Chapter 49: Take Care

The atmosphere in the conference room instantly grew tense.

All eyes were on Pavilion Master Lin, silently waiting for an answer.

Pavilion Master Lin surveyed the room, then stood up quietly, his back straight as a rod: "Since the beginning of the new era, for 149 years since the founding of Mo Pavilion, we have never abandoned a single member of humanity!"

"Nor have we ever sacrificed any human to gain benefits for ourselves!"

His words were serious and solemn.

Everyone instinctively sat up straighter.

"You are, in a strict sense, part of Mo Pavilion as well, and I hope everyone..."

"...has more trust in Mo Pavilion."

"This operation does indeed involve other arrangements, but...I, Lin Feng, Deputy Director of the Jiangbei Province Mo Pavilion Branch, swear on my life that this additional plan will not harm you in any way!"

Pavilion Master Lin’s voice echoed through the conference room.

An Xin was silent for a long while before her sweet smile returned: "Sorry, Uncle Lin, just asking, you know."

"It’s too serious."

As she spoke, An Xin opened a lollipop wrapper and popped the candy into her mouth, her mood visibly brightening.

In the distance...

Zhao Qingyi had at some point bowed her head.

Still dressed in a flawless long white dress that perfectly accentuated her figure, making her stand out exceptionally.

Unlike An Xin's Lolita style, just sitting there, Zhao Qingyi gave off an illusion that made one feel unworthy...

A goddess, beyond reproach.

Even in one's thoughts.

Even though her head was bowed and her face was hidden by her long hair, her presence alone stirred the hearts of those around her.

What they couldn't see, however...

Zhao Qingyi's face was slightly flushed, her delicate hands clenched tightly into fists, trembling slightly, and she muttered under her breath...

"Too passionate..."

"He spoke too passionately."

"For Mo Pavilion, for humanity, I would die a thousand deaths without regret."

"Fight, fight!"

Sitting nearby, Wang Wenxuan faintly sensed something was off with Zhao Qingyi. He cast a questioning glance her way and leaned slightly closer, trying to catch what the Dark Pavilion's wealthy member was muttering about.

Unfortunately, by the time he moved closer, Zhao Qingyi had already lifted her head again, her expression cold, casting a deep, chilly look towards Wang Wenxuan.

He couldn't help but shiver.

Wang Wenxuan decisively averted his eyes, looking straight ahead.

This woman was too fierce.

Her aura screamed 'keep away.'

And most importantly... the boss always said a big butt was good for child-bearing, but this woman... well...

Not quite right.

With a sigh, Wang Wenxuan gradually lost interest.

Better to wait for the dream goddess with the big butt that belonged in his own fantasies.

"If there are no issues, hand over your mobile phones."

"Over the next three days, Mo Pavilion will provide you with accommodations and meals."

"And finally..."

Pavilion Master Lin took a deep breath, pulled back his chair, and stepped back two paces, bowing deeply to everyone present: "I hope that after this operation, we can share a hearty drink together."

"Passing the torch."

"Take care, everyone."

With those words, Pavilion Master Lin, his expression solemn, turned and left.

It felt as though a great weight had been lifted. Following Pavilion Master Lin's departure, Wang Wenxuan let out a long sigh of relief and slumped back into his lazy posture, resting a foot on the table and gently swinging it: "Why make it so melodramatic?"

"Really interesting."

"The same spiel every time, isn’t it tiresome?"

Yawning, clearly bored, his eyes wandered aimlessly.

Under the table, Zhao Qingyi's hands, previously clenched tightly, suddenly froze. For some reason, the fervor ignited by Pavilion Master Lin was abruptly extinguished by Wang Wenxuan's few casual remarks.

Trying to feel passionate again proved futile.

It was utterly, bitterly cold.

Truly... a goddess of ice.

Without knowing why, Zhao Qingyi’s cold, piercing, scornful gaze, and all such expressions were directed towards Wang Wenxuan, even a faint murderous aura seemed to float in the air.

Wang Wenxuan, feeling the chill on his scalp, thought it over and silently retracted his leg from the table.

Yet the chilling intent did not diminish; the water in the glass before Wang Wenxuan gradually began to form a layer of ice.

In an instant, a pressure greater than that of Pavilion Master Lin descended upon Wang Wenxuan, causing him to sit up straight, like a model student attentively listening in class.

Anyone who doesn't know, Zhao Qingyi of the Dark Pavilion...

Kills without batting an eye.

And her eyes remain unflinching..

Meanwhile, the members of the Demon Exorcism Pavilion became excited, whispering to each other.

"Mo Pavilion is providing the meals, damn!"

"Had I known they'd feed us, I wouldn't have brought my own buns this morning. What a loss."

It seemed that all of Pavilion Master Lin's words didn't hold as much weight as his last remark about providing meals.

Luo Yun's face turned dark as he scolded in frustration, "Can't you have a little more ambition? Must you embarrass me like this?"

"Boss, I noticed you didn't bring any provisions either."

"Did you already know about this? Why didn't you tell us? Does your conscience not hurt?"

Instead of quieting down, several team members turned around and began scolding Luo Yun.

Luo Yun's face stiffened.

"Cough, cough, you don't understand anything!"

"When the operation starts, aren't we supposed to bring our own food?"

"Then I can just mooch off of you..."

"You bunch of little brats, why ask so many questions!"

Luo Yun cursed under his breath, his annoyance turning into embarrassment.

But soon, the atmosphere began to grow a bit more oppressive.

"Speaking of which, have you guys spent that $200,000 lifesaving money yet?"

One of the teammates seemed to recall something, his voice growing somber.

The person on the left nodded, "I spent it, bought a third-level demon crystal. If I survive this time, I might have a chance at the fourth awakening."

The teammate on the right shook his head, "I... I'll pass. With my current progress, aiming for the fourth awakening isn't realistic. It's better to save the money. If... if I don't make it back, this sum could ensure a comfortable life for my younger brother."

He sighed deeply.

Luo Yun looked at them and started scolding, "What are you guys always thinking about? With me covering for you, how could you die?"

"Look at An Xin, how calm she is!"

"That’s why they say every team needs someone smart, not like those Reserve Forces like Wang Wenxuan, a bunch of blockheads."

"With An Xin's leadership, this operation will definitely go smoothly."

Luo Yun confidently patted his chest and declared loudly.

Due to Luo Yun's loud voice, Wang Wenxuan, who was sitting across from him and bearing the pressure exerted by Zhao Qingyi, quietly interjected, "Luo Yun, weren't you once... just another one of those blockheads in the Reserve Forces?"

An Xin added with a mischievous grin, "I can attest to that. Uncle Luo was indeed quite the blockhead."

"Just like Zhao Qingyi."

As she spoke, her gaze drifted off, locking eyes with Zhao Qingyi across the room.

A sense of battle arose between them.