After everyone passed the intersection guarded by Bear Slayer, when they looked back, they found that in just a few minutes, Bear Slayer had respawned. This seemed to make farming reputation even more convenient.
"Hurry up, what's there to see?" Xin Yu pulled me, following behind everyone.
Leaving the cave, a different world unfolded before us. Water gurgled in the lush green valley, though occasionally a few ferocious and brutal Level 24 Bear Ghouls would jump out, somewhat spoiling the scenery.
"The Bear King BOSS should be behind the dense forest; there's an open area there. I checked the map yesterday," Black Hair Flying introduced.
Xu Lin smiled and said, "Then let's hurry over!"
The group quickly cleared their way through. The pure black Bear King was indeed in the open area behind the trees. I checked its level; it was a Level 28 BOSS, which shouldn't be a problem for our group.
"This time, I'll freeze it first, then Lin Fan will tank."
After Xu Lin's magic was fully restored, she stood up and began to gather her frost magic power, blue light shimmering between her fingers.
"Swoosh!"
The Frost Arrow struck the Bear King, immediately reducing its speed by 20%. My and Xin Yu's attacks followed, and in just one round of attacks, the Bear King's health bar was reduced by about 1/10. Xin Yu's equipment was already quite good now; with what I gave her and what they farmed themselves, she already had five pieces of green equipment. Her attack power was very strong, and with the skill bonuses, she had clearly become the main damage dealer.
A few minutes later, the Bear King predictably fell, dropping a staff. Xu Lin immediately rushed forward and, with quick hands, picked up the staff. Black Hair Flying, who arrived shortly after, seemed somewhat displeased and said to the Bear King's corpse, "The equipment dropped by this BOSS should be mine..."
His words lacked much conviction. Xu Lin immediately glared and retorted, "We're just helping you complete your promotion quest. You didn't even touch this BOSS, so how could the equipment possibly be yours? You're not someone who lacks equipment, so just consider it a tip for helping you with the quest!"
Black Hair Flying was rendered speechless and could only smile before returning to the city to turn in his quest.
Xu Lin looked at the staff in her bag, which boosted healing effects, and immediately gave it to Lu Xuehan. Afterwards, everyone returned to the city. I checked the time; I had completed this quest in just one hour online, earning 2000 big bucks!
"Beep!"
Murong Shanshan had logged on at some point and even sent me a message: "Lin Fan, I've accepted a promotion quest, and it seems very difficult. I've called a few classmates over. Can you also come help?"
I thought for a moment and replied, "I can help, but I'll still charge a service fee!"
Murong Shanshan immediately opened her communicator and said with an exaggerated laugh, "Wow, you're treating me like a money tree! And here I thought we had a friendship, but it turns out it's still a business deal!"
I desperately held back my laughter and said seriously, "Cut it out. I rely on this to make a living. How can I get by without a service fee?"
Murong Shanshan giggled and asked me, "Lin Fan, I just logged on. Why aren't you asking me what I was doing just now?"
I was very surprised: "What delayed you? Your aunt came?"
"Pervert! It's been several days already... Oh, why am I even saying this..." Murong Shanshan blurted out, then became greatly embarrassed, saying anxiously, "Let's talk about serious matters. I just went to the bank to transfer money. I deposited 100,000 RMB into your account, in your name."
100,000? What's going on?
I asked in surprise, "Why are you giving me so much money?"
"It's like this: my mom allocated 600,000 in operating funds to me this time. I want to use this 100,000 to hire you as my assistant. Unless there are special circumstances, you need to be available on call. You might have to kill for any quests or similar things, and also, once I form a guild, if there are conflicts with other teams, you'll have to help."
Murong Shanshan's words immediately dispelled my earlier joy. I quickly asked, "Shanshan, you're not going to buy me as a lifelong laborer for 100,000, are you?"
"Of course not. This 100,000 is for two months' salary. If you do well, I'll add more. Also, if there's any equipment you need to sell to me, I'll pay extra for it."
I thought for a moment and said with a smile, "You trust me that much? What if I default?"
"It's okay. If you dare to default, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth and never let you go."
"No need to be so affectionate. Tell me where you are, I'll be right over..."
...This time, Murong Shanshan brought even more people, a vast crowd, at least 50 people. After Murong Shanshan invited me to the team, the entire area was filled with flashing green names.
"How about it? My future legion is full of talent, isn't it?" Murong Shanshan said with a hint of pride.
I broke out in a cold sweat and quietly asked her, "These are all your supporters, right? Why are there only a few girls? And I know all of them..."
Murong Shanshan blinked and pouted, "As long as the number is met, it's fine. Do you have any objections?"
I smiled, "While the number of people is quite large now, have you ever considered how many of them will consistently contribute to the team? Also, I'm saying 'if' here, but if you ever get a boyfriend, I estimate they'll almost all leave immediately. They're really unreliable!"
Murong Shanshan smiled without speaking, looked at me for a while, and then said, "Are you implying something?"
I spread my hands, indicating my innocence. Just then, Ke Ke walked over and said, "It's time to go. Everyone's getting impatient!"
Murong Shanshan nodded and said in the team channel, "Everyone, let's go! Eastern Demon Valley!"
The large group slowly advanced. My equipment, with so much agility added, made me walk a bit faster than the others, so I had to slow down to walk beside Murong Shanshan. Her supporters were incredibly enthusiastic, all trying to squeeze towards us. Fortunately, Ke Ke and a few other girls guarded the other side, and on my side, with my sword drawn, no one could push me with my strength.
Opening the team member list, I found that these guys were all uniformly below Level 15. Could it be that they spent all their leveling time on chasing girls?
I quietly asked the beauty beside me, "Shanshan, why did you bring so many people and still call me? They could drown the monsters with just a mouthful of spit each, couldn't they?"
Murong Shanshan looked at the crowd in front and said, "I brought you to get acquainted with them first! Also, Lin Fan, when is your family going to form a guild?"