In the end, Lin You still rejected Qin Liâs invitation.
Not for anything else, just didnât want to be caught up in this dispute.
The reason Qin Li valued him was simply because he saw his potential.
But when it comes to power, there are many, many who are stronger than him, tier seven, tier eight, even tier nine lords.
Given Qin Liâs status.
If he wishes, recruiting a few strong ones to work for him is no problem.
After all, no matter how poorly he fares, he will at least be the lord of a kingdom in the future.
But Lin You was different.
A man with no power or influence, a tier six lord who had just arrived less than two months ago, how could he compete with those high-tier lords?
So he chose to decline the invitation.
Fortunately.
Qin Li treated him with even more courtesy than he expected.
He wasnât annoyed by his refusal.
Instead, he personally escorted him to the courtyard gate, maintaining a gentle smile all along.
"Brother Lin, no matter what, what I said today always counts. As long as youâre willing, the door of my mansion will always be open to you. Please consider it well."
"Alright, I will."
Lin You casually agreed.
Then he turned away under Qin Liâs watchful gaze, heading toward the direction of the task hall.
Only when he had walked away did the guard next to Qin Li whisper:
"Your Highness, I donât understand. Heâs merely a tier six lord, why treat him with such courtesy?"
"Of course, you donât understand." Qin Li put away his smile, his gaze gradually growing profound.
"The forces of my royal brother and sister are spread throughout the empire, their spies are numerous, only emerging lords like him can be free of worry."
"But he... is after all just tier six."
"Whatâs wrong with tier six? Arenât I tier six too?" Qin Li responded indifferently, "And have you ever seen a lord who can obtain an S-level comprehensive assessment within three months of arrival?"
"S-level? Impossible!"
The guardâs eyes widened abruptly, involuntarily looking in the direction where Lin You disappeared.
If Lin You were here at this time, he would also be extremely surprised.
Besides Lin Youâs performance at the checkpoint yesterday, Qin Li managed to access his comprehensive assessment, his reach is extraordinary.
However, Qin Li was unaware that Lin You had not been here for three months but just for a mere month and a half.
...
On the other side.
As Lin You left the courtyard, he quickly returned to the main street where the task hall was located.
After wandering around on the street, he walked into the bustling task hall and began browsing the task board.
To his surprise, he spotted another task issued by the empire.
[Task: Enemy Hideout (Empire)]
[Requirements: Traces of Primordial Evil Realm lord found near the front line, with ill intentions. Investigate and locate their hideout, report to the empire.]
[Task Difficulty: Medium]
[Task Reward: 1500 Honor Points]
A whopping fifteen hundred-point reward.
Even higher than yesterdayâs task of resisting the beast tide.
If Lin You guessed correctly.
The hideout mentioned in the task was likely the culprit for bringing the tier nine demon and the beast tide yesterday.
The empire couldnât detect it in a short time, showing the opponentâs exceptional hiding skills.
However, since the task only required finding the opponent, not engaging in battle, he didnât hesitate to take it.
What if he got lucky and stumbled upon them?
After all, there was no penalty for the task, he could just abandon it later on.
Then, he briefly browsed the board again, taking a lordâs commission to collect tier seven Black Water Crocodile Fin outside the city, before leaving the hall, heading out of the city.
Unexpectedly.
As he reached the outside, a burly man carrying a giant axe came toward him.
The burly man was chatting and laughing with a few companions, but as soon as he saw Lin You, he promptly stopped.
"Itâs you?"
This person was none other than Pei Yushan, whom Lin You met yesterday.
Didnât expect to meet again so soon.
Lin You couldnât help but sigh, the world is quite small.
But before he could speak, he heard Pei Yushan chuckle derisively, "Isnât this the newcomer associating with that swindler Zhu Jun? What, back for tasks again today?"
While speaking, he deliberately raised his voice, attracting the attention of the passersby, accompanied by a few snickers from his companions.
"Old Pei, donât say that, heâs still a newcomer, a lot of things he doesnât understand."
"Exactly, for a newcomer, losing out a bit can be a good thing."
"Seems like youâre off to do tasks? Be careful not to get killed by people from other realms."
"Hahaha..."
The mocking words echoed continuously.
Everyone addressed Lin You as if they were seasoned seniors, advising him.
Not taking Lin You seriously at all.
Just as a joke to ridicule.
While Pei Yushan showed a hint of arrogance, looking down with disdain.
Gradually, more and more people were drawn over, pointing fingers at Lin You.
Lin You sighed helplessly, seems canât escape such pests wherever he goes.
He paid them no mind, turning to leave.
"Mr. Lin, so youâre here!"
But at that moment, a voice called out, interrupting them.
The crowd, including Pei Yushan and his companions, was instantly drawn by the voice.
They saw, hurrying towards them, an armored man.
"Isnât that the Vice Commander of the Guard beside the Third Prince, Zhou Yuanwei? Why is he here?"
Someone in the crowd immediately recognized him, exclaiming in low voices.
Even Pei Yushan and his companions tightened their gaze, faces full of shock.
Who was Zhou Yuanwei?
He was the close attendant of the Third Prince Qin Li, responsible for all matters around Qin Li.
Despite being only tier seven, he was one of Qin Liâs most valued subordinates, no one dared to offend lightly.
Even tier eight and nine lords had to offer him some respect, not daring to neglect.
How could someone like him suddenly appear at the task hall here?
Pei Yushan couldnât figure it out.
But such a great opportunity to curry favor with the Third Prince, how could he let it slip?
He immediately abandoned Lin You and hurried forward.
"Greetings, Commander Zhou. May I inquire why Commander Zhou is here?" Pei Yushan asked respectfully.
"Who are you?"
Zhou Yuanwei stopped and looked at the few people before him in confusion.
Pei Yushan was even more respectful upon hearing, "I forgot to introduce myself. I am a lord from Hongyun Kingdom, Pei Yushan, greetings Commander Zhou."
"Oh, turns out youâre from Hongyun Kingdom."
Zhou Yuanwei suddenly understood.
Hongyun Kingdom was one of Celestial Vault Empireâs subordinate kingdoms.
Nevertheless, he only glanced at Pei Yushan twice, not paying any more attention to him, and proceeded quickly to the steps under the curious gaze of the crowd.
Then, something utterly unexpected happened for everyone.
"Mr. Lin, we meet again."
With that, Zhou Yuanwei gave Lin You a slight bow.
His polite demeanor caused jaws to drop, eyes widening.
Zhou Yuanwei actually showed such courtesy to a new lord, even bowing before so many people!
What was going on?
Didnât they say he was a newcomer to the main city?
How could Zhou Yuanwei treat him with such politeness?
Everyone was stunned.
Especially Pei Yushan and his companions, all as if frozen with shock, heart shaking intensely!