In a world where power determines who prevails, maintaining a good relationship with such a genius is crucial. This led every major family in the Capital to send emissaries requesting an audience with him, but the Guild Master rejected them.
Another day passed, and a large crowd stood patiently in front of the Guild Master’s office, waiting for their turn. Everyone in the queue seemed to know what answer they would receive, yet the families continued sending people daily, hoping for different news one day.
Seeing the queue, Yan Xiaobao strode forward steadily with measured steps. His skin still showed a faint golden hue from the heavy strike he’d endured from Wu Wei, his head held high, his blue eyes sparkling with intelligence, and his white hair neatly tied at the top of his head.
Anyone who looked at this young man couldn’t help but feel astonished at his genuine youth. His aura undoubtedly seemed to be that of a master-level cultivator. Yet, the golden hue surrounding his body made him appear like an angel sent to the Mortal World.
Truthfully, the golden hue was the residue left by Wu Wei’s energy embedded in his body – notably in his skin. It would dissipate gradually, but until it did, Yan Xiaobao stood out like a golden boy, radiating brilliance.
As Yan Xiaobao entered the hall of the Mercenary Guild, every gaze was drawn to the white-haired youth making his steady way toward Xu Biao’s office.
Though he tried to completely ignore the many people waiting in line, he couldn’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable under their stares. It was clear that he was the reason everyone was here, and it seemed as if each person was contemplating whether to approach him. Despite his efforts to ignore them, their gazes unsettled him.
To avoid any awkward situations or uncomfortable conversations, Yan Xiaobao quickly made his way to the office, knocking briskly on the door before entering without waiting for a response.
Upon entering the room, Yan Xiaobao finally let out a sigh of relief, though he stiffened seeing Xu Biao standing around a round table with four other individuals. He had never seen these four men before.
"Uh, sorry," Yan Xiaobao said as he glanced at the group of men before him. "Please forgive my intrusion." He continued, walking toward a window before deftly jumping out of it. He landed in the main courtyard behind the Mercenary Guild, leaving five stunned men staring at the window that had just served as his escape route.
"Is this the privilege of young Yan Xiaobao?" one of the men suddenly asked, his head slightly throbbing as he massaged his temples. Xu Biao responded with a wry smile and a nod. The young man had appeared at the most opportune moment.
"That young man is undoubtedly a master," another man remarked. "Even if he’s trying to hide it, the clues would naturally give it away to us cultivators. However, nothing emanates from him directly. Therefore, he must either be a Holy Name Expert or possess some other means to access Wu Wei’s power."
The comment immediately sparked a lengthy discussion among the four men. They debated whether Yan Xiaobao could be a Holy Name Expert or if he possessed some legendary artifact allowing him to utilize Wu Wei’s power despite his seemingly low cultivation level.
Soon, greed flickered in their eyes as they speculated what kind of legendary artifact could grant someone mastery over Wu Wei’s energy despite his apparent youth. But before they could act on any selfish thoughts, Xu Biao slammed his fist onto the table, silencing all conversation.
"Let me remind you of something," Xu Biao said coldly, his icy tone eliciting involuntary shivers from the four men. "Yan Xiaobao is a member of my Mercenary Guild. You hold the position of elders here. Do you truly intend to harm one of our own members?"
"Yan Xiaobao is not only a member of the Mercenary Association but is currently on a mission for the Dragon Army. Do you dare instigate a conflict with them?" As soon as these words left his lips, the faces of the four men turned from sullen to pale, then from pale to outright fearful.
"Yan Xiaobao is our ally. If we work with him rather than exploit him, we stand to gain the most. I will accompany him to the Central Cave and the Dragon Core, assisting him in completing the task he has undertaken. In the meantime, appoint someone as the interim Guild Master. I don’t mind. The only person I will take with me is Xie Lan."
After speaking, Xu Biao didn’t wait for any replies. He moved to the window and waved his hand, his gaze falling upon the young white-haired man below, who sat against the wall with his eyes closed.
Although Yan Xiaobao’s eyes were closed, Xu Biao was entirely certain he had overheard everything that had been said. A subtle smile formed on the Guild Master’s face as he shook his head slightly.
"Eavesdropping is quite unbecoming," Xu Biao said cheerfully as he extended an arm, gesturing toward the friend outside the window to assist him. His amicable demeanor softened into a gentle expression on the young man’s face.
"Thank you for standing up for me," Yan Xiaobao said with a faint smile as he glanced around to ensure no one was nearby. Assured of their privacy, he accepted Xu Biao’s outstretched hand, allowing the older man to help him into the room.
Seated in the room together, the two men didn’t exchange any words. Instead, they simply sat in silence, observing their surroundings and letting out occasional sighs. Both felt an unprecedented sense of calm shared between them.