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Chapter 24 - New Job

Several weeks had passed since their fruitful trip to Nuoding City, and life at the academy had settled into a new rhythm—one marked by progress, unexpected developments, and the lingering shadow of Yu Xiaogang's persistence.

Mei had broken through to the nineteenth rank, her cultivation advancing with a speed that drew quiet admiration from her peers. The clarity of her voice seemed to sharpen with each level gained, as though her spirit power refined not only her body but her art as well.

Tang San, too, had flourished. Under Master Feng's critical eye, he had honed his smithing skills with a natural aptitude that bordered on the supernatural.

The ring of his hammer against steel had become a familiar, rhythmic counterpoint to the academy's daily routines. He was no longer just an apprentice; he was becoming a craftsman.

But the true surprise came from Xiao Wu.

"I got a job!" she had announced one evening, bouncing into their dorm room with uncontainable glee.

Mei and Tang San had stared, baffled.

"A job?" Tang San had repeated. "Doing what?"

"As a tour guide!" Xiao Wu declared, puffing out her chest proudly. "Right here in Nuoding City!"

That had been the first shock. The second was learning that Nuoding City was, in fact, a minor hub for spirit hunters and low-level masters seeking spirit rings. Its proximity to a relatively tame soul beast forest made it an ideal staging ground for expeditions. Hunters came for meat and materials, herbalists for rare plants, and young spirit masters for their first rings.

Xiao Wu, with her fearless charm and intimate knowledge of the surrounding forests—knowledge she coyly refused to explain—was a natural. She was paid to lead visitors to key locations, point out safe foraging zones, and even introduce them to reliable local hunters.

"And the best part," she'd crowed, "is that I get free lunch anywhere in the market district as long as I just 'clock in' by showing my guide badge! It's brilliant!"

Mei could only sigh in fond exasperation. Of course, Xiao Wu would find a job that essentially paid her to eat.

Not all developments were positive, however.

Yu Xiaogang had not taken Tang San's repeated refusals gracefully. His attempts to recruit the boy had evolved from theoretical debates to outright bribes.

He had offered a new, thick bed cover against the coming winter—an offer Tang San declined, stating that Mei had already helped him procure a finer one.

He had presented a collection of common medical herbs—only for Tang San to politely note that Xiao Wu routinely brought him fresher, higher-quality samples from her forays into the forest.

When bribery failed, Yu Xiaogang turned to pressure. Xiao Wu, who made eavesdropping on the teachers' lounge a personal hobby, reported back one afternoon, her face stormy.

"He told the Dean that resources spent on the three of us are wasted! That you're stubborn, Brother San, that I'm a distraction, and that Senior Mei's 'frivolous' idol path is unbecoming of a serious spirit master!" she fumed, mimicking the Grandmaster's somber tone. "He said the academy should focus on more 'malleable' students!"

The Dean, to his credit, had refused. The reputation of having students like Mei—already known in the city—and talents like Tang San and Xiao Wu was too valuable. But the attempt alone soured Tang San's opinion of the man completely.

A scholar who resorted to petty sabotage when his theories were challenged was no true master.

The incident with Xiao Wu's client began on a cool, clear evening.

Classes had ended for the day. Mei was walking with Tang San toward the city gates, accompanying him to the blacksmith quarter as she often did now. She enjoyed the quiet walks, and Tang San seemed to appreciate her company.

They were discussing the subtle flow of spirit power in metalwork when a flash of pink shot toward them.

"Brother San! Senior Mei!" Xiao Wu skidded to a halt in front of them, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I have to go! I landed a huge client! They're paying a silver spirit coin just for one evening tour!"

Tang San stopped, his brow furrowing. "An evening tour? Who is the client?"

"Some merchant, I think? Very fancy!" Xiao Wu said, practically vibrating. "They asked for a young, female guide specifically!"

A cold knot of suspicion tightened in Tang San's stomach. He exchanged a glance with Mei, seeing his own concern mirrored in her eyes.

"Xiao Wu," Mei said, her melodic voice laced with caution. "A client who specifically requests a young girl for a tour… that sounds… unusual."

"Dangerous," Tang San stated bluntly. "Why wouldn't they hire an experienced guide? Why request someone young and female?"

Xiao Wu planted her hands on her hips. "Hey! I am an experienced guide! And I'm the best! Maybe they just want someone fun and energetic, not some old man who drones on about history!" She pouted.

"You're just jealous I'm going to get a whole silver coin for one night!"

"We are not jealous," Tang San said, his voice low and serious. "We are worried. This client could have ill intentions."

Before either of them could say another word, Xiao Wu waved a dismissive hand. "I'll be fine! I can handle myself! Meet you back at the dorm!" And with a whirl of her long braid, she bounced off into the bustling evening crowd, leaving them standing there.

A heavy silence fell between them. The unspoken fear hung in the air: a wealthy client, a young girl, the cover of evening. It painted a sinister picture.

"We cannot let her go alone," Tang San said, his voice tight. His hand had unconsciously clenched into a fist.

"I agree," Mei said, her mind already racing. "You should follow her. You're far better at tracking and combat than I am."

Tang San nodded, already turning to go, but he remembered he had a job.

"Wait. My job. Master Feng will be expecting me."

Tang San's face was a mask of conflict. His duty warred with his protectiveness.

"I will go to Master Feng," Mei said decisively. "I will explain that there is an emergency, a family matter that requires you immediately. He respects you; he will understand." Her plan was forming quickly.

"You find Xiao Wu and her client. Do not confront them outright. Try to lure them back toward the commercial district—it will be busy and well-lit. If something is wrong, get them into a public space. Once you're there, find a way to signal me. I will be waiting there, ready to back you up."

Her calm rationale cut through Tang San's panic. He gave a sharp, grateful nod. "Thank you, Mei."

"Go," she urged. "And be careful."

Without another word, Tang San melted into the crowd, his movements becoming fluid and near-silent, the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track carrying him swiftly after the retreating figure of his impulsive friend.

Mei watched him go, her heart pounding with a fear she hadn't felt since her first idol audition in her past life. She took a deep breath to steady herself, then turned and hurried toward the glow of the forge, her footsteps quick and purposeful. She had a role to play, a lie to tell, and a friend to protect.

The peaceful evening had suddenly turned into a tense race against time.

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