Ian Song concealed his true cultivation, but these One-Star and Two-Star God-Demons couldn't see through it. Jade Shaw also hid her real strength, only showing herself as late-stage Mid-Rank God.
But Ian saw through her real situation at a glance.
No wonder she's a second-generation god—she broke through to Upper-Rank God in just over a month.
This group mission required twelve God-Demons to participate, and the medicine they needed to collect was called Nether Bloom. This Nether Bloom is somewhat related to the mortal world's epiphyllum.
It blooms every ten years, but the flowering period lasts only one hour. If it's not picked within that hour, the Nether Bloom will automatically fall and then melt back into the soil.
The mission crystal contained a detailed introduction to the Nether Bloom's location, its blooming time, and also noted possible dangers.
This Nether Bloom is an auxiliary ingredient for refining certain soul-type divine pills, and is worth about two thousand god-crystals.
If taken directly, it can also enhance one's soul power to some extent.
That's why, when the Nether Bloom opens, fierce beasts will come to compete for it.
The reward for this mission was two hundred god-crystals.
Valley entrance.
A black-clad Mid-Rank God looked at Ian Song and the others with contempt and said coldly.
Hearing it was the Nangong Family, everyone except Ian Song and Jade Shaw changed expression, clearly wary.
The Nangong Family is the local tyrant of Elmridge Prefecture—even the Prefect himself doesn’t dare offend them, let alone small-time God-Demons like us.
According to the info in the mission crystal, there are five Nether Blooms in the valley, all set to open in two days.
So Ian stepped forward and said, "Friend, there are five Nether Blooms in the valley anyway—could you let us have one?"
Hearing this, the other party’s face showed extreme contempt. He sneered at Ian Song, "Pah! What are you? You think you can snatch food from a tiger’s mouth? If you don’t get lost, I’ll kill you right now!"
At that moment—
A figure flashed.
"Smack!"
The black-clad Mid-Rank God who had just been spouting nonsense was sent flying by a slap.
As the man flew out, Ian Song returned to his original spot and said calmly, "With a mouth that filthy, did you eat shit?"
"Well done!"
Jade Shaw clapped and cheered for Ian Song.
But the other ten God-Demons looked extremely grim.
Then, they all began to speak, criticizing Ian Song:
"Ian Song, you were too reckless! They're from the Nangong Family!"
"Exactly! You'd better apologize, or you'll drag us down with you!"
"Ian Song, are you trying to get us all killed?"
"Anyone worried about being implicated can give up on this mission!"
Ian Song slowly swept his gaze over the ten people and said calmly.
Fine, I’ll quit! If I keep working with someone like you, I’ll get killed sooner or later!
A God-Demon sneered and turned to leave.
Then, seven more God-Demons left one after another, leaving only one One-Star and one Two-Star God-Demon.
Miss Jade, Ian Song is too reckless. The Nangong Family isn’t so easily offended. Why don’t we leave together?
Hmph! If you want to go, go! I’m sticking with Ian Song!
Jade Shaw said firmly.
Hmph! If I’d known, I wouldn’t have taken this mission!
The Two-Star God-Demon sneered and left.
You’re not leaving?
Ian Song asked the only remaining One-Star God-Demon.
Why would I leave?
The man smiled.
Aren’t you afraid of getting dragged in?
What’s there to be afraid of? At worst, it’s just death!" the man said boldly.
At that moment—
A group of Mid-Rank Gods led by an Upper-Rank God walked out from the valley. Among them was the black-clad Mid-Rank God with the filthy mouth, who had been smart enough to go for reinforcements after getting slapped by Ian Song.
Do you know who we are?
The leading Upper-Rank God stared at Ian Song and asked.
I know! You’re from the Nangong Family!
The other party’s expression grew even colder. "Since you know, yet still dare to offend us, it seems you don’t take the Nangong Family seriously!"
Ian Song said calmly, "Don’t make it sound so serious. It’s just that the guy beside you has a filthy mouth, so I taught him a lesson."
The leading Upper-Rank God sneered, "No matter your reason, you hit one of our Nangong Family members, so you’re our enemy. However, since you’re with the God-Demon Corps, I’ll let you off if all three of you kneel, kowtow, and cripple an arm yourselves today!"
What a big mouth! You want me to kneel and beg for mercy? You’re not qualified!
Jade Shaw stepped forward, unleashing her Upper-Rank God aura.
The Nangong Family’s Upper-Rank God narrowed his eyes. "So there’s an Upper-Rank God among you. Too bad you just broke through, right?"
So what if I did?
Jade Shaw replied coldly.
The man stepped forward, his aura flaring. He was a mid-stage Upper-Rank God. "I’m just telling you—even if all three of you attack together, you’re not my match. You’d better do as I say. Otherwise, when I make a move, your fate will be much worse than kneeling and crippling an arm!"
Where does your confidence come from? I alone can wipe out your group, let alone Miss Jade!
Ian Song spoke with deep disdain.
Are all Mid-Rank Gods this arrogant now? You want to wipe us out? I’ll give you that chance!' As he spoke, the leading Upper-Rank God waved his hand, and the group of Mid-Rank Gods behind him advanced toward Ian Song.
Seeing this, Jade Shaw and the One-Star God-Demon took up positions to Ian Song’s left and right.
All of you, fall back!
Ian Song said.
There are more than thirty of them!
Jade Shaw said worriedly.
Don’t worry. If I say I can wipe them out, I can!
Ian Song, full of confidence, stepped forward and shouted at the thirty-plus Mid-Rank Gods, "Are you ready to get beaten up?"
Arrogant!
Courting death!
So conceited!
Angered by Ian Song’s words, the thirty-plus Mid-Rank Gods charged at him.