Chapter 33: Backing Down

"Is that so? That's great." Luo Bi was delighted. She took a sip of water and sat on the sofa; finally, something had gone her way since yesterday. Massaging her aching neck, she felt her mood souring and her mind clouding over. Her head throbbed intensely, likely due to the excessive depletion of her mental and soul source power.

"How is your learning going on the light computer?" Luo Hang asked, taking the water handed to him by Guan Zhuting.

Guan Zhuting gave her son another cup and turned to the kitchen to tidy up once more. Luo Bi hadn't eaten much of the crucian carp, so Guan Zhuting put it in the refrigerator to save for Luo Bi's dinner.

"Don't even get me started." Luo Bi waved her hand listlessly. "After dealing with medicinal and spiritual plants for so many years, I thought I was well-prepared. Sigh! But once I actually touched the field of alchemy, I realized just how vast the knowledge is!"

"I had to exert immense effort just to guide out the fire source, let alone refine medicine? Forget it, I'm not cut out for this." Luo Bi was backing out. The side effects of the excessive depletion of her soul source and mental power were too severe; her temples were throbbing. To hell with it—whoever wants to be a Contractor can have it; she had had enough.

"The path of alchemy is inherently profound and extensive. Take it slow; it's inevitable that you'll encounter various difficulties when you first start," Hua Ran advised.

Luo Bi didn't respond, and it was unclear if she had even listened. Luo Hang said, "Your brother and I have accepted a mercenary group mission and will set off this afternoon. Use your terminal to contact us if anything comes up."

Luo Bi's hand, which had been pressed against her temple, paused. She turned to Hua Ran and asked, "Brother, aren't you going back to the military?"

The status and benefits of Imperial soldiers were extremely high, followed by mercenary groups. While it was a pity that Hua Ran had given up his military identity, it was understandable. When his strong gene went into mania, the Third Legion had abandoned him. Having been disillusioned, who would want to go back?

Unless he was transferred out of the Third Legion, but the transfer procedures were extremely cumbersome and difficult to manage.

For these reasons, Hua Ran had accepted the mercenary mission.

"I'm not going back," Hua Ran nodded, saying nothing more.

Luo Hang suddenly remembered something. "Uh, since you weren't answering communications, your supervisor called my terminal this morning asking when you'd be coming to work. The pharmacy seems to be quite busy."

Luo Bi checked the time. "I'll go right now."

She finished the water in her cup, ran to her room to find that three-square-meter storage ring, ran downstairs, and tossed it to Hua Ran. "This is for you."

Hua Ran caught it in a hurry. "Keep it for yourself."

"I don't want it anymore; it'll be perfect for your luggage." Luo Bi ran to the door, but before leaving, she turned back to instruct, "Father, Brother, please make sure to stay safe while you're out."

"We know," Hua Ran replied, but Luo Bi was already gone.

Luo Bi was usually quite stingy, but lately, she had been spending money left and right, which was a complete departure from her usual self. While surprised, Hua Ran felt a slight warmth in his heart. The way the Luo father and daughter treated them was worlds apart from how the Hua family treated them.

The Hua family was far too profit-driven, whereas the Luo father and daughter prioritized family bonds. Comparing the two was enough to make one sigh with emotion.

With the storage ring, Hua Ran and Luo Hang packed their luggage and medicinal agents inside, and at three o'clock, the two set off to report to the mercenary group.

The mercenary leader patted Hua Ran on the shoulder. "I heard you're quite a capable kid. Welcome to the Blazing Emperor Mercenary Group."

Hua Ran smiled and set out with the team.

Some people curiously inquired about his mania. Hua Ran shared only what he could, and the crowd was filled with sighs, saying that since Hua Ran had survived such a great disaster, he was bound to have good fortune ahead.

"I hope your words come true," Hua Ran replied. He didn't seek great fortune, only that his future days might be a bit smoother.

(End of Chapter)