Young Master, May I?

In the training ground of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company, a dozen mercenaries stood in formation. Standing before them were two young men. One wore white clothes and appeared composed, while the other had a fierce expression on his face. These two were Xiao Yan's older brothers, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, who were instructing the mercenaries in combat techniques.

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company, a slender girl dressed in green, with a braid of green hair covering half of her face, walked with her head down among the crowd. She seemed very young, perhaps not even fourteen. Her emerald green eyes were calm yet held an inexplicable allure, like the cold eyes of a serpent, capable of drawing others in with a single glance.

The girl had a delicate and petite appearance, but she never lifted her head in the crowd. No matter where she went, everyone she encountered, whether mercenaries or servants hired by the group, looked at her with disdain. She walked with her head down and accidentally bumped into a tall man.

"Are you blind?"

"You annoying thing!"

"Seeing you is just bad luck!"

The man, annoyed, turned around and cursed as soon as he saw the green braid and exotic green dress. The girl, facing this undisguised malice, was timid and never dared to fight back. She only dared to hide in a secluded spot, crouch down, bury her head in her knees, and sob quietly.

"Little girl, do you want to stop being looked down upon from now on?"

Suddenly, a voice echoed in Qing Lin's ear. It was Gu Fei, who had quietly infiltrated the Desert Metal Mercenary Company! Qinglin couldn't stop her quiet sobbing, but she held her breath the moment she heard the voice.

Qinglin feels surprised; emotion value +70

She quickly looked up and saw a brother and sister pair a few years older than herself. These two were naturally Gu Fei and Xiao Yi Xian, who had come to the Desert Metal Mercenary Company. They had both hidden their presence and observed from the sky, witnessing the unfair treatment Qing Lin had endured.

Although Qing Lin had found a place to stay in the Mercenary Company, she still faced inexplicable discrimination and verbal abuse. Xiao Yi Xian, in particular, felt a surge of sympathy. She had watched from behind and had almost rushed to intervene several times.

Xiao Yi Xian feels anger and heartache; emotion value +100

After noticing Xiao Yi Xian's emotions, Gu Fei explained Qing Lin's background to her. Xiao Yi Xian had heard before that near the Tager Desert, there were occasional cases of human women being violated by serpent people. Normally, such encounters wouldn't lead to pregnancy. However, there are rare exceptions, where a woman might conceive and give birth.

Qing Lin was a child born from such a union, carrying the blood of serpent people. Serpent people and humans are naturally hostile towards each other. People like Qing Lin, with both human and serpent blood, are seen as cursed by both races. Although she had found refuge in the Desert Metal Mercenary Company and worked as a maid responsible for logistics, she still faced almost universal disdain from the mercenaries.

Mercenaries on the desert's edge harbored deep-seated grudges against serpent people. Though Qing Lin was pitiful, they couldn't help but feel hatred and disgust due to the serpent blood within her. Qing Lin, carrying both human and serpent blood, bore the brunt of discrimination and hatred from both sides. She was utterly innocent, having committed no wrongdoing.

Qing Lin feels confused; emotion value +70

Qing Lin looked at Gu Fei and Xiao Yi Xian in confusion. At this moment, Gu Fei was floating in mid-air, his feet not touching the ground. This young man was clearly powerful, perhaps the strongest person in Rock Desert City.

Qing Lin feels hesitant; emotion value +70

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly, though her eyes still held a trace of fear.

"If you decide to become my disciple, I can make you a powerful figure admired by all."

Gu Fei said.

Qinglin feels longing; emotion value +100

Then, Xiao Yi Xian approached Qing Lin, persuading her.

"Come with us. This brother is very powerful... In the future, when your strength grows, no one will dare to bully you!"

Xiao Yi Xian was kind-hearted, her gentle eyes giving Qing Lin a sense of comfort. Qing Lin, feeling a bit more at ease, revealed a faint smile.

Qing Lin feels relaxed; emotion value +100

"Young Master, can I?"

Qing Lin, very tempted, looked at Gu Fei with some apprehension.

"You can. Since I've chosen you, it means you have the potential!"

Gu Fei nodded.

"I am willing to take you as my master, Young Master!"

Qinglin solemnly said, "But the two leaders of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company have been kind to me by taking me in and giving me work. I need to say goodbye to them before leaving so they don't worry."

Gu Fei agreed. He used his spiritual power to scan the mercenary group and quickly sent a message to summon the two leaders. The overwhelming pressure in his voice startled Xiao Ding and Xiao Li in the training ground.

Xiao Ding feels surprise and fear; emotion value +50

Xiao Li feels surprised; emotion value +50

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li quickly arrived where Gu Fei was. Qing Lin slowly explained that she had taken Gu Fei as her master and would be leaving, expressing her gratitude to the two leaders for their past care. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, relieved and somewhat surprised, realized that Gu Fei, despite his young appearance, possessed terrifying strength. They had initially feared they had provoked such a strong person, but after hearing the situation, they were happy for Qinglin.

Xiao Ding feels happy; emotion value +50

Xiao Li feels happy; emotion value +50

"In gratitude for your care of Qing Lin, take these two pills. They will benefit your cultivation and heal many hidden injuries."

Gu Fei handed them two pills beneficial for Dou Master's cultivation. Before they could react, he left with Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged glances, their eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Senior!"

Xiao Ding feels grateful; emotion value +50

Xiao Li feels grateful; emotion value +50