The boss glanced at Li Chonglou with some surprise.
Although the words were somewhat vague, he could still understand the meaning. He was surprised that Li Chonglou’s state of mind was so perceptive, realizing the team’s biggest hidden danger as soon as he arrived.
“You’ve been on many missions outside, haven’t you, kid?”
Li Chonglou smiled and said, “Occasionally.”
Unfixed members meant temporary personnel, so those recruited would definitely be sent on dangerous missions frequently.
If the team members had good character, they might genuinely need help somewhere. But if it were a team with ulterior motives, you, acting foolishly, could become cannon fodder for others in minutes!
This wasn’t paranoia, but real human nature!
Li Chonglou had been out for a long time and understood this point.
The boss, realizing Li Chonglou’s true intentions, couldn’t help but get straight to the point: “It seems you’ve set your sights on me, but aren’t you afraid I’m that kind of person?”
Li Chonglou smiled, “I am afraid, of course, but there has to be a beginning. However, I also believe that seniors wouldn’t do such things. In this world, having one more friend is always good.”
The boss became interested and retorted, “What’s your current strength?”
Strength
This question put him in a difficult position. If he truly said he was only at the third layer, he would likely be looked down upon.
Those who could enter were generally at the fifth layer. The fourth layer was still somewhat acceptable, as the third layer was a significant barrier. Only those who could break through it among experienced cultivators could be considered to have some talent.
Relatively speaking, they could be of some help.
If he really said he was only at the third layer, Li Chonglou estimated that the boss’s next sentence would be to ask him to leave.
Therefore, Li Chonglou decided to tell a lie that wasn't entirely a lie.
“Fifth layer.”
“Fifth layer? That’s a bit low.”
The boss stroked his chin. Li Chonglou inwardly thought, “As expected.” It was fortunate he said the fifth layer; if he had said the third, there would truly be no hope.
The reason it was a lie that wasn't entirely a lie was that although his aura was currently at the third layer, in terms of actual combat power, Li Chonglou believed that with his脉潜 (pulse potential), he could handle ordinary fifth-layer experts without problems.
Of course, this was assuming he utilized the energy of Old Lin and the others.
However, just dealing with the fifth layer would consume relatively less energy, a consumption he could still manage.
To be precise, Old Lin and the others could still manage.
The boss then said, “But aren’t you really afraid that I’ll also set a trap for you?”
This was a reminder, and Li Chonglou understood the boss’s meaning, immediately saying, “Please speak frankly, senior. If I am truly trapped, I can only blame myself for being careless, not anyone else.”
The boss smiled, “Having your words is enough.”
What he wanted was a guarantee. After all, it was just an introduction; no one dared to guarantee that someone wouldn't stab him in the back. If Li Chonglou had shown even a trace of hesitation, he would have refused outright.
He didn’t want to introduce a team out of good intentions only to bring trouble upon himself later, with the blame falling on him.
Thus, Li Chonglou learned of a team called the "Little Knife Team" from the boss.
According to the boss, although this team hadn't been around as long as the Rabbit Team, it was founded by some of his old friends, and their track record was decent. Recently, they had their sights set on a mission to clear mutated beasts and were in urgent need of manpower.
Subsequently, perhaps due to this reason, the boss took the initiative to explain more about the teams.
First and foremost were the general conditions of the teams in the underground world.
There were five most famous teams, varying in numbers, with strength that almost exclusively consisted of top experts. The minimum entry requirement was the seventh layer.
Then came the second tier, with ten teams ranked at the forefront, also known as the "Sub-Kings Teams." The boss didn’t elaborate on their names or characteristics, only mentioning that their information could be viewed in the camp’s plaza.
Below the Sub-Kings Teams were the other ordinary teams, some of which were old-established, but more were newly formed, like the Rabbit Team and the Little Knife Team that the boss introduced.
In other words, the teams in the underground world were divided into three tiers. To move up, besides cultivation realm, strength and abilities were also key.
They talked for a long time. Although most of what the boss said was basic information, it was a great help to Li Chonglou. After all, he was a newcomer, and this was like having a guide.
The conversation ended when other people came to the boss’s stall to buy things.
After exchanging contact information, Li Chonglou politely left, not wanting to disturb him further.
Meanwhile, on the other side, at the camp’s rented accommodations.
The camp was generally divided into three areas: official, market, and missions. The remaining were these rented accommodations.
To stay in the underground world for an extended period, there were two main options: one was to find a safe place outside to establish one’s own base. While this carried a certain risk, the benefits were that it was free and offered freedom.
The other option was to move into the camp’s rented accommodations.
Although a fee had to be paid to the camp here, it was guaranteed by the camp’s presence, ensuring absolute safety. Even if one had enemies, they wouldn't dare to act here.
The Rabbit Team, not being strong enough, could only afford to spend a certain amount of money each month, renting a small house here long-term as their base for supplies and rest.
This fee was paid by everyone who had a place there each month, and the rent was naturally non-refundable. Therefore, even though the few of them were in dire straits, they still had a place here.
The camp’s rental area was not a villa district. On the contrary, it was more like dormitories outside. In a building spanning several hundred square meters, each room basically served as a base for a team.
At this time, on the second floor of the rented accommodations, in one of the rented rooms, the four people who had borrowed blood crystals from Li Chonglou were gathered around a bed.
“Xiao Xiu, quickly eat this Green Pill. It will help stabilize you for now.”
A woman lay on the bed, her face pale, her age indiscernible.
This woman, called Xiao Xiu, did not immediately take the Green Pill. Instead, she looked towards the oldest man with a weak voice.
“Brother Qiang, hasn’t the captain returned yet?”
Wu Qiang shook his head, “Xiao Xiu, don’t worry about the captain. He’ll definitely be fine. The most important thing now is for you to stabilize your injuries, and then we’ll find a way to complete the mission.”
Xiao Xiu then shifted her gaze to the green pill.
“Brother Qiang, is this the Green Pill?”
“Yes, we managed to find it with great difficulty. It will definitely be effective for your injuries.”
“But as far as I know, the cheapest Green Pill costs at least sixty blood crystals. Where did you get so many blood crystals?”
At this point, the young man spoke, “Sister Xiu, we bought it at a stall, and it was much cheaper, only forty blood crystals.”