C13 Use Your Full Strength When You Punch

Upon entering Sylhasera, Lan Luo turned to Xiao Xiaofan and said, "Xiaofan, we're heading to the Mercenary Guild first. Would you like to join us?"

Xiao Xiaofan pondered for a moment before replying softly, "Sure, I need to sell some Demon Cores as well."

He had initially intended to find a trading house to sell them, which would have been a good opportunity to also sell his middle-grade Rejuvenation Pills.

But then he thought that checking out the Mercenary Guild might be worthwhile.

For him, slaying magical beasts was going to be his primary task in the future, as he needed to fulfill his mission.

The Mercenary Guild was full of quests to hunt magical beasts, perfect for making some extra cash!

Having the Blueprint Mercenary Group as guides would spare him much hassle, certainly better than fumbling around on his own.

Lan Luo wasn't surprised by his decision. Xiao Xiaofan had slain a fair number of Level 2 magical beasts on their journey, so selling them at the Mercenary Guild was indeed a sensible option.

Guided by Lan Luo, Xiao Xiaofan quickly reached the Mercenary Guild's entrance.

"To exchange Demon Cores, just head to that window," Lan Luo pointed out, continuing, "The Mercenary Guild's pricing is transparent, so there's no need to worry about being shortchanged."

"Over there is where you can find ranked mercenary groups. You need at least five people to start your own."

"That's the mission board. Many of the missions are ongoing and can be completed multiple times!"

"And over there..."

...

With Lan Luo's guidance, Xiao Xiaofan swiftly got the hang of the Mercenary Guild's layout.

The Mercenary Guild in this world was much like the ones he had read about in novels from his past life. As long as you had enough people, you could form a mercenary group.

Missions were centrally distributed by the Guild, mostly involving the collection of magical beast parts like claws and teeth.

The more challenging tasks included targeted killings and exploration. Given that Sylhasera was a small city, the mercenaries here generally weren't very powerful.

He noticed a mission posted for the slaying of an early-stage Level 3 creature that had been up for several days, apparently still unclaimed.

The top mission was one of exploration, with no precise location given. All that was known was that it was situated beside a lake in the eastern part of the Demonic Beast Forest, where apparently, a cave needed to be found and a strangely shaped stone retrieved.

Driven by curiosity, Xiao Xiaofan took care to remember the stone's peculiar shape as described in the mission details.

Afterwards, he whispered, "Alright, Uncle Lan, you and your team can get back to work. I've got all the information I need!"

Lan Luo, seeing that everything had been communicated, nodded and departed with the members of the Blueprint Mercenary Group.

Their presence was merely a brief episode within the vast Mercenary Guild; few took notice, but those who did were astonished to see Xiao Xiaofan!

Blueprint's reputation in Sylhasera City was far from insignificant. None of their mercenaries possessed the might of a Grand Warmaster, but with Lan Luo's prowess as a Six-star Warmaster, they were considered among the elite.

Moreover, the Blueprint Mercenary Group was notably unique, consistently comprised of exactly five members, each with formidable strength!

That Xiao Xiaofan could associate with the Blueprint members as a Three-star Warmaster was a source of bewilderment to many!

Yet, only a handful paid him any attention, and none seemed inclined to make his acquaintance.

Upon reaching the counter to submit demon cores, Xiao Xiaofan was surprised to find a queue.

After a moment's thought, it made sense to him. Mercenaries venturing into the Demonic Beast Forest were bound to return with their spoils, so a lineup was to be expected with so many groups present.

While Xiao Xiaofan waited his turn, a mocking voice erupted from behind, "Haha! When did the Mercenary Guild lower its standards so much that any riffraff could waltz in?"

Turning around, Xiao Xiaofan was met with the sight of a muscular man, arms crossed, looking down at him with scorn.

Curious glances from onlookers followed, and upon recognizing the man confronting Xiao Xiaofan, they couldn't help but sympathize with the young mercenary's plight.

Poor fellow, he had crossed paths with Chong Lihao, the infamous bully of Sylhasera's Mercenary Guild, a man whose strength was on par with a Five-star Warmaster!

In Sylhasera City, his strength was noteworthy, placing him among the upper echelons of the Mercenary Guild.

He was also quite self-aware, never stirring trouble with those stronger than himself, preferring to pick on the less powerful.

The formidable ones simply ignored him, while those weaker than him seethed in silence, not daring to voice their anger.

To them, Xiao Xiaofan seemed too young, his clothes tattered, and his face unfamiliar. Surely, he was going to be roughed up by Chong Lihao!

Those who had seen Xiao Xiaofan with the Blueprint Mercenary Group kept quiet. The strong didn't care enough to comment, and the weak were eager to see how the drama would unfold.

Chong Lihao, who had always steered clear of those stronger than himself, might just learn a lesson if he tangled with the Blueprint Mercenary Group this time.

Xiao Xiaofan's brow furrowed slightly before he coolly remarked, "Indeed, it seems we do need to raise the bar for entry if someone who spews filth is allowed in."

"Hmm?" Chong Lihao paused, taken aback, then forcefully contained his rage and challenged, "Kid, I dare you to repeat that!"

Not only was Chong Lihao taken aback, but the surrounding mercenaries were also astonished.

Did this young man have a death wish, provoking Chong Lihao like that?

Was he oblivious to Chong Lihao's strength, or why else would he utter such audacious words?

Xiao Xiaofan feigned shock, "In all my years, I've never heard such an odd request. You want to be insulted more?"

"Well, I'll oblige. I said you're spewing garbage!"

"You're asking for it, brat!" Chong Lihao's eyes bulged with fury as he bellowed, "I was just going to give you a small lesson, but now it looks like you're going to spend the rest of your days bedridden!"

"Use the remainder of your life to rue your arrogance!"

With that, he launched a punch at Xiao Xiaofan, his fist glowing with a soft, earthy yellow light—a Low-grade Yellow Level combat skill unleashed without reservation!

If he were struck, the young man before him would either perish or be gravely injured!

Xiao Xiaofan remained composed in the face of an unexpected punch, only reaching out to grasp the assailant's wrist at the last moment!

Silence fell as those around them widened their eyes in sheer astonishment!

Even the mercenaries with more potent auras squinted, stunned by the spectacle before them!

What had they witnessed? A Three-star Warmaster had single-handedly caught the blow of a Five-star Warmaster!

And it was clear that he hadn't used any combat skills, whereas Richman had employed a Low-grade Yellow Level technique!

At this moment, Richman was the most terrified. He felt as if his wrist were clamped in iron tongs, unable to withdraw it!

The immense force sent a stabbing pain through his wrist, and he could even sense a slight fracture in his bones!

What kind of monster was this, possessing such incredible strength?

A Three-star Warmaster? How could a Three-star Warmaster wield such power?

Richman realized he had indeed met his match this time!

"A Five-star Warmaster? Is that all?" Xiao Xiaofan spoke evenly, slowly lifting his hand and softly instructing, "When you punch, do it with force!"

Fatal strike, initiate!

A glint of gold flashed over Xiao Xiaofan's fist as he fiercely aimed a punch at Richman's chest!