It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

"Sora said there might be an excellent mission coming soon that's moderately difficult and very suitable for us. So I plan to wait until that mission arrives before starting work. Everyone, just relax for the next few days."

Since Bai Lin and Kong were the ones who negotiated directly regarding the mission, they couldn't make out anything from Bai Lin's language, so everyone was convinced by Bai Lin, but they were also silent for a while. Finally, Grell held his chin in thought and said calmly,

"Hmm...it's good to rest a little and adjust. Excessive work has already begun to change our temperaments."

"After all, if we don't rest now, it looks like Kenofu will be coming to work with our team, right?"

Norman seemed to be the first to rest. He immediately folded his arms and said to Greer with a smile. Greer, always calm and serious, blushed and began to explain hurriedly. The atmosphere at the table immediately became heated.

In the middle of the conversation, Bai Lin seemed to remember something and said to everyone,

"Oh, there's one more thing. We've been out of town lately, and something threatening seems to have happened. They say it's some kind of Rakuten incense, and it's addictive, with serious consequences. You guys better stay out of it."

Although they couldn't know the content of the mission, it was still necessary to remind them. What if they were accidentally cheated? Bai Lin thought so and said this.

"Come on, Captain, it's you, the heavy smoker, who's most likely to get infected. It's us who should be worried about you."

Andel seemed to still be upset about what happened just now, and immediately replied to Bai Lin in a mean way. Bai Lin also hit back immediately,

"Captain Andel, I've noticed your ability to argue is really getting better and better. What do you mean I'm a heavy smoker? I've only been smoking for a short time."

"It's been more than a year since I discovered it, right?"

Andel's simple words suppressed all the thoughts in Bai Lin's mind. She felt as if there was a lump in her throat, unable to speak. A year...has it been so long?

Honestly, in the past year, apart from going back with Katie to pay respects to Klein and seeing Chris, she hadn't done anything else. Katie was busy, and so was she; they each had their own agendas. Bai Lin had almost lost track of time.

Taking on missions, completing them, their reputation gradually grew. This team, seemingly inexhaustible, worked almost constantly. Of course, it was undeniable that they also gained a lot. Not only money and fame, but also a significant improvement in their own strength.

As he received more and more combat missions, Nowen's melee skills became more and more advanced. When he encountered monsters of special races, his holy spells combined with the cross staff were quite effective.

As for Aundair, she was much more capable than before. She was now more proficient in throwing weapons and seemed to be able to use some small spells to create throwing props.

As for Grell, his detection method originally relied on air currents. He could smell the wind and use it to identify enemies. This ability was not only much more accurate than before, it could even clearly identify the specific type of enemy.

There wasn't much to say about Bai Lin and Fei'er. The former had completely mastered Fei'er's dual-sword technique, but couldn't quite grasp her unique technique of concealing her center of gravity, breathing rhythm, and micro-movements. The latter, on the other hand, seemed to have mastered even more bizarre spells, which Bai Lin didn't quite understand.

All in all, they are all making steady progress. This team is perfect and very united, and everyone has a good relationship, but -

Even if I work so hard, I'm still only growing like a normal adventurer. Saving the world seems so far away.

Fei'er seemed to notice Bai Lin holding the cup and thinking about something, so she touched her lightly and asked,

"What's wrong? Don't you want to drink?"

Bai Lin broke free from his thoughts and turned to look at Fei'er. Seeing her face without the mask, though not as red as a healthy glow, she had a reassuring smile. It was a very plain smile, but it was filled with happiness, a genuine smile. It was completely different from the expression on Bai Lin's face when he first met Fei'er.

Yes, isn't there someone here who was successfully rescued? Bai Lin also responded to her smile, clinked glasses with Fei'er in satisfaction, and then immersed himself in the atmosphere at the table.

On the way back, Bai Lin and Fei'er were still walking together. The moon seemed quite bright today. Bai Lin looked up, but not even a single star could be seen.

It was a pleasant night, and the sky looked very clean and bright. She and Fei'er walked together, strolling on the streets with the evening breeze, savoring the quiet and comfortable night with peace of mind.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?"

As they walked, Fei'er asked this question. Bai Lin thought for a while, then replied,

"Let me wake you up so you can get some rest tonight. We don't have much information right now, so we need to clean up as soon as possible."

Fei'er nodded, indicating that she understood. Bai Lin had long since accepted Fei'er's indifference. She wasn't truly aloof, but simply wasn't very good at expressing her emotions, and even less willing to interact with outsiders.

But, this will surely change slowly, Bai Lin thought.

As Bai Lin leisurely strolled, admiring the moon, a figure suddenly flashed before her eyes across the moonlit landscape. Even with Bai Lin's exceptional visual acuity, she barely caught it. Panicked, she glanced in that direction, already drawing her usual weapon and shield, on guard. Fei'er, naturally, did the same, immediately drawing her weapon.

The two of them tacitly leaned against each other, back to back, and looked around, but found nothing. At this moment, a very sweet and childish voice sounded in Bai Lin's ears.

"Good evening, big sister."

Hearing the sound, Bai Lin felt as if something was rubbing against her eardrum. She immediately turned her head towards the direction of the sound. Fei'er, who was leaning on her back, suddenly twitched in pain and showed abnormality.

Chapter 342 Flanders

Flanders' face was filled with disbelief. The eerie, even somewhat noble, atmosphere she had created suddenly collapsed. She was frozen in place like a little girl, as if petrified. Even a passing bird wouldn't mind perching on her shoulder.

The more Bai Lin looked at this guy, the more strange it seemed to him. This guy's behavior was truly bizarre. He was so powerful, yet he still asked him to carry out a commission. Not only did he ask him to do it, but he also attacked his own teammates first...

In short, let's continue to ask about the commission. The sooner we can calm her down, the sooner Fei'er can escape from her suffering.

"Um... Miss Flanda? Are you okay? Why don't you wake up first?"

Bai Lin asked tentatively, but Flanders seemed haggard, imitating the tone of an old lady, muttering to herself,

"Are vampires out of fashion?"

Bai Lin could only force a bitter smile, unsure how to respond to this Flanders. Once upon a time, perhaps when Bai Lin was younger, she had quite liked vampires. In the works she read, vampires were always peaceful beings, simply concerned with survival, and never actively attacking humans.

However, even so, humans would continue to hunt her down... Coupled with the beautification of her appearance, the young Bai Lin was naturally indignant. So even at this age when she no longer worships vampires, she still has a kind of longing and fantasy about vampires.

Of course, Flanders was too bronze-looking, not even a bit of her appearance would affect Bai Lin's XP. However, seeing her like this, Bai Lin couldn't help but want to hear her request.

"Hmm...pretend I didn't say anything, let's get back to business. Recently, I've heard a vampire from my clan seem to be selling Rakuten incense in the upper town."

"Your tribesman? You don't want me to take special care of him, do you? I can't do that."

Although she had softened her stance a bit, Bai Lin still had her principles. Anyone selling this kind of stuff, regardless of dosage or reason, should be killed without fail.

Flanders seemed to be more alert. She closed her eyes and shook her finger in contempt.

"No, no, no. We noble vampires have always despised such behavior. What I need you to do is kill her."

When she said the second half of the sentence, Flanders eyes suddenly became fierce, murderous intent filled her eyes. Bai Lin was shocked, but still did not say much. Instead, he asked calmly,

"I have a few questions, Miss Flanda, the client. Although I personally do not reject non-human commissions, I also need to consider it from a human perspective. First of all—"

Bai Lin raised a finger and asked Flanders,

"You are so powerful, why don't you do it yourself?"

This was a crucial question. Flanders had her own reasons for not taking action. Bai Lin needed to ensure this incident didn't become a thorn in the side of humanity and aliens. What if he were used as a pawn and became the spark for a war?

Flanders blinked cutely again, but also met Bai Lin's gaze very seriously and replied,

"Well, I can't tell you this right now. But I can make a contract with you. This will definitely not have any negative impact on humans. It may even be more beneficial. Don't be so unconvinced. We vampires take contracts very seriously. Those who violate them will be engulfed in endless flames and die in agony."

Flanders loli voice echoed in Bai Lin's ears, but the actual content made Bai Lin feel nauseous. She turned her head away stiffly, then raised a finger.

"Second question, why do you have to entrust me with this? There are so many adventurers in this city who are much stronger than me. Let me tell you in advance, the reward I require is also very high."

This was Bai Lin's second question. She was merely an adventurer known as the Holy Child, a reputation that had only recently spread. It wasn't often that someone approached their team for a private commission, let alone one specifically requesting Bai Lin.

What conspiracy is behind this? We still need to listen to Flanders answer to find out if there is something fishy going on.

"The reason is actually very simple. I really like you, sis."

Flanda had already wrapped her arms around Bai Lin's arm. Even with her skirt swirling, she seemed to be flirting with him. But her tone was filled with allure. It was a deeply alluring act, and even Bai Lin felt a sudden electric shock throughout his body. For a moment, he was completely stunned.

"Don't joke, I have a family." Bai Lin came to his senses and quickly shook off Flanders hand and took two steps back, fearing that Katie would smell something like a vampire.

"Eh? Sister, you didn't know that besides the relationship between boyfriend and girlfriend, there are many other relationships that can be used for various things."

Flanda kept coming closer, which made Bai Lin feel a little angry. Being cute is one thing, but being unable to communicate regardless of the occasion is another. Just as she was about to shake off Flanda's embrace, a sharp pain came from the inside of Bai Lin's forearm.

"Hiss... It hurts. What did you do? Are you sucking my blood?"

Bai Lin didn't react much. She inexplicably felt a sense of security coursing through her blood. Perhaps this was the same anesthetic released by wild bats when they bit livestock like cattle and sheep.

"I'm not kidding you, I'm signing a contract. Wait a moment, the details will be ready soon."

"Contract—wait!"

Bai Lin had just recovered somewhat, and before she could even say "wait", she felt a sharp pain on the inside of her arm. Flanders let go of Bai Lin's hand and raised her arm anxiously to look at it.

On the inside of the arm, a rose pattern surrounded by thorns appeared. In the center of the rose, there seemed to be a crown symbolizing a king's crown. The enchanting bright red pattern flashed with ominous signs. Bai Lin glared at Flanderda.

"What is the content of the contract you made with me?"

It was obvious that the vampire had already signed the contract while she was unconscious. Flanders first placed the fingertips she had pulled from Bai Lin's arm into her mouth, savoring the taste of the blood. Then, with a completely free look, she gasped in pleasure.

Chapter 343 Blood Contract

Even her complexion, which was whiter than the moonlight, was now flushed with excitement. In the dullness after the happiness, Flanders began to respond to Bai Lin's questions.

"Don't worry, as long as you complete the goals I give you within this time, nothing will happen. Otherwise, you will just become my servant. Isn't that a good thing?"

As she spoke, Flanders moved closer to Bai Lin, looking her up and down with playful eyes. She stretched out her palm, gently touched Bai Lin's body, and tried to reach her neck.

"Or... you can just give up the mission and become my servant. I think I've fallen in love with you, Bai Lin."

Facing the emotional onslaught that was like a storm, Bai Lin simply sank into a livid expression as he released Flanders' hand. Flanders simply stepped back with a relaxed expression, as if everything she had just declared was just a joke.

"Don't be so rude, even if it's your turn—"

At that moment, a cold light flashed, and Flanders' voice abruptly stopped. A gust of wind brushed Bai Lin's ears, and then her sight caught sight of Fei'er's twin blades. Indeed, she was furiously thrusting her blades into the vampire's body.

Flanders body transformed into a large number of bats, dispersing like a dark cloud and drifting towards the horizon. She laughed wantonly, and before she was gone, she did not forget to leave behind a sentence worth remembering:

"I'm looking forward to your performance, Bai Lin. Next time we meet, I should be able to hear the good news that you have completed the commission."

Bai Lin stood there, looking into the distant sky, the direction from which the laughter came. There was no resentment in his eyes, but his expression was somewhat unpredictable. Fei'er seemed to be a little anxious as she grabbed Bai Lin's hand and looked up and down at the red marks left by the vampire.

"How's it going? Is everything alright? How about we let Sora take a look?"

Facing Fei'er's rare concern, Bai Lin simply shook his head and replied,

"No, it's not a big deal. With her strength, it would be easy for her to kill us. We can confirm with Sora whether the so-called spirit of the contract that Flanders mentioned is true or not, and there will be no problem at all."

As she spoke, Bai Lin regained her relaxed and relaxed demeanor. She put on a slight smile and beckoned Fei'er.

"Let's go, it's time to go back to the hotel and rest. It's getting late. Although we don't need to sleep too long, it's better to rest for a while."

Bai Lin took a step forward and walked towards the distance. The shadow stretched infinitely under the moonlight, making Fei'er feel a little strange for a moment. She couldn't help but catch up with him for two steps and then asked,

"Aren't you worried at all? Aren't you afraid that the blood pattern might be something that could harm you? Where has your usual caution gone?"

Fei'er was puzzled. She had no idea about the conversation between Bai Lin and Flanders. Even if she heard it, she would not understand it. Bai Lin just said calmly,

"My intuition tells me that she's trustworthy. At least, this conversation really helped me understand her motives. Decision-making is a crucial part of any adventurer's life, Fei'er. Don't worry, I'm immortal after all..."

"Even if you are, you can't just die randomly."

As Bai Lin's back felt cold again, Fei'er's hand slowly fell on her shoulder, and a low voice sounded. Bai Lin immediately raised his hands in surrender, and then replied,

"I understand. I was just saying that. I'm just judging it for now. Don't worry about it."

Fei'er stared at Bai Lin for a while, then she finally let out a breath and said nothing more. Bai Lin could only smile awkwardly, and then, in this slightly awkward atmosphere, he and Fei'er slowly walked towards the hotel.

Although the relationship between the two has become closer, communication problems like this still occasionally arise. How can this be solved? Bai Lin thought so.

-

The next morning, the two of them headed for the upper city. With their mobility, they didn't even need a carriage. They reached their destination in a short time.

If he were to say that there might be information in the upper city, and it might be an acquaintance, Bai Lin could only think of one person who was not too unfamiliar, but not too familiar either.

I heard that she hasn't been going to school much recently and seems to be under house arrest, so Bai Lin's first thought was to ask her. She is the black-haired girl who speaks Cantonese and has a very easy-going personality.

Long Yuesi.

Crossing the familiar stone entrance, they went straight around the bamboo forest. At this point, Long Yuesi must be doing one thing -

Drink morning tea.

As expected, when Bai Lin and the others pushed open the door, they saw Long Yuesi elegantly holding up a teacup and slowly and gracefully placing it in front of them. Her eyes immediately noticed the visitor, but she swallowed the tea first before speaking.

"This morning, the wind blew strangely, and magpies flew onto the branches. It was obvious that a distinguished guest was coming to visit. And sure enough, they really did welcome the two of Leimen."

The familiar mixture of Hong Kong Mandarin and Cantonese almost made Fei'er fall to the ground. After all, it was her first time meeting Long Yuesi. She was not a talkative person, and she had no intention of speaking at all. Bai Lin glanced at Fei'er, then said to Long Yuesi,

"What distinguished guest? I'm just here to see a friend. This is my team member, Fei'er."

"Oh, you are the famous Fei'er? I've heard of you for a long time!"

Long Yuesi bowed with both hands and greeted Fei'er with a bright smile. Apparently, Fei'er now seemed to be able to accept this kind of sincere enthusiasm with ease. She nodded gently. If it were a year ago, she would probably have taken two steps back.

However, getting her to respond enthusiastically was unlikely. Fortunately, Long Yuesi didn't seem to mind, and with a wave of her hand, she invited the two to take a seat. She seemed to have already prepared morning tea for several people, and she skillfully brought the plates to the table.

"You two probably haven't eaten yet, right? We really need to try the morning tea in Xiaodai."

Bai Lin smiled and nodded, giving a positive response.

"Yes, we haven't eaten yet, but I really didn't expect that you would prepare so much food even though we didn't even tell you in advance. What's going on? Are there other guests?"

Long Yuesi smiled at Bai Lin again, and glanced at him, and replied,

"There are no other guests. It's just fate that has already informed me that you are coming."