In order to send Ding Qingya home, Fang Lin Kong naturally had no time to pay attention to a small mouse monster. However, he left a Wutu Zhenluo following Zhang Twenty-Eight. The Seeking Demon Bug, refined from the true locust of the Earth element, possessed immense power. Even if Zhang Twenty-Eight tried to escape underground, he could not hide from the Spiritual Awareness detection of Wutu Zhenluo.
Everything that Zhang Twenty-Eight saw was also known to Fang Lin Kong. Although he found it strange that Lu Gan was mingling with that Six-Eyed Celestial Wolf, he was no longer afraid of these two individuals, who had become rather insignificant in his eyes due to his tremendous growth in strength.
Even the appearance of Zero Sakura and Yu Beiyao did not attract any attention from Fang Lin Kong, as he did not recognize these two beauties. He had not yet become so arrogant as to think that all the world's conspiracies were related to him.
After sending Ding Qingya home, Fang Lin Kong did not want to return home just yet; instead, he decided to intercept Zhang Twenty-Eight's path. He was more bored than cautious.
When Zhang Twenty-Eight saw Fang Lin Kong appear, he did not remember the person who had trapped him underground earlier using the Steel Finger technique. However, the aura that Fang Lin Kong intentionally released made him realize that the other party was not someone to be underestimated.
At that moment, Zhang Twenty-Eight looked up carefully at the young man blocking his way.
Fang Lin Kong was already taller than most of his peers, and after his training, his physique had become even more perfect. Although he did not have the appearance of a muscular man, his body proportions were well-balanced, giving him an air of explosive potential.
Zhang Twenty-Eight was not one to back down easily either; he glared fiercely at Fang Lin Kong and shouted loudly, "What do you want, kid? Looking for a fight? Don't block my way!"
Fang Lin Kong smiled cheerfully, remaining silent as he released a portion of his suppressed spiritual energy. Zhang Twenty-Eight was about to express his thoughts verbally when the sudden surge of spiritual energy from Fang Lin Kong created an overwhelming pressure around them. In an instant, Zhang Twenty-Eight found it difficult to breathe, let alone speak.
As the spiritual pressure was both unleashed and then withdrawn, Fang Lin Kong continued to smile without saying a word. However, Zhang Twenty-Eight's expression had turned exceedingly obsequious. His attitude made a complete one-eighty. He understood that if Fang Lin Kong had wanted to, he could have easily crushed him into a pulp with just a bit more pressure. Such a powerful figure was not someone Zhang Twenty-Eight dared to offend.
"This young man, I am Zhang Twenty-Eight. I've lived in this city for over a hundred years. May I ask for your name?"
Fang Lin Kong replied with a smile, "I am Fang Lin Kong! I need your assistance with something. If you are unwilling, I won't force you."
Upon hearing that Fang Lin Kong wasn't there to cause trouble, Zhang Twenty-Eight immediately pounded his chest loudly in assurance. He readily responded, "As long as you give the order, no matter what it is, I would go through fire and water without hesitation... Huh!? Did you say your name is Fang Lin Kong?"
"That's right!"
"Oh! It’s... it’s you, esteemed sir!"
Fang Lin Kong casually helped the now kneeling Zhang Twenty-Eight back to his feet and chuckled, "I'm not old; you, Zhang Twenty-Eight, are over a hundred years old—ten times my age!"
Living in this city, how could anyone not have heard of Fang Lin Kong? If we talk about the greatest power in this city, it would undoubtedly be the Chifeng Legion. And when it comes to the strongest monster, that title belongs to Li Bing, the Eternal Ice Spider. However, when it comes to fame, Fang Lin Kong stands out above all.
Recently, tales of Fang Lin Kong's exploits have been circulating throughout the Dark World of the city. Stories about him causing chaos during the Bloodline Century War and slaughtering hundreds of masters from the Sea God Clan, as well as battling Kyo Kusanagi's Arlen Xuding Si for hundreds of rounds, have spread like wildfire, almost as if they were true!
Zhang Twenty-Eight had only been cultivating for over a hundred years and remained at the lowest level among low-level monsters. How could he possibly hold a conversation with someone as significant as Fang Lin Kong?
"Hey! It's not that you don't age; it's just that I've wasted my years on a dog’s life. At this age, I can only manage a bit of earth-shifting magic. My life is hardly better than that of a laborer!"
As he spoke of his dire circumstances, Zhang Twenty-Eight couldn't help but shed tears. Although he appeared to be in his late twenties, in terms of mentality and actual age, he had truly experienced a lot.
Fang Lin Kong gently patted Zhang Twenty-Eight on the shoulder, unsure whether to comfort this monster. He paused for a moment, cleared his throat lightly, and said, "I see your earth-shifting technique is quite good. Recently, I need someone to help me gather information about what's happening in the city. I feel awkward bothering Ding Chifeng from the Chifeng Army; besides, his information can be somewhat unreliable!"
Upon hearing the request, Zhang Twenty-Eight felt it was within his capabilities, but he awkwardly smiled and said, "My earth escape technique is decent, but these days, whether it's monsters or cultivators, they tend to kill at the slightest provocation. I don't have much skill; I'm afraid if I encounter a master, I won't be able to complete the task you've assigned!"
Fang Lin Kong pondered for a moment and replied, "That's easy to handle. I'll give you two magical artifacts that you can use right now; they will help you escape if you encounter a master!"
Zhang Twenty-Eight thought to himself, "Fang Lin Kong is a significant figure in this city, with connections to the Chifeng Army that are quite extraordinary. If I could negotiate with him for a Blood Transformation Bat's Gene Serum as a reward, that would be ideal!"
When Fang Lin Kong mentioned giving him two magical artifacts, Zhang Twenty-Eight was overjoyed, his heart racing uncontrollably.
"I wonder what kind of artifacts you plan to give me?"
As soon as Zhang Twenty-Eight asked, he regretted it. If he pressed too hard for details, Fang Lin Kong might realize something and retract his offer, which would only lead to embarrassment.
However, Zhang Twenty-Eight's thoughts were not on the same level as Fang Lin Kong's.
Since acquiring tens of thousands of magical artifacts from the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Jar, Fang Lin Kong had become quite generous.
"Well, this mouse's cultivation is too shallow; giving him powerful artifacts would be useless. Besides, I can't be so wasteful. Good things shouldn't be given away carelessly. Even if it's a slightly inferior treasure, it needs to be suitable for use!"
Fang Lin Kong had been so busy with his studies lately that he hadn't had the chance to categorize and store the treasures he had acquired multiple times. The failure of his last attempt to use the Ten Thousand Methods Magic Vessel for storing treasures had left him feeling disheartened, and he had been too lazy to think of alternative solutions since then.
"How about this? Zhang Twenty-Eight! I'll give you an ancient jade disc and a coral chain. These two magical items—the former can form a protective barrier with strong defense, while the latter can transform into a crimson light, serving as a flying artifact. It's very convenient to use, and it's fast enough that if anything goes wrong, you can escape in an instant with just a thought!"
Zhang Twenty-Eight was overjoyed at the prospect of receiving these two magical items. He repeatedly expressed his determination to cherish them and vowed to serve Fang Lin Kong loyally.
Looking at Zhang Twenty-Eight with a smile, Fang Lin Kong suddenly felt that perhaps having this first subordinate would mark a promising beginning for him.
"Establishing my own power doesn't seem like such a bad idea! Hehe! But then again, the world is unpredictable..."
(To be continued)
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