"When you were captured in Black Fire City, it seemed like your Qin Family was planning to leave?" Cao Yuan asked, as he idly turned his head to look at Qin Wuyao.

Qin Wuyao glanced at Cao Yuan but chose to ignore him.

Cao Yuan didn't mind.

He chuckled and said, "Qin Lie, as the Grand Steward of the Celestial Path Alliance's Black Fire City branch, doesn't use the Alliance's connections to solve problems; he's quite the man. But running away is not that feasible. Even though the world's size expanded multiple times after the global data revolution, finding people has become much simpler than before."

This seemed to mock Qin Lie's decision.

Qin Wuyao still didn't respond.

At this moment.

Cao Yuan suddenly turned his head towards the members of the Four Directions Stronghold behind the city wall.

He shouted, "Half a month ago, that newcomer... what's her name... Wang Yujiao? Step forward."

Qin Wuyao was taken aback.

She turned her head in surprise, just in time to see Wang Yujiao, who had left Black Fire City, step out from the crowd.

Seeing a familiar face, Qin Wuyao was astonished.

But Wang Yujiao merely glanced at Qin Wuyao before shifting her gaze and walking up to Cao Yuan.

"Guild Master, is there something you need?" Wang Yujiao asked offhandedly.

Her appearance had changed greatly from before.

Perhaps from experiences like teaming up for dungeon raids.

Although her level was still low, not even reaching level twenty.

But that progress wasn't considered slow.

After all, she was a newcomer professional.

Her demeanor no longer seemed soft and weak, but rather carried a bit of a weather-worn feel.

Perhaps it was because of the large wind and dry air in this northwest region.

Wang Yujiao no longer looked as delicate as before.

"Wang Yujiao, I remember you're originally from Black Fire City? Isn't that right? You're around the same age as Qin Wuyao, do you know her?" Cao Yuan asked.

"From the same school." Wang Yujiao answered truthfully.

It was hard to believe.

For Wang Yujiao, a guild newcomer, it was surprising that Cao Yuan remembered so clearly.

Even remembering where Wang Yujiao was from.

But it was also understandable.

The Four Directions Stronghold, although not at the bottom tier, wasn't a guild chosen by hidden professions, or even rare professions were reluctant to join.

After all, the top-ranked big guilds, besides the Four Major Guilds, were all looking for rare professions.

Wang Yujiao, with a rare profession, joining the Four Directions Stronghold, naturally received attention, and the resources and assistance she could obtain were much better than at a major guild.

As a stepping stone for growth, such a guild was most suitable.

No wonder Cao Yuan remembered so clearly.

"What a coincidence, classmates then. Given this, if Qin Lie doesn't show up later, I'll hand the task of killing your classmate to you." Cao Yuan said casually.

What?

Wang Yujiao was shocked, her face changing dramatically.

Though she had fought many wild monsters and dungeon bosses, Wang Yujiao was not afraid of killing.

But to kill Qin Wuyao, who had once been a classmate!

And also…

Qin Wuyao's relationship with Lu Ran was quite special.

Wang Yujiao's face turned pale.

Qin Wuyao also felt a heavy heart, looking at Wang Yujiao.

"I..." Wang Yujiao gritted her teeth, hesitating.

Cao Yuan frowned suddenly.

He said calmly, "Wang Yujiao, you've been in an awakened profession for less than a month, and you're not formally part of the Four Directions Stronghold yet. You can leave anytime. I've given you so many resources and aid; I don't need to say how well I've treated you, do I?"

Wang Yujiao gritted her teeth.

Indeed.

She couldn't join the guild yet.

She was only staying in the Four Directions Stronghold as a prospective member.

But Cao Yuan had already directed quite a number of resources at her.

She could leave anytime.

Cao Yuan could also kick her out anytime!

Moreover.

Wang Yujiao vaguely understood Cao Yuan's purpose in doing this.

If she killed Qin Lie's daughter, Wang Yujiao wouldn't be able to leave, and she could only plead for the Four Directions Stronghold's protection, binding herself to it!

Wang Yujiao didn't want to agree.

But by now, she couldn't control her own fate.

She could only grit her teeth and say to Qin Wuyao, "We have no connection, and I have no choice. Back then, Lu Ran abandoned me, thanks to your meddling. If I kill you, don't blame me."

Hm?

Cao Yuan was taken aback; was there another story here?

"You're talking nonsense!" Qin Wuyao cursed angrily. "It was you who abandoned Lu Ran!"

Wang Yujiao clenched her teeth, seemingly wanting to argue.

But the words couldn't come out.

She only turned to Cao Yuan and said, "When do I make my move? I'll kill!"

Cao Yuan laughed heartily, nodding with satisfaction.

He said, "No rush, if Qin Lie... "

He hadn't finished speaking.

Suddenly, a subordinate shouted, "Qin Lie is here!"

Oh?

Cao Yuan's body trembled, and he quickly turned to look over.

Within the sand blowing at the mount's entrance, two figures were steadily making their way towards them.

"Two people?" Cao Yuan frowned.

But at the same time, he felt relieved.

He worried that pushing Qin Lie too far might cause him to use the Celestial Path Alliance's power.

Though the Celestial Path Alliance might not intervene for Qin Lie's personal affairs, he was still anxious.

Now, seeing Qin Lie coming with one person, Cao Yuan felt a weight lifted off his heart.

However.

He stared at the person next to Qin Lie for a long time.

But Cao Yuan couldn't recognize who it was: "A young chap, judging by the age, probably not even level thirty. Is Qin Lie bringing just a follower? That's quite bold."

Nearby.

Wang Yujiao and Qin Wuyao both froze in unison.

They recognized him at once: it was Lu Ran!

Qin Wuyao's face showed a touch of joy but quickly turned to deep worry.

Coming here now, isn't it a death sentence?

Qin Wuyao still didn't know how much Lu Ran had grown and was naturally worried.

Wang Yujiao, having spent recent days intensely leveling with members of the Four Directions Stronghold, hadn't been following news on Lu Ran.

In both their minds, Lu Ran's visit here likely meant the same fate as Qin Lie's—to die!

But Qin Wuyao understood Lu Ran's importance to Longxia.

If he died here because of her, she, Qin Wuyao, would become an eternal sinner!

Wang Yujiao turned to Qin Wuyao, speaking with an odd tone: "Your relationship truly is exceptional. For you, Lu Ran risks coming here, but even he, can he save you?"

Wang Yujiao was entirely unaware of Lu Ran's capabilities.

Though Lu Ran leveled up fast, it didn't mean much.

A newcomer was still a newcomer!

Qin Wuyao glanced at Wang Yujiao, saying flatly, "If you hadn't betrayed Lu Ran then, he would do the same for you."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yujiao's heart throbbed painfully.

It was as if a sharp claw tore open her chest, squeezing her heart vigorously.

Of course she knew!

Her impulsive, greedy, and wrong choices had made her completely lose Lu Ran!

At this point.

Lu Ran and Qin Lie had already reached below the city wall.

This was already outside the protective shield of the Four Directions Stronghold guild's location.

Qin Lie was very nervous, as he was in a place where Four Directions Stronghold members could focus their attacks, and the surroundings were bare, offering no cover—if targeted, they'd die swiftly!

In contrast, Lu Ran was utterly composed.

He raised his head to look at the city wall.

Seeing that Qin Wuyao was still alive, Lu Ran breathed a sigh of relief, but seeing her so weak made the anger in his heart flare up instantly.

In contrast, Wang Yujiao.

Of course, Lu Ran noticed her, but merely glanced without any reaction.

That was simply an insignificant stranger, not worth another look!

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