Infinite Professions from a Pearl Collector

Back at the inn, Chen Ye slid the bolt shut behind him.

The room was quiet, filled only with the sound of his own breathing.

He walked to the table, poured a cup of cold tea, and downed it, trying to suppress the fiery heat that rose within him from the act of killing.

But it was no use.

The catharsis of his vengeance was like a bursting flood, surging through his entire body and leaving him in a strange, exhilarating state.

Just then, a familiar panel materialized before his eyes.

[Bounty Swordsman Professional Level has increased to Level 2]

Intrigued, Chen Ye immediately opened his Professional Panel.

[Name: Chen Ye]

[Cultivation Realm: Qi Nourishing]

[Profession: Bounty Swordsman Level 2 (Swordsmen who roam between towns and the wilderness, slaying demons and monsters for a living. Their blades serve them for wealth, and also for their path.)]

[Talent: Bloody Vision—When the host’s life is threatened or body is injured, your mind will become highly focused, your dynamic vision will be greatly enhanced, and your perception of time will slow. The more severe the injury, the stronger the effect.]

[Dharma Gate: Golden Toad Qi Swallowing Technique Level 2]

[Martial Arts: Thorn Blade Technique Level 1]

Chen Ye was very satisfied with his current Level.

’This world is dangerous, but at least I have a solid foundation now. All that’s left is to level up slowly and see just how far a Profession can go in this world.’

While Chen Ye was taking stock of his gains, news of what had happened at the De Yi Building spread through Yu Huo County at an astonishing speed.

A rookie, new to the trade, had cut down another Bounty Hunter in the Money Pit.

The event was sensational enough on its own, let alone the fact that it was connected to the recent incident at the ruined temple west of the city.

In no time, the incident was on everyone’s lips.

"Have you heard? A rookie named Chen Ye did in Gong Chen!"

"Gong Chen? You mean that bastard who made a fortune selling out his teammates?"

"The very same! Rumor has it Chen Ye was the poor schmuck he shoved into the jaws of a Green-haired Zombie. Who would’ve thought he’d not only survive but come back for revenge!"

"Damn, talk about sweet revenge! I always said that son of a bitch Gong Chen was no good. Anyone who sells out their teammates deserves to die!"

Inside the Demon Slayer Department, Cong Bo listened to his subordinate’s report. The hand holding his teacup didn’t show the slightest tremor, but the corner of his mouth quirked up.

"Chief, this... should we get involved?" one of the men asked cautiously.

"Get involved? My ass!" Cong Bo set down his teacup. "As long as feuds between Bounty Hunters don’t spill out into the open, even the Government Office couldn’t be bothered. So why should the Demon Slayer Department stick its nose in? Besides, a piece of trash like Gong Chen is dead, and that’s that."

He paused, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"I told you that kid was something special, and you didn’t believe me. You see it now, don’t you? He’s ruthless, decisive, and always gets his revenge. That’s what it takes to survive in this day and age. My three Demon-Breaking Talismans were a worthy investment!"

"You’re as perceptive as ever, Chief Cong!"

"That’s right! Chief Cong, you really have a keen eye for talent."

Hearing this, the men launched into another round of flattery. It pleased Cong Bo immensely, though he put on a humble expression and said, "Oh, you give me too much credit. It was nothing, really."

"Also, from now on, address me by my proper title within the Department. Enough with the ’Chief’ this and ’Chief’ that. It’s unseemly."

Unaware of these events in the outside world, Chen Ye rested peacefully at the inn all day. It wasn’t until evening that a sudden knock came at his door.

Chen Ye, who was meditating cross-legged, snapped his eyes open. His hand shot out to grip the long saber resting across his knees as he asked coldly, "Who is it?"

"Is Master Chen Ye in? My name is Xiao Hongye. I’ve come to discuss some business." A clear, unhurried female voice came from outside the door.

’A woman? And she wants to discuss business?’

Chen Ye raised an eyebrow. He glanced at the Demon-Breaking Talisman he carried and saw no reaction from it. Only then did he get up to open the door.

Standing outside was a tall, beautiful woman dressed in snug, red martial attire. Her phoenix eyes were particularly sharp.

"What is it?" Chen Ye asked.

"I’d like to invite you on a mission with me." Xiao Hongye got straight to the point, not wasting any words. Then she added.

"The pay is excellent."

In the bounty hunting trade, it was common to invite others to team up. After all, some missions were truly difficult to complete alone.

These invitations came in two forms: one was to split the bounty afterward, and the other was to pay a direct hiring fee, in which case any loot from the mission had nothing to do with the hired party.

"What’s the mission? And where?" Chen Ye asked.

Xiao Hongye looked at him and slowly uttered three words: "Black Wind Stronghold."

Chen Ye’s pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

He had heard that name more than a few times while gathering information in the city these past few days.

Black Wind Stronghold was once a bandit lair outside Yu Huo County. Its chieftain was said to be a Yin Nourishing Master who practiced heretical arts. His power was considerable, roughly equivalent to a Qi Refiner at the Unobstructed Realm.

But three years ago, the entire gang of ferocious bandits was wiped out overnight.

Their manner of death was even more bizarre. The hundred-plus people in the stronghold had all been hanged from the rafters of the buildings, each one wearing a grotesque smile.

After that, Black Wind Stronghold became a place of certain death.

Some daring souls who spied on it from a distance claimed that after dark, lights would appear in the stronghold, and you could hear a cacophony of voices and revelry, as if all the bandits had come back to life.

But anyone who dared to set foot inside was never seen again.

In the past few years alone, seventeen or eighteen skilled experts had perished within its walls.