Infinite Professions from a Pearl Collector

So now in Yu Huo County, whether they were from the Demon Slayer Department or a lone Bounty Hunter, the mere mention of Black Wind Stronghold was enough to make anyone’s expression turn grim.

"What exactly is in that place that’s worth all this trouble?" Chen Ye’s voice was cold.

Xiao Hongye seemed to have expected the question. She smiled. "The chieftain of Black Wind Stronghold operated for many years, accumulating countless treasures. Now it’s all ownerless. That’s why, for years, so many people have gone one after another to explore the stronghold, despite the danger."

"And I, of course, am no exception."

Chen Ye, however, wasn’t entirely convinced.

It was true that the stronghold’s destruction had been bizarre, so it was possible that the bandits’ plundered wealth was still inside. But in his opinion, the risks didn’t justify the potential rewards.

’So Xiao Hongye definitely isn’t telling the whole truth.’

’Still, that wasn’t surprising. It was only natural to be reserved when speaking to someone you’ve just met.’

"There are plenty of experts in Yu Huo County. Why ask me, a mere Junior Cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Realm?"

"Your Realm may not be high, but your Saber Technique is excellent." Xiao Hongye’s gaze fell on the saber at Chen Ye’s waist. "You killed a Green-haired Zombie single-handedly and cut down your enemy with clean efficiency. That’s more than enough to prove your strength. Besides..."

She paused, a peculiar glint flashing in her phoenix-like eyes.

"Even Steward Cong of the Demon Slayer Department said your Saber Technique is incisive, carrying a faint, sharp aura that wards off evil. And that is precisely what we need most for this trip."

Chen Ye fell silent for a moment.

’Should I go or not?’

’Black Wind Stronghold is undoubtedly a deathtrap. But I’ve just arrived here and know very little about this world’s cultivation schools and strange techniques.’

’Since Xiao Hongye dares to go, she must have made thorough preparations, and I’m surely not the only expert she invited.’

’If I go along, I can secretly observe the methods of other Cultivators and gain some experience. That way, I won’t be caught off guard if I run into situations like this in the future.’

"I can go," Chen Ye finally nodded, "but let me be clear: I will not take the lead. If the situation becomes hopeless, I will leave immediately."

"Of course. If things become impossible, we retreat. No one will blame you."

"Good!"

Seeing Chen Ye agree, a faint smile appeared on Xiao Hongye’s face. "Then I’ll see you at the city gate tomorrow morning."

With that, she turned and left, her movements crisp and efficient.

Chen Ye closed the door, walked to the table, and drew his long, slender saber.

The blade was cool as water, but Chen Ye still took a clean white cloth and carefully wiped it down. He inspected the edge, and after confirming there wasn’t a single chip, he went out and bought some beef jerky.

Rations, just in case.

Once all this was done, he once again focused his mind on his Cultivation.

The next day, Chen Ye arrived at the city gate just as the sky was beginning to lighten.

A thick morning mist filled the air, blurring the distant scenery.

Three figures were already waiting by the city gate.

One was a man with a face full of tattoos and a fierce expression, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed in rest.

Beside him was an emaciated man with a sallow complexion who looked as if a gust of wind could knock him over. He was coughing nonstop.

There was also a young girl, who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen. She had a round face, round eyes, and wore a light green dress. She looked innocent and very cute.

Chen Ye’s arrival caught the attention of the three.

The tattooed man and the sickly-looking one merely glanced at him before looking away, one resuming his coughing, the other returning to his rest.

Only the round-faced girl let her big, curious eyes drift over him, though she didn’t say anything.

Chen Ye paid them no mind. Cradling his saber, he found a corner and stood there silently, still as a stone.

Before long, Xiao Hongye’s figure appeared in the morning mist.

She had three people following her.

At the front was a young man dressed in luxurious silks. He had dark circles under his eyes and his steps were unsteady. He yawned as he walked, the very picture of a man weakened by overindulgence.

Beside the young man was a towering, burly giant with bulging, knotted muscles. He was built like an iron tower and carried a Giant Sword on his back that was wider than a door panel.

The last person was a middle-aged man in a gray Daoist Robe. He held a Duster, and his gaunt face gave him the profound air of an immortal sage.

Including Chen Ye and the three who had arrived earlier, there were eight people in total.

Xiao Hongye’s gaze swept over the group, finally landing on Chen Ye. She gave him a slight nod.

"Everyone is here," she said, her voice especially clear in the chilly morning mist.

"In that case, let’s—"

Before she could finish, the dissipated-looking youth suddenly pointed at Chen Ye and frowned. "Hongye, is this the so-called expert with superb Saber Technique you were talking about? This brat who’s only in the Qi Cultivation Realm? You’ve got to be kidding me."

As soon as he spoke, the already chilly atmosphere in the morning mist instantly grew tense.

All eyes converged on Chen Ye and the dissipated youth.

Xiao Hongye’s elegant brows furrowed slightly. She was quite displeased with this young man, Lü Song.

He was always full of boasts and often took the liberty of speaking for her, acting as if the two of them were exceptionally close.

Unfortunately, there was no denying that the man was powerful.

Although he followed the unorthodox path of the Dietary Stream, his Cultivation was equivalent to at least the Unobstructed Realm of a Qi Refiner, making him one of the main powerhouses for this mission.

So, Xiao Hongye swallowed her annoyance. Just as she was about to speak and smooth things over, Lü Song continued, "Hongye, I’m not trying to criticize you, but you and I both know how dangerous this trip to Black Wind Stronghold is. Bringing along a liability from the Qi Cultivation Realm... aren’t you just endangering him and the rest of us?"