manage to lead the Snow Goose Adventure Team up here?


    Phyllis inwardly cursed.


    Today being his first day on the job, he had to perform well, which meant drinking Magic Potion while simultaneously attacking, a huge strain on his body.


    "Strength Blessing!"


    At that moment, Miss Aiko, the Mage from the Holy Light Church, raised her Magic Wand high.


    Her golden hair fluttered, illustrious and noble, like the sun goddess.


    The Strength Blessing cast on Lia boosted her Fire Fighting Qi and speed by several degrees.


    "We can do it, everyone needs to have faith!"


    Without Lin Da, Aiko, the oldest among them, took charge.


    Aiko drank a Mana Potion, thinking to herself: They were very lucky this time to have randomly reached the ninthyer, the Twisted Forest, which was most suited for the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    If randomly assigned to the "Lava Cave," a Mystic Realm thatpletely countered Lia''s Fire Fighting Qi, Aiko would not hesitate to use the "Town Portal Scroll" hidden in her pocket and abandon Lia.


    Just kidding, she was just a worker, not blindly devoted to the team like someone else!


    Moreover, since that person had run away, Miss Aiko''s already scant loyalty had decreased even further.


    In the peril-filled Mystic Realm, the six members of the team each had different thoughts.


    Klrona treated fighting Magical Creatures as a game,


    Phyllis hesitated whether to drink another Mana Potion, feeling pain from the swollen magic circuits inside her body.


    The honest couple, Klyne and Oru, prioritized staying alive since they hadn''t finished paying off the mortgage on their house in White Dove City.


    The only one willing to fight desperately to clear the realm was alone,


    "Healer, cast Healing Art on me!"


    Lia wiped the sweat from her forehead and shouted loudly.


    A white light fell upon her,


    Lia felt her strength surge and even the slight internal injuries healed.


    She definitely was better than Lin Da, who came from Noble Academy!


    Lia was sure in her heart. Taking a deep breath, she gripped the greatsword "me Devourer" in her hands and stared intently at the Giant Carnivorous Flower.


    The team functioned like a well-oiled magic engine, everyone ying their part seamlessly,


    But she always felt something was off, like something was not quite right.


    Even with an amazing new Healer, she still felt restricted, unable to unleash her full strength.


    No one told her in which direction to attack, when to attack, or which part of the Magical Creature to hit,


    Dealing with the Magical Creatures'' attacks was tiring enough, let alone thinking about these things, causing Lia''s head to ache.


    Her thoughts were not clear, and a stifled anger was pent up inside her chest, unable to escape.


    Lia remembered how she had waited like a fool at the entrance to the World Tree Mystic Realm earlier that day.


    She had emphasized repeatedlyst night that she would enter the World Tree at dawn today,


    Lin Da had a good memory; there was no reason for him to forget.


    "I definitely need to clear this level impressively, to show him that, without his Snow Goose Adventure Team, we are even more formidable!"


    Lia bit her silver teeth in anger.


    Right at that moment,


    "Captain, danger!"


    Aiko''s anxious voice snapped her out of it.


    Lia jolted awake,


    The Giant Carnivorous Flower, as if gone mad, pulled up thousands of roots from the ground, turning them into sharp whips tounch an attack,


    Covering the sky, the roots attacked like a of death.


    Lia was somewhat at a loss,


    Should she retreat?


    As the thought arose, she seemed to hear someone''s scoffing in her ear,


    No, no need to retreat, just chop this thing down!


    With determination in her heart, Lia clenched her teeth and charged forward with her sword.


    She was like a red fish darting through the sea, skillfully dodging the torrent of roots with impable agility.


    Any Swordsman of the same level as Lia would be astounded,pletely in awe of her extraordinary skills,


    This was "Bursting mes" Lia, the top adventurer of the younger generation in White Dove City.


    "Crazy!"


    But Aiko stomped her feet in frustration,


    Lia''s style of fighting was too dangerous; one mistake and it would be over,


    And she was charging too fast, her teammates simply couldn''t keep up,


    If Lin Da were here, he would probably say: It''s like a Rock Man shing up top to crash into someone, asking Yaso in mid why he didn''t follow up.

 Chapter 10: 10. Lia couldnt understand

    Aiko''s face was extremely pale.


    Suppressing the urge to vomit, she cast the Light Arrow Technique much faster than an average Mage, severing the Giant Carnivorous Flower''s roots and allowing Lia to initiate the skill "Energy Charging".


    "Well done, Aiko!"


    Lia charged toward the Giant Carnivorous Flower, her greatsword ''me Devourer'' glowing red-hot as she shouted:


    "me sh!"


    A streak of red sword light descended from above, splitting the Giant Carnivorous Flower in half much like Moses parted the Red Sea.


    The Magical Creature let out a pitiful scream, staggered, and then fell to the ground with a thump.


    "We won..."


    Lia stared nkly at the corpse of the creature, her face a mixture of disbelief.


    Although they hadn''t escaped unscathed from the battle¡ªher arm and right leg were grazed by the Giant Carnivorous Flower''s roots¡ªthey had won.


    Without Lin Da, she still led the team to conquer the ninth floor.


    Indeed, the Young Lady herself was formidable!


    Lia''s spirits soared to an unprecedented high, as if she could see the team reaching the pinnacle of the World Tree.


    A smile of pride involuntarily formed on her lips, curving into a satisfied arc.


    However, the overly excited Lia overlooked one problem.


    Being severely countered by her fire attribute, the Giant Carnivorous Flower, a nt series boss, wasn''t actually up to the standard difficulty of the ninth floor.


    Another potential boss of the ninth-floor Mystic Realm, the Lava Giant, who possessed high resistance to fire, was a nightmare for her¡ªhellishly difficult.


    The oue of the Snow Goose Adventure Team encountering the Lava Giant had never crossed Lia''s mind.


    The several veteran members of the team, upon seeing her proud expression, seemed like they wanted to say something but held back.


    Aiko sighed, keeping her preaching thoughts to herself.


    Only when Lia suffered a setback would she perhaps understand.


    Meanwhile, specks of light began to fall from the sky.


    Defeating the Giant Carnivorous Flower triggered a reward from the World Tree Goddess, simr to looting equipment in a game.


    Gold Coins rained down, while the lights varied in color.


    Themon ones were white, slightly better ones were green for fine quality, and blue for rare quality.


    Luck was on Lia''s side; she found a beautifully purple light.


    She checked them one by one.


    "Level 23 main weapon, the Tengman Whip¡ªnot useful, sell it."


    "Level 20 armor, Sunflower''s Heart... the defense bonus is decent, might as well keep it."


    "Level 15 purple rare essory, Angel''s Bracelet¡ªisn''t this healer equipment?"


    Lia''s eyes lit up, she turned around and instinctively reached out her hand, ready to give someone a high-five.


    Clearing the ninth floor of the World Tree was a milestone, and exploding with purple rare gear had her over the moon, acting unconsciously like she did in the past.


    After defeating a boss, she used to high-five that person, then everyone would stack their hands together, shouting and cheering with joy.


    Tossing the equipment and Gold Coins from the boss into the air, enjoying the full sense of aplishment.


    But after Lia reached out her dry hand towards Aiko and the others, she remembered that person seemed to have left the team.


    The atmosphere suddenly grew quiet.


    Aiko and the others didn''te forward to ease Lia''s embarrassment because nobody knew what was really going through Lia''s head. If someone casually went over to take that person''s ce, it could upset her, which wouldn''t be good.


    So, nobody moved, leaving Lia''s right hand awkwardly raised in the air.


    "Hmph."


    Lia withdrew her hand, stuffing it into the pocket of her skirt armor, her fingers anxiously fumbling with the fabric inside.


    The smile on her face slowly faded into an icy, poker face.


    "Haha, who would have thought it''d be so easy to take down the Giant Carnivorous Flower? Captain, it''s all thanks to you."


    The newly-promoted healer with blonde hair, Phyllis, walked up to Lia with a triumphant smile that was as warm as a spring breeze.


    "Where are we going for tonight''s celebration dinner? How about the Michelin Three-Star Restaurant on Elf Street? The food there is not bad. I''ll treat everyone to a good meal tonight!"


    Phyllis tried hard to hide the covetous glint in his eyes, putting on a suave and generous expression as he invited the beautiful redhead girl.


    With his impressive results as the tenth-ranked student in his healer ss, Phyllis had graduated from the White Dove City Noble Academy and was fully capable of joining an adventure team like the Ice Flower Adventure Team, which was above the tenth level.


    But he had chosen the Snow Goose Adventure Team, which was below the tenth level.


    He had only one target in mind.


    The beautiful and noble-born team leader, Lia.


    Behind this youngdy was a father known as the ''Bloody Baron,'' who was said to be a promising candidate for reaching level 40 and bing a Moon rank adventurer.


    Whoever married Lia could essentially soar to great heights in the second half of his life.


    Phyllis grinned, fully expecting Lia to agree to his invitation.


    However, to his surprise, Lia frowned irritably and said, "You guys go ahead, I''m not going."


    "Ah? How can that be, you are the team leader." Phyllis felt his mentality explode.


    "If this youngdy says she doesn''t want to go, then she doesn''t go. If you want to go, then go by yourselves, I''m tired."


    Lia snorted coldly, ignoring Phyllis who was left dumbstruck, and said to Aiko, "You are responsible for cleaning up the battle loot and distributing the rewards."


    Aiko rolled her eyes.


    Distributing rewards was a thankless job; it was impossible to always divide everything perfectly evenly, leaving some unavoidably dissatisfied in the shadows.


    Previously, the task was done by Lin Da, and everyone was satisfied, because whenever there was a dispute involving interests, Lin Da would take less of his share.


    "It''s such a headache. If only that dog was still here."


    Aiko muttered, resigned.


    She noticed a ''Healer''s Angel Bracelet'' among the pile of treasures that had burst out and, after thinking for a bit, asked Lia, "This piece of equipment..."


    "Sell it. No need to keep it," Lia immediately knew which item Aiko was referring to and said in an indifferent tone.


    After conquering the ninth level, the Light Gate to the tenth level appeared beside the corpses of the magical creatures.


    The tenth level belonged to the Public Grand Secret Realm, where there were teleportation points that allowed for free passage without the need to clear the level.


    Lia stepped into the Light Gate and took out a cylindrical blue crystal from her skirt pocket, infusing the Teleportation Stone with Battle Qi.


    A bright light shed, apanied by a magic circle beneath her feet, and Lia disappeared from the spot.


    ...


    In the Inner City District, the luxurious mansion of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    With a loud ''bang.''


    "What the hell, told him to leave, and he really left!"


    A pink cat plushie was thrown by Lia into the trash bin with a grim expression on her face.


    Lia was alone in the mansion and finally could not hold back and burst out.


    When she returned, Lia did not see the scene she had imagined: Lin Da waiting at the door to apologize and humbly acknowledging his mistake.


    They had adventured together, conquered so many mystic realms, sweated profusely, drank beer in big gulps... She had so many shared memories with him, yet he had abandoned the team they''d been part of for three years, just like that.


    It was too heartless.


    And there she had been, thinking about giving that level 15 ''Healer''s Angel Bracelet'' to Lin Da.


    Lia, fuming, stomped around in cotton slippers with a giant carrot pattern, went to the fridge, opened the toppartment, and took out a can of beer.


    The beer can depicted a fire-breathing dragon, with text that read ''Spicy vor,'' ''Extra high malt concentration!''


    She took the beer and gloomily entered the bathroom.


    Taking off her clothes, she threw her sweat-soaked ck stockings and her close-fitting shorts to the side, stood in front of a life-sized mirror, and zoned out looking at her body.


    Aside from being a bit t-chested, the rest of her was not bad. Especially her stic, powerful long legs which often attracted unconscious nces from Lin Da.


    Being so beautiful and excellent, why did Lin Da leave the team?


    Lia just couldn''t understand it.

 Chapter 11: What? I, the young lady, like that Lin Da?

    A whileter, therge bathtub was filled with hot water, and steam was rising.


    Lia leaned on the wall, extended a delicate foot, and dipped her toes to check the temperature before slowly lowering herself into the bathtub.


    She used a floating wooden board as a table to rest her beer, curled up, hugged her knees, and her head was half submerged, blowing bubbles.


    Having cleared the Ninth Layer Secret Realm, she felt somewhat surreal and didn''t want to attend the celebration feast.


    Lia couldn''t figure out what was wrong with herself, feeling only irritation and confusion.


    "Time for a bath~"


    Shortly after, Klrona''s noisy voice came from the hall.


    The bathroom door burst open, and a nude little girl cheerfully jumped into the bathtub, sshing water everywhere, nearly knocking over the beer on the small table.


    "¡ªso really, can you be a bit more serious? You''re not a child anymore!" Lia steadied her beer, already in a bad mood, and felt like cursing.


    "There are no men in the vi now, I''m just happy," Klrona, a bit afraid of Lia, the hot-tempered team leader, shrugged her shoulders and muttered quietly without Da Lin to protect her.


    Lia frowned, put one hand on her hip, ready to scold Klrona.


    At that moment, another person entered.


    The adventure team''s mage, Aiko.


    Aiko sat in a wheelchair, wearing a loose yellow dress, smiling gently with a mature aura, akin to a married woman.


    Regrettably, the mage''s abundant, long legsy soft and powerless on the wheelchair''s footrest.


    One couldn''t help but sigh in frustration, wondering why the Deity was so cruel to this woman, granting her a broad and ample bosom yet robbing her of the ability to walk freely.


    Unlike her healthy appearance in the Secret Realm, Aiko''s legs were afflicted by a strange disease in reality, devoid of any sensation. Only in the Secret Realm could she stand on her own by using the realm-specific skill "Healthy Body."


    The well-endowed mage, resting her cheek in her hand, grinned and cooed like soothing a child, "Lia, it''s better not to be angry, or your chest might shrink."


    "Huh? It would be better if they did shrink, cumbersome things only hinder my sword-swinging speed!"


    "But who was the one secretly measuring in front of the mirror, clearly caring so much?"


    "Miss me didn''t care at all, okay!"


    Lia''s face turned red as if a cat whose tail had been stepped on.


    "Take this!" The mage suddenly reached out with a groping hand.


    "Ah, no pinching, Aiko, you''ve annoyed me no end!"


    "I want to join in too!"


    Klrona grabbed Aiko from behind.


    "Ahhhh?!"


    After a while of frolicking in the bathtub, the girls'' rtionship seemed much rxed.


    Aiko leaned on the edge of the bathtub, holding the petite Klrona, who had her soft pink hair full of bubbles and gently scrubbed it with a brush.


    Klrona''s face was filled with bliss.


    "That¡ª"


    Feeling that the atmosphere was right, maybe it was time to bring something up, Aiko nced at Lia and hesitated, "Is it okay not to call Da Lin back?"


    The air suddenly fell silent.


    The seemingly taped-up harmonious facade was torn apart.


    Aiko had a different opinion about driving Da Lin away.


    "Why should I call him back? I didn''t do anything wrong," Lia''s voice suddenly rose by an octave and with a cold re at Aiko, said, "Da Lin left on his own, didn''t he? How is it my fault?"


    "What does it have to do with you, are you kidding?"


    Wasn''t it you who drove him away?


    Aiko questioned silently.


    When she returned, she had heard rumors that Isa, the silver-haired beauty, had invited Da Lin to join her.


    Next to Da Lin, there was also a golden-haired beauty whose bust was no smaller than hers.


    If not for Lia''s silliness, Da Lin would already be massaging her feet and preparing her post-battle desserts!


    Dread filled Aiko; she tilted her head and feigned confusion:


    "But don''t you like him?"


    No matter how Lia responded, Aiko had won.


    If Lia denied it, she would be ruthless.


    You didn''t want him yourself, so there''s definitely no problem if I take Da Lin, right?


    As for admitting...


    that would make me a total Joker!


    At these words, Chloe, held in Aiko''s arms, shrank into a small pill bug.


    The bathroom seemed to be filled with a thick smell of gunpowder.


    "Huh?"


    "Huh?"


    "Huh?!"


    First, three exmations of shock, annoyance, and disbelief, each uttered in a very high-pitched tone.


    Lia immediately turned red.


    "Aiko, what are you talking about? Me liking that utterly ordinary fool? Stop joking!"


    "It''s him who likes me, I''ve never liked him!"


    Lia suddenly stood up from the bathtub.


    The fierce Fire Series Battle Qi made Lia''s long hair shimmer with a fiery glow, lightly dancing in the air.


    At that moment, Lia looked like a pissed-off, bristling cat.


    Now she was really getting agitated!


    Aiko wasughing so hard inside.


    Since Lia said so, she wouldn''t hold back in the future.


    Just wait until Da bes her little puppy, Lia better not regret it.


    And as if to prove her point, Lia, with a stern face, cited an example:


    "At first, Da gave all the rewards to me, even blood brothers don''t do that, do they? Every month when he received his sry, he first bought me new clothes and snacks, and he never talked back when I scolded him. Isn''t that liking me?"


    Aiko raised an eyebrow:


    "Is it possible that Da is like this with all the girls?"


    "It''s just his promise to ''that girl,'' right? A promise not to make other girls in the team sad again. It''s just to keep his word to ''that girl,'' so he''s nice to everyone."


    Aiko directly mocked Lia.


    Only nice to you? Purely delusional!


    Lia probably doesn''t even know about Da massaging her feet every night.


    It''s the same for everyone, just that Lia gets a bit more attention.


    These few sentences were like a bucket of cold water poured over Lia''s head, she clenched her teeth, her mouth opening several times to say something, then stopping herself.


    Lia looked down on Da, but held utmost respect for that girl.


    She forcefully suppressed her anger and sat back down in the bathtub.


    Picking up a beer, she guzzled down half of it, seemingly talking to herself but actually warning Aiko:


    "From now on, I don''t want to hear any news about Da, otherwise, don''t me me for not being nice!"


    Aiko wisely didn''t continue to provoke Lia.


    ncing at her iron-blue face, it seemed she had hit a nerve, infuriated and drinking sullenly.


    Aiko was relieved.


    All about saving face, right?


    She deserves it!


    Then, she absentmindedly brushed Chloe''s hair, her thoughts wandering.


    Really, Lia was bing more and more annoying.


    Even her patience was wearing thin.


    A desire to leave crossed her mind.


    Unlike Da and the others, Aiko hadn''t joined the Snow Goose Adventure Team for some elusive dream of conquering the World Tree.


    Thepensation Lia provided was high enough, and moreover, the team had many girls and none of the men she despised the most.


    That''s why she joined the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    She wondered where Da, driven out by Lia, had gone and what he was up to.


    Whether he had been bewitched by Isa, that Bitch.


    Aiko squinted her eyes.


    "Da, oh Da, I haven''t settled the grudge from three years ago yet, how could I easily let you go."

 Chapter 12: Do not move, this hero will go make some money.

    Dusk.


    White Dove City, the Sparrow District, wheremoners and impoverished adventurers abound.


    "Just let this deity pee first, then you''ll understand whether I am a real man or not."


    Kafni felt the need to prove something, otherwise there might be danger tonight: she noticed Lin Da stealing nces at her with a sleazy look.


    If she were a true woman, she would have felt disgusted, but Kafni only felt a chill down below, at risk of being attacked.


    She was still a virgin, and she absolutely couldn''t be screwed over by some lousy hero!


    Lin Da fiddled with the seven copper coins in his hand, worrying about where to stay for the night.


    "What do you mean?"


    Hearing that, he looked at Kafni, puzzled.


    Kafni smiled and said, "Think about it, a real girl wouldn''t just pee behind the holly bushes on the street, right? But this deity doesn''t care, I don''t have any psychological burden about it, so I''m a man, a real man."


    "Hey, don''t boast about peeing on the roadside like that! Think about the sanitation workers!"


    Lin Da helplessly put his hand to his forehead.


    Is this guy really a deity?


    Being a deity doesn''t mean you don''t have to take tests, right?


    All I saw was Kafni crossing over the holly, finding a tree for double insurance, and hiding behind it.


    "Hm hm hm hm~"


    Humming a strange tune, Kafni let out a grunt, shamelessly starting to take care of business.


    As a deity, her adaptability was strong.


    What''s the old saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."


    Swish swish¡ª


    The sweet sound of water rang out, and Kafni had no psychological burden whatsoever.


    "Whoa!"


    Suddenly, Kafni got so frightened she almost peed her pants.


    She red at Lin Da angrily, "What are you looking at? Scram, get lost, what the hell are you staring at?"


    Quite a sweet mouth.


    "I''m just curious," Lin Da said.


    He was puzzled, pointing at Kafni, who was squatting on the ground, having rolled up the hem of her dress and holding it in her arms: "Aren''t men supposed to take care of this standing up?"


    "You have no freaking idea, standing up it''s easy to get it on yourself."


    Kafni shifted her angle, circling around therge tree to avoid Lin Da''s gaze.


    She suffered from pee-shyness, getting stage fright if someone stared, unable to let it out.


    Lin Da, with his hand on his chin, pondered, "Even though you''re a man, you actually got used to a girl''s body very quickly. Maybe, you actually want to be a girl? Have the heart of a girl?"


    "What?!"


    Kafni pulled down her dress, ready to have a big fight with Lin Da.


    But both of them noticed that outside the holly, without knowing when, a crowd of onlookers had gathered, along with a cleaningdy, angrily hurrying over with a broom.


    "How shameless, peeing right on the street, I''ll beat you to death, you sly wench!"


    s, the deity was mistaken for a fried chicken again!


    Kafni, ashamed and angry, grabbed the hero''s wrist and whispered, "Let''s go, or we''ll be arrested by the Law Enforcement Bureau!"


    "They''re catching you, what''s it got to do with me..."


    Lin Dained, being dragged by Kafni, running a good distance away.


    Kafni barely stopped to catch her breath when she saw Lin Da p his hands, his face brightening with delight, "I''ve just thought of a way to make money!"


    "Oh? So we don''t have to sleep on the streets tonight?" Kafni''s eyes lit up.


    Lin Da nodded, grinning as he pointed at Kafni, "When we were running just now, I noticed that your dress is made of fine Ice Silk, it could sell for at least one gold coin."


    "..."


    Kafni stood frozen, her head trembling as she looked down at her thin dress.


    Inside, other than a set of light blue underwear, there was nothing left.


    The family in the Divine Realm, who would understand?


    On the verge of mental copse, Kafni had finally summoned a hero, but instead of fighting the Demon King, he was eyeing her clothes to sell.


    Otherwise, she''d have to sleep on the streets.


    Was saving the world really this hard?


    All those predecessors who had saved dozens of worlds, how did they manage it?


    "You damned hero, don''t you dare strip off a deity''s clothes!!!"


    Kafni''s cry of despair echoed through the streets.


    ...


    "Don''t move from there, I''m going to sell your clothes."


    Lin Da held a warm white dress with a faint fragrance in his right hand, nodding with satisfaction.


    Behind the holly on both sides of the street, there was a girl wearing only light blue undergarments.


    Kafni, her face filled with both shame and anger, hugged her head to hide herself and turned her back to Lin Da; only the straps of her underwear were visible.


    This deity''s skin, it looked so white, so soft.


    Lin Da''s mind was filled with wild thoughts.


    Even Kafni... was probably warm too.


    This was no different from a normal girl.


    Hiding behind the holly, Kafni, her face full of shame, said, "You damned hero, why must you sell my things? Don''t you have things you could sell?"


    She was referring to the magic potions in the form of transparent test tubes hanging from Lin Da''s belt.


    Small-sized Mana Recovery Potion, nicknamed Little Blue.


    Small-sized Life Recovery Potion, nicknamed Little Red.


    Aside from a few Magic Pharmacists who could concoct them, most of these potions came as rewards from the World Tree Secret Realm, a scarce necessity in high demand and short supply.


    On Lin Da''s belt, each magic potion was ced in an individual long, brown pouch specially made for carrying them.


    Kafni counted them, ten each of Little Red and Little Blue.


    With the market value in White Dove City, they were worth approximately 2000 gold coins.


    "Sell my magic potions? Absolutely not!"


    Lin Da''s eyes widened in refusal, his hands protectively clutching his magic potions like a stingy miser.


    With his understanding of the World Tree, having sufficient potions meant that he could slowly whittle down monsters without taking on challenges beyond his level, securing an unbeatable position.


    Ten bottles each of Little Red and Little Blue was the minimum number he had precisely calcted. Losing even one would make him anxious.


    In other words, these potions were Lin Da''s nest egg, not to be used lightly except in the most dire circumstances.


    Lin Da caressed the potions on his belt fondly, mumbling to himself:


    "Jack, you''re my first Life Recovery Potion. I remember it clearly¡ªyou dropped from a Lava Monster on the firstyer of the World Tree. For you, I spent six hours grinding...


    And there''s Lucy, you''re from the thirdyer of the World Tree. I casually killed a minor creature and it dropped the most precious reward it could offer¡ªLucy, the Small-sized Life Recovery Potion. The day I got you was undoubtedly a miracle!


    Then there''s Ond... you''re from the fifthyer of the World Tree.


    Carby, I bought you with a hefty sum from ck Uncle. The cork was sorge, it must have hurt a lot. Thankfully, I prepared a cork of the right size for you."


    Lin Da knew the names and origins of each of the twenty bottles of Little Red and Little Blue like treasured possessions.


    He described his stories with them to Kafni, his expression rapt with enthusiasm and his eyes sparkling with excitement.


    Magic potions? No, they were Lin Da''s family!


    "Ugh, disgusting," Kafni said, looking at Lin Da as if seeing him for the first time, her face filled with revulsion, "How could there be someone who is romantically attached to potions, disgusting, perverted, just go die already."

 Chapter 13: 13. Three Types of Mystic Realms

    "In summary,"


    Lin Da coughed, looking serious, "I will not betray any of them, so don''t even think about getting your hands on my potions!"


    "Fine, not selling them, okay?" Kafni pouted, then pointed to a pocket on Lin Da''s chest, "What about that one? Selling it shouldn''t be a problem, right?"


    What Kafni was referring to was a pocket watch, whose chain looked like it was made of tinum, so it must be worth some money.


    But to her surprise, Lin Da refused even more quickly: "This can''t be sold either."


    "Huh?! Why can we only sell my stuff? Show a little sincerity yourself!" Kafni said annoyed.


    Lin Da awkwardly touched his head, "Didn''t I contribute seven copper coins?"


    Seeing Kafni''s face growing increasingly unhappy, he finally stopped joking around: "Sorry, an ordinary pocket watch is one thing, but this one really can''t be sold."


    With that, Lin Da took the pocket watch out of his pocket.


    It was round, the size of a baby''s palm, with a golden matte finish on the outside, and soft music sounded as soon as it was opened.


    Kafni leaned in to see that a photo was embedded inside the watch case, featuring two people, Lin Da and a ck-haired young girl.


    Her skin was pale, and her body extremely frail, but her eyes, ck as onyx and full of life, sparkled with activity. She was smiling mischievously, hugging Lin Da''s arm and making a ''yeah'' sign with scissors fingers next to her eye.


    "Who is this person?" Kafni noticed that Lin Da''s eyes became very tender when he looked at the pocket watch, as if spring breezes were brushing across a radiantke.


    So even the reckless hero had such a side?


    Lin Da was silent for a moment, then said, "My sister."


    "Sister?"


    "Yeah. She went missing at the World Tree two years ago, and we still haven''t found her."


    Lin Da looked at the towering tree in the center of White Dove City, falling silent, as if reluctant to talk about it.


    Many memories surfaced in his mind.


    Three years ago, Lin Da came to the game world of the Mystic Continent, not alone, though.


    He had been pushing his sister, Lin Xi, in a wheelchair when a dump truck had struck them.


    The siblings, along with Lia, formed the Snow Goose Adventure Team together.


    Things went smoothly at first.


    However, on the fourth level of the World Tree, Lin Xi disappeared, as if she had evaporated from the world, leaving no trace behind.


    When Lin Da returned to the adventure team''s base, heartbroken, he strangely found Lin Xi''s ever-present pocket watch on his desk.


    Lin Da still couldn''t make sense of what had happened that day. Did Lin Xi return to White Dove City before him, leaving her pocket watch there?


    Or had Lin Xi already died, and someone else had ced the watch on his desk?


    Either scenario had many unexinable aspects.


    One of the big reasons Lin Da entered the World Tree was to look for Lin Xi.


    "Don''t worry, we will definitely find her, and I will help you once my power is restored," Kafni reassured him, seeing Lin Da looking a bit downcast.


    "But there''s something I find strange, why are you so sure she''s missing, rather than having been eaten by Magical Creatures or something?" Kafni changed the subject, "The space inside Mystic Realms isn''t that big, right? If you search diligently, you should always find some clues."


    Lin Da shook his head: "It''s like that forbat-type Mystic Realms, where the space isn''trge and theyout is simple; you mainly encounter Magical Creatures. But story-type Mystic Realms are different."


    In the game "Mystic Continent," some instances have yers going straight to battle. Others set several tasks across a vast map, letting yers explore and fight monsters until they encounter the final boss.


    Story-type Mystic Realms belong to thetter.


    Kafni, confused, said, "Combat-type, story-type, what do these mean?"


    "That''s what we locals call them."


    Lin Da exined: "Around here, there are generally three types of Mystic Realms. The first type is the one you just mentioned, the mostmonbat-type."


    "Combat-type Mystic Realms are simr to ying an instance in a game, killing minor creeps, finding the Secret Realm Guardian, taking them down, and then you''ve cleared it. These kinds of Mystic Realms are generally not big; you could walk through them in a few hours."


    "Oh, what about the second type?"


    "The second type is story-type."


    "Created by the World Tree Goddess, each world has a different background: science, wastnd, magic, etc... The space of these Mystic Realms is thousands to millions of timesrger than the former, so looking for one person is like finding a needle in a haystack."


    Lin Da put the pocket watch back in his inner pocket, took a deep breath, and gradually adjusted his mindset.


    Now, he had long emerged from the despondency of Lin Xi''s disappearance and was determined to reach the top of the World Tree one step at a time.


    He indulged in his sentimentality for a moment and then recovered.


    Making Kafni, the new team member, aware of the types of Mystic Realms was now the most important thing.


    Kafni thought for a moment and said, "Story-type Mystic Realms sound a bit like Illusionary Training? What''s the third type then?"


    "Thest one is Public Grand Mystic Realms."


    This time, Lin Da''s tone was a bit lighter.


    "Public Grand Mystic Realms are what adventurers like the most. There are no mandatory missions, essentially a free-exploration open world. All adventurers who reach this level appear on the same map and can meet each other.


    In the Great Mystery Continent, there are numerous elite monsters and wild bosses. Killing them can earn a wealth of rewards as well as abundant mineral resources, truly making it a beneficial Mystic Realm.


    A Great Mystery Continent appears every five levels, and adventurers can enter once a month, but not at any other times."


    Lin Da thought that this setup was different from the one in the game, where it could be refreshed once a week and unlimited times with money.


    In the real version of the Mystic Continent, for the same tier of Great Mystery Continent, whether noble ormoner, everyone can only enter once a month.


    Due to the strict limitations on the number of entries, adventurers aimed to climb higher to obtain more resources.


    Lin Da held up a finger and said:


    "Each Great Mystery Continent appears every five levels and also determines the naming convention for adventure teams:


    Below 5th level, not even ssed.


    5th level, novice adventure team.


    10th level, rock level adventure team.


    15th level, Steel Level Adventure Group.


    20th level, dawn adventure team.


    25th level, radiant adventure team.


    30th level, honor adventure team.


    35th level, Legendary Adventure Group.


    40th level, mythical adventure team.


    No one has conquered levels beyond that."


    After speaking so much, Lin Da felt much better.

 Chapter 14: 14. Live Attacker of the Ice Flower Adventure Team

    "So what you''re saying is, the adventure team you were with before, which is just amon rock-level adventure team? Isn''t that just bottom-tier riffraff?"


    Kafni said disdainfully, her lips curling into a sneer after hearing Lin Da''s story.


    Lin Da snapped back to reality and said helplessly, "In White Dove City, rock-level adventure teams are already strong, totaling maybe just over a dozen."


    "Hmph, aside from mythical-level adventure teams, I look down on all the others."


    "With your attitude, mythical-level adventure teams wouldn''t want you as a Star Fury, not even if you begged. There''s only one mythical-level adventure team in the entire Southern Fire Empire, you know!"


    "Star Fury? What do you think I am?"


    Enraged, Kafni stood up, only to realize she was down to her underwear and quickly squatted back into the bushes with embarrassment.


    Lin Da coughed and waved the Ice Silk Dress in his hand, "Now that we''ve got a lowdown on the types of secret realms, uh... you stay hidden. I''ll be right back."


    "Hurry back!"


    Kafni looked around frantically, terrified of being seen by passersby.


    ...


    "Sigh, only got 9 silver coins after all. It really must be because you stink so bad, even the pawnshop owner was reluctant to take it," Lin Dained as they headed to the cheapest rental in Sparrow District.


    Kafni, now wearing a different set of clothes¡ªthe cheapest brown linen dress bought with 50 copper coins¡ªwalked beside him.


    It was full of loose threads and rough in texture. Kafni felt like her skin was about to be rubbed raw.


    "You sell my stuff for 9 silver coins but only spend 50 copper coins on clothes for me?" Kafni frowned and said with dissatisfaction, "Keep this up and I might just find myself another hero!"


    "Suit yourself," Lin Da snorted. If he could, he would have traded her long ago.


    Kafni was speechless, teeth itching with hatred, yet she had no way to get back at Lin Da.


    She couldn''t beat him, andining might just make things worse.


    She would just have to endure the humiliation.


    "If the clothes are not up to par, then the ce we live should at least be luxurious, right?"


    Smiling, Kafni extended a delicate, snow-white finger, "A standalone luxury vi shouldn''t be a problem, should it?"


    "What are you thinking, we only have 9 silver coins!" Lin Da massaged his temples in distress.


    As a silver-level magical city, White Dove City was expensive. Renting a ce typically required a deposit for three months plus the first month''s rent upfront.


    Even in a poor ce like Sparrow District, the monthly rent was at least 3 silver coins, with a three-month deposit.


    That''s a total of 12 silver coins.


    The currency system of the Southern Fire Empire: 1 Gold Coin = 10 Silver Coins = 1000 Copper Coins.


    The purchasing power of 1 Gold Coin was roughly equivalent to 1000 yuan in Hua country.


    In that sense, a monthly rent of 3 silver coins didn''t seem too expensive.


    But the problem was, Lin Da, who had ved away for three years at the Snow Goose Adventure Team, had only 9 silver coins to his name, all obtained from selling Kafni''s possessions.


    They were far from meeting the deposit and upfront payment!


    "Or you could go to Paradise Foam to work as ady¡­ er, forget I said that."


    Seeing Kafni''s murder-ready expression, Lin Da quickly stopped himself.


    "But Paradise Foam¡­"


    "Are you asking to be murdered by me while you sleep?"


    "Cough, cough, well, I was just saying. The truth is, I have another n," Lin Da muttered, "We''ll have to go ''to that ce''. They''re all familiar faces; it should be fine to pay a little less for the deposit."


    ...


    The two walked on the streets of Sparrow District.


    The roads here were narrow and dirty, nked by low makeshift shacks withundry lines strung with cheap hemp clothes.


    At night on these streets, one could often see drunken adventurers, leading to countless brawls, making for quite poor public safety.


    Thankfully, the darkness obscured vision, preventing those drunks from noticing that Kafni was a beautiful bear girl.


    Passing by an Adventurer''s Guild, the entrance was filled with people, bustling and noisy.


    Just like watching a ser match in my previous life, the Adventurer''s Guild always gathered a group of vibrant, adventure-enthusiastic youths.


    Lin Da nced in that direction.


    In the crystal screen embedded in the exterior wall of the Adventurer''s Guild, the Ice Flower Adventure Team appeared.


    "Live strategy broadcast?"


    Lin Da stopped in his tracks, slightly surprised.


    The so-called live strategy broadcast involves using magical creatures called sensordybugs to transmit the live situation of conquering the Secret Realm to pre-set crystal screens, achieving an effect simr to live streaming.


    Lin Da frowned, recalling how Lia from the Snow Goose Adventure Team had also thought of initiating a live strategy broadcast, but he had adamantly refused.


    The advantages and disadvantages of this approach were quite clear.


    The advantage was that the live strategy broadcast could bring a lot of poprity to the cooperating Adventurer''s Guild, the empire''s officials would also give subsidies to the team, and besides, it could showcase the team''s strengths and increase fame.


    However, it also exposed the team''s tactics and weaknesses.


    On this continent,petition among adventure teams was fierce, often erupting in conflicts in the Public Grand Secret Realm.


    Fighting over equipment, world BOSSes, and various magical resources.


    Once the weaknesses were mastered by rivals, it was equivalent to fighting naked.


    Generally speaking, unless a team was seriously short of money, it wouldn''t choose to initiate a live strategy broadcast, as it was ast resort.


    Captain Isa was too impulsive.


    She seemed mature on the surface, but was she, like Lia, a hot-headed person?


    Lin Da withdrew his thoughts and looked at the image on the crystal screen.


    The Ice Flower Adventure Team was strategizing the twelfth floor and had randomly entered the "Silent Cavern," arge, gloomy underground cave.


    The World Tree Secret Realm contained several maps on each floor, and adventurers were randomly ced into one.


    Because each map''s boss had different weaknesses and resistances, it put a significant test on a team''sprehensive ability.


    Teams that were single-minded often couldn''tst long.


    "Level 25, Armored Turtle Snake, earth system, skilled in defense, with a health pool among the highest in its level."


    "The Ice Flower Adventure Team doesn''t have any greatsword users, which is going to be a thorny issue."


    Lin Da nced and guessed the answer immediately.


    Even if Ice Flower managed to pass, the cost would be incredibly high.


    But the scene on the screen was even worse than Lin Da had anticipated.


    The six members of Ice Flower were exhausted from the prolonged battle, and the front-line Heavy Armored Warriors were severely injured. Isa, as the main attacker, was also sweating profusely, her hand holding the Ice Crystal One-Handed Sword trembling non-stop, obviouslycking strength, barely able to hold onto her sword.


    The watching adventurers couldn''t help but feel nervous for the Ice Flower Adventure Team.


    Captain Isa, being an extremely beautiful silver-haired Swordsman, was very popr among the adventurers, and no one wanted to see such a young girl perish in the World Tree.


    "Come on, Ice Flower Adventure Team, don''t give up! You can do it!"


    "That Armored Turtle Snake is so hard to beat; the Fierce Tiger Adventure Team from the city next door were wiped out on this level justst month!"


    "The Ice Flower Adventure Team''s reckless move to the twelfth floor was a bit rash."


    The adventurers stepped up to the crystal screen, one by one, cing the energy crystals, the Demon Cores that burst out of the Magical Creatures, into a recess on a stone tform.


    Then, with a sh of light, the Demon Cores vanished as if sacrificed, and the words they spoke appeared as floating text on the crystal screen.


    Each time Lin Da saw this scene, he felt a bit tongue-tied. Yes, it''s ''live streaming,'' and through donating Demon Cores, they could send ''suggestions'' known as barrages to the Ice Flower Adventure Team!


    The vanishing Demon Cores were sacrificed to the World Tree Goddess, or the "World Will" of this world.


    The goddess required a minimum of a level 5 Demon Core for the sacrifice. Upon receiving the Demon Core, she would trante the adventurer''s words into text and convey it to the sensordybug''s belly, which was square like a small screen.


    As long as the members of Ice Flower looked at it, they could find those suggestions on it.


    However, the Ice Flower Adventure Team was currently in a crisis, clearly having no time to look at the sensordybug.


    In the image on the crystal screen, the huge Armored Turtle Snake rampaged wildly, rocks tumbled in the cavern, and two Heavy Armored Warriors were sent flying while coughing up blood.

 Chapter 15: 15. Vibrating Ladybug

    "We''ve failed..."


    Ice Flower''s captain, Isa, had silver hair covered in dust, her forehead cut by debris, blood profusely flowing from the wound, a hint of regret showing on her face.


    She shouldn''t have pushed for the twelfth floor in one go after Lia cleared the ninth, aiming to widen the gap.


    Now, the heavy armored warrior was seriously injured, the healer''s magic power was exhausted, and the mage had already fallen into aa.


    They had to give up.


    The Ice Flower Adventure Team could not allow any more members to die.


    After much thought, Isa finally made up her mind, biting her lip as she issued the order to her team members, "Everyone, retreat, use the ''Town Portal Scroll''!"


    The Town Portal Scroll allowed adventurers to forcefully return from the Mystic Realm, but such scrolls were extremely expensive,parable to a full set of magical equipment.


    The biggest drawback of the Ice Flower Adventure Team was the poor quality of their equipment, the reason being Isa demanded that every team member must have a ''Town Portal Scroll.''


    Since Isa couldn''t obtain a healer like Linda who could assist the team without injury, she took a different approach, ensuring everyone had a Town Portal Scroll.


    Just as she was about to channel her Battle Qi into the scroll and leave the twelfth floor, suddenly, the sensordybug number 3 tied to the pouch on her thigh buzzed its wings, stinging her skin.


    Thedybug emitted a glow like gold.


    "Golden Advice? Could it be Lia mocking me?"


    Isa''s face darkened, her grip tightening unconsciously on thedybug, nearly crushing it.


    As for advice, it was divided into regr and golden. Regr advice wouldn''t cause the sensordybug to react; if team members didn''t watch it in time, it would pass like flowing water.


    Golden Advice, however, required the sacrifice of a high-level demon core. This advice would cause the sensordybug to vibrate and release a golden light, alerting adventurers that someone had given a Golden Advice.


    Isa turned thedybug over, looking at its belly:


    [Mediocre Adventurer: In the center of the Armored Turtle Snake''s carapace, there is a darker te, attack it with your ''Ultimate Skill'']


    Mediocre Adventurer, who was this person?


    Attacking the carapace of the Armored Turtle Snake, was this person trying to trap her, sending her to her death?


    Isa''s eyebrows furrowed in anger.


    The carapace was the part of the creature with the highest defensive power; even hitting its head was difficult, let alone its carapace.


    This person specifically asked her to use her magic-draining ''Ultimate Skill'' to attack, making it hard not to suspect the person''s intentions were malicious.


    Sparrow District, outside the Adventurer''s Guild.


    "Mr. Linda, are you serious? Just for this phrase, you use a level 20 demon core?"


    Jeban, a short blonde member of the Ice Flower Adventure Team''s logistical staff, said iprehensibly.


    Linda nodded, "Give me another level 20 demon core."


    Jeban hesitated, but recalling Isa''s opinion of Linda, he gritted his teeth and took one out from his bag.


    If this former healer of the Snow Goose Adventure Team could help Ice Flower conquer the twelfth floor, Jeban thought it was worth it, even if it took twenty level 20 demon cores, not just one.


    The quail egg-sized, fiery red gem-like demon core was ced by Linda in a groove on the stone tform.


    Then, a light flickered, sessfully sacrificed to the World Tree Goddess.


    Linda''s ''Golden Advice'' was just one sentence.


    "Captain Isa, it''s me, Linda."


    If Isa had truly admired him when they first met at the Secret Realm Square, she should have trusted him.


    As for why he helped out, Lin Da didn''t have a specific reason; he was happy to lend a hand if it could save a young girl''s life.


    In the crystal screen, he only saw the sensordybug in Isa''s hand emit a golden glow again. Isa nced at the text on the belly of thedybug, holding her chin, her face contemtive.


    A momentter, Isa made a decision.


    She bit off the cork of a purple potion with her mouth and gulped it down, instantly boosting her depleted battle qi.


    "Gluttony Potion? Is she really going all out?"


    Lin Da raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. The Gluttony Potion was an expensive potion that could instantly restore the user''s battle qi and magic power but had significant side effects. It caused excruciating pain after a while and was usually kept as ast resort.


    That a girl who was barely an acquaintance, let alone a close friend, was so willing to take his advice was beyond Lin Da''s expectations.


    Inside the crystal screen, Isa bent forward like a sprinting snow leopard, her silver hair and the ice crystal longsword in her hand creating a beautiful arc of light.


    The girl dodged the rocky fragments thrown by the Armored Turtle Snake like a de dancer, her agile legs powerfully pushing off the ground, leaping straight onto the back of the Armored Turtle Snake.


    Her actions flowed smoothly, leaving the crowd of watching adventurers dumbstruck.


    Lin Da thought to himself, not bad at allpared to Lia, the talented Ice Swordsman. It was indeed not easy for Isa to lead the Ice Flower up to the twelfthyer.


    Once Isanded on the shell of the Armored Turtle Snake, she leaped into the air again, performing a graceful 360-degree somersault, resembling an ice ring hanging in the sky.


    The silver-haired Swordswoman took a deep breath, channeled her icy battle qi into her one-handed sword, and white frost spread across the cave, creating a thick fog.


    "Ice de Waltz!"


    Isa shouted forcefully, unleashing the Level 20 ultimate skill of the Ice Swordsman.


    Tatatata!


    Icicle after icicle, shaped like diamonds, fell like a torrential downpour, fiercely targeting a dark-colored, bucket-sized carapace in the middle of the Armored Turtle Snake''s shell.


    The members of Ice Flower, as well as the people outside the Adventurer''s Guild, couldn''t help but sweat.


    If the attack proved ineffective, Isa could be hit by the huge tail of the Armored Turtle Snake.


    Such an impact could cause serious injuries to Isa, or even death!


    Unlike the anxious onlookers with their hearts in their throats, Lin Da was not the least bit panicked.


    The weak spot of the Armored Turtle Snake had long been no secret among gamers in his past life.


    In the current reality of Mystic Continent, very few adventure teams tried a direct attack on the carapace, and even if someone knew about this weakness, they kept it tightly under wraps or sold the information for a high price.


    At least among the adventure teams in White Dove City, no one knew the secret of the Armored Turtle Snake.


    As the icicles continuously struck that carapace, the crystal screen showed the Armored Turtle Snake suddenly screaming in agony, thrashing its heavy limbs.


    The cave filled with dust and the ground shook.


    The piece of shell right at the center of the monster''s carapace was surprisingly fragile, and when the first piece was destroyed, the entire shell crumbled like a castle of sand.


    Even Isa did not expect such good results, her mouth agape in shock.


    The members of Ice Flower finally snapped to their senses, their spirits lifting from despair to fierce determination, as if invigorated.


    "Kill this Magical Creature!"


    "Captain Isa, we''re here to help you!"


    "Healer, quick, cast a Healing Art on the captain!"

 Chapter 16: 16. Isas Gratitude

    The Armored Turtle Snake, without its heavy carapace, was already a tiger that had its teeth pulled out.


    The Ice Flower Adventure Team pursued their victory, and in just a few minutes, they had dealt with this massive magical creature.


    On the side of the Adventurer''s Guild, the spectating crowd also let out a cheer.


    Gazes of admiration or surprise fell upon Lin Da.


    Although they did not know how Lin Da had learned of the Armored Turtle Snake''s weakness, his willingness to share this secret publicly was a great boon to all adventurers.


    Without Lin Da''s Golden Advice, the members of the Ice Flower Adventure Team would have used their Town Portal Scrolls by now, retreating from the twelfth floor in disgrace.


    Jeban, a logistics member of Ice Flower, had his face turn red, almost kneeling down in excitement.


    Had Lin Da not helped today, not only would everyone have lost a Town Portal Scroll, but it would have been a severe blow to the morale of the Ice Flower Adventure Team.


    "Mr. Lin Da, please do visit the Ice Flower Adventure Team, oh no, another day our captain will surely visit you!"


    "No need to be polite, let''s help each other out in the future," Lin Da said with a light smile.


    Next to him, Kafni was constantly pulling at his sleeve, hinting with ''we strongly need money'' eyes.


    Lin Da pretended not to see.


    In the crystal screen, Isa bowed deeply, wiped the sweat from her forehead, and smiled, "Lin Da, you''re still there, right? I''ve changed my mind now, I will definitely make you a member of Ice Flower."


    Upon hearing this, a wave of jeers spread through the crowd, and the way people looked at Lin Da started to change.


    Many did not know that Lin Da had left the Snow Goose Adventure Team, and now with Ice Flower''s captain extending a cordial invitation, in their eyes, it was nothing short of poaching from the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Given the poor rtionship between Snow Goose and the Ice Flower Captain, it wouldn''t be surprising if that red-haired girl showed up on their doorstep any moment.


    The crowd also grew curious on how Lin Da managed to catch the attention of two adventure team captains who couldn''t stand each other.


    The Golden Advice earlier, if it had been anyone else, Isa probably wouldn''t have trusted them.


    Because it was Lin Da, Isa trusted enough to consume the Gluttony Potion, using the massively draining ''Ice de Waltz''.


    Realizing this, many adventurers felt as if they had a lemon in their mouths, incredibly sour.


    Only Lin Da felt it very troublesome.


    He wouldn''t join any team, even if Isa''s invitation was very sincere.


    "Right... those two level 20 Demon Cores," he said to Jeban.


    "No need to return them, of course not!" Jeban said with augh, "I''d dly give you two more level 20 Demon Cores."


    But,pared to Lin Da''s favor, level 20 Demon Cores were hardly enough!


    How to properly thank Lin Da, would have to be decided after Isa returned.


    "Oh.


    Lin Da waited for a while, but didn''t see Jeban reach into his bag.


    Not quite the sharpest tool in the shed, this guy.


    After leaving under Jeban''s respectful escort, Kafni could not hold back anymore: "Ask for money, are you stupid, why didn''t you ask that guy for gold coins?"


    Lin Da shook his head, "If they don''t proffer it and you have to ask, you use up at least half the goodwill. Besides, Isa has a good reputation; she won''t forget today''s events. We all are in White Dove City, seeing each other often; who knows when we might need Isa''s help again. Keeping this goodwill is far better than asking for some gold coins."


    Besides, they still had nine silver coins. They weren''t at the end of their resources yet.


    After hearing this, Kafni pondered, "You really know a lot."


    It was, after all, Lin Da''s thorn-in-the-neck technique.


    Lin Da thought.


    ...


    An hourter, in the Inner City District at "Tequ''s Home" tavern.


    In the luxurious private room on the third floor, the Ice Flower Adventure Team was having a celebration banquet.


    Isa, dressed casually with her silver hair tied back with an orange headband into a ponytail, sat at the head of the round table and spoke to Jeban, who had just rushed over:


    "Did you find out why Lin Da left the Snow Goose Adventure Team?"


    At the mention of Lin Da, the members of the Ice Flower team all got a bit excited, talking over one another:


    "Captain, we must recruit him, I''ve been wanting to test my Healing Art against that ''Eye of Wisdom'' for a while now."


    "Yes, even though he dropped to level 0, which is quite tragic, catching upter, he can quickly be a major asset to the team, worth cultivating."


    "Just because he was once part of the Snow Goose Adventure Team and is willing to help us, he deserves exceptional inclusion."


    The members of the Ice Flower, both men and women, unanimously praised Lin Da.


    Logistics officer Jeban, panting, said, "Captain, I got it from Chloe with just some snacks, I bought her off!"


    "Chloe said that Lin Da was kicked out by Lia for being too weak, and Lia also dered that if Lin Da everes back, no one is allowed to sympathize with him."


    "Looks like, Lin Da definitely won''t be returning to the Snow Goose Adventure Team."


    Jeban couldn''t help but smile, "This is a great opportunity."


    Isa nodded.


    She was thinking, no matter what, she had to find a way to get Lin Da to join Ice Flower, a talented Healer is worth training from scratch.


    But, how would she repay today''s favor? Someone like Lin Da probably doesn''tck Gold Coins; he must have saved quite a lot in the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Besides, offering Gold Coins would seem vulgar and might lower her impression in Lin Da''s eyes.


    Concerned about how to return the favor, Isa who always disliked owing anyone anything, fell into a dilemma.


    The team''s close confidante, and fellow Healer, Fannis suddenly leaned in, a sly twinkle in her eye, "Lord Captain, at your age, shouldn''t you consider finding a boyfriend? Dating that Lin Da would surely make him happy! After all, Lord Captain is so beautiful!"


    "A date?"


    Isa''s face flushed as she mmed herrge wooden mug full of Wheat Beer onto the table, annoyed, "I''m still young, not yet at the age to need a boyfriend!"


    "Hahahahaha."


    Laughter and cheerful voices filled the room.


    ...


    "At the next meeting, we should congratte Isa on breaking through the 12th floor and entering the list of top teams in White Dove City."


    Under the night sky, Lin Da, with Kafni in tow, hurried towards the rental housing area.


    In his mind, he reyed the scene on the crystal screen of the Ice Flower Adventure Team working in perfect harmony, jointly attacking the Armored Turtle Snake, and he felt a pang of envy.


    Every member of Ice Flower genuinely trusted Isa, and Isa reciprocated that trust with her team members.


    When Isa charged at the Armored Turtle Snake, all the members followed her forward, entering the attack range of the Armored Turtle Snake.


    Even though the team members internally questioned the correctness of Isa''s actions.


    Lin Da thought back to his time with the Snow Goose Adventure Team and immediately got a headache.


    In terms of individual skills, the members of Snow Goose were much more powerful than those of Ice Flower, but they acted like a disconnected group whenbined.


    He too wished to form a team like Ice Flower.


    But creating a team required registration at the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Only the jobless ''frencers'' have the qualifications to form a team.


    Lin Da frowned as he scratched his head.


    Currently, he was, in a strict sense, still part of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    To be a ''frencer'', he would need the captain''s signature on a resignation form and a stamp from the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Then he needed to pray in front of the World Tree Goddess'' statue to fully revoke his Snow Goose member status.

 Chapter 17: 17. The rental house three years ago

    ```


    Getting the team withdrawal certificate shouldn''t be difficult.


    Lin Da thought for a moment and then let go, that Lia wouldn''t let him stay.


    Deliberately holding him up was also unlikely.


    ording to the Empire''s Adventurer''s Law Article Thirty-Five: if Lia stalled him, he could apply to the Adventurer''s Guild for a forced withdrawal.


    Although it might drag on for a few days, just to be annoying, but based on Lin Da''s understanding of Lia, she disdained such petty tricks.


    Just like her Fire Series Battle Qi, she was as fiery and impetuous as mes.


    He figured as soon as he went over, without needing to speak, she would throw the withdrawal certificate in his face.


    "That''s good, saves the hassle of arguing."


    Lin Da, with hands in pockets, and Kafni headed towards their rental destination.


    ...


    "Where''s my grand vi, my big swimming pool? You''re making me live in a ce like this?"


    In the middle of a decrepit old neighborhood, Kafni wailed.


    What met the eyes was a row of tube buildings with yellowing walls, as old and shaky as an eighty-year-old man on hisst legs in the wind.


    Kafni learned from Lin Da and that oldndy''s conversation that the apartment was only 50 square meters, without a private bathroom,munal, shared by the whole floor.


    Bathing with others, no thanks!


    Kafni still wanted to hide her big embarrassing bear.


    She had never lived in such a rubbish ce in her life.


    Lin Da, however, didn''t care at all and haggled with thendy: "2 silver coins a month, I n to stay long-term!"


    "Oh dear, if it weren''t for ''Eye of Wisdom'' sir, I definitely wouldn''t agree."


    The gossipy rent-collectingndy looked at Lin Da: "What happened to those girls? Back in the day, you were the only one who could make four girls willingly live in a ce like this."


    Three years ago, Lin Da was seen every day with four beautiful girls, and it was rumored they partied every day in the house.


    Living in a rundown house but still managing to bewitch four girls left a deep impression on thendy.


    "Cough, cough, I came alone." Noticing that thendy was peeking at Kafni and giving him a knowing smile, Lin Da quickly cleared his throat: "So is 8 silver coins enough? Let''s get on with the check-in."


    "For ''Eye of Wisdom''s'' sake, auntie will take one off, 6 coins."


    "Really? Thank you so much!"


    Lin Da quickly signed the rental contract and, with a dejected Kafni, went to the third floor, hearing her mutter ''don''t want to live here'', ''too shabby'', ''how can a worthless hero treat a deity like this'' and otherints.


    "That''s enough, not sleeping on the streets is already pretty good; having a house in Sparrow District means you don''t have to worry about safety. Look on the bright side, you won''t be targeted by ck Uncle."


    Lin Da tried to cheer Kafni up optimistically.


    "Heh, someone else should have been the hero," Kafni retorted sarcastically.


    Ignoring the sullen deity with golden hair, Lin Da took a key from his pocket. It had a worn sticker with unclear handwriting, barely making out ''305''.


    Huh?


    Lin Da blinked in surprise.


    Wasn''t this the room he and the others lived in three years ago?


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team was extremely poor in the early days, and although the girls like Lia came from distinguished backgrounds, each seemed to have their own difficulties. Together, they managed to scrape up a single gold coin.


    Now, three yearster,ing to rent again, it was the same room.


    Coincidence, or was it thendy''s deliberate arrangement...?


    Fighting alongside someone new at the ce where he once battled might seem quite thrilling to thatndy.


    ```


    ```


    But the reality was not like that at all. In the early days of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, they spent all day fighting monsters, training, thening back to eat before crashing into bed. Their minds were solely on the World Tree Secret Realm; there was no time for other activities.


    Lin Da couldn''t help but frown. Living in this kind of house would only remind him of the old Snow Goose Adventure Team, inevitably making him feel ufortable.


    "What are you dazing out for? Hurry up and go in!"


    Kafni, both tired and hungry, was already displeased, and with Lin Da stupidly daydreaming, she grabbed the key from him in frustration.


    With a click, the door opened, and Kafni pushed her way in.


    Apparently, the ce had not been aired out for too long; a damp and musty smell assaulted their senses as they entered.


    Kafni immediately pinched her nose, her face turning bitter.


    As for Lin Da, the sight of the familiar old furniture in the small rental room was like overturning a jar of mixed emotions. Many scenes that had been sealed in the corners of his memory seemed to be unlocked by this rusty key,ing at him thick and fast.


    "What''s wrong with you?"


    "It''s nothing."


    "Oh."


    Kafni didn''t bother with him anymore and started to look around the room.


    One bedroom, one living room, with a separate bathroom.


    When the light was turned on, its dim yellow glow made the narrow space feel even more constricting, almost suffocating.


    Kafni continued toin.


    Lin Da, as if he hadn''t heard, wandered through the dust-covered living room.


    He looked at the mahogany round table, which had lost much of its paint and was pocked with dents, and felt a tinge of emotion.


    Those dents were made by Klrona, who used an irondle to serve food.


    With no toys to y with while waiting for dinner, she would bang the spoon on the table. Each time Klrona did that, she''d puff out her little chest with an excuse, "It''s because our team is so poor we can''t even afford toys, so I have to y with this!"


    Across from the door, where the round table faced, was Lia''s seat. Lin Da sat opposite, with Lin Xi right next to him, and Aiko and Klrona to each side.


    Seeing the objects brought back a flood of memories, vividlying to life in Lin Da''s mind.


    He sat down in his own seat.


    That moment, it was as if something hade alive. In a daze, he seemed to return to the scene from three years ago, stored in his memory.


    "What are you looking at? Aren''t we toasting?"


    The voice that sounded like an illusion echoed in his ears. Lin Da looked up incredulously.


    Across the round table, a girl with fiery red hair and a fresh, youthful face was holding arge oak cup, tilting her head and looking at him oddly.


    "Eh? Lin Da, are you tired already? You''re such small fry!"


    Klrona held the cup with both hands, her snow-white feet stretched out under the table, swinging back and forth like a swing,ughing mischievously.


    "Shall I cook next time?" Aiko''s tone was a bit worried, as if she felt bad that Lin Da always had to cook.


    "Brother?" Lin Xi, a delicate girl with soft ck hair, was also looking at him with concern.


    Lin Da''s gaze lingered on her for a long time.


    But the protagonist today was not Lin Xi.


    Lin Da thought for a moment about what had happened at that time...


    If he remembered correctly, today was the day they failed on the secondyer of the World Tree. Luck was terrible; they were randomly sent to a Mystic Realm that was highly ipatible with the Snow Goose Adventure Team. Someone didn''t follow orders and broke away from the group, rushing into the midst of the magical creatures.


    If not for a Town Portal Scroll, the Snow Goose Adventure Team would have been wiped out.


    It was from this painful lesson of the secondyer that Lin Da started the habit of collecting Magic Potions.


    Under his adamant request, from then on the team had to exceed the level rmended by the Adventurer''s Guild for the correspondingyer, be skilled in the boss strategies of every random map, capable of a hundred percent sess rate before agreeing to attempt a strategy.


    ```

 Chapter 18: Request of Lia

    Watching the expressions of the young girls in his memory, some worried, someughing, Lin Da felt a warm current flow through his heart.


    This was the Snow Goose Adventure Team he was willing to stay with.


    The gentle and considerate Aiko, the quirky Klrona who also called him brother.


    Biting her lip as if she was preparing to apologize for rashly entering the hearnd of the Magical Creatures, it was Lia.


    His own sister, Lin Xi, was still there as well.


    The members of the adventure team really felt like family.


    Back then, Lin Da deeply believed that establishing the Snow Goose Adventure Team was the right choice.


    If only the team hadn''t be famous, it would have been fine for it to remain ordinary.


    This thought shed through Lin Da''s mind.


    Suddenly, ''Lia'' across the round table stood up.


    With pursed lips, head slightly bowed, and fists clenched tight, it seemed she was ready to say something.


    Everyone looked over in surprise.


    Lin Da''s expression hardened; it was here that Lia entrusted herself to him.


    "Today''s failure was my fault. I shouldn''t have risked going into the Giant Water Serpent''s hearnd. Because everyone tried to save me, it nearly led to our team''s annihtion!"


    Aiko hugged the trembling Lia and whispered softly, "Captain, don''t me yourself, we are teammates, and we still need you to lead us to ovee higher levels."


    "But, but!"


    "Sister Lia, neither brother nor I will me you, okay?"


    "No, I know you''re all just trying tofort me!"


    Lia wiped her swollen eyes and looked at the silent Lin Da sitting across the round table. She bit her lip and said, "If we had just listened to Lin Da and retreated, it wouldn''t have..."


    "Take this as a lesson. From now on, be more cautious. Only venture into the World Tree when certain of victory."


    Hearing Lin Da say this, the self-reproach on Lia''s face visibly lessened.


    But she didn''t sit down and suddenly bowed deeply.


    Her voice was loud as she earnestly requested, "Lin Da, please help the Snow Goose Adventure Team take everyone, without a single person left behind, through the World Tree Secret Realm!"


    Lin Da remembered clearly, from that day onward, the level of detail in his strategy nning had multiplied many times, and so had the time spent.


    He envisioned all sorts of scenarios in defeating Magical Creatures, and as long as the adventurers met the level requirements and adhered strictly to the strategy, they could pass without injury.


    "This kettle is broken, but it still works¡ªreally bails us out."


    An incongruous voice suddenly emerged within the memory illusion.


    The scenes around him shattered like ss, and Lin Da dumbly returned to the musty, cold rental space.


    The round table was much shabbier than in his memories, and the straightforward, red-haired girl who had sat across from him had disappeared.


    Lin Da looked at the person who had pulled him out of his memories, Kafni, who used an old kettle to boil water and ced it with a tter on the table, "Want some?"


    "Hmm."


    Lin Da opened the cup he carried along with the Magic Potion and filled it with hot water.


    He saw that Kafni was using a pink mug with a Fire Dragon pattern.


    "This cup is still here, surprisingly not thrown out by thendy."


    Lin Da was a bit surprised; this was the cup Lia used to use when they lived here.


    He walked over to the small washroom to check, in front of a mirror held together with tape was a wooden basket for washing items, and several differently colored cups were covered with a thickyer of dust.


    Lin Da then turned towards the wall to the right of the mirror, where the crooked lettering was indeed still there.


    Time had passed too long, the letters were yellowed, some too blurry to make out, looking like random scribbles.


    ''Be the number one adventure team in White Dove City.''


    ''Cure the legs and open a lingerie store in Imperial Capital.''


    "Buy all the toys, order rabbit armor!"


    "Stay with brother forever!"


    And at the bottom, squeezed into the corner with gigantic fonts, was a line written in minuscule letters like a mosquito''s buzz: "Hope to safely reach the top of the World Tree."


    Seeing these words, Lin Da rubbed his brow and sighed.


    Of the original five members who established the Snow Goose Adventure Team, two had already left, which inevitably brought a sense of change and loss.


    Lia''s dream hadn''t changed at all, but she herself had changed too much.


    Entering the living room, Lin Da sat on a couch with cotton showing through, staring nkly at the dark ceiling.


    "What about dinner?" Kafni asked, clutching her belly and looking distressed.


    "Let''s just go to bed early and eat tomorrow," Lin Da said.


    "Huh?" Kafni''s face was full of astonishment.


    Lin Da, however, had no appetite. Kafni had taken a silver coin from him and when she asked if he was going to eat while leaving, he declined.


    His mind was in disarray; after recalling those memories, he felt a strange sense of anticipation about meeting Lia tomorrow.


    How could the ''Bursting mes'' Lia from the game have turned into what she is now?


    When Lin Da agreed to form the team, it wasn''t solely because of amon purpose.


    It was also because, at first nce at that red-haired girl, he recognized her.


    She was a popr NPC from the Mystic Continent game, ''Bursting mes'' Lia!


    In the version 1.1 Blood Moon event, Lia was level 40 and the leader of the Sunrise Level Adventure Group.


    Mature and steady, with a strong sense of responsibility, her greatsword wrapped in mes had captured the hearts of many yers.


    But the Lia Lin Da met waspletely different in character from the ''Bursting mes'' Lia of the game, despite their identical looks.


    Thetter was mature and steady, beloved by people.


    The other was willful and petnt, only good at shifting the me.


    "Is it that reality differs from the game, or has my arrival caused a ''butterfly effect,'' altering the story?"


    Upon careful consideration, Lin Da realized that ever since he joined the Snow Goose Adventure Team, he had been assigned to cook, strategize for the Mystic Realm, prepare supplies, calcte the value of the spoils, distribute rewards¡ªeverything was done by him...


    These tasks, which should have been mostly the responsibility of the team leader Lia, were taken on by Lin Da to let Lia focus on her training and leveling up, after epting her request.


    "Could it be...that I caused the mature and steady Lia from the game to disappear?"


    Lin Da was stunned at his own thoughts.


    Kafni had mentioned before that he was spoiling the members of the Snow Goose Adventure Team too much, and he hadn''t taken it seriously. But now, he thought there might be some truth to it.


    Lin Da could not help but sigh.


    To think of remedying the situation now was pointless.


    He had already be a hero, apanied by a useless Goddess, and was destined to establish his own team.


    So even if Lia truly reverted to her original personality, he couldn''t possibly rejoin the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    With the moonlight shining through the window, Lin Da took out paper and ink and began drafting his resignation from the team at the table.


    The room echoed with the sound of the quill scratching against the paper.


    After a moment.


    Lin Da set down his pen, tucking thepleted document into his chest.


    When he finished writing the resignation, the ufortable feeling that had faintly troubled him vanished, leaving himpletely calm.


    He took onest look back and truly had no regrets.


    Although he hadn''t yet registered his official departure with the Adventurer''s Guild, Lin Da felt in his heart that he was already a ''free man,'' unaffiliated with any team.

 Chapter 19: 19. Useless Team Captain

    At a little past eight in the evening, the Sparrow District on the city''s edge had already fallen into silence, while the affluent White Dove District was still brightly lit.


    The bustling shopping streets glowed with various magtern signs, and there were many stylishly dressed men and women. asionally, one could also see the unusual sight of beastmen and elf couples walking hand in hand.


    Since a divine decree from the World Tree Goddess three hundred years earlier, the wars across the continent had ended, ushering in an era of peaceful coexistence among multiple races.


    As indicated by the divine decree, the ''Demon King Satan,'' sealed by the previous generation of heroes, was about to return from the Bottom of the Demon Realm. To select a new hero, the World Tree Goddess had ced the strongest weapon, "Hero''s Sword", at the top level of the World Tree Secret Realm.


    This further elevated the status of adventurers, and all intelligent beings living on the Mystic Continent aimed to reach the top of the World Tree and pull out the Hero''s Sword.


    At that moment, in a luxurious mansion in the Inner City District.


    In avishly decorated living room, a young girl wearing a loose, orange long dress had fallen asleep on the couch.


    Her red hair, as smooth as satin, spread out like a waterfall touching the floor.


    Lia, having juste out of the bath, was rxed and had nned to rest on the couch for a while but had unexpectedly drifted into deep sleep.


    "¡ªWithout a doubt, the continent flourished because of the World Tree!"


    Lia dreamt of ten years ago, hiding outside the windows of the Noble Academy, eavesdropping on a teacher''s lecture.


    "But what I need to rify is, the World Tree we see is not its main trunk."


    Is it not? Lia thought to herself.


    She leaned in closer.


    "The World Tree''s roots spread across the continent. Those roots that break through the ground be smaller World Trees, which are what we see. Each World Tree has a different maximum number of levels, some only 5, some 20, but only the sacred World Tree in the center of the continent, in the Sanctuary, reaches the top level!"


    "With each World Tree as a nucleus, the original adventurers gathered, multiplied, established viges, and as the poption grew, these ces gradually turned into towns and cities."


    "That is the origin of our Red Heart City!"


    "Do not dishonor the legacy of your city''s founders. Strive to be adventurers, aiming to reach the top level of the World Tree!"


    "Oh oh oh oh oh!"


    The exhrating shouts of children burst through the window.


    The descendants of the founders are so great?


    Beneath the window, Lia, dressed in grubbymoner''s clothes, clutched her straight wooden stick tightly, her eyes filled with resentment for her own circumstances.


    She thought, one day she would be a top-level adventurer, a person respected by all, not someone hiding under someone else''s ssroom to learn.


    Time seemed to elerate by tens of thousands of times, and after a dizzying spin, Lia realized she had left Red Heart City and arrived in a dirty, rundown rental in White Dove City.


    A pitted redwood round table, and a persistent musty smell that never dissipated.


    A bunch of people squeezed together, the air so thin it seemed one had to struggle with each breath.


    Those poor memories prickled at Lia''s nerves every time she recalled them.


    "Please take everyone with you, without exception, and conquer the top level of the World Tree!"


    The sudden sound of a familiar voice made Lia''s eyelids twitch; she saw, not far in front of her, among five people gathered around the round table, a red-haired girl, noticeably younger than herself, suddenly stood up and bent over to plead with the Healer in their team.


    Lia''s face darkened instantly; why did it have to be that day?


    She woke up from the nightmare.


    Groggily sitting up from the couch, she touched her forehead, which was covered in sweat.


    ''Take everyone with you, without exception, and conquer the top level of the World Tree?''


    How naive she had been back then, and Lin Da had actually agreed with a serious face.


    Lia found it a bit funny, anyone in the adventure team knew that it was impossible not to have personnel changes when summiting the World Tree.


    With a total of fiftyyers in the Mystic Realm, eachyer had several random maps, popted by various types of Guardians.


    Relying on just a few fixed team members wasn''t feasible to handle all the Guardians.


    Personnel changes were too normal, the main members of the Snow Goose Adventure Team had not changed for three years, which in the eyes of other adventurers was "abnormal".


    As the leader of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, Lia should have kicked out Lin Da, a 15th-level member, a long time ago, but out of old loyalty, she had kept him, paying him the sry of a main team member.


    After returning from the World Tree, Lia thought about it all afternoon but still couldn''t understand the reason Lin Da had quit the team.


    She sulkily took out a bottle of juice from the refrigerator and began to sip from it with both hands held around it.


    Lia recalled that before she had asked Lin Da to lead everyone to the top of the World Tree while in the rental house, Lin Da had been amazing, capable of guiding the team through higher levels with lower ranks.


    But since she had asked him, although the team''s level had already surpassed the rmended strategy level of the Adventurer''s Guild, he still refused to progress, insisting that everyone master the level to handle all bosses without getting injured.


    If Lin Da had used his previous capabilities, they could have easily moved on, right?


    The more Lia thought about it, the angrier she got.


    "Is dinner not ready yet?"


    Having finished her juice, she banged the table in frustration.


    When no response came after waiting for a long while, it was the first time this had ever happened.


    Lia was stunned for a moment, then looked around and realized that the living room was empty, just her alone.


    Aiko and Klrona were probably in their rooms, Klyne and Oru, the couple, had bought a house in installments and didn''t live here.


    "Where''s the food, the food!"


    Lia bit her lip in frustration.


    Normally at this time, Lin Da would have already prepared dinner, and all they had to do was eat, but Lin Da had suddenly left the team, and she hadn''t had the time to hire a new cook.


    With her stomach growling non-stop, Lia, full of resentment, went to the fridge to look for something to eat.


    From the storage level equipped with a freezing array below, she dug out a few bags of dumplings.


    "We''ll just eat this tonight."


    Lia saw the hand-writtenbel on the packaging, which was pork and chive filling, and felt a bit calmed.


    This strange delicacy, wrapped in dough, she often used as a midnight snack.


    It''s just that before, she only had to yell and someone would boil the dumplings; now, she had to cook them herself.


    Lia found it quite fresh and entered the kitchen, full of zest, with the dumplings in hand.


    It was her first time doing this, giving her the thrill of an adventurer entering a new Mystic Realm.


    After some fiddling, she finally managed to light the stove; a pale blue me rose up, next was to pour water into the pot... Although she had never seen Lin Da do it, she could guess how it was done.


    After pouring in the water, Lia poured a big bag of dumplings into it with a ssh.


    This much was enough for three people to eat.


    Lia tied on an apron, crossed her arms over her chest, and smugly imagined the scene where Aiko and Klrona would be in disbelief, praising her.


    Gurgle, gurgle, not long after, the cold water heated up to boiling and started to bubble.


    Lia stared with wide eyes in confusion. What happened? The dumplings had all burst open, and the filling was spilling everywhere!


    "Aiko, Aiko,e here, there''s a problem!"

 Chapter 20: 20. Aiko is jealous

    Lia shouted as she clumsily tried to salvage the dumplings in the pot.


    A whileter, Aiko, with her face covered in cucumber slices, came downstairs from the second-floor bedroom in a huff.


    Her wheelchair, a custom model from the Alchemist Guild powered by a Demon Core, had no trouble with stairs.


    "What''s wrong?" Aiko arrived at the kitchen.


    "The dumplings'' skins have all burst." Lia said in frustration, "Why must they give me such a hard time too!"


    Aiko nced at them and immediately understood the problem, somewhat speechless, "Did you boil them in cold water?"


    Aside from fighting, the captain was truly useless at everything.


    Aiko thought indignantly, even unable to cook properly, she really didn''t know where Lia found the confidence to agree to Lin Da''s departure from the team.


    Fortunately, the girl wasn''t stupid enough to throw the resignation letter directly at Lin Da. Until she formally cancels the contract at the Adventurer''s Guild, Lin Da was still technically a member of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    This was an opportunity to seize, and Aiko needed to take the chance to properly persuade Lin Da to stay.


    Aiko pushed back her thoughts, looked up at Lia, and said with a pretended smile, "Of course they would burst, you have to use boiling water, don''t you know even this?"


    "I''ve never made dumplings before, how was I supposed to know that? What right do you have to criticize me?" Lia threw her spoon onto the stove and retorted forcefully.


    Aiko grew even more frustrated to the point that she felt her patience was wearing thin.


    It was always like this; nothing was ever Lia''s fault. If a mistake was made, she always shifted the me onto the team members.


    Taking a deep breath and suppressing the veins jumping on her forehead, Aiko said through clenched teeth, "Go rest, throw these out, I''ll make a new batch."


    "That won''t do, wasting food is not a good habit." Lia refused.


    Aiko wanted to swear.


    That was typical stingy adventurer logic, able to be swindled out of a hundred Gold Coins for gear but so frugal over small expenses like clothing and food, unwilling to lose even a single copper coin.


    She forcibly contained her anger, ushered Lia into the living room, and dished out the dumplings to bring them to the table.


    "Pig feed?" Klrona, who had been starving waiting at the table since she came down from the second floor, scratched her head in confusion at the sight of the ragged dumplings in the te.


    "I made them," Lia narrowed her eyes.


    Klrona didn''t dare to say another word.


    With a pained expression, she swallowed a half-cooked dumpling and couldn''t help but ask, "Miss Aiko, when is Lin Daing back?"


    In Klrona''s eyes, the concept of Lin Da leaving the team wasn''t quite clear.


    It probably meant he would return by evening.


    "Uh, well..." Aiko nced at Lia.


    Lia said nothing, furiously stuffing dumplings into her mouth as if trying to prove to the two of them that they were in fact edible.


    "He''ll be back tomorrow, right?" Klrona looked at Aiko hopefully.


    "It''ll take a few days, Lin Da went out to clear his head," Aiko said as she patted Klrona''s head. While she spoke to Klrona, she cast a sidelong nce at Lia, clearly noticing that the moment Lin Da was mentioned, Lia''s dumpling-packing hand stiffened unnaturally.


    Aiko sneered inwardly.


    She really didn''t want to clean up after Lia.


    But the Snow Goose Adventure Team indeed needed Lin Da, even if his level was a bit low. Having him at home developing strategies or cooking would be beneficial.


    She needed to persuade Lin Da properly and convince him toe back as her own... oh no, that''s not right, as a teammate.


    A faint blush crept over Aiko''s cheeks as she seemed to think about something.


    All three of them were preupied, and silence ensued at the table, leaving only the sound of eating.


    This quietness seemed to make Lia quite ufortable; her right foot kept tapping the ground beneath her, an irritating sound.


    Aiko always had the feeling that it wouldn''t be surprising if this powder keg exploded at any moment.


    Why didn''t she use her own skills to beg Lin Da to return?


    She was only good at giving team members dirty looks, wasn''t she?


    Aiko couldn''t take it anymore and coughed lightly, confronting the issue head-on, "I will find a chance to talk to Lin Da."


    Lia, sipping her juice with her head lowered, did not respond, but the tip of her foot that had been tapping stopped.


    Noticing this detail, Aiko''s disdain for Lia was almost overflowing like a sea. She tried her best not to let this expression show on her face and said calmly, "I''ll go ask him if he''s realized his ''mistake''."


    Before she had finished speaking, she heard Lia snort coldly.


    "Anyway, I won''t let him rejoin the team."


    Aiko smiled, wanting to smack the bowl down on Lia''s head.


    ''It''s Aiko and the others who want you back. I didn''t agree! If you really want toe back, then work hard and don''t ck off!'' Aiko couldpletely imagine the scene when Lin Da returned.


    Thump thump thump!


    Just then, there was a knock at the door.


    All three turned to look.


    Aiko thought to herself, "I''ll go take a look."


    What if it was Lin Da outside?


    She couldn''t let that little bitch Lia have alone time with Lin Da, notte at night with just the two of them, too dangerous.


    Aiko opened the door, holding a sliver of hope as she stepped outside.


    But it wasn''t Lin Da.


    A group of young men were gathered at the vi''s entrance.


    The leader was a neatly dressed, lean young man, with a band around his head that read ''Ice Flower Adventure Team Support Group Leader''.


    Aiko''s face twitched, these people, they''re what you call ''homebodies'', right? Ones who don''t dare venture into the Mystic Realm, but idolize adventures so much that they make someone else''s adventure team their spiritual pir.


    What disgusted her even more was that this group was the Support Group for the Ice Flower Adventure Team.


    Ever since she heard that Isa had invited Lin Da to join the team, she hadn''t felt good about Isa at all.


    "This is the Snow Goose Adventure Team. Haven''t you arrived at the wrong ce?"


    Aiko smiled warmly, like a mature big sister, perfectly concealing her true inner thoughts.


    "So elegant! You truly deserve the title of ''Holy Mage'' Aiko!"


    "So gentle, we won''t get scolded even for disturbing her in the middle of the night."


    "From today on, Miss Aiko will be my second spiritual pir."


    The crowd cheered and hollered excitedly.


    Aiko caressed her cheek, casually revealing a strand of snowy white at her shoulder, smiling radiantly, "So, why have you alle to the Snow Goose Adventure Team? Is there something you need, or are you lost?"


    The group was so mesmerized they found their mouths going dry, but thankfully the leader Dawen was resolute, pinching his thigh hard as he said, "Actually, we''re here to see Mr. Lin Da."


    Lin Da?


    Aiko''s expression changed.


    The matter of Lin Da leaving the team was currently only being whispered among a few adventurers; ordinary people like Dawen were still unaware.


    She didn''t mention the fact that Lin Da had left the team and asked indifferently, "What do you want with Lin Da?"


    "It''s like this..."


    Dawen retold the events of the afternoon, when Lin Da had helped the Ice Flower Adventure Team out of a crisis, clearing the twelfth floor.


    "We wanted to find Lin Da to thank him, to express our gratitude for his help with the Ice Flower Adventure Team!"


    "Also, to warn Lin Da not toy a hand on our Captain Isa!"


    "Captain Isa belongs to our Support Group!"


    Facing this group of nerds, seriously uttering revolting words, Aiko could barely keep the smile on her face from faltering.


    Lin Da... he helped Isa clear the twelfth floor?


    How could he do that, what right did he have?


    Aiko felt a faint jealousy.


    And it was lucky that it was her who came to the door; if it had been Lia, she probably would have had a stroke on the spot.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team struggled and fumbled through nine floors, yet once outside, a few sentences from Lin Da helped Ice Flower clear the twelfth.

 Chapter 21: 21. Getting Started with Classic Skills

    Aiko was relieved when she heard that Lin Da had refused Isa''s invitation and had not joined the Ice Flower Adventure Team.


    But the arrival of Dawen and others made her heart leap into her throat again.


    To that Isa, a well-reputed level 15 Healer and a Healer who couldmand the Ice Flower Adventure Team through the twelfth floor hadpletely different meanings.


    Commanding was generally taken up by the captain, but since Isa belonged to a front-line ss, dividing her attention was extremely taxing on her energy. As such, when the captain is from a front-line ss, this task is usually left to the support in the back row, just as the Snow Goose Adventure Team did.


    Now, Lin Da''s departure was equivalent to giving Isa an opportunity she was thrilled about.


    Once she bent down to ask, there was a chance that Lin Da might actually join.


    The main problem is that Lia was too cheap, andpared to her, Lin Da could very likely be taken advantage of by Isa in her moment of vulnerability.


    They''re all t-chested... The distaste in Aiko''s heart almost showed on her face.


    "Sorry, Lin Da isn''t home, you made this trip for nothing."


    After Aiko sent Dawen and the rest away, the smile gradually disappeared from her face, and she coldly watched another mansion in the same district, unable to stop herself from violently punching the wall.


    As a Mage, her delicate fist cracked and bled.


    But she herself seemed unaware, her face solemn as she bit her lip.


    She won''t lick me anymore, but now she''s licking the Ice Flower''s people?


    What gives her the right?


    Aiko was so angry she felt like she was about to explode.


    The dog she had painstakingly raised for three years had not yet yielded any fruit, so why should Isa be allowed to snatch it away halfway?


    It''s fine for Lin Da to linger outside like a stray dog, but if someone wants to take this stray dog home, Aiko would never agree.


    "My things... no one is allowed to take them away..."


    Aiko''s dark gaze fixed on her thumb as she bit it, her teeth grinding against her nail in a chilling, grinding sound reminiscent of a wild beast chewing its prey.


    By chance, a stray cat passed near her, and on seeing this monster with tworge lumps on its chest, it couldn''t help but let out a frightened meow before running away.


    "What''s going on, Aiko? It''s so noisy outside."


    Lia walked out with a scowl on her face.


    "Nothing, just a bunch of flies. I chased them away."


    Aiko instantly resumed her smile, hiding her injured right hand behind her, her voice pleasant and amiable.


    The speed of her switch was as if she had put on a mask.


    "Is that so?" Lia asked absentmindedly, not suspicious, and went back inside the vi.


    Aiko deliberately didn''t tell Lia about Lin Da helping Isa.


    What if Lia suddenly came to her senses and went to get Lin Da back?


    Although it was highly unlikely, what if it happened? If something urred between them, her n would be ruined.


    Aiko could see right through Lia''s thoughts, but as for Lin Da... three years ago there might have been some feelings, but now, Aiko could not be sure.


    "Lia as well as Isa, if you insist onpeting with me, don''t me me for not being nice."


    The light flowed out from the open door of the vi, casting a shadow on Aiko''s face under the eaves.


    In the ce behind Lia that she couldn''t see, Aiko squinted her eyes, her cheeks flushed, her lips curling into a twisted smile.


    She was like a giant predatory beast lurking in the darkness, her gaping maw filled with serrated teeth dripping with viscous saliva.


    Aiko used her magic power to drive her wheelchair, following Lia into the vi. Throughout, Lia never noticed anything off about Aiko.


    ...


    Elsewhere, at the same time.


    In the Sparrow District, an old residential building, apartment 303.


    Creak~


    The wooden door opened, and Kafni returned with food.


    "Here you go, your order." Kafni ced a fragrant, steaming te of pork chop rice in front of Lin Da.


    Lin Da looked up in surprise, "Thanks?"


    "Ha, even a heartless deity like myself wouldn''t let a hero go hungry," after all, I still need to rely on the hero to defeat the Demon King."


    Kafni opened her own luxurious eel rice, stood up straight with her head held high, and spoke with an air of superiority.


    Seeing the eel rice in her hand, Lin Da''s eyelids twitched, sensing an ominous premonition. The pork chop rice cost 20 copper coins while the luxurious eel rice was at least 50... By that reckoning, he and Kafni had less than 1 silver coin left.


    This was simply... a deity squandering wealth!


    Lin Da helplessly rubbed his forehead.


    Though he didn''t want to do it, he would have to borrow some gold coins from an old friend tomorrow.


    With Kafni''s spending habits, they would starve the day after tomorrow.


    "But why isn''t it two portions of luxurious eel rice?"


    He suddenly found it strange¡ªif Kafni had no concept of money, why didn''t she get the same for him? She opted for a cheaper pork chop rice for him but her own was pricey.


    "Wouldn''t two portions cost a silver coin?" Kafni replied matter-of-factly, "Aren''t heroes supposed to serve deities? It''s already very generous of me not to have just brought you in rice."


    "There seems to be some logic in that." Lin Da forced a smile and flexed his arms. "I think we better rify who exactly is the ''master'' here."


    Kafni''splexion changed slightly, clearly aware that she was no match for Lin Da.


    Lin Da''s hero upation came with very high initial attributes.


    Even at level 0, his attributes were close to that of a level 3 warrior, and he was not someone a level 0 thief like her couldpete with.


    "Wait...! I was just joking. I splurged on the eel rice because I came upon some good fortune!" Kafni said hurriedly and with a head full of sweat, trying to exin, "The ''Legendary Skill Stone'' I ordered has arrived by courier. I bought it with all my Contribution Points, so a meal of eel rice isn''t too much, right?"


    She quickly took out a golden round stone from her bosom.


    Under the light emitted by the stone, the dim rental room was suddenly illuminated, and a rich magic power could be felt all around.


    "Legendary Skill Stone?"


    The grudge regarding the eel rice dissipated from Lin Da as he took the stone with curiosity.


    The stone was not big, about the size of a quail egg, and felt somewhat warm in his hand.


    Upon touching his palm, the Skill Stone buzzed and vibrated, and a surge of golden light flowed into his body.


    The personal panel popped up before his eyes.


    System prompt: You have acquired the Legendary skill [Purifying Witch]!


    Clicking the skill in the skill section, you can see its specific effects.


    Purifying Witch: Through contact with any part of the body, purify the contractual erosion within the Witch''s body. Uponplete purification, the Witch Series Skills will be unlocked.


    Note: The higher the Witch''s trust, the more thorough the purification.


    What the heck?


    Lin Da frowned, feeling like he hit the jackpot in a ten-pull gacha but the prize was off. This Legendary skill seemed great, with the ability to unlock a Witch Series Skill Tree, and such skill trees usually weren''t bad given their special conditions for unlocking.


    But the issuey in the prerequisite: topletely purify a Witch.


    That''s when things get tricky.


    In the game, the Witch upation was manageable; you paid 1688 as a ''price'' to sign a contract and be a [Witch].


    As long as you recharged 648 every month thereafter, you could keep using the Witch upation. But if the recharging stopped, the Witch would suffer from contract bacsh and sumb to the Shadow.


    This setup wasn''t much of an issue in the game; it merely meant a swift end to the nner.


    However, when this setup became reality on the Mystic Continent, it meant...


    In any city, merely mentioning the word ''Witch'' could lead to arrest by the Law Enforcement Bureau.


    There''s a rumor that if you talk about Witches, they might actually appear beside you, bringing cmity.

 Chapter 22: Lin Das Three Major Skill Trees

    When Lin Da first arrived in White Dove City, he often spent time at the library and had a general understanding of witches. The contracts from the game, when applied to reality, became ''A young girl with a strong, specific wish, seduced by the whispers of the Demon King, signs a soul-binding contract''.


    In other words, witches are minions of the Demon King, cursed beings.


    Wherever they went, cities were destroyed, and corpses littered the streets.


    Witches at the end of their lives would even transform into ''Fallen Beasts'', causing disasters of unprecedented horror.


    For Lin Da, who was at Level 0, purifying such monsters was truly no easy task.


    "What skill did you get?" Kafni asked with trepidation, seeing the look on his face.


    Lin Da reported honestly.


    "What, Witch Purification? What''s the use of that? It''s not even as good as the mostmon Legendary skills like Mana Blessing."


    Kafni was stupefied. She had spent all her Divine Contribution Points and only drew such a lousy skill.


    She heard from her seniors that some heroes were so lucky they could instantly obtain ''Tenfold Attack'', ''Mana Consumption Halved'', or other heaven-defying Legendary skills.


    How could it be that her own hero was so unlucky...


    Kafni fell into pessimism once again regarding how to save the Mystic Continent.


    "Actually, this skill isn''t that bad."


    After contemting for a while, Lin Da opened the steaming te of pork chop rice and said, "Maybe we can use this skill to try and turn the witches."


    "Turn them?" Kafni listlessly prodded her eel rice, feeling as though the luxurious taste in her mouth was like chewing wax.


    "Right," Lin Da said. "Think about it, witches serve as the Demon King''s servants because they are coerced, right? Unlike those who voluntarily swear allegiance and are brainwashed from birth in the Demon Lord''s Army, witches submit to the Demon King out ofpulsion. So it is certain that they are not as loyal to the Demon King as the magical creatures are."


    "That''s true," Kafni agreed with a nod.


    Lin Da snapped his fingers, "This is where the Legendary skill, Witch Purificationes into y. If we could forcibly break the contract between the witches and the Demon King, wouldn''t that be the same as saving their lives? By then, they would naturally have no reason to serve the Demon King anymore. Maybe they would even join the hero''s camp as a result."


    "Eh, that does make sense." Kafni''s eyes lit up, and she stopped eating. "With this give and take, even if the Demon King breaks the seal and awakens, he''ll be a weakling! In that case, we should not dy and go look for witches to purify right away!"


    Luckily, she had a trace of Divine Power within her. She could sense witches, who had the Demon Lord''s Power within them, from a certain distance, effectively a human radar.


    She would be in charge of searching, and Lin Da in charge of purification. After umting ten cartloads of witches, they could go directly to challenge the Demon King!


    Kafni, fantasizing about the glorious future, couldn''t help butugh heartily as she ced her hands on her hips.


    Lin Da, however, sat steadily on the sofa without moving. He nced at the enthusiastic Kafni and said,


    "What are you thinking? Witches are wanted by the empire, hiding who knows where. How could we just find them? And even if we did, it''s not certain they would trust me to open up and let me purify them."


    The prerequisite for Witch Purification was a high level of trust, followed by physical contact. The higher the trust level, and the deeper the contact, the more thorough the purification.


    But these days, merely touching a girl''s hand could get you sued by the Law Enforcement Bureau, let alone touching a witch¡ªsurely the risk must be even greater?


    Witches, able to hear the Demon King''s whispers and be enchanted by them, are often psychologically unstable. It would be a light oue if they sued you at the Law Enforcement Bureau, but one could fear for their very life.


    Before raising his level, Lin Da definitely did not want to meet the witches of this world.


    After hearing all of that, Kafni''s enthusiasm deted: "After all this, isn''t it just a useless skill?"


    "There will always be a way. If all else fails, we could just subdue them, tie them up, and purify them."


    Lin Da shrugged his shoulders.


    He bowed his head to enjoy his pork chop rice, while concurrently opening the Skill Tree page on his personal panel.


    At the moment, this Skill Tree had three main branches: the Recovery Series, the Poison Technique Series, and the dark, somewhat blurry Witch Series.


    The effects of the Witch Series Skills were still unknown, but the Poison Technique Series Skills were known for their high sustained damage.


    The first level of the Poison Technique Series Skill Tree already attained the Purple Rare quality, and further up there was a string of orange, red, and several golden Legendary Skills.


    In contrast to themon profession of a Healer, whose Skill Tree''s first-level skills are all of ordinary white quality.


    The Level 20 Ultimate Skill "Healing Rain" was barely a Purple Rare Level skill.


    Although Lin Da had started over from Level 0, by the time he returned to Level 15, hisbat power would flip over a dozen times.


    "After getting the team withdrawal certificate, I should go out and farm some Slimes. My level is too low now, and I don''t have a single Skill Point," Lin Da thought to himself.


    Earning Skills required Skill Points, and at the moment, at Level 0, he had zero Skill Points.


    The only Active Skill he possessed was the attack-less "Witch Purification," which relied on his initial high strength attribute of 15 for hand-to-handbat.


    Swallowing thest bite of his pork chop rice, Lin Da said contentedly, "Dinner''s finished, time to start cleaning the house."


    He grabbed Kafni, who was trying to go to sleep, with a warm smile on his face.


    By the time he finished his chores, it was alreadyte at night.


    The house, once covered with dust, looked brand new.


    When it was time to rest, since the rental house had only one bedroom and one bed, Lin Da and Kafni had an argument about who should sleep on the bed.


    "Damn Hero, you''re such a damned nuisance, sooner orter, one day, I will... sooner orter..."


    Kafni, with several bumps on her head, curled up on the sofa in pain, her body draped in a nket, tears of frustration leaking from her eyes.


    Lin Da''s fists were too big, too hard, and it only took a couple of hits to leave her critically injured.


    Humbled and humiliated, Kafni had no choice but to reluctantly give up the bed.


    In the bedroom.


    Lin Day with the back of his head resting on his arm, staring nkly at the ceiling above, feeling a bit unreal.


    He had actually fulfilled his wish to ''sleep on the bed in the rental house'' once. Back when he lived there, as the only male in the team, he was naturally relegated to the sofa.


    At that time, he often wondered howfortable it must be to lie in the bed in the bedroom.


    Now that this unfinished dream was realized, it wasn''t as exciting as he initially thought.


    Indeed, time and circumstances greatly affect a person''s mindset. After his sister disappeared, Lin Da''s personal desires became quite faint, apart from his research on the World Tree, he had little interest in anything else.


    He remembered Lin Xi liked to sleep in the innermost spot. He involuntarily moved closer to that side, sniffing as if he could catch a trace of his sister''s scent.


    In the darkness, Lin Da fumbled and pulled out a pocket watch, opened it, and the white jade-like dial emitted a faint glow, illuminating thebined photo of the two inside the case.


    How could Lin Xi have disappeared inside the World Tree, and who had secretly ced her pocket watch on his desk? This was something Lin Da often thought about when he couldn''t sleep at night, but even after three years, he had no clue.

 Chapter 23: 23. Truly delicious

    Lin Xi disappeared on the fourth level of the World Tree.


    ording to the rules of the World Tree Secret Realm, except for the Great Mystery Continent that appears every five levels, other realms can only be entered once.


    Aftering out from the fourth level, Lin Da could not re-enter it; to farm monsters, he could only go to the Great Mystery Continent and other ordinary secret realms outside the World Tree.


    However, there was one method that could allow him to return to the fourth level.


    That was to change his profession.


    After changing professions, both his level and his strategy records for the World Tree were reset to zero.


    When Lin Da re-entered the World Tree, he would start from the first level, and he could rey the fourth level mystery again.


    "Lin Xi now should be level 30, bing a Star-ranked adventurer, right?"


    Before disappearing, Lin Xi was already level 15, half higher than the other members of the team.


    Such a speed of leveling up was like cheating.


    "Sleep."


    The time shown on his pocket watch had reached two in the morning, and Lin Da felt a wave of tiredness strike him. There had been too much happening today... He had left the team, then became a hero, and resolved to create his own team.


    It was a single day that brought him as much fatigue as a usual month.


    Lin Da closed his pocket watch and drifted off into sleep.


    The next morning.


    In a simple breakfast restaurant.


    Lin Da and Kafni sat at the table, struggling to gnaw on the rock-hard bread in their hands.


    When Kafni walked into this shop, she immediately drew fiery stares from everyone else, making Lin Da a bit ufortable.


    Great Panda is indeed impressive.


    It''s a universal truth, regardless of the world!


    At the small wooden table, Lin Da sipped on the milk in his bowl. He nced sideways, only to see the early morning sun streaming through the window, casting a gentle light on the face of a blonde deity.


    Kafni''s eyshes were long, and her blue eyes resembled pure gems, reflecting the sunlight, giving them a saintly beauty at first nce.


    A thought crossed Lin Da''s mind.


    Dressing such a Kafni in humble hemp skirts seemed rather wasteful.


    Lia would likely mock and scoff at her if she saw.


    And since he had left the team, visiting the Snow Goose Adventure Team today as a guest, he was supposed to dress formally.


    He also wanted to see how pretty a dressed-up Kafni could be, wondering if she could overshadow those youngdies.


    So, he made a request to Kafni.


    Thud.


    The bread in Kafni''s hand dropped to the floor, her face full of disbelief.


    "You want me, a deity, to wear revealing clothes and y your female teammate?"


    "Impossible, absolutely impossible!"


    Kafni''s neck flushed red with anger.


    She already detested Lin Da, so how could she possibly pretend to be good teammates with him?


    Moreover, calling it dressing up was merely making her into a roasted chicken!


    Those skirts barely reaching the thighs, and off-shoulder dresses¡ªhow could she, the manly Kafni, ever wear them?!


    A momentter.


    In front of a second-hand clothing store.


    "It''s settled then, I get the bed for the next month."


    Kafni had already transformed herself from a destitute street woman of Sparrow District into a vibrant and pretty woman of the Inner City District.


    "This..."


    Lin Da was somewhat astonished.


    At this moment, Kafni wore a tight ck sleeveless top, covered with a small white jacket, but her massive shoulders almost seemed to slip free from its grasp, invoking the obsessivepulsion in anyone to pull them up properly for her.


    She was wearing hot pants on her lower body, her legs white and plump like jade pirs, stepping in sneakers from the Otherworld, decorated with little wing patterns.


    Kafni was tall and slim, standing with one hand on her hip like a model, her earlobes adorned with sparkling crystal earrings.


    She cocked her head slightly, looking at Lin Da with confusion, "What''s wrong?"


    "You look good," Lin Da said.


    "Wha-what?"


    Kafni''s face turned red, unexpectedly feeling a subtle joy after Lin Da''spliment.


    This discovery made her panic. Why would she be happy about a man saying she looks good? That wasn''t normal!


    "Don''t think that just becausepliments are free, I would forgive your reprehensible actions!"


    Kafni tightened her white jacket, suddenly feeling too exposed and ufortable all over.


    "No, I mean, you really do look good."


    Lin Da had always had high regard for women as ambitious as pandas.


    "Stop talking," Kafni muttered, her voice softer than a mosquito''s.


    Just then, the carriage arrived, and Lin Da called the squirmy Kafni to get inside.


    "To the Inner City District."


    Lin Da handed over thest of his copper coins to the coachman.


    The road from the Sparrow District to the Inner City District was uneven, full of bumps that made the carriage vibrate.


    On the red velvet sofa, Kafni, sitting next to Lin Da with her legs pressed together, almost fell on him several times as the carriage tilted.


    Lin Da didn''t mind, back when Snow Goose Adventure Team was poor, five people would squeeze into a carriage, piling up inyers.


    Rubbing shoulders and legs with Kafni was nothing unusual for him.


    But he didn''t know what was wrong with Kafni today. Since leaving the clothing store, she''d been acting weird, none of her usual arrogance.


    Lin Da saw her hands as if having nowhere to rest, one moment on her knees, the next under her butt, her head hanging low, her gaze drifting.


    The carriage passed over arge pothole and jolted sharply, Kafni''s arm identally brushed against Lin Da, and she quickly withdrew it as if electrocuted.


    What the heck is wrong with her?


    Lin Da was utterly baffled.


    "We''ve reached the Inner City District."


    A momentter, the carriage stopped, and Lin Da saw Kafni was still daydreaming.


    "Oh... oh! Thank you," Kafni snapped out of it, hurriedly opened the door of the carriage, and stepped out almost as if escaping.


    First, she moved out a dazzlingly white long leg, then Kafni slowly straightened her waist, lifted her messy golden hair with her hand, and gradually opened her cold, aloof eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight outside.


    Her posture made Lin Da sense a subtle femininity.


    The two of them walked one after the other on the broad, tidy street, heading toward the vi of Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Lin Da noticed something odd, it seemed he was turning quite a few heads, attracting many passersby to pause and look.


    Although being a former healer of Snow Goose Adventure Team made him somewhat famous, it couldn''t be to this extent, could it?


    Perplexed, he looked around and suddenly realized that within Kafni''s tight ck top, there were a pair of bouncing big guys, like a Slime casting the skill "Taunt."


    No wonder!


    These were so big; any adventurer would want to tackle them, right?


    "What''s wrong?" Kafni frowned and asked.


    "It''s nothing," Lin Da replied, turning his head away.


    Seeing his somewhat awkward expression, Kafni btedly realized something.


    Kafni stared straight at her own chest, her cheeks quickly heating up.


    She swiftly turned her head to the side.


    On the street, Lin Da looked embarrassedly to the left, Kafni bit her lip and looked to the right¡ª even she didn''t know why she did that, but her heart felt like it was pounding out of her throat!

 Chapter 32: 32. Blessing of the World Tree Goddess

    As the two were about to leave the neighborhood, they encountered a tall and burly man.


    "Oru?"


    "Lin Da?"


    Oru was seen carrying various exquisiterge and small packages; it seemed Klyne and the others had dragged him out shopping and made him act as a human suitcase.


    "Lin Da, have you decided toe back?" Oru, unaware of what had happened, said happily, "Don''t take the captain''s words to heart; she has that kind of temperament, but she''s definitely worried about you in her heart."


    Worried? Her?


    Lin Daughed.


    Even if what Oru said was true, he didn''t need that kind of person to worry about him.


    "I''m here today for this."


    He showed the document bag in his hand, which contained proof of his departure from the team.


    Seeing this, Oru was momentarily stunned; one of the packages he was holding identally dropped to the ground.


    Lin Da went over to pick it up.


    "Thanks." Oru, with a look of regret, sighed and knew that at this point, Lin Da was unlikely to return to the team: "Lin Da, even if you leave the team, we are still friends. If you''re ever in any trouble, look for me anytime."


    Trouble, he had that right now.


    Lin Da hesitated a moment before saying, "I''m a bit short on..."


    He was too embarrassed to borrow money.


    "Hey, big guy, got any cash? Hand some over for us to use."


    Kafni was utterly unabashed and said straightforwardly.


    Oru was somewhat confused, "Ah? Money?"


    Adventurers above level 15 typically nevercked money for daily living.


    If they said they were short on money, did that mean arge sum? For buying new magical equipment or something of the sort?


    Oru chuckled awkwardly: "That, Lin Da, I''m sorry, but the savings card is with Klyne. Just a moment, I''ll go and ask her for it."


    "Uh, that won''t be necessary."


    "Whatever you have on you is fine; we can''t even afford a meal!"


    Kafni, righteous and unashamed,pletely drowned out Lin Da''s voice.


    Can''t afford a meal?


    Oru looked at Lin Da in surprise.


    Without asking much, he searched through his belongings and took out fifteen gold coins.


    Lin Da gratefully epted them.


    "These few gold coins, they won''t buy many pieces of equipment, will they?" Kafni frowned: "There''s a World Tree Bank nearby, if not enough just go withdraw some money."


    "Ah? That..." Oru''s face turned bitter.


    "Don''t listen to her, her brain''s not functioning properly." Lin Da glowered viciously at Kafni.


    He knew that Oru and Klyne had taken out a loan to buy a house in the Inner City District, under great pressure, and their earnings from adventuring were all spent with trepidation on repaying the loan; they didn''t have arge amount of gold coins to lend them.


    After bidding farewell to Oru, the two took a carriage straight to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    The blonde receptionist at the counter took the departure proof and verified Lia''s signature in a magic device.


    A green light shone, indicating a sessful verification.


    "Are you sure you want to leave the team? I see that the Snow Goose Adventure Team is a rock level team." The blonde receptionist, named Alice, asked once more.


    "Positive." Lin Da nodded.


    Alice stamped the departure proof, then directed him to pray in front of a statue of the World Tree Goddess in the center of the hall, to convey his will to depart to the World Tree Goddess.


    The statue of the World Tree Goddess stood at the center of the hall, a beautiful woman in light veils, with a generous chest, and long hair flowing to the ground.


    A gand crowned her head, and herpassionate eyes seemed to hold boundless love for all creatures,manding the respect of all adventurers who saw her.


    Kafni, however, sneered disdainfully: "Such a useless woman, in the end, it''s still this deity who has to save the day."


    "Watch your words, if someone hears, we''re done for." Lin Da wished he could give Kafni a couple of punches.


    The World Tree Sanctum, which worships the World Tree Goddess as its deity, is thergest power in this world, ranking above the royal family of the empire.


    There is only one oue for those who offend the World Tree Sanctum: they are ruthlessly in by the warriors of the Court of Judgment.


    Lin Da stood in front of the statue, with his hands together in prayer, silently apologizing for Kafni''s irreverence, and then conveyed his desire to leave the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    At that moment, a voice as tender as spring water, that of a female, appeared in his mind:


    "Brave one chosen by the deities of the Upper World, you need not express any apologies. Please make haste to ascend to the top of the World Tree and draw forth the sword of the brave..."


    In the darkness with his eyes closed, Lin Da ''saw'' a giant woman, standing five meters tall.


    Her emerald-green hair cascaded loosely down her back, her face radiated with maternal glory, and she extended her snow-white arms, embracing him into a soft ocean.


    The towering female deity kissed Lin Da''s forehead, like an enlightening revtion. A cool sensation traveled throughout his body, and the system panel popped up a notice:


    You have obtained the Legendary passive skill "Blessing of the World Tree Goddess"!


    "Blessing of the World Tree Goddess": Luck increases threefold, and you will be more likely to obtain rare magical equipment and resources in the Mystic Realm.


    This skill was genuinely useful.


    Lin Da hurriedly thanked the World Tree Goddess in his mind.


    A motherly chuckle arose by his ear.


    When Lin Da opened his eyes, the vision had already vanished.


    He had be a ''free man,'' his contract with the Snow Goose Adventure Team terminated.


    The two werepletely severed from one another.


    "How does it feel to leave the team?" Kafni asked.


    "Comfortable."


    Lin Daughed heartily.


    Leaving the team wasplete, and he had also received the blessing of the World Tree Goddess.


    The kidney deficiency he had suffered during several dozen nights with the Snow Goose was swept away, leaving him much more vibrant and full of energy.


    ...


    The two returned to the counter.


    "I''d like to form a team."


    Alice looked at them puzzled, "Just the two of you as members?"


    "Yes."


    "That won''t do."


    "Why not?"


    "Don''t you know the rules for someone who was a member of a rock level adventurer party like you?"


    Alice, speechless, pped the notice board behind her: "You need at least three people to form a team, and there must be one Healer, one Damage Dealer, and one Defender. If you don''t meet these criteria, you cannot create an adventure team."


    "The fee for team registration is one hundred Gold Coins, but for an adventurer like you, one hundred shouldn''t be a problem, right?"


    Alice assumed.


    Lin Da felt embarrassed.


    When it came to the rules of team creation, he really wasn''t aware; originally, it was Lia who dealt with that. The guild saw that their conditions met the requirements, so naturally, they wouldn''t remind them further.


    Now Lin Da knew that a team must beposed of three people.


    And the fee for forming a team wasn''t cheap at all¡ªone hundred Gold Coins.


    "Are you still going to form a team?" Alice inquired.


    "Let''s leave it for now..."


    Lin Da stepped out of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Currently, they only had two members in the party; he was a Healer, and Kafni''s thief barely counted as a Damage Dealer.


    They were stillcking a front-line warrior to absorb damage.


    He pondered in his mind where to find a front-line warrior with excellent talent and an eptable level to join his team.

 Chapter 34: 34. The loser joins the team.

    When Isa saw that Lin Da was still reluctant to ept, she said in a forceful tone:


    "Take it. This is the unanimous decision of our Ice Flower team members after discussion. The Town Portal Scroll is the most suitable for you right now."


    "Besides, I have a little additional request."


    Isa blinked and, in a rare disy of coquetry, said, "Mr. Linda, you won''t refuse, will you?"


    "That''s cheating," Lin Da moved his gaze away from her slight smile, cleared his throat, and said.


    Isa smiled and said, "Of course, I won''t ask you to do it for free, there will be a corresponding reward."


    "What is the request you''re talking about?" Lin Da was curious.


    From what Isa was saying, it sounded like she wanted to hire him.


    "I hope that when the Ice Flower adventure team challenges the thirteenth floor, you can take on the role of remotemander just once through the sensordybug," Isa said earnestly.


    Commander?


    Lin Da frowned and thought for a moment before shaking his head: "I''m an outsider, that wouldn''t be appropriate."


    "It''s fine. I guarantee that everyone in Ice Flower will follow yourmands to the letter," Isa said with a smirk. "My team members are not like a certain red-headed fool; if I tell them to trust you, they will."


    "If the thirteenth floor is sessfully cleared, the Demon Core of the Secret Realm Guardian is yours."


    Isa extended her hand, "This condition should be quite generous."


    Remotemand with no risk involved, and clearing the floor would mean earning a Boss Demon Core for free.


    No matter how Lin Da thought about it, it was all to his benefit and none to his detriment.


    This cooperation would also deepen the friendship with the Ice Flower adventure team, which would be greatly beneficial for the future development of his own team.


    "Deal."


    Lin Da nodded and shook Isa''s hand.


    The lunch ended in a cheerful atmosphere.


    The only downside was that the portions at the upscale restaurant were too small, and both he and Kafni had not had their fill.


    As they parted ways, Isa said, "The Ice Flower team''s assault on the thirteenth floor is scheduled for next month, I will notify you in advance."


    "No problem." Just as Lin Da was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something.


    "Right, could you help me scout for a front-line professional? Preferably one with high potential."


    Lin Da mentioned that his team was one member short.


    Isa pondered and said, "Front-line professions are easy to find, but ones with talent..." She shrugged her shoulders, making a helpless gesture.


    If Lin Da were the leader of a known team, it would be a different story, but right now he was level 0 and starting from scratch.


    Truly talented warriors wouldn''t opt for such a small team.


    "I can only do my best to help, but I can''t guarantee we''ll recruit anyone," Isa said.


    "That''s enough," Lin Da nodded in gratitude.


    The group took the elevator down together.


    On Lin Da''s left was Kafni and on his right, Isa dressed in an evening gown.


    She seemed to have sprayed some perfume, a scent like peach blossoms that was somewhat addictive.


    Lin Da nced out of the corner of his eye at the mature and stable silver-haired girl and sighed inwardly, wishing he had met someone like Isa when he first came to this world.


    In the Ice Flower adventure team, he might have reached much higher levels.


    Just then, Isa suddenly looked up, somewhat unwillingly and said, "Are you sure you won''t consider it? My team is really good, you know?"


    Lin Da was about to refuse, but then a thought struck him, and he said, "How about we make a promise?"


    "What promise?"


    "Within three years, if my team surpasses the Ice Flower adventure team in the number of levels ascended in the World Tree..." Lin Da looked straight into Isa''s eyes, speaking slowly, "you will join my team."


    Isa was stunned.


    Immediately, sheughed so hard that her body shook, clutching her stomach, wanting to stop but again amused by Lin Da''s fantastical bet.


    It took a while for Isa to calm down. She wiped the tears ofughter from the corners of her eyes and said, "Fine. But likewise, if you can''t catch up in three years, you''ll have to join Ice Flower."


    "It''s a deal."


    Lin Da extended his pinky finger.


    Isa, understanding the gesture, hooked her pinky finger with his.


    While Isa''s fingers seemed delicate and slender, Lin Da felt many callouses from sword training when he touched them, hard, yet strong and powerful.


    A sense of reliability rushed over him.


    After they released hands, Lin Da looked at Isa, brimming with confidence as if she''d already won, and he couldn''t help but want tough inside.


    With an experience bar, three years would be more than enough time to catch up to the Ice Flower Adventure Team.


    It was like reserving a swordsman in advance.


    Isa''s talent was no less than Lia''s, and unlike Bilya who needed convincing, Isa was also a silver-haired beauty that Lin Da quite fancied.


    Just as Isa wanted to poach him, he also wanted to pull Isa into his own team.


    ...


    Leaving the restaurant, Lin Da and Isa waved goodbye.


    He rubbed his stomach, nning to continue looking for a ce to eat.


    After changing sses to a Healing Hero, both his physique and appetite had greatly increased; the food he''d just eaten was barely enough to fill the gaps between his teeth.


    He remembered there was a barbecue stall he used to frequent in Sparrow District, generous in serving and good in taste.


    "Let''s go have a good meal."


    Lin Da patted the gold coins in his pocket, the jingling sound a satisfying feeling truly like no other.


    Kafni rolled her eyes and said, "Should we sell off the town portal scroll?"


    "Once sold, it''s not easy to buy back. Let''s keep it, just in case we flip over in the gutter and need a quick escape," Lin Da shook his head.


    With his magic potions and two town portal scrolls, he could face unexpected events withposure.


    Catching a carriage, he and Kafni headed back to Sparrow District.


    ...


    Time moved on to dusk.


    Inner City District.


    Aiko couldn''t stand the atmosphere in the vi and escaped.


    After Lin Da left, Lia had turned into a personified icebox.


    Wherever she went, she had a sour expression, exuding an ice-cold pressure that made breathing feel difficult.


    Thanks to Toria''s influence, the Snow Goose Adventure Team became unstable.


    The strategy nning was temporarily handed over to the new Healer, Phyllis.


    But was he trustworthy? One wrong strategy could lead the team to the abyss, and Aiko found it hard to ce her trust in a neer.


    Wheeling herself out of the neighborhood, many adventurers who knew her greeted her kindly, and adoration shone subtly in their eyes.


    Aiko responded with aposed smile, nodding and waving, asionally asking what they had for lunch.


    Seeing their delighted expressions from merely conversing with her filled her with contempt, and an involuntary pride swelled in her chest.


    No adventurer could resist her beauty.


    With just a little tease, they would all blush, pathetically trying to stand tall, as if they were creatures even more lowly than insects.


    But, there was one person... who trampled on her pride without even realizing it.


    Aiko bit her lip in irritation, a sh of resentment passing through her eyes.


    It was because of that incident that she set her sights on Lin Da, intending to turn him into a mindless, obedient dog, desperate for her attention.

 Chapter 37: 37�Healing Mage

    ¡ª¡ªJoining Lin Da''s team, of course I can.


    Aiko had practically no sense of belonging to the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    That''s what she thought, but she put on a face of great difficulty, intentionally making Lin Da feel guilty for his hasty invitation.


    Every team member was bound by contract, and quitting without permission required paying a hefty penalty.


    To Aiko, that wasn''t a problem at all.


    Her financial reserve was quite substantial.


    She could agree to Lin Da''s request and join the team,


    but she couldn''t just join casually.


    The way a boy treasures a room he could enter with a single Gold Coin versus one he fought hard and spent countless Gold Coins to get into, surely would be different, right?


    Aiko intended to make Lin Da go and ask Lia, to be rejected when she refused to sign the contract for a team transfer, making him lose face, and only after he thought it impossible to get her, would she pay a high price and quietly join his side.


    Then Lin Da would realize just how outstanding she was.


    She bowed her head, seemingly in great distress, "Sorry, I need to think it over before joining your team."


    "No rush, after all, setting up a team isn''t something that can be done hastily."


    Lin Da said helplessly, "We haven''t even recruited a front-line warrior yet."


    Aiko was puzzled, "With the reputation you''ve built in the Snow Goose Adventure Team, recruiting a warrior shouldn''t be difficult, should it?"


    "In theory, yes." Lin Da took a big gulp of Wheat Beer, shook his head, and said, "I''ve changed professions, so currently our team''s strategy progress is at the zerothyer."


    The hidden implication of changing professions was that his level had also been reset to zero. This was not something he needed to conceal; if Aiko were earnest, she could make inquiries at the Adventurer''s Guild and find out.


    "Changing professions after level 10 is a big risk, why were you so reckless, without even discussing it with me!" Aiko said, her eyes starting to redden, "You really, didn''t think of me as a friend."


    "Don''t cry." Lin Da awkwardly offered her a tissue, never realizing before how fragile Aiko''s temperament was.


    He had been covertly watching for any signs of irregrity since she arrived.


    But he couldn''t find any.


    Aiko''s genuine emotion, even if partially driven by an agenda, was probably not all an act.


    Although he sometimes sensed Aiko''s subtle air of superiority and a hint of her Young Lady attitude, he believed that within Snow Goose''s group of five, his rtionship with Aiko could be ranked at least fourth, quite a bit higher than Bilya''s...


    Aiko took the tissue and dabbed at the corner of her eyes: "What profession did you change to? You''re not nning to keep even this from me, are you?"


    Lin Da pondered for a moment and said, "A Healing Mage."


    "Healing Mage? I''ve never heard of it. Is it any good?"


    Aiko blinked her eyes in confusion.


    In her heart, however, she was jubnt.


    A profession nobody has even heard of must be terrible.


    Lin Da thought for a moment and said, "It''s probably a bit stronger than a Healer. The advantage of a Healing Mage lies in having Poisonous Healing, giving them a fighting chance against Magical Creatures."


    "Oh, it''s sort of like a Poison Doctor then," Aiko confirmed in her mind.


    A Poison Doctor is stronger than a Healer, but only marginally so.


    It sounded like this Healing Mage was abination healer and attacker, supposedly good at both.


    But jack of all trades, master of none.


    That was Aiko''s first impression of a Healing Mage.


    "Must be tough recruiting for your team, need me to help you scout around?"


    "Yeah, that would be great."


    Aiko saw the sincere expression on Lin Da''s face. On the outside, she smiled and agreed readily, but inside, she scoffed in disdain and even spat in contempt.


    Helping you recruit people? You can''t be serious!


    I wish you''d never find anyone, ande begging me to join, that would be the best!


    Aiko''s questions were circuitous and seemingly worried about Lin Da, yet every bit of Lin Da''s plight she learned of secretly delighted her.


    The worse Lin Da fared, the happier she became.


    After chatting for a while longer, Aiko prepared to take her leave, not wanting to give Lin Da the cheap satisfaction of her being at his beck and call.


    On her way out, she took out ten gold coins from her bag and gave them to Lin Da.


    Creating a team required a hundred gold, and even if Lin Da had the dumb luck to recruit new team members, he still wouldn''t have the money to create the team.


    He could onlye and beg her.


    The little abacus in Aiko''s mind cked away merrily.


    "Lin Da, remember toe find me if you encounter any troubles, okay? Although we''re not teammates anymore, we''re still friends."


    Outside the Tyrannosaurus Barbecue Restaurant, Aiko sat in her wheelchair, waving goodbye reluctantly.


    Lin Da stepped out to see her off, holding the little bag full of personable gold coins and couldn''t help but sigh: Aiko was indeed much strongerpared to Lia.


    Behind him, envious and jealous stares were cast his way, with some drunken adventurers wailing bitterly out of sheer envy.


    "I want a beautiful girl to visit me too, and give me gold coins!"


    "Ten gold coins! I risked my life in the Mystic Realm today, and I only earned three!"


    "This guy seems to have changed his profession to level 0, right? Should we beat him up?"


    Thest remark was made by a lean adventurer with a Mohican haircut, grinning mischievously.


    To his surprise, as soon as Mohican finished speaking, a light arrow whizzed in from outside, grazing his scalp and leaving a small pit in the wall.


    Mohican touched the patch of missing hair on his head, his face turning deathly pale.


    A little lower, and his head would have had an extra bloody hole!


    This incident had everyone quiet as mice, promptly zipping their lips.


    At the entrance of the barbecue restaurant, Aiko waved her delicate white magic wand with a smile, saying, "Whoever bullies Lin Da, don''t me me for bullying them back, okay? Also, my level isn''t the 23rd level that''s rumored outside¡ªin fact, I just reached level 24 yesterday."


    Level 24, absolutely a top figure in White Dove City.


    The adventure team members felt a chill run up the backs of their necks and forcedughter, saying:


    "Who would be so short-sighted as to provoke Lin Da, eh? We''re lucky he doesn''t bully us, hahaha..."


    "Exactly, exactly."


    "A level 24 beautying to Sparrow District to visit teammates? I''m damn near turning into a ''lemon spirit'' magical creature!"


    Lin Da watched the group''s feigned performance and couldn''t help but chuckle, "Aiko, you should stop bullying adventurers of level five or six; it''ll be a joke if word gets out."


    "Well, they were the ones who said they wanted to beat up my old teammate," Aiko puffed her cheeks, and her attempt at looking cute froze all the adventurers secretly watching inside, turning them into a collective group of ''lemon spirits,'' with jealousy flowing everywhere.


    "I''m off then," Aiko waved her hand.


    "Take care on your way back, although I think others might need to be more careful around you..." Lin Da joked.


    A High-Level Light Mage from Holy Light Church at level 24, respected and awe-inspiring anywhere in White Dove City.


    Lin Da turned and re-entered the Tyrannosaurus Barbecue Restaurant.


    Little did he know that no sooner had Aiko left than the drunk Mohican, driven by his drunkenness and feeling mortified, began to clench his fists with an annoyed expression as he tried to stand up: "You little... You made me lose face..."


    "Sit down."


    Lin Da''s hand was on Mohican''s shoulder.


    Thetter obediently sat back down.


    He didn''t get up again even as Lin Da brushed past him.

 Chapter 38: 38, but he is very fast.

    The adventurers sitting at the same table, caught up in the excitement, curiously asked, "What''s wrong, weren''t you going to teach that ''Eye of Wisdom'' a lesson?"


    "He''s so strong," Mohican''s voice trembled.


    "What''s strong?"


    Hispanions grew even more puzzled.


    "His strength... it''s so damn strong!"


    Mohican''s eyes bulged, his voice cracking like a drake''s: "I''m a Level 4 warrior, yeah, I might have lost some strength from the booze, that''s true, but I shouldn''t be overpowered and forced back to my seat by a Level 0 recovery ss, should I?"


    When they heard the reason, they all froze, staring in astonishment at Lin Da sitting at the innermost table. A Level 0 healer stronger than a Level 4 warrior, what kind of top-tier ss was that?


    Mohican shook his head and approached Lin Da''s table, holding arge mug and snickering with a sycophantic smile.


    "I overheard your conversation with thatdy earlier. You''re forming a team, and it seems you''re recruiting, right? How about me?"


    His attitude had improved significantly, and he spoke with considerable respect.


    Lin Da nced at him and shook his head.


    "No way, you''re too weak."


    The simple and direct reason left Mohican dispirited and downcast.


    Lin Da indeed needed people, but he wasn''t going to take just any Tom, Dick, or Harry.


    He intended to recruit those with potential,panions to reach the summit of the World Tree with him.


    On the surface, Lin Da was polite, but his pride was greater than anyone else''s.


    After shooing Mohican away, he and Kafni devoured the barbecue on the table like a whirlwind.


    At 10 p.m., the two left the restaurant.


    On the way, they stopped at an equipment shop and spent 3 Gold Coins to buy a Level 0 longsword and a short sword each.


    As for why a ''Healing Mage'' like him used a longsword instead of a magic wand, the reason was simple.


    In the early stages of a healer ss, there are no attack skills; the damage from a Normal Attack with a magic wand is much lower than that from a longsword.


    "Slimes, goblins, littleva creatures, all await to be turned into my experience points!"


    Lin Da patted his round belly, and he and Kafni wobbled their way back to their rental.


    After a night of resting and building up energy, tomorrow he would go out into the wild to farm slimes and level up.


    This feeling, akin to pioneering a new ount in a game, excited Lin Da.


    In his three years on the Mystic Continent, his Otherworld journey was finally about to begin in earnest.


    ...


    Late at night, at the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s vi.


    Aiko had just returned from the Sparrow District.


    As soon as she pushed open the door, she saw the living room bright as daylight, with a red-haired girl sitting there sipping coffee with a stern face.


    She held a thick book, scratching her head, stomping her foot, her eyes bulging like brass bells.


    This one, she couldn''t possibly struggle to recognize each character, could she?


    A faint look of disdain shed through Aiko''s eyes.


    "Where did you go?" Lia threw her book aside, lifted her head, saw the food box in Aiko''s arms, furrowed her brows, and asked in a bad tone.


    Aiko had considered brushing it off.


    But seeing the other''s nauseating demeanor, she snorted coldly inside, her face smiling while she calmly said, "I went to see how Lin Da was doing."


    The coffee Lia was bringing to her mouth sprayed out.


    "You... never mind, it''s none of my business, go if you want to."


    Lia looked indifferent, picked up the book again, and continued to flip through it.


    "Don''t you want to know what happened?"


    Aiko raised an eyebrow: "Don''t want to know how Lin Da''s been since he left the team?"


    "I don''t..."


    "Speak."


    Lia was about to deny interest, but suddenly changed her mind and coldly said, "Don''t misunderstand, ''know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster,'' now that Lin Da is an enemy of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, as the captain, it''s necessary to know the enemy''s information."


    As if your brain could even take inspiration from a famous quote.


    When Lin Da was part of the team, he often spoke about knowing the enemy and oneself. But now, in Lia''s words, Lin Da had somehow be that ''Magical Creature.''


    It was rather amusing.


    Aiko hummed sarcastically to herself.


    She didn''t rush to answer Lia, just leaving her hanging on purpose.


    Aiko went to the opposite side of the table, put down the food box, opened it, and scooped a bit of mushroom soup into her mouth.


    So salty, too much salt added.


    Aiko''s face showed bitterness.


    "Hey, why are you not talking anymore? Does Lin Da feel regretful?"


    Unable to hold back, Lia asked anxiously.


    She looked ridiculous, like a clown. Aiko covered her mouth and snickered.


    Bowing her head until she had her fill ofughter, Aiko then coughed and recounted what happened at the Tyrannosaurus Barbecue Restaurant.


    After hearing the story, a hint of disdain appeared on Lia''s face.


    "Street stall barbecue for the poor? That''s what they eat?"


    On the table, there were lunch boxes delivered from a high-end restaurant.


    Any single dish inside cost ten times what Lin Da spent on a meal at the barbecue shop.


    A spoonful of caviar alone cost a Gold Coin.


    The wealth disparity was crystal clear.


    She also heard from Aiko that Lin Da had be level 0, switching to a ss she had never heard of before.


    "No wonder I felt his presence weakened. Daring to leave the team at level 0, he''s truly arrogant."


    "Mixing it up with women from the tavern, hiding in Sparrow District eating lower-ss people''s barbecue, heh, Lin Da has really fallen."


    Lia seemed to regain her confidence.


    She was the genius Swordsman of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Even without a Healer, she could still lead the team to be the strongest adventure squad in White Dove City.


    That meant she would trample Lin Da''s team underfoot.


    "I''ve decided," Lia said to Aiko, "we''re going to reach the 15th floor in three months and be an ''Iron Level'' adventure team."


    Once you reach the 15th floor, you can be called an Iron adventure team and get more privileges from the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Priority purchase of Magical Equipment, resources, exploration of newly discovered wild Mystic Realms, and various discounts...


    But Aiko voiced her concern, "Reaching the 15th floor in three months? Isn''t that too rushed?"


    The rmended strategy level for the 15th floor is 30.


    In contrast, the levels of the Snow Goose Adventure Team members:


    23rd level zing Swordsman, Lia.


    24th level High-Level Light Mage, Aiko.


    21st level Heavy Armored Warrior, Klrona.


    20th level Wind Archer, Klyne.


    20th level Hammer Warrior, Oru.


    20th level new Healer, Phyllis.


    The average level was around 22.


    With these people, pass the 15th floor rmended at strategy level 30?


    Has their brain malfunctioned?


    Aiko said sternly, "I think the current strength of the Snow Goose Adventure Team is not enough to clear the 15th floor."


    "I know, but we can level up as we clear the floors," Lia confidently replied.


    "I feel like I''m about to grasp a new ''Ultimate Skill.'' As long as everyone follows my lead, with your ''Rain of Light,'' and my ''Energy Charging'' and ''me sh,'' no Guardian can withstand our team''s damage. We''ll definitely clear the 15th floor."


    Aiko was left silently worried.


    The idea seemed beautiful.


    But Magical Creatures won''t just stand still and let you hit them, right?


    Charging ahead? More like heading to their doom?


    The way Phyllis casts her Healing Art, slow as msses, she couldn''t be relied upon in a crisis.


    Aiko had clearly noticed during their time in the Twisted Forest at level 9, that the skillful new Healer chanted her Healing Art as slow as a snail, not even half as fast as Lin Da.


    It''s nice to have a high healing capacity, but if the healing is too slow, the frequency is also slow.


    Phyllis would move once, and Lin Da would have already moved many times.


    So, the total amount of healing is simr, right?


    Under this premise, the faster the frequency, the better.


    However, Lia couldn''t seem to grasp this.


    But Aiko thought, even if that person figured it out, they''d probably be too stubborn to admit it.

 Chapter 39: 39, Announcement from the World Tree Sanctum

    Aiko sighed.


    Let''s not talk about the gap between healers for now.


    Lia, being a swordsman, rushing headlong into things is one thing.


    But as a frail mage, not even standing in the back is safe, so how could she possibly join the charge?


    Seeing Lia''s spirited expression, Aiko knew talking her out of it was futile.


    Anyway, she has no ns to stay long in Snow Goose, so whatever happenster is none of her business.


    She thus adopted the stance of a bystander, waiting to see how Lia would trip up.


    "But speaking of which, why must it be three months to reach the 15th level?"


    Aiko wondered aloud.


    Four months, five months, wouldn''t they do?


    Could that day hold some special significance for Lia?


    "You haven''t seen this yet, here, someone from the Adventurer''s Guild just brought this over."


    Lia, excited, handed a flyer to Aiko.


    She didn''t know what was on it that could have revived Lia from her dejection.


    Curious, Aiko took the flyer and saw a lush, towering World Tree in the background, with a small World Tree totem in the upper right corner.


    Her face changed instantly, and she couldn''t help but exim, "An announcement from the World Tree Sanctum?"


    The World Tree Sanctum, the most mysterious and significant power across the Mystic Continent!


    All its members were personally appointed by the Goddess, their most loyal followers, usually unseen and elusive.


    Thest time they appeared to the public eye was a thousand years ago.


    Upon their emergence, they issued the Divine Decree of the World Tree Goddess: ''The seal of the Demon Realm is about to break; to encourage adventurers to march forth, we will increase the rewards within the World Tree Secret Realm.''


    One could say, when the World Tree Sanctum makes a move, they bring news that shakes the entire continent.


    Seeing Aiko''s increasingly serious expression, Lia confidently puffed out her chest, "This time, the World Tree Sanctum brings another Divine Decree from the Goddess! In three months, one hundred thousand stones of the brave will descend into the World Tree Secret Realm, the higher theyer, the higher the chance of obtaining the stones of the brave!"


    "Those who obtain these stones will be heroes, led by the Chosen Heroes of the Divine Realm, together to save the world and defeat the Demon King!"


    "This is true adventure, fighting for themon people, earning powerful equipment, the respect of everyone, even nobles will have to give way to us!"


    Lia, thrilled, stood up, grabbed the Heavy Sword me Devourer that was leaning against the sofa, and swung it around the hall.


    Red Fire Series Battle Qi, like a zing stream of light, circled around the girl, giving her an especially dashing look.


    Simply put, she was so excited that she swung her weapon wildly.


    Lia ced the greatsword back in front of the sofa and, wiping the sweat from her forehead, her face broke into a smile:


    "One hundred thousand stones of the brave, though these brave ones seem slightly inferior to the Chosen Heroes, there are more of them, increasing our chances to be heroes. Me, you, Klyne, and everyone, we all have to be part of the Hero Team!"


    "I think it''s not that simple,"


    Contrasting with Lia''s overflowing confidence, Aiko felt a tinge of unease.


    She put down the flyer and said heavily, "Are the stones of the brave so easy to obtain? If they exist in the Public Grand Secret Realm and happen to be discovered by two teams simultaneously..."


    Usually, given that they are from the same city''s adventure teams, they would try to resolve it peacefully.


    But with the stones of the brave at stake, could everyone still uphold their morals?


    Lia thought the stones of the brave were opportunities given by the World Tree Goddess.


    Aiko didn''t see it that way.


    This was purely a cruel game of Venomous Insects, only the strongest adventurers who survived could obtain the stone of the brave and qualify to challenge the Demon King!


    ording to this flyer, three monthster, one hundred thousand Hero Stones will descend, with every fifth level in the Great Mystery Continent being a cut-off point, the higher you go, the higher the chances.


    No wonder Lia wants to reach the fifteenth level within three months, as she wants to increase her chances of obtaining a Hero Stone.


    "The person who bes a hero will gain many privileges."


    Lia had taken the flyer back and, looking at the small print at the bottom, said eagerly,


    "Even the most ordinary hero can be granted the title of Honorary Baron and even be a VIP of the World Tree Sanctum! The requests of a hero will be fulfilled once by the World Tree Sanctum, depending on the hero''s level! That''s what it says, impressive, right?"


    "What did you say? They will fulfill a hero''s request as much as possible?"


    Aiko''s attention was suddenly caught.


    She didn''t have any special thoughts about bing a hero and subduing the Demon King.


    But to be a hero and then be able to make a request to the World Tree Sanctum?


    That was very tempting.


    Given the scale and power of the World Tree Sanctum, they could fulfill most of an adventurer''s wishes.


    It felt like there was a cat wing at Aiko''s heart; she couldn''t help but wonder if she could request the World Tree Sanctum to make a certain adventurer her personal pet.


    very had been abolished a thousand years ago, but the pet system still existed; no one had ruled that pets couldn''t be human.


    Heroes must y with their pets every day to have the strength to subdue Magical Creatures.


    Aiko, who initially had no particr thoughts about bing a hero, suddenly had sparkling eyes and unconsciously squeezed her legs together.


    In her mind, she imagined Da kneeling on the ground, wearing brown dog ears, eagerly barking and pleading, and touching her toes with his tongue, begging for rewards.


    "Teehee, teeheeheeheeheehee..."


    A slightly spine-chillingughter uncontrobly erupted from Aiko''s throat.


    Lia was startled and looked at her unexpectedly, "You want to be a hero that badly?"


    "Not really,"


    Aiko quickly changed the subject, "What about you? If you be a hero, what would you ask from the World Tree Sanctum?"


    "Me?"


    When it came to this topic, Lia''s expression suddenly turned cold, and she snorted, saying, "Need you ask."


    "Da owes this youngdy an apology."


    Lia had already nned how she would use the hero''s privileges once she became one.


    First, to have Da publicly apologize to her.


    Rumors had spread that she was an unqualified team leader, prompting Da, who was a Healer, to leave.


    Because of this, several merchants who coborated with the Snow Goose Adventure Team stopped seeking their endorsements.


    The second is the blonde woman; she must return the p she received.


    Lia looked at the flyer in her hand, her lips involuntarily curling.


    Once she became a hero, Da would definitely regret leaving the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    No matter what kind of teammates Da had, she would be infinitely stronger than any of them.


    "You were given the chance to be a future mythical-level adventure group member, and you didn''t cherish it. Don''t me this youngdy for being merciless."


    Lia thought to herself darkly.


    She envisioned herself decadester, bathed in glory, having in the Demon King, and cheered on by thousands.


    And in the crowd, hiding an unsessful adventurer.


    That adventurer would be none other than the regretful Da!

 Chapter 40: 40. Mid-version, a major autumn event is coming!

    Last night, Lia, who was excited about the prospect of bing a Hero, practiced her swordsmanship until the early morning, not resting until she was utterly exhausted.


    What she didn''t know was that Aiko, in the room next door, was also practicing through meditation.


    And she stayed up eventer than Lia.


    They weren''t the only ones.


    Following the announcement from the World Tree Sanctum, the entire continent and all its races were in an uproar.


    To be a Hero, to gain the favor of the World Tree Sanctum.


    This opportunity could even affect entire races.


    Humans had always been the strongest race on the Mystic Continent, with the Beastmen and Elves ranking below them.


    The one hundred thousand Hero Stones gave the Beastmen and Elves a glimmer of hope.


    They had to obtain more Hero Stones, surpass the humans!


    Adventurers from all races were eager to try their luck.


    The number of visits to the World Tree had doubled since that day.


    Everything was in preparation to climb higher up the World Tree before the Hero Stones descended, increasing the chances of receiving one.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    On a dirt road in the Sparrow District.


    The dpidated houses under the cover of night were like unsightly bulges.


    The road was littered with trash of daily life, and asionally, there were piles of excrement, releasing an unpleasant stench in the heat of the summer.


    But the adventurers here were ustomed to it.


    The Sparrow District might be a bit rundown, but at least it was within White Dove City, just a three or four-hour walk from the Secret Realm Square.


    In contrast, outside the high walls of White Dove Cityy a barren wilderness.


    Even if there were towns to stay in, they weren''t safe; one had to always be wary of Magical Creatures attacking from the wilderness, and even more so of their own kind.


    Within White Dove City, the safety, along with the proximity to the World Tree, made the Sparrow District seem not so bad after all.


    In the darkness of the night, a drunk man and woman approached.


    Lin Da was supporting the unsteady Kafni, and couldn''t help but cover his nose with a look of disgust on his face.


    This Deity was too weak.


    After just three big cups of Wheat Beer, she was stumbling and even vomited on his clothes.


    Luckily they had set out together; had Kafni gone out alone, she most likely would have passed out at the entrance of the barbecue joint, bing easy prey for opportunistic adventurers.


    Therge white panda bear would have been thoroughly plundered.


    "Slow, slow down a bit."


    "I''m going to throw up again."


    Weakints from Kafni could be heard emanating from her throat.


    Lin Da helplessly stopped, waiting for Kafni to catch her breath before moving on.


    When they passed the Adventurer''s Guild in the Sparrow District, he went inside. A bit of cool air in the lobby and some free hot water should make Kafni feel better.


    The Adventurer''s Guild was not very crowdedte at night; the lobby was lined with rows of chairs like a bank from Lin Da''s previous life, and at the far end were several windows for attending to various adventurer affairs.


    Lin Da made Kafnifortable in a chair and went to get a paper cup of water.


    At the water dispenser, there was arge wooden board next to it, and in the center was a notice containing a trace of Magic Power.


    As background, there was the verdant World Tree, emanating a firefly-like glow. Around the edges of the notice were gilt lines for decoration, clearly setting it apart from the other ordinary notices.


    "An announcement from the World Tree Sanctum?"


    Lin Da nced over the content and had an epiphany.


    Unbeknownst to him, therge autumn event, "Hero''s Descent," had already begun in the mid-phase of the "Mystic Continent" game version 1.0.


    Put simply, this was an event concocted by game nners to boost performance by draining the wallets of yers.


    Ten thousand Hero Stones were to be ced into the World Tree, with higher floors offering an increased chance of a Hero Stone drop when opening treasure chests.


    In order to tackle higher floors, yers could only open their wallets and let themselves be harvested like plump cash cows by the nners.


    Within the game, the obtained Hero Stones could be traded, and their use was to obtain the ''Chosen Hero'' title, boosting all attributes by a percentage.


    Such percentage-increasing items have always been the favorites of big spenders.


    Lin Da had once ground away a whole month to gain two Hero Stones.


    However, reality and the game were dissimr; in the Mystic Continent of reality, Hero Stones that were dropped enabled career advancement for the user, earning them the suffix ''World Tree Brave,'' and they were bound to individuals, making them non-tradable.


    Already chosen by Kafni as the Chosen Hero, what would happen if he gained another Hero Stone?


    It couldn''t just go to waste, could it?


    To figure out the effect of the Hero Stone on him, Lin Da went to the World Tree Goddess statue in the hall.


    He wished to see that grand and beautiful female.


    Besides inquiring about the use of the Hero Stone, he had another significant matter and hoped to get answers directly from the World Tree Goddess.


    As for the water he was supposed to retrieve for Kafni, Lin Da had forgotten it aside.


    Drinking itter wouldn''t be a problem, right?


    Little did he know, at that very moment, Kafni was parched, dizzy, and drowsily waiting while leaning on a chair.


    Upon closer inspection, she saw not only had Lin Da failed to fetch the water, but he had also gone to the World Tree Goddess statue and was praying with hands sped and a solemn expression.


    "Huh?"


    Kafni''s eyes bulged in surprise.


    As a Deity herself, she felt a strong sense of betrayal toward Lin Da''s immoral act.


    You are the hero chosen by me, so why are you getting so close to another god?


    Lin Da had confided in her about the legendary skill "World Tree Goddess''s Blessing."


    It seemed the other party took quite a fancy to the hero she had chosen!


    "Damn Goddess, don''t steal someone else''s hero!" Kafni shouted in her heart, unable to ept this.


    Meanwhile, back to Lin Da.


    He closed his eyes and prayed sincerely to the statue.


    In the call of thete night, would the World Tree Goddess respond?


    Lin Da prayed silently with a sliver of hope.


    But it only took three seconds.


    In a dark vision, the World Tree Goddess with luscious emerald hair, appeared, motherly and affectionate!


    This time, perhaps to amodate Lin Da''s race, the World Tree Goddess had reduced her towering height from over five meters to around one meter seventy.


    The World Tree Goddess had a slender figure with curvy assets. Her long emerald dress, made of leaves, snugly wrapped her exaggerated physique, and her bare, tender feet floated slightly in the air, untouched by any filth.


    Her soft face shone with a motherly glow, her ample bosom swaying gently with each breath, like the heavilyden fruits of maturity.


    Facing this goddess, an incarnation of the world''s will, Lin Da dared not cast an improper nce.


    He sensed this ce to be akin to a spiritual realm and controlled his conscience to bow his head, his right hand on his chest, slightly bending forward to perform amon adventurer''s greeting.


    Lin Da respectfully said, "Great World Tree Goddess, please forgive myte-night intrusion. I havee with questions and hope to receive your answers."


    "Not at all, please speak your mind, and I will answer your questions as best as I can," said the World Tree Goddess with a smile. Her fingers, as delicate as young shoots, gently lifted, and a soothing breeze helped Lin Da straighten himself.


    "Also, dear hero, you may call me Tricia, that is my name."

 Chapter 41: 41. Lin Das Problem

    ```


    Chosen Hero?


    Lin Da felt a very strange sensation deep inside when the World Tree Goddess referred to him in such a manner. To be addressed as a superior by the Mother of All Things, the will of the world, seemed incredibly thrilling.


    He boldly lifted his head, gazing directly at the mature woman with lush green hair before him.


    The World Tree Goddess, named Tricia, was barefoot with her pure and pretty feet, her hands elegantly intertwined in front of her like a noble and dignifieddy.


    Her bosom, seemingly capable of nurturing all living beings, was adorned with a faint smile, exuding a sacred and invible noble aura.


    A thousand words coalesced into three in Lin Da''s heart.


    So big!


    They were like two ripe grapefruits hanging from a delicate fruit tree.


    If this were reality, one nce would scream fake, absolutely filled with silicone.


    But this is another world, where it''s quite normal for things to be oversized.


    Lin Da diverted his gaze, worried his body might act indecently.


    He coughed once and got to the point.


    "Lady Tricia, I have a question I hope you can answer."


    "As a Chosen Hero selected by the beings of the Divine Realm, what would happen if I obtained another Hero''s Stone within the World Tree Secret Realm?"


    "Please don''t worry," Tricia did not be angry due to his disrespectful gaze, but said with a light smile, "The Hero''s Stone cannot override your ss, but it will transform into magic power and enter your body. Please try to obtain as many Hero''s Stones as possible to strengthen yourself."


    "I see."


    Lin Da nodded his head and then somewhat sheepishly said, "Is it possible for you to lend me more assistance? As a Chosen Hero, my current power feels quite inadequate to confront the Demon King."


    "Chosen Hero... are you, asking me for help?"


    Tricia''s surprise was evident as her mouth opened slightly; she hadn''t expected this Hero to be so greedy.


    Having received a skill of exceptional caliber like ''Blessing of the World Tree Goddess'' and still not satisfied, he was asking for more from her.


    "I am sorry, Chosen Hero, but I cannot grant you any more power."


    "ording to the rules between nes, the predetermined ten thousand Hero''s Stones are already the greatest assistance I can offer to this world. All I can do is watch silently and bless you as you seek to reach the deepest part of the World Tree."


    "Is that so."


    Lin Da felt a tinge of regret and after thinking for a moment, said, "How about this? I happen to have a Goddess on my side, could I trade her with you?"


    "I believe that your assistance in the battle against the Demon King would be greater than hers."


    "Eh...?"


    Tricia blinked, remaining speechless for a while, emitting an embarrassed sound from her throat.


    "Chosen Hero, that won''t do."


    For the first time in millennia, Tricia, as the will of the world, felt a disturbance in her calm emotions.


    "I can''t trade?" Lin Da said with disappointment, "Then, I have another question I hope to have answered."


    Lin Da''s expression grew serious.


    "Could you tell me the whereabouts of my sister, Lin Xi?"


    This was his true objective.


    With his sister Lin Xi missing inside the World Tree, it seemed only logical that Tricia, as the World Tree Goddess, would know something.


    However, the other party fell silent for a moment.


    "Although I cannot answer your question, what I can tell you is that on the fourthyer of the World Tree, you will find the answer you seek."


    "Please show your abilities and conquer the World Tree Secret Realm as soon as possible."


    The figure and voice of Tricia became more and more faint, eventually disappearing with a breeze.


    Lin Da''s consciousness also returned to his body located in the halls of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    The voice of the World Tree Goddess echoed in his mind, his heart pounding wildly.


    Just as he suspected, the fourthyer of the Secret Realm indeed held clues about his sister''s disappearance.


    The long-sought answer, seemingly within reach after three years of painstaking search, stirred excitement in Lin Da.


    Having learned both his sister''s possible location and the purpose of the Hero''s Stone from this conversation, Lin Da''s goal had been achieved.


    ```


    His spirits lifted considerably, he was full of anticipation to form a team and return to the day when they would revisit the World Tree.


    Just as he was about to leave the statue, Tricia''s voice rang out in his ear again:


    [Chosen Hero, there is one thing I forgot to remind you. Remember, do not let anyone know the identity of the Chosen Hero, otherwise, it will be detrimental to you.]


    "I understand,"


    Lin Da replied in his mind.


    Among those Magical Creatures from the Demon Realm, there were many skilled in hypnosis and interrogating souls with evil methods.


    Even if the secret of the Chosen Hero were told only to those he trusted the most, there was still a risk of exposure.


    Therefore, concealing his identity was the safest option for him.


    After waiting for a moment, Tricia''s voice did not sound again¡ªshe must have left.


    Lin Da returned to Kafni''s side with the hot water.


    The other gazed at him with a deep look: "Where did you go?"


    "Fetching hot water," Lin Da panicked for no reason, feeling a chill at the back of his neck.


    "You''re hiding something from me; you met with that guy, didn''t you?" Kafni pointed at the World Tree Goddess''s statue and said indignantly, "Have you made clear your stance, why does the hero I chose go to pray to another? You should be praying to this Goddess!"


    Thankfully, it waste at night with few people around, and even if someone heard, they took Kafni''s words for drunken ramblings.


    Lin Da hurriedly poured the hot water down her throat, to stop Kafni''s mouth.


    Spilled liquid trickled down Kafni''s pure white neck and into her cleavage. Drunk as she was, she remainedpletely oblivious to her disheveled appearance and partly exposed snowy white shoulder.


    "Pray, pray at home. What if spies from the Demon Realm spot us here?"


    Lin Da, sweating profusely, hoisted the tipsy Kafni onto his back.


    ...


    By the time they returned to the rental house, it was 1 AM.


    Lin Da dumped Kafni, who was limp as mud, onto the couch.


    This girl, she should recover after a night''s sleep, he thought.


    He hoped she wouldn''t drag him down during tomorrow''s fight against Magical Creatures.


    Lin Da sighed softly.


    When he got to bed, he found his mind active and alert, unable to sleep.


    Perhaps it was too much anticipation for the morrow,


    he simply sat up and began his meditation.


    He''d im his ''guaranteed Experience Points'' for the day first.


    Come to think of it, this was his first time cultivating since leaving the group¡­


    Having experienced leveling up the Healer to level 15, Lin Da found this time easier.


    Knowledge about cultivation shed through his mind:


    Absorb the Magic Energy Group from the air into the body, refine it, and then channel it into the core within the spiritual world, bit by bit strengthening its power.


    This was the foundation of all adventurers, whether Battle Qi or Magic Power, both were carried by the core.


    Lin Da closed his eyes, focussing inward.


    Gradually, he arrived in a pitch-ck spiritual world.


    Looking up, he saw a lonely, diamond-shaped verdant core hanging in the sky.


    Using the core as an ''eye,'' a monstrous ouroboros, colossal as mountains and beasts, was coiled in phantom.


    As Lin Da''s body operated the Meditation Method, a dim star lit up around the core¡ªthe ''eye'' of the ouroboros.


    This was Lin Da''s ss Totem.


    A behemoth symbolizing strength and wisdom, Ouroboros.


    In the Mystic Continent, every profession has its own symbolic totem and a corresponding Star Map within the spiritual world.


    When an adventurer gains a level, an additional star lights up around the core.

 Chapter 43: 43. Slay a family of three Magical Creatures

    Ordinary slimes appear blue, a water series, and it is only when they are struck by lightning on a rainy day that they might transform into Thunder Slimes, a rare sight in the wilderness.


    ''May the World Tree Goddess''s blessings protect me in reality as well,'' Lin Da thought to himself.


    He took the Thunder Slime''s task scroll off the notice board.


    It is worth mentioning that this task was of a "public" type. Even if Lin Da epted it, other adventurers could still ept it too. Whoeverpleted it first would receive the reward from the employer.


    It depended on both luck and speed, making it one of the less favorable types of missions.


    The advantage, however, was the high reward, which could go up to 100 Gold Coins.


    Lin Da took the scroll to register the task.


    During the process, he saw a stack of leaflets next to the counter, picked them up for a look, and curiously asked the staff, "Can anyone register for this?"


    "Mhm, but only single adventurers."


    "Then please register me for it."


    ...


    Kafni had been waiting outside for quite a while before she saw Lin Dae out.


    "How can registering for a task take longer than taking a shit?" Kafniined.


    Lin Da smiled without exining.


    He had epted a total of two tasks, and the other, if luck was on his side, could him an easy 300 Gold Coins.


    But he didn''t hold out much hope; it was just something he did on the side. His main objective for the day was still to hunt slimes.


    Lin Da hailed a carriage on the street, paid one silver coin as the fare, and set off with Kafni to the wilderness of White Dove City.


    Half an hourter, the majestic city walls gradually came into view.


    Like an endless earth dragon, they encircled White Dove City, which was centered around the World Tree, forming a circle.


    The walls stood fifty meters high, and the brown, mottled walls were filled with the weight of the years. Huge Magic Circles operated day and night, the terrifying aura they emitted enough to deter most Magical Creatures.


    Looking at those giant walls that stood tall like giants, Lin Da couldn''t help but think of the background setting for the Mystic Continent.


    Starting a thousand years ago, the seal on the Demon Realm began to loosen, and an increasing number of Magical Creatures came to the Mystic Continent through the cracks.


    They adapted to the environment here at an unbelievable speed and reproduced wildly.


    Before the adventurers could react, the creatures had already taken over half of the continent.


    Even after numerousrge-scale expeditions, the Magical Creatures always found ways to hide like flies and mosquitoes.


    Just when the adventurers had a chance to breathe and looked back, they were horrified to find that, like crops that could not be fully harvested, a new batch of creatures had sprung up!


    The terrifying rate of reproduction and ever-growing strength added increasing pressure on the adventurers.


    Luckily, as a starting point for new yers in the game, White Dove City was considered a rtively safe area.


    Lin Da spread out a prepared map in the carriage.


    Their destination was the Barren ins to the south of the Scorching Gorge.


    The area was primarily inhabited by slimes and blood-sucking mosquitoes, all low-level Magical Beasts ranging from levels 0 to 3, perfect for practice.


    Near the city gate, many adventurers lined up, exiting the city one after another.


    A burly coachman greeted Lin Da, "Young man, care for a ride? First ride of the day, I''ll give you a 20% discount!"


    The carriage Lin Da was currently in only provided service within the city, and coachmen with the ability to drive in the wilderness were all high-level adventurers.


    "To the Barren ins, what''s the price?"


    "t rate, two Gold Coins!" the coachman said cheerfully.


    Two Gold Coins was enough for an ordinary person''s everyday expenses for two months.


    Although it pained Lin Da, he said nothing.


    Such is the life of an adventurer; money flows like water.


    As soon as you venture into the wilderness or Mystic Realms, everything costs more than ten times as much.


    ...


    An hourter, the carriage arrived at its destination.


    The wind blew across the wilderness, causing the bushes to sway gently.


    Before their eyes was a world of earthy yellow, indescribably deste.


    "Good luck to you!"


    The coachman set Lin Da and hispanion down from the carriage, and then drove away.


    "Is this the Barren ins? Why don''t I see any Magical Creatures?"


    Kafni looked around, only to see the uneven ground everywhere, with an asional bush or a drought-resistant tree that was still stubbornly growing.


    "Observe carefully. Slimes are a very timid type of Magical Creatures. When adventurers enter their territory, they''ll hide immediately."


    Lin Da gripped his one-handed sword, his gaze fixed behind a drought-resistant tree.


    He moved stealthily, holding his breath, and approached step by step.


    When he got within one meter, he clearly saw it, the blue gtinous mass hiding behind the drought-resistant tree.


    Lin Da dashed forward, raising his one-handed sword fiercely towards a round, basin-sized blue sphere!


    sh!


    A strength of 23 points fell upon the fragile body of the Slime.


    "Ying ying!"


    A cry of anguish emanated from the body of the Slime, and before it could feel more pain, its body was already torn apart by Lin Da''s sword.


    A prompt appeared in the system''s message bar:


    [You''ve in a Level 0 water series Slime, obtaining 1 Mystical Point!]


    With the help of system abilities, Lin Da could obtain Mystical Points after killing creatures.


    And Mystical Points could be exchanged for Experience Points at an equal ratio, or used to improve personal cultivation talents, skills proficiency, and more.


    Lin Da did not hesitate to convert it to Experience Points.


    [You''ve used 1 Mystical Point, obtaining 1 Experience Point!]


    The original 1/10 of the experience bar quickly became 2/10.


    At the same time, in the Star Map of his spiritual world, there seemed to be an increase in the luminescence of the Stars surrounding the core.


    A slight smile appeared on Lin Da''s lips, the experience point system was indeed powerful, he had practiced to the point of saturationst night and just added 1 point of experience, and now a casual swing of his swordted him 1 experience point.


    The speed of leveling, sky and earth apart.


    Ying ying, ying ying ying!


    At his feet, two palm-sized blue Slimes scattered and fled, therger Slime he just killed seemed to be their parent.


    "Magical Creatures, die, mighty warrior!"


    Lin Da showed no mercy.


    This tiny Slime, disrupting crops and gnawing at the mud under houses, would even jump onto ordinary people''s heads, smothering them to death ¨C it was a pest like locusts and a despicable Magical Creature.


    A sh of silver, the rusted one-handed sword, the sword moved like a dragon!


    [You''ve in 2 juvenile Slimes, obtaining 1 Mystical Point!]


    After dealing with them, Lin Da''s gaze, sharp as a hawk''s, caught more shapes of Slimes among the bushes.


    Where these creatures passed, they were bound to leave behind faint damp traces.


    He shared this key clue with Kafni, asking her to help him look for them.


    Once found, she was to immediately notify him.


    It was his responsibility to y them, to gain Experience Points!


    In other words, Kafni''s greatest use was to help him find Slimes. As a Summoned Beast, this Deity''s level was linked to his, no need for training. As long as he levelled up, Kafni would level up too.

 Chapter 50: 50. Witch, join my team! (Please follow)

    This shout of "captain" dumbfounded Lin Da.


    It seemed that the lucky NPC he soul-traveled into was really his game''s main character!


    But he never showed his face in the game, he was a masked man. All that was revealed were a pair of eyes, and just with that, they recognized him?


    And to be mistaken for a lust demon who loved the outdoors...


    Lin Da felt the situation was very bad.


    "Huh? You know each other?"


    Kafni, seeing the Beastmen girl withhold her hand and look at Lin Da with a gaze filled with the resentment of being abandoned, couldn''t help but touch her head in confusion.


    "No, I don''t know her," Lin Da hastily denied.


    Given his actions as a yer in the game, even being attacked with a firewood knife a hundred times wouldn''t be too much if it were in reality.


    Not just Lulu, but at least a dozen early characters whom he had maxed out in favor and enhanced stats, and then kicked out of the team, stripping their equipment to sell, when they were no longer needed!


    In their hearts, Lin Da was probably seen as not much different from Lia, or perhaps even worse.


    "Don''t know each other? Hehehe... but it''s enough that I know you,"


    Lulu''s Beastman w extended one finger, directly pointing at Lin Da''s nose tip: "You disappeared for three years, why are you hiding here? And... you''ve gotten weaker? Using your own words, you''re now like a useless small fry, only good for stepping on traps."


    The girl''s words were filled with cold irony.


    Lin Da really wanted to exin that those words were just character lines set in the game, and they didn''t have much to do with him. But Lulu seemed convinced that he was that ''captain''.


    "You''ve got the wrong person, I''m just a passing adventurer." Lin Da pretended not to understand, grabbed Kafni beside him, and said, "The clothes out to dry haven''t been collected, and it''s gettingte. We really need to hurry back."


    Lulu should have noticed that Kafni had an ace up her sleeve, and probably wouldn''t keep pestering? Lin Da tentatively turned his back and, with a face full of confusion, not understanding what was going on, took steps toward the direction of White Dove City with Kafni.


    "Wait!"


    A stern voice came from behind.


    The Beastmen girl behind them leaped into the air, her body spinning in a circle, her fluffy white wolf tail elegantly dancing, and shended firmly, blocking their way.


    Lulu frowned and said, "What do you mean, you''re not the captain?"


    "I think you have the wrong person," Lin Da said awkwardly.


    If he hadn''t been recognized, there was still hope that he could rely on Kafni, his secret weapon, to safely extract himself.


    If he was recognized, it was a different story.


    In the game, he stripped Lulu of her equipment and directly threw it into the great furnace to disintegrate into diamonds for strengthening other characters.


    When that action was tranted into reality, Lin Da was unsure of what exactly it would be, but surely Lulu would not be happy to recognize him as her captain.


    Therefore, he must hide the fact that he was Lulu''s captain!


    "Aren''t you Captain Dai Lian?"


    Lulu coldly walked up to him and peered closely at his face with raised foot.


    "Dai Lian, who is that?" Lin Da asked, puzzled.


    "Dai Lian * Zhao Wo..."


    "..."


    Lin Da suddenly realized.


    No wonder he couldn''t find the ''Rookie Adventurer Team'' aftering to this world. Just like the ID ''Power leveling * Look for me,'' it had all been automatically tranted by this world into names that aligned with this world''s viewpoint and could be understood by normal people!


    Power leveling was tranted into Dai Lian. And the two characters for rookie had also been tranted into something else, more in line with this world''s viewpoint.


    "I am not your Captain Dai Lian, you must have the wrong person," said Lin Da.


    "You''re not the captain of the Primitive Adventure Team?"


    "Primitive Adventure Team? What''s that, I''ve never heard of it!"


    Lin Da''s mouth was muddled, but his heart understood everything. The words "rookie" had been tranted into "Primordial," so he couldn''t find the existence of the Rookie Adventurer Team at all!


    "That''s your alias, I know your real name is Lin Da." Lulu stared into his eyes, "You''re not Lin Da?"


    "Uh, actually my name is ''Li Cha''..."


    Lin Da chuckled dryly.


    He was a little frazzled, how could his name be known by a game character?


    At that moment, he saw Lulu show a thoughtful expression and mutter to herself in a low voice, "That night, you clearly wanted me to call you ''Lin Da,'' did I really recognize the wrong person...?"


    This statement pried open the locked doors of Lin Da''s dusty memories,


    He remembered why Lulu knew his name; it was due to a special scenario triggered after maxing out the affection level in the game.


    On a small hillside filled with birdsong and the scent of flowers, there was a proposal to use a special nickname to privately address the yer who was the team leader.


    This would bring up an input box where yers could type any text.


    What Lin Da had entered was his real name!


    "Aren''t you called..." Kafni looked confused, about to blurt out Lin Da''s name unconsciously.


    "Shh!"


    Lin Da gave her a meaningful look in time, and Kafni, after a moment''s pause, said, "Right, Li, Li Cha? We still have to go home to collect theundry."


    The two of them took the opportunity to attempt an escape while Lulu seemed to be lost in thought.


    But they had barely taken a step before being blocked again.


    "I can''t possibly let you leave." Lulu''s hands turned back into beast ws as she said coldly, "Since you''re not the team leader, just go to your death."


    "What if I am?"


    "Then go die as well."


    "Isn''t that the same thing? Then why did you even ask if I was or not?" Lin Da said, frustrated.


    "Of course it''s different." Lulu shook her head, "If you''re the team leader, you''ll die even more horribly."


    Well, thank you very much.


    Lin Da sighed.


    Seeing Lulu approaching menacingly, with murderous intent, Lin Da''s mind raced,


    If possible, it would be best to preserve Kafni''s Divine Power and settle this matter peacefully.


    Suddenly, he had an idea and asked, "Are you targeting us because you''re worried we''ll reveal your secret?"


    Lin Da did not know what had happened in Scorching Gorge, but judging from the stench of blood that had wafted over, a gruesome battle must have urred, and Lulu did not want word to get out, which is why she had set out to kill them.


    Lulu didn''t answer his question, which was as good as an affirmation.


    Knowing the demands of this Beastmen girl, Lin Da now had a solution.


    Lin Da extended his right hand, looking intently at the Beastmen girl:


    "I won''t reveal your whereabouts. If you don''t trust me, you can join my squad; this way, you can monitor us at all times. Or, do you want to start a fight with the possibility of both sides suffering? That would benefit neither of us!"


    Kafni cooperated by revealing a trace of Divine Power.


    It wasn''t much in quantity, but the sheer terror of its ''quality'' instinctively made Lulu retreat a few steps back.


    She crouched down on all fours like a wild beast, her wolf tail tucked under her body, her expression wary as she watched Kafni.


    Lin Da said, "We don''t want to fight with you either. Joining my squad is the best choice, right?"


    If a regr person invited this Beastmen Witch to join their team, it would be a sure road to death; one might end up with their neck bitten off one night.


    But Lin Da was different; he possessed a key skill, Witch Purification!


    Once a preliminary trust was established and Lulu experienced the sweetness of Purification, bing addicted to it, she might truly be a member of the squad.

 Chapter 54: 54. Relax, the brave hero is about to start operating!

    In the eyes of Lulu, Kafni and I must be eliminated to silence witnesses and destroy evidence. How could she simply leave us and flee?


    Lin Da''s mind raced through various possibilities, such as Lulu being chased by enemies or having a stomachache that required her to... get to a toilet. Or perhaps Aunt Flo had arrived.


    "Look over there!"


    Kafni made a discovery and pointed in surprise at a sticky ck substance on the ground.


    Originally buried in the sand, Kafni could feel a strong evil aura emanating from it.


    Just like a dog that had caught the scent of poop, she quickly pinpointed it.


    Lin Da approached and prodded the ck substance with a stick.


    The stick hissed and smoked, a piece eaten away by the corrosive substance!


    "Yikes, what is this?" Lin Da''s eyes narrowed.


    Kafni said, "There is a strong evil aura inside, belonging to the demons. I guess... it''s the blood of a witch."


    "What?"


    Lin Da frowned.


    Seeing this bloodstain, he immediately understood why Lulu had told them to go ahead.


    Using her powers was not without cost for a witch.


    Combining this with the bloody scent that wafted from Scorching Gorge earlier, some things were not hard to deduce.


    Lulu was in a bad state, worried that in her weakness, she might be attacked by Kafni.


    Lin Da''s mind worked rapidly,


    he had Kafni use divine power to sense Lulu''s location, while he carefully reached out his hand to touch the ck pool of blood on the ground.


    If he wasn''t mistaken, his skill "Witch Purification" should have an effect on this ck blood.


    If this attempt seeded, Lin Da would be much more confident about handling what came next.


    "What are you doing, are you crazy?"


    Seeing him reach towards the ominous ck blood, Kafni was startled and rushed over to stop him.


    By then, "Witch Purification" had already been activated.


    Lin Da''s palm turned a life-giving shade of emerald green.


    The soft glow fell upon the surface of the ck blood, and a miracle urred¡ªthe filthy ck bloodstain was washed away as if by clean water, revealing its true form as regr red blood just like that of any other person!


    Witch Purification was indeed miraculous!


    Lin Da''s confidence surged, and he looked at Kafni seriously, "Find the witch''s location quickly, I... need to purify her!"


    Kafni realized Lin Da''s intentions and a hint of joy shed across her face.


    The two set to work.


    Lin Da couldn''t sense the witch''s aura and could only rely on his eyes, while Kafni sniffed around like a hunting dog, sniffing left and right.


    About a minuteter, Kafni lived up to expectations and made a discovery: "Over here!"


    Hearing the shout, Lin Da quickly ran over.


    "Right here." Kafni pointed to a small mound.


    But isn''t this ce empty?


    Lin Da wondered, puzzled.


    As he observed carefully, he spotted an anomaly.


    Right in the center of the mound, there was evidence of digging by ws of a beast and then covering it back up; the soil there was noticeably looser.


    Quite cautious.


    No different from a beast, even when licking its wounds, it seeks a secluded spot.


    But, sorry, Lin Da would dig her out.


    Lin Da approached the mound, and with a fierce swipe of his hands, he pushed all the loose earth to one side.


    And then, he saw it¡ªa fluffy wolf tail.


    But at this moment, the wolf tail wasn''t as bushy and rxed as usual, looking soft to the touch; instead, it was shrunk and tucked between the legs.


    Lulu herself was curled up like a pill bug, her whole body trembling violently.


    Lin Da bent down and peered into the depths of the crude cave.


    With the faint lighting in from the entrance, he could see that Lulu''s face was devoid of color.


    The beast-man girl was biting her lip tightly, with ck traces of blood seeping from her mouth and nose. She recognized Lin Da''s arrival, but couldn''t react; the intense pain left her only capable of lying in the cave, shivering.


    -100, -104, -109...


    Dark purple numbers indicating damage continuously popped up above Lulu''s head.


    Lin Da''s expression grew much graver.


    At this rate, Lulu might very well bleed out to death!


    He reached out with his palm and cast a Healing Art towards her.


    A green +280 appeared above Lulu''s head.


    Admittedly, this amount of healing was high for a Level 7 Recovery Series adventurer,


    but the problem was, with Lulu losing 100 Hit Points every second, Lin Da''s healing of 280 Hit Points was as good as scratching an itch that couldn''t be reached.


    [System Notification: Witch Lulu''s trust in you +5]


    This message steadied Lin Da''s heart.


    "Rx, let me look at your body, I''m here to help you," he said.


    To avoid any misunderstanding, Lin Da gave a verbal warning before touching Lulu.


    [System Notification: Witch Lulu''s trust in you -6]


    How could it decrease more than it increased?


    In the urgent situation, Lin Da didn''t realize his phrasing was a mistake but instead grasped Lulu''s waist toy her t on her back, making it easier for the subsequent procedures.


    "Huff, huff."


    Heavy breathing sounds became especially noticeable in the cramped cave. Lulu symbolically kicked at Lin Da''s touch and then ran out of strength.


    Lin Da didn''t mind it at all and examined the girl''s body carefully.


    He noticed that her hands were firmly clutching the position of her heart, and it dawned on him: The witch''s setup was exactly the same as in the game!


    In the game, yers had to pay the gamingpany 648 Yuan monthly to continue using the ss of the witch, and if they stopped paying, the witch would sumb to shadows, leaving behind only a corrupted pet beast egg.


    This setting, once turned into reality, would be ''automatically tranted'' to fit the world''s current view.


    Lin Da had read in a misceneous book that witches were described thus: The source of corruption came from the Fallen Insect that the Demon King Satan nted in the girls'' hearts at the time of contract formation.


    The Fallen Insect would grow with the witch, the higher the witch''s level, the faster the Fallen Insect would grow.


    To hasten the day it would hatch, the insect would desperately grant power to the witch.


    When the Fallen Insect matured, it would devour the witch, turning into a Fallen Beast capable of destroying an entire human city.


    Utterly vicious and cruel!


    The Demon King lured the unknowing witches with soothing murmurs, turning them into human bombs ready to explode at any moment!


    In the game, one might simplyment the loss of a character, but in reality, Lin Da truly disapproved of the Demon King''s actions ¨C heartless and deserving of relentless retribution.


    "Lulu, rx your body, open your heart, I''ming!" Lin Da took a deep breath and loudly warned her near her ear.


    Despite suffering from the torment of the Fallen Insect, this earth-shattering statement still startled her back to a brief moment of lucid consciousness, herplexion changed drastically, and she kicked her foot at Lin Da''s head.


    "Get away, you sneaky human who takes advantage of others'' perils!"


    Lulu''s voice was extremely weak, and her kicking leg didn''t have much strength,


    Lin Da directly hugged the nimble and well-shaped right leg in his arms, pressed it to the ground, and used his knee to pin it down, preventing any movement during the purification that might wound him unintentionally.

 Chapter 55: 55, grab my handlebars!

    "You...!" Lulu propped herself up with difficulty, taking deep breaths, her face full of rage as she red at Lin Da.


    She resembled a girl with a 40-degree fever, putting up a feeble resistance.


    Lin Da didn''t pay her any mind and said to Kafni behind him, "Keep watch; don''t let the other adventurerse this way. I''m about to start."


    "Oh." Kafni nced at Lin Da with a worried look. "If that beastman girl bites you to death, remember to scream for help in advance."


    Having said this, Kafni sat on a small mound to keep guard,


    while Lin Da thrust forward abruptly, diving into the cave like a swordfish.


    Thend of the Barren ins was dry and blistering hot,


    and Lin Da felt as if he were next to a piece of human-shaped charcoal.


    The worsening pollution had caused Lulu''s body temperature to rise.


    At this rate, it was very likely to burn up her blood vessels, and even her Magic Circuit!


    The beastman girl didn''t know what Lin Da climbing up was intended to do and stabbed her beast ws toward Lin Da''s throat in panic.


    But at that moment, she was too weak, and Lin Da easily caught one of her hands and pinned it to the ground.


    "Don''t move; I''m trying to help you!"


    Lin Da uttered sternly, his gaze fixed seriously on Lulu as he searched for the entry point for Purification.


    Lulu''s body, however, trembled with embarrassment and anger. Her struggle was futile, and the pollution within her intensified,


    The Fallen Insect in her heart, sensing its host''s impending demise, began to throb with excitement, preparing to break free from its shell.


    Everything was going terribly wrong!


    But, that was also good.


    Lulu thought bitterly, let this insidious human intending to defile her be devoured by the Fallen Beast, serving as her funeral apaniment!


    At this moment, Lin Da finally found the most suitable entry point.


    He said, "Only by having something on you will you not trust me and sincerely join my team, right?"


    What was this guy talking about?


    Lulu couldn''t understand at all and was confused. Didn''t he realize she wasn''t an ordinary beastman but a witch beastman with Witch Power, known as ''Catastrophe Girl''?


    Sincerely join his team? What a joke!


    Lulu only wanted to slit his and Kafni''s throats when they weren''t paying attention!


    "So, I will expose my own vulnerability," Lin Da said calmly.


    What on earth was he talking about?


    Lulu was even more confused.


    She saw Lin Da extend his right hand towards her slowly.


    This human''s voice was deep and resonant, carrying a strange Magic Power that made her involuntarily think of another person¡ªhis gaze was just like the merciless team leader who had used her up and kicked her out of the team with a cold boot.


    Before Lulu could ponder any further, a growl came from above her.


    "Witch, grab onto my vulnerability!"


    "This power will lead you to a bright future!"


    Lin Da, without hesitation, pried open Lulu''s mouth and stuffed his fingers in!


    "Ugh!!!"


    Lulu was shocked, furious, and flustered, the intensity of her emotions stronger than the pain brought on by the pollution re-up!


    What was this human doing?


    This was his ''vulnerability''?


    To grab a bright future by holding his finger in her mouth?


    Lulu thought to herself that if she survived today, she would never let this treacherous human go unpunished!


    And of course, Lin Da wasn''t making an indecorous advance.


    Putting his finger in was a well-considered decision.


    The degree of Witch Purification equaled trust plus contact.


    Lulu''s trust in him was negative; the Purification effect was too weak.


    So the only option was to increase the contact.


    The Fallen Insect was located in the witch''s heart.


    The closer to the heart, the better the Purification effect.


    All things considered, aside from the unusable eleventh finger, Lin Da''s approach was the best choice.


    "It just looks easily misunderstood, that''s all."


    The sensation from his fingers was incredibly peculiar.


    Lin Da felt as if he had entered a warm, wet and slippery waterpark, where a cute little beast was resisting him.


    But with his formidable strength, he easily subdued it.


    Suddenly, a sharp pain struck.


    Tears of humiliation welled up in Lulu''s deep blue eyes as she red at him with a look that could kill,


    her mouth biting down sharply on her own palm.


    Her teeth pierced the skin, and blood, rich in color, began to flow, trickling into Lulu''s mouth.


    Lin Da felt an agonizing pain.


    But he couldn''t afford to exin himself to Lulu, who probably wouldn''t listen to his exnation anyway.


    Only personal action could prove that he hadn''t meant any disrespect to her.


    Lin Da''s mind focused on the core of his spirit world.


    All seven stars that hung like sentinels in the night sky lit up at once.


    Channeling all his magic power into his body.


    "Purification, activate!"


    Lin Da silently called out.


    The magic circuit glowed, and as it operated at full capacity, his entire right arm turned into a lively green color.


    It was the purest essence of life, like the rain of spring or the dew of summer.


    The moment this light appeared, Lulu, beneath him, twitched, and


    a sudden lightness in her body brought an incredulous expression to her face.


    Despite being slight, Lulu distinctly felt some of the tainted blood in her body¡ªckened by Fallen Insect pollution¡ªbeing purified!


    The Fallen Insect in her heart seemed to sense danger, frantically still like an insect facing a bird, cautiously hiding away.


    The pain was lessening, and her strength was gradually returning...


    What kind of magical power was this?


    The damned insects within the witch were familiars of Demon King Satan! To purify Satan''s familiars, wasn''t that proof that this human''s purification power was even greater than the Demon King''s?


    Lulu looked at Lin Da in shock,


    seeing the man drenched in sweat, his entire focus apparently on casting the spell.


    The hand pushed inside her mouth was a vibrant green; warmth kept flowing into her body, like a weary traveler sitting in front of a hearth during a great snow, with a cup of piping hot coffee in hand,fort seeping into the very bones.


    Undoubtedly, the improvement in her condition came from his help!


    But why did this human have such miraculous power, and why help her?


    Not long ago, Lulu had meant to kill him.


    Thank you for reading on m v le_mpyr


    It was Kafni''s presence that made her abandon the thought.


    Yet, deep down, she was still nning to seize an opportunity to dispose of the two of them, to avoid future troubles.


    Lulu couldn''t understand the reason behind his help.


    She hesitated for a moment, then released the bite on Lin Da''s palm.


    The blood from the wound, with a hint of sweetness amidst the metallic taste, fell into her mouth.


    As a werewolf, Lulu couldn''t help but swallow, consuming the blood that had flowed.


    A twinge of guilt flickered within her.


    Her teeth were rather sharp, after all.


    Time ticked by, second by second.


    The emerald glow from the Witch Purification illuminated the cave.


    This hastily dug-out cave was both small and crude; two people crammed inside left hardly any room to spare.


    Inevitably, they clung together like two damp cloths.


    Mostly, it was the ufortable heat of sweat.


    For Lulu, this adventurer, after fighting Magical Creatures all day, reeked of sweat, an unbearable stench.


    With her slight obsession with cleanliness, she could do nothing but endure.


    Lulu could almost sense the breathing from above, Lin Da''s fingers still in her mouth, her pair of deep blue eyes unsure where to look, simply closed them.

 Chapter 57: 57. Purple Equipment: Walnut Wood Magic Sword

    The other party knew she had been to Scorching Gorge,


    wait a few more days, and when the news of the Pdin''s death reached White Dove City, it would be easy to connect it to her.


    Once this got out...!


    Lulu''s eyes shed coldly, she bared her fangs, and looked towards the white wall opposite the bathroom. That was the living room, where she could make a sudden move while the other two were off guard. She was fifty percent confident.


    Only... Lulu hesitated at this thought. After all, ''Li Cha'' had saved her, and she wasn''t heartless or ungrateful; she knew how to repay favors.


    But she really couldn''t understand why the other party had saved her.


    To notify the Holy Light Church in secret, to capture her alive and im the bounty?


    The reward for her capture wasn''t small at all...


    "Roar~!"


    The girl''s throat let out a wolf-like growl of annoyance that she couldn''t suppress, and she gently pounded her fist against the fog-covered wall.


    The ample fruits shook with the movement.


    She couldn''t see through that detestable human''s thoughts!


    It felt like she had walked into a trap, yet she couldn''t find any evidence, a frustration that made her feel defeated!


    Was ''Li Cha'' hiding something, was he really the ''Lin Da'' she was looking for?


    When Lulu was pinned down in the cave by that person, she had originally intended to bite off his fingers with all her might, but it was a look he inadvertently gave that frightened her.


    It was the same look as the captain of the Primordial Adventure Team, the cold and cruel look of ''Lin Da'' who treated his members like a machine, liking to weed out the useless members batch by batch!


    This fear was etched deep into Lulu''s bones, and all members of the Primordial Adventure Team feared their captain.


    On one hand, Lulu admired the other''s rational decisiveness, able to issue variousmands in the face of an imminent attack from Magical Creatures.


    But on the other hand, this ''Lin Da,'' the captain''s attitude towards team members, was almost like a master towards ves!


    Anyone falling behind even slightly would be kicked into the logistics team!


    If their second performance still wasn''t up to the mark, they''d be directly driven away with their equipment confiscated.


    Some were simply transferred to other teams!


    Lulu had been scared by that look so reminiscent of ''Lin Da,'' so when her phobia kicked in and she felt the contamination in her body being purified, she gave up resisting,


    and let thatrge hand, like a dentist, move around in her mouth unchecked.


    Now that she reflected on it, Lulu harbored some doubt about whether ''Li Cha'' was ''Lin Da.''


    She nned to first pay a visit to the Snow Goose Adventure Team in the Inner City District to see if the Snow Goose''s Lin Da was the ''Lin Da'' she was searching for.


    If he was, it would mean ''Li Cha'' hadn''t lied to her.


    If not, she would have to thoroughly investigate ''Li Cha.''


    Five minutester, Lulu had finished her bath.


    Born into a poor Beastmen family, she had the good virtue of thriftiness and had cleaned herself efficiently in just five minutes.


    Picking up the bands of bandages from the floor, she rewrapped the useless excess fat around her, and as Lulu put on her clothes, she thought to herself that she would stay in that person''s squad to hide until she had finished her business in White Dove City.


    ...


    While Lulu was washing up in the bathroom, Lin Da and Kafni had already sat down to rest.


    The two of them were eating grapes bought along the way, drinking hot water, and lying in a soft,rge sofa, suddenly feeling much less exhausted from hunting Magical Creatures.


    Lin Da was checking the rewards he had received for raising Lulu''s trust level, while Kafni was holding several shiny Demon Cores, her mouth not stopping for a moment, the grapes bought along the way quickly consumed by the handfuls.


    If not for some Divine Power in that Deity, it really would have turned into a Scrap God.


    Lin Da sighed.


    His attention was focused on the personal interface of the system.


    At the bottom, there was a section called ''Warehouse,'' where he could store the rewards given by the system.


    In the warehouse, there were two items.


    He clicked to inspect the first item.


    [Name: Walnut Wood Magic Sword]


    [Type: Weapon - Sword/Magic Wand]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    [Level: 10]


    [Attribute Points: Strength +160, Magic Power +160, 10% increase in Chanting Speed, Agility +10]


    [Equipment Score: 207, An excellent magic and melee dual-purpose weapon that wouldn''t break even if used to bash a Heavy Armored Warrior''s head]


    Seeing the terrifying attributes of the Walnut Wood Magic Sword, Lin Da jolted upright on the couch.


    A dual attack boost of 160 was outrageous!


    His current ''Rusty One-Handed Sword'' only added 10 points to strength!


    His personal Basic Attributes currently were dual attack 103.


    Wearing this Walnut Wood Magic Sword would more than double hisbat prowess.


    "High-quality equipment is truly formidable. When I worked as a Healer, I always used blue rare gear; I''ve never used purple."


    Lin Da sighed internally.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team''smon funds gave priority to Lia, Aiko, and Klrona, with their main weapons all being of purple rare quality, depleting themon funds and causing Lin Da to use only blue equipment.


    "What''s gotten into you?" Kafni, seeing his sudden surprise, said annoyedly.


    "Just thought of something exciting."


    Lin Da nned to wait until he was away from the witch in the bathroom, and then tell Kafni about the Walnut Wood Magic Sword, pretending it was his innate skill.


    Even Kafni was not to know about the system''s existence.


    This secret, like being a transmigrator, Lin Da didn''t n to tell anyone.


    "The Walnut Wood Magic Sword is level 10; I have to be at level 10 to wear it, and I''m only level 8. I''ll just store it in the warehouse for now."


    Lin Da thought privately as he inspected the second loyalty reward.


    [Name: Large Explosion Stone]


    [Type: Item - Attack ss - Magic]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    [Item Level: 20 (Items differ from equipment; adventurers of any level can use them)]


    [Description: Causes arge explosion with a twenty-meter radius, based on the adventurer''s Magic Power, inflicting ''greatly increased'' damage with a maximum equivalent to a level 20 ''Ultimate Skill'']


    Two keywords in the item''s description stood out to Lin Da: ''greatly increased'' and ''Ultimate Skill''.


    In his mind, Lin Da recalled the basic function introduction from the "Mystic Continent" game, where damage was described in various terms:


    Minor Damage, based on the adventurer''s strength or Magic Power, causing 0-100% damage.


    Moderate Damage, 1-2 times the adventurer''s strength or Magic Power.


    Fairly High, 2-4 times.


    High, 4-6 times.


    The damage from the Large Explosion Stone was ssified as ''greatly increased,'' which was 6-10 times Lin Da''s Magic Power value.


    The Large Explosion Stone had an upper damage limit, equivalent to a level 20 adventurer''s ''Ultimate Skill''.


    All of an adventurer''s Skills are divided into two categories: ''Common Skills'' and ''Ultimate Skills''. The former can be used multiple times, like Lin Da''s Venom Magic Sphere, which has a low consumption and can be used ten times in full force.


    But Ultimate Skills often consume a lot, causing the Magic Circuit to overheat after being activated. An Ultimate Skill can usually be used only once in a battle, and very rarely twice.


    When the description of the Skills is the same, the ''high damage'' from an Ultimate Skill greatly surpasses that of a ''high damage'' Common Skill.


    Therefore, the power of Lin Da''s Large Explosion Stone was roughly equivalent to Ice Flower Adventure Team''s Isa using her level 20 Ultimate Skill ''Ice de Waltz'' to kill the Armored Turtle Snake during a live Strategy session.

 Chapter 58: 58. Lulu: What is your purpose?

    Lin Da nodded silently; this item was indeed what he needed.


    A high-powered, burst-damage, area-of-effect trump card!


    Although he had Kafni, the behemoth of destruction, at his side, Kafni''s Divine Power could only be used once, and who knows how long it would take to recharge.


    During the recharging period, Kafni would be a useless invalid.


    The cost was a bit high.


    The Large Explosion Stone could serve as Lin Da''s regr trump card, without any negative effects.


    He quietly clicked on the system inventory and materialized the Large Explosion Stone into the palm of his hand.


    It was a dice-sized, red cube-shaped crystal.


    Touching it, he could feel the terrifying temperature contained within; all Lin Da had to do was channel Magic Power into it and throw it to cause a powerful explosion.


    "Good stuff."


    Lin Da carefully ced it into a special pouch on his belt, secured the button, and prevented idental activation.


    Then, he opened the Skill Tree page.


    He had reached level 8 and had 6 unused Skill Points.


    He left 2 Skill Points just in case.


    It was like ying League of Legends where you don''t add a point at level 2, waiting to see which skill would be needed before adding it.


    There were 4 Skill Points avable for use.


    Lin Da''s gaze turned to the Poison Technique Series Skill Tree.


    The secondyer of skills had been unlocked at level 5: [Spiky Thorn Armor] and [Poison Resistance].


    Lin Da clicked to view them.


    [Spiky Thorn Armor: Covers the body with spike-like Magic Power, increasing physical defense by 30% and reflecting 10% of damage.]


    [Poison Resistance: Reduces damage received from Poison Series by 30%.]


    Both were very practical skills.


    The former reminded Lin Da of Thorn Armor in League of Legends, where tanky characters could wear Thorn Armor, stand still, and reflect the enemy carry''s damage back to them.


    A Healing Hero was a tank-type character, suitable for this ''Thorn Armor'' skill.


    The second skill, [Poison Resistance], was also extremely useful. A 30% damage reduction was significant, and he estimated it could reach 50% when fully upgraded.


    Lin Da spent two Skill Points to learn the skills.


    [System Notification: You have acquired new skills ''Spiky Thorn Armor'' and ''Poison Resistance''!]


    With the remaining two avable Skill Points, Lin Da invested them in the Recovery Series Skill Tree.


    The firstyer''s two skills were: [Intermediate Healing Spell] and [Self-Healing].


    Lin Da learned [Self-Healing].


    The skill description was: [Envelop oneself with Magic Power, recovering a ''small'' amount of Hit Points every three seconds for thirty seconds.]


    Regenerating health paired with Thorn Armor was a perfect match.


    He looked upward, reaching the secondyer of the Recovery Series Skill Tree.


    There was only one skill: [Mass Minor Healing Spell].


    The Recovery Series Skill Tree seemed geared towards theter stages,cking any strong skills in the early game, Lin Da thought.


    He didn''t need the Mass Minor Healing Spell for now and could add it when necessary. He invested the one remaining avable Skill Point into the offensive skill [Venom Magic Sphere].


    After adding points, the icon for the Venom Magic Sphere deepened in color.


    The description also changed ordingly.


    [Skill: Venom Magic Sphere]


    [Current Proficiency: lv2 Proficiency]


    [Effect: Fires a Venom Magic Sphere straight ahead, with medium travel speed, causing high damage to the target, inflicting damage once per second,sting ''6'' seconds, and can be stacked up to ''1''yer]


    The duration increased from 5 seconds to 6 seconds, and the stackableyers went from 0 to 1.


    Lin Da nodded with satisfaction. The Venom Magic Sphere had reached a 2nd level proficiency, a qualitative improvement.


    He had just thrown out two Venom Magic Spheres and was able to hang back and wait for the Magical Creatures to bleed out and die.


    Leaving two skill points in reserve, Lin Da closed the system interface.


    He saw Kafni looking delighted.


    "What good thing happened?"


    Kafni proudly puffed out her ample chest, "Me, a level 8 thief, has mastered a powerful attack skill."


    "What?"


    "Poison Explosion Dagger, attacks poisoned enemies and deals double damage. There''s also Dagger Scatter, throwing out three daggers to inflict area damage!"


    Kafniughed, "This deity has the ability to take down Magical Creatures on her own now."


    "Atst, I don''t have to carry dead weight anymore," Lin Da sighed.


    "Dead weight? All the Demon Cores were dug out by me, you know!" Kafni, irritated, rolled up her sleeves ready to scuffle with Lin Da.


    At that moment, the bathroom door swung open,


    Sparing Kafni, who was overestimating her strength.


    The two of them put away their teasing demeanor and watched the Beastmen girl warily.


    No one could be certain about what she was thinking at the moment.


    After seeing the ability of Witch Purification, was she nning to be friends with them or continue to be an enemy?


    Lin Da looked over and saw Lulu, with beads of water on her short hair after bathing, and steam rising from her supple skin.


    He caught a whiff of a faint scent that drifted over


    The girl chewed on a Slime chewing gum, hands in her pockets, tail drooping at a spot slightly higher than her ankles, calmly walking to the other side of the table and pulling up a chair to sit down.


    "Why did you save me?"


    Lulu scrutinized them with questioning eyes and asked straightforwardly.


    Kafni stood by as if facing a formidable enemy, fine threads of golden light emerging in her eyes, ready to use Divine Power at any moment.


    Lin Da put his hand on Kafni''s shoulder and shook his head.


    "But..."


    Kafni wasn''t reassured.


    However, unable to withstand Lin Da''s firm attitude, she reluctantly retracted her Divine Power.


    "If things go south, I''m not responsible," Kafni stepped back to a safer distance, ready to step in if something happened.


    But Lin Da''s move was not reckless.


    In the game, Lulu''s personal profile described her as a Beastmen girl who valued loyalty and friendship; she wouldn''t have stood up against nobility to protect her friend and ended up as a ve otherwise.


    He had saved her life, and with Kafni, the powerhouse, by his side, both sentimentally and logically, Lulu wouldn''ty a hand on him.


    Of course, understanding this and achieving it were two different things.


    Lin Da''sposure caused Lulu some surprise and also earned Lin Da a system prompt:


    [Witch Lulu''s trust level +3, current trust level: 33, Courtesy Greeting]


    Lin Da casually replied, "No particr reason, just felt like it, so I happened to save you."


    Lulu shook her head, gazing into his eyes, "I don''t believe you."


    If it were himself, he wouldn''t believe it either.


    Lin Da thought to himself, revealing the power of Witch Purification just to save a ''stranger'' Witch... If he were Lulu, he would suspect the other party was either lusting after his body or had an ulterior motive.


    Anyway, there had to be a reason; it wasn''t likely for someone to be so benevolent as to ''just happen to save you''.


    But Lin Da couldn''t possibly tell Lulu that it was to make up for what had happened to her in his past life''s game,


    And that saving her would grant him a trust level bonus from the system...


    So, he chose not to answer and instead took the initiative to ask, "So, what have you decided to do? Thank me or, to keep your tracks hidden, take the two of us out?"


    Lulu had long lost the idea of fighting and killing. The hands hidden in her pockets never turned into beast ws.


    ...


    (ps: Whimper whimper whimper, asking for rmendation votes and for followers)

 Chapter 59: 59. Lin Da treats Witch

    "I will leave White Dove City after some time."


    Lulu said, "If you truly have no ill intent and have not leaked my whereabouts, the day I leave White Dove City, we''ll be even. I won''t trouble you after that, as if we had never met."


    "Even?"


    Lin Da frowned, "I saved you once, how does that make us even?"


    Even if it meant using his favor to secure her loyalty, Lin Da had to keep Lulu with him.


    Witches generally don''t live long, and during the purification, he could feel the mess inside Lulu,


    his right hand felt like it was plunged into a sludge, devoid of any clean soil.


    A witch on the brink of falling, Lin Da, as a hero, and as Lulu''s former team leader, had a duty to purify her.


    "Then what do you want?" Lulu''s voice was cold as she stopped chewing her gum.


    Lin Da said, "Stay in the team, be one of my team members."


    "Impossible." Lulu looked at him indifferently, "I won''t join you in entering the World Tree. I joined the team to monitor you from leaking my secrets."


    Lin Da pondered, "Forget about the Minor Secret Realm of the World Tree, the levels are too low, you wouldn''t even be able to enter. But for the Great Mystery Continent, you must participate as a team member under mymand."


    In the World Tree Secret Realm, apart from every fifth level in the Public Grand Secret Realm, adventurers could only enter other Minor Secret Realms once. Unless one were like Lin Da, changing professions, starting from zero, to re-enter.


    However, changing professions after level 10 carried great risks, and one careless move could lead to an inability to cultivate.


    Lulu faced his demand with a stern face, "I won''t take orders from anyone. Once my business is done, I will leave White Dove City!"


    Lin Da sighed, "Fine, so you''re an ungrateful Beastman."


    Lulu red at him furiously.


    Beastmen, never ungrateful!


    Lin Da changed his tone, noticing Lulu''s still somewhat pale face, "The pollution inside you, it''s getting worse, isn''t it?"


    "What are you trying to say?" Lulu clenched her fists.


    Beastmen, don''t respond to threats!


    Lin Da raised his eyebrow, "With your current condition, you''ll fall within a year."


    This was a fact, and Lulu did not refute.


    "But I can save you." Lin Da smiled, cing his right hand on the table, "This hand has the power to purify the pollution inside a witch. If the purification is thorough, killing the Fallen Insect within you and breaking the contract with the Demon King is also within reach."


    This time, Lulu remained silent.


    A pair of azure eyes sparkling with a troubled light.


    No one wants to die young and turn into an ugly Fallen Beast.


    She looked at Lin Da indecisively, her pink lips parted, hesitating to speak.


    "What, don''t you want to be saved?" Lin Da asked.


    "...I do."


    "Then show some humility."


    Lin Da kept a straight face, determined to break down this cold Beastman girl,


    Only by smoothing out her edges could hemand smoothly in the Secret Realm.


    "First, sit up straight and put away your ws."


    Thismand, akin to taming a beast, made Lulu''s nose wrinkle like a wolf, her eyes shining with icy light.


    Lin Da ignored her ''bared teeth and grimace''.


    Beastmen were really like wild beasts sometimes; once you show fear, they''ll take advantage of you.


    If you want to dominate a Beastman, you cannot back down at all.


    "Being purified by me is a privilege for you," Lin Da sneered, "There are many witches stronger than you, queuing up for my purification! Yet, I kindly use this power on you."


    "Just because you resemble a Beastman friend of mine, and out ofpassion, I saved your life."


    "And yet you suspect me of ulterior motives? What do you have that''s worth my scheming?"


    Lin Da stood up, looking down disdainfully at the pale-faced Beastman girl, "No looks, no figure, when I saved you before, my hand was almost bitten off. Is this how the Beastman race treats its lifesaver?"


    His scathing words made Lulu bite her teeth in shame, her head drooping, and her tail limp.


    When you think about it, it''s really so.


    With his ability, he should be on good terms with many witches.


    Those witches, there were definitely some that were more formidable than her.


    Could it really have been just a casual act to save her?


    Lulu''s head was in a whirl, aplete mess.


    In the cave, while she was suffering from contamination and feeling weak, the other could have easily taken her life.


    But he did not do so.


    For a moment, confusion and shame surged in Lulu''s heart.


    "Thank you¡­"


    Words slightly awkward, Lulu uttered.


    She struggled for a long time, seemingly exerting a lot of effort just to say that sentence.


    Lin Da nodded, epting the thanks.


    Lulu took the chewing gum out of her mouth, threw it into the trash can, and sat properly on the chair, taking on an earnest demeanour for the conversation.


    "Will you really help me?"


    She took a deep breath, trying to speak in a calm voice.


    "It depends on how you behave," Lin Da replied, while looking down from above and stretching out his finger: "Hold this."


    Lulu''s face changed.


    This gesture was so demeaning,


    as if it was not a finger but something else!


    He waspletely looking down on her!


    Gratitude was thrown to the back of her mind; a low growl rose from her throat, and her sharp canine teeth were bared, just like an enraged wild wolf!


    But Lin Da''s expression was nk, just calmly looking at her.


    Just like an ordinary priest ready to treat the girls.


    Did the patient feel ashamed, but as a ''priest,'' Lin Da, who had already treated many witches, was no longer interested in the mouths of witches?


    Lulu could not tell if this man was provoking her or simply treating her.


    "Does it have to be the finger?"


    Her breathing unsteady, she asked through clenched teeth.


    "This is the most effective way," Lin Da said, his gaze clear, free of any distractions.


    Hesitating for a moment, Lulu looked at Lin Da''s stretched out index and middle finger and said softly, "It seems I misunderstood you."


    If his actions harbored no intent to insult her, she was willing to apologize.


    It may not look graceful during the process, but for treatment, it was a necessary measure.


    Lulu pressed her lips together, trembling slightly as she reached out her hand, closed her eyes, her thick pale blue eyshes trembled slightly, and she struggled to slightly part her lips to ept Lin Da''s treatment.


    Hiss.


    Lin Da''s eyes widened, and the sudden sense offort made him draw in a breath of cool air.


    It reminded him of the feeling of a kitten licking his palm,


    but ten times more pleasurable.


    The girl, with her eyes closed, sat in the chair holding his right hand.


    The remarkable sensation at his fingertips felt like several soft brushes massaging his heart.


    In front of him, at the distance of an arm, the delightful scent of the girl just after a bath wafted towards him, light yet elegant, seemingly mixed with a whiff of arctic breeze.


    What Lin Da''s fingers felt, however, was warmth and slickness.


    Looking down at Lulu holding his right hand, seeking treatment, a strange impulse surged in Lin Da''s heart.


    He couldn''t help but ce his other hand on Lulu''s head!


    The pale blue short hair was very smooth, and the fluffy ears were hidden underneath.


    Extremelyfortable.


    A strong sense of aplishment filled Lin Da''s chest, as if a hunter had conquered a wild and untamed arctic wolf.


    If he could grab a pair of wolf ears and gallop across the tundra, how splendid that would be.

 Chapter 60: 60. Snow Goose Adventure Team Defeated

    Lin Da''s right hand lit up with the emerald glow of magic power, while Lulu, immersed in the rxation of purification, focused all her attention on observing the contamination within her body, and thus she didn''t notice Lin Da cing his hand on her head.


    At that moment, Lulu could clearly feel the pollution ck blood, caused by the Fallen Insect, diminishing within her body.


    Her body also became lighter and more rxed.


    She had originally estimated she could hold on for at most one more year, but after receiving treatment from this man, she had gained at least an additional month of life.


    It had been a long time since she had experienced such afortable feeling.


    Azy hum, full of youthful femininity, involuntarily escaped from Lulu''s throat.


    Could you not make a sound that could be so easily misunderstood?


    Lin Da, with sweat on his brow, quickly withdrew his left hand while Lulu was unaware.


    Momentster, a wave of fatigue washed over him. Witch Purification had consumed quite a bit of Lin Da''s magic power, and he stopped the spell.


    Lulu also opened her eyes.


    "How do you feel?" Lin Da asked.


    "Much better," Lulu nodded, speaking candidly.


    "But... it wasn''t as effective as thest time."


    "That''s normal, I''m tired and need to rest and recover," Lin Da said.


    Lulu did not doubt his words.


    Through this purification, Lin Da gained 10 more trust points.


    [System Prompt: Witch Lulu''s trust increased by +10, current trust level 43, surface friends!]


    [Trust Reward Earned: 1000 Mystical Points!]


    With the bonus of 1000 points, Lin Da''s total Mystical Points reached 1317.


    As for experience points, he now had 300/1500 at level 8.


    He could level up again.


    Lin Da nned to avoid Lulu and wait until he was alone to upgrade.


    On the other hand, a trust value of 43 would allow him to purify deeper within Lulu next time.


    ording to the Witch section, to fully purify a witch required a trust value of 100.


    Lin Da''s "little hand" at a trust value of 30 could only clean 30 centimeters of the filthy pipes.


    Beyond that distance, his hand wasn''t long enough, and no amount of extra purification would help.


    That''s why Lulu felt that it wasn''t as effective as the first purification.


    Lin Da needed to make his "purifying hand" reach 100 centimeters, to stretch all the way inside and grasp the heart of the witch where the Fallen Insect, the source of the pollution, resided, and crush it in one fell swoop.


    The Fallen Insect, a bond between the witch and the Demon King.


    By killing the Fallen Insect, the contract could be annulled!


    The witch would then absorb the remains of the Fallen Insectpletely,


    and thereafter, when she used this power, she would not have to pay a price anymore.


    At that moment, Lulu, with a keen gaze, said to him, "I''ve felt your ability, and I will keep it a secret. I hope... you can help me."


    Lin Da nodded, "But in return, before you leave White Dove City, you''ll have to be a member of my team and follow mymands."


    He didn''t demand that Lulu stay with him for the long term right away. Take one step forward first, and then there will be a second step, a third.


    After thinking for a while, Lulu said, "Normal team leader orders are fine. But if I think you''re being abnormal, or giving some perverted order, I won''t hesitate to act. That Kafni won''t be able to stay by your side all the time."


    "Deal," Lin Da extended his left hand, "From now on, you are a member of my team."


    He had reached out to Lulu twice in the Barren ins and been ignored both times.


    This time, Lulu looked at the hand in silence for a moment.


    She stood up and took hold of his palm.


    Even though it was merely a verbal contract, Lulu would be a member of his team during her time in White Dove City.


    Lin Da smiled inwardly.


    Once the trust value reached 100, he figured she wouldn''t be easy to chase away.


    In his previous life, he had kicked Lulu out of the team. So in this life, he would take her to the top of the World Tree.


    Looking out the window, it was not yet dark.


    Lin Da suggested, "The Adventurer''s Guild is very close by. Let''s go register our team now."


    "No objections," Lulu withdrew her hand, putting it back in her pocket, and pulled out a new piece of Slime chewing gum to chew on.


    Kafni secretly gave Lin Da a thumbs up.


    Not only did he put his hand into that beastman''s mouth, but he also managed to tame the creature and add it to the team.


    This hero was more capable than she had imagined!


    Lin Da responded with a smile.


    Lulu was just the beginning, from now on, more and more witches would be purified and join the ranks of the heroes!


    After the three reached a consensus, they left the inn.


    Lin Da took a detour into a cksmith shop, selling all the demon cores he had collected that day.


    In total, they brought in 25 gold coins.


    With the 20 he already had, that made for a total of 45 coins.


    That was enough for ordinary food and drink for several years, but he was still 55 coins short of the starting capital needed to register a team.


    Lin Da looked towards Lulu.


    Thetter took out a level 20 demon core and said, "Consider it repayment for earlier."


    With this demon core, Lin Da had a lot more breathing room financially.


    This water series core,ing from a t-beaked duck beast, belonged to the moremon magical creatures.


    When the owner of the cksmith shop saw the level 20 demon core, his attitude became much more respectful.


    In White Dove City, the only ones who had the ability to sell demon cores of this caliber were those few rock-level adventure teams!


    The level 20 demon core was sold for 500 gold coins, bringing Lin Da''s total assets to 545 gold.


    With that amount, registering a team was more than manageable.


    He couldn''t help but sneak a peek at the pouch hanging from Lulu''s belt.


    Looking quite bulky, it seemed to contain at least 40 coins or so.


    In the future, when short on money, he could think of ways to "squeeze" this ''rich'' teammate.


    "What are you looking at?" Lulu frowned, feeling that there was something off about Lin Da''s gaze.


    Lin Da coughed, "Let''s go, to the Adventurer''s Guild."


    ...


    Not long before, in the Sparrow District''s Adventurer''s Guild.


    In the hall, a screen made of crystal stone was surrounded by numerous adventurers, with no space left unupied.


    All around, there was silence, a sea of eyes glued to the screen, captivated by the intense battle, not daring to even breathe too loudly.


    The scene disyed on the screen was none other than the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s live coverage of their eleventh-floor strategy!


    Last night, the leader of Snow Goose, Lia, announced that to showcase the strength of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, they would coborate with the entire Adventurer''s Guild of White Dove City to provide a public, free broadcast of their battle!


    This move was intended to both increase their fame and recruit excellent teammates.


    They hoped that a splendid strategic battle would catch the attention of those genius adventurers.


    Thirdly, it was also a warning to everyone that should any adventurer be foolish enough to join forces with Lin Da, they would be making an enemy of the powerful Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    However, reality was somewhat cruel.


    The big screen disyed a spacious underground cave.


    The red-haired girl was covered in blood, gripping her greatsword with a lost and despondent look.


    Her teammates were also suffering from various degrees of injury.


    Heavy Hammer Warrior Oru had the worst of it, with one arm broken outward at a ny-degree angle, the stark white bone exposed.


    A healer, looking dirty and disheveled, was casting a healing spell.


    The archer, Klyne, was in tears, ming Oru for charging too far ahead.


    Klrona, clutching a short-handled battle axe, was panting and resting against a rock wall.


    Aiko''s pristine white dress was tattered, and at her feety a pile of empty magic potion bottles.


    The underground cave battle had ended with the victory of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    But the price they paid was steep, causing any adventurer who watched this battle to wince in sympathy.


    Putting aside the injuries of the team members, the precious magic potions and scrolls were thrown out as if they cost nothing, just to forcefully make it through the eleventh floor.


    Even a rock-level adventure team like Snow Goose couldn''t sustain such extravagant spending.

 Chapter 61: 61, Not as good as Lin Da

    "Didn''t that Lia charge too far ahead? The Healer had to enter the range of the Magical Creatures'' attacks just to heal her."


    "Is the Noble Academy''s Phyllis the onemanding? The vanguard under hismand just can''t hold the aggro of the Magical Creatures, they keep chasing after the Mage."


    "Tsk tsk, as expected of the ''Holy Mage,'' Aiko from the Holy Light Church! Dodging the Magical Creatures'' attacks while casting magic, two of the three lizard monsters were killed by Aiko!"


    The adventurers had mixed feelings regarding this live strategy session.


    The praise was for the individual strength of the Snow Goose Adventure Team; Mage Aiko had an exceptionally fast chanting speed and her high-powered Light Arrow Technique, leaving everyone in awe.


    Klrona, as a Heavy Armored Warrior in the vanguard, also performed exceptionally well. No matter how fierce the Magical Creatures attacked, they couldn''t harm Klrona at all.


    Team leader Lia was a bit reckless, but her ability to single-handedly y a lizard was not to be underestimated. Among Swordsmen of the same level, no one dared to im they could beat her with certainty.


    As for the criticisms, they were quite obvious.


    Themand of the Snow Goose Adventure Team and the cooperation among its members were terrible.


    Once the formation was disrupted by the Magical Creatures, it turned into everyone for themselves, with no one able to look after each other.


    Which side needed support, which lizard creature to focus fire on was all up to individuals'' judgments.


    Healer Phyllis, who was inmand, could only shout out a fewmands at the beginning, butter on, he was run ragged just healing Lia.


    Heavy Hammer Warrior Olu was also severely injured.


    An adventurer sighed, "It''s pretty good that no one died."


    "By the way, when that ''Eye of Wisdom'' Lin Da was with Snow Goose, I heard Snow Goose made it to the eighth floor without injuries, right? Why did Snow Goose rece the originalmander with Phyllis?"


    Indeed.


    Many adventurers were puzzled. Command is the most crucial position in a team; without significant issues, a change would not ur.


    Especially amander who had been with the team from the first floor, the members were already ustomed to them.


    Suddenly changingmanders would require an adaptation period.


    A refined male Elf adventurer said, "You probably don''t know, but Lin Da was kicked out because he was caught having a secret affair with the Mage in the team by the team leader."


    "Eh, howe what I heard is different? Lin Da arranged a date in the inn on Elf Street with Ice Flower''s leader Isa, and that''s why he was kicked out of the team..."


    "Isn''t it because Lin Da was throwing a party without inviting the leader?"


    Under the reporting of some unscrupulous tabloid journalists, the story about Lin Da got more and more far-fetched.


    Just then, in the screen, the sensordybug hanging from Lia''s waist suddenly vibrated, releasing a golden light.


    This was someone offering a Demon Core sacrifice to the World Tree Goddess, sending a ''Golden Advice'' to the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Lia pressed her lips together and looked at the belly of the sensordybug, and in the hall of the Adventurer''s Guild, everyone else followed her gaze.


    The Golden Advice read: Seeing Snow Goose''s poor performance, I''m even more resolute about my decision to take Lin Da into Ice Flower Adventure Team ugh).


    "Isa¡ªyou''re shameless!"


    The redhead girl on the screen shouted angrily, threw thedybug on the ground, and the paineddybug pped its wings wildly.


    It was clear to everyone that this Golden Advice was sent by Isa, the leader of the Ice Flower Adventure Team.


    That silver-haired Swordsman was taunting her old rival, Lia!


    And Isa''s recognition of Lin Da in her Golden Advice made everyone feel even more sorry for Lia. If the ''Eye of Wisdom'' had not been kicked out of the team by her, Snow Goose, who had reached the eleventh floor, might have seen a different oue?


    Lia''s face turned red with anger, she threw down thedybug, didn''t even bother to collect the spoils of victory, and teleported out of the World Tree using the Teleportation Stone.


    The adventurers all sighed.


    ...


    The sun set, and the magic streetmps of the aging Sparrow District flickered with their dim and intermittent light.


    When Lin Da and his group rushed over, they just happened to encounter the adventurers leaving the scene.


    They could hear their conversation even before getting close.


    Snow Goose Adventure Team?


    Lin Da and Lulu both paused at the same time.


    Lulu was thinking that the ''Lin Da'' she was looking for was with the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    When Lin Da heard about Olu''s injury, his heart skipped a beat.


    Olu was the teammate he got along with the best.


    ''What''s the matter with Lia? I warned herst time not to rashly advance to the next level.''


    Lin Da felt a surge of anger toward Lia. It was one thing if Lia didn''t care about her own life, but as a team leader, she had a responsibility for the lives of her team members.


    Leading everyone, without a single loss, to the summit of the World Tree.


    Her dream, the original intention of forming the team, must have been long forgotten.


    As an outsider, Lin Da could only sigh at the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s defeat.


    He hoped this lesson would make Lia understand.


    The overall strength of the Snow Goose was really not strong!


    What they needed to do was to let go of their pride and learn to work as a team!


    Up ahead, adventurers were approaching, and to avoid having his name called out and Lulu realizing he had lied to her,


    he covered his face and tucked himself into a corner, pretending to be an unscrupulous adventurer taking a leak.


    ''Hmph.''


    Lulu''s face shed with disgust, turned her back to Lin Da.


    It was only after that group of adventurers had moved far away did Lin Da return to the road.


    He could hear the diminishing sound of the adventurers'' discussions.


    Oru''s injuries seemed to be quite serious; as an old teammate, he''d have to find an opportunity to visit him.


    Lin Da thought silently.


    And Aiko, how was she considering joining his own team?


    His move might suggest poaching, but Lia''s reckless advance into the 11th level had dispelled hisst hesitation.


    If Lia nned to lead her team to their doom, wasn''t it a good deed to poach them instead?


    While thinking, Lin Da arrived at the Adventurer''s Guild.


    A line of people filed in.


    It was around six in the evening, a quiet time.


    A long, snaking line sprawled in front of the service counters.


    Lin Da and his group joined the queue.


    But after a long wait, the line barely moved forward, instead, a quarreling noise came from ahead.


    ''Cutting in line! This is discrimination against Beastmen, everyone look, someone is discriminating against Beastmen! If that''s the case, once the humans get the most Hero Stones, won''t they drive us Beastmen out of the city!''


    The voice of a human girl: ''Huh? Weren''t you the one cutting in line who I caught and dragged out, how did it be me cutting in line?''


    ''I don''t care, you discriminated against Beastmen, you must apologize!''


    A dark-skinned Minotaur with several rings around his lips, wearing a ck jacket spiked with iron on the outside.


    He was furiously berating a brown-haired girl adventurer with freckles on her face.


    The crowd was noisy.


    Some were defending the girl, while others, upon hearing the four words ''discrimination against Beastmen,'' reluctantly maintained neutrality.


    Since the various races decided to join forces against amon enemy a thousand years ago, discrimination between humans and Elves against Beastmen was strictly forbidden, reaching a level of almost political correctness.


    And the Beastmen in the Adventurer''s Guild, they all stood with the Minotaur.


    ''You are discriminating, believe it or not, I''ll make sure you''re fined until you''re broke!''


    ''Hurry up and apologize to us Beastmen!''


    ''Beastmen must not be humiliated, pay up!''


    Hearing themotion ahead, Lin Da frowned.


    No wonder the queue wasn''t moving; once ''discrimination'' became involved, even the staff of the Adventurer''s Guild would hesitate to intervene.


    Lin Da thought: Since the announcement of the Hero Stones, conflicts between Beastmen and humans seemed to be increasing.


    Was it really out of fear that humans gaining the most Hero Stones would increase the gap with the Beastmen?


    Just that day, on the road, Lin Da had witnessed several conflicts between Beastmen and humans.


    He nced at Lulu, curious what the girl from the Werewolf n thought of it all.

 Chapter 62: 62, Registered Squad

    Lulu stepped out of the line, walking expressionlessly toward that direction.


    Lin Da wanted to call out to her, but after thinking it over, he withdrew his hand.


    Was the real Lulu the same as the righteous and kind Lulu in the game?


    Three years had passed, and she had be a witch, had anything changed?


    Lin Da chose to stand aside and watch.


    As Lulu walked over, she exuded an iceberg-like aura.


    A trace of her high-level strength seeped out, drawing the attention of everyone around.


    Many who sympathized with the young female adventurer who had been cut in line felt a hint of retreat at Lulu''s arrival.


    The Minotaur named Maliughed cheerfully, with a ttering smile, "Miss Werewolf, that human discriminated against us beastmen, you must help me!"


    Mali, who thought he had obtained a strong ally, was all smiles.


    But in the next moment,


    a p struck Mali''s face with the speed of lightning.


    It resounded with a smack in the hall!


    The p sent Mali spinning in the air, but hended firmly back in ce, his right cheek swelling up considerably.


    "Get out," Lulu said indifferently.


    "Huh?" Mali, holding his face, hadn''t caught on yet.


    Being both beastmen, why wouldn''t this werewolf help him?


    "Don''t disturb me in line, get out."


    Lulu repeated coldly, her gaze icy.


    The Minotaur Mali, under Lulu''s re, felt as if he were back in the days when his ancestors were hunted by wolf packs.


    The fear in his bloodline made Mali tremble, and he scurried out of the Adventurer''s Guild without looking back.


    A group of onlooking beastmen felt enraged.


    "Hey, aren''t you a beastman? Why are you helping the humans!"


    The speaker was a ck Bear Beastman, whose bloodline rank was high among the beastmen.


    However, after being nced at by Lulu, the ck Bear Beastman was so frightened that he immediately shut his mouth, sweating profusely down his back.


    This werewolf... was definitely not an ordinary wild wolf!


    With her level also being high, none of the beastmen present likely surpassed her in might.


    The ck Bear and the other beastmen reluctantly lowered their heads.


    Lin Da looked at Lulu, who had walked back to the line as if nothing had happened, and gave her a thumbs up, "Well done."


    "I just can''t stand bullying," Lulu replied calmly.


    In contrast to the group of beastmen who walked away muttering under their breath, there was a chorus of cheers from the humans.


    "A beastman miss with upright values, love it."


    "High-born werewolves are different, indeed. What about Minotaur, Boarhead¡ªthey are just not fully evolved!"


    "If only all the beastmen on the continent were like this werewolf."


    Lulu felt ufortable with being the subject of discussion, her eyebrows knitting together as she coldly scanned the crowd, "Can you shut up?"


    Her slightly angry tone silenced the group of adventurers.


    This werewolf was beautiful, but she seemed difficult to get along with.


    An adventurer noticed Lin Da standing next to Lulu.


    After several newspapers'' promotions, Lin Da, known as "Ultimate Pervert," had be widely known.


    Why were they walking together?


    A man with a beard smiled familiarly in greeting, "Yo, Lin..."


    "Ahem, ahem, quite nice weather we''re having today, huh?"


    Lin Da smiled amicably, his eyes filled with a threatening glint.


    "Uh, it is nice," replied the bearded man, swallowing his saliva and looking at Lulu beside him, curious, "Are you here to...?"


    "Form a team," Lin Da responded.


    A stir went through the crowd.


    Many were specting whether Lin Da would join the Ice Flower Adventure Team after leaving his team.


    Isa had expressed her admiration for Lin Da on multiple asions.


    She had dered she would eventually bring him into Ice Flower.


    But he was nning to form his own team?


    The whiskered man looked towards Lin Da and the two beautiful girls by his side, one tall and one short, one big and one small, and said admiringly, "Impressive!"


    Impressive my ass, one has no deity, the other is a killing machine as a beastman.


    Lin Da muttered in his heart.


    The surrounding adventurers looked at him with strange gazes, probably misunderstanding, thinking that Kafni and Lulu were his new "harem".


    Lulu''s expression visibly turned sour.


    Some adventurers whispered filthy topics, grinning lewdly, letting their imagination run wild about her unspeakable rtionship with Lin Da.


    "Awoo!"


    A wolf howl echoed through the hall, making everyone shudder.


    When Lulu released the aura of magic power inside her, the area around her quieted down a lot, and those discussing vulgar topics dared not speak anymore.


    A pair of eyes, filled with a bit of shock.


    This beastman girl must be at least level 20!


    A level 20 adventurer, wherever they go in White Dove City, would be met with awe from everyone.


    Those adventurers discussing vulgar topics were terrified and quietly withdrew from the group, nning toe back tomorrow to re-queue.


    The crowd also tacitly moved apart, giving Lin Da and hispany about half a meter of space.


    It would be terrible if one identally touched that beastman girl who was as cold as ice.


    Seeing the others, it seemed she only allowed Lin Da to approach.


    Other adventurers, especially the men, had barely approached when they received a silent re of warning from the girl.


    Everyone couldn''t help but exim internally: Worthy of the one known as the Ultimate Pervert, Lin Da!


    ...


    Half an hour passed, and Lin Da and his group reached the counter.


    As per procedure, the staff handed each of three of them a form.


    They needed to fill in their names, levels, and professions.


    Lin Da wrote "Healing Mage" for the profession and filled in a "Lin" for the name.


    The staff didn''t say much about this, as the Adventurer''s Guild''s main criteria for determining a person''s identity relied on the signature and palm print.


    He wanted to sneak a peek at Lulu''s form, but she covered it tightly. After noticing him trying to look, she frowned and red at him.


    Lin Da shook his head helplessly.


    After filling in the forms, the staff member brought out a white Treasure Bead to test their levels, instructing the three of them to touch it in turn.


    The first was Lin Da; upon his touch, the bead turned emerald green.


    This indicated that his profession was of the Recovery Series.


    Mist swirled within the bead, gradually forming an ancient magic rune.


    Its meaning was the number "8".


    The staff member checked the form.


    Profession, Healing Mage, Recovery Series, Level, 8, no mistakes.


    So, they stamped it.


    Next was Kafni.


    Thief, Damage Dealer, level, also at 8.


    Stamped and approved!


    Some onlooking adventurers heard Lin Da had changed professions and managed to go from level 0 to level 8 so quickly, they were somewhat surprised.


    To those people''s doubts, Lin Da smiled modestly and didn''t exin.


    The adventurers, however, seemed to realize that Lin Da must have had some extraordinary encounter in the wilderness, and they looked at him with envy.


    Upon hearing this, Lulu unexpectedly turned to look at Lin Da.


    This human, he changed profession? He was a level 15 Healer before?


    It''s well-known that the higher the level, the greater the risk of changing professions. Above level 20, the failure rate is over 99%.


    Lulu felt some respect for Lin Da''s courage; not everyone dare make the decision to change professions at level 15.


    "Next," the t, urging voice of the staff member sounded.


    Lulu hesitated for a moment, then ced her hand on the Treasure Bead.


    The white bead quickly turned to the ''red'' of the warrior-series, the color much deeper than when Lin Da and Kafni took the test.


    The mist swirled, shaping into two magic runes.


    The number, 25!


    Lulu''s level reached the exceedingly lofty 25, far surpassing the average level of the Rock Squad!


    Just 5 levels short of being called a Star-ranked adventurer, and bing a true member of the upper echelons.

 Chapter 63: 63. Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team and small team section

    Even though Lin Da had anticipated it, he couldn''t help but give a sidelong nce.


    Lulu''s face remained calm, and she quickly withdrew her hand after the test, seemingly not wanting too many people to see her level.


    Lin Da thought to himself: he had kicked Lulu out of the team three years ago, and Lulu had changed her profession to Witch, starting from scratch, and had reached level 25 in just three years. This speed was bewildering!


    His rapid leveling was due to cheats, but Lulu as a pure local, reaching level 25 in three years was almost like forcing the growth of a Fallen Insect.


    The repeated outbreaks of pollution had also caused the young girl considerable pain.


    Lin Da silently thought he mustpletely purify Lulu and rescue her from the abyss.


    Meanwhile, as everyone saw the number 25 on the Treasure Bead, their eyes widened in disbelief.


    Snow Goose''s captain, Lia, level 23,


    Ice Flower''s captain, Isa, level 25.


    This unfamiliar Werewolf girl had actually reached the same level as the captains of Rock-level Squads!


    The Beastmen who had previously med Lulu sweated profusely from their foreheads, touching their chests, still feeling the aftermath.


    The adventurer with the full beard who had been talking with Lin Da eximed, "She could have joined a Rock-level Squad, but instead, she chose his team, what kind of Magic Potion has she been fed!"


    "No wonder he''s called the Ultimate Pervert, charm that kills across all races."


    "If I had half his charm, I wouldn''t still be a single dog!"


    A series of jealous voices arose in Lin Da''s ears.


    But actually, he and those people were the same, single dogs,


    it''s just that the teammates around him happened to all be beautiful girls.


    Gradually, the team-forming process came to its final step.


    Naming the squad.


    Lin Da looked to the two women beside him and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"


    "I don''t mind," Kafni said indifferently.


    Lulu nodded, agreeing with Kafni''s statement.


    This left the naming entirely up to Lin Da.


    He held the feather pen and thought seriously for a while.


    The tip of the pen traced over the paper, writing down a line of neatly scriptedmonnguage of the continent.


    Kafni leaned over to look, puzzled by the name.


    Lulu nced sideways, slightly surprised, a hint of warmth melting into her usually cold expression.


    Written on the paper was ''Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team'' in sixrge characters.


    "Why is it called Phoenix Tail Flower?" Kafni asked, puzzled.


    The one who answered was Lulu, her expression somewhatplex, "Phoenix Tail Flower is amon purple flower in thends of the Beastmen, symbolizing friendship andpanions."


    Lin Da had thought it through before naming it the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team.


    Phoenix Tail Flower itself, served as a ''gift'' in the game, and was the most cost-effective. It was cheap, and many game characters liked it. Thenguage of the flower also symbolizedpanionship and friendship, fitting Lin Da''s intention of ''leading all team members, without leaving anyone behind, to reach the top of the World Tree.''


    Thus, naming it Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team could not be more appropriate.


    [System Notification: Witch Lulu''s trust level towards you +3, current trust level, 44 points.]


    Lin Da received an unexpected benefit.


    He handed the registration form to the staff member, who stamped it a momentter, took the form, and then presented three ''Apprentice Level'' adventure team badges.


    The badges were the size of a baby''s fist, circr, made of bronze, and depicted a massive World Tree.


    Under the World Tree was a Treasure Chest, and crossed Sword and Shield.


    And a string of faintly glowing magical numbers: 15439539563.


    Lin Da reverently received the badge from the staff member, took them out of the ck box, and handed them to Kafni and Lulu.


    The three of them each wore their badges on their chests.


    An odd bond seemed to connect them abruptly, and even though Lulu hadn''t sincerely joined the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Group, wearing their badge made her feel something unusual.


    On her chest, she had only ever worn two. One was from the Primitive Adventure Team, and the other, now, was from the Phoenix Tail Flower.


    The group left the counter, and Lin Da stroked the badge on his chest, overwhelmed with emotion.


    Three years had passed,


    and he had finally established his own team.


    No longer the former Healer of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, ''Eye of Wisdom'' Lin Da.


    But the captain of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Group, Lin Da!


    Just three bronze badges, yet they granted Lin Da the feeling of a traveler returning home, finding his ce.


    No longer alone, he now had a goal to strive for.


    Lin Da grabbed Kafni''s hand on his right, then took Lulu''s cold little hand on his left.


    Ignoring the gloomy expression on the face of the Beastmen girl, Lin Da inteced their hands and ced his own on top.


    "The Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Group, established!"


    "Established!" Kafni chimed in, causing a stir.


    Perhaps feeling that they were one step closer to defeating the Demon King.


    Lulu, not quite used to the ''happy friends'' atmosphere, snorted and withdrew her hand to stuff it into her pocket.


    [System Prompt: Trust level of Witch Lulu +3, current trust, 47 points]


    Lin Da nced at the girl''s petnt profile, slightly amused.


    This was just like in the game, always indifferent to the yer until the trust level reached 80.


    At that moment, he received another system prompt:


    [Missing one member to activate the squad module]


    In the game Mystic Continent, three make a team, ten make a group.


    Lin Da wondered; his squad already had three people, but the system indicated one wascking.


    Was it because Lulu wasn''t considered an official member, or because Kafni, a Summoned Beast, wasn''t ssified as a ''person''?


    Lin Da closed the system and stepped out of the hall with Kafni and Lulu, pondering whether the squad module functioned the same as in the game?


    In the game, the primary use of the squad module was to pat the teammates'' heads, colloquially known as ''head pats,'' which upon touching, could increase team members'' attribute points.


    It also allowed spending a currency known as ''Diamonds'' to buy various trial events for team members.


    To enhance attributes, potential, or even to realize skills.


    But the most powerful was the passive skill ''Captain''s Aura.''


    Within the aura''s range, all team members would receive a boost!


    Lin Da pondered that once the squad module was activated and their strength enhanced, he could go to the fourth level of the World Tree to find clues about his sister.


    The current priority was to find another member and activate the squad module.


    His level also needed to be raised to 10, and he needed to equip a Purple Rare quality Walnut Wood Magic Sword.


    Coming out of the Adventurer''s Guild and onto the street,


    Lin Da said to the two girls, "To celebrate the formation of our team, how about a big meal?"


    "This is a good suggestion." Kafni promptly nodded.


    Lulu said, "I''m not going."


    Lin Da shook his head, "Everyone must go, this is a captain''s order."


    Gurgle~


    Lulu''s stomach rumbled inopportunely.


    Her expression hardly changed, yet she nodded slightly, "Alright then."


    Half an hourter, the sky hadpletely darkened.

 Chapter 64: 64. Lulu Goes to the Snow Goose Adventure Team

    The three of them moved into a Beastmen restaurant in the Inner City District.


    The cuisine here was meat-centric, and it was said that the chef had once served as a logistician in a Steel Level Adventure Group, with culinary skills famous throughout White Dove City.


    For today''s meal, Lin Da had spent ten Gold Coins.


    Charcoal-grilled bear paws, pork knuckles, the tail of a giant lizard... all topped with ayer of red chili peppers and cooked with oil rendered from farm-raised Slimes.


    Additionally, with various spices from the World Tree Secret Realm, the dishes were a feast for the eyes, nose, and pte, stirring everyone''s appetite.


    After a day of hunger, Lin Da and hispanions instantly switched into a mode of wolfing down their food.


    Lulu, as a Beastman, showed her wild side during the meal, using her sharp tiger teeth to effortlessly bite through the pork knuckle, breaking both meat and bone.


    Every bite from her small mouth devoured a substantial amount of food, like a wind sweeping through leaves.


    To Lin Da and Kafni''s surprise, they together didn''t eat as much as Lulu, the smallest of them all.


    "Cheers."


    Lin Da took a napkin and wiped the oil from his hands, then raised a gigantic oak beer mug filled with Wheat Beer.


    Wheat Beer was a favorite among nearly all adventurers, and Lulu was no exception. Each person raised their mug, clinking them together.


    A short whileter, all were satisfied with food and drink.


    The three of them sat with bulging bellies, drinking water and resting.


    Lulu suddenly brought up, "Is your team made up of just these people?"


    A Minor Secret Realm with too low levels wouldn''t allow Lulu to enter, and if the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team went into the World Tree Secret Realm, there would be only two of them.


    It was manageable at the lower levels where the danger was minimal. But at the third or fourth level, missing a front-line ss was less than ideal.


    Lin Da said helplessly, "I''m still considering recruiting, but it''s hard to find good members."


    "I know someone," Lulu said, her head bowed as she trimmed her w-like nails with a small dagger, sharpening them even further while speaking, "If you need someone, I could rmend her to you."


    "Oh? What kind of person is she?" asked Lin Da.


    "She... doesn''t like strangers much. But if it''s you, she might consider joining your team," Lulu replied.


    "What about her talent and profession?" Lin Da was particrly interested in this point.


    If the person was just an ordinary adventurer being forced to level up, the stress would be too great for them, and they would be a burden to the team as well. Read exclusive content at m v l em pyr


    Lin Da believed in quality over quantity.


    Lulu''s voice brimmed with confidence, "Don''t worry, that kid''s talent has attracted invitations from several Steel Level Adventure Groups."


    "Steel Level Adventure Groups? She didn''t join any?" Lin Da asked.


    "Hmm. The kid is a bit shy, but I think she''d be okay with you," Lulu nodded and then gave him a meaningful nce, "She''s a Mage, around level 15. If you can bring her in, it''s your team that should feel honored."


    After hearing this, Lin Da became inwardly rmed. Could Lulu really be so benevolent to think of the team''s welfare having just joined herself?


    "Where can I find this person you''re talking about?" he asked, keeping hisposure.


    "Red Heart City," Lulu answered.


    Lin Da raised an eyebrow.


    Red Heart City?


    That was Lia''s hometown.


    In Lin Da''s mind surfaced the image of an elegant red-haireddy.


    Lia''s mother, Lady Bellini.


    Two years ago,


    Lin Da had a private meeting with Lady Bellini, who hade from far away Red Heart City.


    Thisdy spoke in a soft and delicate tone, requesting him to take care of her disobedient daughter, Lia.


    Back then, Lia was still quite normal, and Lin Da readily agreed.


    Now, having parted ways with Snow Goose Adventure Team, meeting thatdy again would inevitably be awkward.


    But...


    With Red Heart City being sorge, it wouldn''t be too likely to encounter her by chance, right?


    Lin Da thought it over and silently noted the address Lulu had mentioned.


    After finishing their meal, the group left the restaurant.


    Lin Da and Lulu exchanged their residential addresses to facilitate future contact before returning to their respective rented houses.


    Under the crooked, dim yellow streetmps,


    Lulu''s gaze flickered as she stared at Lin Da''s retreating figure.


    If he could summon the child from Red Heart City, he must undoubtedly be the captain.


    Aside from the captain, that child wouldn''t ept anyone else''s invitation.


    Lulu had her own matters to attend to.


    She easily found a passerby and inquired about the whereabouts of the well-known Snow Goose Adventure Team''s residential area.


    Located in the Inner City District''s first ring, it was a famous, affluent area and quite easy to find.


    Lulu prepared to meet the ''Lin Da'' from the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    One ''Lin Da'', one ''Li Cha''.


    Surely one of them must be the person she was looking for.


    Ever since Lulu became a witch, the search for the mysteriously vanished captain had nearly reached three years.


    Before receiving an apology, Lulu wouldn''t give up her search.


    In these three years,


    Why had he disappeared, what had he been doing, and during those three years, did he feel a slight sense of guilt towards his team members?


    Lulu was grateful to that captain for rescuing her from the vers, yet she resented him for treating her as just a tool.


    Taking her to the high floors of the World Tree only to then kick her out of the team with one swift motion.


    She had fought tooth and nail for the team, yet not a single trace of her ever remained.


    Lulu wasn''t willing to settle for that!


    Bing a witch was just so she could make him apologize, for he shouldn''t have kicked her out of the team.


    Perhaps one apology wasn''t that significant.


    However, it had be the pir of strength that allowed Lulu to endure when the Witch''s Corruption red up.


    With that apology, she would have no regrets.


    Thete summer breeze carried a hint of coolness, stirring the pale blue strands of hair on the young girl''s forehead.


    Lulu''s hands, tucked in her pockets, stealthily transformed into beastly ws as she hailed a carriage, heading towards the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s residential area.


    ...


    Night.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team''s vi.


    In the second-floor conference room, morale was low, and the atmosphere was oppressive.


    Members of the team sat around a long table, each one with fatigue etched on their faces.


    Aiko sat restlessly in a wheelchair, only able to hear the breathing of others and the severe scolding from a certain red-haired girl.


    "Why did we suffer such heavy losses? The front line should have held back the Magical Creatures'' attacks properly, but I was constrained, and couldn''t even sessfully activate my ''umte power'' skill!"


    "And the Healer as well, the Healing Arts are cast so slowly every time they''re not timely!"


    "The Mage too! Be careful not to attract the hatred of the Magical Creatures!"


    Lia, her face the color of iron, pointed at everyone in turn, stomping her foot in anger.


    Aiko, one of those named, hung her head, biting her lip and rubbing her temples, struggling to restrain the impulse to flip the table.


    Aiko admitted that she had issues with this strategy.


    Always miscalcting the Magical Creatures'' hatred value, using skills to inflict damage, only to end up being targeted by the creatures.


    She acknowledged this fault.


    But Lia''s problem seemed to be even bigger, right?


    Charging into a group of Magical Creatures recklessly, the team had to waste so much magic power and magic scrolls to save Lia.


    Objectively, Lia''s total damage to the creatures was the highest among the team members, but that premise was based on dragging everyone along to support her!


    Yet, Lia thought all that damage was solely her own doing?


    Aiko had even killed a Swift Rock Lizard and was used by Lia of kill-stealing.

 Chapter 65 : 65. Distressed Aiko

    This time Snow Goose went to the 11th floor, encountering 3 Swift Rock Lizards, 4 meters in length,parable to Earth Dragons.


    Aiko and Lia''s output was too high, causing the front line to fail at holding the Magical Creatures'' aggro, frequently chasing after the squishies.


    But why were the front lines able to hold aggro before?


    In battle, Aiko held her breath for a long time, finally rid herself of the Swift Rock Lizard''s aggro, only to have the lizard chase her the moment she fired off a Light Arrow Technique.


    It doesn''t make sense!


    Klrona fought for ages, shouldn''t the lizard chase Klrona first?


    To clear the 11th floor, Oru''s arm was broken, and even with the assistance of Regeneration Art, it would take half a month to heal.


    The adventure team''s inventory of magic scrolls was also depleted. Each scroll was a pile of Gold Coins.


    Snow Goose couldn''t figure out the right strategy against the Swift Rock Lizards, so they had to forcefully use magic items,


    Lia downed 16 Life Potions, Aiko''s head hurt from overconsuming mana.


    Everyone came back with soot on their faces, too little joy in clearing the level.


    There was no victory banquet, but a criticism meeting instead.


    More than an hour and it still wasn''t over.


    Aiko looked displeasedly at the downcast Healer Phyllis across from her.


    This blond noble was full of arrogance when he first joined the team, but sinceing out from the 11th floor of the Mystic Realm, he had been hanging his head like a deted ball.


    In this attempt to clear the level, Phyllis, who took on themand, had major issues.


    There must be some kind of mechanism on the Swift Rock Lizards that Phyllis failed to recognize.


    Aiko couldn''t help but miss the days when Lin Da was still part of the team.


    Celebratory feasts were filled with joy, there were Lin Da''ste-night ''hometown cuisine'', followed by a foot massage, then sleepingfortably.


    Those days of adventure, almost like indulgence!


    When Lin Damanded, there wasn''t a single instance of such serious mistakes as Phyllis''s.


    The front line could always keep a tight hold on the Monsters'' aggro, while the back line safely dealt damage, those creatures seemed blind, not seeing them at all.


    Thinking back carefully, it seems like there was a certain knack to hitting Magical Creatures, a number of times...?


    But back then, Aiko never imagined Lin Da would leave the team. Lin Da was supposed to stay in the team forever, as a trembling servant, then one day realize she, the Mage, was the most excellent one in the team, fall deeply in love with her, hopelessly, bing a loyal dog...


    But the reality was before her, Lin Da not only left the team but also formed his own!


    The more Aiko thought about it, the more irritable she became. Damn Lin Da, why hasn''t hee to beg her to join?


    Aside from her, were there any other excellent adventurers who would join his group?


    Could it be he was spending every day and night cuddling with that big Bear woman?


    The mere thought made Aiko''s eyes turn red; she hadn''t even slept with Lin Da yet, how could she let an outsider get ahead of her!


    In the background, Lia''s voice scolded Phyllis.


    This short redheaded girl, not much bigger than a panda, only had a fierce temper.


    Lia, dressed in a white top and a ck skirt, had numerous bandages wrapped around her thighs and arms, and an oversized pain-relieving patch stuck to her head. She was fuming with annoyance, her eyebrows arched as she pointed a finger unabashedly at the new Healer, Phyllis''s nose:


    "What the hell is wrong with you? Your strategy ispletely unqualified!"


    "The front line is stupid, too, unable to attract the ire of the Magical Creatures. I''m constantly being targeted!"


    "Or it''s Aiko who draws the Magical Creatures'' attention, leaving everyone weary from holding them off, fighting in a way that makes no sense! Who''s supposed to do what, when, and use which skills? Spell it out! Why is your guide only one page, when that traitor Lin Da''s guide is as thick as a book?"


    Lia''s voice was crisp and sharp, like a sword shing through the meeting room, piercing everyone''s eardrums.


    Phyllis slowly lifted his head, even as a new Healer who had joined Snow Goose to cling to Lia''s coattails, he couldn''t help feeling a bit angry now.


    He had seen the strategy guide Lin Da had left in the room.


    It was full of dense, iprehensible data, many terms Phyllis had never heard of¡ªclearly, the other party wasn''t from a conventional Academic Faction background. Initially, Phyllis looked down on it, but as he read on, he discovered that Lin Da had actually marked out all the attack ranges and aggro values of the Magical Creatures on that level,


    and analyzed their vocal sounds to determine their condition, pinpointing which part to strike for maximum damage and aggro,


    That wasn''t just a strategy guide¡ªit was an encyclopedia dissecting and thoroughly researching the Magical Creatures!


    Not just Phyllis, Phyllis thought even his teacher, a level 25 seasoned adventurer from the Noble Academy of White Dove City, couldn''t produce a better strategy than Lin Da.


    Lia demanded that he, a mere outstanding graduate, do better than Lin Da¡ªshe was tantly making things difficult for him!


    Moreover, he had tried hard... To cast Healing Arts on his teammates, he had consumed seven or eight Magic Potions, his magical circuits swollen and throbbing with pain, to the point it felt impossible even to urinate.


    All these efforts, why couldn''t Lia see them?


    Plus, after being sternly rebuked by Lia, Phyllis finally felt a twinge of impatience and said in annoyance, "Well... Why don''t you go find Lin Da?"


    His words abruptly caught Lia off guard, her face turning crimson.


    Aiko and the other members looked at Phyllis with eyes full of admiration.


    They thought he was just a new bootlicker, but it turned out he had some backbone.


    "Huh?! Why bring up that traitor? Are you sick or what?" Lia questioned, staring skeptically at Phyllis: "And aren''t you a top graduate? Can''t you even outperform a nobody like Lin Da who came up through the ranks? What use do I have for you then?"


    But hell, I just can''t match up to Lin Da, Phyllis thought furiously.


    Right then, Phyllis really wanted to overturn the table and tell Lia that kicking Lin Da out was purely blind; such a person could be immediately appointed as an honorary professor if he showed up at the Academy!


    Being part of a rock-level adventure team like hers was simply Lia and the others'' dumb luck.


    Phyllis worshipped Lin Da, who could produce such a detailed strategy, as if it were a flowing river.


    But the problem was, he also wanted to cozy up to Lia''s family, to expand his own family''s business into Red Heart City...


    Phyllis sulkily bowed his head: "I understand, I will seriously consider the strategy for the next level."


    "Hmph," Lia, seeming victorious, sat down.


    At this moment, Aiko suggested, "Maybe we shouldn''t go to the 12th floor for now."


    "The Ice Flower Adventure Team will be entering the 13th floor next month," Lia said with a grim look, "If we dy any further, the gap will only widen."


    Aiko sighed. Was it possible that the Ice Flower Adventure Team was simply better than Snow Goose?


    Their team members coordinated seamlessly, led by a veteran adventurer with vast experience, and then there was Isa, whose style of conductmanded respect, earning her the unconditional trust of all her teammates.


    Unlike the Snowke Adventure Team, where Lia would get caught up in her own attacks mid-fight,pletely forgetting her teammates couldn''t keep up.

 Chapter 66 : 66. Lia and Lulu

    Even Aiko thought that in a one-on-one duel, Lia was still inferior to Isa. The reason was simple: Lia wasn''t exactly the brightest.


    Normally, it was Lin Da''s job to persuade her in these situations, a thankless task that Aiko was d to avoid. Aiko sighed again, put on a congenial expression, and said to the visibly irritated Lia:


    "Captain, why don''t we head to a Minor Secret Realm or hunt some Magical Creatures first? Our resources were depleted during thest strategy for the 11th floor, we need to restock. Potions, Magic Scrolls, the front line''s Armor, all damaged¡ªand the spoils from the 11th floor don''t even cover a fifth of our losses."


    Her methodical analysis left Lia in silence.


    Suddenly, it dawned on her. The Snow Goose Adventure Team was out of money!


    Supplies needed replenishing, front-line gear needed recing.


    Oru was also injured.


    Even with the help of Regeneration Art, it would take half a month to recover.


    The pressure of strategizing from the 10th floor onward was mounting.


    Lia was also aware of it, and she considered equipping her team with Town Portal Scrolls.


    But the scrolls for levels 10-20 were much more expensive than those for levels 0-10.


    Buying Town Portal Scrolls required Gold Coins, and so did other magic items.


    Lia felt somewhat embarrassed.


    The main members'' weapons were Purple Rare, and her own gear, all Purple Rare, had nearly depleted their adventure funds!


    It seemed Aiko was right; proceeding to the 12th floor in this state wasn''t wise, was it?


    "Uh, Captain, I have something to say."


    Oru''s one hand, wrapped like a mummy, hung in white cloth in front of him, while he raised his healthy left hand hesitantly and said.


    "What is it?" Lia asked.


    "Should we hire Lin Da to strategize for the 12th floor?"


    "Absolutely not!"


    Lia''s face changed instantly, and she mmed the table in refusal!


    "But..."


    "There''s no ''but.'' Hiring him for strategy would mean admitting that our Snow Goose Adventure Team is ipetent," Lia interrupted Oru.


    Everyone fell silent.


    After the strategy session for the eleventh floor, most had graduallye to a harsh conclusion; Snow Goose''s strength did note from the genius Swordsman Lia.


    It was Lin Da.


    Yet no one could convince this fiery-eyed redhead.


    Phyllis sneaked a nce at Oru, thinking that perhaps the team members all approved of Lin Da''s strategy.


    Thetter, noticing Phyllis''s look, said gruffly, "It would be great if Brother Lin Da were here; with him, I''d get off lightly."


    Phyllis detected a faint Taunt in Oru''s words.


    He smiled and said nothing.


    He secretly thought that after Lin Da left the team, breaching his contract, he must be broke, unable to even afford decent equipment.


    Since that is the case, why not use Gold Coins to hire Lin Da for strategy? Although Lia disagreed, he could just keep it from Lia and secretly approach Lin Da.


    Phyllis''s admiration for Lin Da''s strategic abilities surpassed even his own mentor; he had long wanted to meet him!


    Lia and Lin Da might not get along, but that didn''t mean the team members had to be on bad terms with Lin Da, right?


    "Um,"


    Lia suddenly fidgeted, sitting at the end of the conference table, twirling her fiery red hair nonchntly, and asked, "Does anyone know what that traitor is doing now?"


    "Lin Da?" Klyne asked.


    "Mm."


    Lia felt ufortable the moment she heard the name, and picked up the Cooling Magic Array controller in the conference room, setting it to blow forcefully.


    Klrona, who had been intensely focused on solving a puzzle cube, looked up, raising her little hand: "I know, I know! When I went to buy a new Magic Puppet toy on the street, I heard that Big Uncle Lin Da has formed a team!"


    "Formed a team?" Liaughed and shook her head: "He found teammates to form a team with him? He must have just picked someone randomly."


    "Not at all."


    The voice was Aiko''s.


    Although she sat in a wheelchair, she actually was the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s information conduit and often liked to stroll around, enjoying the gazes of admiration from a group of adventurers.


    Aiko said with a hint of jealousy, "I heard it''s a beastmen girl, an adventurer who took the level test and has level 25."


    Level 25?


    Lia fell silent.


    The highest in the Snow Goose Adventure Team was only level 24,


    and that was Aiko.


    As the team leader, she was only level 23.


    "Why would that kind of person join Lin Da''s team?"


    "Don''t know," Aiko replied.


    "Definitely tricked and conned into it."


    Lia felt a blockage in her chest, unable to swallow it down.


    Why did Lin Da, who had left the Snow Goose Adventure Team, seem to be doing so well?


    There was a busty blonde who liked him, and now a high-level beastmen girl had shown up.


    Hearing about other girls by Lin Da''s side, as well as the "Aiko hugs Lin Da" incident mentioned in the White Dove Morning News the day before yesterday, made Lia feel inexplicably uneasy.


    Aiko, to actually like that traitor...


    Luckily they had had an open and honest talk; Aiko stated that it was all the newspaper''s nonsense and that like Lia, she was furious with Lin Da and vowed to punish that traitor.


    Lia gathered her thoughts and asked again, "What''s Lin Da''s team called?"


    Aiko said, "It seems to be the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team."


    "Such a weak name," Lia snorted coldly.


    "Phoenix Tail Flower is amon flower in the beastmen territories, you know? It represents friendship,panionship," Aiko said, tilting her head yfully, "Isn''t Lin Da possibly taunting us?"


    Lia fell silent again.


    Once upon a time, I too considered him apanion!


    It was his ownck of effort¡ªwho else could be med!


    "If you see someone from the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team, beat them up for me," Lia said coldly.


    The team members looked at each other in confusion.


    Was it really only the captain herself who wanted to fight Lin Da?


    Phyllis was the first to snap to attention, raising her fist furiously: "Lord Captain, I will never let that guy off. When I see him, I''m going to give him a good ''teaching''... no, a beating!"


    "Hmm," Lia nodded, "We must beat him into a pulp."


    ¡ª¡ªDing-dong.


    Right after the meeting ended, as Lia and her team were heading downstairs, they heard the doorbell ringing at the front door.


    Outside, a girl dressed in a white coat, her light blue short hair and beast ears covered by a hood, waszily blowing arge bubble with her bubble gum.


    Pop.


    As the front door swung open, the bubble burst as well.


    At the vi entrance, a blue-haired and a red-haired girl met.


    Although it was their first meeting, Lia inside felt an inexplicable, strong threat.


    The other girl''s eyes were calm, yet they gave Lia the eerie sensation of being stalked by a wolf, that beastman had a strong aura of aggression!


    Behind Lia, a bunch of team members craned their necks to look over.


    "Who is it?"


    "A beastman, seems to be high-level, haven''t seen them before, not a local adventurer from White Dove City?"


    "A werewolf, light blue hair, seems familiar somehow?"


    Aiko pondered thoughtfully.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 67: 67. Lin Da? Shes long been kicked out by this young lady.

    "What are you doing here?" Lia, with her fiery temper, squared up to the Beastkin girl of simr height, her arms crossed, and asked sharply.


    Lulu simply ignored the walking powder keg and nced over her shoulder,


    upon seeing the bulky Oru, with his square face and short blond hair exuding a simple and honest aura, she couldn''t hide her disappointment: "Are you Lin Da?"


    "Huh? Looking for Lin Da?"


    Lia was getting angry before Oru could even respond.


    Lin Da had long been kicked out of the team, a fact known throughout the city. Was this Beastkin here to provoke her on purpose by asking for him?


    At that moment, nobody knew Lulu was a member of the Phoenix Tail Flower. Aiko had only heard that Lin Da had taken a girl as a team member, but wasn''t sure of her appearance.


    "I''m looking for Lin Da, what''s it to you?" Lulu nced at Lia, frowning slightly.


    "Lin Da is..."


    Lia opened her mouth but seemed to hesitate.


    As of now, Lin Da really had no connection to her.


    She had no reason to be angry if a stranger was looking for Lin Da.


    Finally, Oru saw an opportunity to butt in: "I''m not Lin Da."


    Lulu, confused: "Not...? Then where is Lin Da? Please, call him out."


    "You''ve got the wrong ce," Lia interrupted irritably. "Lin Da was kicked out of the team by yours truly ages ago!"


    "Then where is he now?" Lulu asked.


    "How would I know!" Lia said annoyedly. "You knock on someone''s door in the middle of the night, ask a bunch of nonsense ¨C aren''t you annoying?"


    "..."


    "Sorry."


    Lulu bowed to apologize, feeling that what Lia said made sense.


    "But why are you looking for Lin Da?" Aiko asked, puzzled. "Are you his friend?"


    "Friend... not exactly," Lulu replied. "I just have something to ask him."


    "Let me give you a heads up," Lia warned with a menacing look. "Lin Da is my enemy."


    The implication was clear.


    If Lulu dared to be friends with Lin Da, she would be the enemy of Lia, the captain of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, known as Bursting mes Lia.


    Upon hearing Lia''s words, Aiko became so agitated that steam could practically be seening out of her head.


    What nonsense was she spouting?


    Confronting an obviously capable ''guest'' with such brazen derations of war ¨C her emotional intelligence was off the charts.


    Aiko tried to smooth things over with a smile: "Our captain isn''t the sharpest tool in the shed, so don''t take her words to heart."


    Lulu, unfazed, said: "If that Lin Da is the one I''m looking for, then he''s my enemy too."


    Lia extended her hand, "Then we are friends."


    "I don''t need friends."


    Lulu kept her hands in her pockets, utterly indifferent.


    Lia''s face immediately darkened.


    Lulu, having not found Lin Da nor obtained his whereabouts, left the Snow Goose Adventure Team disappointed.


    The door closed.


    A burst of discussion erupted among the Snow Goose members.


    Oru said, "That Beastman, she seemed to know Lin Da? Do you guys know what''s going on?"


    "I haven''t heard Small Fry Uncle mention anything about knowing such a pretty Beastkindy," Klrona remarked, holding a bag of chips, licking her fingers as she spoke.


    Lia''s face was as ck as coal as she continued staring at her own right hand. She had extended it, only to be ignored by that Beastkin; her pride felt as if it were being roasted over a fire, and it was excruciating.


    "That werewolf girl''s looks, aren''t they just as rumored?"


    Aiko slowly figured it out, "A werewolf, with light blue hair, high level... Could it be, she''s the new teammate Lin Da recently recruited?"


    Lia''s eyes widened.


    The beastman, who gave her a sense of great strength and whom she was unsure of defeating, was Lin Da''s new teammate?


    What could Lin Da possibly have that would attract a beastman of that caliber to join him?


    "Dumb luck, it must be just dumb luck!"


    Lia gnawed on her lip in frustration, feeling that she wouldn''t be able to sleep tonight.


    ...


    In the neighborhood where the Snow Goose Adventure Team resided, there was arge magic fountain in the center, twinkling with colorful lights in the night, especially dazzling.


    Many adventurers rested on the tforms around the fountain, and there were couples, whispering sweet nothings to each other.


    On a bench, there sat a silver-haired girl dressed in casual sportswear, revealing her pale long legs.


    She bowed her head, carefully checking the thick stack of information in her hands.


    "All the information about the team members, handing it to Lin Da, should be fine, right?"


    "My judgement of people can''t be wrong. It''s only by doing this that I can show him the sincerity of Ice Flower."


    "Lin Da, I will definitely make you join my team."


    A charming smile appeared on the silver-haired girl''s face as she packed the information into a ck shoulder bag and slung it over her shoulder.


    Her full hips lifted from the bench, her silver hair falling over it, and her long legs created a striking scene in front of the fountain, attracting the gazes of many adventurers.


    This girl was none other than Isa, captain of the Ice Flower Adventure Team and a genius swordsman, just like Lia.


    She had organized the members'' information in detail, including skills, equipment, and personality traits, with the intention of handing it all over to Lin Da so he could start working on the strategy for the 13th floor.


    And Lin Da''s address had been given to her during theirst lunchtime meeting.


    Isa was about to take Ice Flower''s private carriage when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a girl from the Werewolf n walking from the direction of Snow Goose Vi.


    Those who are strong can sense each other''s presence.


    Isa''s expression turned stern, her face taking on a serious look.


    The other''s aura made her feel like she was facing a gigantic pr wolf, every inch of her body radiating a cold and dangerous air!


    What would such a person be doinging from Snow Goose''s side?


    Isa''s mind raced as she approach Lulu with a polite smile.


    She extended her hand, greeting, "Are you an adventurer from another ce? Hello, I''m Isa, captain of the Ice Flower Adventure Team."


    Lulu nced at Isa''s extended right hand and said indifferently, "I''m not particrly interested in humans."


    Unruffled, Isa retained herposure, withdrew her hand, and said, "I saw youing from the Snow Goose Adventure Team, are you applying? Snow Goose has been recruiting recently."


    "No." Lulu was in a bad mood for not finding Lin Da and didn''t feel like dealing with Isa. She murmured under her breath, "That Lin Da, where could he be..."


    Isa heard Lulu''s muttering and raised an eyebrow, "Are you looking for Lin Da? Is there something you need from him?"


    Lulu countered, "Do you know him?"


    "Yes. I also know where he is," Isa responded with a smile. "Would you mind telling me why you are looking for him?"


    "He might be... an acquaintance," Lulu replied hesitantly and vaguely.


    An acquaintance?


    Isa quietly sized up Lulu.


    Why did this little orc seem a bit resentful? Could Lin Da have done something to her?


    "I happen to be on my way to see him. Shall we go together?" Isa gestured toward the carriage.


    Lulu paused for a second and then said softly, "Thank you."


    "No problem, we''re all adventurers from White Dove City, bound to help each other out sooner orter," Isa said, taking Lulu''s hand and leading her into the carriage.


    Lulu felt the warmth in Isa''s palm and her tense body slowly rxed. This woman was not quite like the treacherous and filthy humans she had encountered before.

 Chapter 68: 68. Lulu discovers the truth.

    The carriage left the affluent neighborhood.


    The curtains were drawn, and Lulu, sitting inside the carriage, didn''t see Lin Da and Kafni passing by with several boxes of constion gifts.


    After reconsidering, Lin Da had bought some milk and magical beast meat to visit the injured Oru.


    Meanwhile, Isa took Lulu,


    to the Sparrow District, to the small cottage that Lin Da had rented.


    When they arrived here, Lulu''s expression became very strange.


    "Sparrow District, Harvest Road, Adventurer''s Shortcut District Building 3, Room 305?"


    Lulu silently recited the address ''Li Cha'' had given her.


    This was Harvest Road.


    This was the Adventurer''s Shortcut District.


    Then, Isa brought her to the third floor, to Room 305.


    Lulu was stunned.


    So, that ''Li Cha'' and Snow Goose from the Snow Goose Adventure Team were the same person?!


    Lulu was confused¡ªwhy would ''Li Cha'' purposely deceive her?


    "Seems like there''s no one home," Isa knocked on the door, but there was no response inside.


    Lulu silently walked up to the front.


    With a swipe of a beast w.


    The chain broke, and with a click, the simple wooden door opened.


    Isa looked at her in surprise: "Miss Lulu, what are you doing?"


    Lulu did not answer, her azure eyes filled with a coldness.


    She remembered the look in the cave, that fleeting gaze reminiscent of the captain''s.


    Li Cha was likely the person she was looking for.


    Lulu couldn''t help butugh bitterly to herself.


    Three years had passed, and the leader who was known as a genius adventurer had be so weak, not even having the courage to face her?


    His personality change was also significant, from a lifeless magic machinery operator into a living person.


    What had happened over these three years?


    Lulu had a belly full of doubts.


    But she also realized amid her full-blown doubts and anger, there was a me-like fragile joy. She might have understood why Lin Da would expose something like the Witch Purification ability just to save her.


    The ''Beastman friend'' Lin Da knew must be her.


    Did he feel guilty about kicking her out of the team, so he decided to extend a helping hand?


    Avoiding, hiding, not daring to face...


    ''Lord Captain, this really isn''t like you!''


    Lulu stepped into the rental house, surveying every corner. It was dpidated and stifling hot inside, apparently not even having a Cooling Magic Array.


    Disappeared for three years, just to hide in such a broken ce...


    But, she had finally found it.


    Lulu lifted the corners of her mouth.


    Even if she had to press Lin Da''s head down, she would make him properly apologize!


    "May I ask, what exactly is the rtionship between you and Lin Da?"


    Isa, who had followed behind her into the room, asked tentatively.


    Lulu thought for a moment and said, "Former teammate."


    That was a relief.


    Isa breathed a sigh of relief.


    But then she heard Lulu add, "Now... also a teammate."


    Isa: "???"


    Indeed, there must be some unspeakable connection between Lin Da and this beastman girl!


    Why would an adventurer of nearly the same level as her be willing to join Lin Da''s team?


    Isa''s hand clenched the strap of her shoulder bag involuntarily,


    and her heart skipped a beat with a wildly improbable thought¡ªcould it be that Lin Da really had a chance of catching up to the Ice Flower Adventure Team in the strategyyers?


    ording to their agreement, once Lin Da surpassed her, she would have to join Lin Da''s team.


    That sort of thing,


    Please, no!


    Isa''s heart raced with anxiety, feeling a bit regretful for agreeing to Lin Da''s terms.


    Meanwhile, Lulu wandered into the rented house''s washroom and noticed several lines of twisted and crooked handwriting on the wall next to the mirror.


    Front and foremost was ''Be the number one adventure team in White Dove City.''


    She continued reading down the wall.


    The line at the bottom, neat like it had been printed by a magic device, was all too familiar to Lulu.


    It was the captain''s handwriting.


    ''I hope to safely reach the summit of the World Tree.''


    Was this the captain''s goal?


    Were the ones above written by his former team members, the members of the Snow Goose?


    Just from reading the words, Lulu could sense the joyful atmosphere that surrounded that team.


    In contrast to the Primordial Adventure Team Lulu had been a part of, where the ''Lin Da'' she received was always a cold, pressure machine; with the captain around, the members had to be cautious even with their breathing.


    She didn''t want to be criticized, didn''t want to be kicked out of the team, stripped of her equipment...


    But the Lin Da that the Snow Geese got was a kind-hearted captain who quietly wrote an inconspicuous line in the corner, wishing for his members'' safe ascent to the summit?


    Lost in thought, Lulu touched the top-most, worn yet brazenly confident line ''Be the number one adventure team in White Dove City,'' feeling a sharp bitterness well up in her chest.


    If only that captain had shown her one-tenth of the affection he had for this writer, she wouldn''t have ended up bing a witch.


    It was from lessons learnt from the ''former former teammates'' like her that were cast aside, which allowed theter Snow Goose Adventure Teams to benefit.


    Clenching her teeth, Lulu''s beastly ws left several vicious marks on the wall writings!


    Although she didn''t have much conflict with the Snow Goose Adventure Team, for the first time, Lulu felt a strong repulsion towards an unknown adventure team!


    Just then, Isa''s voice came from the living room, "There''s a note left by Lin Da; it seems he won''t be back for a few days."


    "What?"


    Lulu quickly stepped out, frowning as she took the note to read it.


    It read: I''m going to visit an old teammate and then make a trip to Red Heart City, returning in about three days.


    "Tch."


    Lulu gnashed her teeth with frustration, feeling like she had lifted a rock only to drop it on her own foot.


    She had sent Lin Da to Red Heart City to recruit that kid,


    purely to test if Lin Da was the captain or not.


    Only the captain of the Primitive Adventure Team could persuade the other party to join the team.


    "Three days... Alright, I''ll wait for you toe back," Lulu scanned the rental house, nning to stay there.


    If Lin Da actually brings that kid back, it will be irond proof of his captaincy, and she would not believe anything else he says, no matter how many lies he tells.


    "You...aren''t leaving?"


    Isa looked surprised at Lulu, who sat cross-legged on the living room table, rather impolitely.


    Lulu shook her head, "I''m waiting for Lin Da toe back."


    "I see," a hint of disappointment shed in Isa''s eyes.


    Isa wanted to try talking to Lin Da as well, to see if they werepatible. She had a good impression of this intelligent, handsome adventurer known as ''Eye of Wisdom.''


    But there were just too manypetitors.


    Isa could think of at least three or four off the top of her head.


    ...


    "Achoo."


    Lin Da, carrying a box full of milk and magical beast meat gift boxes, sneezed without reason.


    "What''s wrong?" Kafni, with a candy in her mouth and a bag of skewers in her arms, walked and ate at the same time.


    Kafni, who imed digging up Demon Cores was a great contribution, naturally took half of the 25 gold coins.


    That rounds up to 13 gold coins.


    The Inner City District had many snack stalls at night, and Kafni bought whatever she saw, boasting wildly.


    Lin Da, on the other hand, had spent ten gold coins on milk and the meat of a level 3 Magical Creature, the Great White Dove.


    Combined, they would promote healing of injuries.

 Chapter 69: 69. Lin Da encounters Lia at night

    ```


    "I bet someone''s cursing me behind my back."


    Lin Da wiped his nose, slightly confused.


    Looking ahead at severalrge buildings,


    aside from the detached luxury vis, there were also regr apartment buildings, which were much cheaper than the former.


    Klyne and Oru had taken out a loan to buy an apartment here.


    Entering the neighborhood, not far ahead, there was a huge magic fountain, its colorful glow particrly captivating.


    Beside it, there were many benches where adventurers gathered in groups of twos and threes, mostly couples.


    Adventurers jogging past Lin Da, and on the square, a group of elderly adventurers were dancing to exercise routines, while a bunch of kids yed noisily with wooden swords.


    This scene from another world was quite simr to reality.


    Lin Da walked straight on.


    "Hey," Kafni seemed to have noticed something and nudged Lin Da with her elbow, pointing forward with her chin.


    Following the direction Kafni indicated, Lin Da paused for a moment.


    On a bench beside the magic fountain sat a girl with fiery red hair.


    It was the captain of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, Lia.


    She was alone, without her teammates by her side¡ªperhaps she hade out to clear her mind?


    The light and shadows of the fountain fell on Lia''s face, fluctuating between light and dark, her small face staring nkly up at the night sky, looking somewhat deste.


    As Lin Da and Kafni, an attractive pair, passed by Lia, she indeed noticed them.


    Lin Da pretended not to see her and walked on as usual.


    But he could feel a sharp gaze sticking to him like someone had aimed a sword at him.


    Lia, seeing thefort gifts in Lin Da''s hand, initially rxed her expression, thinking about how to refuse them.


    But unexpectedly,


    Lin Da treated her like air and just breezed past her!


    Thefort gifts, after all that trouble, were not for her!


    Lia was already frustrated from her defeat on the 11th floor; Lin Da''s disregard was about to make her explode with anger.


    Meanwhile, Lin Da had almost walked away when he heard someone calmly say behind him:


    "I didn''t lose, Missy."


    "?"


    He hadn''t said anything, had he?


    Having been addressed, Lin Da had no choice but to stop. Walking away now would seem too deliberate.


    He turned to Lia.


    Lia''s face was lifted, stubborn, like a disheveled but still proud peacock.


    Thick bandages were wrapped around the girl''s arms, arge pain-relief patch on her forehead, her left handy casually by her side, her right hand on her hip, slightly tilted in a carefree manner.


    "If it hurts, you don''t have to tough it out," Lin Da quickly saw through Lia''s facade of strength.


    It was exactly people like her who would suffer for the sake of pride and never admit that even a decapitation hurt.


    Lia''s face twitched; she moved her hands, "It''s just a minor injury, it''ll heal in a few days."


    That gesture seemed like she was trying to prove something.


    Only her eyebrows furrowed noticeably.


    Lin Da pointed to the pain-relief patch on her forehead: "The blood''s seeping through."


    Lia''s expression copsed.


    No wonder her head felt fuzzy.


    She casually said, "Such a minor wound, it doesn''t matter."


    "Oh," Lin Da nodded, nced around to see that Kafni had sidled off¡ªwho knows when¡ªperhaps afraid Lia mightsh out at her?


    This deity was sometimes pretty smart.


    Lin Da left Lia behind and stepped forward.


    ```


    "I heard you''ve set up a small team called the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team?"


    For some reason, Lia was especially chatty that day,


    Lin Da was a bit annoyed and hummed an acknowledgment.


    The double nonmittal hums caused the bleeding on Lia''s head to surge.


    She red at Lin Da and said word by word, "Your adventure team will never, ever be able to match up to my Snow Goose."


    "I wasn''t trying topete with you," Lin Da said, puzzled, "What exactly are you trying so hard to prove?"


    "But... if we were topete, the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team wouldn''t lose to any team," he said.


    "What, you''re way too arrogant!"


    Lia, driven toughter by her fury, pointed at Lin Da, "You''ve changed, you''re not the Lin Da you used to be!"


    The Lin Da of the past would have shown her warm concern.


    He would have stayed by her side when she was unhappy and assisted the team perfectly to clear the next level.


    Lin Da said, "You''ve changed too."


    Lia''s eyes were firm, "I haven''t."


    Lin Da shook his head, unwilling to continue the argument with the young girl, and walked away with the gift.


    In the square, many adventurers were sneaking peeks at them.


    Lia shot a warning re at the crowd, then stormed back to the vi, fists clenched in frustration.


    She hade out to clear her mind, but after meeting Lin Da, her mood had only worsened.


    When she got back to the vi, she saw Aiko sitting on the couch with slices of cucumber covering her face, her head tilted back, emanating a faint white Magic Power glow, immersed in meditation.


    Lia poured herself a cup of coffee, cupped it with both hands, and held it to her chest, her thoughts in turmoil, "Aiko, do you think I''ve changed?"


    "Huh?"


    Aiko opened her eyes, surprised, and leaned to look at Lia, wondering what had upset the hot-tempered girl this time.


    She nced around and said, "Nope, Lia is always Lia, she never changes."


    On hearing this, Lia breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Aiko, you really understand me."


    Lia felt much better.


    With a grimace, she finished her unsweetened coffee, went upstairs to her bedroom to change the pain relief patch on her forehead, and then grabbed the Greatsword Sun Eater, practicing with grunts and effort.


    The wound throbbed with searing pain, but Lia gritted her teeth, letting her Fire Series Battle Qi circte throughout her body.


    The defeat on the eleventh level was only temporary,


    On the twelfth level of the World Tree, she was determined to lead the Snow Goose Adventure Team to a Perfect Clear!


    ...


    Behind the vi areay a cluster of residential buildings.


    In a four-story building, Lin Da was warmly received by his old teammates.


    "I was just saying we should get Klyne to buy some pigeon meat, and here you are, bringing over gifts," said Oru,ughing as he opened the door and saw Lin Da and Kafni standing outside with the gifts.


    "Wee." The Elf Girl Klyne smiled politely, took the gifts from Lin Da''s hands, and invited them into the living room.


    The two old teammates didn''t seem to be in great shape.


    Lin Da noticed a trace of exhaustion deep in Klyne''s eyes and that Oru''s right arm was bandaged up like a mummy, with the heavy scent of ''Golden Sunflower'' emanating from it¡ªa Magical Herb known to promote bone healing.


    The four sat down at the living room table, exchanged courtesies, and talked about their recent experiences.


    When the conversation turned to Snow Goose Adventure Team''s conquest of the eleventh level, Klyne, who had been silent until then, suddenly clenched her fist and said in a low voice:


    "Lia went too far. She didn''t mention a word about Oru''s injury, just kept ming him."


    Oru was straightforward and honest; he felt that being scolded by Lia was no big deal,


    But his girlfriend Klyne could not stand it. Even when Oru''s shield arm was broken, he didn''t back down. The reason for the team''s heavy losses was all due to Lia and Aiko always drawing away the Magical Creatures'' aggro,


    In the end, it was Oru who was med for not being able to keep the creatures at bay.


    Klyne, a regr Elf Girl without a particrly forgiving heart,ined incessantly.

 Chapter 70: 70, Lin Da and Big Lolita

    Lin Da listened to Snow Goose''s strategy and couldn''t help but feel speechless, "So, why can''t you just take on the three Swift Rock Lizards separately?"


    "Have Oru and Klrona each lure one away and then have Lia and Aiko team up to take down another?"


    "Is that even possible?" Oru asked, scratching his head in confusion.


    "Actually, there''s a simpler method. Just coat the damage dealers with Dragon Dung¡ªthe Swift Rock Lizards are afraid of that smell."


    Lin Da sighed:


    "However, the best approach would still be for you and Klrona to concentrate on attacking the Swift Rock Lizards'' tails as that is their weak point, which generates the most aggro.


    Debilitate them all, and then finish them off with Aiko''s area of effect Magic, ''Rain of Light,'' to take down all three Swift Rock Lizards at once,


    which will trigger the eleventh level''s hidden condition, and the quality of the Treasure Chest dropped by the Magical Creatures will be one tier higher."


    When Oru and Klyne heard his detailed analysis, they were a bit stunned, exchanging nces, wondering why the eleventh level seemed so simple?


    If they strictly followed Lin Da''s method, would it be another no-damage fight?


    Confused, Klyne asked, "Lin Da, can I ask, how do you know so much? You haven''t been to the eleventh level, have you?"


    "I haven''t been, but I''ve watched others'' strategy live broadcasts."


    Lin Da had already thought about how to address these kinds of questions and said:


    "Apart from spending Gold Coins to watch the famous adventure teams'' live strategy broadcasts, there are also adventurers'' diaries and records, which contain a lot of important information.


    Like the fact that Swift Rock Lizards are afraid of Dragon Dung, I found that in a book called ''Matos''s Elderly Pig Farming Life'',


    One day, Matos was hit on the head by Dragon Dung from the sky, and on his way home, he didn''t encounter any Swift Lizards.


    After testing it, I found it was useful, so there''s a high probability that Dragon Dung also works on Swift Rock Lizards of the same species."


    Listening to this, Oru was dumbfounded: "Out of a hundred books of that sort, aren''t ny-nine of them useless? You immerse yourself in the library just to read these things?"


    Lin Da shook his head, "They may seem useless, but if you dig deep, you can find some valuable information."


    In the first year aftering to Another World, Lin Da moved back and forth between the library and his rental house.


    The number of misceneous books in the library was immense, enough to form mountains. Finding valuable things from them was like panning gold from dirt.


    Moreover, most of them consisted of adventurers boasting about themselves, making it difficult to distinguish the real information, much less apply it to strategies for the World Tree...


    Thinking about this, Oru could only admitplete admiration.


    Previously, like Lia and the others, he hadfortably enjoyed the benefits brought by Lin Da''s strategies, knowing Lin Da was good at devising strategies, but he had never imagined he would be this impressive,


    "Brother Lin Da, look, can we join your team?" Oru, caught up in the excitement, blurted out.


    Seeing the troubled look on Lin Da''s face, Klyne sternly scolded Oru, "Stop talking nonsense, our contract with Snow Goose is still valid for two more years, can you afford the penalty fee?"


    Clearly, they didn''t have that kind of money. If they wanted to switch teams, it would have to be paid by Lin Da, the captain of Phoenix Tail Flower.


    But clearly, Lin Da, just starting out, did not have ample funds.


    A whileter.


    "No need to see us out, take care and heal your injuries as soon as possible."


    At the entrance, Lin Da and Kafni said goodbye.


    As Oru and Klyne watched them leave, staring at Lin Da''s silhouette, Oru couldn''t help butment:


    "Ah, it would be nice if Brother Lin Da could return to the team. Klyne, do you want to try persuading the captain again?"


    "Her? I get annoyed just seeing her now." Klyne''s face turned sallow, "That kind of captain doesn''t treat team members as human beings."


    "Moreover, Lin Da won''te back." Klyne sighed, "He has his own team now, how could he possiblye back?"


    "Right." Oru scratched his head awkwardly, "Then let''s just get through these two years, wait out our contract, and then join Brother Lin Da."


    "But I''m really scared." Klyne shivered and nestled in Oru''s arms, a worried look in her eyes, "The higher floors of the World Tree are bing increasingly dangerous. Lia still needs to reach the 15th floor in three months. Is our team really okay? I''m afraid that one day I will lose you."


    Death ismonce for adventurers in the World Tree.


    The poption of White Dove City was around a million decades ago, and it has only decreased over time, making it hard to find anyone over fifty years old in the city.


    Adventurers gain everything in the World Tree and lose everything in the World Tree.


    "Don''t worry, I, Oru, will definitely protect you!"


    Oru promised emphatically, thumping his chest with his left hand.


    "Mhm." Klyne''s cheeks flushed red, and then Oru picked her up, closed the doors and windows, and slowly, strange noises began to emanate from the room.


    ...


    After leaving the wealthy neighborhood, Lin Da and Kafni boarded a carriage bound for Red Heart City.


    Both were eager to find the next team member and officially start their adventure in the World Tree.


    Though Lulu is strong, the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team''s current level is zero. Lulu can only enter the Public Grand Secret Realm, and such minor secret realms, having been visited once, are of no help to them.


    On a modest small bed inside the carriage, Lin Daid down, resting his arm as a pillow, looking up at the dark canvas above, thinking to himself:


    The moment he had kicked Lulu out of the team was in the early versions when the World Tree reached the 15th floor. That means, only after reaching the 15th floor, could Lulu officially join the minor secret realm''s adventure.


    Before then, they still needed to find another team member.


    Thinking back to the information Lulu had provided about the 15th-level Mage, who resided in Red Heart City and was somewhat shy, he realized he needed to be more cordial when inviting him.


    Lin Da had also learned that this person, like him, had changed professions. Three years ago, he was a 20th-level warrior who took massive risks to switch to the Mage profession.


    Attaining level 15 again in three years, Lin Da respected his talent.


    The carriage left White Dove City and entered the wilderness.


    Red Heart City wasn''t far away; they could get there overnight.


    For this journey, Lin Da had spent a hundred gold coins on carriage fare.


    The roads in the wilderness were rough, and the carriage jolted vigorously. Next to Lin Da, Kafni''s sleeping posture was poor, as a long leg or arm would frequently invade his space.


    Though Kafni was a Scrap God, she indeed had plump, soft arms and legs. As an Old Mage who had never been indulgent, Lin Da''s self-control was severely tested.


    He reminded himself sternly not to lose control, for if he identally wet his pants due to a dream, and Kafni found out, that would truly be embarrassing.


    On another note, should he also consider getting a girlfriend? Lin Da remembered the visit to Oru''s ce, where Klyne clung to Oru like a little bird, and he felt a bit envious.


    If the person with him today was not Kafni but a girlfriend, then they could really spice things up in the carriage.


    That night, Lin Da slept restlessly, his dreams intermittent.


    He dreamt a girl crawled into his nkets, her face unclear. At first, he thought it was Aiko, who ced his hand atop something soft,


    just as he was about to make a move, the figure turned into Lulu, her icy eyes staring at him, which scared him so much that he immediately lost all inappropriate thoughts.


    But upon closer inspection, the girl''s appearance in his arms changed again, this time to a brown-haired Big Lolita, wrapping around him like an octopus in distress, timidly whispering:


    "Lord Captain, please don''t abandon me..."

 Chapter 71: 71. Red Heart City and The Mandalas

    "Ugh!"


    Lin Da woke with a start from a nightmare, his forehead drenched in cold sweat.


    The air inside the carriage was a bit stuffy, making it hard for him to breathe.


    As his consciousness gradually cleared, he realized the real culprity elsewhere,


    Lin Da focused his eyes and to his surprise, there really was a ''beautiful girl'' in his arms.


    But it wasn''t the familiar brown-haired Big Lolita from his dreams, instead, it was Kafni, sound asleep and drooling from the corner of her mouth!


    A pair of annoying big ones were suffocating him and that was why he had been having nightmares time after time!


    "Scrap God, roll over to the side for me!"


    Lin Da kicked Kafni away in annoyance.


    "Ah, what''s going on, are there Magical Creatures attacking?" Kafni blinked her eyes open, still drowsy, and fumbled around for her weapon.


    "Sigh." Lin Da sighed and wiped off the deity''s drool from his face.


    Outside the carriage window, the night was still deep; hey back down,


    plugged his ears, ignoring Kafni''sints.


    In his head, the image of that shy, brown-haired Big Lolita still lingered.


    Her petite frame, her big, soft pandapanion, who also liked to sneak peeks at naughtyic books behind the team leader''s back...


    In the "Mystic Continent" poprity rankings for four-star SR cards, that social-anxious Big Lolita always ranked high up.


    Only, she became too weakter on; as a warrior, her passive skill was ''ss Cannon'', with reduced defense and increased damage. Against the fierce bosses in the higher levels, she wouldn''tst many rounds before she''d turn into a greyscale avatar.


    Therefore, that Big Lolita was kicked out of Lin Da''s main team early on and, as a mascot, she was relegated to dusting in the storage room, where tapping on her once a day would him a thousand Gold Coins.


    It was only today that he suddenly remembered he had such a team member, a panda no smaller than Kafni or Aiko.


    "The person that Lulu asked me to find in Red Heart City is a Mage, not a warrior, so I must have been overthinking it."


    Lin Daughed at himself.


    The Mystic Continent was so vast; how could he possibly run into a former team member by such a coincidence?


    It was just his exuberant energy, with nowhere to channel it, creating those mixed-up dreams, that''s all.


    Once he got a girlfriend, those dreams of grapes he could not eat and longed for would never ur again.


    The carriage sped through the wilderness, beneath the stars and the moon.


    For thetter half of the night, Lin Da managed to sleep, after a fashion.


    The next day.


    Lin Da and hispanion got off the carriage on the outskirts of Red Heart City and immediately found some Magical Creatures to subdue. If there were monsters, they cut them down; if there weren''t, they hastened along the road, killing seven or eight level 7 Bald Eagles and a couple dozen trash Slimes, totaling 100 Mystical Points earned.


    By noon, they officially entered the city.


    As foreigners, each person paid a Gold Coin to enter the city.


    Upon entry, the World Tree towering over the center of Red Heart City was immediately in sight.


    The branches of this World Tree were twisted, forming a heart shape much like a red peach, which gave Red Heart City its renown.


    "Peach-filled pancakes, hot off the grill¡ªget them here~ Speciality of Red Heart City, adventurers passing by, don''t miss out!"


    "Plenty Water Inn, grand opening celebration¡ªspecial discount for foreign adventurers, stay for a 30% discount! Check out the new Elves missy!"


    "Iron Cage Armor, trustworthy¡ªRed Heart''s products are always top-notch!"


    The lively voices came flooding in, with all kinds of shops and stalls on the street enthusiastically calling out to the adventurers entering the city.


    Eating, drinking, ying, and enjoying life¡ªthese were the four favorite pastimes of adventurers outside the World Tree.


    When that pimping Minotaur shouted the words "Elven maiden," arge group of drooling adventurers immediately flocked to patronize the establishment.


    When Lin Da approached to ask for directions, the Minotaur red at him:


    "Humans, don''t bother our miss. We only serve Beastmen!"


    Upon closer observation, Lin Da noticed that among the clients surrounding the Minotaur, there were those with dog heads, pig heads, and crocodile heads, as well as many Subspecies Orcs like Lulu with only animal ears and tails¡ªbut not a single human was seen.


    "Racial discrimination?" Lin Da wondered aloud in confusion.


    "Discrimination my ass, only humans discriminate against Beastmen, no Beastmen discriminate against humans, get it? If you disturb my business again, that''s discrimination against Beastmen!"


    The Minotaur, with a nose ring, pushed Lin Da aside and walked towards Kafni with a smile, "Adventurer, would you like toe to our ce and be a roast chicken... ahem ahem, I mean, a princess? You''ll earn at least ten Gold Coins a day, far easier than the toil of adventuring."


    Upon hearing this, Kafni flew into a rage, "What?! You looking down on me, huh? I''m not finished with you today!"


    "Then Old Bull shall truly have a lesson!"


    The Minotaur snorted and reached out for Kafni, ncing around to ensure no one from the Law Enforcement Bureau was around, his mouth curved into a sly grin, harboring a dark thought.


    But at that moment, a hand as strong as iron pincers grabbed the Minotaur''s wrist and lightly twisted it outwards, causing a crack¡ªthe Minotaur''s wrist broke right there and then!


    How could this human''s strength be greater than Old Bull''s?


    The Minotaur, ignoring the pain, stared at Lin Da in astonishment. He was a level 7 ''Bull Warrior'' focused on strength, yet with his wrist in the human''s grip, he was unable to make the slightest movement!


    "You''re done for, my boss is from The Mands, you''re in for it now!" The Minotaur desperately clutched his wrist, "Have the guts to wait here for me!"


    With that, he took off running like a shot.


    Are all Beastmen such bullies when they have the upper hand but cowards otherwise?


    Lin Da shrugged helplessly and looked at the displeased Kafni, "Are you alright?"


    "Once I regain my power, I''ll wipe out the Minotaur from this world first," Kafni said vehemently.


    The two did not wait foolishly for their adversary to return for revenge. Following the address given by Lulu, they hailed a carriage and made their way to the Inner City District of Red Heart City.


    On the way, Lin Da thought of what the Minotaur had said about The Mands, and he couldn''t help but chuckle bitterly¡ªthat family was Lia''s!


    The Mands were one of the biggest families in Red Heart City, mainly dealing with mining and some grey-area businesses on the edge of imperialw, involved in gambling and more, making them the true local heavyweights of Red Heart City.


    However, due to his connection with Lia, Lin Da was somewhat friendly with Lady Bellini of The Mands.


    Sometimes, when preparing strategy materials in Red Heart City, he would visit thedy, leveraging The Mands'' connections for his material collection.


    But for some reason, Lia never returned to Red Heart City, seemingly having severe conflicts with her family. Lady Bellini would look heartbroken every time she mentioned Lia, asking Lin Da to take good care of her.


    Now that he and Lia had gone their separate ways, Lin Da naturally felt awkward visiting Lady Bellini. He intended to enter the city quietly, invite this ''kid'' that Lulu talked about into the team, and then quietly leave.


    From the pouch on his belt, he took out a pre-written note with the address he remembered, which read: Inner City District of Red Heart City, Seventh Ring, 75 Red Rock Avenue.


    As for the other person''s name, Lulu had not told him, only that she was an 18-year-old girl who was shy.


    Gentle, remember to be gentle... Lin Da rubbed his face, practicing a sunny smile.


    Kafni watched from the side and sneered, "Disgusting."


    About half an hourter, the two arrived at 75 Red Rock Avenue.

 Chapter 72: 72, Waste Girl

    This was a western-style house with a white dome roof, upying about a hundred square meters, and had a small garden outside.


    However, the area was overrun with weeds that enveloped the house, leaving just a barely passable path leading to the front door.


    After getting off the carriage, Kafni saw the deste scene and her face fell, "The address the Beastman gave isn''t wrong, is it? It doesn''t look like anyone lives here at all?"


    "That''s not possible, if there was no one, even this path would be overgrown with weeds." Lin Da walked up to the door, knocked, and said loudly, "Hello, is anyone there? I''m an adventurer rmended by Lulu!"


    Thump, thump, thump thump thump!


    He knocked a dozen times in a row without any response.


    Not at home?


    Lin Da frowned and looked around, noticing all the windows of the house had their curtains tightly drawn.


    On such a hot day, he pressed his ear to the wall but couldn''t hear any sounds of the Cooling Magic Array running inside.


    It seemed no one was home.


    They had no choice but to temporarily rent a room at an inn and decide toe back in the afternoon to check again.


    About ten minutes after they left, a rustling of footsteps sounded inside the house.


    The person, timid as a frightened hamster, moved closer to the front door, peered out through the peephole with utmost caution, and after confirming that the two strange adventurers calling her had left, she clutched her chest and let out a long sigh of relief, murmuring in a timid voice,


    "No, didn''t turn on the Cooling Magic Array, that''s really good..."


    The young girl inside the house wore only a loose-fitting white shirt with an orange cat pattern drawn on it. Sticky sweat covered her pale skin, and despite the stifling heat inside the room, she was still clinging to arge, fuzzy caterpir doll.


    It seemed she didn''t have a single point in hand, not even daring to approach the door to look.


    Soon after, the girl went to the living room to check the food in the fridge, which was filled with boxes of chopped cabbage. With her and the cat''s modest appetite, it was enough tost half a month.


    She took out a box of chocte ice cream from the bottom freezer and held it in her palm with a relieved smile.


    "Hee hee, hee hee hee... Being useless, is really great."


    After eating one-fifth of the ice cream, she licked her lips and reluctantly put it back in the freezer. She returned to the bedroom,y back on the bed, holding a red and blue Magic Puppet console in her hand, propped against a tall panda doll,


    That way, her arms weren''t strained at all, the distance was good, so she didn''t have to worry about her eyesight getting worse.


    Using her waist to control the Magic Puppet inside, about the size of a fingernail, she made it jump, attack, beating one Slime after another.


    The sun quickly set, and dusk arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Thump thump thump!


    Thump thump thump thump!


    Another round of urgent knocking sounded.


    "Excuse me, is anyone home? I''m an adventurer rmended by Lulu, I''d like to invite you to join our team!"


    The clear male voice outside scared the girl inside so much that her face turned pale with fright, she buried her head in the nket, and her bare feet stuck out trembling.


    Who on earth was outside! Don''te in; she no longer wanted to be an adventurer ever again!


    She begged the person outside to spare her, a useless wretch like herself!


    ...


    "Still not at home?"


    Lin Da withdrew his hand in disappointment and walked over to the window, looking for a crack to peer inside through.


    If it turned out to be a house that hadn''t been inhabited for a long time, he would have to consider the trip a waste and return to White Dove City.


    The problem was, the curtains were drawn so tightly that not a single gap was left.


    From the path outside that had no weeds, it was most likely that someone lived there.


    Today was a coincidence, and the owner of the house was out on an adventure and hadn''te back yet?


    "I''lle back tomorrow to check again."


    Lin Da helplessly departed with Kafni.


    The next day arrived.


    It was still the same.


    The house''s Cooling Magic Array wasn''t active, and there were no signs the door had been opened.


    Lin Da had intentionally stuffed a de of grass in the door; when he checked back, it hadn''t fallen.


    He and Kafni had no choice but to go to the wilderness to hunt Magical Creatures, spending the day that way.


    Red Heart City''s surrounding areas didn''t have any great leveling spots: either the Magical Creatures were too high-level or too low. After a whole day, Lin Da only managed to collect 24 level 5 Demon Cores.


    Selling them, he earned 50 Gold Coins, and his Mystical Points increased by 240.


    The third day.


    This was supposed to be the day he returned to White Dove City with the ''new team member''.


    But after three days, he hadn''t even seen the person.


    He couldn''t help but worry whether they had encountered something on their adventure and couldn''t make it back...


    He arrived at 75 Red Rock Avenue as usual, but this time the scene before him was different from the previous two days, lifting Lin Da''s despondent spirits.


    A short middle-aged man, carrying arge bundle of dolls, was walking from the house towards here.


    There was a dpidated cart on the road, its carriage filled with bags stuffed with dolls. From the corners that peeked out, one could see they were mostly chibi plush Magical Creature dolls.


    But that wasn''t the focus. The ''child'' Lulu mentioned was a man who looked to be at least forty years old?


    Lin Da''s mouth hung open in shock.


    "Who are you, and what brings you here?" asked the uncle warily, scrutinizing them both.


    "Actually, we''re adventurers rmended by Lulu..."


    "Lulu? Who''s that, I don''t know her. Anyway, I got your point. You also want to take on the doll-sewing work, huh?"


    Hearing Lin Da say so, a hint of scorn surfaced on the uncle''s face as he looked him up and down¡ªsuch a big adventurer, yet making a living sewing dolls like a little girl.


    "Dolls, what are you talking about?" Lin Da was totally confused.


    "Sewing handmade dolls, right?"


    The uncle threw the big bag of dolls he was carrying onto the cart and made a few checks at random, muttering in admiration:


    "Worthy of being sewn by a former elite adventurer, not a single loose thread, this joint, as seamless as it gets, tsk tsk! Paying that kid a copper coin per doll seems a bit little."


    As he spoke, the uncle opened a box in the cart, which was filled with lots of cotton and shriveled plush doll skins, and said to Lin Da, who seemed to have understood something:


    "Here, it''s for sewing these dolls, one copper coin each. It might be slow at first, but once you get the hang of it, sixty a day is no problem."


    "One copper coin each?" Lin Da''s expression changed.


    Sewing such a doll would take at least twenty minutes.


    The pay was only one copper coin... Not even enough to buy a loaf of hard, sawdust-filled ck bread.


    "What, not enough for you? She''s been doing it for two and a half years, very skillful, and I''m still paying her one copper coin each. You, a neer, aim for the sky too?"


    The uncle pointed to the overgrown house and said with irritation.


    "First of all, one copper coin is indeed too low, you''re truly ck-hearted." Lin Da''s gaze became stern as he looked at the man: "Secondly, I''ll give you a Gold Coin, and I want to ask, is there someone in that house?"


    Lin Da pulled out a shiny round Gold Coin from his chest, engraved with the emblem of the World Tree.


    The uncle''s eyes immediately brightened: "You aren''t nning to sew dolls?"


    "Of course not!" Lin Da shook his head, "I came to find the owner of this house, having tried for three days without luck in meeting her."

 Chapter 73: 73. Lin Da seduces an ignorant young girl

    After taking the Gold Coin, the other party''s attitude warmed up considerably, eyes squinting into slits with a smile as they carefully put the coin into their pocket.


    This person imed his name was Mingde and that he was a retired adventurer who now worked as a doll merchant.


    Mainly ''pit,'' well, mainly peddling to out-of-town adventurers.


    In response to Lin Da''s question, Uncle Mingdeughed, "It''s right that you can''t see her! I''ve known that kid for two and a half years and have never seen her once!"


    "Then how did you get those dolls?" Lin Da pointed to the big bags inside the carriage, looking bewildered.


    "We conduct transactions based on trust."


    Uncle Mingde said, "The kid would leave the dolls outside in advance, I''d take them, and then leave the corresponding copper coins at the door. She woulde out and collect them on her own."


    "You''ve never seen her?" Lin Da was astonished.


    "Hmm, I''ve only heard her voice, very soft and delicate, it''s definitely a girl. One time I got curious about how the kid looked, so after cing the reward properly, I hid outside, waiting for her toe out. But, after waiting half an hour, some ruffian adventurers passing by took the copper coins, and she didn''te out!"


    "There was nothing I could do. I just had to get the copper coins back and put them at the door again. As soon as I left, I came back a few minutester to check, and the copper coins were gone. There was a note left behind, though, thanking Uncle me for helping her recover the copper coins."


    Uncle Mingde beamed, "She''s still a polite and good kid, geez, she''s just a bit shy and unwilling to show her face."


    This is ''a bit''? It''s practically extreme social anxiety!


    Lin Da secretly scoffed in his heart.


    He looked towards the white western-style house withplex feelings. He had been here for three days, thinking the other party was not at home, but all this time, were they deliberately hiding from him?


    Not using the Cooling Magic Array, aren''t they bothered by the heat?


    Or is it to save money?


    Lin Da was slightly annoyed and determined to see what kind of "turtle" was hiding inside, treating him and Kafni like salted meat hung out to dry.


    "Thank you for the information, Uncle," Lin Da thanked with a cup of his hands.


    However, Uncle Mingde warned him and Kafni, "You two, you''re not nning to do something to that kid, are you? If you dare to forcefully intrude into a private residence, I can notify the Law Enforcement Bureau."


    "Uh, don''t worry about that, we won''t. We are bona fide adventurers," Lin Da quickly exined. "I was referred by the kid''s friend Lulu."


    "I hope so," Mingde huffed as he drove the carriage away, still not forgetting to admonish, "Don''t get any crooked ideas!"


    "I really won''t," Lin Da said helplessly.


    Watching the carriage slowly drive away, Lin Da murmured to himself, sorry, but today, even if it meant breaking into a private residence, he needed to see the other party.


    Lin Da and Kafni strode up to the door and knocked loudly.


    "Hello there, I''m really not a bad person, could you please open the door so we can meet?"


    "Why won''t youe out? I know you''re home."


    "If you don''t open the door, I''m going to keep knocking," Lin Da insisted.


    ...


    Inside the house, a girl with brown long hair curled up tensely under the nkets, covering her head.


    Someone''s voice prated through the nket into her ears.


    Right now, the girl felt very scared, afraid that the person would break in and drag her out to punish her, stinking and filthy as she was.


    Her mother got punished by robbers just for opening the door without permission,


    Since then, except for the ''most caring'' Lord Captain, she would never open the door to anyone else!


    The person outside this time was clever, pretending to be Lulu''s friend.


    But someone like Lulu could never have friends.


    That meant, the man outside was deceiving her!


    She absolutely couldn''t open the door.


    The girl kept her eyes tightly closed, covering her ears, praying that the person outside would leave quickly.


    After shouting for a while, the person outside went slightly quiet.


    Just when she was about to feel relieved, the voice started up again, this time with a different approach.


    "Little sister, the uncle likes your doll and is willing to pay a high price for it. Could youe out and discuss a business deal?"


    "Sell it to me for 5 silver coins each?"


    A few seconds passed.


    "10 silver coins, no, 2 Gold Coins each! I really like your handmade dolls!"


    The girl slightly opened the quilt, her heart pounding fiercely.


    2... 2 Gold Coins each?


    With that much money, she wouldn''t have to worry about food for the next year!


    And there would still be lots left over to buy new magic puppet games!


    The girl was very tempted, but the rationale that remained warned her that this was definitely a trick to lure her out, and once she opened the door, terrible things would happen to her.


    "You who skulk in your room like a musty, moldy mess, you don''t deserve to live in this world!"


    "To be an adventurer and yet be too afraid to adventure in the World Tree, you''re truly a waste!"


    "Let this lord punish you harshly with a stick!"


    Recalling certain scenes fromic books, the girl shuddered violently, her buttocks aching as if an invisible hand was dragging her into a pit of depravity...


    "No, I don''t want to be punished. Captain, why haven''t youe to save Monica yet?"


    The girl named Monica was yelping and sobbing under the quilt.


    More than three years ago,


    the captain called ''Lin Da'' assigned her to dust the warehouse, and it turned out to be a long task.


    In that warehouse, Monica felt an unprecedented sense of security.


    All the dust was swept by her own hands, and apart from the captaining to check for cleanliness, no one else woulde, creating a haven that belonged solely to her.


    But then one day, the captain disappeared, Monica''s little warehouse was sold by other team members,


    and Monica, with nowhere else to go, bought this house with the help of kind-hearted Lulu.


    She dared not meet people or adventure in the World Tree, her only option was to make handmade dolls to supplement the household ie.


    As a result,st year, because she got obsessed with drawing limited magic puppets, she signed her name on a loan flyer from The Mands, and the next day someone delivered 10 Gold Coins,


    but when Monica finally managed to gather the Gold Coins and was ready to pay back, she found the 10 Gold Coins had turned into 50. No matter how she paid, the debt was never-ending!


    Knowing how ruthless The Mands were, they would surely catch her for failing to repay the money and throw her into a tavern to be yed with by the Beastmen at will!


    Just thinking about it was enough to make Monica nearly faint with fear.


    The person outside now might just be tricking her into opening the door and then binding her to serve in the tavern.


    So, no matter what, she would cling tightly in her quilt and never open the door for them!


    ...


    "Should we break down the door?"


    Kafni, from the overgrown garden, found arge, sharp stone and rolled up her sleeves, approaching the door like a soldier ready with a battering ram.


    Lin Da was actually in favor of the idea.


    But as aw-abiding adventurer, he chose to decline. If he broke the door and scared the girl inside, what if she didn''t join his adventure team?


    They hade for ''Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage,'' not to abduct someone like bandits.


    Lin Da decided to win her over with sincerity.


    Momentster, the two of them pulled up the grass in the garden, built a Fire on the ground, and began cooking delicious magical beast barbecue.


    Fat and juicy volcanic beef steak, outside crispy and inside tender giant rabbit, sizzling fattymb leg...


    Kafni, with a fan in hand, was responsible for blowing the aroma into the small house.


    Lin Da had a snow-white towel slung over his neck and a trace ofposed smile at the corner of his mouth as he flipped the magical beast meat in front of the grill.

 Chapter 74: 74. Beastmen thug comes to collect a debt

    From the avable information, it was known that the owner of the small Western-style house was a severe social phobic and a poor person who scraped by making handcrafted dolls. The food they could afford to eat was probably nothing more than rotten cabbage.


    And this meat feast, which even adventurers envied, could she reject it?


    Eating meat fulfilled the need for sustenance in real life, while selling her dolls at a high price was her blueprint for the future.


    While grilling the meat, Lin Da loudly extolled the benefits of joining his adventure team:


    "Join Phoenix Tail Flower, and you''ll be escorted to the tenth floor of the World Tree. In three years, you''ll be stable at thirty floors, with high sry and benefits. The base pay is one hundred Gold Coins, with extra for entering the Mystic Realm;


    "Equipment, amodation, and meals are all inclusive, plus you''ll get a Town Portal Scroll. You''re only required to follow the team leader''s orders;


    "Join the team now and you get ten days of luxurious feasts, sleep on a luxury bed, and ride in a luxury coach!"


    Wave after wave of tempting voices, like whispers of a demon, mixed with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat, wafted through the cracks of the window to Monica''s nose and ears.


    Having not eaten a proper meal for over a month, she was drawn to the scent like an Elf Lady hypnotized by Beastmen, drooling foolishly as she walked over to the window.


    "Eat, Monica wants to eat grilled meat."


    A pair of excessively pale and small hands pressed against the windowtch.


    Just as Monica was about to be lured out,


    an untimely harsh shout resounded: "You little brat, when are you going to pay back the debt you owe to Mand Gold Firm?!"


    "Eh, big brother, what a coincidence, the one who hit my ox is that guy! You''ve got to let him taste some good juice!"


    "He bullied my little brother? Fuck, today I, Luke, will let him know what it means to mess with the wrong person!"


    Outside the small Western-style house.


    Three Beastmen dressed in ck leather jackets, carrying wooden sticks on their shoulders and with ruffian-like faces arrived.


    The leader was Luke, a Wild Boar Person withrge tusks, his small eyes filled with brutality, as he crudely weighed his wooden stick in his hand, staring at Lin Da in front of the grill with a vicious gaze.


    Then, seeing Kafni, the Wild Boar Person Luke, was stunned.


    Kafni, squatting in front of the window fanning herself with a palm-leaf fan, herrge buttocks perched up, her long legs under her shorts white and wless, her luscious thighs softly resting on her knees, nearly brought the three Beastmen brothers to tears!


    On the spot, Wild Boar Person Luke entered abat state!


    "Old Ox, Old Donkey, surround them, don''t let them escape!"


    Luke sneered as he approached Lin Da, who looked utterly calm, and mockingly said, "You humans are quite bold. Seeing me, the ''Debt King'' Luke, and you don''t kneel and beg for mercy?"


    Lin Da finally nced at Luke.


    Just now, Kafni told him that this Wild Boar Person had a Level Aura of about 8, only one level higher than him.


    But as a Healing Hero, Lin Da''s Basic Attributes were twice that of the average Beastman''s, and it wasn''t certain that a carriage-load of Wild Boars would be a match for him, let alone a single Wild Boar Luke.


    "Before I beat you up, let''s ask what you want with the owner of this house," Lin Da said politely, not forgetting to keep flipping the meat of Magical Creatures.


    Luke''s forehead bulged with veins as heughed in anger: "Fine, today I''ll make sure you die understanding. The owner of this house owes our Mand Gold Firm 10 Gold Coins. With interestpounded, by the end of the year, she still owes us 97 Gold Coins. If she doesn''t pay up today, the house will belong to our Mand Gold Firm."


    "The Empire''s statutory rate is a maximum of 24%, right? Anything above that is considered usury and needn''t be paid back," Lin Da said.


    "Then you''re mistaken," Luke sneered. "We loaned her that ''leaflet,'' the leaflet''s initial value was 10 Gold Coins, and now it has increased in value. It''s a total of 127 Gold Coins now, and not a copper less will suffice!"


    "Oh, I see. The Mands are quite the scumbags, always skirting around thews of the Empire," Lin Da said.


    Lin Da ced the grilled meat of magical beasts onto a te, stretching his aching shoulders as he produced cracking sounds from his bones. With a smile, he looked at Wild Boar Person Luke: "I''m ready. Let''s start."


    "Arrogant! ''Skills, Boar Charge!''"


    Luke''s expression changed drastically. In Red Heart City, which adventurer would dare to disrespect him, ''Debt King'' Luke?


    A pair of Wild Boar tusks aimed straight at Lin Da as the Wild Boar Person charged in a beeline!


    Lin Da, with arms crossed over his chest, stood still while his body emitted a purplish magic glow.


    This glow formed a set of half-real, half-illusory Spiky Thorn Armor around him, like a sea urchin.


    Poison Technique Series Skills, Spiky Thorn Armor, increases defensive power by 30%, and reflects 10% damage back onto the attacker!


    Among the major attributes, defensive power and Magic Defense are the rarest. If the defensive attribute exceeds the opponent''s attack, then apart from being hit in a fatal weak spot, at most you would lose 1 Hit Point.


    Lin Da''s basic defense is 24, his Leather Armor under his clothes adds another 1, and after the boost from Spiky Thorn Armor, his defensive power is 32.


    As for the level 8 Wild Boar Luke, his basic attack was at most 50, and his equipped gear seemed rather shabby, probably a big thug from The Mands, let''s estimate an attack of 60.


    When Luke rammed into him, his feet were rooted like a great tree, unmovable, feeling as if a swiftly running cat had nudged against his belly.


    To say it didn''t hurt was an overstatement, but to say it did seemed a tad too delicate.


    Above Lin Da''s head, a faint red -40 floated up, while his total Hit Points were 1880.


    It was as if a long red health bar had lost a sliver as thin as a strand of noodles.


    "Aiya!"


    Luke, dizzy from the blow, was also hit by the rebounded damage, clutching his head in a daze.


    In front of him, Lin Da wore a slight, disdainful smile and crooked his finger in a beckoning gesture.


    This left Luke''s henchmen, Old Cow and Old Donkey,pletely dumbfounded.


    How could that human withstand their boss Luke''s Wild Boar Rush and remain unscathed?


    Their boss Luke was a level 8 adventurer; taken head-on by a Wild Boar Rush, even someone of level 9 would be sent flying several meters and seriously injured!


    But what was with this guy?


    No injuries whatsoever, and he even sent their boss flying back?


    The two Beastmen exchanged a stealthy nce, each seeing a hint of bad omen in the other''s eyes.


    "Aaaaah!"


    Luke, not giving up, his face red with exertion, charged again with another Wild Boar Rush.


    Bang bang!


    Bang bang bang!


    After three or four times, the result was the same each time; the human before him was like an iron tower, impossible to budge, whereas it was Luke''s head that was nearly dazed from the collisions.


    He didn''t even see the man wearing any impressive Magical Equipment, how could his skin be so thick?


    Luke was sweating profusely, panting and bending over, hands on his knees; the man he was attacking wasn''t losing any blood, and Luke was the one tiring himself out.


    "No, can''t do it, brothers. I need a breather, you two go."


    "Eh... boss Luke, I just remembered I forgot to take a dump, so I''ll be off."


    "Same here."


    Luke was overjoyed: "My gosh, I feel the same actually!"


    This good juice, afraid it can''t be given to that human now.


    The debt collection would have to be postponed too, for Luke knew well that today he had kicked an iron te!


    The other party had taken his four Wild Boar Rushes without a hitch; he must be at least level 13 or 14.


    The three of them tiptoed back to the main road, as if making even a slightly louder noise would draw Lin Da''s attention.


    But it was just deluding themselves.


    "You''re leaving, did you ask my permission?"


    Lin Da''s expression darkened as he raised his hand and threw a dusky purple Venom Magic Sphere.


    Luke felt that the Magic Sphere didn''t seem to be very imposing, and if hit by it, he figured it probably wouldn''t be too serious.

 Chapter 75: 75

    Luke''s eyes saw it, but his body couldn''t react in time.


    The purple Magic Sphere hit Luke''s stomach with unerring uracy.


    This thing didn''t look as formidable as the grand and sun-like Fireball Technique,


    but the moment it struck Luke, it poisoned his guts until they turned green.


    "Aaahhh!"


    A squeal like that of a pig being ughtered came from Luke''s throat.


    This Wild Boar Person, known for his tough skin and flesh, was brought to his knees by the unassuming purple Magic Sphere, doubled over in pain and curling up like a cooked shrimp!


    Luke only felt an unbearable heat where the Magic Sphere had hit him, as if his flesh was rotting away, his Life Force slowly draining from his body, his consciousness fading.


    The Wild Boar People were naturally durable, and Luke, at level 8, had about 1000 Hit Points, a fact he took great pride in,


    but after being hit by that ominous purple Magic Sphere, Luke felt that in no more than five seconds, his Life Force would be gone, and he''d die from the poison.


    He was not someone Luke could afford to offend!


    With this realization, Luke''s face went pale, and, forgetting all dignity in the face of life-threatening danger, he scrambled to Lin Da''s legs, clutching them and crying bitterly:


    "Grandpa, please spare me, I was blind not to recognize a legend, I have the old at the top and the young at the bottom to look after, please, let me go as easily as you would a fart!"


    Lin Da was surprised, not expecting this Beastman tock backbone.


    After a brief consideration, pointing to the little white house, he said, "Cancel that girl''s debt, and I''ll consider it."


    At the same time, Monica, who was eavesdropping by the window, covered her small mouth in disbelief, her big eyes brimming with tears.


    Thest person to treat her this kindly was the team leader!


    Luke nodded frantically like a pecking chicken, "Cancel it, definitely cancel it! The remaining Gold Coins, I, Luke, will repay!"


    "Alright," Lin Da didn''t want to kill someone in Red Heart City and attract the attention of the Law Enforcement Bureau.


    Watching Luke''s lips turn blue from the poison along with his nk stare, he was on the verge of death.


    Too few Hit Points, can''t even handle the dosage of a Venom Magic Sphere?


    Lin Da shook his head, truly feeling the dilemma of ''throwing a punch at someone and then begging them not to die.'' Killing in the city brought too manyplications, so he waved his hand and sent over a Primary Healing Spell.


    A green +300 popped up over Luke''s head.


    "This Recovery Amount?"


    Luke''s lips immediately regained color, and his head cleared up a lot.


    With the help of the Primary Healing Spell, Luke''s excruciatingly painful body felt a warm flow pour into it, sofortable he nearly wet himself.


    "Continuous Healing."


    A green circle of light fell upon Luke.


    +75, +70, +73...


    Thanks to the dual assistance of the Primary Healing Spell and Continuous Healing, the blood loss from the Venom Magic Sphere was barely stemmed.


    Lin Da felt relieved he didn''t throw a second Magic Sphere at Luke, or he truly wouldn''t have been able to save him.


    But even with his Hit Points fully restored, the external wounds couldn''t be healed with Healing Art, as Hit Points were only one indicator of health.


    On Luke''s stomach, there was a hole the size of a baby''s fist, surrounded by flesh that was corroded and emitting a foul smell.


    Luke, holding his stomach, looked at Lin Da with a trembling fear and didn''t dare show the slightest resentment, saying with a forced smile, "Can I go now?"


    "Get lost."


    With Lin Da''s consent, Luke was tremblingly helped away by two of his subordinates.


    "Owner of the little white house, now you should understand, I meant no harm, right?"


    Lin Da shouted toward the people inside:


    "I''ve managed to offend the Mands, and, though it doesn''t sound nice to say, they''ve taken a grudge against you too now. Sooner orter, they''ll seek their revenge.


    Leaving Red Heart City and joining my adventure team to make a fresh start in White Dove City is the best choice!


    Your friend, Lulu, is also there as a member of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team."


    "Really...?"


    A feeble voice, fainter than the pping of a mosquito''s wings, seeped through a crack in the door.


    Upon hearing the homeowner''s voice, Lin Da''s face lit up with joy. His three days of effort had not been wasted!


    Only, something struck him as slightly odd¡ªthe voice sounded eerily familiar, as though he had heard it somewhere before.


    He just couldn''t pinpoint where.


    "Can you open the door so we can have a proper talk? Rest assured, I, Lin Da, captain of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team, am not a bad person." Lin Da spoke with the gentle tone one might use to coax a child.


    "Lin... Did you say your name is, Lin Da?"


    A timid voice, soft as a kitten''s, squeezed itself through the gap in the door.


    "Yes, I am Lin Da."


    "Good child, open the door and let uncle have a look."


    Lin Da wondered if the girl on the other side of the door, whose mental and physical age seemed mismatched at 18, could really be so shy¡ªsurely even a five-year-old child wouldn''t be this timid?


    Squeak~


    Under his eager gaze, the white door that had remained tightly shut, feigning an empty house, slowly opened a crack.


    He lifted his foot, ready to walk in, but... as soon as the door opened a crack as wide as a little finger, it was forcefully held in ce by someone from the inside.


    "How am I supposed toe in if you don''t open it a bit more, uncle can''t get through here?"


    Lin Da waspletely confused.


    "Come closer..."


    "What?"


    "Your face,e closer so I can see... if you''re really Lin Da."


    The voice on the other side grew softer and softer, almost inaudible if Lin Da hadn''t been an adventurer.


    He couldn''t help but exchange a nce with Kafni.


    Both of them began to have second thoughts. Was it really a good idea to recruit someone like this into their team?


    Even if the other party was level 15 and had excellent talent, such a personality didn''t seem fit for cooperation with the rest of the team.


    Yet, havinge all this way, Lin Da couldn''t bear to walk away without meeting the person, felt reluctant to leave just yet.


    He put on a gentle, sunny smile and leaned in close to the gap in the door: "See, doesn''t uncle look like a nice guy?"


    Peering through the gap, he saw nothing but darkness.


    There was no magic light on in the room, and the curtains were drawn, leaving it pitch-ck and impossible to make out the person''s features.


    All he knew was that a delicate figure with an oddly shaped head kept staring into his eyes.


    Being one of the rare individuals in Another World with ck hair and eyes, Lin Da often attracted attention.


    Had the girl inside been drawn to him?


    He spected wildly.


    A moment passed, two moments, three moments...


    "It''s¡ªit''s Lord Captain!"


    A cryden with inarticte sobs and excitement burst from behind the door, and the door in front of Lin Da flew open. A brown figure suddenly flung itself into his arms.


    "What''s going on, what''s happening?"

 Chapter 76: 76, new team member on board!

    Kafni was also stunned.


    The girl who had suddenly run out of the house and thrown herself into Lin Da''s arms was dressed so strangely!


    A square cardboard box adorned her head, with a caricatured portrait of a turnip painted on it, a chibi version of the turnip character smiling and holding up a knife and fork, with the words beside it: "The more you eat, the bigger and healthier you get!"


    Was the turnip taking charge like this? That''s "healthy" to an excessive degree, isn''t it?


    Kafni watched the girl clinging tightly to Lin Da''s waist with a trembling heart, feeling an inexplicable sourness inside.


    "Uh... do you agree to join the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team?"


    Lin Da awkwardly raised his hands, not knowing why the other party was hugging him so tightly, but it seemed inappropriate to hug back at random, right? What if she was a simpleton, and he ended up bullying her? The Law Enforcement Bureau would hand him a pair of silver bracelets on the spot.


    The girl''s sobs came from the box, whimpering without a response, only the words "Lord Captain" repeated over and over.


    Under the cardboard headgear was a loose white top with its hem covering the upper thighs, the girl''s bare feet were on the ground, her skin pale and delicate, the unhealthy white of someone not exposed to sunlight for a long time.


    Lin Da felt as if he was handling a fragile, delicate toy that would break with just a couple of touches.


    The girl was barely one meter sixty tall; even with the box on her head, she only reached his chin; arge panda with a small body... seemed slightly familiar?


    "What''s your name? Can you take off the headgear so uncle can see your face?" Lin Da asked in a gentle, hushed tone.


    The girl nced at Kafni beside her, then quickly drew back into Lin Da''s embrace, as if afraid that the brief look would draw Kafni''s attention, she said in a timid voice, "Only, only for Lord Captain to see."


    Kafni was irritated, "Huh? I''m not going to eat you, what are you so afraid of?"


    As she spoke, she reached out to pull off the girl''s headgear.


    "Wu wu wu!" A cry like that of a young beast erupted from the box, the girl moved behind Lin Da, her small hands anxiously clutching the corner of Lin Da''s clothes.


    Lin Da sighed, stopping Kafni, "I''ll talk to her first; you wait outside for a while."


    "That won''t do, she''s been here for three days, always hiding and refusing to meet. This kind of ingratitude needs to be hung up and whipped for all to see!" Kafni said firmly.


    When the cardboard-boxed girl heard "whipped for all to see," she trembled with fear, her legs shaking like a sieve, and a trickling sound followed,


    At first, Lin Da thought the water pipes in the house weren''t closed tightly, but when he turned around, both he and Kafni were dumbfounded.


    Right in front of them, the cardboard-boxed girl, whose name they didn''t even know, had been scared into wetting herself!


    "Ah?"


    Kafni was thunderstruck, watching the girl''s trembling body, slowly feeling a twist of guilt in her heart. She thought the girl was faking it, but it turned out she was genuinely timid, even more so than a mouse!


    "Don''t worry; you won''t be whipped, she was just kidding," Lin Da said softly, caressing the cardboard and holding the girl''s feeble hand, leading her into the house.


    This time, Kafni didn''t say more, waiting outside speechlessly.


    Both tactfully pretended not to hear the sound of water, so as not to hurt the girl''s pride.


    Upon reaching the entryway, Lin Da smelled a stench.


    The hallway on both sides was filled with round, white trash bags, containing many disposable chopsticks, food containers, heaps of toilet paper, and filthy, smelly clothes...


    Jackets, skirts, underwear, aplete mess of dirty items that seemed to have been tossed aside after bing filthy, toozy to be washed.


    They say the scene of a room can reveal the character of its owner. Lin Da''s small rental, though a bit worn, was impably clean otherwise; not even the slightest trace of dust could be found on the dining table after wiping it for a long time,


    And the room before his eyes...


    Lin Da nced at the cardboard box girl, who sat sping her legs and trembling, her head hung low, and quicklybeled her in his mind, social anxiety,zybones, and a poor soul who can''t even afford clothes!


    He had thought the girl''s loose top was an attempt at emting the ''trendy outfits'' of the Elf race, but now he was sure¡ªthe person in the cardboard box dressed that way because she couldn''t afford trousers!


    Sewing dolls all day wasn''t enough to earn even one silver coin, and she had a substantial debt with the Mands in Gold Coins,


    Simply not being dragged out of her house and sold into a chicken coop to serve the Beastmen was pure luck.


    If he hadn''t happened toe by today, Luke would definitely have smashed the door in and stormed inside... the consequences would have been unthinkable.


    Lin Da sighed and, taking the girl with him, sat down in the living room.


    The living room was just as messy, the table was coated in dust, and the floor was littered with meticulously cleaned ice cream boxes and many haphazard bottles of ''Great Water'', a necessity for down-and-out adventurers at one copper coin a bottle.


    A huge question loomed before Lin Da, "You''re a Level 15 adventurer, right? Why is everything, well, how do I put it, so Spartan? Your living conditions are excessively Spartan?"


    A Level 15 adventurer could easily take on a quest to subdue Magical Creatures and bring in at least 10 Gold Coins.


    "Poor..." the cardboard-box-wearing girl mumbled hesitantly.


    "I know you''re poor, but I''m asking, why are you so poor?"


    The girl shook her head, "All adventurers, except for the Lord captain, they... they would harm me, definitely use Monica as bait to attract Magical Creatures..."


    Monica?


    Lin Da was momentarily taken aback; the name sounded somewhat familiar to him.


    His gaze intensively focused on the girl, "No one''s here now. Can uncle take off your head cover?"


    Once he saw her face, he would definitely remember.


    "Mm-hmm." The girl who imed to be Monica nodded her little head gently and shyly clutched the hem of her oversized top, covering her tightly clenched thighs.


    This tense posture quickened Lin Da''s heartbeat slightly,


    It was merely removing her head cover, so why did he feel so nervous?


    "So, uncle is going to start now, okay?"


    Enjoy exclusive chapters from m-v l''e-NovelBin


    Lin Da shook his head, dispelling any improper thoughts. As an adventurer who knew and understood thew, he must not take undue actions just because someone seemed easy to bully.


    With a serious expression, he held down the cardboard box on Monica''s head and grasped the edges, slowly lifting it up...


    Rustle¡ª


    In an instant, the girl''s silky brown hair cascaded out of the box like a waterfall.


    Disheveled in appearance, yet possessing beautiful, smooth long hair!


    Gradually, her delicate chin came into view, followed by her pursed pink lips, her refined nose, and her shy, batting eyes looking timidly at her toes.


    Lin Da continued lifting the cardboard box upward, revealing her significantlyrge and adorable forehead, bright and shining, with long hair on the right side braided into a it, passing across her high forehead and being nervously fiddled with in her palm.


    Now fully exposed to the air, the girl instinctively curled up as she cautiously lifted her head to look at Lin Da and said timidly,


    "Lord captain, you haven''t... you haven''t abandoned Monica, have you?"

 Chapter 77: 77. Monicas Favorability Plot

    "Team... Team Leader, you haven''t, like, abandoned Monica or anything?"


    "What do you mean, she''s left?!"


    "Without the Team Leader, they, like, all pick on Monica."


    As she spoke, Monica''s eyes grew redder and little pearls of tears started falling one by one.


    When Lin Da saw the girl''s face, that familiar broad forehead, the brown long hair, and the thin, delicate braid, the socially anxious and frustratingly helpless facade of hers, it all came back to him.


    ''ss Cannon'' Monica, Four-star SR, the constion prize in some Five-star SSR powerful character pool.


    Deal damage as high as the sky, as flimsy as paper, the early-phase war god of the World Tree Secret Realm, and sundered inter stages!


    Lin Da once rmended in the strategy guide created for the yermunity to use Monica for the first fifteen floors, and then you could stash her in the warehouse to gather dust.


    Over time, he almost forgot about this Four-star character.


    The girl''s face, wet with tears like a pear blossom in the rain, and her continuous, grievous whimpers, couldn''t help but make Lin Da feel a sense of guilt.


    In the game, Monica''s affinity had three events:


    1. A Glimmer of Light in the Darkness.


    2. I want to be an excellent adventurer.


    3. For the Team Leader, Monica can do anything.


    In the first event, Monica was sunny and cheerful, with a harmonious family. However, due to her mother''s misguided sympathy for a beggar Beastman, an incident of extreme malice transpired.


    It was then the yer, taking the role of an adventurer, appeared, ying the Beastman and taking in Monica, who had be an orphan.


    In the second event, the yer trained Monica''s body and forged her spirit, helping her step out of the shadows to be a proficient warrior.


    Then came the third event, when the affinity gauge was full.


    Under the starry night, the yer stroked Monica''s head, and with her face turning red, she shyly smiled, saying, ''For the Team Leader, Monica can do anything.''


    Monica hopes to use a special nickname for you in private; please input ____


    Lin Da.


    That was the text Lin Da entered.


    So Monica had previously asked if he was ''Lin Da'', not the game ID ''Dai Lian''.


    With a heavy sigh, Lin Da nced over the filthy house and Monica, trembling and uneasy like a young animal, feeling a surge of paternal protectiveness well up inside him.


    It was he, as the yer, who had rescued Monica, but then ''mysteriously'' disappeared three years ago. With the personalities of the other team members, they were definitely not going to treat Monica kindly.


    Which led to three years passing, and her reverting to the reclusive girl she had been at the start.


    "From now on, as your Team Leader, I will once again fill you with sunlight and shatter the darkness in your soul!"


    Ovee with emotion, Lin Da embraced the sobbing Monica, hisrge hands warmly holding the young girl.


    Suddenly, he was struck by a thought,


    How fragile this body was, like a trembling tower of Jenga blocks that could copse with the slightest carelessness!


    Living in a dimly-lit little house, making a living from sewing handmade dolls, with meals that were hit or miss and nutrition supplemented only by turnips... and so thin, with nothing left but dark circles under the eyes.


    Determined, Lin Da whispered in Monica''s ear: "Join the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team. As your Team Leader, I will never let you go hungry again."


    "Team, Team Leader Lord..."


    Monica stammered as she looked into his eyes.


    Originally, Monica had already given up on being an adventurer, but when Lin Da''s voice rang out, a scene emerged in her mind,


    A ck-d swordsman wearing a mask, revealing only a pair of cold eyes, entered the room, ying beastmen thugs and rescuing the girl from despair.


    All adventurers might harm him, but Monica believed, only Team Leader Lin Da would not!


    "Yeah." Monica nodded her head vigorously, wiping away the tiny pearls at the corner of her eyes, "If it''s Team Leader Lord, then it''s okay."


    The girl''s soft voice was like honey to Lin Da''s ears. He knew this affection was nothing more than the pure bond betweenrades, but as he held Monica''s frail, willowy waist, he, the "Old Mage", was almost losing control.


    Aisant "okay" led Lin Da''s thoughts straying into dangerous territory.


    He gazed at Monica''s delicate, petite face, and the scent of her sweat exuded a strange fragrance, standing out in the filthy, dingy house¡ªonly the girl''s skin shone dazzlingly white.


    Even a ripe peach could not seem to be one percent as tempting as the sight before him...


    "Why isn''t it done yet!"


    Suddenly, Kafni''s disgruntledint sounded from outside.


    Lin Da snapped awake.


    He opened his eyes wide, with a sense of horror, he almost couldn''t resist doing something inappropriate to his own teammate!


    "Team Leader Lord?" Monica looked at him puzzledly, not at all aware she had just skirted "The Gate of Hell", blinking her big eyes in confusion.


    "Cough, cough, we need to pack up and leave this ce,"


    Lin Da turned around subtly, pulling up his trousers, and said with a serious expression, "I''ve scared away those debt-collecting beastmen, but they mighte back."


    Talking about beastmen, Monica''s little face turned pale, and with a whimper, she threw herself into Lin Da''s arms.


    I don''t remember Monica having a Bear Charge skill?


    "We''re all adults here, no hugging or clinging to the Team Leader!" Lin Da said sternly, "What my team needs are adventurers with independent characters, and you, as you are now, clearly don''t qualify. You still need more training!"


    Reluctantly, Monica let go of her hold, her voice weak, "Monica will work hard not to be left behind by Team Leader Lord."


    Talking about this, Lin Da felt guilty once again.


    He sighed and asked, "How have you spent these three years? I remember you were a warrior profession, so why did Lulu tell me you''ve be a mage?"


    "It''s like this..." Monica remembered those awful days, her gaze turning dim and lifeless.


    Through the girl''s recounting, Lin Da learned what had happened to the Primordial Adventure Team after his mysterious disappearance, and the reason for Monica''s current condition.


    Firstly, the Primordial Adventure Team had once been the Southern Fire Empire''s premier young team, famed for being the most promising to reach the top.


    Unfortunately, three years ago, the team leader known as "Dark Shadow", Dai Lian * Zhaowo vanished as if evaporated from the world, without a trace to be found.


    The self-proimed proud members, leaderless, couldn''t agree on a new leader.


    So, they vented their frustrations by smashing the team leader''s bedroom to pieces and divided all the adventure team''s assets among themselves, each going their own way.


    These were all five-star SSR level members of the Primordial Adventure Team, whom Lin Da had spent a fortune to recruit through 648 draws. As for those four-star SR characters he had kicked out, Monica wasn''t too clear on that.


    Monica, who had been oblivious to the outside world while staying in the warehouse, content with food and drink, was thrown out when the team disbanded.


    Penniless and desperate, having lost the shelter of her team leader and feeling like any adventurer could harm her, she decided to use "change profession" to end it all.

 Chapter 78: 78, The Disappearing Five-star Characters

    The chance for Monica, a level 20 warrior ss, to fail at changing her ss was over 99%.


    But she was lucky and sessfully became a mage, it seemed Heaven thought her time had not yete.


    After that, Monica met Lulu, who helped her acquire this house located in Red Heart City.


    "Smashing my bedroom... splitting the team''s wealth?"


    "Is there no one who feels sad about the captain''s disappearance?"


    Lin Da was stunned.


    No matter what, he had led them to the higher levels of the World Tree.


    He could understand the four-star characters he kicked out of the team holding grudges against him.


    But what about the core team members who stayed? Why were they all ungrateful?


    "There is someone," Monica thought for a moment, raised a snow-white index finger, and said, "Sister Tina took all the cucumbers from the captain''s room and cried a lotst night."


    Cucumbers? The ones from the blue furniture ''Strong Vegetable Cab'' that were there only to be seen and not touched?


    What did Tina want those for?


    Before Lin Da''s eyes, he pictured a nun with pink hair and a sickly smile, the five-star SSR ''Hell''s Judgment'' Tina, a melee mage, whose character''s third act event was "Wishing to Turn the Captain into a Pretty Specimen".


    "Aside from Tina, isn''t there anyone else who is sad about the captain''s disappearance?"


    Lin Da shivered.


    His intuition told him that he must hide the fact that he was the former leader of the Primitive Adventure Team.


    In the game, Tina could at most threaten the yer through the screen, but in reality, Lin Da feared he''d be drained dry and end up hanging on the wall of Tina''s bedroom!


    "Maybe there is, but Monica doesn''t know," Monica said, puffing out her proud chest, hitting it with her little fist, which wobbled like jelly, "Monica has been waiting for the captain toe back all this time!"


    "Monica really is a good child," Lin Da said, touching Monica''s little head with emotion. Five-star characters were all ingrates, to advance in the World Tree Secret Realm, you had to rely on the loyal four-star characters.


    The young girl squinted her eyes like a cat, a look of enjoyment on her face.


    Lin Da thought to himself that Monica, even as a four-star, was actually quite weak. Now that she had changed to a mage, a back-row ss, she had maximally reduced the side effects of the "ss Cannon" passive skill.


    Staying with him, a Healing Hero, he would protect Monica from the nasty magical creatures preying on her.


    ...


    Half an hourter, after packing their luggage, the two walked out of the house.


    Monica wore a bright yellow miniskirt that Lin Da had Kafni buy, her long legs wrapped in pure white stockings, her feet in round-toed leather shoes, she was no longer a poor girl without clothes to wear.


    But the moment she stepped outside, Monica still cautiously put on her cardboard box and carried a bundle as disproportionatelyrge as a dung beetle''s ball of dung.


    The bundle was wrapped in a very old-fashioned pattern of loud, vibrant colors, usually only worn by older generations of adventurers.


    "This ordinary pattern won''t attract attention!" Monica imed, carrying the huge bundle on her back, in response to Lin Da''s puzzled question.


    "No... what I mean is, doesn''t this actually make you stand out more?"


    Lin Da said awkwardly.


    Looking towards the main road, all the pedestrians were staring at Monica, who wore a cardboard box on her head, white stockings, and carried an oversized, old-fashioned bundle.


    It was like when an adventurer from the south hesitantly entered a public bath in the north, striding in without any undergarments withplete confidence, no one would nce at you, not even if it was embarrassingly small. But if you wore underwear to cover up, no matter how big, it would attract the attention of everyone in the room.


    Right now, Monica''s approach was thetter.


    Just the cardboard box on her head was eye-catching enough, but couple that with a bundle as big as a great water tank, and she resembled a dung beetle pushing a ball of dung, except she was a beautiful girl.


    All the passersby stopped in their tracks, their faces a picture of surprise as they looked at her!


    "T-team leader, Monica is so scared," whined Monica like a timid mouse, hiding behind Lin Da and trembling slightly as she clutched at the hem of his clothes.


    For someone who had hidden away at home for three years, stepping out of the door and into the sunlight undoubtedly required a lot of courage.


    "Take off the cardboard box, Monica. You are so pretty, and everyone would be happy to see you," Lin Da advised.


    But Monica''s little head shook like a rattle-drum, and through the peepholes of the cardboard box, her big eyes revealed a determined look as she stubbornly said, "Without the cardboard box, Monica can''t survive!"


    It seemed there was still a long way to go before she could ovee her social anxiety.


    Lin Da sighed heavily from within.


    He nced at therge bundle Monica was carrying, wondering where this Big Lolita had acquired so much luggage.


    Inside were various figurines resembling magic puppets,ic books, storybooks, and they must have weighed quite a bit.


    He offered to help Monica with her luggage, but she solemnly declined¡ª "Monica cannot trouble the team leader, definitely not adding to his burdens!"


    Was it because he had locked her in the storage room and hadn''t visited? Lin Da felt that Monica seemed uneasy, as if afraid that he would abandon her again.


    ''This time, whether it''s Monica or Lulu, I will take them both to the top of the World Tree, to see that breathtakingly beautiful view.''


    Lin Da thought to himself silently.


    The trio reached the main road and hailed a carriage.


    Lin Da nned to take Monica toplete her team registration first, lest this Big Lolita get cold feet halfway and no longer want to be an adventurer, which would be a real hassle.


    Better to get her into the team and sign a hundred-year contract...


    The penalty for breaching the contract should be one million Gold Coins to prevent Monica from backing out.


    It wasn''t that Lin Da was heartless; in Monica''s personal storyline, there had been instances where she was too scared to venture into the Mystic Realm.


    In theparatively spacious carriage, the back seat was covered with a cool bamboo cushion. Monica sat in the corner on the left, her little hand tightly clutching Lin Da''s clothes, resolutely preventing the stranger Kafni from sitting beside her.


    Kafni swept a nce toward Monica and said quietly, "Did that child wash...?"


    Lin Da immediately understood. Monica had recently been frightened to the point of wetting herself by a whipping sound, but as far as Lin Da knew, she seemed to have only wiped with some paper, and her water bill hadn''t been paid for two months.


    Even though Monica lived in a rather sloppy manner, her arms and legs that were exposed outside seemed quite clean.


    "Team leader, Monica isn''t dirty," she said faintly through the cardboard box and suddenly lifted the hem of her clothes to reveal her t belly, spotless and without an ounce of excess fat. Monica said timidly,


    "Team leader can check Monica."


    A question mark appeared above Lin Da''s head.


    Could it be that three years of istion had stupefied Monica, leaving her without any hint of caution around an ''Old Mage''?


    Even so, Lin Da''s eyes uncontrobly drifted upwards, noticing Monica''s round and cute belly button on her belly. Moving past her belly, further up, there was only a glimpse of something protruding,

 Chapter 79: 79, Profession: Earth Mage

    The glimpse of the tip of the iceberg that was revealed had a terrifying initial diameter, such that it could not be seen anywhere except in Another World, where girls with such explosively attractive figures existed.


    Lin Da found it fascinating, but he had to straighten out Monica''s thinking:


    "unting your belly in a public ce, aren''t you afraid of being targeted by passing Beastmen? Falling into the hands of Beastmen can lead to all sorts of incidents!"


    He knocked on the cardboard box.


    "Monica understands," the girl, clutching the head in the box, said softly, "It''s not a public ce when I''m with the captain, so, it should be okay, right?"


    Lin Da frowned and pondered for a long while.


    "Well, there shouldn''t be any issues."


    ¡­


    Half an hourter, Adventurer''s Guild in the Inner City District of Red Heart City.


    The ce was bustling, with people brushing shoulders constantly.


    As a cityrger than White Dove City, Red Heart City had many more adventurers.


    Even in the sweltering heat of noon, the area around the notice board at the entrance was still crowded with people, the noise akin to a bustling discounted market.


    A group of inked Arm Beastmen, clearly up to no good, were squatting by the roadside, whistling at the attractive female adventurers, and even approaching those who were alone to chat them up.


    "Hey, pretty girl, ol'' Donkey Grandpa here is really something. Wanna grab lunch together?"


    Monica saw an elf girl with pointed ears surrounded by five or six Beastmen looking distressed and immediately imagined her own situation, causing her legs to tremble, unable to walk.


    She tugged at the hem of Lin Da''s clothes and said weakly:


    "Lo¡ªLord Captain, Monica doesn''t want to be an adventurer anymore, perhaps I should just go to your room and dust?"


    The ambitions she had a minute ago had vanishedpletely.


    Lin Da, who had anticipated this, put on a stern face: "Captain I do not appreciate team members who give up halfway; keep this up, and I might just leave you behind."


    "Wuwuwu, Lord Captain, don''t leave Monica behind. Monica, Monica wants to be an adventurer again," the girl in the box said in a panic.


    "That''s my excellent team member," Lin Da said with a smile.


    The group entered the hall of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    As they queued, many people looked curiously at the peculiar girl wearing a cardboard box on her head.


    A Beastman with a hound''s head mocked, "Where''s this fool from? Probably too ugly to show her face, eh?"


    Laughter erupted amongst the crowd.


    Monica''s attire was indeed bizarre, carrying an old-fashionedrge bundle and wearing a cardboard box. The Hound Man, with his keen sense of smell, could even detect a faint urine odor on her.


    "Still wetting your pants at this age, hahaha!" the Hound Manughed aloud.


    Already insecure, Monica couldn''t raise her head upon hearing these words.


    Lin Da narrowed his eyes and gripped Monica''s trembling hand tightly, his gaze coolly fixed on the Beastman: "Either shut your mouth or never venture outdoors again."


    The corners of the Hound Man''s mouth twitched, originally intent on provoking further, but upon seeing Lin Da''s cold gaze that seemed to stare at a dead man, an inexplicable chill ran through him, and goosebumps rose on his arms.


    "Mos, don''t cause unnecessary trouble," said a half-Beastman with thick eyebrows and rhinoceros horns, frowning.


    "Tsk,"


    The Hound Man named Mos red at Lin Da, crossed his arms, and queued without furtherments.


    Lin Da also withdrew his gaze. His experiences after leaving Snow Goose had taught him many lessons, the main one being: Retreating sometimespletely useless, especially when facing Beastmen who prey on the weak but fear the strong.


    "Lord Captain, thank you," Monica said as she stretched her hand into the box and wiped the corner of her eye.


    "Don''t worry about what others think of you, as long as the captain thinks you''re a good teammate, that''s enough." Lin Da patted her shoulder.


    Monica broke into a smile and nodded vigorously, "Yes!"


    After queueing for about half an hour, it was finally the turn for Lin Da and the others.


    While Monica was filling out the form, Lin Da watched silently.


    The neat and tidy small print on the form was clear at a nce.


    Name: Monica * Laidi


    Level: 15


    upation: Earth Mage


    Earth Mage, one of the popr upations on Mystic Continent, possessed arge number of area attack type skills.


    Combined with Monica''s inherent skill "ss Cannon", she was exceptional at clearing minor monsters.


    Lin Da pondered, his Venom Magic Sphere was a strong single-target output, suitable for fighting bosses, and with Monica clearing the minor monsters on the path... With this, the outline of an adventure squad had formed!


    A ding-dong sound echoed in his mind and a system prompt appeared:


    [Squad module loading, current progress 1%, estimated remaining time 12 hours until activation]


    In 12 hours, it would be deep into the night.


    Lin Da estimated that by then, he would have returned to White Dove City.


    "You, the Beastman, don''t you watch where you''re walking?"


    "I''m, I''m sorry, sir!"


    As Lin Da and his group were heading outside, there was a disturbance at the door.


    A Hound Man named Mos had bumped into a tall middle-aged elf with golden hair.


    The elf''s face was covered with frost, and he disdainfully wiped his clothes while his eyes openly showed contempt for the Beastman.


    "Hey, this Beastman is in big trouble now. Not a good idea to mess with Elf Kao. I heard his team just passed the 11th floor of the World Tree yesterday, their levels reached 22!"


    "Kao has firmly established himself in the rock level squad now."


    "When can I be a level 20 adventurer..."


    The surrounding buzzed with chatter.


    Lin Da looked at the elf named Kao; in every city, there were some well-known adventurers. Like ''Eye of Wisdom'', ''Bursting mes'', and ''Frost Swordsman'' in White Dove City... anyone who reached level 20 could make a certain name for themselves among adventurers.


    Against the timid Monica, Mos was arrogantly invincible, but facing Kao, a level 22, he was as meek as a cowed dog, with his tail trembling between his legs.


    Lin Da looked at Mos''s humble demeanor, his mind filled with thoughts. He had never found level 20 adventurers intimidating because the circles he had been in were basically of this level, and he was also on good terms with Aiko.


    Thus, after his downfall, no one had bothered him.


    It wouldn''t work in Red Heart City, though, as no one there knew him.


    In his three days in Red Heart City, Lin Da had already faced three challenges: the Minotaur, Luke, and just now, Mos... If he were just an ordinary level 8 adventurer, he couldn''t have possibly smoothly stood here with Monica and the others.


    The worst oue would have been Kafni being kidnapped by the Minotaur upon entering the city and Monica ending up in a tavern through Luke.


    ''I must reach level 20 quickly and advance in upation.''


    The scene of the survival of the fittest unfolding before him made Lin Da realize the importance of levels. His teammates were beautiful girls; only with a strong enough captain could he protect them!


    As he was deep in thought, the surrounding chatter suddenly ceased.


    The level 22 elf Kao, upon seeing someone walking towards the Adventurer''s Guild, changed his face drastically, immediately forgave the Beastman Mos, and panic-strickenly retreated to one side.

 Chapter 80: Lias Mothers Invitation

    In no time, the crowded hall had cleared to make a straight, wide path.


    Tap, tap, tap!


    This was the sound of heavy iron-ted boots striking the ground.


    The approaching footsteps were steady and forceful, creating a sense of oppression in the air that felt almost tangible, bearing down upon those present.


    This behavior was undoubtedly extremely arrogant, recklessly releasing an aura that seemed to say to the adventurers: I am here, make way!


    But it has to be said, the neer had the confidence to act this way.


    Lin Da and his group were among the crowd when Kafni, shocked, eximed, "Impressive, must be Level 30."


    Level 30, Star-ranked adventurer!


    In White Dove City, perhaps only members of the White Dove Adventure Group possessed this rank.


    Lin Da looked toward the entrance of the hall with a solemn expression.


    The entrant was a young man with fiery red hair tied in a ponytail, his eyes as sharp as daggers, and a thin sword hanging at his waist.


    The thin sword''s hilt was like golden craftsmanship, embedded in the center with a blood-red Demon Core, its strong magical fluctuations palpable to Lin Da even from ten meters away.


    A short adventurer beside them muttered, "The Second Young Master of The Mands, Dawen, what''s he doing here? The Scarlet Adventure Group should have someone designated to liaise, right? The guild members are ready at his house at all times."


    The Scarlet Adventure Group?


    Lin Da raised his eyebrows in surprise.


    Lia''s father, known as the Bloody Baron, led that very team, the Scarlet Adventure Group.


    Thest he had heard of this adventure group was two years ago.


    Back then, the Scarlet Adventure Group had already reached the 17th floor and was rated as Steel Level. Now, after two years, they might be very close to reaching the 20th floor Sunrise Level Adventure Group.


    As the Second Young Master of The Mands and a member of the Scarlet Adventure Group, Dawen''s strength and status were unmatched in Red Heart City.


    The red-haired Star-ranked adventurer entered the hall, ncing around with furrowed brows, suddenly as if he had spotted something. He strode with purpose toward Lin Da''s side.


    Lin Da could feel that as soon as their eyes met, the other had an ''I found it'' expression!


    What did the Second Young Master of The Mands want with him?


    Could it be¡ªbecause of Lia?


    Lin Da''s expression shifted slightly.


    He remembered that Lia''s rtionship with her family was not good, often speaking of her half-brother with a hostile attitude.


    The surrounding crowd instantly dispersed.


    "You, you''re Lin Da, right?"


    Dawen''s expression was indifferent, his tone carrying an innate arrogance as he got straight to the point,


    "The Third Lady of The Mands invites you to visit."


    "The Third Lady?" Lin Da puzzled.


    "You should know her, Lady Bellini, Lia''s mother."


    A flicker of impatience shed across Dawen''s face as he grudgingly exined, "The Third Lady heard you were in Red Heart City; at her request, I am to bring you to The Mands for a visit. If you understand, follow me."


    An invitation to visit with such an attitude?


    Lin Da remained expressionless. "Did Lady Bellini ask you to forcibly take guests away?"


    Dawen pondered before replying, "She did not say that. The Third Lady merely mentioned that if you have time, pleasee over, she wants to see you."


    "Well, sorry, I don''t have time right now," Lin Da shrugged, "as you can see, I need to return to White Dove City with the new team members."


    The phrase ''new team members'' conveyed a vast amount of information.


    He clearly saw Dawen''s expression change.


    It seemed that The Mands did not yet know that he and Lia had parted ways.


    Dawen snorted, muttering to himself, "That little sister of mine, truly useless, can''t even keep people."


    Then, looking at Lin Da, he continued,


    "Whatever your rtion with Lia, it''s none of my business. Such a useless family waste might as well die in White Dove City. But the Third Lady wishes for you to visit. So, even if you don''t have ''leisure time'', you must find some!"


    The carriage is outside; it won''t dy you for long. Since your title is "Eye of Wisdom," you should know what to do, right?"


    "Lead the way."


    Lin Da followed him.


    Opposing The Mands in Red Heart City was clearly not wise.


    "Team Leader, are you alright... That man, he seemed fierce," Monica said, her petite frame trembling slightly.


    Lin Da thought for a moment and said, "It''s nothing serious."


    Their invite came from Lady Bellini, who was knowledgeable and sensible, much stronger than the capricious Young Lady Bilya.


    The three followed Dawen and got into the carriage.


    About ten minutester, they arrived at a sprawling estate.


    In front of them was a huge wrought-iron gate with delicate carvings, nked by two warriors in gleaming armor, holding spears.


    Dawen nodded at them, and the two warriors pushed the gates open.


    A clean white stone path led directly to the mansion ahead.


    "When you meet the Third Ladyter, don''t mention your and Lia''s matter for now."


    Walking in front, Dawen suddenly spoke up.


    "Why?" Lin Da didn''t agree immediately, his brows furrowing as he countered.


    Dawen shook his head. "The Third Lady was disced in her early years and unfortunately encountered a witch who harmed her, weakening her body progressively. She doesn''t have many days left. The Lord''s intention is to fulfill her requests as much as possible."


    With an implied look at Lin Da, he added, "That''s why you were invited. Lia... never mind; youing here is a small favor The Mands owe you, and the matter with Luke is settled."


    A small favor... clearly calcted.


    Lin Da mused internally.


    Thinking back,


    No wonder he always felt thisdy was weak and frail during their previous encounters.


    So there was this hidden story.


    Lin Da considered his Purifying Power and sighed inwardly.


    His own hands could only purify a witch; for those harmed by a witch, it probably wouldn''t work.


    Of course, this was just a guess.


    After all, he couldn''t exactly shove his hand into Lady Bellini to see if it could touch the contamination.


    Willing, but powerless.


    "I''ll stay here; you go in," Dawen led them into the mansion and to a room on the second floor.


    "Excuse me," Lin Da knocked on the door.


    "Come in."


    A gentle and mature female voice came from inside the room.


    Just by hearing the voice, you could tell she was a very voluptuous and lovelydy.


    Before entering, Lin Da took the oversized backpack off Monica''s back, or else entering wouldn''t have been easy.


    Pushing open the door, the three entered single file.


    The enticing aroma of food wafted over as Kafni and Monica''s eyes lit up; turning a corner, they saw a long tableden with delicious dishes.


    At the head of the table, on a wicker chair, sat ady with golden curly hair.


    Thisdy wore a gracious and elegant smile, herrge eyes seemed to contain pools of spring water, her plump lips were coated with lipstick, and her cheeks sported a touch of pink blush.


    It appeared she had dressed up meticulously to wee Lin Da, their guest.


    Such formality...


    The displeasure Lin Da felt at being coerced toe dissipated somewhat.


    Ady married to the leader of a Steel Level Adventure Group, who dressed up borately for him, a poor Adventure Team Leader from White Dove City, indeed touched the mark with her gesture.

 Chapter 81: 81, Madam, I do not accept your apology

    Lady Bellini wore a low-cut white dress and had a pearl ne around her fair neck, standing tall and proud in front of her.


    A delicate pale blue coat rested on her shoulders, as white as jade.


    Every time Lin Da saw thisdy, he would think to himself: Lia wasn''t malnourished as a child, causing iplete brain development, was she? Never mind a pair; just one would be enough to feed a baby.


    "I''ve been waiting for you,e sit down. You must keep your auntpany and have a good drink today, okay?"


    Lin Da chuckled, "Lady, you are frail, you should rest well. How could you drink?"


    "I''m only drinking because you came, Lin Da"


    Lady Bellini pulled out a wicker chair next to her, "Come sit, let aunt take a look at you, have you lost weight? And introduce your two friends here as well?"


    Seeing Kafni next to Lin Da, looking beautiful with a bust several sizesrger than Bilya''s, thedy''s eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    "They are my friends." Lin Da said politely, "It''s been a while, you seem even more beautiful."


    He sat down on the wicker chair to his right, with Kafni and Monica beside him, one on the left and one on the right.


    Kafni unabashedly picked up a chicken leg and started eating. All the barbecue earlier went into Kafni''s stomach, but she seemed insatiable.


    Monica wanted to eat but didn''t dare, blinking her big eyes toward Lin Da.


    "Go ahead."


    Lin Da wrapped the bottom of a chicken leg with a napkin on the table and handed it to Monica.


    "Thank you, captain." Monica crisply thanked him as she tucked into the chicken leg in the paper box.


    As Lady Bellini saw them enjoying themselves, her face filled with concern.


    What is Lia doing, allowing Lin Da to be with other girls?


    "Lady... your face, what happened?"


    Lin Da suddenly noticed that thedy''s right cheek was slightly swollen, and her eyes a bit red.


    Lady Bellini paused for a moment, her fingers gently touching her cheek, she sighed:


    "Don''tugh at me, but I was hit by the lord. Sigh, I''ve been in the Mand family for ten years, other than giving birth to Lia, the lord has never visited my room, not once. A useless woman like me probably can''t produce a great adventurer."


    Lin Da stayed silent.


    Such family matters should be shared with other nobledies, and even discussing which lord is superior is fairly normal. He wasn''t a suitable confidante for theseints.


    Lady Bellini mentioning these seemed like an implicit pressure on him¡ªlook, I''m so pitiful, you have to be considerate toward me, right?


    Objectively speaking, Lin Da knew what he should say: "No, your daughter Lia, is indeed an excellent adventurer."


    But he wouldn''t say that, not even as a kind lie.


    Lady Bellini looked sorrowful, waiting for him to continue the conversation.


    Lin Da pretended not to notice, he cut a juicy piece of steak, ced it on a fork and handed it to Monica.


    Seeing this, Lady Bellini sighed deeply and took out an item from a jewelry box.


    "Ah~ For a useless woman like me, there''s no hope. But, you and Lia, surely you can. However... well, she is too young, 18 is the best age for an adventurer, you should be careful. Here, take this."


    "What is this?"


    Lin Da looked puzzled at the item in his hands.


    It was a small square box with a cartoonish blue Slime on it, being squished under arge object turning into a steep mountain peak.


    The Slime was crying and the bubble next to it read: "Adventurer''s Wolf Fang Club, it''s too big!"


    Sigh.


    This is... a gel sleeve necessary for the inn!


    Lady Bellini, seeing his stunned expression, her lips curled up slightly: "It''s been three years, please don''t tell your aunt that you two haven''t gone that far yet? It''s thergest size, it should fit, right?"


    Although it could be used, still,


    for a mother, to prepare these things for herself rather than for her daughter, is that really appropriate?


    Lin Da was dumbstruck.


    Facing Lady Bellini''s smiling gaze, he, as an "Old Mage," felt a bit embarrassed but, more than that, annoyed!


    Her eyes sparkled with mockery and disregard; in her view, he must have seemed like a harmless child,


    and Lady Bellini felt a sense of superiority, as if she had experiences hecked!


    Lin Da did not receive the respect a man deserves; the smile on Lady Bellini''s face was an insult to him.


    Smack!


    "Mydy, I think you misunderstand,"


    Lin Da coldly ced the slime gel sleeve on the table: "I am no longer Lia''s teammate, and I have no rtion with her! You should use these yourself!"


    Lady Bellini''s smile froze on her face.


    Then a trace of terror appeared.


    "How, how could this be? What did that child do wrong?"


    "Nothing, I just got tired of it,"


    Lin Da, recalling Lia''sints time and again, shook his head and said calmly.


    "That child...sigh!" Lady Bellini suddenly understood. As a mother, she well knew Lia''s fiery temper; once faced with insurmountable difficulty, she would be terribly anxious and cause trouble for those around her as well.


    "Lin Da, auntie understands your difficulties. You are in charge of the team''smand and also have to look after Lia, you must have suffered a lot,"


    Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Lady Bellini grasped Lin Da''s hand, her mature figure suddenly drawing close, bringing a fragrance with her.


    Thisdy, with pitifully knitted brows, whispered softly: "Could you forgive Lia this once, give her another chance, please?"


    Chances, too many had been given already.


    Lin Da remained unmoved and withdrew his hand.


    He said, "Even if there are apologies, Lia shoulde in person. What good is it to have a mother apologize? Is this apology your idea, or Lia''s?"


    "It''s my own doing," Lady Bellini sighed, "Maybe Lia just expresses herself the wrong way. That child, she does not have bad intentions, I am her mother, I understand her¡­"


    "It''s exactly because you are her mother that you don''t understand her at all."


    Lin Da slowly shook his head: "In Lia''s eyes, there''s only the World Tree, she doesn''t care about her teammates at all."


    "No, it''s not like that!"


    Lady Bellini''s tone grew a bit higher, and due to her agitation, her face became unnaturally flushed, followed by several coughs.


    She wiped with a handkerchief, noticing a few ck spots on it, her eyes momentarily flickered.


    Lady Bellini discreetly returned the handkerchief to her pocket, then continued with a sorrowful expression that evoked sympathy:


    "Whenever that child writes home, she always mentions you. Before she met you, she never talked about anyone else."


    "That''s probably because the earlier me was simply more ''useful,''" Lin Da said dispassionately.


    The night he left the team, Lia had even threatened him using Phyllis''s resume.


    The moment he left, she immediately had Phyllis join the team, the cut was made incredibly quickly.


    Lia truly thought he was ipetent,


    And he didn''t have any fond feelings for Lia either.


    Now, it''s quite alright this way.

 Chapter 82: 82. Poor Lia, going home to borrow money

    Lin Da stood up and took Monica''s small hand with a calm tone, "Madam, I should leave now, mypanions in White Dove City are still waiting for me to return."


    Lady Bellini became a bit flustered as she got up to stop him, "Auntie apologizes on behalf of Lia, can you, give Lia another chance? To go back to her team..."


    "You are a precious member of The Mands, the Third Lady, and I, a mere mud-legged adventurer, cannot afford your apology."


    "Auntie... is willing topensate you for that child."


    With a bite of her teeth, as if making a difficult decision, Bellini said with a determined look, "Please go back to Lia, that child''s dream cannot be achieved without you!"


    "I''ve said, I''ve already left the Snow Goose Adventure Team."


    "I can agree to any conditions you have, Auntie!"


    "It''s not about conditions."


    Lin Da felt irritated.


    He had his own team now, had formed new bonds.


    Lulu, Monica, and there was also Isa in the ns, and it seemed Aiko wanted toe too... They were all much better than Lia.


    So¡ªno matter how Bellini pleaded, he would not return to the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Lin Da moved towards the door, when suddenly he heard a crash behind him.


    Turning his head, he saw Lady Bellini clutching her forehead, a pained expression on her face as she toppled forward!


    Lin Da, with quick reflexes, instinctively stepped forward and caught Bellini.


    "What''s happening?"


    He eximed in surprise, worried she was faking a faint.


    The feel was indeed pleasant, but strangely,


    thedy was feeble and boneless, light as a piece of paper, definitely not the weight an adult should have.


    Her limbs alsocked strength,pletely relying on his support.


    Looking down, he saw Bellini pursing her lips in pain, with a trace of ck blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.


    Kafni''s nose twitched, "The smell of contamination?"


    Considering what Dawen mentioned earlier, Bellini had suffered a witch attack in her early years, and her health was not optimistic...


    Lin Da frowned.


    It seemed to be no act.


    Heid Bellini on the couch.


    Touching her forehead, it was very hot, as if she had a fever of forty degrees.


    Initially still conscious, she murmured Lia''s name in a low voice.


    But a few secondster, she entered a semiatose state.


    -7, -10, -18...


    ck numbers jumped out one after another above Bellini''s head.


    Lin Da cast a Primary Healing Spell on her, but the result was a green +0.


    Bellini, contaminated, had entered an ''untreatable'' stage!


    With Bellini''s low level, her health points were probably only around three to four hundred.


    At this rate, she would die within a minute.


    It was troublesome!


    Lin Da''s heart sank.


    If anything happened to her, even if unrted to him, he wouldn''t be able to leave The Mands ''residence'' anytime soon until the investigation was clear.


    And Lulu was still in White Dove City; their trust hadn''t reached a stable level. His prolonged absence could easily be construed as betrayal, abandoning her to run away.


    Call over Dawen, the second young master of The Mands, to exin the situation?


    Or...


    He picked up a tissue and wiped the corner of Bellini''s mouth.


    On the tissue, starkly, were traces of ck contaminated blood.


    Harboring a sliver of hope, Lin Da made contact with a fingertip and silently invoked Purification in his heart.


    Suddenly, there was a sizzling sound.


    As if encountering corrosion, the contaminated blood swiftly dissipated under the Purifying Power, turning into normal red bloodstains.


    [System Notification: Absorbed Masterless Witch''s Contamination, Mystical Points +100!]


    Lin Da raised an eyebrow; his Purification ability could work!


    With a serious tone, Kafni said, "Shall we proceed? The source of contamination is at the position of the heart."


    The heart, located in the middle of the chest, slightly to the left.


    Lin Da looked at the majestic object that he shouldn''t be touching and hesitated.


    He cast a nce at the door; surely Dawen wouldn''t suddenlye in, right?


    -7, -9, -11... The blood loss continued, and Lady Bellini''splexion paled like paper, her hands clutching her chest tightly, her body slightly convulsing.


    She wouldn''tst much longer.


    Lin Da gritted his teeth.


    He silently apologized to the Bloody Baron in his mind.


    If anyone was to me, it was him for not having the Purifying Power.


    So... here Ie!


    "Child, don''t look," Lin Da had Monica turn around first.


    Then he took a deep breath and moved Lady Bellini''s hands from her chest.


    He ced his own there.


    It was like pressing into cotton, leaving behind the imprint of his palm.


    The half-conscience Lady Bellini felt nothing, her face worsened, her breathing grew rapid, and there was a risk of suffocation.


    There was no more time to wait.


    "Purification!"


    Lin Da concentrated all his focus on his right hand, his Magic Circuit working desperately, pushing the Purifying Power to its maximum!


    [System notification: Absorbed Masterless Witch''s Corruption, Mystical Points +30!]


    [System notification: Absorbed Masterless Witch''s Corruption, Mystical Points +50!]


    [System notification: Absorbed Masterless Witch''s Corruption, Mystical Points +60!]


    Lin Da''s spirit grew more and more excited, the corruption turned into strength and entered his body.


    At that moment, Lady Bellini in his eyes had be a delicious cake, which could provide him with endless Experience Points.


    Purify, purify fiercely!


    Lin Da shouted joyfully in his heart.


    ...


    At the same time.


    A carriage drawn by a Twin-Winged ckblood Horse came to a dusty halt in front of The Mands'' estate.


    Click.


    A brown boot stepped on the ground, making a crisp sound.


    The girl''s fiery red hair fluttered in the wind as her eyes looked towards the mansion deep in the estate, a trace of apprehension shing through them.


    Returning home this way made the girl''s face flush with heat.


    ''Thirty years east of the tree, thirty years west, never scorn a poor maiden!''


    With this thought in mind, Lia left Red Heart City.


    But she never thought there woulde a day when she was so poor she had to return home for help.


    The Snow Goose Adventure Team, after tackling the eleventhyer, was out of money.


    Lia had to replenish the team''s Magic Potions, and she also had to consider equipping her team members with the exceedingly expensive Town Portal Scrolls.


    She had recently leveled up as well, sessfully tackling the eleventhyer, and the reward from the World Tree Goddess elevated her from level 23 to 24. On her Heavy Sword me Devourer, she could add another Enhancement Gem.


    All these required Gold Coins.


    Unfortunately, due to that detestable Lin Da leaving the team, some merchants felt that the Snow Goose Adventure Team was poorly managed and announced the termination of their product endorsements with the team, causing Lia to lose arge sum of Gold Coins for nothing.


    The financial shortfall of the Snow Goose Adventure Team had reached over two hundred thousand.


    Lia couldn''te up with such arge sum of money on short notice, so she thought of her mother and hurried back to Red Heart City in disgrace.


    "Third... Third Lady?"


    The guardian warrior was almost unrecognizable when he saw Lia.


    "Step aside, don''t block the way!"


    Lia pushed open the iron fence gate and hurriedly rushed toward the mansion.


    ...


    "Hmm~"


    A seductive moan escaped from the throat of Lady Bellini.


    Thedy feltpletely powerless, like an adventurer who had fought a gigantic battle with Magical Creatures and was too weak to even stand.


    She opened her eyes groggily, and the first thing she saw was the handsome face of a young boy.


    Shey beneath him, while that face, filled with concern, was right above her.

 Chapter 83: 83. A Small Punishment

    It wasn''t just that, Lady Bellini also felt stupefied in front of her, as if grasped by a pair of pliers.


    She timidly raised her head a little.


    The sight that met her eyes almost made her faint again.


    Someone was sitting on her waist!


    "Lin Da... you, what are you doing, get off, I really misjudged you!"


    Lady Bellini''s eyebrows were turned upside down with anger and annoyance,


    She tried to get up but was weak all over, unable to muster any strength, and tears started to well up in her desperate eyes.


    She had always had a good impression of Lin Da, a gentleman of refined taste.


    That''s why she invited Lin Da into her room without arranging for any guard.


    But she had never expected Lin Da tomit such an outrage!


    She copsedly raised her hand to hit Lin Da, wanting to severely punish this scoundrel.


    But her hand was caught by Lin Da in response.


    A frail nobledy was no different from a chick in front of a robust adventurer like Lin Da.


    Stay connected with m-v l|e''-NovelBin


    "Ugh! Let go!"


    Tears formed in Lady Bellini''s eyes.


    They stubbornly guarded the rims of her eyes, refusing to fall,


    preserving Lady Bellini''sst shred of dignity as a nobledy.


    "Chief, Chief, you''re bullying auntie..."


    Monica crouched in a corner, her small hands covering the holes in a cardboard box, her fingers apart in a wide gap, peeping at Lin Da.


    "Don''t talk nonsense, the chief is not bullying her!"


    Lin Da replied helplessly and amusedly, then seriously looked at Lady Bellini on the couch, "How about now, do you feel a bit better?"


    "Feel better... you mean, under these circumstances, I, I should feelfortable...!"


    Lady Bellini''s chest was heaving violently, her skin blushing with shame and anger.


    "Er, I didn''t meanfort for your mind, but for your body, it should feel a lot better now, right?"


    "Body... you, Lin Da, you are too insulting! To think you want both my body and mind to feelforted, how arrogant and presumptuous!"


    Lady Bellini''s cheeks turned beet red,


    Not only had he taken liberties with her, he also wanted to force her to admit she felt pleasure¡­ How dreadful was this young man''s character?!


    "Let me go, you little rogue!"


    "The lord will not forgive you!"


    "Please, don''t do this..."


    No matter how Lady Bellini cursed or begged for mercy, Lin Da was like a cold statue, silent.


    He seemed to face some difficulty, focusing intently on his right hand.


    Pouring all his magic power into it, making the green light grow brighter and brighter.


    Gradually, Lady Bellini noticed something.


    Her chest felt very warm.


    Like a shivering traveler in the cold winter wrapped in a thick quilt.


    A sense of relief spread throughout her body.


    ¡ªWhat''s going on?


    Lady Bellini''s curses halted, her hands stopped struggling, and she frowned in confusion.


    She calmed down and tuned into the sensation.


    The stabbing pain in her heart, was it lessening?


    The witch''s corruption that troubled her every day, preventing her sleep,


    was it disappearing under Lin Da''s right hand that emitted a green glow?


    After feeling it for a while, confident it wasn''t an illusion,


    Lady Bellini''s attractive lips slowly parted, her eyes widened in shock.


    Only four words remained in her mind: How is this possible?


    Even a level 30 Healer couldn''t cure her illness.


    The respected old Bishop from the local Holy Light Church had examined her and said there was no cure, that she had at most a few years left.


    This year would be thest.


    And at this moment, the verdant glow on the youth''s palm enveloped her in front of him.


    It wasn''t the malicious kneading she had imagined.


    It was simply resting on top, releasing a gentle magic power.


    Does it feel better now?


    Now?


    Better...


    Lin Da''s words seemed to echo in Lady Bellini''s ears, resonating over and over again.


    Finally, Lady Bellini understood what Lin Da was doing.


    So this was his intention.


    She had wronged Lin Da!


    This youth was using magic power to heal her!


    Looking at Lin Da''s handsome face, Lady Bellini''s amber-like beautiful eyes became moist.


    It does feel better, indeed, it does.


    Auntie... it feels really good!


    She could almost see the day when the winter jasmine that her servants had nted in the yard would bloom!


    "Madam, perhaps you find my method of healing strange, but it is necessary. The closer to the source of contamination, the more effective it is. That''s why I held on to... please forgive me," Lin Da said, feeling embarrassed under the heated gaze of the beautiful woman and involuntarily looking up at the sky.


    The two of them were too close.


    He was sitting above her, able to smell the perfume the Noble Lady was wearing, an intense and mature fragrance that was initially overpowering.


    At first, it was almost too much, a strong scent that singed the nostrils,


    but once ustomed to it, one couldn''t help but be intoxicated, lost within its depths.


    ncing down stealthily, the mole below Lady Bellini''s corbone was very enticing; her skin, as delicate as milk, was in no way inferior to that of a young girl.


    The choice of purple was also very fitting; the material extraordinarily soft.


    She truly was a Noble Lady.


    Beauty, temperament, figure¡ªall were impable.


    "Lin Da, thank you," she said.


    "Although you were saving me, Auntie said so many excessive things to you..." Lady Bellini''s lips quivered as she closed her eyes.


    "I will repay you, but please, keep this matter a secret," she said with trembling lips, looking fragile and pitiable.


    "Of course, I don''t want to be hunted down by the Bloody Baron either," Lin Da nodded.


    "Our little secret, the two of us..." Lady Bellini''s face turned red, ncing at Lin Da with implication. A pair of warm palms gently pressed on Lin Da''srge hands.


    With this, Lin Da''s healing efforts intensified.


    It was as if Mei Yangyang were actively helping Xi Yangyang by pushing.


    But on Lin Da''s forehead, a trace of cold sweat broke out!


    At first nce, it was alluring, but in fact, it was a threat.


    Lady Bellini had indirectly grasped the secret that he could eliminate the Witch''s Corruption and reminded him not to disclose it carelessly.


    Standing from Lady Bellini''s perspective, there was no issue. But Lin Da, as someone actively providing aid, naturally felt ufortable with this kind of suggestive threat from Lady Bellini.


    "It turns out, you and your daughter are both unpleasant women!" Lin Da scoffed and forcefully began the Purification!


    "Wuu~"


    Lady Bellini, with only a level 4 magic power, couldn''t withstand Lin Da''s overwhelming strength of 100 and immediately winced in pain, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Yet her hands did not stop Lin Da; instead, they continued to caress the back of his hand, bearing the pain, like a flower being ravaged in a torrential downpour.


    "If it eases your anger, please punish me as you see fit; I am willing to make amends to you on behalf of Lia," Lady Bellini said faintly.


    Lin Da found this amusing, "Madam, what happens between you and Lia is a different matter! No matter what you do, I have no intention of returning to the Snow Goose Adventure Team. It''s better to make that clear in advance."


    "Why is that?" Lady Bellini''s face fell.


    "Never mind Lia for now; you should focus on yourself first."


    Lin Da sensed the contamination within Lady Bellini.

 Chapter 84: 84, stop it right now.

    Because thedy had been injured for too long without effective treatment, the Witch''s Corruption had already spread to her heart.


    With this ordinary method of purification, at most it could extend Lady Bellini''s life by half a year.


    [System Notification: Absorbed Masterless Witch''s Corruption, gained 100 Mystical Points]


    Another system notification appeared.


    Adding the points he had umted before, Lin Da had harvested a total of 340 Mystical Points.


    If he absorbed all of Bellini''s corruption, he could probably rise one level.


    Lin Da was currently at level 8, with 1657 Mystical Points, and adding the 340 points obtained from Bellini, that made a total of 1997 points.


    He could break through to level 9 at any time.


    If hepletely absorbed Bellini''s corruption, reaching the rank of level 10 would result in a substantial increase in Attribute Points.


    As he was pondering this, Lady Bellini, lying beneath Lin Da, easilyughed at his words of concern,


    Her face bore a breezy sadness:


    "To die or such, auntie has long been prepared for that, dragging on to today is already beyond what The Mands owe to mother and daughter.


    If treating me is too strenuous, you may stop; I am already very grateful to you. Your affairs, auntie will keep within her belly, taking them to the grave, only hoping that thereafter, you could take care of my daughter.


    Lia, she is my only treasure."


    Thedy stretched out her trembling hand and touched Lin Da''s extraordinary handsome cheek.


    Those ck eyes were like the mysterious night sky, stirring one''s soul.


    She couldn''t help but pass a hint of fascination in her eyes, murmuring, "Even better than the master. Lia, letting such a boy leave, mother feels sorry for you."


    "Lady, please do not speak such misleading words!"


    Lin Da took a deep breath and said, "There is a method that exists to thoroughly eradicate the corruption within your body."


    "But the local bishop of Red Heart City''s Holy Light Church also said it could only be dyed, notpletely cured."


    Lady Bellini hadn''t realized that Lin Da''s Purifying Power was a force of an entirely different level.


    "It can be eradicated, but, it requires your cooperation," Lin Da firmly stated.


    "Really...?"


    Seeing his confident demeanor, hope slowly stirred in Bellini''s heart.


    Even if there was only a sliver of hope to eradicate the Witch''s Corruption, Bellini was willing to try.


    This terrible toxin had tormented her for so long that she felt life was worse than death.


    Now knowing that there was a way to eradicate the Witch''s Corruption and live normally, Bellini''s heart began to beat vehemently, as if injected with fresh blood, and she felt revitalized!


    "Mr. Lin Da, please, save me!"


    For the first time, Bellini had used honorifguage.


    She was earnest in her expression and no longer treated Lin Da like a child of a younger generation.


    "The method of treatment, I''m afraid you won''t be able to ept it," Lin Da said.


    His system could only bind Witches, increasing purification strength by enhancing trust.


    But since Bellini was not a Witch, there was no trust to speak of.


    Therefore, the only method left to increase purification strength was another way.


    He nced at the door, speaking gravely, "Can you guarantee that you will not make any sound? That door, it will never be opened by anyone? Once an outsider discovers us, both of us will be enemies of the Bloody Baron!"


    "Dawen? Don''t worry, that child, he never enters a room without permission," Lady Bellini said puzzledly, "What kind of treatment is it that must not make a sound or be seen by others?"


    Lin Da answered Bellini with his actions.


    He grabbed the oversized Slime gel sleeve thaty on the table.


    "What, no! Absolutely not!"


    Lady Bellini''splexion changed drastically, and she waved her hands back and forth in front of her, "Such a thing can''t be done, the master would tear me to pieces!"


    "It''s not what you think," Lin Da said with a smile, leaning in close to Lady Bellini''s ear to whisper his n for purification.


    Lady Bellini breathed a sigh of relief.


    But her heart soon tightened again.


    "That, that still wouldn''t be right, it would be disrespectful to Lia and the master."


    Lady Bellini was torn.


    Lin Da showed understanding, "If you refuse, I won''t force you, let''s pretend I never mentioned it."


    "No!"


    Watching Lin Da about to retract his offer, thedy pursed her lips, her big eyes glistening like two tempting fruits.


    "Mr. Lin Da, after all, please give it a try. Whether it works or not, you are my benefactor!"


    The resolve on Lady Bellini''s face moved Lin Da.


    "Okay, I understand. I will do my best to help you."


    He nodded solemnly.


    ncing at Kafni with her face flushed red and Monica hiding in the corner, covering the holes in the cardboard box with her small hands:


    "I''m going to take Lady to the bedroom for treatment. Could you two please keep watch? If anything unusual happens, alert us immediately."


    "Oh... Oh! Three minutes should be enough, right!" Kafni felt a fiery heat all over her body, with wild thoughts racing through her mind.


    "Three minutes... I''m not sure, it''s my first time!" Lin Da pondered.


    He came up from the couch, and with a grunt, he lifted the fragile frame of Lady Bellini into his arms.


    The sensation was peculiarly wonderful¡ªalthough she was the wife of the Crimson Baron, she was now in his arms...


    Lin Da looked down to see Lady Bellini blushing, as if too embarrassed to face anyone, burying her head in front of him.


    "It''s just a treatment, no need to be so nervous," Lin Da said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.


    "Mm," Lady Bellini replied in an almost inaudible whisper.


    Holding this delicate body, Lin Da inwardly sighed: He had to be careful not to indulge in absorbing the corruption and inadvertently harm Lady Bellini.


    As the two of them entered the bedroom, Kafni''s and Monica''s imaginations ran wild¡ª


    All sorts of terrible images appeared before their eyes!


    The lonely Lady Bellini, who had been alone for ten years, and the green young man Lin Da, together in a room...


    Kafni, as an old Deity who had been single for some time, found her right hand trembling uncontrobly


    She widened her eyes, shook her head vigorously, and muttered to herself like a chant, "You are a man of your word, Kafni. You mustn''t do anything shameful!"


    Having witnessed Lin Da''s heroic posture while battling Magical Creatures during thest few days, Kafni often found Lin Da in her dreamste at night.


    Waking up to find herself drooling over the nket, craving Lin Da''s body...


    This horrified her so much that she lost all desire to sleep!


    "Don''t think nonsense¡ªtreatment, it''s just normal treatment! As a Deity, even if it means losing my virginity, I must get ahead of those trashy heroes!"


    Kafni anxiously clutched her head.


    Monica meanwhile thought of many scenes fromic books.


    Scenes like Beastmen punishing the Elf Lady, a naughty girl being tutored by an older man, a young boy identally entering a room with three older sisters...


    Monica bit her index finger, stealing nces at the bedroom door, a hint of jealousy flickering in her eyes.


    If this was an inevitable event in her dark life, it would indeed have to be with the captain!


    While Monica and Kafni were blushing with their own musings, suddenly, a noise came from the entrance hall.


    Click~ ck~


    The core of the lock on the door turned, opened by someone.

 Chapter 85: 85, actually, the bedroom is full.

    Click¡ªck¡ª


    The core of the room''s lock turned, opened by someone.


    All the messy images in Kafni''s mind disappeared.


    Her right hand ceased its restlessness as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, dispelling the heat entirely.


    Her heart raced with the sound of the lock turning, rising to her throat.


    "Mom, I''m back."


    A crisp voice of a young girl rang out.


    Boots tread upon the entrance hall''s passageway.


    Tap tap tap.


    The footsteps drew closer and closer.


    ¡ªThis is bad.


    Kafni felt a chill creeping up her ankles and rapidly ascending.


    In no time, her entire back was ice-cold.


    Someone pushed open the door and entered the room that was absolutely ''off-limits''.


    Moreover, Kafni recognized who the owner of that voice was.


    A red-haired girl.


    The captain of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, Lia!


    If Lia entered the room and found the team member she loathed the most was also there, and in the bedroom, ''treating'' her mother...


    Hisss.


    Kafni drew a sharp breath.


    The scenario was too horrifying even to contemte.


    Without a second word, she snatched Monica from under the table and dashed for the balcony.


    Deity''s rule number one: when facing danger, prioritize strategic retreat!


    Just before jumping down, Kafni''s mind suddenly shed with Lin Da''s tall figure in battle¡ª"I won''t leave any teammate behind!"


    She seemed to hear someone''s resounding voice beside her ear.


    Ah ah ah!


    Kafni inwardly cursed in frustration.


    Why did she have to think of Lin Da''s cool side at a time like this!


    It made it impossible for her to abandon Lin Da and escape by herself!


    Footsteps from the entrance hall were getting nearer.


    She could already see just the tip of a brown boot.


    In no more than a second, Lia would spot her.


    Quick, she had to act fast.


    Kafni was so anxious she was sweating.


    She held Monica tucked under her arm, the socially anxious girl''s pale legs iling about.


    With the Agility attribute of a thief maximized, Kafni swiftly arrived in front of the bedroom door.


    She didn''t care what the two inside were doing anymore, she just pushed the door open:


    "You two, stop right there, Lia, Lia is here!"


    At this moment,


    Lin Da was just about to start the treatment.


    "Lady, I''m going to start now, okay?"


    From Kafni''s angle, she could only see Lin standing with his back to her atop the bed, and on the other side, Lady Bellini, sitting in a duck-like position, looking up at Lin.


    Lin had his left hand on her head to maintain bnce.


    Since Bellini waspletely blocked by Lin, whatever they were doing was not at all clear to see.


    But, they definitely were not helping Lin stitch his trousers.


    Kafni and Monica, who had never eaten pork but had read plenty ofic books and seen countless pigs run, both misunderstood, blushing furiously!


    "Stop it, you jerk, now''s not the time for this!"


    "Uh-uh, Lord Captain, it''s a pervert!"


    One was panicking, and the other blurted out, ashamed.


    "Huh?"


    Lin shook his body in shock, turning around in confusion.


    On his hand was a Slime gel sleeve.


    And Lady Bellini shyly opened her red lips, like a patient waiting for the dentist''s treatment.


    "What are you thinking!"


    Lin was half crying, halfughing.


    How could he bear to use such a method on Lady Bellini?


    Wasn''t that just tantly asking for trouble and standing against The Mands?


    He hade to the bedroom with Bellini and closed the door precisely to avoid misunderstanding.


    Little did he expect Kafni would peek.


    "Wait, what did you just say in thest sentence?"


    Lin Da discovered a blind spot.


    Just as Kafni heaved a sigh of relief, her nerves tensed up again, "Quick, hide! Lia ising!"


    "Lia?!"


    The two people on the bed eximed in unison.


    Lin Da was surprised.


    Lady Bellini was a mix of shock and fear.


    If her daughter found out she and Lin Da were in the bedroom together, and they had taken apart the Slime gel sleeve...


    Oh my God! Lady Bellini''s vision went dark, and she almost fainted on the bed!


    "Where is Lia now?" Lin Da asked calmly.


    "Uh..."


    Lin Da didn''t need Kafni to answer, as he got his answer.


    The sound of footsteps approached the bedroom.


    The situation wasn''t looking good, was it?


    ...


    With a click, the bedroom door was pushed open.


    "Mom, it''s almost afternoon, are you still not awake? Your letter sounded nice, but your health has deteriorated again!"


    Lia frowned in reproach as she turned on the magicmp by the door.


    As the light came on, the darkness in the bedroompletely disappeared.


    The sight before her made a hint of suspicion appear on Lia''s face.


    Why did her mother seem different todaypared to usual?


    Lady Bellini''s face was flushed, as if she had been sweating after vigorous exercise.


    She couldn''t even look at her daughter, as if she had done something wrong.


    Lady Belliniy ntingly on the bed, leaning against the wall, covered with arge nket.


    In her arms, she held a very long hammerhead shark stuffed animal,


    to her left and right were stuffed animals of a cat and a hush puppy.


    All were long, the kind of best-selling sleeppanions you find in stores, and Lia had one herself.


    But did Lady Bellini need to hold three to fall asleep?


    The bed was stuffed so full it bulged.


    Didn''t that feel ufortable?


    The more Lia thought about it, the stranger it seemed.


    Lady Bellini smiled gently and said, "Mom has been obsessed with pillows these past few days, without them I just can''t calm down..."


    "Are you feeling very poorly? Why is your voice trembling when you talk?"


    Lia walked worriedly to the side of the bed. Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "No, not at all, ah, um~ just a bit of a fever, that''s all."


    Lady Bellini stuttered, herplexion changed, she bit her lip as if holding back something.


    "Are you okay, mom? You look like you have a bad fever!" Lia pouted, rummaging through the cab for fever-reducing pills.


    Taking advantage of her daughter''s back being turned, Lady Bellini solemnly touched the head of the hammerhead shark pillow and whispered aint:


    "Please, don''t move around, Lia will find out!"


    Hammerhead Shark: "Got it."


    Yes.


    Inside this one-and-a-half-meter-long, oversized hammerhead shark, a man was hiding.


    In the nick of time before Lia entered the room, Lin Da and the others took the cotton out of the pillows and jumped inside.


    Even though Lin Da didn''t mind making a grand entrance,


    he couldn''t stand Lady Bellini''s earnest pleading.


    Lin Da, soft-hearted, agreed.


    At this moment, the hammerhead shark lying on top of Lady Bellini was him.


    The innermost cat pillow was Monica.


    The outer hush puppy was Kafni.


    That is to say, this small bed was, in fact, crammed with four people...


    Lia had no idea about the truth, thinking that only she and her mother were in the room. Murmuring "idiot, can''t even take care of your own health," she brewed a fever-reducing potion for Lady Bellini.


    "Lord Captain, Monica, Monica''s hot, I''m going to suffocate."


    The cat stuffed animal nudged the hammerhead shark, and a faint voice came out from inside.


    The face-down Kafni also muttered, "I''m exploding, the bear is going to crush me..."


    "Can you keep it down? If we''re found out, it''ll cause trouble for Lady Bellini," Lin Da said exasperatedly.


    Lady Bellini heard the others talking under the covers and was so anxious she nearly cried. Couldn''t they consider someone else''s feelings for once?


    "Stop talking, all of you!"


    Thedy twisted the ear of the hammerhead shark, puckered her lips, and reproachfully said.


    The three pillows finally stopped talking.

 Chapter 86: My daughter turned out to be a little fairy!

    Lia brewed the fever-reducing potion, handed it to Bellini with a stern face, and said, "Drink this! You really are a foolish mother, if you''re unwell, then don''t activate such a powerful cooling magic array!"


    "But it was really hot, mom," Bellini exined awkwardly with a wry smile.


    "I saw a huge table filled with food outside." Lia pulled over a stool and sat in front of the bed, changing the topic curiously, "Did you know I wasing home today?"


    "Er, not really, your return home gave mom a fright, cough, I mean, a surprise!"


    "As for those dishes, they weren''t meant to be shared with strangers. I was supposed to have lunch with your father, but then I was beaten."


    Bellini covered her face, her expression somber as she spoke about the recent argument.


    Lia, angered, clenched her small fist and mmed it down hard on the table beside her!


    "That''s why, why would you like that smelly old man! I will surpass the Crimson Adventure Team and teach him a lesson for you!"


    "You also need to diligently take your medicine and wait for that day!"


    "The higher levels of the World Tree must have a way to heal your body!"


    Bracing with pride, Lia resembled a fiery red rooster.


    Bellini, with a gentle look, touched her head and said, "Thank you, dear, for caring so much about mom."


    "Not at all¡ªI''m just going to the top of the World Tree to fetch some herbs for you," Lia retorted with her face flushing as she pushed Bellini''s hand away, fixing a steady re on Bellini''s swollen face, "That bastard old man, I will never forgive him!"


    "Don''t hold a grudge against the old master. Without him, we would have starved on the streets long ago." Bellini sighed and said, "Lia, there must be something you need this time you''vee home, right?"


    Three years ago,


    Lia and her husband had a fallout, and in a fit of anger, she left Red Heart City, vowing she wouldn''t return unless her adventure team surpassed the Scarlet Adventure Group.


    Her sudden return definitely meant there was something important.


    Nestled in bed, Linda perked up her ears with keen interest.


    "Give me money."


    Lia, stretching out her small hand, said in distress, "The Snow Goose Adventure Team is out of money, I can''t pay Aiko and the others their wages!"


    Failing to pay could lead to sanctions under the ''Adventurer''s Law'' by the Empire, with lighter consequences being the sale of equipment or fines, and severe penalties including imprisonment.


    So Lia hurried home to borrow money.


    "Howe? You wrote a letter to mom a few days ago saying everything was going well," said Bellini, surprised.


    "The 11th level of the Mystic Realm was tougher than I thought, and themanding healer wasn''t up to par; the strategy was poorly executed too!"


    Lia argued, her face red.


    "Is it really the healer''s fault? Is there some issue within your team?" Bellini asked patiently.


    Bellini still hadn''t thoroughly understood why the former healer Linda had left the team. Linda said it was because Lia had be increasingly annoying, but she wanted to hear her daughter''s side of the story.


    From a personal perspective, Bellini naturally sided with her daughter.


    She hoped to help her daughter, to persuade Linda together, to have Linda return to Snow Goose.


    "Actually, Linda left the team,"


    Lia said sulkily, pursing her lips.


    Bellini already knew about it not long ago¡­


    Bellini feigned a surprised expression: "Ah, how could you kick him out of the team? Linda is such a fined¡ªhandsome, capable, good at caring for others. With such a great member, how could you not keep him?"


    Linday against Bellini, silently listening to the mother and daughter converse.


    Both Mrs. Bellini and Lia were wrong about one thing.


    The essence of his departure was that the initial intent of the Snow Goose Adventure Team had changed; Lia''s annoying behavior was just a contributing factor.


    "It wasn''t me who kicked him out!"


    Lia''s defensive voice rang out, "He left the team on his own, it had nothing to do with me!"


    "?"


    Under the covers, question marks simultaneously appeared above the heads of Healer Linda and Kafni.


    Back in White Dove City, no matter who asked Lia, she would say that he was ipetent, that he was too slow in strategizing, and didn''t deserve to be a part of Snow Goose Adventure Team, so she kicked him out.


    But here, in front of her mother, she changed her story to say it wasn''t her doing, that his leaving the team had nothing to do with her?


    Linda had thought that after their failures on the ninth and eleventh levels, Lia would have at least reflected a little, realized the downside of her arrogance, and started to think of her teammates.


    It seemed she hadn''t realized her mistakes at all.


    Lady Bellini was also uncertain whether Lia was telling the truth, her face filled with worry as she said, "Think carefully, does Linda''s departure really have nothing to do with you?"


    "No!" Lia responded immediately.


    Seeing her daughter''s neck flush red with urgency, Lady Bellini shook her head internally, convinced there must be a connection.


    "It really wasn''t my fault."


    Lia started counting on her fingers, listing grievances:


    "After the fifth level, Linda took more than half a month each time to strategize, always off battling Monster Grandma in the wild, never participating in team building,


    either staying in his bedroom or going to the library, other adventure teamsughed, calling Snow Goose''s healer a reclusive fool!


    Such a person, he was too embarrassing for me!"


    The simtion training before strategizing was exhausting, and hismands needed to be followed within half a second, making him seem like the leader!


    His attitude also turned poor; he''d snap back whenever criticized, only responding with hesitant nods, what kind of team member does that?"


    The more Lia spoke, the more frustrated she became, she clenched her hands together, fiddling with her nails and mumbling to herself, "He wasn''t like this before..."


    Lady Bellini sighed.


    It seemed her daughter just didn''t understand.


    Was it possible that what Linda did was all for the team?


    Whether it was strategizing or training, it was all to help the team advance to higher levels.


    Lia was the leader of Snow Goose Adventure Team; no matter what Linda did, she was the one who benefited the most.


    It was because Linda did so well,


    that Lady Bellini felt confident giving him the Slime gel sleeve, trusting Linda to be highly beneficial to her daughter!


    "Think about it, was what Linda did really for the team?"


    Lia opened her mouth to retort, but Lady Bellini gently tapped her on the head, "Listen to Mom first."


    "...Oh."


    "Mom is asking you, when you say Linda stays in the bedroom and library and doesn''te out, isn''t it to help the team better strategize the next level? Your father''s Crimson Adventure Group also takes a long time to create their strategies, right?"


    "Crimson Adventure Group has reached the 19th level; of course, their strategy creation takes a long time! And Snow Goose only just reached the 8th level a few days ago!"


    Lia assertively said, "It''s just Linda beingzy; with his previous pace, he could have created the strategy much faster!"


    A vein throbbed on Lady Bellini''s forehead, even her good nature was tested to the point ofughter by Lia.


    From the letters Lia sent back, it was known that Snow Goose Adventure Team''s strategies for the first eight levels were wless.


    She shared this with the leader of Crimson Adventure Group, her husband known as ''Bloody Baron''.

 Chapter 87: 87. Sorry, I cant bear it anymore.

    ''A talent not easily found,'' that was the Bloody Baron''s assessment of Lin Da.


    Many skilledmanders could easily pass through the initial eight levels of the Strategy.


    But to pass through easily and to emerge unscathed are two entirely different concepts.


    If not for Lin Da''s lower level, the Crimson Baron would have nned on recruiting him.


    Yet Lia felt that Lin Da was skiving off?


    Even if Lady Bellini was her mother, on this matter, she stood with Lin Da.


    What had her daughter experienced during the three years away from home that turned the once naive and warm-hearted Lia into someone with such an arrogant and haughty character?


    Lady Bellini couldn''t help but feel puzzled.


    Suddenly,


    she noticed that the clothes Lia was wearing seemed a bit toorge. The sleeves were rolled up twice, and the ck stocking didn''t fit well ¡ª slightly too loose, slipping from the upper thighs to the middle.


    Noticing Lady Bellini''s unusual gaze, Lia exined, "I bought the wrong size, but it doesn''t matter; I''ll grow into them soon." She frowned, as if unsatisfied with her height and certain other areas.


    "But how can someone get the size wrong for their entire outfit?" Lady Bellini realized something, her face changing as she was filled with helplessness.


    Back when Lia was at home, it was always her who helped choose the clothes. Lia had enjoyed swordsmanship since she was young, showing a talent that was no less than her second brother, Dawen, but her ability to look after herself was even worse than a child''s.


    Lia frowned and said matter-of-factly, "Buying clothes is just a minor thing; it''s the logistics member of the team who goes to make the purchases. All I need to do is to practice my swordsmanship."


    "Uh... So how do you guys handle your meals?"


    "There''s a logistics member; there''s no need to do it myself."


    "May I ask who this logistics member is...?"


    "It''s Lin Da, of course."


    Lia pursed her lips. "He knows he can''t keep up with us because his level is low. When we''re out conquering the Mystic Realm, we contribute the effort, so naturally, he should take care of these misceneous tasks."


    Lady Bellini held her forehead, feeling a sense of doom inside.


    Her original intent was, by gentle persuasion, to let Lin Da, hidden under the covers, hear that her daughter realized her errors and had repented.


    However, her n backfired, and she ended up ''lifting a rock only to drop it on her own feet!''


    Why couldn''t her daughter see the efforts of others?


    Which adventurer would willingly take on the task of purchasing clothes for teammates and cook three meals a day!


    Lady Bellini''s husband, the Bloody Baron, wouldn''t even consider cooking ¡ª if Lady Bellini herself prepared arge table of dishes, dressed up with care, ready to give it away for free, she would be met with a p from the Bloody Baron!


    An excellent adventurer has the right to be proud, this is themon understanding of the world. With Lin Da''s standard in Strategy, even the Bloody Baron considered recruiting him, yet he still worked timidly, for the Snow Goose adventure team...


    Lady Bellini had thought that Lia had used personal charm or something of that nature, perhaps even flirtation, to keep Lin Da around.


    But it turned out that... her daughter gave him nothing, yet demanded he work like an ox, putting his life in his work.


    Your bear may be small, but it''s still usable!


    Lady Bellini felt frustrated with her daughter''s stubborn refusal to see reason, staring at her as she stood there with her neck out and a defiant look, and couldn''t help wanting to p her twice. Didn''t she see the two beautiful girls beside Lin Da? If you don''t make a move, your teammate might just be someone else''s!


    Lady Bellini felt so angry that she was dizzy, and the Witch''s Corruption that she had struggled to keep down nearly erupted again.


    Schooled into dizziness by her own daughter!


    And just then, Lia changed the topic.


    Which made Lady Bellini see a glimmer of hope.


    Lia said, "After Lin Da left the team, I actually found a Healer who graduated from White Dove City''s Noble Academy tomand the team. But after reaching the 11th level, it seemed... he wasn''t as good as Lin Da."


    Remembering Phyllis''s terriblemand ability andparing it with Lin Da, Lia spoke with hesitation in her tone, "Could it be that Lin Da, that country bumpkin, is better than a graduate of Noble Academy?"


    Lady Bellini started smiling.


    That''s right, heap praises on Lin Da, that''s the only way he might have a change of heart!


    Whatever you said, Lin Da was in mom''s bed, listening!


    Lady Bellini thought of theic books she had read, where things like affection points exist. Perhaps right now above Lin Da''s head, affection points +1 were popping up.


    "Daughter, since you understand, why don''t you go and apologize to Lin Da, and ask him toe back?"


    Lady Bellini smiled as she stroked the hammerhead shark''s head.


    This teammate, mom has got to secure for you.


    But to her surprise, as soon as she said this, Lia stood up anxiously, like a cat with its tail on fire, and fury appeared in her eyes:


    "It''s Lin Da who quit the Snow Goose Adventure Team on his own, isn''t that right? As the captain, why should I apologize to him!"


    It was over.


    Affection points -100!


    Lady Bellini was so angry she rubbed her temples and red at Lia, her face bearing a trace of a mother''s authority:


    "Have you thought about what the Snow Goose Adventure Team will do next? The losses on the 11th floor were great, weren''t they? Why don''t you go home? The lord won''t me you."


    "Impossible!" Lia said firmly, "The mistake on the 11th floor is temporary, Phyllis guarantees toe up with a better strategy."


    Talking about the defeat on the 11th floor, Lia found an outlet for her emotions, pouring out all the grievances and inconveniences she had encountered these days.


    Most of them were directed at the issue of Lin Da leaving the team:


    "He''s like an old mother in the team, meddling in everything!"


    "We are all trying hard, but he''s the one cking off. He says he''s working on the strategy, but he''s probably worried about rushing through the levels too quickly, being left behind!"


    "The team is full of girls, and he''s the only guy. The clothes that I''ve lost are probably stolen by him!"


    With every mean word from her daughter, Lady Bellini''s expression turned uglier.


    She came to realize that Lia''s dissatisfaction stemmed from Lin Da being too good; he was once a perfect 100, and now that he''d dropped to 90, Lia began to feel like Lin Da''s attitude had worsened...


    When in fact, most people who could score 70 were already consideredpetent team members.


    But Lia was holding Lin Da to the standard of a perfect score!


    At the root of it, it was because Lin Da had been too good to her daughter, making her ustomed to it; everything he did was taken for granted.


    Not only did she take Lin Da''s efforts for granted, she even went so far as to chastise him when he didn''t perform well...


    Her daughter was really terrible!


    Lady Bellini didn''t want to admit at all that this arrogant girl was her daughter!


    Just then, the hammerhead shark in her arms moved.


    Someone inside the pillow couldn''t listen to the girl''s unreasonableints any longer.


    One or two smear attempts he endured, pretending not to hear, for the sake of Lady Bellini''s face, letting Lia rant.


    But this litany ofints, long and stinky like a Magic Academy opening ceremony speech, Lin Da couldn''t bear it!


    If he didn''t stop Lia, he feared she could go on for half an hour.


    His teammates Monica was nearly suffocated from the heat, Kafni the bear faced downward, afraid to turn over, breathing more and more difficult.


    Even for the sake of his own teammates, he had to stop this farce.


    "No!" Lady Bellini noticed the hammerhead shark trying to wriggle out from under the nket, her expression dramatically changed, she pleaded desperately, "Please, don''te out, just endure a little longer..." Read new adventures at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin


    "Sorry, I can''t bear it."


    The hammerhead shark''s voice was icy cold.

 Chapter 88: 88, Red-skinned Duck Lia

    Mighty thighs, bursting through the belly of a fish.


    Both hands too ripped through the pillow, emerging from within.


    The Hammerhead Shark Monster.


    Makes a grand entrance!


    Lia''s incessant talking came to an abrupt stop.


    Dumbfounded, she watched the hammerhead shark crawl out of her mother''s bed.


    What is this thing?


    Are pillows this advanced nowadays?


    With hands and feet, and it moves?


    Under Lia''s stunned expression, the hammerhead shark took off its headgear.


    A tall man, standing about six feet tall, stepped out from the pillow.


    The sweltering heat caused sweat to roll down Lin Da''s chin, dripping onto the bed, soaking the sheets drop by drop.


    Sitting in the chair, the red-haired girl opened her mouth in shock, her slim fingers trembling as she pointed at him.


    Due to Lia''s intense emotions, she held her breath in her chest, like a magic machine jamming, unable to utter a word.


    Lin Da looked down calmly at her:


    "It''s only you trying? Lia, don''t joke, when I workte into the night, what are you doing? Shopping, ying games with Klrona? Or sneaking out to buy snacks?"


    Lia didn''t take in any of the content of Lin Da''s words.


    In her head, buzzing sounds rang out, her eyes reflecting Lin Da''s towering figure standing on the bed, and behind him, Bellini was covering her face, too ashamed to show herself...


    A bolt from the blue exploded in Lia''s heart, How could this be happening!


    Why was Lin Da in Red Heart City, staying at her home, living with her mother!


    Lia felt as if her brain was about to melt, she clenched her teeth tightly, turning her head to look at Bellini.


    "Lia, listen to Mommy''s exnation, it''s definitely not what you think!"


    Bellini''s face was pale.


    At that moment, the pillows on either side also ''climbed'' up.


    They took off their headgear, revealing Kafni''s smirking face, and another girl, wearing a cardboard box, cowering in fear.


    One, two, three... four!


    On this small bed, other than her mother, there were actually three more people hiding!


    Lia''s vision darkened, her voice hoarse, "You all, were hiding from me... doing that sort of thing?"


    "The food outside wasn''t prepared for father. It was you guys, you all ate it, then in the bedroom...!"


    "No wonder when I came back, mother looked odd, because I caught you! Before I came in, you were all here!!!"


    Lia''s face turned livid.


    She furiously red at Lin Da, "You can''t fight me, so you go after my mother, you''re despicable, shameless!"


    Lin Da shrugged his shoulders, offering no exnation.


    He got off the bed and passed by Lia, heading to a small cab to pour himself a ss of cold water.


    "Say something!" Lia went to grab his shoulder.


    "Stop!" A stern shout came from the side, Lia nced sideways, it was her mother with a frosty face.


    In her entire life, she had never seen Bellini so furious, and she was startled momentarily.


    Then, Lia grew even more irritable, "You''re going to cover for him? Despite doing something so disgraceful, you still dare to protect Lin Da!"


    "You guys... when did you be lovers! Why didn''t I know anything about this!"


    "We''re not lovers!"


    Bellini couldn''t help butugh, If someone from the family heard this, she would definitely be beaten to death as a wanton woman.


    "Then what exactly is your rtionship, exin!" Lia looked at Lin Da, then back at her mother, her emotions in turmoil, desperately wanting to destroy something!


    Meanwhile, Lin Da coughed softly, gently shaking his head at Bellini.


    The Purifying Witch''s ability to cleanse the Witch''s Corruption, he didn''t want more people to know about it.


    It was a secret between him and Bellini, unrted to Lia.


    But Bellini was having a hard time.


    How was she supposed to exin to the furious Lia why Lin Da was in her bed?


    "Lia, you might not believe this, but it''s really true¡­"


    "Even though Lin Da was hiding in the pillow and was on the same bed as Mom, really, nothing happened between us."


    "Hah?! Are you saying those men who go to disreputable hotels are just having tea? Don''t treat me like a kid!"


    Liaughed sarcastically, feeling her intelligence insulted.


    "Don''t get worked up, calm down, Mom will prove it to you! Look, everyone is properly dressed. Mom is your father''s woman, and wouldn''t do what you''re thinking, Lia, please, let''s not make a big fuss, trust Mom..."


    Bellini, tears streaming down her face, unsessfully grabbed Lia''s hand.


    If Dawen outside noticed and reported this to the Lord, she''d be doomed!


    "I don''t want this either... but you guys...!"


    Lia, pale, bit her lip continuously and took deep breaths to suppress her anger.


    Once her daughter had calmed down a bit, Bellini started to exin.


    She also concocted a perfect lie in her mind.


    Besides the part where Lin Da used his ability to heal, Bellini told Lia everything.


    "So, it was Mom''s illness acting up, she fainted, Lin Da and others just happened to arrive, and they carried you into the bedroom, looking after you."


    "And to avoid suspicion, so as not to upset me, you came up with them crawling into a doll?"


    Lia was bbergasted.


    Lin Da, with his arms crossed, nodded and said, "Exactly, that''s the truth."


    "Really?" Lia looked suspiciously at her mother.


    Bellini nodded repeatedly, "Lin Da is indeed a savior. If it hadn''t been for him, Mom lying on the cold living room floor would have been dangerous."


    Lia''s mind was in chaos.


    She lifted the bedcovers and found them very neat¡ªany strange happenings would have left a trace.


    This was knowledge she had learned from Aiko.


    Her gaze carefully scoured the ce, the bedsheet clean and tidy.


    Bellini and Lin Da''s clothes were also properly worn.


    So, was Lin Da... really her mother''s savior?


    Had she misunderstood them all?


    Lia awkwardly touched her cheek.


    Though she was still somewhat disbelieving, the evidence was right before her eyes.


    "Th-Thank you."


    Even her thanks were barely louder than a mosquito buzzing.


    "I saved your mother, it had nothing to do with you."


    Lin Da seemed indifferent, "Let''s get back to the earlier topic. You seemed to imply you''re the only one trying? Then I''d like to ask, what exactly are you, the team captain, doing in the dead of night?"


    "Uh, I, Miss, am also trying hard!"


    Lia hesitated for a moment, then realized. Late at night, she''d usually be asleep already. If awake, she''d mostly hang out with Chloe or go to the Magic Shadow Theater, munching on popcorn and watching adventure-themed Magic Shadows.


    Lately, she had been practicing more diligently, as in just over two months, the Stone of the Brave would descend.


    But during the times Lin Da was around, her nighttime schedule was either sleeping or having fun. Lin Da''s question had caught her throat, and she couldn''t answer.


    Trying hard at what?


    Embarrassed, she couldn''t answer.

 Chapter 89: 89. He no longer belongs to Snow Goose (Asking for initial subscription)

    Lin Da shook his head and continued, "So the second question, as a team leader, you should be very familiar with the knowledge of various Magical Creatures, right? Any qualified team leader''s room had an entire bookshelf of materials!"


    "That, that''s of course. I know all about Magical Creatures!" Lia shifted her gaze away somewhat guiltily.


    "Let me ask you, what is the weakness of the Gale Wolf? It''s a seventh-floor Magical Creature; don''t tell me you don''t know," Lin Da asked emotionlessly.


    The other three people in the room all knew the answer.


    Even Monica, who tended to keep to herself, had studied the Magical Creatures thoroughly.


    Lady Bellini, being unwell and confined at home, liked to read misceneous books in her spare time and knew the weakness of the Gale Wolf as well.


    ¡ªThis really wasn''t a difficult question.


    However, Lia''s face turned red as she racked her brain, seemingly vaguely remembering some information about the Gale Wolf, as if seeing flowers through the fog.


    She remembered, but notpletely.


    Regardless of the Magical Creature, her swordsmanship skills always brought her to victory.


    There had always been a way, never an exception.


    Even with the most fearsome Magical Creature, with her talent, there was always a way to handle it!


    Suddenly, a spark of inspiration shed in Lia''s mind, and she remembered the phrase "iron head, tofu waist."


    Her eyes lit up, and she confidently patted her chest, "Isn''t it just the Gale Wolf? It can''t stump me; its weakness is its waist, the ''iron head, tofu waist,'' which refers to the Gale Wolf!"


    Having made this deration, Lia held her head high, hands on her hips, her face full of pride. Not only did she answer the weakness of the Gale Wolf, but she also sounded well-read.


    However.


    Lady Bellini and the others all shook their heads.


    Ah?


    "The wolf''s weakness is its waist, right?" Lia said in a panic.


    Lady Bellini gently patted her head, sighed gently, her expression soft yet filled with helplessness:


    "You are right, but the Gale Wolf is a very special Magical Creature."


    "Its weakness lies in the tail that controls its bnce."


    "A Gale Wolf with an injured tail will see a significant reduction in speed, and its attacks will be weaker than other wolf Magical Creatures. Any adventurer will know this, right?"


    "Everyone knows?"


    Lia blinked nkly, but she didn''t know?


    Lin Da was not surprised by this scene.


    Yes, this was Lia.


    A swordsman with top-notchbat talent, but a terrible memory, forgetting what she learned just a couple of dayster.


    "If you had studied seriously, even if you hadn''t learned it well, I would have thought highly of you," Lin Da said.


    "I am the team leader, after all; that sort of thing can be handled by someone else! I just need to fulfill my duties as a leader!"


    Lia''s face burned hot with embarrassment, thinking that there must be other team leaders who were worse than her.


    Lin Da: "The responsibilities of a team leader¡­? Okay, the final question is about the ''responsibilities of a team leader.'' You can surely answer it, right?"


    "Bring it on!" Lia stepped up, trying to look down at Lin Da.


    "The final question is about the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s total output per second," Lin Da nced at Lia, who looked like a dwarf, saying, "You should know this, right?"


    "..."


    Lia was speechless, unable to utter a word.


    Knowing the total output required remembering each team member''s skill damage.


    In the specific training grounds of the Adventurer''s Guild, using the level 1 warrior''s skill ''Shield Strike'' as a benchmark, the damage figures for each team member were obtained to calcte the maximum burst and lowest damage, and then an average to arrive at the total output per second.


    The most hair-raising part was that any change in the team members'' equipment or level upgrade would change the output total.


    One must always remember!


    Lia was already exhausted just from practicing swordsmanship, how could she possibly remember thoseplex numbers?


    "So, do you know? The total output or something, it''s fine just to know roughly, right? No one would bother to remember such things!"


    Lia''s voice was initially soft, but as she talked, she felt quite justified and subsequently raised her head and chest, her voice growing louder.


    "Okay, then let me tell you."


    "If Snow Goose''s equipment and level had stayed the same as the moment I left the team, expressed in ''Adventurer''s Basic Studies'' damage unit ''white value'', then..."


    Lin Da envisioned a string of numbers in his mind and said slowly:


    "Aiko''s maximum output white value, level 20 Ultimate Skill Rain of Light, 10720.


    The lowest output Light Ray Technique, 1005, considering that the Ultimate Skill could only be released once, and taking into ount the chant speed of various Spells and the consumption of Magic Points...


    Averaged over one minute of total output, damage per second is 1560.


    Klyne''s maximum output, level 20 Ultimate Skill Storm Arrow, maximum output 6540, lowest output Sniping Arrow, 690... average damage per second 958.


    Oru...damage per second 372.


    Klrona...580.


    You, with thebination of Energy Charging and me sh, although the damage is high, the cost is also high, your damage per second is still less than Aiko, only 1404."


    The data flowed methodically from Lin Da''s mouth. From the team members'' Common Skills to the Ultimate Skills, everything was firmly etched in his mind.


    Only with precise damage calction can one urately determine the boss''s phase changes; it is one of the fundamental skills of amander.


    Lia''splexion changed, "That''s nonsense, how could one possibly remember all those numbers..."


    "Whether you believe it or not is up to you," Lin Da spread his hands.


    "Hmm..."


    A strange sound came from Lia''s throat.


    In fact, she had already believed.


    She didn''t remember others'' damage per second, but she knew her own.


    After leveling up to 24, she had tested it at the Adventurer''s Guild, and Lin Da''s data for her at level 23 was almost exact.


    "But, but as good as theory is, it''s useless if no one implements those theories. The team still needs to rely on me, Miss!"


    "You''re right."


    Lin Da''s expression was calm, "So I left the team to find other people."


    Other people...?


    Instantly, the image of a Beastman with short pale blue hair floated before Lia''s eyes.


    Was Lin Da, who had worked for Snow Goose, now revolving around someone else?


    Was he cooking for a bunch of strangers, creating strategies?


    Lia clenched her fists, feeling inexplicably distressed.


    She had never considered this before. It seemed as if everyone revolved around her, and Lin Da was like a Magic Puppet who only moved when by her side, standing like a stone statue when away.


    Someday when Snow Goose became powerful, they woulde back to admit their mistake, turning from a motionless Magic Puppet back to a living person.


    In fact, she was mistaken. Even if Lin Da left Snow Goose, he was still a living person, now striving alongside new teammates.


    Lia''splexion turned pale.


    So, Lin Da no longer belonged to Snow Goose Adventure Team?


    She btedly realized.


    Looking back, all she saw was a tall figure,ughing and talking as he walked away with his new teammates.


    Lia only felt as if there was a hole in the wall of her stomach, bitterly ufortable.

 Chapter 90: 90. Equipment: Blazing Bracelet (requesting first subscription)

    She vigorously rubbed her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket and, with a stiff neck, said, "So what, I''m better than you, and that''s enough!"


    Lin Da shook his head, "In terms of strength, you''re not better than me either."


    "What? You''re too arrogant!"


    Lia angrily said, "If you disagree, let''s fight it out!"


    Lin Da said, "If it''s arm wrestling without using magic power, I''ll win."


    "Really, then bring it on! If you lose, you owe me an apology!"


    "And if I win?"


    "There''s no way Miss here could lose!"


    "If you lose, I want one of your magical equipment."


    Lin Da nced at Lia''s wrist, where there was a fiery red bracelet.


    Magical Equipment "zing Bracelet," a level 20 essory.


    It was the most precious item Lia owned, other than the Heavy Sword me Devourer, worth over twenty thousand gold coins in the market.


    Unfortunately, she didn''t bring that greatsword, which would sell for at least thirty thousand.


    "All right," Lia agreed readily.


    A few of them went to the living room and found an empty table.


    Kafni worriedly said, "Can you handle it? Lia, that girl, has very high strength attributes, right?"


    "Without using magic or battle qi, just physical strength, I won''t lose," Lin Da intentionally provoked Lia.


    In fact, even without using those, an adventurer''s basic attributes still enhance their physique.


    Normally speaking, Lin Da couldn''t possibly win.


    Otherwise, Lia wouldn''t have agreed to this wager so easily.


    Both Kafni and Bellini felt uneasy for Lin Da. Lia was already like a powder keg about to explode; if Lin Da lost to her, she would definitely taunt him mercilessly,


    and might even go so far as to push Lin Da''s head down and force him to apologize publicly in front of everyone in White Dove City...


    When Lin Da was a solo adventurer, it didn''t matter, but now, Lin Da was the captain of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team and at a crucial early stage of development.


    If he had to publicly apologize to Lia, he wouldpletely lose face, and the reputation of Phoenix Tail Flower would plummet.


    Kafni frowned and looked around; Lin Da''s face showed no hint of panic, stable as an eighty-year-old magical beast old dog.


    ''The damned hero''s this side of him isn''t unlikable...'' Kafni thought, feeling a subtle sense of pride within herself.


    Compared to her distrust of Lin Da, Monica''s faith was as solid as Bedrock.


    She believed that there was nothing Lin Da couldn''t handle once he got involved.


    At that moment.


    Lin Da and Lia''s wrists crossed as they grasped each other''s hands.


    "My zing Swordsman profession leans towards strength attributes, how could I possibly not win against the ''Healing Mage'' Lin Da?"


    Lia looked down on Lin Da, seemingly certain of her victory.


    She heard from Aiko that Lin Da had changed to Healing Mage, a profession thatbined healing and poison techniques¡ªa half-baked profession.


    How could such a lousy professionpare to her high-level advanced profession, zing Swordsman?


    Lady Bellini acted as the referee, "Start!"


    "Watch Miss here win in one go!"


    Lia''s wrist was about to exert force,


    At that moment, Lin Da suddenly threw something.


    She nced at it instinctively.


    A small blue box.


    The pattern on it was a slime being squished into a steep mountain peak, and the bubble text read: "Adventurer''s Wolf Fang Club, too big!"


    Was this a gel sleeve?


    And... thergest size?


    Lia instinctively looked down towards Lin Da.


    She heard from Klyne that even Oru, such a big guy, used the smallest size.


    Given that Lin Da was about as tall as Oru, how could he possibly use thergest size...?


    This box of gel sleeves was also opened.


    Had Lin Da used it before? It couldn''t have been for her mother, right?


    A flood of information surged in.


    Just as Lia was distracted, Lin Da exerted force on his arm.


    While she was off guard,


    with a snap.


    Lia''s hand was pressed down on the table.


    The sound was crisp and powerful, reddening the back of Lia''s hand.


    Lia hadn''t even realized what happened.


    Only when she felt the pain did she cry out in surprise,


    Focusing her gaze, she saw her right hand touching the table and Lin Da''sposed expression.


    "Not even slightly guarded, and you call yourself the captain of an adventure team?" Lin Da said lightly.


    "¡ªYou!"


    Finally snapping back to her senses, Lia stood up in anger and embarrassment, "Cheating, this is cheating! It doesn''t count!"


    "Is there a rule that says no cheating? Would you ask your enemy to follow rules?"


    Lin Da sneered, "It was your own carelessness that led to your loss."


    Lia''s face turned red and white.


    She wanted to refute Lin Da with her knowledge.


    But even racking her brain, she couldn''t find a way to argue.


    It seemed like Lin Da made a lot of sense!


    The others present had various thoughts.


    Kafni was all smiles, thinking about where to sell Lia''s magical equipment to improve the team''s living conditions.


    Monica muttered softly, "Monica knew it, our captain will definitely win, our captain is the best."


    Lady Bellini was mixed with joy and concern.


    She wanted to teach her daughter a lesson, but she didn''t want her daughter to get hurt.


    Seeing Lia''s face, it was uncertain how many punches she would throw at her doll to vent when no one was around.


    Lady Bellini stroked Lia''s head and said, "You need to be an adventurer who keeps promises, otherwise everyone will look down on you."


    "But I''ve used this equipment for a long time," Lia reluctantly guarded the red bracelet on her wrist.


    "That''s still not eptable," Lady Bellini said seriously.


    "Can''t we swap it for something else?" Lia red at Lin Da.


    "If you ask me, I might consider it," Lin Da said.


    "Who would ask you!" Lia''s eyes widened, she bit her lip and said, "Give you equivalent gold coins, that should be enough, right?"


    "That would do, bring them," he replied.


    "Eh..."


    Lia suddenly remembered, she had no money.


    She couldn''t even pay her teammates'' sries.


    Lin Da hummed, "The captain of the Snow Goose, can''t afford to lose?"


    Thisment made Lia reboot in anger, she furiously took off the bracelet from her wrist and threw it at him:


    "Here, it''s just a purple equipment, what''s there to not afford to lose, with the strength of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, we can get a new one soon."


    "Perhaps you should settle the Snow Goose''s financial crisis first,"


    Lin Da remarked ndly.


    Ignoring Lia''s angry gaze, he caught the bracelet and began to toy with it.


    This bracelet was entirely red, like finely cut crystal with dense fire elements flowing inside, as if it was encapsting magma.


    Lin Da''s gaze shifted, and a transparent information box popped up before him:


    [Name: zing Bracelet]


    [Type: Equipment - essory]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    [Level: 20]


    [Attribute Points: Fire fighting spirit damage +10%, Strength +300]


    [Equipment Score: 570]


    Lin Da''s eyelids twitched.


    The attributes of this zing Bracelet were almost twice as high as those of his level 10 Walnut Wood Magic Sword.


    The attributes didn''t surprise Lin Da, as magical equipment naturally grants more attributes with higher levels.


    What really surprised him was that the attributes of the zing Bracelet were all added in the right direction.

 Chapter 92: 92. Item: Metal Destroyer

    The two walked down the hallway leading to the treasury, idly chatting:


    "Lady, you''re bringing me in here, but won''t the Bloody Baron get angry if he finds out?"


    "It''s alright. Actually, this is just the outer treasury, which stores equipment and magic items below level 30. Only the master holds the key to the core treasury..."


    Lin Da nodded, "I can understand that. Equipment above level 30 is too precious."


    When he had his own core treasury in the future, he would also keep the key to himself. He didn''t quite trust people like Kafni and Monica, let alone the sickly Third Lady Bellini.


    "Can I take anything I want from the outer treasury?"


    "Yes, anything at all, but only one item, that''s the most I can do."


    Lady Bellini said gloomily, "Among the three wives of the master, I am the least favored. It''s been ten years, and the master has only been intimate with me once..."


    Lin Da stumbled, his face turning somewhat embarrassed.


    Does thisdyckmon sense, or is she just a big dork...


    Why does she always talk to him¡ªa young man in the prime of life¡ªabout her affairs with the Bloody Baron!


    Lin Da changed the topic: "Since the Baron has only touched you once in ten years, why is Lia eighteen years old?"


    "Well... Lia is the master''s illegitimate daughter. She was brought home when she was eight years old," Bellini responded.


    Lady Bellini''s countenance darkened as she remembered the days of poverty, "The master provided us, mother and daughter, withfortable conditions, but Lia doesn''t show him any respect. She believes it was because he left us outside all the time that I ended up hurt by a witch, resulting in my weak constitution..."


    "No wonder Lia sometimes seems rather unsophisticated," Lin Da muttered internally.


    Compared to the genuine youngdy Aiko, Lia, besides her temper, was a total mess in every other aspect; she knew nothing of noble etiquette.


    Arriving at the treasury hall, Lin Da focused his mind and began to seriously select.


    Since he could choose only one item, he had to be cautious.


    At first nce, the rack directly in front was full of weapons.


    From the Mage''s long and short wands, to the Swordsman''s greatswords and one-handed swords, the Warrior''s shields, axes, armor,


    as well as the Rogue''s daggers and some odd weapons for other upations, it was a vast and splendid array.


    Each item radiated a pale blue glow, with some even shining a purple light.


    Lin Da couldn''t help but gasp.


    The total value of everything in the treasury was probably close to a hundred million Gold Coins!


    Magical equipment lined an entire wall, with magic items on both the left and right sides, including some rare Skill Stones.


    Lin Da walked and looked around, using the system to assess the value of each item.


    [Equipment: Shining Staff]


    [Level: 15]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    ...


    [Equipment: Lightweight Chainmail of Rage]


    [Level: 19]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    ...


    [Equipment: Gloomy Serrated Dagger]


    [Level: 27]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    ...


    Lin Da looked at many items and was gued by indecision.


    There were just too many excellent Purple Equipment items, and it was hard to say which one was definitively better than the others.


    "Take your time, no rush," Lady Bellini said as she saw his furrowed brow and smiled gently.


    And just then, something on the right rack shed.


    Lin Da nced subconsciously.


    In onepartment, there was a silver, transparent test tube shaped potion.


    "Eh, what is this...?"


    His expression changed slightly as he hurried over.


    Upon getting closer, he focused his spiritual power on the silver potion.


    A system message popped up:


    [Item: Metal Destroyer]


    [Effect: Greatly increases hit rate against Metal Series magical creatures for a duration of 10 minutes]


    Increasing hit rate...


    At first nce, there was nothing special about this potion. Your next read awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    While hit rate is important, most Metal Series magical creatures are cumbersome and cannot dodge the attacks of adventurers.


    But Lin Da knew of a Metal magical creature with smooth skin that could nearly dodge all attacks.


    Unless you were dozens of levels above it, crushing it, adventurers of the same level could only watch helplessly as the creatures ran away!


    The reason they ''let them run away'' instead of fleeing themselves was because these creatures had no attack power, were naturally timid, and their only purpose was to be killed by adventurers, dropping massive rewards.


    This was a creature that did not exist in reality, only encountered within the World Tree Secret Realm.


    It was a gift from the World Tree Goddess to those lucky adventurers.


    Its name was: Metal Slime!


    A special mutation, suspected to be a rare Slime plucked straight from a certain Dragon Battle game.


    Lin Da had grinded for Metal Slimes many times in the game, but most of the time, the Metal Slimes escaped.


    Only with incredibly good luck could he possibly kill one.


    Back then, Lin Da''s adventure team had reached an average level of 50, while the Metal Slimes they encountered were only level 20.


    At level 50 battling a level 20, it was still not certain they could kill a Metal Slime; after several missed attacks in a row, the creature would simply run away.


    That''s why Lin Da didn''t unlock the secret level and search for Metal Slimes when he led Snow Goose through the firstyer.


    However, using this potion named [Metal Destroyer], the hit rate could be greatly increased.


    Metal Slimes didn''t have much health, but the tricky part was their annoyingly high evasion rate.


    Once sessfully killed, the adventurers'' party members would gain a massive amount of experience points, and rare magical equipment!


    The Metal Destroyer potion was extremely rare but, due to its niche use, few merchants went out of their way to collect it. Even if adventurers produced a bottle, they would use it carelessly, never realizing the value of the Metal Destroyer.


    Finding this potion in the treasury of the Scarlet Adventure Group was an unexpected delight for Lin Da.


    He concealed the excitement in his heart and said, "Mydy, the item I want is this one."


    "Huh, are you sure? This thing seems pretty ordinary, doesn''t it?" Lady Bellini looked surprised.


    Even she knew that a potion with such a limited use, only targeting Metal Series magical creatures, was not very valuable. Nearly any piece of Purple Equipment would be stronger than it.


    Lin Da politely refused, "I''m quite interested in this item, that''s the one for me. Please help me get it out, mydy."


    Looking over the treasures in the vault, the most precious thing was without question the Metal Destroyer potion.


    It signified a chance for a first kill on a hidden boss, and its value was far beyond that of Purple Equipment.


    "Are you sure, you want just this one?" Bellini asked again and again. It was apparent she truly had his interests at heart, fearing he wouldn''t take full advantage of her husband''s generosity.


    "Mydy, I''m sure, it''s this one!" Lin Da nodded seriously.


    "Alright..." Lady Bellini sighed softly, unlocked the ss seal of thepartment with a key, took out the test tube shaped Metal Destroyer potion, and handed it to him.


    Lin Da''s gaze swept over:


    [Item Name: Metal Destroyer]


    [Category: Magic items]


    [Effect: Greatly increases hit rate against Metal Series magical creatures, duration ten minutes]

 Chapter 93: 93, Basement Treatment (Subscribe Please)

    The silver potion felt slightly cool to the touch, its interior sparkling with star-like lights¡ªutterly captivating.


    Lin Da ced the Metal Destroyer in his pouch, sandwiched between the small Life Potion and the Magic Potion.


    The more potions he had, the safer Lin Da felt.


    With the Large Explosion Stone as his ace card, he had no fear to challenge the World Tree Secret Realm.


    "If I delve deeper, the higher the level the better. I need to absorb Bellini''s contamination and gain more Mystical Points!"


    Lin Da carefully stored the potion and looked down at Bellini, who was considerably shorter than him.


    He smiled, hinting at something. "Ma''am, it seems quite safe here, with no outsiders to disturb us."


    As if a switch had been triggered, Bellini''s fingers trembled slightly.


    "Now, it indeed is a good opportunity..."


    ...


    ...


    ¡ªPurification.


    A verdant glow of life blossomed from Lin Da''s right hand.


    The source of contamination troubling Bellini was continuously purified, and her previously paleplexion gradually turned rosy.


    It was as if time had reversed, transforming her from a woman in her thirties back into a young girl.


    Bellini opened her eyes wide in surprise.


    She felt much lighter, and her head no longer felt heavy.


    Her sense of smell and hearing became acuter.


    Simrly, Lin Da also reaped substantial gains. Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    System notifications popped up one after another:


    [Absorbing Masterless Witch''s contamination; Mystical Points +100]


    [Absorbing Masterless Witch''s contamination; Mystical Points +230]


    [Absorbing Masterless Witch''s contamination; Mystical Points +370]


    [...]


    Five minutester, Lin Da felt tired.


    His Magic Power was nearly depleted, and the contamination absorbed was also dwindling.


    This meant that most of the contamination at this depth had been eliminated by him.


    He checked his gains: a total of 2300 Mystical Points, counting the previous ones, making for a total of 4267 points.


    If the Experience Points worked just like in a game, Lin Da, at level 8 with 300/1500 Experience Points, would only need 4200 Mystical Points to reach level 10.


    From level 8 to 9 required 1500 Experience.


    From 9 to 10, it doubled to 3000 Experience.


    Reaching level 10 was a milestone for adventurers, significantly increasing Attribute Points, mastering new skills, and meaning a departure from the lower tiers into a rtively decent life.


    If he desired, Lin Da could use the 4267 Mystical Points to boost himself to level 10 at any time.


    But now clearly wasn''t the right time, as the golden glow of leveling up would blossom from him and attract Bellini''s attention.


    At this moment, Bellini hesitantly said, "Although I feel much better now... it seems it didn''t cure mepletely, did it?"


    "About that, I must apologize to you," Lin Da bowed solemnly. "I underestimated the Witch''s Corruption. The witch who hurt you is stronger than I expected!"


    If Lulu were the standard, the contamination in Bellini''s body would typically be eliminated with just one purification.


    What Lin Da hadn''t anticipated was how stubborn the source of contamination was!


    After a moment''s hesitation, he decided to reveal the ultimate treatment method to Bellini.


    "What, what?!"


    "I''m not ready for this!"


    Bellini backed away from Lin Da in a flurry, her hands guarding her front like a frightened deer.


    Lin Da chuckled, "Ma''am, you needn''t be like this. I won''t force you! Whether to treat it or not is entirely up to you. Besides, I''ve run out of Magic Power today, so I couldn''t treat you even if I wanted to."


    ...


    (P.S. Dear reviewer, please approve!


    Missed a thousand words; sorry, will add another chapter tonight, yikes!


    Also, continuing to ask for subscriptions, thanks for the support!)

 Chapter 94: 94. Small Event: Murderous Crab Frenzy

    However, it seemed that Lady Bellini did not refuse?


    She said she wasn''t yet mentally prepared.


    Once ready, could the treatment begin?


    A flicker of surprise passed over Lin Da''s face,


    he had thought that Bellini would sternly refuse, preserving her dignity as ady.


    It can only be said that Bellini really had her daughter''s best interests at heart.


    Otherwise, her downfall was sure to strike Lia hard.


    "Um, if we proceed with the treatment, wouldn''t it trouble you?" Lady Bellini frowned, and said, "Your two girlfriends, would they get angry?"


    "Are you referring to Kafni and Monica?" Lin Da waved his hand: "They aren''t in a romantic rtionship with me."


    "And you, personally, it doesn''t matter to you?" Bellini, holding back her shame, summoned the courage to look at this tall young man.


    Lin Da said seriously, "Of course it doesn''t. As a single, old Healing Mage, if I could receive your guidance on my first attempt, it would be an honor."


    "Ah, it''s your first time?"


    Bellini was stunned.


    "Yes, but I believe even for my first time, I''m still stronger than most," Lin Da said confidently.


    "I... understand. Please allow me to think it over, after all, this isn''t a decision I can make immediately."


    Bellini was still scared of the Bloody Baron.


    "Understood." Lin Da nodded, took a pen and paper from his pouch, scribbled down an address, and handed it to Bellini.


    "Once you''ve decided, you can contact me here."


    "Okay," Bellini said timidly as she took it.


    As if this piece of paper were an invitation from a demon, leading to a fall into the abyss.


    Lin Da joked, "Remember to keep it from the Bloody Baron."


    "Of course," Bellini rolled her eyes, inadvertently oozing the charm of a mature woman.


    "If you can sessfully cure me¡­" Bellini thought carefully for a while, then said earnestly, "I''ll secretly take you to the master''s core treasury!"


    "It''s a deal," Lin Da smiled and nodded.


    ...


    The door to the outer treasury was finally opened.


    Kafni had been waiting impatiently andined, "What were you doing inside, picking equipment is so troublesome."


    Upon seeing Lin Da, Monica immediately clung to him like a tail, timidly grabbing the hem of his clothes.


    Ruffling Monica''s paper box, Lin Da, with a piercing gaze, said, "We should take our leave, back to White Dove City."


    This trip to Red Heart City had been very rewarding for him.


    A new member of the team, a bottle of Metal Destroyer Potion, and Lia''s level 20 Magical Equipment, the zing Bracelet.


    Both manpower and resources were ample.


    It was time to conquer the World Tree Secret Realm.


    Having been away from White Dove City for three days, he wondered how Lulu was doing.


    Had she gone looking for him?


    If she found him gone, would she think he had fled with her secret?


    Thinking of that beast-eared girl, Lin Da felt exceptionally troubled.


    Being high level was all well and good, but not as obedient as Monica!


    ...


    As they emerged from underground, Lin Da heard the sound of fierce fighting.


    The group looked ahead in surprise to see two figures in the courtyard, one red and one golden.


    They intermingled, their Battle Qi fiercely colliding, each strike like thunder, causing painful ringing in the ears!


    "Dawen and Lia, why are they fighting?"


    Lin Da wondered.


    The red figure, like an enraged leopardess, aggressively attacked. Although Lia was of a lower rank than thetter, she was on the offensive.


    Between each punch and kick, she produced trails of afterimages, her movements fluid without a hint of stiffness, her fiery red hair swirling behind her like a cape, forcing Dawen to retreat.


    But this was only on the surface.


    Lin Da''s expression gradually turned serious.


    At a nce, it seemed Lia had the upper hand, but Dawen, using Thunder Fighting Spirit, remained cold and unflustered, obviously testing Lia''s strength.


    "Don''t underestimate me, my Snow Goose will someday surpass the Crimson Adventure Group!" Lia roared, her right fist enveloped in exploding fiery Battle Qi, smashing towards Dawen''s head.


    This punch was extremely fast and Lia had secretly added the Skill "Energy Charging."


    Dawen''s expression changed, his previously effortless state finally breaking. Even he, a Star-ranked adventurer, hadn''t seen when Lia had charged up. Those punches and kicks were merely a smokescreen.


    The fist grazed Dawen''s cheek, like a swift de, slicing a small cut in the Battle Qi shield on his body, spraying blood everywhere.


    -1000!


    In Lin Da''s vision, a red number popped above Dawen''s head.


    However, since the opponent was high-level, his health points were frighteningly high.


    Even after losing 1000 hit points, it was still just a minor injury.


    But this strike enraged Dawen, Thunder Fighting Spirit circted through his body, his muscles swelling explosively as he counter-grabbed Lia''s attacking right arm, and threw her over his shoulder!


    With a loud thud, the white gstones in the yard shattered, a small crater formed by the impact.


    "Lia!" As a mother, Bellini rushed forward anxiously to intervene.


    "Don''t go over there, be careful not to get caught in it."


    Lin Da grabbed Bellini and squinted towards the center of the battle engulfed in dust, where he could vaguely see the number -500 popping up above Lia''s head.


    If that over-the-shoulder throw hadnded properly, she would have lost about 2000 Hit Points.


    "She''s fine," Lin Da said calmly.


    As the saying goes, where there''s smoke, there''s no injury.


    Lia, who was thrown over the shoulder,nded steadily on her feet and suddenly released mes from her hands, forcing Dawen to step back.


    Dawen wiped the wound on his cheek with his thumb, and seeing the streak of crimson, he smiled, "Three years no see, and you''ve upgraded from trash to deadwood level, not bad."


    Lia''s gaze fixed dead on Dawen, her body''s Fire Battle Qi burning like fierce mes, "Energy Charging!"


    "Stop fighting, you two!"


    "As siblings, you should get along!"


    Bellini stood angrily between them, "If you keep this up, I''ll have to tell the old man!"


    At the mention of ''old man,'' Dawen frowned, dispersed his Battle Qi, and looked toward Lia not far away, snorting coldly, "You''re lucky this time. If I run into you next time youe back, I''ll continue to teach you a lesson."


    "Who''s afraid of whom, I''ll trample you underfoot sooner orter!" Lia scoffed.


    "Enough!" Bellini grabbed her daughter''s hand and bowed apologetically to Lin Da, "I''m really sorry, I need to discipline my daughter a bit more, so I won''t see you off."


    "Madam, you''re weakened, please go back and rest," Lin Da said understandingly, nodding.


    "So you haven''t left yet," Lia red at him fiercely, and then was pushed by Bellini into the mansion.


    In the manor, only Lin Da, his group, and Dawen were left.


    Dawen spoke first.


    Compared to the cold demeanor when they first met, Dawen''s attitude was inexplicably friendlier. The second young master of the Mand Family seemed to be in a much better mood after Lia drew blood with a punch:


    "That fool is not fit for exploring the Mystic Realm; I hope you can wake her up and make her roll back here."


    Lin Da was curious, "But I''m just a level 8 adventurer; how could I possibly do that?"


    "You can''t, but I think your team can," Dawen said, appreciation showing in his eyes. "Lia left home at level 7, and you''ve helped her adventure team reach the eighthyer in three years. Such ability is top-notch even in Red Heart City."


    Lin Da shook his head, "But I''m not interested in meddling in your family affairs; managing my own team is already enough work."


    "No need for modesty, if I say you can do it, then you can," Dawen said proudly. "You''ve looked after Lia for three years in Snow Goose; consider it a favor the Mand Family owes you. If you face difficulties in Red Heart City, feel free to use my name."


    "Thanks for that."


    Lin Da was naturally happy to ept the benefits.


    He performed a courteous adventurer''s bow,monly used, and prepared to leave.


    "Oh, right."


    Dawen pped his head as if remembering something and cautioned, "Be careful around the Breeze River Beach area when you head back to White Dove City. Our adventure team''s scouts have found that the magical creatures there are not normal; there might be mutated high-level Magical Beasts appearing."


    "Those creatures are not something your team can handle. Maybe you''ll see our Crimson Adventure Group in action... heh, speaking of which, it''s been a long time since we''ve shed with your city''s White Dove Adventure Group."


    White Dove Adventure Group?


    Lin Da paused in his steps.


    He had almost gotten calluses on his ears from hearing these five words so often.


    Everyone in White Dove City was familiar with this adventure group.


    The strongest Iron Level Adventure Group in the city, a benchmark for all.


    "Right, you just mentioned Breeze River Beach?" he asked seriously.


    Dawen hummed an affirmation, "Recently, Murderous Crabs have migrated there; it''s estimated a mutated leader exists. When you go back to White Dove City, remember to avoid it."


    "Thanks for the heads up." This time, Lin Da genuinely performed an adventurer''s salute.


    The mention of Murderous Crabs and Breeze River Beach triggered a memory:


    It was a small event, ''Murderous Crab Tide'' about to start.


    By his calctions, it would start in about ten days.


    This was a major summer event, ''Hero''s Stone Descendance,'' a warm-up event.


    Intended to help adventurers quickly level up and increase the chance of obtaining Hero''s Stones.


    Breeze River Beach would be the epicenter of the Murderous Crab Tide.


    yers eliminating Murderous Crabs during the event period would receive an Experience Points boost.


    In real life, such reward schemes would definitely vary, which Lin Da needed to watch out for.


    ...


    The trio bid farewell to Dawen, went to the Adventurer''s Guild, and hired a carriage specifically for long off-road journeys, heading back to White Dove City.


    In the carriage, Kafni excitedly held a red-and-blue handheld console she had pilfered from someone''s bag, controlling the magic puppet inside to farm monsters, asionally eximing how exhrating it was, looking like someone who had never seen the world.


    Meanwhile, Monica slept on Lin Da''sp, her breathing calm and steady.


    Lin Da quietly picked up the girl''s paper box to ventte it, his fingers stroking her rosy cheeks, somewhat lost in thought.


    If handled well, the Murderous Crab Tide event could fatten up his team in one go.


    These creatures were weak to Weak Earth Series Magic and Striking Series damage.


    Once the tide erupted, two types of equipment were sure to rise in price:


    Earth Series Magic Wands, Magic Scrolls.


    Striking Series hammers, axes.


    Prices would rise by at least 20%.


    Lin Da massaged his chin, pondering: Stock up on goods now, and he could make a killing.


    He needed to secure more Gold Coins before everyone realized the Murderous Crab Tide was about to start.


    With his foresight, the more he hoarded, the more he would earn.

 Chapter 95: 95, Squad Module Activation

    ''It''s just a pity that I have so few gold coins, even selling Lia''s zing Bracelet would only make about 30,000 gold coins.''


    In the carriage, Lin Da pondered for a moment and decided to use the World Tree Secret Realm as a breakthrough point.


    The hidden bosses on the first and third levels had not yet been discovered by anyone.


    Not sure about other provinces, but in Cangqing Province, where White Dove City is located, no adventure team had killed a hidden boss yet.


    ording to the settings in the game, the team that first kills in each area will get a "guaranteed magical equipment drop" BUFF.


    For those who kill the hidden boss afterwards, the drop rate will be smaller and smaller.


    Until it bes ''need to rely on lottery-level luck to drop a piece of magical equipment.''


    There''s only one reason for the low drop rate.


    The equipment dropped by the hidden boss is of high rarity, at least of purple quality!


    If Lin Da could be the first to kill two hidden bosses, the problem of low gold coins would be effortlessly resolved.


    Then by hoarding during the Murderous Crab onught... he might save up hundreds of thousands of gold coins.


    Lin Da took out paper and pen from the hanger bag and began to craft a strategy for the hidden bosses during his journey back to White Dove City.


    ...


    In the blink of an eye, the outside was already dotted with stars.


    A beam of bright moonlight, passing through the carriage window,nded on Lin Da''s feather pen.


    He paused for a moment, feeling how quickly time had flown.


    Stretchingzily and rubbing his sore eyes, he folded the strategy paper and ced it back in the hanger bag.


    Kafni was already asleep, sprawled in the middle of the carriage, drooling and mumbling ''so big, I can''t eat anymore...''.


    Not knowing what terrible dream she was having, her right hand kept rubbing her chest back and forth.


    This is really not suitable for children!


    Lin Da''s mouth twitched.


    ncing to the side, the Magic Conductor Handheld Console was emitting a faint light; Monica, focused and intent, was controlling a mage Magic Puppet with a little red cap, fighting against a Shadow Wolf.


    An idea struck him, and he murmured, "Klrona seems to y this too, right?"


    Upon hearing his voice, Monica put down the handheld console, her eyes lighting up excited, "This Magic Puppet game is really fun, Captain, would you like to try it?"


    "Eh, I''ll pass," Lin Da declined, "By the way, these game-specific magic puppets must be expensive, right? With your former ie... um, how could you afford it?"


    In Lin Da''s memory, those exquisite little dollies inside the magic handheld console were at least 10 gold coins each, like in Klrona''s room, which had several walls'' worth, some limited editions even reached up to a thousand gold coins.


    "That''s why those Beastmen came to collect debts," Monica said disheartenedly, clutching the console, "Monica only has one Magic Puppet."


    Looking at Monica, who appeared like a poor child, Lin Da couldn''t help but sigh. Although both were lolis, Klrona was clearly much richer than Monica, boasting piles of toys and not just magic puppets!


    "When we get to White Dove City, I''ll buy a new one for you," Lin Da promised, caressing Monica''s little head with a grave expression.


    "No need, this one Magic Puppet is enough for Monica," Monica said confidently, "In this Magic Puppet game, Monica is invincible; I can beat a level 17 Shadow Evil Wolf without taking any damage!"


    ying with Monica for a while, Lin Da realized this girl indeed had extraordinary potential in the Magic Puppet game; even after learning how to control the Magic Puppet, he was still repeatedly defeated by the Shadow Evil Wolf.


    In Monica''s hands, the Little Red Cap Magic Puppet slithered like a slippery mudfish, the Shadow Evil Wolf couldn''t even touch it once.


    "If Klrona yed with her, they would probably have a lot of fun together."


    Lin Da imagined the scene of a big and a small loli, both wearing white stocking, sitting side by side on a small sofa, ying the Magic Puppet game, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.


    Klrona, one of the veterans of the Snow Goose Adventure Team, profession: Heavy Armored Warrior, innate skill ''Guardian''s Heart''.


    Sacrificing agility, significantly increases physical defense.


    After the second awakening,parable to a Five-Star SSR Character!


    Unfortunately, Klrona did not like him, considering him a useless ''Small Fry''.


    "Unless I can beat her with my own hands, I can''t shake off this title," Lin Da thought helplessly.


    Late into the night.


    The carriage traveled over the rugged wilderness.


    It took Lin Da a long time to fall into a troubled sleep.


    [System Notification: Squad module loading, 98%...99%...100%]


    [Squad module has been activated]


    After roughly three to four hours of sleep, the mechanical voice by his ear woke Lin Da up.


    He opened his bleary eyes and pulled back the curtain, looking outside.


    The night was still deep, stars speckled abundantly, around midnight.


    In the bottom right of his field of view, a little envelope was shing.


    Upon opening it, he found out that the squad module had been activated.


    Lin Da''s spirits lifted slightly, and his drowsiness diminished a lot.


    He simply sat up to study the functions of the squad module.


    The background of the squad interface was a shade of bronze, with five big characters at the top: Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team.


    Below was a list disying the avatars and basic information of the squad members.


    Scanning the list, there were only three names:


    Captain: Lin Da, Healing Hero, level 8.


    Member: Monica, Earth Mage, level 15.


    Teammate: Lulu, Frost Wolf Warrior*Witch, Level 25.


    Seeing this list, Lin Da understood why his previous invitation for Lulu to join the team didn''t meet the team-building conditions.


    Kafni, that guy, isn''t human at all!


    She is a summoned beast, one with me!


    It was only with Monica that the team was sessfully formed.


    Lin Da nced at a deity who was drooling in their sleep and shook his head speechlessly, refocusing on the team module.


    In the upper right corner of the interface, there was a passive skill called Captain''s Aura, which could be clicked to view the specific attributes:


    [Captain''s Aura: Within a 10-meter radius, all member of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team gain a 10% increase in damage, and this skill elevates based on thebined levels of team members]


    10%, not too bad.


    ording to the game''s setup, as the levels of team members increase in the future, this skill can eventually boost damage up to 30%, which is like having an extra powerful piece of equipmentpared to others.


    Then came the second feature: [Back House]


    In the Back House, the chibi versions of team members would cultivate and produce a currency called diamonds.


    From the system''s FAQ sprite, Lin Da learned that diamonds could be collected once a day and could be used to refurbish the Back House, enhancing daily diamond production.


    They could also be used to purchase various coaching vouchers to improve the team members'' attributes, potential values, and skills.


    After reading the introduction, Lin Da understood.


    This was akin to ''in-game purchasing'' in the game!


    As long as enough diamonds were invested, a four-star character could perform at the level of a five-star character!


    He clicked on an icon of a small cabin and entered the Back House.


    The inside was quite shabby.


    Broken windows, a leaking ceiling, and mice scurrying on the floor, which scared a chibi version of Monica that looked very like a big-headed doll sitting on the ground crying, with a line of text above her head:


    Mood -30%, diamond production efficiency decreased.


    There was another, lying on the ground sound asleep, letting mice crawl over him without waking, a chibi version of Kafni as a pet beast appeared in the Back House. Above its head, it read: Mood good +20%, production efficiency increased.


    And in the corner of the room, there was a cool-looking short-haired Beastman chibi blowing bubble gum, hands in pockets, with the text above his head: Mood average, production efficiency unchanged.


    These three... indeed were Lin Da''s team members and summoned beast!


    From the information interface, it could be seen that the current base speed of diamond production was 100, Monica''s mood -30%, Kafni +20%, one subtracted, one added, equating to only 90 diamonds harvested today!


    "How can we eliminate those mice and stop Monica from crying? The ceiling and windows also need to be fixed!"


    Feeling the heavy weight of the tasks, Lin Da scratched his head in annoyance, then clicked on the mouse, and a system prompt popped up:


    [Would you like to spend 100 diamonds to kill 1 mouse? Current remaining mice: 15]


    Clicking on the ceiling, the prompt read:


    [Would you like to spend 1000 diamonds to repair the leaking ceiling?]


    [Would you like to spend 2000 diamonds to repair the broken window?]


    Clicking on the house:


    [Would you like to spend 20000 diamonds to switch from a log cabin to a small western-style house?]


    How exactly are diamonds obtained? I didn''t see an entry for recharge.


    Lin Da wondered.


    After checking the system''s FAQ sprite, he found out that there were mainly two ways to obtain diamonds.


    The first was through exchanging Mystical Points, and the second was by sending these chibi team members into the [Hell Rift], where they would earn rewards for each tier they passed through.


    "Diving into the Hell Rift for diamonds? They turned the web mini-game of Mystic Continent into a system feature."


    Lin Da realized.


    He clicked on a red and ck deep pit, and the screen switched to a top-down view of an automaticbat scene, where his three characters: Lulu, Monica, and the pet beast Kafni, jumped in.


    Theynded in a dimly lit area, surrounded by torches, resembling an arena.


    Three ck magical wolves walked out from an opened gate.


    ''Earthquake Crack!''


    A line of exmation-filled skill text popped up over chibi Monica''s head as she raised her magic wand high, and a brownish light lit up from above.


    The ground around her trembled violently, and the soil turned into sharp spears, piercing the three ck magical wolves.


    [Victory]


    The golden, huge text popped up.


    In the settlement interface, Monica smiled shyly, looking both proud and embarrassed. Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Meanwhile, Kafniy on the ground asleep, and Lulu kicked stones, looking gloomy.


    After passing the first tier of the Hell Rift, Lin Da earned 500 diamonds.


    [System Prompt: Would you like to explore automatically?]


    Lin Da clicked: Yes!


    During the exploration, he returned to the Back House interface¡ªhere, the chibi versions were still present, unaffected by the exploration of the Hell Rift, working diligently like paper people, producing diamonds for the yer.


    Lin Da noticed that Monica''s chibi mood had worsened from -30% to -35% in just a short while, and she was scared into a crouch by the scampering mice.


    Damn mice, daring to bully my team member!


    Lin Da clicked on the mice angrily, spending 500 diamonds to kill five.


    As Monica noticed the reduction in mice, she cautiously stood up, touched her chest, and sighed with relief, her mood also improving by 5%.


    With 10 mice remaining, eliminating them all should normalize Monica''s mood.

 Chapter 96: 96. Guided Dream, with Lin Da starring as the main character

    Lin Da once again entered the Hell Rift interface.


    The three chibi characters advanced rapidly through the map. In a short time, they reached the 13th level, facing a level 13 de Mantis.


    With Lulu and Monica as the main pirs, the low-level Magical Creatures were easily chopped up as if slicing through vegetables.


    A pile of system messages had umted. Lin Da clicked on [Collect], and the rewards amassed, leaping to his sight all at once.


    [System Prompt: Your team has passed the 2nd level, the 3rd level... up to the 13th level, earning a total of 13,500 Diamonds!]


    With so many Diamonds, Lin Da instantly became wealthy!


    He entered the Back House, killed the rats, and fixed all the windows and the leaking ceiling.


    Wiping the nonexistent sweat from his forehead, Lin Da rested his hands on his hips, let out a sigh of relief, and felt the illusion of having been busy for a while.


    The wooden cabin looked new again, Monica hopped around in joy, her mood boosted by a green +20%.


    Kafni, who was lying on the floor asleep, stood up in surprise, as if she couldn''t believe this was the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team''s house.


    Kafni picked a different spot to sleep in deep slumber, her mood increasing from +30% to +40%.


    Lulu stood by the fixed window, looking out at the scenery, blowing bubbles that were somewhat bigger than before, her mood a green +10%.


    Lin Da nodded in satisfaction, the mood of all three team members improved, the daily Diamond earnings increased from 90 to 170, the effect was noticeable.


    [System Prompt: You have repaired the wooden cabin, furniture mall unlocked]


    In the mall interface, a dazzling array of furniture was on disy.


    Lin Da bought three iron beds and a firece, cing them in the Back House.


    The daily Diamond earnings immediately soared to 340!


    With the remaining Diamonds, Lin Da went to the props section of the mall''s interface. The items here were just like in the game, they could be used to "Add Points" to the team members, boosting their attributes.


    [Small Strength Guidance Ticket: 1,000 Diamonds]


    [Small Magic Guidance Ticket: 1,000 Diamonds]


    [Small Defense Guidance Ticket: 1,000 Diamonds]


    [...]


    [Small Potential Guidance Coupon: 10,000 Diamonds]


    At Hell Rift, the chibi adventure team, led by Lulu, delved into the 27th level, once again bringing Lin Da another 22,000 Diamonds.


    He made a grand gesture and bought two Potential Guidance Coupons.


    In the game, the first guidance of a character would result in a substantial effect increase, so choosing the costly Potential Guidance Coupon was most suitable.


    [Detection: Team member Lulu has fallen asleep, choose: Dream Guidance/Automatic Training]


    Lin Da questioned in his mind: What''s the difference between the two?


    [Dream Guidance will improve the member''s training results. During guidance, you will be the dominator, possessing the power to change the dream, to guide the team memberprehensively.]


    Lin Da nodded in understanding, which is to say, be a god in the dream, all-powerful.


    "I understand, choose Dream Guidance!"


    He murmured in his heart.


    Suddenly, drowsiness overcame him.


    Lin Da closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.


    ...


    Half an hour earlier.


    Moonlight as white as snow fell on a small rental house in White Dove City.


    At 11 p.m., Lulu still hadn''t gone to sleep.


    Holding a cup of cooled water, she stood on the third-floor balcony, resting her hands on the railing, staring nkly to the north.


    Including today, it''s been four days since Lin Da went to Red Heart City and hadn''te back.


    And the note he left said he would return in no more than three days.


    Did something unexpected happen, or did he know he was exposed and, afraid of facing her, ran away?


    Either way, Lulu felt disappointed.


    Even if Lin Da''s abilities weakened, she hoped he would be as cold and arrogant as before. To beat such a captain into the ground was her greatest desire.


    But the reality was,


    The Primordial Adventure Team''s captain, Lin Da, known as "Dark Shadow," making adventure teams from the Royal Capital tremble with fear, became someone who feared meeting her, tail tucked, fleeing like a scaredy-cat?


    Was the promise on the note to return in three days just a ruse to buy time and keep her in White Dove City to facilitate his escape?


    Lulu''s eyes grew cold.


    Such a cowardly captain wasn''t worthy of her respect!


    Pulling out the note she had looked at countless times from her pocket, her hand involuntary clenched, crumpling it into a ball of paper.


    Time and time again, he deceived her.


    If she could catch Lin Da next time, she would not be polite!


    Returning to her room, Lulu went to her only bed andy down to sleep.


    The Witch''s Corruption often acted up at night.


    Thankfully, someone helped her Purify some of it, so it wasn''t as excruciating as before.


    Lulu''s toes curled tightly, her brows creased in distress as she clutched her chest, her body tense as if it was cramping. After about half an hour of agony and exhaustion, she finally fell into a troubled sleep.


    "Wake up."


    "It''s not time to rest yet."


    "Let''s see... the first Dream Guidance task, 1,000 push-ups?"


    Lulu''s beast ears, sensitive beyondpare, twitched and she heard someone speaking nearby.


    Was an intruder inside the house?


    She immediately woke up and leaped to her feet.


    Baring her teeth and extending her ws, she looked toward the other person, murder in her eyes.


    But the shadowy figure before her, dressed in ck and carrying a long sword with a white mask hiding his face, caused Lulu''s gaze to be frozen, a chill rising from the bottom of her heart!


    Why was ''he'' here?


    Lulu''s eyes widened in fear, unable to distinguish whether this ce was reality or a dream.


    The person before her, dressed in a dark coat, long sword at his back, wore a white, faceless mask. His presence was unfathomable, seemingly idly tapping in the air with his fingers, his stance ck, but to Lulu, he felt like a Sword Mountain, filled with violent and sharp Battle Qi everywhere.


    Daring to approach him would mean being torn to shreds!

 Chapter 97: 96. Dream Entry Guidance, with Lin Da Appearing as the Main Character_2

    This man was none other than the terrifying captain of the Primitive Adventure Team, Dark Shadow, Lin Da, whom Lulu remembered!


    "Uh, what exactly is going on? I was clearly on the bed in my rental house, so why did I end up here when I opened my eyes, and even met the captain?"


    Lulu''s brain was inplete chaos.


    She looked around incredulously, even the sky had changed, shifting from deep night to daylight.


    The ce she was in was the peak of a mountain, with the top leveled to create a tform as smooth as a mirror''s surface, forming a circle with a diameter of about 100 meters.


    Ten steps in front of her stood the man known by the title Dark Shadow.


    "Why did you bring me here? Are you really... Lin..."


    Lulu intended to irreverently call out the other person''s name, but the deep-seated fear in her heart for that person had long since entered her veins,


    The moment Dark Shadow nced at her indifferently, she felt a chill in her heart and her limbs shake, swallowing the words ''Lin Da'' and bitterly switching to a title of respect:


    "Are you really... Lord Captain?"


    Dark Shadow pondered for a moment before finally answering, "Yes and no."


    "You can consider me a shadow of your subconscious, appearing to abide by your desire to grow stronger and guiding you to be more powerful in your dreams."


    Lulu eximed in shock, "So, it wasn''t you who brought me here, everything here is my dream, a figment of my subconscious?"


    "That''s one way to understand it."


    Dark Shadow said, "Let''s begin, the first training exercise, 1,000 push-ups!"


    "Push-ups? Can this kind of training really make me stronger... uh!"


    Lulu had not yet finished her retort when she felt an immense force press upon her, as if an invisible giant hand controlled her to lie down in the starting position for a perfect push-up.


    "In the dream, I am omnipotent. I advise you to abandon those rebellious thoughts and obediently follow mymands."


    Dark Shadow conjured afortable red sofa out of thin air, sitting in front of Lulu with his legs crossed and a steaming cup of coffee in hand, "Begin."


    Although Lulu was unwilling in her heart, it seemed that she couldn''t stand up without following hismands.


    While doing push-ups, she was surprised to find that it felt as if she was bearing the weight of a thousand catties, with every bend of her arms being unbearably sore.


    If it were ordinary push-ups, with her physique, she could easily do 1,000 of them.


    But what about with a weight of a thousand catties?


    Lulu''s expression changed.


    Time slowly passed, and atop the dream mountain peak, only thebored breathing of the girl and the sound of Dark Shadow finishing his coffee and then munching on sunflower seeds could be heard.


    Sweat had already drenched the ground beneath Lulu, outlining a girl''s silhouette.


    Under the burden of a thousand catties, Lulu showed signs of fatigue.


    As she reached the 500th push-up, she couldn''t help but stick out her tongue like a canine, panting heavily.


    At that moment, Lulu still had the strength to manage her expression; she stuck out her tongue but not too much, and deliberately kept her breathing subdued, not letting the man lounging on the sofa look down on her.


    But by the 900th, her strength was depleted, leaving her gasping for air, unable to care about how she looked.


    Lulu breathed heavily, her body shaking like a sieve, letting her tongue hang out, her eyes rolling back slightly.


    She hadn''t experienced such intense exercise in three years, and she was so exhausted she almost fainted!


    "I can''t... I can''t keep going, let me stop," Lulu said, her voice trembling.


    "Continue," came Dark Shadow''s terse reply.


    At the 950th push-up, exhausted Lulu even employed her wolf tail for assistance, stretching it out from behind her to prop herself against the ground for support.


    "I can''t go on..."


    "Continue."


    The 970th.


    "I really can''t go on..."


    "Continue."


    No matter how much she begged, she received nothing but cold replies like those from a magic-powered machine.


    This Dark Shadow of her dreams was exactly like the captain she remembered!


    Cruel, merciless, eliminating any team members who couldn''t make it.


    ''I must not be looked down upon!'' Lulu thought, fuelled by aplex emotion of defiance mixed with resentment, and finallypleted the 1,000 push-ups.


    The moment she finished, the girl copsed on the ground with a thud.


    Every ounce of strength in her body had been drained!


    "Not bad," Dark Shadow stood up and, as if rewarding a puppy, patted Lulu''s fluffy ears.


    "What are you doing!" Lulu''s eyes widened, defensively extending her ws as if facing a great threat. Experience new stories on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    "Just reminding you, the next training is about to begin."


    Dark Shadow said with a smile, his finger hooking, "Come, defeat me."


    A question mark emerged above Lulu''s head.


    If defeating him was possible, members of the Primitive Adventure Team would have done it long ago.


    It was precisely because Dark Shadow was an invincible entity that nobody dared to defy his autocratic actions.


    After weakening, Lin Da, she was able to easily defeat him.


    But the Dark Shadow at his peak?


    Lulu, feeling troubled, retracted her ws and said with her head down, "How could I possibly win against you, forget it, I should go back, how can I wake myself from this dream?"


    She pinched the soft flesh on the inside of her thigh hard, but other than the pain that made her frown, it was of no use.


    The Dark Shadow shrugged, "You''ve got to stay here until I say you can go."


    ...


    Half an hourter.


    Bang!


    A pale blue figure, like a beaten sack, was sent flying.


    Lulu took a punch to the abdomen, and without the other party exerting much effort, but when she touched it with her hand, she found a huge ck hole had appeared on her belly!


    She was back.


    Being harshly taught by the captain in the Illusion Technique space, the days she was trampled underfoot.


    She was back!


    Lulu''s body trembled, as her fear rpsed.


    Originally thinking that bing a Witch would wash away her shame, but facing this shadow in her heart, even in her dreams, she was still humiliated by the other party!


    Luluy on the ground, dazed, her gaze fixed on the sky, vacant, her consciousness also gradually drifting away.


    "Resurrection Technique."


    The Dark Shadow used a game-exclusive skill, a golden Magic Circle of holiness, falling onto Lulu''s ''corpse''.


    In just a moment, Lulu opened her eyes in confusion, clenched her fists, feeling the Battle Qi replenished, and her life energy extremely vigorous.


    "Continue."


    She hadn''t even reacted yet when a dark figure suddenly appeared by her side.


    Not even using the ''Destruction Magic Sword'' on his back, he just punched her in the head.


    -99999.


    Lulu was dead again.


    Actually, Lin Da didn''t want to treat her so cruelly.


    But to fully utilize the Potential Guidance Coupon, he had to instruct with all his might. A single moment of leniency would result in 10,000 Diamonds wasted.


    So, every move was for Lulu''s benefit...


    Another half hour passed.


    Lulu died 56 times.


    Almost twice a minute.


    Once dead, the Resurrection Technique would be applied, waking her up at full health to continue being hit.


    Even with a will as firm as Bedrock, Lulu was baffled by the beatings from the Dark Shadow.


    On the 57th time, she angrily wiped away the tear that almost fell from her eye, took a deep breath, and intensely focused on the movements of the Dark Shadow.


    The punch came, Lulu dodged by swerving to the side, and delivered a fierce spinning kick at the Dark Shadow.


    However, the opponent scoffed disdainfully, grabbed her ankle, and mmed her on the ground as if swinging a sack!


    Lulu''s field of vision plunged into darkness.


    Before her consciousness faded, she heard the voice of the Dark Shadow by her ear:


    "Holding on for two moves counts as progress, that''s enough guidance for today."


    Guidance for today?


    Could there be more after this!


    Lulu screamed inwardly, distraught. Through today''s training, she had a deep realization of her arrogance, that even as a Witch, she could never be an opponent for the Dark Shadow!


    The girl let out a terrified ''ah'' as she opened her eyes on the small bed in the rental room.


    "Eh? Gone, gone?"


    Looking around, this was Lin Da''s small rental room.


    She sat up, sweating profusely, touched the bedsheets, which felt as though soaked by the Great Water.


    The events in the dream were too real...


    Back again?


    Lulu touched her neck in confusion; it wasn''t broken, and then she looked at her abdomen, which also didn''t have the terrifying hole.


    The old Magic Hanging Clock on the wall showed it was 1 a.m., while she had gone to bed at about 0:50 a.m.


    The flow of time in the dream was slower than in reality!


    "Could those trainings in the dream really help me get stronger?"


    Lulu murmured to herself. After she spoke, she froze suddenly, clenched her fist, feeling the surge in her Battle Qi, and was dumbstruck.


    It seemed... she really had gotten stronger.

 Chapter 98: Level up to 97, acquire new skills.

    ```


    Lulu stared nkly at her hands.


    She could clearly feel that the strength of her body had increased.


    This kind of improvement in talent usually only happened when opening an extremely rare treasure chest in the World Tree Secret Realm or by using epic-level items.


    Yet, she had only had a dream, been taught a lesson by that detestable captain dozens of times, and her talent had increased?


    Did she actually possess such a miraculous gift?


    With her mouth agape in surprise, Lulu felt for the first time in her life that she was a genius.


    Shey back on the bed, hoping to dream again and encounter the Dark Shadow.


    As long as she could be stronger, being tormented was no big deal.


    But no matter what, she couldn''t dream about the other party anymore.


    "Will it happen tomorrow?"


    Lulu tossed and turned on the bed, too excited to sleep.


    She secretly thought that the next time she battled the Dark Shadow, she would try to block the third move before going down!


    ...


    [System Prompt: Dream guidance sessful, team member Lulu''s basic attributes have increased: Strength +100, Defense +20, Agility +10!]


    Inside the carriage, Lin Da slowly opened his eyes.


    "Strength increased by 100? This guidance session was very sessful."


    He opened the main interface of the squad module and clicked on Lulu''s avatar, bringing up a simplified attribute bar.


    In this attribute bar, he could see the basic attribute values of the team members without their equipment.


    Member: Lulu


    Profession: Frost Wolf Warrior*Mage


    Level: 25


    Hit Points: 3000


    Magic Power: 90


    Strength: 750


    Defense: 100


    Magic Defense: 95


    Agility: 99


    Lin Da memorized the data and thought to himself that perhaps after Lulu became a mage, her strength attribute growth had significantly increased. Together with the 100 strength from his dream guidance, she had reached a terrifying 750.


    A typical warrior profession at this level would only have around 400 strength.


    And calcting his own Healing Hero panel, after crossing the two major thresholds at levels 10 and 20 and reaching level 25, the magic power was estimated to be around 650.


    Healing professions naturally had lower magic attributes; for a Healing Hero to reach this value was already considered very high.


    The greatest strengths of this profession were still the dual defense and health points.


    Lin Da, currently at level 8, had a basic health point total of 1800. Lulu at level 25 had only 3000.


    In contrast, Lulu''s burst output was very high.


    "After going berserk, Lulu can be cultivated as the core of the offense."


    "In the future, spend more Diamonds on purchasing Strength Guidance Tickets to use on Lulu."


    Lin Da nned to develop this Beastman girl into an existence that surpassed that of a five-star level character.


    He then opened up another team member, Monica''s, attributes to take a look.


    Member: Monica


    Profession: Earth Mage


    Level: 15


    Hit Points: 1300


    Magic Power: 370


    Strength: 5


    Defense: 15


    Magic Defense: 15


    Agility: 10


    After looking, Lin Da massaged his temples, feeling a headacheing on. Your adventure continues at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    The magic power value for Monica was as high as 370, high enough to be considered an extraordinary talent at a nce.


    But her hit points and all other attributes... were too low.


    Scratched by a Magical Creature of the same level, she would immediately be a ck and white icon.


    "Since hit points growth is so low, instead of increasing health, it''s better to y to strengths and continue increasing magic power, turning her into a human-shaped Magic Cannon."


    "As a backline position, Monica has the protection of me as a Healing Hero, which can ensure her safety to the greatest extent."


    Lin Da made future training ns for these two team members.


    As for Kafni, let''s leave it to fate.


    This guy, not being included in the list of team members, is more like a mascot...


    Half an hourter.


    "Phew, Monica''s dream guidance has also ended."


    Lin Da let out a sigh.


    This time, the dream guidance primarily enhanced Monica''s magic attributes and changed her introverted nature.


    He set the dreamscape to a lively festival, holding the shy Monica''s hand and wandering through the crowd, training until she could walk under the daylight without a cardboard box, even without the Dark Shadow character scaring her to tears several times.


    But overall, the guidance was sessful. When it was time to go to White Dove City, Monica probably wouldn''t need the cardboard box anymore.


    A system prompt appeared: [Dream guidance sessful, team member Monica''s basic attributes have increased: Magic Power +100, Hit Points +100]


    "Not bad."


    Lin Da smiled as he stroked Monica in her sleep.


    The girl restlessly clutched her nket, mumbling ''where has the captain gone'' in her sleep.


    With the outbreak of the Murderous Crab frenzy, Monica, the Earth Mage, would demonstrate great advantages.


    Murderous Crabs were weak against earth system magic, exactly what Monica could counter.


    Although team member kills did not give Lin Da any experience points, the Demon Cores from the Murderous Crabs could be exchanged for gold coins, boosting the overall strength of the team.


    [System Prompt: Today''s sign-in has been refreshed]


    The system time in the upper right corner showed 0:20.


    Lin Da entered the Back House.


    Inside, three chibi team members snored away.


    In the middle of the little cabin, a golden Cornucopia was filled with sparkling and translucent diamonds.


    ```


    Lin Da clicked to collect.


    [System Prompt: You''ve obtained 340 diamonds!]


    [Current Bnce: 2840 diamonds!]


    Lin Da used 2000 diamonds to buy a teddy bear furniture, for the chibi version of Monica to hold.


    The mood value above Monica''s head changed from a green +20% to a +30%.


    The daily sign-in could now yield a diamond amount that, with the mood boost from the teddy bear and Monica, increased by 380.


    Then, Lin Da clicked on Hell Rift, entering a dark arena page.


    [System Prompt: Your adventure team has passed level 28, obtaining 4000 diamonds!]


    A mail icon on the bottom right corner was shing, and Lin Da collected 4000 diamonds from within.


    The chibi version of the adventure team, which was originally stuck at level 28, defeated the three-headed fire-breathing dogs and advanced to level 29, with Lulu and Monica each boosting their attributes.


    The round arena turned into a withered yellow grasnd, and a centaur whose eyes were blood-red and d in armor stepped out from the magic circle.


    Lulu was beaten so hard that she fell off her horse.


    After the team got wiped out, it would automatically restart, like in an idle game that kept ying itself.


    Lin Da watched for a while and realized that the main reasons for failure were insufficient levels and too few team members,cking a front-row member with a taunting skill to attract the enmity of the magical creatures.


    Monica, at level 15, faced the level 29 centaur and was instantly reduced to zero health points by itsrge sword, bing a soul floating on the battlefield.


    Lulu managed to kill one centaur in a one-on-one fight, but there were still three left.


    She was overwhelmed, fought until exhaust, and perished.


    The red ''Failed'' sign appeared on the interface, and after waiting three seconds, the mini-game automatically restarted.


    Every attempt ended the same way; even Lulu as a witch had a hard time defeating four level 29 centaurs.


    "We''re stuck," Lin Da concluded.


    It had nothing to do with the team members'' skills; they were simply crushed by the numbers.


    He shook his head and exited the system interface.


    Too bad he couldn''t join the team and enter the battlefield himself.


    All he could do was allocate skill points to his team members and then set theirbat modes to things like [Offense Oriented], [Defense Oriented], [Adaptability], etc.


    After pondering for a while, Lin Da decided to level up.


    He was now preparing to challenge the hidden boss, and the Murderous Crab frenzy was also going to erupt in ten days; leveling up was urgent.


    Adventurers reach a minor turning point at level 10, which was something he needed right now.


    "Mystical Points, level me up!"


    Lin Da silently uttered, transforming 4200 Mystical Points into Experience Points.


    Two streaks of golden light consecutively fell upon him.


    A sense of abundant power emerged within him, and in the night sky of his spiritual world, two stars were illuminated, perfectly encircling the core.


    [System Prompt: You have reached level 9, strength +13, magic power +13, defense +2, magic defense +3, agility +2, hit points +200]


    [System Prompt: Congrattions, you have reached level 10!]


    [Strength +50, magic power +50, defense +20, magic defense +30, agility +20, hit points +600!]


    [You have acquired two skill points]


    [Poison Technique Series and Recovery Series have unlocked new skills: Toxin Mastery, Verdant Shield]


    Upon reaching level 10, Lin Da''s attribute points more than doubled, with his dual attack increasing from 103 to 166, and his hit points added by 600, amounting to 2400 in total.


    This base hit point count was almost higher than all frontline professions of the same level.


    Lin Da thought of Monica''s pitiful 1300 hit points and wished he could lend her some of his own...


    He clicked on the personal page and went to the skill tree.


    Adventurers unlock stronger profession skills at level 10.


    At level 20, they unlock ultimate skills with explosive outputs.


    It was because of these features that levels 10 and 20 became thresholds dividing adventurers.


    Lin Da had two skill trees and unlocked two skills by reaching level 10.


    The Poison Technique Series called Toxin Mastery.


    The effect was simple and overbearing, directly enhancing the damage of Poison Technique Series skills.


    Lin Da had 4 skill points at hand and invested 2 into it.


    [Toxin Mastery lv2: Increases poison damage by 20%]


    The base damage of the Venom Magic Sphere was now roughly around 320, ticking once every second for a total of 6 ticks, and with the boost from Toxin Mastery, the single-damage reached 384.


    The total damage of one Venom Magic Sphere was equivalent to four Fireball Techniques at the same level!


    Monica, being such a fragile caster, would be gone with just one hit from a Venom Magic Sphere...


    The second skill was Verdant Shield from the Recovery Series.


    As Lin Da read the skill description, his heart gradually grew hot.


    He immediately clicked to add points!


    [System Prompt: You have learned the skill: Verdant Shield!]


    [Skill: Verdant Shield]


    [Quality: Purple Rare]


    [Type: Common Skill]


    [Consumption: Low]


    [Proficiency: lv1 Basic]


    [Effect: Grants a magic shield equal to 30% of the user''s maximum hit points to a target]


    The power of Verdant Shield was to apply a shield to someone else.


    However, the thickness of this shield was determined by Lin Da''s maximum hit points.


    And the greatest strength of a Healing Hero was having arge amount of hit points!


    Without wearing any magical equipment, Lin Da already had 2400 hit points.


    One Verdant Shield could provide 720 points of shield.


    For a fragile mage like Monica with only 1300 total hit points, this was substantial.


    Once Lin Da equipped a full set of level 10 gear, his hit points would further increase, as would the shield''s thickness!


    This was the true strength of a Healing Hero, with exaggerated survivability and being very tanky himself.


    With Lin Da present, the survival rate of fragile backline members greatly increased.


    He continued to study for a while.


    Verdant Shield had two caveats: the shieldsted for 10 minutes, and it couldn''t be stacked.


    Lin Da saved the remaining skill point andy down satisfied to sleep.

 Chapter 99: 98. Secret Realm Square, sweep for equipment

    The team''s defense had the Verdant Shield, and on the offense, there was Monica and her Venom Magic Sphere.


    He was confident that with the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team, they could clear all hidden bosses of the first threeyers in one go!


    During his time with Snow Goose, his main focus was on safely assisting the team through the challenges. Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelBin


    But now with the new profession Healing Hero, and the system for cultivating team members in the Back House, their potential had already surpassed that of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Lin Da nned to lead the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team to wipe out all hidden bosses within the World Tree Secret Realm!


    ...


    The next day at noon.


    The carriage came to a halt before a river beach.


    Breeze River Beach.


    In sight was a dragon-like blue river, surrounded by many aquatic nts, with some wild Magical Creatures standing at the edge of the riverbank, cautiously collecting water.


    "Sir, we''ve arrived at your designated location," the coachman Jeban pulled back the curtain and called to the person inside.


    "Hmm, thank you. Wait here for a moment, I''ll be right back."


    Lin Da stepped out of the carriage, stretched his limbs, and breathed in the fresh air.


    There were ten days left until the outbreak of the Murderous Crab frenzy.


    Lin Da hade early to observe the situation.


    Reality was not like a game; Murderous Crabs wouldn''t just spawn out of thin air.


    He wanted to see how the event from the game would manifest itself in reality.


    Not too far ahead, Lin Da found an adventure team.


    Composed of three men and a woman, they had just killed a level 9 Wind de Giant Deer and were excitedly extracting its Demon Core.


    One of them noticed his arrival and immediately changed expression, whispering into the ear of a freckled, golden-haired young man.


    "How goes the loot? Are there many Magical Creatures around Breeze River Beach recently?" Lin Da asked while showing his adventure team badge.


    Each city''s badges were unique, and adventurers from the same city would generally treat each other courteously in the wilderness.


    The freckled young man rxed a bit when he saw Lin Da''s badge from White Dove City and, as Lin Da approached, eximed in surprise, "Ultimate Pervert... cough, Mr. Eye of Wisdom?"


    "That''s me," Lin Da nodded.


    A well-known figure''s face in the city was like an effective pass.


    If he had encountered a team from Red Heart City and approached them rashly, they might have thought he had bad intentions, potentially leading to a fight.


    However, with the title ''Eye of Wisdom'', he easily avoided such confrontations.


    "I still prefer the title Phoenix Tail Flower Team Captain," Lin Da said with a smile, pointing to the badge on his chest.


    "Sorry, I didn''t know you had formed a team," the freckled young man said sheepishly, scratching his head, then he added, "There seem to be more Magical Creatures around Breeze River Beach recently; our adventure team oftenes by, and these past few days, we''ve made a good haul."


    "Have you encountered any Murderous Crabs?" Lin Da inquired.


    "About that..." The freckled young man''s eyes shifted.


    The ponytailed female adventurer next to him whispered urgently, "Bob, don''t tell this guy! There are too few Murderous Crabs, we can''t let himpete with us for business..."


    Bob nodded discreetly, thinking to himself that an 8th-level Murderous Crab could be sold for at least 10 Gold Coins, whereas other level 8 Magical Creatures generally fetched around 5 Gold Coins.


    The carapace of the Murderous Crab could be used as material for making Armor or ground into powder to enhance male performance, making their body parts far more valuable than those of ordinary Magical Creatures.


    Bob''s team members were only at level 9 on average. It was most cost-effective and safest for the four of them to hunt an 8th-level Murderous Crab together. They had already made over 100 Gold Coins through hunting in the past few days, which was twice the ie of a team at the same level.


    If this Eye of Wisdom got involved, their adventure team certainly couldn''tpete with him, leading to a drastic drop in ie.


    "We haven''t encountered any Murderous Crabs," Bob said with a forced chuckle, scratching his head.


    Seeing the other''s evasive expression, Lin Da understood.


    He nodded and cautioned, "Murderous Crabs range from level 7 to 17, so be careful if youe across one."


    "Uh, thanks?" Bob looked up awkwardly.


    Lin Da fully understood the actions of this team.


    He also indirectly acquired the information he wanted.


    The number of Murderous Crabs was very limited; they wouldn''t have deliberately concealed it from him if there had been arge influx.


    His foresight still held an advantage.


    With ten days left until the Murderous Crab frenzy, he nned to gather as many Gold Coins as possible in that time.


    Lin Da returned to the carriage, deep in thought.


    In the morning, the three of them returned to White Dove City.


    The first thing he did was raid the equipment at Secret Realm Square.


    To conquer the hidden bosses of the World Tree Secret Realm, equipment was essential.


    The current Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team was too poorly equipped.


    As the captain, Lin Da only had a Rusty One-Handed Sword and worn Leather Armor.


    Monica was even poorer; when he first met her, the Big Lolita couldn''t even afford pants.


    Her skirt and white shoes were bought with Lin Da''s money.


    The other team member, Kafni, wasn''t much better off.


    She only had a small dagger, nothing else.


    Lin Da needed to buy two sets of level 10 equipment and one set of level 15 equipment for Monica.


    The three of them first sold Lia''s zing Bracelet at the nearby trading post. After some haggling, they got 32,000 Gold Coins for it.


    This startup capital greatly alleviated the financial pressure of Phoenix Tail Flower.


    Lin Da stored the Gold Coins into a Savings Card, which was epted across the continent, and then went to Secret Realm Square to buy some fresh equipment.


    Returning to Secret Realm Square, the bustling atmosphere was immediate.


    Adventurers wereing and going in droves to enter the World Tree. There were also stalls everywhere, hawking the equipment they had obtained from the Secret Realm.

 Chapter 100: 98. Secret Realm Square, sweep for equipment_2

    Lin Da held Monica''s hand, his voice gentle, "You''ve gotten used to not wearing the box, right? With the captain here, no one will hurt you."


    "Yes, yes!" Monica''s sleek and cute forehead shone slightly under the sun as she nervously responded.


    The girl, like a sheep entering a wolf pack, leaned close to Lin Da, looking down, her big eyes daring only to nce at her toes, twisting inside her round-toed leather shoes.


    Monica, mustering her courage, looked up, only to find herself surrounded by a bunch of curious adventurers, which frightened her into hugging Lin Da''s back and burying her small face into it.


    Lin Da, looking at Monica, who was buried in him like an ostrich, sighed helplessly in his heart.


    Helping Monica ovee her social anxiety would still be a long journey.


    As they reached the center of the Secret Realm Square, he transferred ten thousand gold coins from his Savings Card to Kafni; they split up to scour the Secret Realm Square for equipment.


    Not just for the three of them, everything was within their shopping scope, including earth system Magic Staves, Magic Scrolls, and Striking Series weapons.


    The earlier they were from the Murderous Crab surge, the more stable the prices of such equipment. Once the big merchants noticed and began buying crazily, market prices would also fluctuate.


    "A Level 10 Mage cloak, this is a rare quality item, just exploded out yesterday, thetest model, both stylish and practical, 500 gold coins, can''t go any lower!"


    At a small stall, Lin Da haggled with a golden-haired elf adventurer.


    What he was interested in was a cloak that could enhance Magic Attributes; it was lighter than cumbersome armor, could increase agility, and could slightly improve casting speed.


    "Captain, that..."


    Suddenly, Monica tugged his sleeve, and he looked over in confusion, only to see Monica timidly pointing at a belt hanging from the elf stallholder''s waist, under which dangled a bottle of silver-glittering Magic Potion.


    Beforeing to the Secret Realm Square to shop, Lin Da had instructed the two teammates that besides buying equipment, if they found any Metal Destroyer Potion, they must secure it!


    Once he killed the hidden BOSS, many adventure teams would realize the benefits of this potion and the price would skyrocket.


    Making use of the current unawareness of the true uses of Metal Destroyer Potion, Lin Da would scoop up any he saw!


    He casually asked, "That Magic Potion, are you selling it?"


    "Ah, Life Potion? That''s not for sale, I still need it," the elf stallholder shook his head.


    "No, I mean that silver one."


    "Metal Destroyer? You want this thing?"


    The elf stallholder, surprised, took the potion out of his pouch and muttered, "What''s the use of this thing? It''s not like it needs to improve uracy when fighting metal monsters."


    The way the stallholder casually fiddled with it, it seemed he wouldn''t mind if it broke.


    In fact, his team had exploded this potionst month on the fifth floor of the Great Mystery Continent, during a battle against Magical Creatures; it hadn''t sold for days, and even at one gold coin, people thought it was too expensive.


    Yet, this potion had exploded after a fierce battle with Rare Magical Beasts!


    "How many gold coins will you give?" asked the stallholder, named y, squinting at Lin Da.


    If this human showed any obsession with the potion, he was ready to jack up the price without hesitation.


    Lin Da stroked his chin and observed for a while, grinding y''s patience almost thin, before finally making an offer:


    "Give it to me."


    y: "?"


    You lil'' rascal, not even willing to part with a single gold coin, huh?


    Lin Da pointed to a pile of equipment in front of him, "I n to buy all these, throwing in one potion isn''t too much, right?"


    "All of it?" y was shocked.


    With many small vendors in the square, y, fearing Lin Da would turn to another stall, quickly passed over the silver potion: "Fine, I can''t use it anyway, it''s yours!"


    "What''s the total price for these equipments?" Lin Da casually took the potion and put it into his pouch.


    "A total of seven items, 3000 gold. I''ll give you a discount, let''s make it 2700 gold coins!"


    Lin Da shook his head, "Let''s stick to 3000 gold, I feel like, as adventurers, we all have it tough."


    He worried that in a few days, the stallholder would be heartbroken enough to jump off a building.


    Once the true value of Metal Destroyer Potion was revealed, it could easily sell for a hundred thousand gold coins...


    Lin Da did not haggle and directly paid the full price of 3000 gold using his savings card as y had stated.


    y, moved, grasped his hand, "You are quite the nice person!"


    "Not to deceive you, but for these equipments, our adventure team has suffered great losses. With everyone having lost limbs, they are all waiting for me to bring back the gold!"


    Lin Da: "..."


    After thinking it over, he swiped another thousand gold and said solemnly, "When entering the Mystic Realm, safety muste first!"


    y was so touched that he nearly cried¡ªapparently, there were still kind-hearted adventurers around!


    ... Discover hidden tales at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    Carying the equipment he had purchased in arge bag, Lin Da could faintly smell the lingering stench of blood on it.


    The crowded square was full of disabled adventurers setting up their stalls.


    He couldn''t help but sigh, "Low-level adventurers have it so tough."


    The higher-level adventurers were rtively wealthy, with powerful equipment and town portal scrolls, hence they faced a lower rate of casualties. Even if they couldn''t defeat the higher-level magical creatures, they still had many ways to retreat.


    But it was different for low-level adventurers.


    Town Portal Scrolls, those for floors 1-10, cost over 10,000 gold coins¡ªunaffordable for them!


    Each piece of equipment was obtained through sweat and blood, and even life.


    During the purchasing process, Lin Da met one low-level adventurer after another.


    Their lives were generally very tough. The materials and Demon Cores from low-level magical creatures were too cheap, barely making any money.


    Magical creatures of the same level were no weaker than adventurers, and often required several adventurers working together to kill one.


    A slight carelessness could lead to casualties.


    When Lin Da arrived at the Mystic Continent three years ago, despite being a Healer with average talents, having a wealth of strategies, and an excellent magic chanting speed, coupled with Lia and others¡­ he hadn''t experienced the harshness of adventuring.


    In fact, casualties among low-level adventurers were all toomon.


    One afternoon, Lin Da saw many adventurers walking out of the World Tree looking distraught.


    They carried white body bags, their shoulders stained with fresh blood. Inside were teammates who had been joking together just hours before.


    The heavy atmosphere plunged the Secret Realm Square into silence.


    Every adventurer sighed and mourned silently. No one knew who might be the next to be carried out or left behind in the World Tree forever.


    All the more experienced adventurers had been through the heart-wrenching experience of carrying out the bodies of theirrades.


    Lin Da, holding Monica''s hand, both paid silent respects.


    Looking at that adventure team with vacant stares, as if drained of all their blood and sweat, a bold idea suddenly sprang to his mind¡ªcould he do something for these low-level adventurers?


    The first ten floors were where the mortality rate of adventurers was highest.


    These ten floors were not more dangerous than those beyond, yet they were a huge challenge for rookie adventurers.


    Theycked the experience to handle the magical creatures in the Mystic Realm, and their mindset could easily falter. Performing well outside, they would be excited and nervous once inside the Mystic Realm, failing to perform even seventy percent of their ability.


    But ording to Lin Da''s unorthodox tactics, for the first ten floors of the Mystic Realm, if the adventurer''s level was sufficient, they could pass through easily, even without injury.


    The adventurers shouldn''t die in the World Tree Secret Realm. The future war against the Demon Lord''s Army needed everyone to contribute their strength.


    The more adventurers that reached the higher levels, the easier Lin Da''s journey to conquer the Demon King became.


    With this, he made a decision.


    The strategy for the first ten floors at Phoenix Tail Flower will be shared with adventurers from all cities!


    He would teach them hand by hand how to defeat the magical creatures in the Mystic Realm.


    Every adventurer who survives because of his strategy might be a key force in the future battle against the Demon Lord''s Army.


    The Demon King would be dealt with by the heroes, but the Demon Generals, numerous foot soldiers, magical creatures... these were up to the adventurers to handle.

 Chapter 101: 99. Damage test, accidentally met Klrona

    ...


    As night fell, Lin Da finally spent all 30,000 gold coins, exchanging them for magical equipment.


    The three of them met at the entrance of the Secret Realm Square.


    After a discussion, excluding the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team''s own gear, they purchased 15 earth staffs, 7 hammers, 8 axes, and 10 one-handed swords with earth attribute attacks.


    These pieces of equipment were all around levels 8 to 12, making them the most popr range.


    The 40 items cost a total of 20,000 gold coins.


    Lin Da then spent another 5,000 gold to buy sets of blue-quality equipment for himself and Kafni.


    A set of level 15 earth mage equipment for Monica, blue in color, cost 5,000 gold.


    At that moment, Lin Da strapped a purple weapon, a walnut wood magic sword, to his waist.


    This main weapon alone added 100 points to his dual attack.


    Cloaked in a mage''s cloak, wearing two magic amplifying rings on his hands, and donned in a pair of ckbat pants.


    After being enhanced by magical equipment, Lin Da''s attributes reached a new height.


    He silently invoked his quest bar.


    A light screen appeared out of thin air.


    Name: Lin Da


    Level: 10


    Hit Points: 3000 (2400+600/the first number is the basic attribute, the second is the equipment-added attribute)


    Magic Power: 346 (166+180)


    Strength: 346 (166+180)


    Defense: 66 (46+20)


    Magic Defense: 88 (68+20)


    Agility: 54 (44+10)


    Resistance: Poison Resistance 30%


    Experience Points: 0/6000


    Skill Points remaining: 1


    Mystical Points: 67


    ...


    After equipment amplification, Lin Da''s magic power reached 346.


    His attributes were almost on par with Monica at level 15, who had the ss Cannon skill.


    However, once Monica donned her equipment, she was out of his league.


    The role of Healing Hero wasn''t known for high Magic Points, but its advantagesy in health points and magic defense.


    With a total of 3000 health points, Lin Da''s Verdant Shield could provide Monica with a protectiveyer of 900 points.


    Meanwhile, a healer of his same level could only restore about 200 health with a single healing spell.


    With both a shield and healing, plus a belt full of potions... even if Lin Da didn''t want to set any gs, he felt confident about the uing strategy.


    Clearing the level shouldn''t be a problem.


    The main challenge woulde from the hidden boss.


    Aim for a perfect kill to increase the chances of obtaining high-quality equipment drops.


    Upon leaving the Secret Realm Square, Lin Da spent 20 gold coins on a horse-drawn cart for hauling.


    He ced the equipment in the wagon and, along with Monica and Kafni, headed towards the Adventurers'' Guild.


    The time tounch the Attacker live stream in the World Tree Secret Realm was set for three dayster.


    In these three days, Lin Da would postmissions in various cities seeking Metal Destroyer Potions.


    Then he would train Kafni and Monica.


    Getting them familiar with the hidden boss''s moves.


    Afterpleting his registration at the Adventurers'' Guild, Lin Da received a one-time reward of 10 gold coins.


    Any adventure team that offered to live stream their attack withoutpensation would receive subsidies from the local Adventurers'' Guild and the official empire.


    However, since there were so many live streams of the first three levels, the reward was only 10 gold.


    Immediately, Lin Da took his two teammates to the third floor of the Adventurers'' Guild to test the output of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team.


    This data was the most important aspect of the strategy.


    Without a clear understanding of one''s and teammates'' damage, there''s no point in discussing strategies.


    ...


    On the third floor.


    In a neat and smooth hall, practice dummies stood upright.


    Made from an extremely resilient gel material, when adventurers struck the dummies, the damage ''white value'' would appear on the adjacent square magic stone.


    The so-called ''white value'' is the theoretical maximum damage output without ounting for any defenses of the target.


    This discipline, after thousands of years of research by adventurers, had be very rigorous. The ''white value'' can directly determine the output level of an adventure team.


    In the evening hall, adventurers were scattered here and there.


    "Yah!"


    A crisp scream of a young girl echoed.


    Pink twin-tails swayed back and forth.


    White socks in short boots stamped firmly on the ground, making a cheerful sound.


    Chloe, dressed in heavy armor, revealed only a pair of bright eyes and the twin-tails sticking out from her helmet.


    With her little axe in hand, she fiercely chopped at the gel dummy''s head, shouting, "Skull Smashing Strike!"


    The number on the square magic stone rapidly changed.


    2005!


    For a Heavy Armored Warrior, this was a very high number.


    Another warrior in the hall had been practicing for a long time and peaked at only slightly over 1000.


    However, Chloe was still not satisfied.


    The magic stone''s number changed again, calcting her average output per minute:


    560.


    That was down by 20pared to before entering the 11th level.


    Chloe frowned, feeling that the little axe in her hand was very ufortable to use.


    When attacking the 11th level, her original weapon had been bitten off by a Swift Rock Lizard...


    Lia said she would equip her with a new one.


    But the team leader had disappeared for a day and hadn''t returned.


    Aiko was in the vi practicing, and Oru and Klyne had gone off to celebrate.


    Today was an adventurers'' holiday, White Thanksgiving.


    For the first time, Chloe was spending Thanksgiving alone.


    Dispirited, she put away her little axe.


    Somehow, she felt that being in the Snow Goose Adventure Team wasn''t fun anymore.


    There were six of them in the Snow Goose, but why did it feel so different with just one person missing?


    Chloe couldn''t specify what exactly it was, but she sensed something had changed.


    At first, she was thrilled.


    The moment Lin Da left, no one was there to tell her what to do anymore.


    No matter if she ate snacks in the middle of the night or yed with magic puppets until dawn, no one would care.


    She no longer had to listen for footsteps outside, hurriedly turn off the light, and wait to turn it back on once Lin Da was gone.


    Chloe yed wildly for two whole days.


    ...

 Chapter 102: 99, Damage Testing, Encountered Klrona_2

    Then, she felt something was off.


    The Magic Puppet game wasn''t as appealing anymore, and theic books weren''t that interesting either.


    It seemed more fun to avoid Lin Da and secretly watch, secretly y.


    Aiko and Lia, even if she was engrossed in ying all day without eating, couldn''t bother with her.


    "Hungry? There is prepared food from the restaurant in the fridge, heat it up yourself."


    "Ah, not eating?"


    "If you don''t eat, then go hungry."


    "Lia, don''t talk like that to her¡ªKlrona, if you''re hungry, go to a restaurant outside? I need to beautify myself, so I won''t apany you."


    Lia directly ignored her.


    Aiko only scolded her with words, never took action.


    Klrona found it quite hard. If it had been Lin Da, as soon as she was hungry, he would get up even in the middle of the night to cook.


    She had been practicing in the hall for half a day.


    Her body was sweaty, and her throat was parched. If she hade with Lin Da, he would have probably prepared water already...


    She took off her armor, and a petite girl crawled out from inside.


    Klrona was dressed in a little ck skirt paired with white stockings up to her waist, and her top was a white blouse withce detailing.


    She looked like the adored young daughter of a noble family.


    She sat gloomily on the bench to rest, taking out a Magic Conductor Handheld Console from a backpack with a giant rabbit pattern on it.


    The Magic Puppet inside was a limited-edition Swordsman she had bought for 5000 gold, but ying it wasn''t satisfying at all.


    Klrona absentmindedly fiddled with the joystick, her mind still reying the scenes from the strategy of the 11th floor.


    There was a problem she had been unable to figure out for days.


    Why couldn''t she hold onto the Magical Creatures anymore?


    When Lin Da was in charge ofmanding, those Magical Creatures kept attacking her, and her innate skill ''Guardian''s Heart'', could create a defense as solid as a wall of iron and copper, protecting her teammates from any damage!


    Every time theypleted a strategy, Lin Da and Aiko would praise her for being capable.


    Klrona particrly enjoyed this feeling of being needed.


    But under Phyllis''smand on the 11th floor strategy, no matter how hard she attacked the Magical Creatures, she couldn''t draw their aggro.


    It created a ratherical scene: the Magical Creatures chasing after Aiko and Klyne in the back, but Klrona, weighed down by her heavy armor, was trailing behind with a small ax, unable to catch up.


    The result was that Klrona couldn''t deal output damage or withstand damage, she could only watch the Magical Creatures helplessly.


    Lia''s criticism still echoed in her ears.


    Klrona feared this team leader, who she had lost to in a one-on-one duel, which is why she had joined the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    "Criticism or whatever, I don''t want it..." Klrona hugged her little head, her delicate body trembling slightly.


    ¡ªAs a Heavy Armored Warrior, not protecting teammates and even causing them to die!


    The angry shouts of former teammates seemed to resound in her head, and Klrona instantly turned pale, the Magic Conductor Handheld Console falling to the ground with a snap.


    "Be careful, isn''t that thing quite expensive?"


    A calm and steady voice came.


    Klrona nkly looked up, and what met her eyes was a face that was all too familiar.


    "Lin Da." she said dazedly.


    It had been a week since theyst met, and Lin Da appeared quite different to her.


    He no longer always furrowed his brow, looking burdened with heavy thoughts.


    He seemed much more cheerful.


    He was happy after leaving the Snow Goose Adventure Team, just like that Small Fry Uncle?


    As she took the handheld console, she noticed a strange girl behind Lin Da that she didn''t recognize. The girl had long brown hair and timidly hid behind Lin Da, peeking at her Magic Conductor Handheld Console.


    When their eyes met, the girl immediately hid behind Lin Da in fright.


    "Monica, it''s okay, this is my former teammate, she won''t hurt you." Lin Da said affectionately, ruffling the girl''s small head, gently pushing her forward, "Go and make a friend."


    "I... I am Monica." the girl said weakly.


    "Your new teammate?"


    Klrona looked resentfully at Monica.


    "Yes." Lin Da chatted, "How have you been recently, have you been eating well?"


    Klrona shook her head, "Since this morning, I haven''t eaten yet!"


    Lin Da was stunned for a moment and said, "Remember to eat when you go back."


    "Oh..."


    Just like that?


    Klrona clenched her small fists ufortably. It seemed like Lin Da no longer cared about her!


    She nced at the shy Monica and couldn''t help but feel infuriated. Every team had its favorite member, she was the favorite in the Snow Goose Adventure Team, and in Lin Da''s team, it was this girl named Monica, this girl who sneaked looks at her Magic Conductor Handheld Console, and had ''ovepping roles'' with her!


    What a coward, not even daring to meet her eyes, and her magic power also wasn''t as good as hers!


    How could such a person get the attention of Small Fry Uncle!


    Klrona''s eyes zed as if on fire, feeling that Monica had stolen Lin Da from Snow Goose.


    Her angry demeanor made Monica, who mustered the courage to step forward and make friends, shrink back behind Lin Da.


    Lin Da helplessly said, "It''s not often you find someone who ys the same games as you, don''t you want to make a friend? The captain and Kafni will go first to test the damage, and we''ll call you when it''s your turn."


    Monica, buried in Lin Da''s embrace, shook her head rapidly.


    Scared!


    That girl, who was a bit shorter than her, seemed like she would eat her alive!


    "Your new teammate doesn''t seem all that great."


    Klrona proudly stood on the chair, hands on hips, corners of her mouth lifted, taunting, "She can''t even look someone in the face; what a big-time small fry! That blond behemoth of a girl must be even weaker, right? Small Fry Captain and his small fry teammates, hrious!"


    Continue reading on m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    "Stepping on the bench with shoes will get you chased out by the staff of the Adventurers'' Guild." Lin Da pointed at her shoes.


    "Huh. I''m a member of the Rock-level Squad, from Snow Goose; they won''t care even if they see it!" Klrona dered smugly.


    The cleaning staff nearby passed by, indeed turning a blind eye to Klrona''s low-quality behavior.


    Rock-level Squad indeed had its privileges.


    Lin Da sighed. If he were still with Snow Goose, he would have definitely reasoned with Klrona to make here down, but now, it no longer had anything to do with him; he hadn''t even gotten his own Big Lolita over her social fears, let alone concern himself with someone else''s.


    "We''re going over there." He nodded politely to Klrona and led Monica by the hand towards the Gel Mannequin.


    As for Kafni, she had already started ying over there.


    A white dagger made of condensed magic power furiously struck into the Gel Mannequin, only to mark a damage of 500.


    Normal Attack was even lower at just 250.


    Lin Da knew thieves were subpar, but was this too subpar?


    Just as he was thinking this, a series of footsteps caught up from behind.


    "What is this?"


    "Let''s see how much output your small fry teammates have." Klrona snorted, puffing out her underdeveloped chest, "Even though I am a Heavy Armored Warrior, a role with no damage, my instant damage is 700!"


    She deliberately exaggerated a bit.


    In reality, Lin Da was quite aware of her damage, but he didn''t bother to point it out.


    Even if Klrona exaggerated, it wouldn''t affect his strategy in the slightest.


    As long as Monica and Kafni''s damage was urate, it was fine.


    "Start, Monica."


    Lin Da, pretending Klrona didn''t exist, gently pushed Monica forward and pointed at the Gel Mannequin: "Go all out and attack it for one minute."


    The floor and walls of the training hall were made of special materials, costly but able to withstand magic below level 20.


    So, it was fine even if Monica went all out.


    The brown-haired girl cautiously held the magic wand in front, her body slightly trembling.


    Many adventurers around, including Klrona, were watching her.


    Monica was naturally beautiful and had a pitiful baby face that made people couldn''t resist bullying her a bit.


    Her healthy figure also drew much attention...


    Especially when she was next to Lin Da, infamously known as ''Ultimate Pervert''.


    "Don''t be afraid, give it your best, let the captain see your strength!"


    Lin Da supported her from the side.


    "She can''t be worse than me, can she?" Klrona pursed her lips, not thinking much of this Big Lolita.


    Are you mocking me again?


    Tears swirled in Monica''s eyes.


    She was actually used to being despised. Back in the Primordial Adventure Team, even rats would stomp on her,


    What really made her uneasy was that she was embarrassing Lin Da! What if Lin Da suddenly left her behind like he did three years ago?

 Chapter 103: 100, Little Devil Defense Break, Bullying Big Lolita (Please Subscribe, Chapter 100)

    "Monica is a useful team member!"


    Monica muttered the spell in a low voice, her brown magic wand, adorned with a fist-sized treasure bead, aimed at the gel mannequin in front of her.


    With a grunt, the girl stumbled backward, unable to withstand the recoil of the magic and fell into Lin Da''s arms.


    "Earth Bombardment!"


    As she gave a weak shout, a beam of light shot out from Monica''s magic wand.


    The thick aura of magic power immediately caused theplexions of the adventurers watching to change.


    Klrona was also taken aback for a moment.


    As a level 21 Heavy Armored Warrior, she could probably sense that Monica''s aura was only at level 15.


    A mage of that level would have a normal maximum damage white value of 2000; when Aiko was at level 15, she could hit 3800 damage on a gel mannequin, which was considered very impressive.


    Yet, Klrona felt a surge of magical oscition from Monica''s spell that was even stronger than Aiko''s at that time?


    The moment the earth-colored beam appeared, no adventurer on the scene dared to underestimate Monica, who looked so easy to bully.


    How much damage white value could this girl produce?


    4000, 4100?


    Everyone secretly spected in their hearts.


    All they heard was a bang.


    The beam hit the chest of the gel mannequin, and it shook violently, its chest turning ck and sunken, emitting thick smoke.


    Mannequins of this specification were generally only damaged by level 20 adventurers.


    Monica, at merely level 15, had made a dent in the chest of the mannequin.


    On the square magic stone, numbers started rapidly rolling from 0, swiftly breaking through 3800, the record left by Aiko at level 15.


    Then, it broke through 4000, and under the disbelieving gazes of the crowd, it easily surpassed 4500...


    Finally, it settled above 5800!


    Outrageous!


    All adventurers were shocked and widened their eyes, the same thought emerging in everyone''s hearts!


    A level 15 mage dealing 5800 damage, had she taken some powerful magic potion?


    Otherwise, it must be some kind of self-damaging spell.


    Klrona''s face was full of surprise; this good-for-nothing looking big bear girl, she was better than Aiko?


    In Klrona''s heart, the person she feared the most was Lia, and the person she respected the most was Aiko.


    As a mage, Aiko''s performance in the Mystic Realm was impable, with high output and fast incantation. With Aiko and a certain Healer behind her, Klrona felt like she was an invincible presence.


    But...


    That good-for-nothing girl, she was better than Aiko?


    Klrona''s mind couldn''t quite grasp it.


    No, there had to be something wrong!


    Klrona unwillingly gritted her teeth, her eyes intently fixed on Monica, looking for something amiss on her.


    In fact, Monica was indeed not as powerful as Klrona thought.


    But she hadn''t resorted to low-level techniques like doping either.


    "Has the magic circuit cooled down? You need to cast one quickly, or the damage per second will be lower and lower," Lin Da rubbed Monica''s head, chuckling.


    Monica pursed her lips, brewing for a while before raising her magic wand to cast another "Earth Bombardment."


    Now everyone understood.


    The output was very high, but she could not use it continuously.


    Klrona felt much more bnced in her heart.


    But... she was still a bit sour.


    No matter how that 5800 output was achieved, at least it was achieved. Let other level 15 mages try, even with a potion they couldn''t do it.


    Besides Earth Bombardment, Monica could also cast other minor spells, like Earth Spike, Earth Shard, Earth Spear Spell, using them over and over.


    What they had inmon was their extremely high single-hit power, but slow incantation andrge recoil.


    After releasing a spell, Monica had to rest with her face flushed and panting for a good while.


    One minute passed, and the resulting damage per second was 640.


    This number was much more regr.


    Lin Da recalled in his mind that the average damage per second of a level 15 mage was around 400.


    This profession couldn''t achieve seamless spell casting in the early stages and required rest, hence their damage per second was significantly lower than physical professions like the Swordsman.


    But Monica''s real advantage was her explosive output; facing Magical Creatures that entered a ''second phase'', an enraged state, she could quickly ''extinguish'' the enemy, holding significant strategic value.


    At the same time, Kafni on the other side also received her damage per second data.


    This blonde Deity had an embarrassed expression, squatting in front of the number-disying magic stone scratching an itch, waiting for the numbers above to disappear before whistling leisurely over.


    Klrona pointed at her with pride: "No use hiding, I saw it, 250 damage per second Small Fry!"


    "Uh¡ª You little rascal, who are you calling Small Fry? Believe it or not, I''ll steal all your clothes clean!" Kafni threatened menacingly, making Stealing gestures.


    "Gross!" Klrona retreated a step, squealing, "Whatever, turns out they''re all Small Fry."


    At that moment, Lin Da''s damage per second had also been calcted.


    Many didn''t see when he tested it.


    Everyone''s attention had just been on Monica, whose presence was overwhelming.


    Actually, Lin Da didn''t test sneakily; he had been diligently dealing damage.


    The Venom Magic Sphere bounced six times for damage, and the poison damage could stack oneyer.


    After two Magic Spheres were cast, it added up to twelve instances of damage.


    In other words, Lin Da only needed to cast two Venom Magic Spheres every 12 seconds.


    The numbers on the magic stone moved steadily.


    +700


    +695


    +711


    ...


    The final average damage was 701!


    When Klrona noticed the number on that magic stone, she was dumbfounded.


    When did Lin Da deal that damage?


    Without a sound and now 701?


    She herself only has a little over 500!


    Even though she is a Heavy Armored Warrior and supposed to be a meat shield, howe her damage is lower than Lin Da''s?


    Isn''t Lin Da just a Healer?


    A Healer''s damage higher than hers, a level 21 Heavy Armored Warrior?


    Klrona''s expression changed.


    Suddenly, she felt like she was the Small Fry?!


    "Captain Lord, when did you deal out damage?" Monica was also very curious.


    "When I was helping you, so you wouldn''t fall to the ground," Lin Da chuckled.


    "What''s Captain Lord''s maximum damage like? Monica has 5800, and yet her per-second damage is only this little..."


    Monica''s eyes were filled with admiring stars.


    Per-second damage of 700, maximum damage must be around 7000, right?


    Klrona and the others pricked up their ears to eavesdrop.


    Lin Da said, "About 700, I guess."


    A neat row of question marks popped up above the heads of the adventurers.


    They were asking about your maximum damage output.


    And there you are, with the title ''Eye of Wisdom,'' mixing up maximum damage output and average per-second damage?


    "Oh, oh." What was even more infuriating was that Monica believed it, without delving any deeper, whatever Lin Da said, she believed.


    This made everyone''s curiosity itch like cat ws, unbearably ufortable!


    "They''re asking you about your maximum damage output!" Klrona, as an old team member, asked on behalf of everyone.


    Lin Da looked puzzled: "That''s right, I answered that question."


    "But your per-second damage is 700."


    "Right."


    "And your maximum damage output is the same?"


    "Uh-huh."


    Klrona furrowed her brows, "You''re lying!"


    How could there be an adventurer whose average per-second damage and maximum output are the same?


    Even a Small Fry just out of the water will still thrash a bit before slowly running out of energy.


    Lin Da definitely had some secret he was deliberately hiding from her!


    This was treating her like an outsider!


    This strong sense of alienation was what made Klrona the most upset.


    "I''m not lying to you; that''s the truth."


    Regarding his own damage, Lin Da felt pretty helpless.


    It''s just the upational feature of a Healing Hero.


    Total damage higher than Monica''s, who is at level 15.


    But as for burst damage...


    What''s that? Never heard of it!


    There was no need for Lin Da to continue testing his damage. Kafni and Monica, on the other hand, needed to test their minimum damage.


    Klrona just saw Lin Da directing members of the Phoenix Tail Flower Team and no longer paying attention to her.


    It seemed there wasn''t much difference between her and those bystanders over there.


    Therefore, Klrona secretly wondered the same thing as Lia: How had Lin Da changed?


    During Phoenix Tail Flower Team''s damage testing, Klrona took out a jumbo bag of chips and a bottle of soda from her shoulder bag and loudly said, "I''m going to start eating junk food now!"


    Crunch crunch crunch, munch munch munch!


    A wild disy.


    But Lin Da, there, was teaching Monica the positioning and angles for casting spells, not looking at her at all?


    Hey, I''m eating junk food over here!


    Klrona''s mouth was covered with chip crumbs and grease; her unnamed ck beverage was fizzing withva-like bubbles.


    She used to indulge in these things at most once a week and always found them delicious. But after eating them every day, they started to grow tiresome.


    Once Lin Da got back, she''d have to y the Magic Conductor Handheld Console every night, scoffing at Lin Da''s Small Fry appearance as he failed to keep her under control...


    Those fun scenes, wouldn''t they happen again?


    Klrona put down the chips.


    When her cherished little axe was ruined by the Swift Rock Lizard on the 11th floor, she didn''t feel this bad; her heart felt empty, as if something was missing.


    "Um, that¡ªis it okay, to be friends with you?" A soft and mushy voice arose.


    Klrona came to her senses and looked forward angrily.


    Experience more tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    It was Monica, holding the Magic Conductor Handheld Console, her eyes darting everywhere.


    Behind Monica, Lin Da was watching from afar, with a smile of paternal affection on his lips.


    But that concern and affection, was it for this big forehead?


    Inside Klrona''s stomach, it felt as if something was about to surge up. She bit down hard on her teeth and sniffed; she didn''t want the Small Fry Uncle to see her shedding precious tears.


    For Monica, making friends was her first step out of social anxiety.


    This Big Lolita had never battled with Magic Puppets before, and seeing Klrona y sparked the idea of approaching her.


    If she could sessfully make a friend, the Captain Lord would surely praise her!


    "Can we... y together?" Monica asked timidly.


    "Sure, I guess." Klrona wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said, "Just don''t me me for bullying you!"


    "Mhm, mm-hmm!" Monica sat down happily beside her.


    Both girls were seriously lowering their heads, turning on their Magic Conductor Handheld Consoles.


    What was different was that Monica genuinely wanted to make friends.


    While Klrona had mischief on her mind.


    Lin Da was nice to Monica; she would bully Monica!


    Connecting through the Array on their handheld consoles, they controlled the Magic Puppets that appeared on the screen.


    ...


    (ps: Wailing... Ever since the book became paid, I''ve been losing subscribers. If you can, please support the official version! Thank you!)

 Chapter 104: 101, Lin Da made Klrona cry, White Thanksgiving

    Three minutester.


    "Watch my Four-winged Unicorn Impact!"


    Klrona confidently controlled her pay-to-win character, attacking Monica. Her Swordsman avatar had been knocked into the air by Monica and had note down for a long time, finally giving her the chance to counterattack,


    Only to see that Monica''s character had to hit Klrona''s several times just to deal half damage, whereas Klrona''s Swordsman avatar merely touched Monica''s character, and her Little Red Hood avatar instantly dropped dead.


    This was the ''Four-winged Unicorn Impact''.


    The meaning was roughly equivalent to ''Lamborghini Collision'' or ''Rolls-Royce m''.


    Klrona''s Magic Puppet was valued at five thousand Gold Coins, and in terms of both health points and attack, it was far more powerful than the Little Red Hood Monica had scrimped and saved up to buy.


    After Klrona defeated Monica''s Little Red Hood, she did not stop but continued to control the Magic Puppet, stepping on thetter''s head with one foot.


    With a crackling sound,


    Monica''s cheap Magic Puppet broke down directly!


    "Ah!"


    Monica cried out in horror.


    Little Red Hood''s head was crushed t, the Array inside the Magic Puppet was damaged, equivalent to being scrapped.


    No matter how she moved the joystick, Little Red Hoody lifeless on the ground, silent.


    Monica''s big eyes were brimming with moistness, biting her lower lip hard, feeling like she would burst into tears the next second.


    Although Little Red Hood was a very cheap doll, it had been herpanion for a long time.


    Lin Da had offered to buy her a more powerful Magic Puppet, but she had refused.


    "Small fry, really bad at this, defeated foe!" Klrona arrogantly curled her lips upwards.


    "I''m not, not bad!"


    Monica''s face turned red as she argued.


    If her Little Red Hood and Klrona''s Swordsman avatar had the same attack power, she would have won several times by now.


    She had been hitting Klrona''s character for a long time without any effect.


    identally touched once, Little Red Hood was done for!


    Klrona snorted, "Crying after losing, how shameful!"


    "Big bear is also vulgar! Like antern, must be for seducing people, vulgar small fry, disgusting!"


    She looked at Monica''s overly healthy figure, thought of her own, and shook with jealousy.


    "Monica... is not vulgar at all!"


    Defeated by Klrona''s pay-to-win character, Monica already felt it was unfair, and now being unjustly attacked about her figure, she curled up, burying her small head in the pristine white stockings, her tears falling like pearls,


    Klrona stood up with pleasure, "Both bad and dirty, someone like you should just stay in the dark room and note out!"


    This sentence directly dealt a blow to Monica''s heart, her shoulders shaking more intensely.


    "Might as well let the Beastmen..."


    Before she could finish her sentence, the triumphant Klrona suddenly screamed.


    At one meter fifty in height, she was picked up like a chicken by someone.


    Then came a strong hand, fiercelynding on Klrona''s small buttocks clothed in white stockings!


    p, p!


    Two crisp sounds echoed through the hall.


    Klrona''s face blushed blood red. Caught off guard before she could use her Battle Qi to protect herself, her buttocks were burning, as if they had swelled from the spanks.


    Who is daring enough to strike her "Pink Battle Axe" Klrona!


    She angrily turned her head to look.


    What she saw was Lin Da''s sullen face.


    Klrona was taken aback for a moment.


    She had never seen Lin Da like this before.


    In Snow Goose''s time, Lin Da was toyed with by her, and even if caught, he wouldn''t hit her. Because of that Monica, Lin Da actually spanked her?


    As Klrona was lost in thought, there came another two ps!


    Caught off guard, she couldn''t use her Battle Qi to defend in time, and with two ps, tears sprang to her eyes!


    Lin Da had not had enough with those two ps just now, he had to p her two more times!


    At that moment, Lin Da was indeed angry.


    His intentions had been good.


    Klrona and Monica shared simr interests, and if they could be friends, it would have been great for Monica toe out of her shell.


    But Klrona was bullying Monica?


    Even taunting Monica, telling her to stay in her little house.


    Monica, who had finally stepped out, was already sensitive at heart, a time when she needed encouragement.


    The seemingly ordinary mockery from Klrona inflicted huge damage on a girl with social withdrawal!


    Lin Da had never hit Klrona before because this little rascal was just mischievous without actually harming anyone.


    This time was different; she bullied someone, right onto his team member.


    As the team leader, it was one of his responsibilities to protect his team members.


    Therefore, Lin Da would spare no mercy in disciplining Klrona!


    He pped her several times in quick session.


    The people in the hall nodded silently in agreement, fully endorsing his actions.


    After all, Klrona had provoked others first.


    "Snow Goose''s Pink Battle Axe has such low standards, to make someone''s teammate cry!"


    "What''s the use of having high strength if youck manners? You might even get your resources stolen in the Mystic Realm."


    "I''ve long heard that Snow Goose''s Pink Battle Axe is awless little girl; it seems to be true. Her parents didn''t discipline her enough."


    One after another, the voices of usation entered Klrona''s ears.


    The heart of the young girl shivered with fear.


    And Lin Da''s cold and ruthless handnded on her bottom again.


    It was like being attacked from both inside and out.


    Before long, Klrona was cried.


    Even though she was at level 21, her essence was still that of an undeveloped little girl.


    The disregard from Lin Da, the pressure from the surrounding crowd, the moral self-recrimination... made Klrona, who realized her mistake, feel aggrieved and remorseful.


    Tears poured out in an instant.


    And Monica, seeing Klrona cry even harder, stopped her own tears in shock.


    This kind-hearted Big Lolita tugged at Lin Da''s clothes, hoping he would stop.


    Lin Da put Klrona back on the ground, suppressing his anger, "If you dare to bully anyone again, I''ll continue to discipline you!"


    "Whimper, whimper," Klrona only cared about wiping her tears. The big bag of chips beside her had spilled everywhere, and the drink had been knocked over, spreading all over the ground, making the cleaning staff shake their heads.


    Lin Da''s expression remained unchanged. If he showed the slightest bit of weakness, Klrona would never learn her lesson.


    He had thought about pulling the heavy-armored loli into his team, but with Klrona''s current personality, he would rather not.


    "Still dare to bully others?" he asked with a stern face.


    Klrona pouted, her eyes swollen red.


    A crowd had gathered around, all watching the spectacle.


    "No, I don''t dare anymore," Klrona said in humiliation, lowering her head while wiping her tears and speaking.


    Only then did Lin Da''s expression soften.


    Heunched a Healing Art,nding it on Klrona''s bottom.


    +300.


    However, external injuries couldn''t be healed immediately; she would probably be red for a few days.


    Consider it a lesson.


    Surrounded by onlookers, Lin Da lost interest in staying any longer.


    The damage test wasplete, and he could move on to the final step of making the strategy.


    He left with Monica and Kafni, the three of them walking downstairs.


    Without themotion to watch, the crowd quickly dispersed.


    The Guild''s cleaning staff carefully approached Klrona to clean up the chips and beverage spilled all over the ground.


    Klrona picked up the half-empty bag of chips with a pitiful look and hugged it to her chest.


    Lin Da and his group departed.


    None of the adventurers in the hall dared to approach for a conversation.


    They were all too afraid of angering the petite pink-haired girl.


    Klrona looked toward the stairs, unable to find a trace of Lin Da and the others.


    He not only didn''t care about her but also hit her in public.


    That timid and cowardly Monica, clearly not as good as her in anything.


    Monica was only around level 15, while she was level 21, younger and with greater potential.


    Monica was also poor, using a cheap magic puppet worth 10 gold coins, while hers was a limited edition worth 5,000 gold coins.


    She was a heavy-armored warrior and could protect Lin Da at the back. That Monica, on the other hand, needed to be protected by Lin Da instead.


    She was stronger than Monica in everything and had much more than her.


    But... Monica had Lin Da! Your next chapter is on m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    Just with this point alone, Klrona felt she had lost.


    What were so-called teammates, an adventure team, all about?


    She felt that what Lin Da and the others had seemed to be an adventure team, while Snow Goosecked that essence.


    Klrona, with her tears dried, began to think seriously for once.


    The difficulty of this problem clearly surpassed Klrona''s expectations.


    With her young mind, she couldn''te up with an answer.


    The only thing she could articte was that the old Snow Goose felt more like an adventure team. It felt like home, where teammates cared for each other; even though they were not rted by blood, they were closer than family.


    Aiko would take her out to y, Lin Da would manage her daily routine, Lia would spar and instruct her on how to be an outstanding heavy-armored warrior...


    The existence of teammates gave Klrona the motivation to be an adventurer.


    But now,


    What was her goal as an adventurer?


    Klrona was lost.


    It seemed, she couldn''t find the reason to continue climbing the World Tree.


    ...


    Outside the Adventurer''s Guild, on the spacious street.


    Lin Da consoled Monica: "Don''t worry, Monica is not small fry, and her figure is natural, not at all vulgar."


    "Hmm."


    Monica was listless.


    Lin Da sighed and nced sidelong at the Magic Conductor Handheld Console the girl was hugging closely, an idea forming in his mind.


    He went to a nearby shop, spent a thousand gold coins, and bought a mage-type magic puppet.


    It was the size of a fingertip''s belly, and once inserted into the Magic Conductor Handheld Console and connected to magic power, it could be used.


    "The captain is giving this to you, take it," Lin Da said, stuffing the small magic puppet into Monica''s arms.


    "But it''s so expensive," Monica said, wiping the tear stains from the corner of her eyes, with a face that wanted it yet felt too embarrassed to ept.


    When Lin Da protected her and went to punish Klrona,


    Monica felt that was enough.


    "Take it, this is a festival gift from the captain," Lin Da said with a smile.


    Today was a special day.


    White Thanksgiving.


    Adventurers give gifts to theirrades who have fought by their side as a token of gratitude.


    Lin Da had been busy all day and hadn''t had time to prepare gifts for the new team members.


    "Thank you, Captain," Monica said, her face turning red as she epted the gift.


    She rummaged through her pocket and pulled out a palm-sized orange cat plushie, hesitatingly handing it to Lin Da: "This is, for Captain."


    A few days earlier, Monica had been making a living by sewing handmade plushies.


    Lin Da chuckled, epting the orange cat plushie, "Thanks, Monica."


    "Hehe," Monica giggled shyly with her head down.


    Kafni, with a face full of anticipation, pointed to her own face: "What about mine?"


    Lin Da was startled for a moment.


    "I didn''t prepare one."


    Kafni: "?"


    The three casually purchased some gifts in a storehouse and exchanged with one another.


    They were all small trinkets of little value,


    But having them in their pockets warmed their hearts.


    Gifts exchanged during Thanksgiving are said to receive the Goddess''s blessing, protecting adventurers on their safe return.


    The orange cat plushie Lin Da received, along with the brown pouch Kafni gave him, would be his protective charms.

 Chapter 105: 102, Aikos Kirin Arm, Lulus contamination occurs again.

    Walking on the main street, Magic Lantern Signs twinkled with multifarious glows, enchanting and splendid.


    Members of various adventure teams walked arm in arm, chatting andughing.


    The taverns were packed to the brim today.


    So were the inns.


    All of a sudden, Lin Da remembered Lulu.


    He had left White Dove City for four days, and wondered how Lulu was doing?


    Taking advantage of the fact it wasn''t toote, Lin Da hurried to the inn where Lulu stayed to say hello.


    His expression was extremely serious.


    One thing was for certain. His identity had been exposed.


    Apart from the ''Lin Da'' from the Snow Goose Adventure Team, probably no one else could have dragged Monica out of the little western house in Red Heart City.


    Lulu had been suspecting him all along.


    His real name was ''Lin Da'', not ''Li Cha''.


    This point, he feared, had also been discovered.


    On top of that, bringing Monica back with him...


    Lin Da worriedly massaged the bridge of his nose.


    Lulu, as the biggest leg of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team, was also the biggest trouble!


    "Monica, your rtionship with Lulu is good, right?"


    "Yes. Sister Lulu is a good person." Monica, the newly improved Magic Puppet, was ying with the Magic Conductor Handheld Console even as they walked.


    Lin Da, who had intended to criticize her, considered that Monica had been bullied today and decided to let it go this once.


    He cautioned her, "When we see Luluter, if she does anything to the captain, you must protect the captain."


    Monica tilted her little head.


    "Got it."


    The girl crisply promised, "Monica will definitely protect Lord Captain!"


    "Monica is such a good girl." Lin Da couldn''t help but pick up the Big Lolita and nt a kiss on her cheek.


    Neither of them thought anything of it, as it was only an interaction between family members of the team,


    However, Kafni and the passersby around them werepletely dumbfounded.


    Public disys of affection in broad daylight?


    Although Monica was over eighteen, her baby face could easily lead to misunderstandings.


    ...


    White Thanksgiving was a busy day for most people.


    In the upscale neighborhood where the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s vi was located, the square was brightly lit, and couples were paired up, cooing and cuddling.


    Some couldn''t control themselves and started to share their affection in the bushes.


    Aiko was very fond of lively scenes.


    She would make time to join in whenever there was a festival.


    But White Thanksgiving was different.


    To put it nicely, it was a holiday for the team members.


    Put bluntly, it was the damned couples'' battle day!


    The vi was particrly deserted that evening.


    Aiko meditated for a while and found it boring.


    The noise from the couples outside the window annoyed her, so she simply closed and bolted it shut.


    The vast vi was empty but for her alone.


    It shouldn''t have been like this.


    Nostalgia flickered in Aiko''s eyes.


    Past White Thanksgivings had been so lively.


    During the day, everyone would go out eating and drinking, winning prizes by ying monsters in the amusement park''s Illusion House, riding roller coasters, and getting massages at hot springs at night...


    When they came back, the three of them plus Klyne would sit around the table and talk about girls'' topics.


    Oru and Lin Da would be in the kitchen, makingte-night snacks together.


    Now, the vi was dimly lit, silent and still, with her alone.


    Aiko forlornly fiddled around.


    In a bedroom themed in pure white and gold, the blonde Magedy had a pair of blue boxers over her head, sniffing vigorously.


    Not having seen Lin Da for a few days, Aiko''s Kirin Arm acted up again.


    As for where the boxers came from¡­? Of course, Aiko had stolen them, Lin Da would never suspect her.


    After all, she was the only bona fide noble Young Lady in the team.


    Her father''s title was even higher than Bilya''s own father.


    Such an elegant Young Lady wouldn''t possibly steal Lin Da''s clothes to put on her head to smell the vani scent, right?


    Aiko did this once every three days.


    But ever since Lin Da left, it had be twice a day.


    That day, Chloe wasn''t around, as she had gone out on her own.


    Lia was off somewhere trying to make money.


    Sniffing the scent of the boxers, Aiko blissfully closed her eyes.


    In her mind, she picturized Lin Da wearing a brown dog suit, humbly submitting under her pomegranate skirt.


    ¡ªYes, just like that.


    As a doggy, it was not right not to serve properly!


    Aikoy face down on the bed, her soft feet waving in the air like a fish tail swimming on the bed.


    With no one else in the vi, she kicked her wheelchair aside.


    Tired of pretending to be a frail Young Lady every day, Aiko had had enough.


    If Lin Da hadn''t insisted on massaging her ''insensate'' feet, she wouldn''t have bothered with the act!


    Imagination peaking towards the climax,


    Almost there,


    Any moment now!


    Aiko awaited that moment.


    But suddenly, the scent in the boxers cut off abruptly.


    The illusion in her mind disappeared as well.


    No smell anymore?


    Aiko retracted her had in confusion.


    Forcing it would be bad for the body,


    Like being stuck halfway through a bowel movement, agonizing.


    Aiko got up and washed her face.


    The cold water jolted her awake and she quickly realized something. Was Lia really out looking for money?


    On this White Thanksgiving preferred by lovers, that Powder Keg wouldn''t have... gone to find Lin Da, right?


    And it wasn''t just Lia.


    Isa that little bitch too, nearly thirty and still aiming for younger men.


    Kafni as well.


    The light blue-haired Beastman too.


    Aiko broke out in a cold sweat. Now was not the time for a delicate operation; she had to hurry and check, lest the... cough, the prey was snatched away by someone else!


    Hurriedly dressed and made up, Aiko piloted her Magic Wheelchair out the door.


    Summer was gradually passing, and the nights were growing cool.

 Chapter 106: 102�Aikos Kirin Arm, Lulus Pollution Recurrence_2

    Aiko slipped on a small white jacket with a very wide neckline, but it was modest enough to reveal no gaps. A fine crystal ne adorned her neck, shining against her fair skin, and a noble youngdy''s temperament emerged naturally.


    Beneath that, she wore a skirt paired with translucent ck tights and stepped in bluece-up high heels. The tights were sheer, and the high heels were spotless.


    She looked absolutely delectable.


    Adventurers passing by on the street couldn''t help but swallow their saliva. Some were dragged away by their girlfriends, yet they couldn''t take their eyes off her, continuously staring.


    In terms of beauty, Aiko and Lulu were not too different, but she was the one most skilled in dressing up.


    Aiko carried a ck shoulder bag with a thin strap, which contained the Slime gel sleeve she had prepared for Lin Da.


    She had indeed prepared to spend a fortune tonight!


    With Big Bear out, Little Male Chef Cricket was in for an easy grab!


    It took her an hour, but Aiko finally arrived at the cottage Lin Da was renting.


    Although Lia didn''t know Lin Da lived here, she certainly did.


    With no one around, the robust Mage Miss carried her Magic Wheelchair upstairs with a tter, which made things easier.


    Arriving at the door of room 303, Aiko then feigned the demeanor of a fragile youngdy and resettled herself properly.


    Lin Da probably hadn''t received a single Thanksgiving gift today.


    Giggle, giggle, giggle.


    "The youngdy is here to deliver!"


    Aiko knocked on the door with a sly smile.


    The door swung open as she touched it.


    Unlocked?


    "Lin Da, are you there?"


    She called tentatively, but there was no response.


    Aiko blinked in confusion. Given Lin Da''s stable character, it was unlikely that he went out without locking the door.


    "I''ming in."


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    She greeted quietly and politely as she pushed open the door.


    The inside was pitch-dark, the lights off.


    There was an unfinished pizza on the table.


    She touched it, and it was warm.


    "Hmm..."


    Just then, a pained moan echoed from the bedroom.


    The sudden call startled Aiko, almost making her jump out of the wheelchair.


    Then the realization hit her.


    Were they... slicing watermelon?


    Aiko''s face drained of color!


    Someone had beaten her to it.


    Were Lin Da and the others sharing intimate feelings?


    Should she peek?


    Withplex emotions, Aiko approached the bedroom and nudged the door open a crack.


    There was only one person inside.


    And she recognized her.


    The Beastman from a few days ago who had gone to the Snow Goose Adventure Team''s vi to find Lin Da.


    Was her name Lulu?


    So it wasn''t a 1v1, but rather the same type of craftsmanship as hers?


    Likely, Lin Da''s bed was reeking.


    Aiko rushed in anxiously, ready to stop the shameless Lulu!


    The moment she stepped in, Aiko felt her eyelids twitch, and goosebumps broke out all over her back!


    An evil Magic Power filled the air!


    She turned in horror to the Lulu on the bed.


    This Beastman wasn''t engaging in craftsmanship, but instead was unconscious, groaning in pain, her body twitching, and ck blood seeping from her mouth and nose...


    The blood hit the sheets, acting like a strongly corrosive liquid, eating holes through the sheets, quilt, and even the bed frame!


    Aiko''s brows furrowed deeply as she carefully took a white Magic wand from her bag.


    As a Mage from the Holy Light Church, she immediately recognized Lulu''s identity.


    This character, only rumored about, was now before her...


    The Catastrophe Girl¡ªthe Witch¡ªbound by a contract with the Demon King!


    Aiko had studied many ways to deal with Witches.


    From thea-like state of this Beastman, it was a severe contract bacsh, and the time before she degenerated into a Catastrophe Beast was probably not far off.


    Aiko''s eyes sharpened, her left hand over her chest, the right hand holding the Magic wand aimed at Lulu, chanting a Spell.


    "Holy Light, please transform into the de of judgement, Purify the filth before me!"


    "Holy Light Judgement..."


    "Ah!"


    Aiko was halfway through when someone suddenly appeared behind her and covered her mouth, forcibly interrupting her casting!


    "Don''t attack her," a familiar voice whispered in her ear.


    "Lin Da?" Aiko''s face, previously marked with shock, quickly rxed into delight as she turned her head.


    "I missed you so much... No, that''s not right, now''s not the time for this!"


    "Why is there a witch in your room? Do you know how serious a crime harboring a witch is?"


    Aiko shook her head vigorously, a rare stern look on her face, and said:


    "Hand her over to the Holy Light Church immediately. My family has some connections that can ensure you won''t be implicated. Look at her, she''s almost fallen. If we wait any longer, who knows, she might... next second..."


    "Get out first."


    Lin Da''s gaze was fixed directly on the unconscious Lulu.


    Behind him were Kafni and Monica, who also felt uneasy.


    The three had drawn a nk at Lulu''s inn and had headed back home.


    Only to see that the door to their home was open.


    Upon entering, they discovered Aiko ready to unleash a spell, attacking Lulu.


    "You''re going to protect her?" Aiko asked, disbelief written all over her face.


    Lin Da nodded, "Yes."


    "No! The Holy Light Church will find out sooner orter, and you will be punished!"


    Aiko was so angry she ground her teeth, "Wake up, don''t be fooled by that Beastman."


    Punished?


    Lin Da scoffed inwardly, the mere Holy Light Church, what right did they have to sanction a hero?


    Purifying the witch was to save thisnd!


    "If everyone present keeps their mouths shut, no one will know Lulu is a witch." Lin Da gazed at Aiko: "Can you keep a secret for me?"


    "Ah, this..." Aiko hesitated.


    She wanted to say, yes, but only if you be my dog.


    Lin Da looked at her earnestly, sincerely saying, "I know this puts you in a difficult position, but I don''t want to be your enemy."


    Aiko''s heart skipped a beat, enemy?


    To protect that Lulu, Lin Da would even consider her an enemy?


    "Nope, I wasn''t thinking about using this to threaten you or anything? After all, I am Lin Da''s friend forever."


    Aiko forced a smile.


    "As a friend, I am on your side, it''s just, I''m worried about your safety. What if that witch turns into a Catastrophe Beast..."


    Aiko wasn''t lying about worrying about Lin Da.


    In White Dove City, with a poption of a million, Aiko only worried about herself and her dog, the lives or deaths of others didn''t concern her.


    Lin Da felt Aiko''s sincerity too.


    "It''s okay, not all witches are bad, Lulu is a teammate I approve of."


    "Moreover, I have the ''Special Medicine'' to save witches."


    Lin Da smiled mysteriously, pushed Aiko out the door, and said apologetically: "My treatment process cannot be seen by others, please step outside for a moment."


    Even me?


    This push made Aiko feel a bit hurt.


    "Um, then I''ll leave, I won''t disturb you." Aiko didn''t know how she managed to smile.


    With Snow Goose, Lin Da had cared most about Lia.


    After creating the Phoenix Tail Flower, his focus shifted to that Beastman, Lulu.


    Aiko felt stifled inside; she was never the one Lin Da cared about most from the start!


    ...


    Lin Da closed the bedroom door, his expression grave as he approached the bedside.


    "Can you hear my voice?"


    He grabbed Lulu''s shoulders and shook them slightly.


    The situation of the Beastman girl was dire.


    Contamination bacsh had urred.


    Her forehead was burning hot, and her entire body seemed to be emitting smoke.


    The veins beneath her skin looked like ugly bugs, rampantly climbing, twisting, and trying to bore out of Lulu''s body.


    "Damn Fallen Beast... I''ll purify you sooner orter!"


    Lin Da took a deep breath, his hands cradling Lulu''s small face.


    His palm got sticky from the sweat on Lulu''s face.


    "Hmmm..." Feeling the touch, Lulu instinctively growled low in her throat.


    "It''s me." Lin Da, unable to bear it, picked up a towel, wiped the sweat from Lulu''s face, and said: "Hang in there, I''m going to save you!"


    "Team... captain?" Lulu miraculously regained a trace of consciousness. She struggled to open her eyes, saw Lin Da''s face full of concern, and smiled ambiguously.


    "Completely different from in my dreams... Everyone ran away, why... did youe back?"


    Lulu''s expression was pained, her voice extremely weak.


    "Don''t talk now." Lin Da cradled the Beastman girl''s small face, drawing closer.


    "As the team captain, I''m giving you your first task."


    "Open your mouth, ept the captain''s purification."


    The voice stopped there.

 Chapter 107: 103. Lulu: Are you all protecting him?

    "Purification."


    Lin Da mumbled indistinctly.


    A warm emerald light blossomed between the two.


    No matter the sweat or the foul-smelling ck blood, anything else... Lin Da devoured it all.


    Like rain after a long drought, under the irrigation of the emerald green life magic power, Snow Goose''s physical condition rapidly improved.


    In contrast, Lin Da''s magic power was consumed at a terrifying rate!


    In no time at all, his head began to ache, and his body felt as though it had been wrung dry.


    It was only now that Lin Da felt a chilling fear. Pollution was not something that followed a regr pattern of urrence. A few days prior, Snow Goose was stable, but at this moment, had he returned even a littleter, Snow Goose would have transformed into the Catastrophe Beast.


    "Let go, you stink... you, didn''t brush your teeth!" Snow Goose had regained quite a bit of consciousness and tried to push Lin Da away.


    But she was too weak, her strength no more than that of a child.


    Lin Da responded hazily, "You''re not any better. The pollution is foul!"


    "Then why... are you trying so hard?" Snow Goose gasped for breath.


    "No choice."


    Lin Da pressed against the young girl''s cheek, looking into those restless, frail eyes.


    He absorbed the pollution, along with the heat and sweetness, swallowing it in one gulp as he said, "It''s all for my teammates."


    ...


    The bedroom door cracked open, and three heads peeked through in a vertical row.


    When Lin Da covered Snow Goose''s mouth, their eyes widened in shock.


    "Leader Lord, a pervert."


    "How dare he...! He''ll be torn apart by that witch!"


    "Why, when I was here first?"


    Aiko, at the bottom, clenched her teeth in frustration, her pupils shaking.


    Even though she knew Lin Da was administering a ''special medicine'' to Snow Goose, she still felt intense jealousy!


    She, too, wanted to do such things with Lin Da!


    Watching from behind the door as Lin Da embraced another girl, the heart-wrenching pain twisted Aiko''s expression.


    She had read many simr plots in tititing stories but never imagined that one day she would be the main character outside the door!


    The dim light in the rental room fell on Aiko''s face, making her look even more ferocious.


    Like a demon choosing its prey, any adventurer who saw her would be scared witless.


    Only that the other two were also spying, not paying attention to Aiko


    "If they''re really doing something proper, it''ll be bad if we keep watching." Kafni coughed and closed the door.


    Doing something proper?


    When Aiko heard this, she bit her fingertip sourly.


    A wild little orc, a blonde bear whose physique wasn''t inferior to hers, Kafni with a body just as imposing, and that big lolita with a timid face who dared not lift her head...


    Aiko had a terrible feeling: Could it be, everyone was ying without her?


    Don''t they want to include her?


    She was the one who had known Lin Da for the longest time!


    Originally, Aiko''s only rival was Lia, whose brain and body were both underdeveloped¡ªshe felt no sense of crisis. Proudly relying on her bear, she waited for Lin Da toe to her.


    If Lin Da showed her favor, she might even bestow some benefits on him... but now, Lin Da had too many beautiful girls around him, he clearly didn''tck for benefits.


    Unless she took the initiative to throw herself at him for free, otherwise, there would be no opportunity?


    At this thought, Aiko''s face turned pale.


    For her, the youngdy, to court favor with Lin Da, a dog...? Wouldn''t that mean Lin Da was the master?


    ''If I don''t take drastic action, Lin Da will really be bewitched by those cheap women!''


    Aiko''s inner rm bells rang as she brooded with a dark expression, evil thoughts arising in her head.


    ...


    Ten minutes after the purification.


    In the bedroom, Snow Goose''s pollution had been temporarily suppressed.


    Her cheeks were covered in sweat, and her light blue hair stuck to them strand by strand, while exhaustion was evident in her eyes. Supporting herself with the bed frame, she struggled to sit up.


    Lin Da was also gasping for breath, his magic powerpletely depleted.


    During the purification process, Snow Goose''s trust went up and down like a roller coaster.


    It plummeted at first, then climbed.


    From 47 points, it rose to the level of a "friend" at 60 points.


    Two system notifications silently lingered in the message bar:


    [Snow Goose''s trust level has risen to 50 points, you have earned a Town Portal Scroll (Tier 10) *1!]


    [Snow Goose''s trust level has risen to 60 points, you have earned 3000 Mystical Points!]


    Lin Da had no interest in checking the rewards.


    The atmosphere in the bedroom was tense, and even though Snow Goose''s trust level reached that of a friend, her gaze towards him was like that of an enemy, barely containing her hatred, as if she couldsh out at any second.


    "Did you bring Monica back?" Snow Goose didn''t care about her own physical condition or ask why Lin Da was there but instead asked a seemingly unrted question.


    "Yeah, she''s right outside." Lin Da didn''t hide it.


    "Not pretending anymore?" Snow Goose scoffed.


    Lin Da shrugged his shoulders, "No point in pretending anymore when it''s all out in the open."


    Lulu was taken aback; she hadn''t expected Lin Da to admit it so readily.


    Her expression wasplex as she looked at the man before her.


    No matter what, she couldn''t associate Lin Da with the team leader from three years ago.


    The change was just too great. What had Lin Da gone through during the time he vanished?


    Not only had he removed his mask, but he also changed his profession, starting from scratch, ying house in the top ten floors with Snow Goose and those people...


    Such an act, within the Primitive Adventure Team, seemed as fanciful and absurd as a tall tale.


    Perhaps it was all done with an arrogant attitude, looking down upon those lowly insects? With self-deprecatingughter, Lulu said,


    "Seeing a member who was kicked out fall into depravity and be a witch, you must be scoffing at me, huh?"


    Lin Da didn''t deny it, and with a deep look in his eyes, he said,


    "Yes, it''s the useless ones who hear the whispers of the Demon King, who get tempted."


    "That''s why you''re not like Wolf and the others, are you? Being kicked out of the team was only natural."


    This merciless taunt caused Lulu''s eyebrows to furiously twitch, her eyes brimming with unabashed hatred!


    The werewolf girl named ''Wolf'' had taken her ce as the superior recement.


    With Wolf''s arrival, Lulu was thoroughly outssed and suffered all kinds of humiliation. And Lin Da, as the Primal Team Leader, not only did nothing to prevent it but instead confiscated all of Lulu''s resources and used them on Wolf.


    Mentioning Wolf''s name now was undoubtedly a humiliation¡ªafter bing a witch, she was still inferior to Wolf!


    Lin Da was still that ''Lin Da,'' with immense arrogance in his heart, looking down on her without a single regret even after three years!


    Lulu red at Lin Da furiously. The more indifferent his expression, the angrier she became, her chest heaving violently, nearly breaking the carefully wrapped breastte.


    She remembered the injustices she suffered in the Primitive Adventure Team, risking her life for the team, yet the resources she received didn''t even amount to a tenth of Wolf''s, and her equipment was confiscated and sold to the merchants to create a ring for Wolf...


    The night she left the Primitive Adventure Team, Wolf showed off the jade ring on her finger, stepping on Lulu and taunting her,


    "You orc trash don''t deserve to stay by the Lord''s side!"


    All of her efforts could not even garner a trace of attention from the team leader... Inside Lulu''s heart, respect gradually turned to resentment.


    Now, she looked at Lin Da before her, apparently weak but with a calm demeanor, and couldn''t help but growl low, thrusting out her sharp beastly ws!


    You''re no longer the leader of the Primordial team; you''re just a level 10 adventurer!


    A twisted sense of pleasure arose within Lulu''s heart, hoping to see Lin Da frightened and begging, apologizing to her!


    But faced with the iing beastly ws, Lin Da''s eyes were as calm as an ancient well, like a statue standing erect.


    If it were the Five-star Character Wolf, he would have run away by now. But Lulu''s personal background revealed that she would dare to offend a noble to save arade,


    The second act was called [For the team leader and everyone, willing to endure pain],


    A Beastwoman who excels at considering her teammates, valuing loyalty and righteousness.


    And a bit tsundere.


    Lin Da knew all too well that if he backed down here, Lulu would never be able to be his teammate again.


    In front of Monica, he was a kind and gentle team leader. But facing Lulu, he couldn''t show the slightest weakness.


    As Lulu showed signs of aggression, the three listeners outside couldn''t stay put any longer.


    Although they had different intentions, Aiko and the others were all worried about Lin Da''s safety.


    The bedroom door was abruptly pushed open; Monica rushed towards Lin Da with panic, eyes closed as she yelled, "Sister Lulu, don''t hurt Lord Leader!"


    Kafni anxiously used a trace of divine power within her, her eyes releasing a faint golden light, her aura bing holy and formidable.


    This greatly shocked Aiko, who almost thought the Goddess of Holy Light had descended.


    While Aiko was unclear about the situation, she too pointed her magic wand at Lulu.


    In an instant, the three of them guarded Lin Da behind them.


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    "You all n to protect him? This demon leader?"


    Lulu was incredulous.


    What sorcery had he used to bewitch these three into protecting him?


    "Monica, you''re blocking me too? You should know his true nature best," Lulu said, suppressing her anger.


    "Lord Leader... has always been very gentle and kind. Monica, must protect the leader!"


    Monica shook her head resolutely, her hands trembling as she spread her arms open like the wings of a fledgling bird, shielding Lin Da in front of her.


    Lulu emotionlessly said, "Move aside."


    "No!" Monica''s voice trembled, but she didn''t back down a step.


    Monica, intimidated by Lulu, was shaking severely, obviously putting on a brave front.


    "That''s enough. You''ve done well already,"


    Lin Da said gently as he pulled Big Lolita behind him.


    This socially anxious Lolita had bravely stepped forward to protect him, warming his heart as if an elderly father witnessed his daughter grow up.


    "The rest is up to the leader."


    Lin Da looked at Lulu calmly.


    ncing at her nails, sharp as des, he said, "So you''re willing to attack the one who saved your life?"


    "Once on the Barren ins, and just now... And even further back, on that ve-trading ship, there was another time."


    To counter this reason-driven Beastwoman, Lin Da resorted to moral coercion.


    Thest statement stirred Lulu''s memories.


    ves, merchant ship...


    A long-lost memory.


    A masked figure in ck, just as she was about to be defiled by a gross, ugly noble, chopped off the noble''s head with a sword, calmly extending his hand, inviting her to join the Primordial Adventure Team.


    This was their first encounter.

 Chapter 108: 104. Primordial Women

    Dark Shadow had provided her with food and shelter and taught her how to fight.


    Sister Lulu did not disappoint this trust, she trained rigorously and soon became a key member of the adventure team. She executed Dark Shadow''smands in the Mystic Realm battles meticulously, even if it meant entering the center of Magical Creatures or stepping into traps.


    Even though Dark Shadow''s methods were ruthless and cruel, they indeed saved her from the nobles.


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    Sister Lulu''s emotions gradually calmed down.


    She said, "I can forgive you, but you need to apologize to those who were kicked out of the team. They... all tried hard!"


    Lin Da purposely showed a perplexed expression.


    Once Sister Lulu got what she wanted, she no longer had any attachment to the Phoenix Tail Flower.


    How could Lin Da let her leave when he was still nning to take her to the top of the World Tree?


    "I refuse."


    "You were kicked out of the team because you were useless, right?"


    "The goal of the Primitive Adventure Team is to clear the top floor. Keeping an average talent like you as a burden, why not kick you out?"


    The tone was t, the voice without any fluctuations, like the calm surface of ake, merely stating the facts.


    Yet, it revealed a kind of disdainful arrogance, like an emperor high above, casually reviewing a kneeling subject.


    Sister Lulu''s eyes gradually widened, her breathing grew more rapid.


    The Beastman girl unwillingly gritted her teeth and red angrily at Lin Da!


    Watching the two argue with such intensity, Aiko felt something was off.


    The more she listened to their conversation, the more confused she became.


    Had Lin Da known this Little Orc long ago, and was she his teammate?


    Lin Da had created a team called the Primitive Adventure Team?


    But why hadn''t he ever mentioned it to everyone at Snow Goose...


    Aiko was really confused, as if she started watching a "Magic Shadow" movie in the middle, two hours in.


    What happened earlier, shepletely couldn''t figure out.


    After all, the way Lin Da and Sister Lulu were acting, they didn''t seem like enemies, more like... uh, a couple arguing?


    The primary thought of the Little Orc was: You don''t want me anymore? Apologize right now!


    Lin Da, on the other hand, thought: Have had enough of you, what''s the use of keeping you? Definitely time for a change.


    What''s going on here?


    Lin Da''s personal history was so rich?


    Wasn''t he just a little chef?


    The Primitive Adventure Team, Aiko also found it familiar.


    Seemed like she had seen it in a newspaper a long time ago.


    But too much time had passed, and she couldn''t clearly recall.


    The only thing Aiko could be sure of was, the Little Orc looked ferocious, but probably, even if Lin Da leaned in close, she wouldn''t touch him at all.


    This type of deadly tsundere, Snow Goose Adventure Team had one too, but much more severe than the Little Orc.


    Coming here tonight seemed a big win, discovering a past of Lin Da unknown to others.


    Aiko''s eyes shifted, continuing to listen inconspicuously.


    The two were still arguing like a couple... oh, wrong, like mortal enemies in a fierce battle!


    Lin Da sighed and said, "But now it''s different. Having been kicked out of the team myself, I can understand your feelings. My goal has now changed to leading the team members, without any exceptions, to clear the top floor."


    "Even if we try our hardest and still fail, all our efforts being denied, being kicked out of the team, that must feel terrible."


    Lin Da''s expression softened, and he slowly reached out his right hand toward Sister Lulu.


    A standard action to raise a team member''s affection in games, the head pat.


    Once he patted, there was no character whose affection wouldn''t rise.


    While Sister Lulu pursed her lips, her hands clenched tightly into fists, she nced from the corner of her eye at thatrge hand reaching down from above; the beast ears under her short hair couldn''t help but tremble repeatedly.


    Despite her desire to resist this touch, there seemed to be a voice in the depths of Sister Lulu''s heart shouting: Dark Shadow, finally, treated her like he did Wolf!


    The members of the Primitive Adventure Team had an unwritten rule.


    Whoever received the most head pats from Dark Shadow was the strongest in the team.


    Only when approved by Dark Shadow would he pat your head!


    Sister Lulu knew once she epted this touch, any subsequent anger would be seen as a bashful member''s coquetry, and she could no longer pose any threat to Lin Da.


    But... she couldn''t resist the touch.


    Moreover, Lin Da had acknowledged his mistake and recognized her feelings of being kicked out of the team!


    Therge hand gradually approached, as if transmitting its warmth.


    Sister Lulu''s heart raced nervously, and she subconsciously closed her eyes, like a child who had been grievously wronged, finally waiting for an adult''sfort.


    The onlookers from Aiko''s group were all dumbfounded.


    Don''t lose your nerve so quickly!


    Weren''t you here to kill Lin Da?


    Lin Da''s hand seemed to possess some sort of magic as he pressed down on Sister Lulu''s fluffy little head, rubbing back and forth.


    Sister Lulu obediently remained still, biting her lip, herrge tail swinging back and forth behind her like a swing.


    It was obvious she was enjoying it tremendously!


    After a moment, Lin Da removed his hand from Sister Lulu''s head.


    Sister Lulu still appeared somewhat reluctant, but she kept a stern face, showing a defiant demeanor.


    The only regret was, her attention was focused on maintaining her expression, forgetting the activerge tail behind her.


    Aiko and her group had grasped the essence of this Beastman girl.


    Monica whispered, "Sister Lulu, if you like the captain, you should just say it..."


    Hearing this, Sister Lulu''s expression nearly broke.


    No, she hade for revenge!


    In her dreams too, that Dark Shadow had defeated her dozens of times.

 Chapter 109: 104. Primordial Women_2

    "This hatred can only be washed away with fresh blood!"


    Lulu nced at Lin Da, bitterly withdrew her power, and walked past everyone toward the door.


    "Where are you going?" Lin Da furrowed his brows.


    "I''ve found my own answer, there''s no need to stay and continue ying house with you guys. As for the Witch''s matter, say what you want to say, I don''t care." Lulu said as she found her coat in the living room, draped it on, and with hands in her pockets, spoke coldly.


    Revenge could wait for another day.


    Lin Da followed her outside, stopping a meter away from the Beastwoman girl, with a serious expression, "Join my team. This time, I will take you to the top of the World Tree."


    Lulu mocked with a twist of her lip, "You say that to everyone."


    That''s the game''s scripted line, unchangeable... Lin Dained inwardly.


    He straightened his expression, "I''ve changed from before, you can consider me apletely new leader."


    "I am both ''Lin Da'' of the Former Original Adventure Team and the Lin Da of the Phoenix Tail Flower."


    "I invite you again to be my teammate, to climb to the top of the World Tree together!"


    Bright moonlight streamed through the window,nding on Lin Da''s outstretched right hand.


    Every powerful word was like a battering ram, causing Lulu''s heart''s doors to violently shake.


    In her dim life, there had only been two bright moments, and both were from the same person.


    If she had not harbored any hopes initially, she wouldn''t have ended up where she was today.


    The hands in Lulu''s pockets clenched bit by bit, her thoughts of retreat intensifying.


    "Big talk. What if you can''t do it?"


    Her head hung low, her voice as light as paper.


    "I can,"


    Lin Da dered, "based on my past experience as the leader of the Former Original Adventure Team."


    "Not just you, those who were kicked out, I will invite them back into the team too."


    "I will take them to see the view from the top of the World Tree that they haven''t seen yet!"


    Lulu''s eyes wavered.


    The view from the top of the World Tree...


    Probably no adventurer could refuse it.


    However, Lulu''s real wish wasn''t just to reach the top.


    As long as she received that person''s acknowledgment and could help the team, she would be satisfied.


    Monica, standing beside her, whispered encouragement, "Sister Lulu,e back, we''re all going on an adventure to the World Tree with the captain! Everyone will be back!"


    Everyone...?


    Monica''s words seemed to infuse fresh blood into Lulu''s heart, silent for three years.


    A beautiful and harmonious image slowly unfolded before her:


    The abandoned original members of the Primordial Adventure Team, surrounded by a tall man in ck, like a group of students following a trustworthy teacher, joyfully approaching the majestic World Tree.


    Their shadows stretched long at sunset, each one closely linked to the tallest Dark Shadow.


    It seemed that as long as the Dark Shadow was there, it was a haven where everyone could anchor their souls.


    In the first Primordial Adventure Team, there were no so-called ''Five-star Characters''; everyone in the team equally enjoyed the captain''s attention.


    Lin Da grabbed Lulu''s trembling small hand from her pocket.


    The Beastwoman girl''s shoulders shook slightly.


    Lin Da remembered those four-star characters that gathered dust in the warehouse until they were eventually scrapped, sighing inwardly.


    As a captain, this time, I will make good use of you!


    Lin Da held Lulu''s chilly, trembling hand.


    Then, the hands of Monica and Kafni also joined.


    The three spoke in unison, "Wee to the team."


    "Mm..." Lulu nodded, her wolf tail bashfully tucked between her legs.


    In that beautiful image, one person seemed out of ce.


    That one.


    Am I superfluous?


    Aiko also wanted to join in.


    But Kafni red at her and shoved her aside.


    Directly causing 100 points of psychological damage!


    Everyone else was a member of the Phoenix Tail Flower, and her being from Snow Goose here, seemed indeed superfluous?


    But even if she went back, there would be no one at the vi...


    Aiko felt a bitter ache in her heart and really wanted to blurt out, "I want to join Phoenix Tail Flower too!"


    But that would seem too desperate.


    After all, she was a "Holy Mage", and her strength ranked among the top Mages in White Dove City.


    Things given away for free are always worthless, cherished by no one.


    Aiko understood this principle very well.


    She was just waiting for Lin Da toe and beg her to join the team.


    But...


    It seemed like through the conversations between Lin Da and the others, she had uncovered an earth-shattering secret.


    Inparison, the fact that Lulu was a Witch seemed trivial.


    After pondering for a long time, Aiko finally remembered where she had heard the words "Primitive Adventure Team".


    More than three years ago,


    it was on the front page of a daily from the Southern Fire Empire, the "Fire God Summit Competition".


    A million young adventure teams from the empirepeted against each other to select the ten strongest teams for the summit held in the Royal Capital.


    The winners would receive significant support from the empire, cultivated as the seed team to reach the summit of the World Tree.


    The winners of thatpetition were the Primitive Adventure Team!


    Team leader, Dark Shadow, Dai Lian!


    A name so distant that Aiko thought it had nothing to do with her, that she would never cross paths with in her life.


    She nced at the newspaper twice, then tossed it aside.


    Caring about this was less important than checking out thetest fashion, or deciding what to have for dinner.


    And now they were telling her... that legendary person from three years ago was actually Snow Goose''smon servant, the good-natured Lin Da?


    The legendary character suddenly appearing close by, and moreover, as a former teammate, having lived together for three years... Aiko felt more shocked than if she had heard that her own mother was still a virgin, her heart was unable to calm down for a long time.


    Although she was very reluctant to believe it was true, if Lin Da was that Dark Shadow, then many mysteries could be exined.


    Why did Lin Da know Magical Creatures like the back of his hand, always able to devise strategies for a wless victory?


    Could this be achieved just by studying in the library?


    There were many diligent people, some even more so than Lin Da.


    But not everyone could create a wless strategy.


    Such abilities can be exined as a unique talent. What truly amazed Aiko was that Lin Da seemed never to worry about failing to devise the next level''s strategy; as long as he cleared a level, he would begin working on the next. Once that was cleared, he would devise the strategy for the subsequent level.


    Aiko didn''t know how much he had in his head, seeming inexhaustible.


    Continue reading on mvl


    Not just anyone could be chosen by Aiko as the canine of her dreams.


    Her standards were exceedingly high.


    Did she casually pick a giant in hiding, the former leader of the Original Adventure Team?


    How much more was Lin Da hiding from her, his old teammate?


    Aiko''s pout became more pronounced as she felt wronged.


    Under the moonlight, those four people whose palms were joined seemed out of reach.


    They all knew Lin Da''s true identity.


    Only the people from Snow Goose were unaware.


    "Lin Da..."


    The Magedy, like a wounded kitten, quietly called out with her hands folded in front of her, pressing the beautiful contours more distinctly.


    "Uh... sorry, I forgot you were still here," Lin Da embarrassedly chuckled.


    "Can I ask you something?"


    Aiko, fearing he might refuse, hurriedly said, "Primitive Adventure Team... more than three years ago, the adventure team that won the Fire God Summit Competition, and the leader, Dark Shadow, was that you?"


    "Wow, you were that cool back then?" Kafni caught on. It seemed like Monica and Lulu both referred to Lin Da as the leader of the Primitive Adventure Team.


    Monica proudly puffed out her chest.


    Lulu didn''t speak, but there was a touch of pride in her expression. If she didn''t admire that team, she wouldn''t resent the leader who had kicked her out.


    Lin Da nodded and said, "Sorry, I''ve been keeping it from you."


    "Why... couldn''t you tell me? Even just me would have been fine!" Aiko, her heart in disarray, wiped the corners of her eyes, seemingly about to cry, "Obviously, I was the only one who thought of you as a friend... I prepared a gift only for you for this Thanksgiving."


    Saying this, Aiko pulled out a heart-shaped chocte tied with a red ribbon from her bag and hugged it absentmindedly.


    "It''s not what you think," Lin Da helplessly exined, "I only recently remembered my own identity and origins. Why I appeared in White Dove City, why I changed my profession to Healer... Ipletely can''t remember. Joining Snow Goose, and bing teammates with you and Lia, were all from my genuine feelings; there was absolutely no intention of hiding anything from you."

 Chapter 110: 105, Guest, Oath Ring

    Aiko frowned, "Amnesia?"


    "When I woke up, I was already in White Dove City," Da said, "I want to know what happened in between!"


    Lulu''s eyes flickered, "Lorna and the others might know something."


    Even though Lulu was kicked out of the team, she still kept an eye on every move of the Primitive Adventure Team.


    The night Da disappeared, he entered the 30th floor of the World Tree with Lorna and other team members.


    There, perhaps,y all the answers.


    "Lorna, huh..." Da pondered in his heart.


    A crazy woman who must not be seen.


    "Let''s not talk about them, today is the White Thanksgiving."


    Da looked at the others, "Since we''re all together, let''s have a party. You all must be hungry, right?"


    There was no need to mention Lulu, who, contaminated and faint, hadin down for most of the day, not to mention being quite hungry.


    Da and the others, after returning to White Dove City and busying themselves with this and that, hadn''t had much to eat.


    "I haven''t eaten either." Aiko''s eyes lit up, "Can I join your party?"


    In the vi of Snow Goose, there was definitely no one, and Aiko didn''t want to go back.


    "Of course you can," Da said with a smile, "I''ve bought a lot of ingredients, having one more person ispletely fine. "


    "Then I won''t stand on ceremony." Aiko agreed gleefully.


    The group went downstairs together and moved the food ingredients and a big pile of equipment from the carriage into the house.


    Da busied himself in front of a simple stove, Monica came over dutifully to help, washing vegetables, passing seasonings, and looking forward eagerly with her little hands behind her back, blinking her eyes. When Da rubbed her little head, she couldn''t help but giggle foolishly.


    At the old small round table, Aiko, with her superb social skills, quickly hit it off with Kafni and Lulu.


    At least on the surface.


    Lulu was taciturn, usually Aiko asking and Lulu answering.


    Discover more stories at mvl


    "How many years have you known Da?"


    "Are you in a romantic rtionship?"


    "Your figure is so good, and your hair is so pretty, it must make boys unable to resist, right?"


    Aiko insinuated to probe the rtionship between Lulu and Da, whether they were lovers, whether they had done it or not.


    Lulu''s expression remained unchanged, although her cheeks felt a bit hot.


    Thinking back to Da''s treatment process just now.


    She subconsciously touched her lips.


    Seemingly still lingering on, the captain''s taste?


    Seeing this, Aiko understood everything.


    Phew, good thing, she didn''t use the other one.


    A stroke of luck amid misfortune.


    Aiko even scoffed at Lulu in her mind, living together and still not scoring, if it were her, she''d already have a bunch of kids.


    At that moment, Aikopletely forgot, the three years Da had been with Snow Goose, he had only hugged her a few times, and that too as a teammate.


    In terms of progress, not even close to ''mouth-to-mouth'' Lulu.


    With Aiko, the social butterfly, leading them, the three of them were actually having a good time chatting.


    Aiko introduced Kafni to the specialty dishes of White Dove City, teaching Lulu how to pick out pretty clothes.


    asionally ncing at Da, who was cooking in the distance.


    The scent of the food drifted over.


    It was a familiar scene.


    They too had left behindughter in this cheap rental house.


    Suddenly, an idea popped into Aiko''s head: when the Snow Goose Adventure Team was just formed, did she also treat Da as a servant?


    Perhaps there was also an instant when she thought of Da, Lia, and Chloe as family.


    But where were they now?


    A trace of sadness flickered in Aiko''s eyes.


    Looking towards the bright moon outside the window.


    At this time, Lia and the others were probably also looking at the same moon.


    On Thanksgiving Day, it was the first time the members of Snow Goose spent it separately.


    In Red Heart City, Lia was wearing a ck crop top and sweating heavily doing sit-ups in her room.


    "I won''t lose, Snow Goose, definitely not....!"


    She muttered something, gritting her teeth, each rise as if she was battling a magical creature.


    Under the moonlight, Lia hadpletely forgotten about Thanksgiving, immersing herself fully in her training.


    In White Dove City, in argemercial arcade.


    Lorna was all alone with a helmet equipped with an Illusion Magic Circle, immersed in the fake subjugation of magical creatures.


    The illusion simted a night-time prairie.


    After defeating thest Goblin, Lorna lifted her head, her gaze lonely, looking towards the cold round moon overhead.


    Thinking, let''s go home and find Aiko.


    It''s dull being alone.


    ...


    In the small rental house in Sparrow District, bursts ofughter and joy could be heard.


    Aiko, somewhat tipsy, raised her cup of wheat beer, her voice a bit coarser than usual, "The next person who loses at rock-paper-scissors has to say who they like!"


    "I, the mighty one... oops, I don''t have anyone I like! But if I have to say, any woman would do!" Kafni, intoxicated, had a flushed face.


    Monica sipped her drink in small gulps, sticking close to Da.


    Lulu also drank quite a bit, whispering to Da.


    "Thanks for earlier."


    Referring to his purification of her contamination.


    Da: "I''m the captain of Phoenix Tail Flower, isn''t helping a teammate what I should do?"


    "..."


    "Hmph, you''re just putting on an act." Lulu dazedly held her cup of wheat beer and muttered softly, "Maybe when we go to the higher levels, you won''t need us anymore."


    "That won''t happen; haven''t I assured you once already?" Da grasped Lulu''s small hand and pulled it under the table.


    The touch was very smooth, but cold without any warmth.


    "What are you doing, let go!" Lulu red at him with a faint anger.


    "This is also for ''Purification''." Da smiled and released a faint green glow from his palm.


    [System Prompt: Witch Lulu''s trust level has reached 70 points, the bond deepens, reward obtained: Magic Equipment Oath Ring!]

 Chapter 111: 105, Guest, Oath Ring_2

    Oath Ring?


    Lin Da curiously opened his personal storage and found a small silver ring.


    [Name: Lulu''s Oath Ring]


    [Type: Equipment - Jewelry (Female Only)]


    [Quality: Oath]


    [Level: 0]


    [Attribute: Strength +30%]


    [Description: A ring that witnesses the formation of an oath, can only be given to female team members. The member who wears this ring will permanently receive a +100% mood boost in the Back House system.]


    Hiss.


    Lin Da gasped.


    This Oath Ring really had something special.


    The attribute points were the most cost-effective, usable till old age ''Strength +30%'' and also increased the mood of the team members by 100%.


    Lin Da nced at Lulu''s profile with conflict. Perhaps it was the effect of the wheat beer, the beastwoman''s cheeks were slightly flushed. Sensing his gaze, Lulu pulled her hand back, holding the mug of beer, her fingers tapping irregrly on the ss, her mood seeming rather agitated.


    The favorability still wasn''t enough.


    Giving out the Oath Ring rashly at this time might lead to misunderstandings.


    If Lulu thought he invited her into the team because he desired her body, that would be terrible.


    Lin Da ced the Oath Ring back in the storage, nning to wait for a more formal day to give it away.


    The rental house was filled with a warm atmosphere.


    The temperature inside the house was just right as summer turned cool, and the dim magic light made everything look especially peaceful, soothing one''s heart.


    The whole scene was like a vividly historic photograph, everyone unknowingly bing a part of it.


    Enjoying the present, while also basking in the memories of the past.


    Lin Da and Lulu spoke softly.


    Monica leaned against him, her arms wrapping around his arm, seeming a bit sleepy.


    Kafni''s tolerance for alcohol improved, yfully bickering with Aiko.


    The beer in their cups was the kind with the lowest alcohol content, almost simr to soda.


    "I like big, secure men!" Kafni, having lost at rock-paper-scissors, slurred with a numbed tongue, unclear in her speech.


    "Oru type? Shall I introduce you?" Aiko asked with a mischievous smile.


    "That big guy...? That that that that kind won''t do, must be..." Kafni struggled to find the right words, pondering.


    "Which kind?"


    "Um... maybe, like Lin Da?" Kafni blurted out. Lin Da could be quite an asshole at times, but sometimes, he was rather handsome.


    Lin Da: "?"


    If he had no other choice before, he might have settled for Kafni.


    But now, with more and more beautiful female team members around him, Kafni simply couldn''tpete.


    There''s a saying, ''firste, first served'' near the water tower. If Lin Da were willing to be a scumbag, he probably could easily have any member''s body. However, doing so would inevitably lead to the destruction of team dynamics, and his current goal was still to reach the top of the World Tree.


    Looking at the old wall clock, it showed two o''clock deep in the night.


    Had it gotten thiste?


    Lin Da frowned at the oblivious Kafni and the enthusiastic Aiko.


    He coughed and said, "If we keep drinking, it''ll be daylight. We need to send the guest back."


    "Guest, what guest?" A drunk Aiko leaned forward, almost standing up from her wheelchair, joining Lin Da in searching for the guest.


    All four of them looked at her.


    Oh.


    The guest turned out to be me?


    Aiko half sobered up.


    She pouted, not really wanting to leave.


    Even if she couldn''t win over Lin Da, she wanted him to at least ask when she would go to Phoenix Tail Flower.


    If Lin Da never asked, Aiko would be very upset.


    Luckily, Lin Da didn''t disappoint her, he remembered.


    "Aiko, will you... join our team?"


    "Oh, actually Lia disagrees, the contract pressure is too high, the penalty is one million Gold Coins."


    "I see, sorry to make you ufortable, let''s pretend I never brought it up, don''t be anxious about this." Lin Da said guiltily.


    A huge question mark appeared over Aiko''s head.


    Is that it, you''re giving up?


    That shouldn''t be, I''m a 25-level ''Holy Mage'' genius!


    I''m rich, I have money!


    Aiko was so anxious she almost wanted to jump up!


    For a penalty of one million, I can earn it with you, I''ll put up 999999 Gold Coins, you just put in 1 Gold Coin, isn''t that enough?


    Right now, Aiko greatly regretted having asked that one extra question!


    Now, if she wants to join, she''d have to initiate the conversation herself.


    That''s the same as shaking your butt at a dog,


    begging...ugh, begging to join the team!


    As cheap as toilet paper from a trash can!


    Lin Da and his group escorted her to the door.


    They didn''t even use that broken carriage and brought her back to Snow Goose''s vi!


    Aiko miserably watched Lin Da and the others return to the rental house.


    The pretty girl by Lin Da''s side wasn''t bad-looking at all.


    To give herself away for free would be such a waste.


    She had to make Lin Da notice that she was a special existence.


    Aiko maneuvered her wheelchair back, all the while pondering over this matter.


    As she passed by a bookstore, she bought a culinary teaching book.


    As the old saying goes, to capture a man''s heart, first capture his stomach.


    Aiko''s culinary skills werecking, but that didn''t mean, after seriously studying, it would still be as bad.


    Her ability to study was a hundred times better than Bilya''s.


    Before being driven out by the Holy Light Church, Aiko was an excellent model student, a role model for a group of Pdins to learn from.


    "Just a little chef boy, sooner orter, I''ll make you my skirt-licking dog."


    Humming a tune that predicted victory, Aiko went home to practice her cooking skills.


    ...


    The next day, on one side of the Adventurer''s Guild''s notice wall, a notification about the real-life strategies of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team was posted.


    This wall gathered the real-life strategies of all teams that were unfolding recently.


    The notice was pyramid-shaped, divided into threeyers.


    At the very top were Iron Level adventure teams.


    Thisyer was disyed as nk.


    The secondyer was the Rock Level adventure teams.


    There were sparsely three or four teams.


    The Rock Level corresponds toyers 10-15, usually hyping up a month in advance.


    This kind of real-life strategy was not free.


    Usually, they would charge adventurers for admission or coborate with a branch of the Adventurer''s Guild to collect a one-time buyout fee.


    In the real-life strategies of the Rock Level teams, one could find the names of the Ice Flower Adventure Team and the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Both were scheduled for next month, Ice Flower the 13th floor, Snow Goose the 12th.


    Both adventure teams were highly anticipated, and tickets were sold out within a day of release.


    Then, there was the third tier of the Apprentice Level teams.


    There were more of them.


    Brave Adventure Team, Sunny and Cheerful Adventure Team, Let''s Get Rich Adventure Team... the names were diverse.


    The strategies were concentrated in the first threeyers.


    There were too many real-life strategies on this level.


    It was hardly interesting, and nobody would watch even if it was free.


    Setting up such real-life strategies was purely for the empire''s subsidy.


    "Isn''t there a higher-level strategy? I don''t mind if the ticket is a bit more expensive."


    A handsome elf in a white suit scanned the team list discontentedly.


    His gaze moved to the bottom of the pyramid, and he noticed a name he had seen in the newspaper.


    [Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team]


    [Level: Apprentice]


    [Strategy Target: Floors 1-3]


    [Start Date: X month X day, two dayster]


    "Hey, look at this!" the elf said unexpectedly, "The leader of the Phoenix Tail Flower, isn''t that the Ultimate Pervert?"


    "Lin Da? His team is starting a real-life strategy?"


    "Tsk, the first three floors, really not interesting."


    The adventurers were indifferent.


    Teams strategizing the first three floors were too many, all too simr, unable to produce any new tricks.


    "Unexpected that Phoenix Tail Flower is so poor, real-life strategies subsidies for the first three floors are just around ten gold coins, right?" the elf who first noticed sighed, "The beautiful Miss Aiko actually likes such a poor man, I am truly disappointed."


    "Who I like is none of your business," a soft, gentle voice with a smile sounded.


    "Miss Aiko?!" The elf turned, and there, was a magedy sitting in a wheelchair, with blonde hair and dressed in white.


    The elf''s voice trembled with excitement: "Actually, I am your fan!"


    Miss Aiko today also looked very beautiful, the elf sighed internally.


    Who wouldn''t like a sickly, noble-born youngdy with golden locks?


    She also smelled wonderfully, definitely the legendary ''body scent.''

 Chapter 112: Lia, the new idol, Phoenix Tail Flower is ready to launch

    "Oh. Then please support the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team, and remember to attend their strategy livestream," Aiko said with a smile.


    "Absolutely!" The elf nodded hastily.


    Aiko''s appearance immediately became the focus of the hall.


    Rock-level Squad member, titled Holy Mage, a young prodigy adventurer.


    With various des under her belt, Aiko garnered a group of loyal fans.


    She came to the Adventurer''s Guild to promote the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team''s strategy livestream.


    Aiko worried that there wouldn''t be a single viewer on the day of the livestream.


    After all, the first three floors were too easy, nothing worth watching.


    It was from a drunk Kafni that Aiko learned about the Phoenix Tail Flower''s livestream event yesterday.


    Although Aiko didn''t think much of it... if Lin Da wanted to do it, then just do it. She''d help him wholeheartedly so that Lin Da could see her enthusiasm.


    Thanks to her personal promotion, the news of the Phoenix Tail Flower''s livestream starting in two days was quickly known by everyone.


    "Miss Aiko, we will definitely watch it!"


    A group of adoring fans shouted excitedly, with hearts in their eyes.


    "Thank you all~"


    Aiko waved her little hand and left the Adventurer''s Guild contentedly.


    When she returned to the vi, she happened to run into Lia.


    "Where have you been, taking so long toe back?"


    "Got the money, and the equipment too."


    Lia tossed a snake-skin bag onto the ground.


    The contents nked inside.


    Two sets of front-row armor, new magic scrolls, jewelry, weapons...


    These items had cost Lia 200,000 Gold Coins.


    Under her persistent cajoling, Bellini agreed to lend the money,


    but it was all the Bloody Baron''s money, and Bellini required Lia to repay it within two months.


    Therefore, the next floor''s strategy was critical.


    Lia clenched her fist with a determined look in her eyes.


    If the Snow Goose Adventure Team sessfully cleared the 12th floor, they would be able to repay the borrowed money from the family, boost Snow Goose''s fame again, and she would also prove her capability as a team leader.


    "No matter what, we have to clear the 12th floor."


    Lia murmured to herself.


    Aiko suddenly spoke up, "The day after tomorrow, the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team will start their strategy livestream. Are you going?"


    "No," Lia paused for a second, then shook her head and said, "I have to train hard to reach level 25 as soon as possible."


    "Oh, I see."


    Aiko saw Lia''s furrowed brow and swallowed back the words she wanted to say.


    Actually... the other members of Snow Goose had all agreed to go and support them.


    Even Chloe had agreed, and quite readily at that.


    Aiko wanted to organize everyone to go together, to boost rapport,


    being the lead organizer would give her the greatest credit.


    But it''s fine if Lia doesn''t go...


    That woman shouldn''t be there anyway.


    "What about Chloe?" Lia looked around and didn''t see her.


    "Holed up in her room, no idea what she''s doing. Why don''t you go check?" Aiko suggested.


    "Not necessary, if you needforting for everything, how can you be a mature Heavy Armored Warrior? The defeat on the 11th floor is temporary, we''ll soon wash away this disgrace."


    Lia flipped her fiery red hair confidently and strode towards her room. As she opened the door, she abruptly said, "Aiko, have you heard of the Fire God Summitpetition?"


    "How could I not? It''s the biggest adventuring event in the Southern Fire Empire."


    Aiko added silently to herself, the Lin Da you drove away had participated in thatpetition.


    Lia dered, "Our ultimate goal is to go to that grand stage and win!"


    Aiko chuckled internally.


    It''s good for young people to have dreams.


    But don''t take it too seriously.


    Lia was full of enthusiasm.


    She went to her room and attached the Fire God Summit''s promotional poster to her wall, motivating herself at all times.


    During her two days in Red Heart City, Bellini had told her an inspiring story. There was once an ordinary adventure team called ''Primordial'' with no special backing. Through hard work and sweat, they emerged from the crowd, became famous step by step, attracted countless talents to join, and even won the Fire God Summitpetition.


    The rise of the Primordial Adventure Team was a motivational legend.


    Lia took out an old newspaper from her luggage and looked at the news from over three years ago, feeling greatly inspired.


    [At the Fire God Summit, it''s a decisive victory: Primordial Adventure Team wins the championship with an overwhelming advantage, with a God-level adventurer, a promising future!]


    On the front page of the old newspaper, there was a group photo of the adventure team members.


    In the center was a man shrouded in a dark cloak, wearing a white mask, his demeanor cold and aloof.


    Behind the man was a group of diverse female adventurers.


    These young women were beautiful, powerful, from various races, and their eyes were full of vigor.


    "I also want to be an inspirational figure like him!"


    Lia found a new idol.


    That vanished legend, the captain of the Primordial Adventure Team, Dai Lian!


    ...


    "Achoo!"


    Lin Da almost sneezed out his snot.


    He rubbed his nose, puzzled, thinking whether someone was talking about him.


    It was noon outside.


    At this moment, they were busy preparing for their strategy livestream.


    They had rented a training room, Lin Da at the front, focused on controlling an Illusion Puppet.


    He had spent 1000 Gold Coins to have an Illusionist customize it. Controlling the puppet with a joystick, he simted the attack patterns of the hidden boss.


    "Attack."


    "Stop, once you see the Magical Creature lift its hand, immediately run to the left."


    "It''s the second phase now, be careful to dodge; don''t attack at all."


    Command aftermand left no room for hesitation.


    Kafni and Monica were nearly exhausted to the point of copsing.


    Once training began, Lin Da was like a different person, strictly correcting every little error they made.


    Up until the night before the strategy kicked off, Lin Da spent it with them in the training room.


    That night, at 10 o''clock, they were finally deemed qualified.


    "Hard work,"


    Lin Da passed them water.


    "Damn tiring," Kafni grumbled, clutching the water bottle and guzzling it down.


    Monica politely said thank you and then began to sip.


    When the group left the training room, they ran into Lulu who had hurried over.


    Lulu''s boots were covered in dust, and she looked weary.


    "I''ve got what you wanted; it was hard to find. I searched all over the stores in Red Heart City and South Rock City, and only found these,"


    she said, handing over three silver potions.


    Metal Destroyer.


    Lin Da had entrusted Lulu to find them in other cities for him.


    Meanwhile, he had also posted purchase notices in White Dove City but only managed to acquire one bottle.


    Because the potions were rare and adventurers didn''t cherish them, often using them carelessly, even though Lin Da offered a high price of 1000 gold coins, they were still hard to purchase.


    "Thanks. How about a drink at the tavern?"


    "No thanks, I still have things to do," Lulu said as she walked away with her hands in her pockets. Her voice floated back, "Be safe tomorrow."


    "Why doesn''t Sister Lulu stay with us?" Monica asked, puzzled.


    "She has her own business to attend to. When she''s done, she''lle over to stay with us,"


    Lin Da said on the surface, but deep down, he also wondered - what was Lulu''s purpose foring to White Dove City?


    When he first met Lulu, she seemed particrly concerned about whether Phoenix Tail Flower was a local adventure team in White Dove City.


    It seemed there could only be one reason for this requirement.


    After spending half a year with a local adventurer''s team, one could apply for an identity card from White Dove City.


    What did she want with that?


    Even when Lin Da asked Lulu, the beastwoman girl refused to answer.


    In the end, she hadn''tpletely trusted him.


    Lin Da pondered that afterpleting the first three levels, he would buy a big house in the Inner City District and invite Lulu to live with them.


    Living together for a long time would inevitably increase the chances to gain trust.


    Once the trust level reached 100, Lulu probably wouldn''t keep things from him.


    ...


    After having dinner with the team members, Lin Da and his group returned to their rented house to rest.


    Tomorrow, it was Phoenix Tail Flower''s first live strategy broadcast.


    It would also be their debut performance.


    Lin Da, as the team captain, was deeply concerned.


    The more sessful this strategy, the higher Phoenix Tail Flower''s prestige would be.


    The level of prestige directly determined whether the empire would notify you when a wild Mystic Realm was discovered.


    Adventure teams with high strength and high prestige had priority.


    Making a name would also better promote his strategies, helping those lower-level adventurers.


    Therefore, this ''debut'' needed to be wless for Lin Da.


    Standing at the bedroom door, he watched Monica fall asleep.


    "Let''s sleep, too,"


    Lin Da looked toward Kafni lying on the couch, who was still engrossed inic books.


    "It''s finally starting," Kafni said, putting down theic books with deep emotion.


    She said, "The first step on the road back to being a deity feels like it''s about to start."


    "Actually, I''ve had a question for a while," Lin Da turned off the lights, made a bed on the floor, and lying with his head on his arm, looked up at the ceiling and spoke lightly, "You were a woman originally, weren''t you?"


    Kafni was a bit annoyed, "You insulting me?"


    "No. The other night, Aiko asked you who your favorite person was, and your answer was... a muscr man, right?" Lin Da nced curiously at a deity whoseplexion had turned pale, and said, "Do deities have genders like that? Once the power reaches a certain level, you wouldn''t need to procreate, right?"


    "Sleep, sleep! We have to attack the World Tree tomorrow!"


    Kafni, ashamed, covered her face, having no recollection of being drunk the previous night.


    Could it be that deep down, she was into muscr men, hoping for a wild bout?


    No way!


    Kafni stealthily nced at Lin Da''s face in the darkness, feeling her heart inexplicably quicken. She had to admit, the pesky hero had good looks!


    If Snow Goose''s Oru could rate a ten, Lin Da easily topped a hundred!


    "I''m starting to have improper thoughts again,"


    Kafni shivered, shook her head to clear it forcefully, and forced herself to go to sleep.


    On the other side, Lin Da quietly opened the system''s Back House function to sign in.


    [Signed in sessfully, you have won 400 diamonds]


    In the wooden hut, the chibi version of Monica,ughing silly with a toy bear, mood +60%.


    Lulu sat obediently on the bed, her mood rising from +10% to +30%. It seemed that people in reality do influence their chibi counterparts in the Back House?


    Kafni was fast asleep, with her mood value showing virtually no change.


    After three consecutive days of signing in, plus the remaining diamonds, Lin Da''s bnce had reached 7040.


    He spent 4000 diamonds to purchase two Magic Guidance Tickets and two Strength Guidance Tickets to train Monica and Lulu automatically.


    The two chibi characters in the Back House started doing push-ups on the floor.


    [System Notice: Lulu''s strength +5, Monica''s magic power +4!]


    "Without the extra bonuses of the first training, the attribute points gained indeed seemed fewer,"


    Lin Da mused in his heart. This, too, was identical to the games.


    To raise Lulu and Monica to Five-star Character standards, it would still require arge number of diamonds.


    He spent another 2000 diamonds to buy a Gray Wolf plushie for Lulu to cuddle, raising the daily diamond ie from 400 to 440.


    Then he closed the system and reviewed the details of the strategy in his mind, scrutinizing and simting.


    Only after ensuring that there were no ws in the n three times did Lin Da feel relieved enough to fall asleep.


    The first exploration of the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team was about to begin.


    Even for someone with Lin Da''s temperament, it was hard not to feel excited.

 Chapter 113: 107, Snow Goose, Ice Flower, and Star-ranked adventurer

    At the dawn of the next day, in the Adventurer''s Guild of the White Dove District,


    the spacious hall was bustling and overcrowded.


    "It''s eight o''clock, hasn''t it started yet?"


    "It seems that the strategy broadcast won''t start until nine."


    "What''s so interesting about that Ultimate Pervert? I came here for Miss Aiko, where is she?"


    The broadcast station for the Attacker''s live broadcast was surrounded by three huge magic screens, with adventurers densely packed around it.


    They craned their necks in anticipation, searching for members of the Snow Goose Adventure Team.


    Some of the crowd were fans of Aiko.


    Others were simply there for the excitement¡ªto see the Snow Goose Adventure Team sh with the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team.


    Lin Da, who broke away from Snow Goose, founded the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team... This undeniably put Lia, the leader of Snow Goose, in an awkward position.


    Those familiar with Snow Goose knew that Lin Da was one of the founding members.


    The significance behind a founder leaving to start anew was thought-provoking.


    Due to this incident, Lia''s character was questioned, and the reputation of the Snow Goose Adventure Team declined.


    If the Phoenix Tail Flower performed poorly today, that would be one thing.


    The narrative that ''Lia kicked Lin Da out because he was weak'' would be epted by the public.


    It wasn''t her fault that Lin Da left the team; it was indeed Lin Da who wasn''t up to par¡ªshe had no choice but to let him go.


    The reputation of the Snow Goose Adventure Team would see some improvement.


    But conversely, if Phoenix Tail Flower was unstoppable and Lin Da shone as themander...


    Lia''s lies would unravel on their own.


    It wouldn''t be ''Lin Da was subpar and got kicked out by her.''


    People would instinctively think, ''It was internal issues within Snow Goose that drove Lin Da to leave.''


    When considering Lia''s widely known fiery temper, the reason for Lin Da''s departure seemed self-evident.


    The reporters present excitedly gripped their pens tighter.


    Those in their line of work loved a goodmotion.


    They feared nothing more than a dull story.


    They all waited for Lia to show up, ready to interview her.


    However, it seems Lia had learned to be savvy.


    She knew her presence wouldplicate matters.


    When the Snow Goose Adventure Team walked in from a distance, the reporters did not spot Lia among them.


    The crowd quickly parted to either side, respectfully clearing the way.


    Leading the Snow Goose Adventure Team was Aiko, followed by Klrona, Klyne, Oru... Each of them wore a gleaming Rock-level badge on their chests and the confidence of seasoned adventurers on their faces as they approached the front of the live broadcast station with imposing auras.


    "As expected of a Rock-level Squad, that imposing presence... it''s making my scalp tingle!"


    "Holy Mage Aiko, Pink Battle Axe Klrona, Wind Archer Klyne, ck Heavy Hammer Oru... all are seasoned level 20 adventurers!"


    "Hearing you say that, why do I feel like Snow Goose did the right thing by kicking out Lin Da? Wasn''t he only level 15 before?"


    "Heh, on the surface it''s Aiko promoting the strategy broadcast, but could it be that Snow Goose''s people want to embarrass the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team in front of arger audience?"


    Various discussions arose in the hall.


    Some said Aiko had an ulterior motive, hoping to see Lin Da make a fool of himself.


    Others believed that Aiko had good intentions.


    Reporters surged forward with their ''big guns and small cannons,'' asking questions, and the dark microphones aimed at Aiko resembled a celebrity interview scene.


    Aiko had a smile on her face, and her pleasant-sounding voice, apanied by a voice amplification array within the microphone, spread throughout the hall.


    She said, "Please don''t misunderstand, even though Lin Da has left Snow Goose, we''re still his best friends. We havee here today with a heart full of blessings, hoping that the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team will pass sessfully and obtain many high-quality Magical Equipment."


    "May I ask, why isn''t team leader Lia here?"


    A square-faced reporter from a newspaper asked with ill-intent.


    "The thing is, today is a critical day for Lia to break through to level 25, so regrettably, she couldn''t make it here to support Lin Da. In fact, she''s also silently wishing the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team the best, hoping they''ll reach even greater heights."


    Aiko''s smile was impable.


    Yet the reporters inwardly sighed.


    Interviewing such a clever woman was too uninteresting; if Lia were here, their notebooks would fill with pages of material.


    That''s why Lia was so popr among the press.


    Wherever Lia was, they always reaped a bountiful harvest.


    Just as Snow Goose''s arrival had seemingly brought the atmosphere to a peak, to the surprise of many adventurers, there was anothermotion near the entrance.


    The crowd parted, and an adventure team with an aura that was in no way inferior to Snow Goose''s¡ªin fact, even stronger¡ªwalked through.


    A venerable Rock-level Adventure Team with profound strength, Ice Flower!


    Isa, d in a white coat and carrying a thin sword at her waist with her silver hair cascading behind her,


    released a potent Ice Douqi around her, dropping the temperature wherever she went. Adventurers nearby couldn''t help but shiver.


    They felt as if the silver-haired maiden was like a de thrust into a cliff of ice and snow, emitting a chilling radiance that made it impossible to look directly at her.


    Behind Isa, there were six members whose auras were equally strong.


    A girl with light green bobbed hair, wearing sses, said with a smile, "I want to see just how capable the person our captain trusts is atmanding."


    The Ice Flower Adventure Team headed to the foremost position, standing on a slightly raised white tform.


    Even though many spots within the inner circle of the live broadcast array were empty, no adventurer dared to set foot there without permission.


    That was the privilege of the Rock-level Squad, given by the Guild.


    Including, but not limited to: priority invitations to auctions, information on Mystic Realms and rare Magical Creatures, advance notices, low-interest high-amount loans...


    In the Adventurer''s Guild, the squad''s level is everything.


    With the arrival of Ice Flower, a wave of lively discussion ensued:


    "The rumors seem to be true, Isa really is fooling around with Lin Da! Otherwise, why would shee to such a low-level strategy live broadcast?"


    "Heh heh, it''s obviously to support Lin Da."


    "Boo hoo hoo, I''m so jealous. Lin Da, hurry up and get married, and distribute the remaining beauties among us!"


    "I think even if he was to choose, it wouldn''t be your turn."


    "?"


    On the tform in the inner circle, Isa nodded to Aiko not far away, greeting her, "Long time no see."


    "You too. You seem to have be even more beautiful, such smooth silver hair."


    In Aiko''s heart, she detested this silver-haired sow who was seducing Lin Da, itching with hatred.


    But the upbringing of an outstanding youngdy allowed her to maintain a smile at all times, to speak pleasantly, and to establish good rtionships with everyone around her.


    Meanwhile, at the railing on the second floor of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    There was a young man with fiery red hair tied in a ponytail, and a dark-skinned female Beastman with explosive curves, wearing only hotpants and a ck tube top.


    They looked down below and chatted casually.


    While most adventurers were attracted to Snow Goose and Ice Flower, only a very few noticed their presence.


    And then, they were shocked and their eyes widened.


    The redhead was the Thunder Swordmaster, Dawen from Red Heart City!


    The other, the deputy head of the White Dove Adventure Group, "Mad Panther" Jite!


    What they had inmon was that both were famous Star-ranked adventurers who had reached level 30 and above.


    The prestige of such adventurers was capable of breaking through the confines of their respective cities and spreading to nearby areas.


    Even though Dawen was from Red Heart City, there were still many who recognized him.


    The appearance of Dawen and Jite led some people to new thoughts about this Attacker live broadcast: Did that Lin Da really have something special about him?


    Or did he have connections that were so influential he could garner the support of Ice Flower, Snow Goose, and even two Star-ranked adventurers?


    Actually, it was all a misunderstanding.


    The arrival of Dawen was purely by chance.


    The fiery-haired, cool Swordsman rested his hands on the railing and spoke in a calm tone, "It''s confirmed, there''s a mutation of high-level Magical Beasts at Breeze River Beach. Will the White Dove Adventure Group take action?"


    "Of course. With severalrge mines nearby, we, as the local adventure team, will not stand by if the mines are in trouble."


    The Beastman Jite, drinking from a bottle of Wheat Beer, with thick arms and well-defined abs, nced at Dawen and asked, "But is the information urate? We''ve investigated too, and only found a few immature Murderous Crabs."


    "Believe it or not," Dawen replied. "I''m actually quite looking forward to sharing the battlefield with the White Dove Adventure Group."


    "Hmph."


    Jite raised an eyebrow and pointed towards the strategy broadcast below, "You didn''t go straight back to Red Heart City, did youe here because of that Lin Da?"


    "Half and half. The other half is to see how Lia is doing." Dawen squinted his eyes and said, "If things go well, that kid might have the potential to be a future Steel Level Adventure Group leader."


    "Haha." Jiteughed, finished her Wheat Beer in one gulp, crumpled the bottle into the size of a thumb, and threw it into the trash bin.


    She crossed her arms, looking down disdainfully and said, "Combined, Red Heart City and White Dove City have a million adventurers, and there are only six Steel Level teams. How does a team with unremarkable achievements like Phoenix Tail Flower get such high praise from you? Dawen, I remember you being quite prideful. You''re not getting old and losing your judgment, are you?"


    Dawen snorted withughter and responded, "Based on his ability to lead Lia, that fool, to the eighth level unscathed, he deserves my opinion."


    "Eighth level... heh, anything below the tenth level is all low levels, what''s the use? You know how terrifying the Magical Creatures are in the higher levels."


    Jite was dismissive, "There are plenty of genius adventurers below the tenth level. Once they get to the tenth level and beyond, they all turn into mediocrities!"


    As they spoke, the previously ck screen of the strategy broadcast lit up.


    The image of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team appeared on the screen.


    Dawen watched the disy and remarked, "Personally, I have high hopes for him."


    "For these garbage low levels, the first three?" Jite pouted.


    "Yes." Dawen nodded.


    Although he had only had brief contact with Lin Da, he could tell that thetter was a person with a steady character. In such simplistic levels as the first three, one would not open a strategy live broadcast without full confidence.


    With the empire''s subsidy being a mere ten Gold Coins, an adventurer like Lin Da would not be short of such a small amount of money.


    All these reasons were why Dawen had confidence in Lin Da.


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!"


    The hall buzzed with excitement.


    Pairs of curious eyes now turned to the magic screen.

 Chapter 114: 108. Arid Corridor, Lin Da foresees the future?

    Dawen, Jite, Isa, and others'' appearance brought a sliver of hope to the numerous adventurers regarding the strategies for conquering the Phoenix Tail Flower.


    Could it be that even such low levels as the first three have something new to offer?


    "I hope Lin Da passes safely."


    Oru silently gazed at therge screen, one hand bandaged, the other holding Klyne''s delicate palm.


    The couple was praying for Lin Da.


    Klrona looked up at the familiar yet unfamiliar tall figure on the screen, her expression somewhat dazed.


    She had been in a daze these past three days.


    Realizing one thing: even if she suffocated in her room, no one would care.


    Seeing Lin Da on the screen, holding Monica''s hand, Klrona''s eyes were slightly red.


    All he cares about is that Monica, not her!


    Aiko, perhaps sensing her emotional turmoil, sighed and said in a low voice, "Shall we bring some gifts and visit him after Lin Da''s team has finished strategizing?"


    "Okay," Klrona nodded silently.


    Meanwhile.


    At the entrance to the World Tree Secret Realm in Secret Realm Square, White Dove City.


    Lin Da looked seriously at his two teammates, "You remember everything I taught you, right?"


    "We remember."


    "No problem."


    Monica and Kafni each nodded.


    As for the fourth member of the team, Lulu, she couldn''te due to the lower initial levels and was currently at the Adventurer''s Guild in Sparrow District, watching them.


    "Then, let''s move out."


    Lin Da took the lead, walking ahead with the two others towards the lush World Tree reaching up to the sky.


    At the base of the tree, there was a tree hole, inside which were stairs leading upward.


    Made of wood as well, these old, creaking steps seemed to carry the weight of history.


    The stairs led to a teleportation array, and Lin Da and hispanions entered together. In the next instant, the light shed, and when they opened their eyes, they found themselves in a deste brown canyon.


    Like an endless corridor stretching into the distance, sharp, biting winds blew straight at them,


    and before themy and of cracked, withered yellow soil, where pairs and groups of ck Magic Dogs wandered like soldiers guarding a treasure in the canyon.


    Once adventurers entered their territory, these ck Magic Dogs would fiercelyunch an attack without fear of death.


    "Scared?" Lin Da bent over, steadying himself on his knees, and chuckled as he encouraged Monica.


    "With the captain here, Monica isn''t scared!" the girl said firmly.


    Lin Da nodded and then looked up at adybug flying high in the sky.


    Magical Creature, sensordybug.


    The view from thisdybug''s eyes would be transmitted back to the Adventurer''s Guild in White Dove City.


    He also didn''t know how many people would watch this livestream of them tackling these very low levels.


    One could guess that there weren''t many.


    Lin Da, adopting an air of dealing with thin air, gave a perfunctory smile and greeted everyone: "Hello, adventurers, good afternoon."


    "Next, I will suppress my own level to demonstrate to everyone how to tackle the first floor of the World Tree Secret Realm, the Arid Corridor, with a minimum level of 5."


    Just as he was about to set off, a sensordybug strapped to his thigh began to buzz.


    It was receiving a ''Golden Advice''.


    Adventurers are this wealthy now, to casually offer the World Tree Goddess demon cores, sending expensive ''Golden Advice''?


    This act was akin to sending rockets to a streamer.


    But the streamer got no cut; it all went to the World Tree.


    Lin Da plucked thedybug from the bag on his thigh, looked beneath it, the square belly like a little screen:


    [Lin Da, keep it up! Brother me, Klyne, and Aiko and the girls, we are all watching you!]


    [Lin Da, you haven''t forgotten your promise with Ice Flower, have you? I left the teammates'' information in your room.]


    [Hmph, traitor of Snow Goose, you dare to start a livestream?]


    [...]


    [Ultimate Pervert, I freaking dislike you!]


    All at once, he received over ten Golden Advices.


    Were there so many people watching the Phoenix Tail Flower''s strategizing livestream? Had nearly all from Snow Goose shown up?


    Lin Da was momentarily stunned, then suddenly remembered that night Kafni, drunk, had told Aiko about their ns to tackle the World Tree using Phoenix Tail Flower.


    It seemed he found the reason for such arge turnout.


    His appreciation for Aiko grew a bit.


    If there was a chance, he would return the favor.


    Then, Lin Da read through the Golden Advice messages one by one.


    The first two were clearly sent by Oru and Isa.


    As for the third one... it was rather abrasive.


    It made Lin Da involuntarily think of Lia.


    At any rate, the number of viewers for this livestream was much higher than he had expected.


    Monica also held a sensordybug, looking at the screen filled with ordinary suggestions, frightened into silence.


    "Captain, so many adventurers are watching us!"


    Stay updated with mvl


    "Don''t be scared, face it with a normal mindset."


    Lin Da bowed to the sensordybug in the sky: "Although I don''t know what''s going on, thanks everyone for showing up!"


    He first suppressed his power to fit a level 5 standard, making it easier for ordinary adventurers to ''copy the homework''.


    His gaze swept forward.


    A row of ck Magic Dogs bared their teeth, drooling profusely.


    "ck Magic Dogs, level 5 magical creatures, high attack power, extremely agile. I bet many adventurers initially entering the World Tree found these creatures troublesome, getting hurt, and even having teammates killed."


    Lin Da, holding a small white round shield in his left hand and a sword in his right, simted himself as an ordinary warrior.


    This was the mostmon profession in Mystic Continent, also jokingly referred to as the poor man''s profession.


    Broke adventurers would go upfront to take damage and face the hits.


    The lowest level warriors have the highest casualty rate among all professions.

 Chapter 115: 108, Arid Corridor, Lin Da Predicts the Future?_2

    "Next, I will demonstrate to everyone how to safely and harmlessly take down this kind of magical beast,"


    The sensordybug lowered its altitude to reach Lin Da''s shoulder, providing a first-person view of the ck Magic Dog''s posture.


    When this notorious creature, nicknamed the ''neer killer'', appeared on the magic disy, many adventurers'' unpleasant memories were awakened.


    Whether they are low-rank adventurers or not, everyone has experienced tackling the firstyer.


    The Arid Corridor, as one of the trials in the Mystic Realm with the highest urrence and difficulty, has caused countless new adventurers to fail miserably.


    What the audience didn''t know was that Lin Da had prepared up to nine strategies, covering the first threeyers'' nine random maps.


    The ones he didn''t encounter wouldter be released in text and picture form.


    In the hall, Isa, watching the fearsome appearance of the ck Magic Dog on the screen, murmured, "Ice Flower went to the firstyer, and two of our members were bitten."


    The ck Magic Dog is only a level 5 magical creature, but its agility reaches near that of a level 7.


    Its steel-like teeth carry poison, and if adventurers are identally injured, theirbat effectiveness will rapidly decline, slowly dying in this long monster corridor.


    At the railing on the second floor, Dawen sighed, "Our adventure team has been taking on the firstyer... must be about twenty years now. I recall the imperial announcement showing that the casualty rate for adventurers on thisyer reached 30 percent."


    Jite hummed in agreement, "For new adventurers, the ck Magic Dog is indeed quite a challenge."


    Meanwhile, in the strategy live broadcast, Lin Da imed he would keep his level at 5.


    This left the audience somewhat puzzled, "Isn''t Lin Da here to ''clear'' the trial, but rather do a strategy teaching?"


    The intention is good.


    But, there are too many strategies for the first threeyers, including some from well-known adventure teams.


    Iron Level, Sunrise Level, they all exist.


    Lin Da''s Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team is merely Apprentice Level.


    Could the strategies they produce actually be stronger than those from a Sunrise Level adventure team?


    in white suggestions scrolled rapidly on the underbelly of the sensordybug, mostly cold mockery and ridicule.


    But Lin Da''s attention had already focused on the ck Magic Dog.


    He chose to demonstrate with actual action.


    From the disy, it could be seen that Lin Da stepped into the territory of the ck Magic Dog.


    The ck Magic Dog, which had been aimlessly wandering about like a ghost, suddenly noticed him and approached with a low growl.


    The ck Magic Dog was one meter long and half a meter tall, with long and strong limbs and a fierce face, resembling a bully.


    "Awoo!"


    With a vicious roar, the ck Magic Dog leaped up high, aiming a bite at Lin Da''s neck!


    The attacks of this creature are incredibly fast; if you''re not careful, you could be bitten!


    In the hall, many low-level adventurers watching the disy felt a strong sense of immersion.


    They were either adventurers who had just finished the firstyer or those about to face it, studying the ck Magic Dog day and night.


    At this moment, when the ck Magic Dogunched a sudden attack, they felt as if they were there, subconsciously tensing up.


    Those adventurers who had not yet entered the World Tree, were sweating profusely, feeling even with thorough preparation, there was no absolute certainty of evading the ck Magic Dog''s attack!


    And without entering the World Tree, it''s difficult to advance in levels.


    Without levels, life bes even harder...


    This unsolvable cycle drove many new adventurers to destitution, struggling on the brink of subsistence.


    The Elf who had taunted Lin Da two days ago was among these low-level individuals, a mere level 7 Archer.


    The Elf, named Finy, was a twenty-year-old.


    Watching the ck Magic Dog on the disy lunging at Lin Da with its gaping jaws, Finy couldn''t help but recall the terrifying sight of hispanion''s shoulder being crushed by the ck Magic Dog.


    Hispanion was also level 7, a warrior, and had thoroughly researched the ck Magic Dog before entering the firstyer.


    Yet, he was still bitten, and all the rewards for clearing the firstyer went to medical expenses. To this day, he is unable to venture out and even has developed a psychological shadow from the magical creatures, losing the courage to wield a sword for battle.


    If that Lin Da really suppressed his level to 5 and based it on the physical abilities of an "average adventurer"...


    He absolutely wouldn''t have dodged the ck Magic Dog''s attack.


    Everyone silently reached this consensus in their hearts.


    If Lin Da were attacked by the ck Magic Dog at such close quarters, he would certainly be injured!


    Theoretically, that is the case.


    However, Lin Da''s theory was above that.


    ```


    The sensordybug gave him a close-up as he faced the ck Magic Dog.


    His fine short hair fluttering slightly in the wind and eyes as resolute as iron, Lin Da''s expression showed not the slightest hint of panic. His body, in concert with his footsteps, shifted to the left as if he was drunk. Before the ck Magic Dog could attack, he ''identally'' stumbled to the side. Discover exclusive tales on mvl


    This abnormal movement was something the low-level Magical Beast, the ck Magic Dog, could not have anticipated.


    After a series of coincidences, the result was the ck Magic Dog flying past Lin Da''s shoulder, failing to touch even a hair on Lin Da!


    The ck Magic Dog did not think, only knew tond quickly andunch the next attack.


    When its four limbs hit the dry, cracked earth, preparing for its next move, a Rusty One-Handed Sword chopped at its neck.


    "Awooo~!"


    A sharp howl burst from the throat of the ck Magic Dog.


    The Rusty One-Handed Sword was stained with fresh blood.


    Lin Da handed the corpse off to his teammates to deal with and walked towards the next ck Magic Dog without pause.


    "For those who didn''t see clearly, don''t worry, I''ll demonstrate a few more times."


    With that said, Lin Da continued to encroach upon the territory of the ck Magic Dogs.


    Still with the same appearance of a drunkard''s idental fall.


    But always narrowly avoiding the attacks of the ck Magic Dogs.


    The adventurers in the hall were a bit bbergasted.


    Some suspected Lin Da to be a child of luck.


    Why did he always have such explosive luck and narrowly avoid the ck Magic Dog''s attacks?


    Is this so-called strategy just to show everyone how lucky you are?


    If one is unlucky, should they simply not adventure?


    "What in the world is going on!"


    Elf Finy voiced the question that was on everyone''s mind.


    Why couldn''t the ck Magic Dog touch Lin Da?


    Simplistic adventurers thought it was Lin Da''s good fortune, but there were also some clever people closely watching Lin Da''s actions, lost in thought.


    Though Lin Da''s movements seemed like those of a ''drunkard'', strangely enough.


    A careful observation might reveal some patterns.


    "Why can''t the ck Magic Dog touch Lin Da?" Klrona stopped sucking on her lollipop, with a look of amazement on her little face.


    Oru and Klyne also found the scene bizarre. They vaguely understood something but found it difficult to exin in words.


    Aiko, being the most powerful among them, noticed some clues.


    "It''s ''prediction''."


    "Prediction?" Klrona asked nkly.


    As Aiko was about to answer Klrona, the nearby crowd of ordinary adventurers also perked up their ears out of curiosity.


    The insights of a level 25 Mage definitely surpassed their own.


    Aiko, not entirely sure herself, said cautiously, "It''s not that Lin Da relies on luck to narrowly avoid the ck Magic Dog''s attacks, but rather, he predicts every move of the ck Magic Dog."


    "Before the ck Magic Dog attacks, at that moment, he''s already dodging."


    "Taking the standard physical ability of a level 5 adventurer as a benchmark, it''s not possible to dodge an attack once seen with the naked eye."


    "But Lin Da sees right through the ck Magic Dog, which is why he avoids all the attacks."


    The crowd was taken aback, feeling it sounded mystical.


    Could one really predict all the movements of the ck Magic Dog?


    Aiko smiled modestly, "I am just specting. What the real answer is, one would have to ask Lin Da directly to find out."


    Even members of the Rock-level Squad couldn''t see through Lin Da''s secret, which puzzled the onlookers even more.


    Just then, a robust and forceful male voice came from the second floor, "It''s not prediction, it''s anticipation."


    A slightly coarse female voice added, "A hundred percent urate anticipation, so it looks like prediction. But the two arepletely different. Only the World Tree Goddess can predict every action of a magical beast."


    "However... anticipation of such high uracy is indeed very interesting."


    The speaker was a tall and sturdy Beastman with wheat-colored skin.


    She had grey long hair, a pair of furry beast ears, and a leopard''s tail wrapped around her waist, showing interest as she propped her chin with her hand, looking toward the Strategy broadcast station.


    ```

 Chapter 116: 109. On the stage is the Joker adventure team

    "It''s Wild Panther Gite and Thunder Swordmaster Dawen!"


    "Two Star-ranked adventurers? Such big shots are also here to check out the strategy for the first three floors?"


    "Lord Gite, I am your fan!"


    When the adventurers saw the two distinctively dressed individuals standing in front of the second-floor railing, the atmosphere instantly boiled over, turning into a fan meet-and-greet.


    The muscr, attractively shaped female named Wild Panther Gite had once torn apart a ''Wilderness Guardian,'' a level-32 Vine Giant, within the fifteenth floor of the Great Mystery Continent.


    When she dropped the Orange Magic Equipment "Angry Death w," she had made the front page of White Dove Morning News, and her strength was acknowledged by adventurers far and wide.


    The man with the fiery red ponytail and aloof expression, Thunder Swordmaster Dawen, held even greater prestige than Gite.


    He was the second son of the Mand family from Red Heart City and had been a Star-ranked adventurer five years ago, matching hands with the leader of the White Dove Adventure Group within the Great Mystery Continent.


    He was renowned as the potential future leader of the Scarlet Adventure Group, tasked with taking his family to greater heights.


    Their arrival immediately caused a sensation.


    "Why has Dawene here?" Aiko''s expression changed.


    She knew well that Lia and Dawen didn''t get along.


    Besides Linda, the person Lia most wanted to defeat was Dawen. Once they met, a fight was inevitable.


    Suppressing a certain unease in her heart, Aiko nodded in greeting to Dawen on the second floor.


    Isa, leading the Ice Flower team members, also saluted the two Star-ranked adventurers.


    Dawen casually nodded back and, facing the curious gaze of the crowd below, exined Gite''s earlier words.


    "Gite was right, the Phoenix Tail Flower Team leader precisely predicted the attack of the Magical Creatures, not some ''future-seeing'' precognition."


    "I guess he must have watched enough attacker''s live streams to summarize a set of behaviors specific to ck Magic Dogs."


    "But I don''t know how he managed to be 100% urate¡ªeach adventurer can only enter the first floor once with no room for errors. Even if they change their ss, they can only do it twice. The third time they change their ss is almost a suicidal act."


    "If he had cleared the first floor hundreds, even thousands of times, knowing ck Magic Dogs inside out, I would believe he could achieve this precise ''precognition.'' But no one could clear the first floor thousands of times; it''s a floor the top adventurers dismiss, and more energy should be spent on higher floors."


    "Ten thousand adventurers passing the first floor isn''t as significant as one adventurer who has cleared thirty floors in the uing war against the Demon Lord''s Army."


    Dawen''s expression gradually became severe, his voice also carrying a trace of faint respect:


    "I don''t know how he summarized the behavior logic of ck Magic Dogs, but it must have taken a great deal of time and effort. In other words, this attackers'' live stream was prepared for neers who have not yet entered the first floor, though it does not help the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team''s upper-level strategies, they still did it."


    "Such a person is not smart, but he deserves my high regard."


    As Dawen carefully analyzed, the adventurers in the hall fell into silence from their initial excitement.


    They spent so much time and effort just to help beginners who hadn''t entered the first floor?


    Had they invested the same effort in higher floors and set the live stream as a paid entry, the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team would be making a fortune.


    Yet they did not do so.


    A free,pletely beginner-focused, nanny-level strategy live stream.


    In an environment where everyone is vying to reach the summit andpeting against each other, the approach of the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team was like a breath of fresh air.


    As Dawen said:


    This strategy might not be clever, but it deserves respect.


    Many adventurers couldn''t help but hold them in high esteem, their expressions solemn as they looked towards the young man on the screen.


    ...


    Read exclusive chapters at mvl


    "Lord Captain, thedybug seems like it''s going to die, there are so many suggestions!"


    Monica nervously gripped thedybug, shouting from behind.


    The white standard suggestions covered thedybug''s belly, and anotherdybug was dizzy from the golden suggestions.


    At a nce, it was a dense sea of text.


    "Eye of Wisdom, please ept my apology, I actually thought you were after the empire''s subsidy of 10 gold coins, damn it!"


    "From now on, even if everyone calls you the Ultimate Pervert, you are still the best adventurer in my heart! Tomorrow, I''m heading to the first floor of the World Tree, this strategy live stream, I, Jack, am fixed on it!"


    "Big shot, please exin, exactly how did you predict it? Could I kill the ck Magic Dog without getting injured just like you?"


    "Pfft, it''s no big deal, anyone can beat a Magical Creature like a ck Magic Dog with just fighting instinct, right?"


    Among the many friendly suggestions, there were also a few discordant ones.


    Kafni, seeing that sour suggestion, puzzled in her heart, the tone of that speech, didn''t it sound a bit like a certain red-haired youngdy?


    "Everyone, don''t rush, I will start breaking down the movements immediately. If you learn attentively, everyone can kill the ck Magic Dog without getting injured."


    Linda had cleared the surrounding ck Magic Dogs, finally giving him time to look at the sensordybug.


    There were so many suggestions it was dizzying.


    Thirty percent were various praises, the rest were mostly requests for him to start teaching.


    As Dawen had said, Linda didn''t predict the future.


    He judged based on the ck Magic Dog''s specific pre-attack movements, changes in barking, and the distance and positioning between the adventurer and the ck Magic Dog, predicting which skill the Magical Creature would use.


    The ck Magic Dog had just four moves: Normal Attack, Bite, Fierce Headbutt, and Frenzied Pursuit.


    All these skills had precursory movements, giving adventurers time to react.


    This was the game developers'' mercy to adventurers.


    Of course, if the level was high, there was no need for a strategy to pass.


    Linda''s strategy was mainly for those with lesser ability and those with good talent, who, due to their first time entering the World Tree, were too nervous to perform.


    He found a lone ck Magic Dog, exining as hemenced the battle.


    "We can judge its next move by the sound of the ck Magic Dog''s howl and the movement and distance of its limbs."


    "Now I am in front of it. Watch closely¡ª if it lowers its body, it''s about to pounce from above with a bite. Just dodge to the left."


    "If the ck Magic Dog backs away, it''s initiating a Frenzied Pursuit, focus on defending the front then."


    "When the ck Magic Dog moves its forelimbs, it willunch a Fierce Headbutt."


    "Conversely, if it doesn''t move, you can try taking a small step forward to enter the next cycle, observing its sound and movements."


    This includes many details.


    It''s hard to remember all at once.


    But Linda hadpiled thick sheets of strategy paper, ced in front of the sensordybugs, for all adventurers to copy.


    The attack patterns of the ck Magic Dog were just a few sets.


    Once familiar, even if one couldn''t perform as fluidly as he did, passing the first level with minor injuries was still very feasible.


    The hall of the Adventurer''s Guild was silent.


    Only the rustling sound of paper and pen could be heard.


    Elf Finy was thoroughly convinced.


    Even though he had already crossed the first level, he was still astounded by the strategy.


    If he had entered the first levelter, his teammate wouldn''t have suffered a crushed shoulder from the ck Magic Dog.


    The adventurers who had not entered the World Tree were ultimately in the minority.


    Finy couldn''t help but think: it would be great if there were detailed strategies for the second and third levels.


    At that moment, as if reading his mind, Linda said, "There will also be detailed strategies for the second and third levelster. After everyone reads them, you should gain something."


    As soon as he said this, the silent hall erupted into an uproar once again.


    Finy doubted his ears; were there such ridiculously detailed strategies for the second and third levels as well?


    The magical creatures on the first level are at level 5, while the second and third levels range from 6-9.


    This level range matched thergest batch of adventurers.


    Nearly eighty percent of the people in the hall were between levels 6-9.


    That meant Linda''s strategies would benefit thergest group of adventurers among them.


    They were poor, living precariously, constantly facing the risk of teammates being injured or killed.


    Talented and well-off adventurers might not need such lower-level strategies.


    But for the poor and less capable adventurers, this strategy guide was nothing short of a lifesaver, greatly improving their chances of survival.


    The benefits were substantial and real.


    The most important point... it was all free.


    This incredibly detailed strategy guide was avable to any adventurer without charge.


    With his voice quivering with excitement, Finy shouted: "Linda is awesome!"


    "Eye of Wisdom is awesome!"


    "Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team will achieve great things!"


    "I think Linda should be called the ''Eye of True Knowledge''. ''Eye of Wisdom'' was his nickname during the Snow Goose Era."


    "Eye of True Knowledge, Linda!"


    For a moment, the hall was a thunderous maelstrom of shouts.


    This spectacle made Snow Goose''s members a bit panicked.


    Aiko waspletely stunned.


    Shouldn''t I be the only one who knew how formidable Linda was?


    Now that you all know, isn''t my advantage of being prescient gone?


    Oru was exhrated as he suggested, "How about we all propose to let the captain bring Linda back? That Phyllis, just doesn''t cut it."


    "Impossible, he already has his own team," Aiko sighed.


    As the only one who had witnessed the harmonious atmosphere of the Phoenix Tail Flower, she dared to say, even a million gold coins wouldn''t bring him back.


    With Linda''s reputation as the ''Eye of True Knowledge'' established, regardless of why the Snow Goose Adventure Team had driven Linda away,


    at that moment, their noses might as well have turned into bright red balls.


    Standing before the strategy broadcast station, Aiko and her group becameplete clowns amidst the tumultuous shouting.


    Even though the main reason for Linda leaving the team was rted to Lia, none of them had truly tried to keep him.


    If there were any attempts, they were mere words and no real actions were taken.


    Perhaps subconsciously, they all sided with Lia: a level 15 Healer Linda just wasn''t good enough.


    Recing him with a level 20, graduate from a prestigious college like Phyllis, would supposedly improve the team.


    Deep down, all team members harbored such thoughts.


    If they truly considered Linda indispensable, they would have sought him out together the day before Linda was to sign his departure agreement with Lia.


    In reality, none of them took action.


    Even Aiko, who outwardly cared the most about Linda, only felt a twinge of unease after Linda had signed his departure agreement.

 Chapter 117: 110, Hidden Magical Creatures Appear, Metal Destroyer Achieves Merit

    Until today, they had seen Lin Da''spletely unreserved live attacker status.


    Only whenparing it to Phyllis''s poormand on the 11th floor did they suddenly realize.


    Who is the real pir of support for the Snow Goose Adventure Team!


    At this moment, the few of them still couldn''t exin to everyone that Lin Da''s departure had nothing to do with them.


    It would turn into "You''re saying you want to exin and redeem yourselves only after seeing Lin Da''s excellence? What were you doing earlier?"


    The more they exined, the more they looked like a joke!


    Oru and Klyne, this couple awkwardly lowered their heads. They kept saying they cared about Lin Da, but they did nothing, merely sighing: It would have been better if Lin Da hadn''t left.


    Klrona didn''t quite understand.


    This pink twin-tailed loli had always thought Lin Da''s departure was temporary. It was only a few days ago, upon seeing Lin Da''s new members, that she realized Lin Da would not be returning.


    It was like a child seeing their beloved father leave home, and in a blink, having several new women, with new children. The old child was no longer of any concern to him.


    Klrona felt like a dusty little stone by the roadside, no longer getting any attention.


    She hung her head low, no longer interested in her lollipop.


    But the hardest to bear was Aiko.


    As the team leader, Aiko helplessly endured the gloating looks.


    She hated that Lia wasn''t there.


    It was that powder keg who had driven Lin Da away.


    Yet she ended up ying the fool for Lia.


    Lin Da''s departure, even if rted to her... was just a tiny bit!


    Wasn''t it just asking Lin Da to help with massages every day, enjoying the gourmet food Lin Da cooked, and the strategies Lin Da made? But did they act blind?


    Klrona, Oru... everyone was the same!


    Compared to them, she was the one who hurt Lin Da the least.


    So, I shouldn''t be the joke.


    Aiko looked indignantly at Klrona and the others.


    Especially Klrona ¡ª the night Lin Da left, she had been dragged by Klrona to y a few games, causing her cucumber beauty treatment to be dyed by half an hour.


    If it weren''t for Klrona, she could havepleted her beauty routine on time and had the chance to stop Lin Da and ask where he was going in the middle of the night.


    At that time, a tearful plea for him to stay might have made a difference.


    If Lin Da hadn''t left, with the birth of this strategy, Snow Goose would have propelled its prestige to a whole new level.


    Doubtlessly, Lin Da, hiding his identity as the Primal Team Leader, would have taken them to the higher ranks.


    Bing the strongest adventure team in White Dove City, and even advancing to the Royal Capital, was highly likely.


    If only she had retained Lin Da then...


    Aiko bit her lip, her face devoid of any color.


    So, you mean to tell me, there was a chance in front of me to turn the tides, and I missed it because of cucumbers?!


    Cucumbers... damn it!


    As Aiko considered cucumbers her arch nemesis inwardly,


    Lin Da and his group had already reached the end of the Arid Corridor.


    ...


    Lin Da suddenly stopped.


    He found a vine in the canyon, lifted it, revealing a narrow passage.


    "You know about this ce too?" Dawen raised his eyebrows in surprise from the second floor of the hall.


    Behind the vine, there was a hidden cabin.


    Next to the cabin was a well, whose magic spring water could replenish an adventurer''s Battle Qi and magic power.


    But Lin Da''s goal was not the well.


    In game settings, the well could only produce a handful of magic spring water, which most people would drink, rest up, and then leave.


    The real hidden spot was actually inside the nearby cabin.


    Lin Da had Kafni hold the spring water and led the way, opening the cabin door.


    Finding the right spot, he knocked on the ground seven times.


    Three long and four short.


    Everyone was confused, wondering what he was doing.


    Dawen and Jite didn''t understand either.


    Buzzing...


    About a minuteter, the spot Lin Da had knocked on began to vibrate and gradually swelled into a mound of earth.


    A pangolin as big as a calf leaped out from the mound!


    Speaking humannguage, the pangolin said, "Kind adventurers, there''s magic spring water in the well outside. Can you draw the water and feed it to this thirsty old pangolin grandfather?"


    Everyone, including Dawen, was stunned.


    There was a magical being inside the cabin?


    Normal people, after drinking the spring water, cooled off in the cabin for a while and then resumed their journey.


    Who would knock the ground seven times, especially in a three long, four short pattern?


    Read exclusive chapters at mvl


    Even if someone identally got it right, it would take over a minute for the pangolin to emerge.


    By that time, the magic spring water would have been drunk by the adventurers.


    The condition to summon the pangolin was incredibly harsh. It was as if it was deliberately making it difficult for adventurers to discover!


    Dawen cursed inwardly.


    After finishing his cursing, he became curious again.


    The Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team still had the spring water held by Kafni, unused.


    What would happen if they fed the pangolin the spring water?


    Dawen asked for a can of wheat beer from the waiter and watched with interest.


    What secret was hidden inside the cabin?


    Not just Dawen was curious.


    Jite, Isa, Aiko, and the others were as well.


    Including a girl in a ck robe, whose red hair was concealed under a hood.


    The girl''s heart was a mix of emotions.


    A rich bitterness and sourness overflowed in her mouth.


    No one there wanted Lin Da''s live strategy session to fail more than she did.


    "Why didn''t you bring everyone inside when you were with Snow Goose?"


    "In your heart, were we not there from the start?"


    "Am I not as good as that Kafni?"


    The hooded girl clenched her fists, feeling a bit devastated.


    ...


    Sparrow District, Adventurer''s Guild hall.


    The live broadcasting station here only had one huge hanging screen, unlike in the Inner City District, which had three, allowing adventurers to watch from any angle.

 Chapter 118: 110, Hidden Magical Creatures Appear, Metal Destroyer Achieves Merit - Part 2

    The people in the hall were far more numerous than those in the Inner City District.


    The impoverished Sparrow District was home to thergest number of bottom-tier adventurers.


    Lulu had arrived early.


    She wore a hood, blending into the crowd, hands in her pockets, staring nkly at the huge screen.


    When the screen lit up and the figures of Lin Da and hispanions appeared, a ripple of excitement stirred in her otherwise calm heart.


    From the strategy discussion of the ck Magic Dog, to the exnation, and then the announcement that the uing floors'' strategies would be simrly detailed and freely shared with all adventurers...


    Lulu took all this in, her expression softening unconsciously.


    These days, she often found herself recalling that evening of the White Thanksgiving. Was Lin Da, who had assured her with a resolute expression and yet tender gaze that he would take her to the top of the World Tree, putting on an act?


    The recent events in her life felt like a beautiful dream within a bubble. Lulu, who had be ustomed to hardship and had epted her miserable fate over thest three years, felt afraid.


    As the Catastrophe Girl who had hit rock bottom, there was hardly any light in Lulu''s life until Lin Da reached out to her once again.


    Lulu tried climbing back up, but if that hand were to let go halfway, she would fall back to the bottom of the valley with a hard crash.


    The pain from such an abrupt fall would surely cause her to copse!


    At this moment, seeing Lin Da earnestly exining the strategy to the lower-tier adventurers on the screen, Lulu was certain that this Primordial team captain had indeed changed.


    Towards the former team captain, Lulu had felt a mix of reverence and resentment, but now facing Lin Da, she experienced a strange wave of emotion.


    Lin Da''s image shed through her mind asionally, and whenever she heard something about him, she couldn''t help but pay attention.


    The adventurers in the hall excitedly chanted Lin Da''s name, their gazes full of respect directed toward the floating screen.


    The corners of Lulu''s lips curled up without her noticing.


    Standing still with her hands in her pockets, she did nothing, yet she was perhaps the most ted person present.


    She, too, was a member of the Phoenix Tail Flower Adventure Team.


    "Looks like there''s no need to worry anymore," Lulu murmured to herself, lifting her head to look at the dome of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    In the eyes of the Beastwoman girl shed an indiscernible color.


    With a single motion, Lulu had already disappeared from the hall.


    ...


    "What? Jite wants me to watch a live feed of an Apprentice Level adventure team? Has she lost her mind?"


    A blond young man with a monocle was flirting with a healthily built Bunny Girl in the tavern.


    Swirling the crimson liquid in his wine ss, he shook his head disdainfully and said, "You can go back. Tell Jite I''m busy with something important!"


    "Mr. Gale, Miss Jite''s exact words were: ''Tell that bastard Gale who''s always messing around with women to get his ass over here immediately, or I''ll w him into shape myself,''" said a bald adventurer, tasked with delivering the message, as he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and nervously nced at the blond young man in the ck tailcoat.


    Gale the Observer.


    Themander of the White Dove Adventure Group, a Star-ranked adventurer with a special ability to scout the aura of Magical Creatures, hence the nickname Observer.


    Such a Big Shot was not someone a minor adventurer like Baldy could afford to offend!


    Baldy imitated Jite''s rough tone vividly but, fearful of Gale''s wrath, he stood there nervous and tense.


    Fortunately, Gale was understanding and did not make things difficult for him.


    "What can I do, maybe Jite has a thing for me?" Gale arrogantly tossed his smooth blond hair, kissed the Bunny Girl on her cheek, and leaving behind a Purple Gold Coin worth 100 Gold Coins, said nonchntly:


    "My dear, let''s continue this battleter tonight. I have to go on a date with Jite, otherwise she''ll get jealous."


    "Mr. Gale, I''ll be waiting for you~" The Bunny Girl''s eyes lit up at the sight of the Purple Gold Coin.


    A whileter, Gale arrived at the Adventurer''s Hall.


    "Jite, you missed me after just a few hours? Oh? It seems the Thunder Swordmaster Dawen is also here; I am truly sorry for my rudeness."


    Gale greeted them both, only to realize they didn''t even pay him any mind.


    Jite, her eyes fixed on the screen below, said, "You im to know everything. How did you miss the hidden trial on the first floor?"


    "Hidden? You mean that little cabin?" Gale chuckled and said, "Didn''t I take you there already?"


    "No, it''s not a little cottage," Jite squinted his eyes, "A brand new, hidden trial that we don''t know about."


    A heated discussion erupted in the hall:


    "Gosh, what kind of magical creature is that, howe I''ve never seen it before?"


    "Although it''s small, it seems pretty powerful! Can Phoenix Tail Flower handle it?"


    "That metallic skin looks so slick, it''s hard to hit."


    The noise was unbearable, like a bustling discount market. Explore stories at mvl


    Gale was struck with a thought, wondering, why were there so many people in the hall?


    The live coverage of the first three levels usually drew a sparse crowd of about a dozen people, which was quite a lot.


    Looking down from the second floor, the ce was packed with at least a thousand people.


    "A hidden trial on the first level with an unheard-of magical creature? How is that possible, the first level has been trampled over by adventurers, they''re so familiar with it that they might as well know the number of freckles on a Bunny Girl''s butt," said Gale.


    Gale turned his gaze to the screen.


    The sensordybug flew in the sky, giving a top-down view.


    One could see a male and two female adventurers enveloping a silvery globe the size of a bucket.


    Not long ago, the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team exchanged magic spring water for the pangolin''s treasure bead, and with the bead, they activated the teleportation array to enter the first level''s hidden trial!


    It was clear to Gale at a nce, that globe was Slime, the mostmon type of magical creature.


    There were many kinds of Slimes, like Fire Slime, Thunder Slime, Rock Slime... and so on.


    But he had never heard of a metal form of Slime.


    Gale''s interest was piqued, and he joked, "For an apprentice level adventure team, discovering a new kind of low-level magical creature is indeed quite good. But it''s not enough to call me, a Star-ranked adventurer, over, right? My time is precious, every minute should be spent on lovely girls."


    "Gale, shut up. Take a good look, that''s no low-level magical creature."


    Jite punched Gale irritably, causing Gale to cup his waist in pain, his eyes bulging out, nearly losing half his life.


    "Slime, and it''s not a low-level magical creature?" Gale grimaced but didn''t dare to retaliate.


    Dawen said, "I''m afraid, it may not even be considered a high-level magical creature, but a unique one that doesn''t exist in reality, exclusive to the World Tree Secret Realm."


    "A special magical creature?" Gale rubbed his waist, steadied his mind, and looked at the screen again.


    This time, he noticed what was abnormal.


    No matter how the members of the Phoenix Tail Flower adventure team attacked, they were dodged by the Metal Slime''s smooth surface.


    Both sword and magic alike, everything slid off to the side, without harming the Metal Slime in the slightest!


    Lin Da''s voice came from the screen: "You all have seen the characteristics of this Metal Slime, even when my team member Monica, who has reached level 15, attacked it, the hit rate was zero percent. And the level of this Metal Slime is only 10, lower than Monica''s."


    To dodge spells from a level 15 adventurer?


    Gale''s expression turned serious, finally realizing why Jite had summoned him.


    Killing this special hidden magical creature would undoubtedlye with a reward from the World Tree Goddess.


    The Metal Slime was level 10, yet it appeared on the first level with an average level of 5.


    Clearly, it was not meant to be hunted by clueless novices.


    Gale considered himself omniscient within the first 20 levels of the Mystic Realm, and this unheard-of new magical creature fired up his strong desire for knowledge.


    What would he get by killing this Metal Slime?


    How should he kill it?


    He couldn''t let it get away at all costs.


    A name of an item flickered through Gale''s mind.


    With that, he should be able to kill the Metal Slime.


    The only problem was, such an item wasn''t something anyone would go out of their way to collect.


    "Last month, the White Dove Adventure Group exploded one of those bottles, that worthless trash was thrown away by me directly. A Gold Coin wouldn''t even insult White Dove Adventure Group," he thought.


    Now, Gale felt a slight regret.


    The item he had discarded was none other than the Metal Destroyer.


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