Chapter 34: Tail

Yu Sheng spoke methodically about his requests, holding a USB drive and handing it over.

The Clerk, somewhat nervous, took the USB drive, plugged it into the computer, and watched the video intently.

The fervent copy, recited in a dispassionate voice, echoed continuously in the hall, drawing the attention of everyone once again.

Just as the crowd became numb...

Angrily fast, the second video played.

Several clumsy attempts followed by a final, fierce strike delivered a tremendous visual impact to the audience.

Although the one who died was merely the most useless among those who had never experienced an awakening, Yu Sheng... was an apprentice.

...

"This video has been edited."

"And..."

The Clerk said cautiously, the implication of the remaining words left unsaid.

Yu Sheng remained very calm: "Indeed, there has been editing, but you can arrange for a specialist to analyze the situation on the field."

"There were two battles, and the strengths of the sides were not balanced."

"So, unless something unexpected happens, the side of the students is bound to lose, and be annihilated."

"Intervention was justified."

"According to the Mo Pavilion..."

Yu Sheng earnestly explained, meticulous in every detail.

"Approve it."

From a distance, a middle-aged man in a suit who had been watching the surveillance video suddenly spoke up, addressing the puzzled look from the Clerk, he repeated: "Issue the bonus according to the full standard."

"Ah? Oh..."

The Clerk, somewhat perplexed, operated the computer, asking for Yu Sheng's card number, and after a while: "The bonus application has been submitted, it will be credited within three business days."

"Thank you."

Yu Sheng stood up, looking in the direction of the man in the suit: "May I know the reason?"

"Ever considered working for the Dark Pavilion?"

The man in the suit did not answer but countered with a question.

Yu Sheng pondered for two seconds, then shook his head: "I have no such plans at the moment."

"If you ever change your mind, you can always come here and find me."

"My name is Lin, Vice Pavilion Master of the Jiangbei Province Mo Pavilion Branch."

"Believe me, joining the Dark Pavilion, your income would be far more than this."

Saying so, he then pulled out a business card, handing it over.

Chen Yimo was instantly frantic!

"You sneaky old fox, don't think I don't know what you're up to!"

"These are our Reserve Forces people!"

"After all these years, how often do we get someone smart?"

He yelled at Pavilion Master Lin.

"Heh..." The only response he got was a slight chuckle from Pavilion Master Lin, who didn't even bother to engage further and simply turned to walk upstairs.

Chen Yimo was left standing there, fuming with rage.

"Look at him!"

"Jobs that pay require brains, you know what brains are?"

"Out of thousands in the Reserve Forces, not one seems to have any."

Chen Yimo's anger veered towards Wang Wenxuan, and with a swift kick to the rear, he turned to Yu Sheng and twisted his face into a grotesque, smile-like expression: "Sorry, Yu Sheng, I messed up today."

"But trust me, there won't be a next time."

"We're reliable, even if we're not the brightest. We get things done, no questions asked, just pay us!"

"If there’s another chance to make some money, think of us in the Reserve Forces first. We're desperate here."

With that, Chen Yimo turned and left, too embarrassed to stay any longer.

He had originally come to Mo Pavilion hoping to scrounge up some money, shamelessly asking for a handout, and thought his luck had turned when he found Yu Sheng.

Who knew Pavilion Master Lin would be in such a foul mood today.

In the end, he didn't get a penny and felt utterly humiliated.

When Wang Wenxuan gets back, he's definitely in for some extra training!!!

"Bro, things are looking grim, let's duck out and lay low for a bit."

"We'll talk more later!"

"Gotta go!"

Wang Wenxuan, uneasy and full of regret, almost seemed to flee in embarrassment. He didn’t even wait for Yu Sheng to respond before darting out of Mo Pavilion, disappearing into the crowd in an instant.

As for the money... too ashamed to ask.

Everyone had a pretty good idea why Pavilion Master Lin approved that payment.

An Xin was genuinely intrigued as she watched Yu Sheng, murmuring, "Is this the guy Luo Yun mentioned?"

"Decisive and ruthless when he acts."

"Agile in movement."

"Probably a fierce one after his awakening."

"Young people nowadays are getting more and more impressive."

With a sigh, An Xin stood up and walked outside.

"An-Jie, about us..."

"We don't even have enough money for new equipment."

"Could this impact our plans?"

A team member asked hesitantly.

An Xin didn't stop walking: "Money, it's never-ending. If we didn't swindle it this time, there’s always next time."

"But... we spent all our bounty on video editing, we don't even have money for dinner..." the team member lamented on the verge of tears.

An Xin abruptly halted.

"And there’s the debt we owe to the bank..."

Her smile slowly faded.

"And 27 days until we get our next paycheck..."

The team member added another blow.

For a moment, her youthful and lively figure seemed to age significantly.

Sometimes, what crushes a person isn't danger, but... money.

...

Mo Pavilion was efficient. Although they said it would take three business days, the money was transferred in just about two hours.

Yu Sheng walked the streets aimlessly.

He disappeared into the crowd at a turn.

An Xin and her three teammates ran out from a distance, constantly looking around, but to no avail.

"That rich guy must have spotted us!"

An Xin ground her teeth where she stood: "Wanted to borrow some money from him, and he ran off so fast!"

"It’s infuriating!"

She huffed in dissatisfaction: "Next time I see him, I must borrow several thousand."

"Let’s go, I saw a part-time job online that pays daily."

"Let’s earn some money for dinner first."

As she spoke, An Xin’s expression was somewhat desolate.

And it was somewhat absurd.

The third squad of the Demon Exorcism Pavilion, so poor they couldn’t even afford dinner, despite her being a four-time awakened.

But this...

This is reality.

Awakeners, mysterious, powerful, and glamorous.

They appear envied and admired by many, but the financial cost of their cultivation can crush a person.

If you want to become stronger, it costs countless resources.

Resources... all require money.

Especially in their remote and less popular roles, the meager salary is hardly enough.

Unless one day, they muster the courage to cross the Demon-Suppressing Pass and venture into the demon's territory. If they survive, they could reap substantial rewards.

But considering the overall strength of their squad... it’s likely... perhaps...

They would merely be serving themselves up as a lavish dinner for the demons.

In a corner.

Yu Sheng leaned against the wall, watching their departing figures expressionlessly.

As expected.

Whether it's Sin City or the outside world, it’s all the same.

When one possesses wealth that others covet, they will try everything to kill you and take it all.

However, the tracking methods of these few were far too obvious.

Unprofessional to a fault.

Killing someone and then covering it up poorly would leave traces that could easily lead to an arrest by the Security Bureau.