C7 A Group of Stupid Pigs

"Alright, alright, how could I possibly be mad at you, Meier? I was just giving you a little scare. By the way, do you know what that beastly roar was all about earlier?"

Upon hearing Chen Bai's words, a glint of mischief sparkled in Meier's expressive eyes, though she managed to look as if she were on the verge of tears. In a soft voice, she asked, "Master, if I told you that I was the one who made that beast roar, would you be upset with me?"

Despite the situation, Meier's cuteness was undeniable, her demeanor exuding a playful charm.

Chen Bai couldn't help but think to himself, "This is going to be the death of me," while also feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

"Meier, don't worry about it. I was just really curious why the source of that sound hadn't shown up yet. Now that I know it was you, I'm relieved. Besides, I wouldn't have stood a chance against those Silver Pattern Wolves anyway."

After a moment's thought, Chen Bai added, "And Meier, let's drop the 'Master' title; it feels a bit odd. Why don't you call me 'brother' instead? From now on, you can be my little sister."

Meier couldn't help but burst into laughter, then playfully said through her small mouth, "Hehehe, Master, you've clearly never had a girlfriend, have you? Wanting to make me your little sister just like that. But on second thought, Master, you're just a kid yourself ~ If anyone should be calling someone 'little brother,' it should be you ~ Hehehe."

Chen Bai's face flushed with the tease. Meier wasn't wrong; he had never been in a relationship, not on Earth and not in the Heaven Soaring Realm. In fact, Chen Bai recalled that he was supposed to have a betrothed in this realm, someone named Shangguan Qinger, though he had never actually met her.

His thoughts had wandered off track, but eventually, Chen Bai brought his focus back to the present and quickly realized a pressing issue.

"Hey! What's this about me being the little brother? I'm well into my twenties, you know. It's not unreasonable to ask you to call me 'brother.' After all, you're just newly an adult. No, it's settled; I'm the big brother!"

Meier was utterly outmatched by Chen Bai's straightforwardness. Rubbing her forehead, she conceded, "You really are no fun at all! Fine, fine, I'll call you Mr. Bai from now on, okay?"

Upon hearing Meier finally give in, Chen Bai nodded contentedly and replied, "That's more like it. Make sure to stick with that."

While Chen Bai was basking in his triumph, he noticed that a crowd had gathered around him, seemingly an Adventurer Group based on their attire.

"Hey! Kid, have you been scared witless? What's with all the mumbling to yourself?"

Chen Bai was assessing these unexpected visitors when a man sporting a scarred face and a single eye barked a question at him. It was clear that he was the leader of the group.

"My good sir, you certainly carry yourself with distinction. May I inquire as to your name and the purpose of surrounding me?"

Aware of the numerical advantage of the other party, Chen Bai aimed to foster a positive rapport with the man before him.

"Oh, you're not as foolish as you look. Since you're not, I'll indulge you in a bit of conversation. Do you know who I am?"

"I'm afraid I don't. Would you enlighten me?"

"Heh, you're not worthy of knowing my full name. Just know me by my nickname, One-eyed Dragon. See these folks around you? They're all under my command. And just to let you know, without scaring you to death, my Adventurer Group is the renowned Dachun Green Adventurer Group."

As he spoke, the One-eyed Dragon lifted his head with pride, revealing a neck caked with grime that looked as if he hadn't bathed in months.

Chen Bai, at a loss for words after the One-eyed Dragon's introduction, could only offer a look of sympathy and said, "Brother One-eyed Dragon, am I right? If I'm not mistaken, you didn't come up with the name of your Adventurer Group yourself, did you?"

Surprised by Chen Bai's insight, the One-eyed Dragon regarded him with curiosity and admiration. "Well, you're quite perceptive, aren't you? Correct, a master named my Adventurer Group. He said the name holds significant meaning. 'Da' signifies that my group will prosper in the future. 'Chun' symbolizes the vitality and exuberance of spring within my group. And the 'green,' well, the master advised that just 'Dachun' would be too ostentatious, so adding 'green' tones it down a bit. So, what do you think? Impressive, isn't it?"

Chen Bai could barely contain his amusement upon hearing this. He thought to himself that this was a classic case of being played and then thanking the trickster for the privilege. Yet, he maintained a beaming smile and said, "Brother One-Eyed Dragon, heed my advice. You really shouldn't name your Adventurer Group 'Dachun Green'. Just now, as I observed the celestial signs, if I'm not mistaken, it seems you haven't had any income for several months, right?"

The One-Eyed Dragon leaped to his feet in astonishment. "Hey, young man, you're quite the enigma. Your predictions are spot on. Indeed, my brothers and I haven't had any income for three months. Seeing that you, with your Common Spirit Root, have managed to reach the Qi Refining Stage Level Eight at such a tender age, I assumed you must be from a wealthy family and decided to rob you. By the way, what's your take on the name of my Adventurer Group?"

Chen Bai glanced around at the others, who were all perked up with eager anticipation. He couldn't help but think that his intelligence was off the charts, simply unbeatable. Yet, recalling how Meier had revealed the group's cultivation levels upon their arrival, Chen Bai knew he had to keep up the charade.

"Brother, the names 'Da' and 'Chun' are fine, but the problem lies with 'Green'. You see, 'Green' corresponds to the wood element, and there's a saying, 'The tree that stands out in the forest is the first to be brought down by the wind.' Brother, your use of 'Green' is anything but subtle. With such a name, how can you expect any income?"

Upon hearing Chen Bai's explanation, the One-Eyed Dragon became visibly flustered, forgetting their original intent. He rushed to support Chen Bai, but given Chen Bai's youthful appearance, his attempt to help resulted in pressing down on Chen Bai's shoulder, causing his feet to sink into the ground. But at that moment, his concern was elsewhere.

"Please, young friend, help save my Adventurer Group. If you can offer guidance, I, Yih Qun, will be forever grateful for your kindness."

Hearing that the One-Eyed Dragon's real name was Yih Qun, Chen Bai nearly burst into laughter. Nevertheless, he maintained a look of profound wisdom and began to speak.

"Cough, cough. Well, since you've put it that way, it would be quite ungracious of me to keep things to myself. Let me share some thoughts with you. Brother, your original name, Yih Qun, is fantastic! 'Yih' suggests ease, and 'Qun' symbolizes a community, a collective of people. The names 'Da' and 'Chun' are self-explanatory and perfectly fine to keep. Now, about this 'Green'..."

Chen Bai paused deliberately at this point, creating a bit of suspense. As Yih Qun was on the verge of prompting him to continue, Chen Bai leisurely resumed speaking.

"In place of 'Green,' I propose we use the word 'Main.' At first glance, 'Main' might sound rather grandiose, as if declaring that your Adventurer Group dominates the Spirit Beast Mountain Range. But in truth, it's a very modest word. Its structure—three horizontal lines, one vertical, and a dot—is simple and understated. It even conveys a hopeful aspiration for the future. Quite charming, isn't it?"

After listening to Chen Bai, Yih Qun bowed his head, mulling over the new name for his Adventurer Group. He murmured to himself, "One-group Stupid Pig, One-group Stupid Pig..."

Moments later, Yih Qun slapped his thigh and burst into a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! The young man makes an excellent point. Henceforth, my Adventurer Group shall be known as One-group Stupid Pig!"

Seeing Yih Qun's elation, Chen Bai breathed a sigh of relief and quickly added, "Since you appreciate my suggestion so much, perhaps you could consider letting me go?"

Yih Qun, still in high spirits, looked at Chen Bai with increasing fondness. Upon hearing Chen Bai's wish to depart, Yih Qun hurriedly interjected, "Hey! What are you saying, little brother? You've played a significant role in renaming my Adventurer Group. Here's a thought: you and I seem to get along well. Why not join my Adventurer Group?"

As he made the offer, Yih Qun "unintentionally" pulled out a knife from his Qiankun bag and toyed with it.

Upon hearing their leader speak, the others quickly chimed in with support, "Absolutely, little brother, you should join us." They brandished their weapons as they spoke, emphasizing their point.

Faced with their threatening demeanor, which all but said, "Join us or face the consequences," Chen Bai reluctantly acquiesced, "Well then, since you, big brother, and the others hold me, Huo Chen, in such high regard, it would be quite rude of me to refuse. I accept the invitation to join our Adventurer Group."

Yih Qun nodded, clearly pleased. Then, a sudden thought struck him, and he asked with surprise, "Little brother, did you say your name is Huo Chen? What is your relation to the Huo family of Wind City?"

With a shy smile, Chen Bai responded, "The Huo family of Wind City is indeed my family."

Realizing that his new recruit was from the prestigious Huo family, Yih Qun's excitement was palpable. It also explained how "Huo Chen," despite his young age and possessing only a Common Spirit Root, had managed to attain the Qi Refining Stage Level Eight. His demeanor towards Chen Bai instantly became one of reverence.

"I never expected you to be a member of the Huo family. It's an honor for you to join our Adventurer Group! From now on, you will be the vice-captain of our One-group Stupid Pig Adventurer Group."

Chen Bai, seeing Yih Qun's enthusiasm, replied with a smile, "It's a privilege for me, Huo Chen, to join the One-group Stupid Pig Adventurer Group. I'm sure my family will share in the genuine joy of my decision."

Meier, who had been standing by, could barely contain her laughter.

"Giggling ~ Mr. Bai, you're such a tease~ Are you trying to tarnish the Huo family's reputation? One-group Stupid Pig, what a bunch of fools! Giggling ~"

With Yih Qun and the rest present, Chen Bai could only let out a few sheepish chuckles in response.