Chapter 9: The First Mercenary Mission

Ling Feng stood by, waiting for the protagonist of this mission, while feeding a kitten with a freshly grilled fish. He took out the mercenary card he had just obtained yesterday for examination. This mercenary card not only records tasks but can also be used as a bank card. It is made from a special crystal that utilizes memory magic, and through a unique method, it can be used for recording purposes.

When everyone was feeling a headache, they were somewhat surprised to hear Ling Feng say that he was a senior swordsman. It is not unheard of for someone to become a senior swordsman at the age of nineteen, but such instances are rare, especially considering the dagger-like sword that Ling Feng wielded

Ling Feng, 19 years old, unmarried, family status: confidential, but definitely wealthy, with no bad habits

Ling Feng politely greeted Hu Ge, who was beside the woman, saying good morning. After Hu Ge responded with a good morning, he asked, "Ling Feng, where are you planning to go? If it's on the way, we can go together." After thanking him, Ling Feng replied, "I received a task yesterday, and I need to go fulfill it now."

Everyone was stunned by Ling Feng's response. Brother Hu quickly reacted and stopped Ling Feng from continuing: "Ling Feng, just tell us your profession and level."

Thus, Ling Feng imparted the improved sword techniques, as well as his own creations tailored for Fang Tianya, to him. In the end, Fang Tianya stood there somewhat dazed, doubting whether he was dreaming. With this set of sword techniques, he could at least advance to the rank of Junior Sword Saint. Moreover, after hearing Ling Feng's theories on swordsmanship, he believed that achieving the rank of Senior Sword Saint in the future was no longer a dream. Eventually, he even lost track of when Ling Feng, the one who had given him hope, left.

Tiger Brother also saw Ling Feng and was somewhat surprised. However, upon reflection, it was not surprising that Ling Feng took on this task, as it was posted just yesterday, and Ling Feng accepted the task yesterday as well. Moreover, the task was open to all professions and levels.

The woman in the car nearly laughed out loud upon hearing Ling Feng speak. It was only now that she realized how interesting Ling Feng was, which sparked in her a desire to study him further

After returning from the Mercenary Guild, Ling Feng went back to his room to carry out his daily tasks, practicing the Ao Long Jue.

Fang Tianya originally did not wish to hear Ling Feng's explanation, but when he heard Ling Feng mention helping him improve his swordsmanship, he halted his steps. After a moment of hesitation, he slowly turned around and asked Ling Feng: "You say you can improve my swordsmanship?"

Early the next morning, Ling Feng packed his belongings and headed to the town entrance. Upon exiting, he saw the members of the caravan also preparing their gear for departure, and noticed a woman standing beside one of the vehicles. The woman wore a gauze hat, obscuring her features from Ling Feng's view, leading him to speculate that she must be the person from the carriage.

Ling Feng, I never expected to see you again; this fate is truly extraordinary, " Brother Hu joked.

"Chen Fan, 20 years old, Senior Mage, Mercenary Level C. I hope everyone will take good care of me," said a seemingly frail young man shyly

Fang Tianya, 25, Intermediate Swordsman, Mercenary Level B. A cool swordsman gazed at the name on his sword.

Brother Hu looked at the people present and said: "Please state your names, occupations, and levels clearly, so that we can arrange the positions accordingly"

Brother Hu said: "Our mission is to escort the young lady to the imperial city. You must protect her well and ensure that nothing happens to her." After stating the mission, everyone made some preparations and then set off towards the imperial city

... is hailed as an outstanding youth. Ah, you don't need to understand my situation any further. In fact, the more we know about each other, the more harmonious our interactions will be, so we should get closer. As for my profession, I am the most dashing swordsman, having attained the title of Senior Swordsman in the Swordsman Guild. As for the Mercenary Guild, I have just registered as a G-level mercenary. We will be spending some time together in the future, so I kindly ask everyone to take good care of your younger brother. After rambling on for a while, Ling Feng finally revealed his professional level.

After everyone introduced themselves, Brother Hu noted down a roster, consisting of a total of six individuals: five swordsmen and one magician, namely Chen Fan, the high-level magician. The other four swordsmen all possess strength above that of high-level swordsmen, and all four are B-rank mercenaries. After all, this task is classified as a B-rank mission, and the remuneration is not particularly high, which is why there are no skilled experts attracted to it.

As for why Ling Feng has undergone such a change, it is because he has come to understand certain matters last night. Although he had been striving to improve his strength, Ling Feng's heart was quite confused. When he was alone, this confusion was not apparent, but after interacting with the team, Ling Feng clearly felt that he had no direction in this world. Furthermore, he had not truly integrated into this world and its narratives.

Well, may we meet again if fate allows, and I wish you all a smooth journey

After bidding farewell to the convoy, Ling Feng headed directly towards the town entrance. Upon arriving at the entrance, he discovered that several individuals were also waiting there, likely mercenaries who, like Ling Feng, had received a task.

While Ling Feng was still researching how to crack the code, the convoy arrived. When Ling Feng looked up and saw the convoy, his eyes were fixed directly on the leader of the convoy, who turned out to be Brother Hu. It goes without saying that this convoy was the one that had entered Kaye Town with him. It seems that he truly has a connection with this convoy

Ling Feng understood that Fang Tianya wanted to give him time to process these matters, so he returned to the camp alone

Now, Ling Feng has come to a realization: since he has arrived in this world, he should explore it thoroughly, just like the ancient heroes who would take down those deserving of a beating. There is no need to integrate into this world, as he is not a part of it anyway. Sometimes, observing the world as an outsider can be an interesting experience

Ling Feng observed Fang Tianya practicing swordsmanship and found that his technique was indeed quite ordinary. Achieving such results with such a sword style indicates that he is a genius, and most importantly, he is diligent. Furthermore, there are many flaws in his sword moves; when he strikes, he does not utilize the strength of his entire body, relying solely on his hand strength.

On the road, Ling Feng learned that Chen Fan was an orphan, raised by his master since childhood, who taught him magic. According to Chen Fan, his master was a very powerful mage, though he did not know the extent of that power. However, from the fact that his master could cast spells of level three or below instantaneously, it was clear that he was no less than an intermediate mage. Such mages are highly sought after in various empires, and Ling Feng wondered why his master chose to stay in Chen Fan's small village. He thought there must be some unavoidable circumstances.

Ling Feng, seeing him like this, did not waste any words and directly got to the point: "Your swordsmanship has many flaws, especially since you rely entirely on arm strength, without utilizing your waist and leg power at all. Like this, adjust your posture well, and channel the strength of your entire body into the strike. This move can also be used like this..." Ling Feng demonstrated while wielding Fang Tianya's large sword. (How to demonstrate, I do not know; as long as one understands the meaning, that is sufficient.)

Everyone was carefully observing Ling Feng, who exuded an inexplicable aura, enhanced by the sword hanging by his side, giving him an ethereal quality. However, as they listened to Ling Feng's words and noticed the cat perched on his shoulder, that ethereal feeling vanished, replaced instead by a sense of comfort.

Oh, then you carry on with your tasks, and we shall meet again if fate allows

Ling Feng thought that if this method were to be cracked, the bank would surely go bankrupt. However, this thing has been in use for nearly a thousand years, and no vulnerabilities as Ling Feng imagined have ever appeared. Perhaps this thing is simply too special.

After Ling Feng understood the characteristics of Fang Tianya's martial arts, he analyzed and calculated a method for improvement in his mind. He then spoke up: "Tianya, is the Wind Fury Sword Technique you practice like this?" Fang Tianya thought Ling Feng was mocking his sword technique and, feeling somewhat displeased, sheathed his sword and walked towards the resting area for everyone.

Fang Tianya, practicing the Gale Sword Technique, harnesses the Gale Battle Qi. It is said to be a family heirloom, a rather ordinary martial skill. However, through his diligence, he attained the title of Intermediate Sword Master at the age of 24, which can be considered a miracle

It is no wonder that one gold coin is required; obtaining a card on Earth also involves a fee, and there is even an annual fee. However, this does not require an annual fee. In terms of confidentiality, it is superior to what is done on Earth, as it directly records a person's mental waves, which cannot be deciphered by anyone

Fang Tianya, upon hearing Ling Feng's nonsense, turned to leave, but stopped once again when he heard Ling Feng call out to him about swordsmanship

Hehe ... indeed, it is fate

Whenever he had a moment to spare during the journey, Fang Tianya would find a place to practice his swordsmanship. Under Ling Feng's persistent insistence, he agreed to let Ling Feng watch. After all, he believed that his sword techniques were merely ordinary martial skills and did not require any secrecy.

Ling Feng realized he had misspoken. It was easy to imagine that Fang Tianya, who already thought his swordsmanship was ordinary, would overthink upon hearing such words. Therefore, he immediately called out to Fang Tianya: "Tianya, I didn't mean what you think. I just wanted to clarify your situation to help you improve your sword techniques"

Just as Brother Hu was about to close the roster, he noticed that Ling Feng, who was standing to the side, had not mentioned his information. Although they were acquainted, Brother Hu had never heard Ling Feng speak of his abilities. Moreover, Brother Hu was somewhat skeptical about what profession Ling Feng was in. Seizing the opportunity, Brother Hu asked, "Ling Feng, what about your situation? I need to understand it better."

Ling Feng knew that Fang Tianya still did not fully trust him, but the prospect of improving his swordsmanship was too enticing. Thus, he spoke up: "Of course, I am well-versed in astronomy and geography, and I have a wide-ranging knowledge of literature. Improving sword techniques is a trivial matter for me. Back in the day... Hey, hey, Tianya, where are you going? Come back, I want to discuss your swordsmanship with you now."