Chapter Forty-Eight: Murong Shanshan’s Retinue

When we looked back after passing the path guarded by the Bear Slayer, we discovered that in just a few minutes, the Bear Slayer had already respawned. This made farming reputation even more convenient.

“Hurry up and go, what’s there to look at?” Xinyu tugged on my sleeve, following behind everyone else.

Stepping out of the cave, the scenery changed once again. In the lush green valley, streams trickled and flowed, though the occasional appearance of a few savage, level 24 bear monsters somewhat marred the peaceful view.

“The Bear King boss should be just beyond the dense forest. There’s an open area there—I checked the map yesterday,” Hei Piaofei explained.

Xu Lin smiled and said, “Then let’s get over there quickly!”

A group of us swiftly cleared the path. Sure enough, the pitch-black Bear King stood in the open space past the woods. I glanced at its level: 28. For our party, it shouldn’t be a problem.

“This time, I’ll freeze it first, then Lin Fan tanks.”

After refilling her mana, Xu Lin stood up and began gathering frost magic, blue light shimmering between her fingers.

“Whoosh~!”

The Frost Arrow hit the Bear King, immediately slowing it by 20%. Xinyu and I launched our attacks right after, and in just one round, we’d already shaved about one-tenth off its health bar. Xinyu’s gear was pretty decent now; with the items I’d given her and those she’d gotten herself, she had five pieces of green equipment. Her attack power was impressive, and with skill bonuses, she had already become a main damage dealer.

A few minutes later, as expected, the Bear King fell, dropping a staff. Xu Lin dashed over and snatched it up in a flash, while Hei Piaofei, arriving a step too late, seemed a bit displeased and muttered to the Bear King’s corpse, “The equipment from this boss should have been mine…”

His words lacked conviction, and Xu Lin immediately glared and retorted, “We’re just helping you with your advancement quest. You didn’t even touch the boss, so the loot shouldn’t be yours, right? Besides, you’re not short on gear—just consider this our little fee for helping you out.”

Hei Piaofei was left speechless, managing only a wry smile before heading back to town to turn in his quest.

Xu Lin looked over the staff in her inventory—it boosted healing effects—so she handed it straight to Xuehan. After that, we all returned to town. I checked the time; we’d only been online for an hour and had already completed the quest and pocketed two thousand in cash!

“Beep~!”

I hadn’t noticed when, but Murong Shanshan was now online and had sent me a message: “Lin Fan, I’ve accepted my advancement quest. It seems pretty tough, so I called a few classmates for help. Can you come give us a hand?”

I thought for a moment and replied, “I can help, but I’m still charging my usual fee!”

Murong Shanshan immediately opened her communicator and laughed exaggeratedly, “Wow, you really see me as your cash cow! I thought we were friends, but it’s all just a business deal!”

I struggled to keep a straight face and replied seriously, “Come on, this is how I make a living! No fee, no work!”

Murong Shanshan giggled. “Aren’t you curious what I was doing just now? I just logged in.”

I was puzzled. “What kept you? Monthly inconvenience?”

“Pervert! That was days ago… Oh heavens, why did I even mention that…” Murong Shanshan blurted out, then quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, I just went to the bank to transfer some money. I put a hundred thousand RMB into your account, under your name.”

A hundred thousand? What’s going on?

I asked in surprise, “Why did you transfer so much money to me?”

“It’s like this: my mom allocated six hundred thousand as my operating capital this time. I want to use one hundred thousand to hire you as my assistant. Unless something important comes up, I want you to be available whenever I need you—quests, missions, anything I might need help with. And when I form my own group, if there’s ever a conflict with another team, I’ll need your support too.”

Her words instantly sobered me from my earlier good mood. I quickly asked, “Shanshan, you’re not trying to buy me as a permanent laborer for a hundred thousand, are you?”

“Of course not. Think of it as two months’ salary. If you do well, I’ll give you a raise. Also, if you have equipment to sell me, I’ll pay extra for that.”

I thought it over and laughed. “You trust me that much? What if I take the money and skip out?”

“No worries. If you dare to run, I’ll chase you to the ends of the earth.”

“No need for such devotion. So, where are you guys? I’ll come right over…”

This time, Murong Shanshan had brought even more people—a mighty crowd, easily fifty strong. After she added me to the party, a sea of green names flashed back and forth on my screen.

“How about it? My future legion is full of talent, isn’t it?” Murong Shanshan said with pride.

I broke out in a cold sweat and asked her quietly, “Are all these your loyal followers? Why are there just a few girls? I know all of them…”

Murong Shanshan blinked and pouted. “As long as we have the numbers, what does it matter? Do you have any objections?”

I smiled, “There are a lot of people now, but have you thought about how many will actually contribute to the team in the long run? Also—just hypothetically—if you ever get a boyfriend, I bet most of them would leave without a second thought. They’re just not reliable!”

Murong Shanshan smiled without answering, watching me for a moment before saying, “Are you hinting at something?”

I spread my hands innocently. At that moment, Keke walked over and said, “Let’s get moving—everyone’s getting impatient!”

Murong Shanshan nodded and announced in the party channel, “Let’s go, everyone—head for Eastern Demon Valley!”

The large group began to move forward. With all my added agility, I walked faster than the others, so I slowed my pace to walk beside Murong Shanshan. Her loyal followers were so fanatical that they crowded around her from every direction. Fortunately, Keke and the other girls managed to hold their ground on one side, while I simply drew my sword—nobody could budge me with my strength.

Opening the party member list, I noticed that these guys were all under level fifteen. Had they spent all their time courting the girls instead of leveling up?

I whispered to the beauty beside me, “Shanshan, you brought so many people—what do you need me for? With this many, they could drown the monsters in their own spit.”

Murong Shanshan glanced at the crowd ahead. “I wanted you to get acquainted with them. Also, Lin Fan, when are you going to form your own clan?”