But to conceal his tracks, Li Zhonglou could only feign indifference, pretending not to understand.
"So, according to you, this divine realm is the extreme enhancement mentioned earlier?"
Dagan shook his head. "No, those are two different matters. Extreme enhancement will be handled by our specialists."
Li Zhonglou wanted to ask more, but Su Qi reminded him, "Brother Lou Chong, you should first think about how to pass the trial mission."
Li Zhonglou fell silent.
As they were talking, he had almost forgotten that they were just discussing hypothetical benefits.
"Then you should tell me about my mission first. It's too early to talk about these things now."
Li Zhonglou looked at Dagan with anticipation. Su Qi and Tian You exchanged knowing smiles. See, wasn't he right? After hearing about the benefits, very few people could refuse them!
In fact, it wasn't just for Li Zhonglou; Dagan's conditions were hard for anyone with selfish desires to resist.
His first and third points provided strength, while the second addressed the most important aspect of society: money. For most people, what were they working hard for their entire lives if not for these two things?
If one could possess both, then other things like love and friendship would be within easy reach!
However, there was no such thing as a free lunch. To gain something, one often had to pay an equal price!
Therefore, despite his anticipation, Li Zhonglou maintained his composure.
His anticipation stemmed from the fact that this determined his future plans, while his composure came from the understanding that no matter how good the organization's benefits were, they were still his enemies.
Dagan was not one for idle chatter and got straight to the point. "Your mission wasn't set by me alone. It was decided by a meeting of higher-ups. You need to understand this first."
Dagan probably said this fearing Li Zhonglou might develop a prejudice against him because of the previous incident. However, for Li Zhonglou, that wasn't the case at all. Dagan continued, "The mission they've assigned you isn't difficult. You just need to bring back one item."
Li Zhonglou remained silent.
"Xing Shi, Elder Tie's personal weapon from his early years."
Xing Shi? Li Zhonglou was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted, shaking his head. "My master never mentioned anything about this."
The two beside him also looked bewildered.
Dagan laughed heartily. "If you knew about it, that would be abnormal. Not many people knew about Xing Shi back then. Elder Tie probably hid it away long ago."
Damn, it really was full of traps everywhere.
If he had arrogantly boasted earlier, he might have been done for!
So, it was better to be honest!
Li Zhonglou chuckled. "That must have been ages ago. Where am I supposed to find it for you?"
Dagan smiled and stated directly, "You don't need to worry about that. We've investigated. Although Elder Tie hasn't used it again, this item holds great value and significance for him. It must still be in his possession."
Li Zhonglou's brows furrowed immediately. "If it's something so significant, even if I obtained it, how could I give it to you? Wouldn't that cut off my own retreat?"
"You can rest assured about that, Mr. Lou Chong. We only need about three days, and we'll return it completely intact."
"Then what do you need it for?"
"Mr. Lou Chong, I apologize, but I cannot explain that. It's a matter for the organization's higher-ups. To be honest, I only have some guesses and cannot confirm."
If they couldn't say, then they couldn't say. Li Zhonglou didn't press further, instead adopting a pensive expression.
While the mission was said to be simple, a moment of thought revealed the immense risk involved.
Handing over something Elder Tie valued for three days was enough to make anyone rack their brains for excuses! Not to mention how to obtain this item from Elder Tie.
If it were something generally known, it would be easier. But now, even the seasoned veterans like Su Qi were clearly unaware of it. Who knew if there would be other hidden circumstances?
Moreover, the purpose of this mission was quite clear. Taking it for three days was likely just temporary safekeeping. The real goal was to test his status and planning!
However, what appeared as contemplation was merely Li Zhonglou's act. If this mission were for a real person, it would indeed be tricky. But for him, it was at most a bit troublesome.
So, after just a minute, Li Zhonglou nodded with determination. "Alright, I'll try my best!"
Dagan's face immediately lit up with a happy and kind smile.
"Mr. Lou Chong, once you truly join the organization, you will never regret it. And at that time, you will realize how correct your choice today was!"
Li Zhonglou could only chuckle.
The strength of this captain named Dagan was still unclear. Su Qi and Tian You were both at the third level of cultivation. He was just an ordinary person, surrounded by these three experts. Did he have any other choice?
At this moment, Su Qi leaned in and put an arm around his shoulder. "Brother Lou Chong, it seems we'll soon be comrades."
"Can you delete the video now?"
"Cough!"
Su Qi awkwardly stepped aside. Tian You smiled and said, "Brother Lou Chong, the video just now was merely a safeguard. The real ones are still to come."
A sense of unease suddenly arose in Li Zhonglou. Su Qi looked at Dagan and spoke, "Captain, stop playing coy. Just explain it quickly. I don't believe Brother Lou Chong doesn't have other safeguard missions. Both Tian You and I had three each back then."
Li Zhonglou immediately asked, "What are safeguard missions? Wasn't it just one mission? Are you lying to me again?"
Li Zhonglou's voice gradually increased. Anyone with discerning eyes could see his dissatisfaction. Yet, Su Qi still said, "Brother Lou Chong, don't get agitated. It's like this for everyone. You know the organization's status; this can also be considered a pledge of allegiance."
It was only then that Dagan, standing beside them, spoke.
"No, Mr. Lou Chong does not need safeguard missions. This was specifically instructed by the upper echelon."
At this statement, all three were taken aback.
Su Qi and the other looked at each other with evident confusion. "Why?"
Dagan shook his head. "I don't know either. It's just the will of the higher-ups. If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have said anything."
"Uh."
The two exchanged glances, and suddenly their expressions became complex.
Envy? Jealousy? Or perhaps resentment, or a mixture of all.
Li Zhonglou, however, did not show much happiness, only nodding faintly.
Seeing this, Su Qi thought he was unappreciative of his good fortune and couldn't help but shake his head.
The matter of joining the organization was thus decided. Afterwards, Su Qi and Tian You conversed with Dagan.
It wasn't any great secret, just some recent plans. It was through this that Li Zhonglou learned that this guy would be his direct superior in the future, unlike other new members who were managed by their superiors.