Chapter 397: Parting Ways
Compared to Xiao Hong’s high spirits, Chen Ziyi was much more composed.
"Cooperate?"
The oldest and highest Realm swordsman in the team asked solemnly, "Junior Brother Xiao, do you think our team is qualified to cooperate with Xiao Yan?"
He was not belittling himself, but rather acknowledging how strong Xiao Yan’s team was.
This prodigy’s followers were not just a few; there were twenty to thirty Tier Five experts, even more Tier Four experts, forming several teams, equivalent to a small alliance.
In the Upper Scenic Celestial Martial Pavilion, there was no one who could match them!
On Xiao Hong’s side, there were only five fixed members, their strength fell far short of the other side.
In such a scenario, if both sides reached a cooperation, how could they ensure an equal footing for themselves?
Chen Ziyi’s bluntness made Xiao Hong’s smile freeze slightly, a hint of awkwardness flashed in his eyes.
He quickly explained, "Senior Brother Xiao’s intention is for us to temporarily join his ranks, this exploration of the Black Dragon Pool, Senior Brother Xiao has already united over a dozen teams, the opportunity is very rare!"
The Black Dragon Pool is a large pool in Mo Yuan, a place where Evil Qi and Cold Qi converge, thus breeding a large number of treasures with cold attributes.
This is a treasure point discovered by predecessors.
However, taking the treasures from the Black Dragon Pool is no easy task at all.
Because the Black Dragon Pool and the surrounding areas are filled with countless deceitful monsters, some of which are extremely powerful and troublesome, countless people have fallen over the decades.
It has long been considered a dangerous forbidden zone.
There were attempts by powerful prodigies in the past to organize large teams to attack Black Dragon Pool, but they generally ended in failure.
But everyone is well aware that once the exploration succeeds, the harvest will be unimaginably rich!
Xiao Hong has always been steady, acting cautiously and prudently.
But faced with an invitation from such a prodigy like Xiao Yan, and the conditions offered, he was equally moved.
Wanting to seize this opportunity!
To convince his teammates, Xiao Hong carefully recounted Xiao Yan’s promises.
Including the distribution of the spoils.
In addition, as long as one joins this prodigious rank, they receive a hundred Daoist Merits first, with further rewards to follow!
Most importantly, with Xiao Yan as a backing, future actions in the Martial Pavilion would be much easier.
Others would hold you in high regard!
Xiao Hong’s eloquence was quite impressive, his words stirred enthusiasm in people.
Even someone as proud as Chen Ziyi, after hearing it, no longer raised objections, acquiescing to Xiao Hong’s decision.
"Ahem, ahem!"
At this moment, Zhang Yuan suddenly coughed twice and said, "Senior Brother Xiao, I need to go into seclusion to break through, so I won’t participate in this action, please understand."
In the past period, following Xiao Hong’s team into Mo Yuan, Zhang Yuan had quite a harvest.
Towards the team leader Xiao Hong, as well as teammates Chen Ziyi, Mu Feifei, and Zhang Feihu, he had no complaints.
Zhang Yuan was well aware that good teams and good teammates are hard to find.
He was lucky to be invited by Xiao Hong from the start, smoothly integrating into the team.
But now Xiao Hong suddenly proposed joining someone else’s group, taking Xiao Yan as the leader.
Zhang Yuan instinctively felt repulsed.
He had little interest in the Black Dragon Pool and wasn’t keen on looking at others for approval under someone else’s command.
Therefore, he politely declined.
As soon as Zhang Yuan’s words fell, the atmosphere in the private room cooled down.
Xiao Hong obviously didn’t expect that after convincing Chen Ziyi, Zhang Yuan still wouldn’t want to join.
This Tier Five expert felt his passion had been poured into the dog!
Who could be fooled by an excuse like "going into seclusion to break through"?
Suppressing his inner displeasure, Xiao Hong patiently persuaded, "Junior Brother Zhang, you’re still young, there’s plenty of time for seclusion and breaking through, and this opportunity is really rare!"
He believed he was genuinely considering each member of the team, not wanting everyone to miss out on a good opportunity.
"Forget it."
Zhang Yuan shook his head, "Senior Brother Xiao, I appreciate your kindness, and I’m sure Senior Brother Xiao won’t miss me over there."
Seeing how indifferent Zhang Yuan was, Xiao Hong took a deep, frustrated breath, "Alright, then. Let’s work together again once you’re out."
In fact, everyone knew Zhang Yuan was parting ways with them.
Moreover, even if he wanted to return later, Xiao Hong wouldn’t agree!
What Xiao Hong said was just a formality; there was no need to sever ties over this.
Xiao Hong felt genuinely frustrated.
This Tier Five expert considered himself fair to Zhang Yuan, not skimping on the distribution of spoils.
The amount of Daoist Merit Zhang Yuan received during this past period, how many newcomers could reach that?
And actually, Zhang Yuan’s contribution to the team was less than Mu Feifei’s and Zhang Feihu’s!
Zhang Yuan choosing to leave would only be his own loss!
"Senior Brother Xiao."
Unexpectedly, Mu Feifei chimed in from the side, "I’m afraid I can’t attend either."
"You’re leaving too?"
Xiao Hong nearly broke down on the spot, unable to hide the irritation in his eyes, "Junior Sister Mu, this opportunity is really good, and you don’t need to worry about safety; we will definitely protect you!"
He thought Mu Feifei was scared of the dangers of the Black Dragon Pool and reluctant to venture in.
"It’s not a safety issue."
Mu Feifei shook her head, "I meant to tell you, I just received a letter from home, I have to return to Qianjing in a few days."
"Forget it, forget it."
Xiao Hong suddenly felt a sense of desolation, shaking his hand dejectedly, "If you want to leave, just leave."
He valued Mu Feifei more than Zhang Yuan because not only did Mu Feifei have the Treasure Hunting Rat, but her Beast Taming skill was outstanding and could play an important role in Mo Yuan’s unique environment.
Don’t look at Zhang Yuan being Tier Five, in Xiao Hong’s eyes, three Zhang Yuans couldn’t compare to one Mu Feifei!
But he had no reason to forcefully stop the other party from leaving.
After all, the exploration team in Mo Yuan was always one of mutual consent; everyone was equal.
Mu Feifei apologized, "I’m sorry."
Though her face showed guilt, this charming woman’s attitude was determined.
Xiao Hong had no choice but to turn to Zhang Feihu, "Feihu, you don’t want to leave too, do you?"
Zhang Feihu scratched his head, sneaking a glance at Mu Feifei.
But Mu Feifei seemed completely unaware.
Disappointed, Zhang Feihu forced a smile, "I’ll listen to Senior Brother."
Though Zhang Feihu was not eager to join someone else’s team.
But he owed Xiao Hong a debt.
If he embarrassed Xiao Hong at this moment, it would be too disloyal!
"Good brother!"
Xiao Hong gave Zhang Feihu a strong pat on the shoulder.
Thus, Xiao Hong’s team officially disbanded, and he, along with Chen Ziyi and Zhang Feihu, went to join Xiao Yan, participating in the Black Dragon Pool exploration.
Zhang Yuan and Mu Feifei each went their separate ways.