Xiao Man watched the meatballs bobbing in the pot, her tone steady, betraying no hint of abnormality. "The parents I raised with my own hands were killed by the child I raised, and my father was murdered by the master I respected."
Ze Fang looked at Xiao Man in surprise. Ever since he had known her, Xiao Man had always felt as warm as sunshine, like an uncarved jade that drew one's gaze. Yet, he had never imagined that such a sunny and warm Xiao Man would have experienced so much hardship and tribulation.
"How could you..." Ze Fang wanted to ask, 'Then how can you still smile?' But he immediately thought, 'If I don't smile, should I cry?' He quickly changed his words, "Are they cooked yet? I can't wait to taste your meatballs; they must be delicious."
"Almost. Once they float, they're done." Xiao Man watched as the meatballs surfaced one by one. She took a bowl, deftly scooped a portion for Ze Fang, and handed it to him.
Ze Fang inhaled the aroma and eagerly scooped a meatball into his mouth. It was so hot that he kept puffing on it, yet unwilling to spit it out, looking quite comical. Xiao Man couldn't help but chuckle.
"Be careful, don't burn yourself. After you finish eating, I need to go to Wuji City."
"There are still some days until the Seven Great Sects recruit disciples. Are you returning to Wuji City? Won't you take Xiang Jian and the others with you?"
"No, I'm going to find someone."
This was not Ze Fang's first time in Wuji City. Wuji City was known for its location.
Wuji City was the guardian of the Land of No Law and the sentinel of the Roland Mountains. Unless one was an extraordinarily powerful being, crossing the Roland Mountains was impossible. Everyone else had to enter the Roland Mountains through Wuji City. Otherwise, entering from another side might lead them into the domain of some ancient demonic beasts, costing them their lives.
"This noodle shop is quite tasty. Eat a bowl of noodles here and wait for me for a moment. I'll be back soon after I've taken care of some business." Xiao Man told Ze Fang to wait for her at a noodle stall. She then proceeded to take all the missions from the mission board, drawing surprised glances from many.
When Xiao Man left Wuji City, she had memorized all the tasks on the mission board. Entering the Roland Mountains, besides gaining experience, they also needed to complete all the missions. As newcomers, they needed contribution points and money.
The elder in charge of receiving and issuing missions was an old man named Elder Mu. He knew Xiao Man was a newcomer and also knew she had offended people from the City Lord's Mansion, who had been searching for her for some time. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Kid, you've taken all the missions?"
"Just tally them up and see if they're correct." Xiao Man placed a Qiankun bag on the counter.
Elder Mu picked it up and his eyes widened as he opened it. He quickly called for others to help him inventory the items corresponding to each mission, converting them into contribution points for Xiao Man.
Xiao Man looked at the hundred thousand contribution points and a satisfied smile curved her lips. One thousand contribution points could upgrade them to Bronze status. Leaving ten thousand points would be enough for all of them to become Bronze rank. The rest of the contribution points were converted into gold coins, as money was the universal currency. "Thank you."
"Elder Mu, did she really complete all the missions by herself? She must have earned a lot of money, right?" Many people crowded around to inquire. In their eyes, Xiao Man was a sheep ripe for the slaughter.
Elder Mu glanced at them. "You brats, she's not someone you can afford to provoke."
"Elder Mu, how much money did she actually earn?" Some only saw the money in Xiao Man's hands and not her danger.
Elder Mu sighed. "You brats, you can't even complete tasks she can. Do you think you could win if you challenged her? Be careful not to lose your skin trying to snatch a chicken."
Xiao Man naturally knew her actions would attract attention. She deliberately drew attention to herself, wanting to see how many disobedient cats were in Wuji City!
"Kid, you look new here." Hou Wu sat down next to the table, staring at Ze Fang.
Ze Fang glanced at Hou Wu and continued eating his noodles. The noodles here were indeed well-cooked, with springy strands and savory broth. No wonder she had asked him to wait here.
"Kid, I'm talking to you. You must be one of the people who entered the Land of No Law, right? I heard ten people entered this time; why are you alone?" Hou Wu snatched Ze Fang's bowl.
Ze Fang frowned, his expression showing displeasure.
"Kid, hand over everything valuable you have, and your contribution points too."
Just as Ze Fang was about to deal with Hou Wu, he saw a figure slowly approaching in the distance. His expression immediately changed, becoming innocent and pitiful. "Why should I give you my things?"
"If I want it, you give it!" Hou Wu grabbed Ze Fang's collar. "Kid, if you don't want to suffer, you'd better hand over all your valuables."
"Yes, hand them over," Hou Liu chimed in.
"Hand over what?" A figure appeared behind Hou Liu, sounding vaguely familiar.
"Of course, valuables!" Hou Liu turned around and was so scared that his legs went limp, almost causing him to kneel. He quickly reached out to pull Hou Wu.
Hou Wu shrugged his shoulders. "Hurry up and hand them over."
"Brother..." Hou Liu was on the verge of tears. "Someone's here."
"Never mind if someone's here, even if the King of Hell himself came, no one can save you!" Hou Wu shook Ze Fang. "Quick, take it out."
Ze Fang tremblingly removed the ring from his finger and presented it to Hou Wu. Hou Wu's eyes gleamed with delight. A spatial ring, a young master from a wealthy family!
Hou Liu's legs trembled so much he was about to wet himself. Yet Hou Wu remained oblivious. He wished he could die!
"Brother, stop scaring the kid..." Hou Liu's voice was already laced with tears. Brother, the煞神 has arrived!
Hou Wu snatched Ze Fang's ring and put it on his finger. He had caught a fat sheep, and there were surely many good things inside. He grinned so wide his mouth almost reached the back of his head. However, as he turned around, his smile instantly froze and shattered. His legs went weak, and he knelt on the ground.
Hou Liu's tears were flowing. Brother, I warned you, but you didn't listen. I'm helpless!
"Xiao Qin, he's bullying me."
Hou Wu's eyes nearly bulged out. Young Master, you're with this 煞神? Why didn't you say so earlier?
Xiao Man extended her hand.
Hou Wu quickly pulled the ring off his finger and trembling, placed it in Xiao Man's palm.
Xiao Man glanced at the ring in her hand and did not retract it. Hou Wu flinched and quickly offered his storage bag. "Immortal Master, it's... it's all in here."
Xiao Man looked at Hou Liu. Hou Liu was very sensible and also offered his storage bag. Xiao Man took the items and called out to Ze Fang as she left, "Oh, and settle the bill."
"Yes, Immortal Master, we'll pay the bill," the two brothers said hurriedly.
Xiao Man smiled meaningfully and left with Ze Fang.