IMC Chapter 33

Even without looking around, Shu Bao could tell that the gazes directed at him were far from friendly.

As for the appearance issue that Fu Qing mentioned, Shu Bao had always felt that humans looked quite similar before he transformed. Becoming human hadn’t significantly changed that perception.

Apart from their aura, the easiest way to distinguish individuals was by their height, build, and other physical features. With this in mind, Shu Bao turned to give Fu Qing a closer look. He realized that he still found the two antennae on Fu Qing’s head more memorable than his facial features. Of course, if Lan Qing were here, he might instantly remember Fu Qing’s hair as well.

Despite being scrutinized, Fu Qing remained calm, thinking that the other person probably believed that good-looking people should be friends with other good-looking people. Based on appearance, he had never lost—except when he was still a caterpillar.

Thinking about the past brought up some unpleasant memories for Fu Qing. But ever since he became a butterfly, he hadn’t experienced such embarrassment.

Ultimately, due to Fu Qing’s elegant antennae and his status as another person from the present world, Shu Bao extended his hand, saying, “Hello, my beautiful friend.”

Fu Qing’s lips curved slightly upward as he reached out to shake Shu Bao’s hand. “Hello, equally beautiful friend.”

The onlookers: “…” These two are too much to handle!

While the two were basking in mutual admiration, the tavern door suddenly opened again. A tall, burly figure in a black robe entered. Unlike the slender and lean Shu Bao and Fu Qing, this person had a more muscular build.

What caught Shu Bao’s attention was that this newcomer also had two striking antennae on their head, the kind that immediately made one think of delicious insect antennae. Shu Bao couldn’t help but glance at Fu Qing, comparing their antennae.

Fu Qing felt an immediate sense of competition, as the newcomer was not only equally attractive but also had a build that didn’t lose to his own. Even the beautiful friend he had just made couldn’t help but stare intently at the newcomer’s face, suggesting that this type might be more appealing to his new friend.

As the man entered, the murmurs in the tavern briefly halted, replaced by a low buzz of conversation after a moment of eerie silence.

“That’s Nan Ming; he’s here too!”

“Did the news spread this quickly?”

“This complicates things.”

“Those are a clutch of dragon eggs! More people are sure to come once word gets out. We should leave after tonight!”

…

The mention of “dragon eggs” instantly caught Shu Bao’s attention. And did they say a clutch of dragon eggs? Just one dragon from the nearby Long Tribe had already been enough to make trouble for the base. If there were an entire clutch…

Shu Bao briefly imagined leading a group of dragons to face off against a single dragon and felt a surge of excitement. Fu Qing, on the other hand, remained composed, indicating that he had already heard some of this information before Shu Bao’s arrival.

As for the man in the black robe, the reactions from the crowd made it clear that he was a formidable figure. People were wary and anxious, fearing that he might steal the dragon eggs.

While everyone was on edge regarding the man in the black robe, they were surprised to see the man in traditional attire, who had been sitting at the bar, get up and walk swiftly over to Nan Ming. Without hesitation, he said, “Hi, can we be friends?”

Fu Qing: “???”

Others: “???” Why does this scene seem so familiar?

Nan Ming looked at the person in front of him with a hint of confusion and surprise, as if pondering the reason behind this approach.

Seeing this, Shu Bao quickly interjected, “Because everyone else here is too ugly.”

Fu Qing: “!!!”

Others: “!!!”

Just as Fu Qing’s anger was about to boil over, his beautiful friend suddenly slapped his forehead, “Oh, I forgot, there’s also a handsome guy here. This is my new, beautiful friend.”

Nan Ming’s gaze followed Shu Bao’s hand to Fu Qing, then, after a moment of appraisal, he responded calmly, “I’m Nan Ming. Nice to meet you, friend.”

Shu Bao immediately extended his hand to shake, “I’m Shu Bao. Nice to meet you, especially meaty friend.”

Nan Ming: “???” This description seemed a bit off.

“By the way, are you looking for a clutch of dragon eggs? Can we join forces? After all, powerful people should team up with other powerful people,” Shu Bao enthusiastically invited.

At this, the tavern fell silent once again. People stared at the pretty face with disbelief. Indeed, they had never seen such brazen flattery before. Attempting to join Nan Ming’s group based solely on his outstanding appearance and flattery seemed like a pipe dream.

Everyone knew that Nan Ming’s Legion was renowned for its exceptional combat abilities, but it was also famously exclusive. Without some skill, one could never catch the eye of their legion. The crowd eagerly awaited to see the pretty boy’s failure, as Nan Ming’s strictness was well-known.

However, under the gaze of everyone, Nan Ming only took two seconds to consider before nodding in agreement. “Sure, you can come along.”

The other patrons in the tavern: “!!!” This is unbelievable! When did the leader of the Nan Ming Legion become so accommodating?

“Great,” Shu Bao replied obediently, then waved at Fu Qing. When Fu Qing came over, Shu Bao whispered, “This is perfect. Now you don’t have to worry about being beaten to death on the way.”

Fu Qing: “???”

As Fu Qing pondered whether his decision to make friends today was a mistake, Nan Ming had already obtained the desired information and supplies from the tavern owner and was preparing to leave.

While Nan Ming was buying information, others attempted to approach and strike up a conversation with him, but they were immediately frozen out by Nan Ming’s icy glare. People had to admit that being attractive was indeed an advantage.

Seeing this, Shu Bao naturally followed Fu Qing and stepped out of the tavern, leaving behind the bright lights and envious gazes.

Successfully joining the ranks of the “pretty boy” club, Shu Bao and Fu Qing soon arrived at the Nan Ming Legion’s encampment. Generally speaking, people rarely spent the night outside; the dangers of the chaotic world made people favor stable lodgings.

Just like the tavern they had visited earlier, due to the owner’s unique abilities, it had stood firm for years and had even become a famous intelligence hub. Most people entering the Chaotic Swamp would choose to stay there, as it provided not only supplies but also information and occasionally opportunities for team formation.

When they arrived at the Nan Ming Legion’s camp, Shu Bao understood why the people had shown envy. It wasn’t because he had joined a team with a robust and well-built ally, but rather due to the immense power backing his new teammate.

Given his limited knowledge of this world, Fu Qing chose to keep quiet and observe discreetly, adhering to the principle of saying less to avoid mistakes.

“So, you have so many teammates. How many are there?” Shu Bao asked.

“Seventeen. This time, only the elite members of the legion are coming due to the special nature of the mission.”

“What are their skills?”

“That’s Zhou Yi, a necromancer. This is Ning Zhi; she specializes in divination…” Nan Ming briefly introduced the legion’s members to Shu Bao.

Fuqing, who was planning to observe secretly: “…” Is this how communication works in the Dark World—so direct?

After the introductions, the other members of Nan Ming’s legion learned about the two new recruits the leader had brought back. Surprisingly, no one voiced any objections.

Fu Qing felt something was off. Given the reactions of the people in the tavern, the legion should be difficult to join. Yet now, there was no harassment or even questioning, which seemed strange.

“Why is no one curious?” Shu Bao, feeling the same way as Fu Qing, asked directly.

Fu Qing: “…” You ask this question. Even if there is an issue, they won’t tell you.

“Because of Ning Zhi’s divination. Before I went to the tavern, she predicted we would meet two people who would help the legion move toward the light.” Clearly, this was the reason Nan Ming had so easily agreed to form a team in the tavern.

“Ning Zhi’s predictions are highly accurate. When we talk about moving toward the light, we mean escaping the Chaotic World. So, don’t worry; there will be no hostility or doubts about you within the legion.” Nan Ming spoke rationally and added a few more reassuring words to the now slightly nervous pair.

“Of course, you shouldn’t feel pressured, as the people in the prophecy may not even know how to achieve their goals. Just go with the flow.”

Since falling into the Chaotic World, they had struggled to survive for countless years. The pursuit of light had become almost instinctual. They were always trying different approaches. At this point, they didn’t mind making an effort to get to know two more people.

“I see.” Shu Bao didn’t make any grand claims, as he still had little understanding of the Chaotic World and Nan Ming’s legion.

After answering their questions, the group gathered in a tent to focus on the main business: a clutch of dragon eggs in the Chaotic Swamp.

Among them, Nan Ming had the most comprehensive information, so he took the initiative to explain.

The situation began with a recent spike in the annihilation rate of expedition teams in the Chaotic Swamp. Although the death rate for expeditions in the Chaotic Swamp had always been high, the sheer number of teams being wiped out was unprecedented.

Quick-witted individuals immediately realized that something had changed in the swamp. After several investigations, it was discovered that a clutch of dragon eggs had appeared from a dimensional rift deep within the Chaotic Swamp, and an adult giant dragon was guarding them.

Most of the annihilated teams were lured by the enormous temptation of the dragon eggs and ended up as the dragon’s snacks.

Even so, a large number of people still came, driven by the potential of these dragon eggs to either be hatched and tamed or sold to others, which could change their lives. Many were willing to risk everything for a chance.

“That’s an adult Lava Fire Dragon. Its breath can easily reduce a person to ashes. I’ve procured some Ice Crystals, as well as antidotes and remedies to counteract the swamp’s miasma…”

Nan Ming distributed the supplies, including portions for Shu Bao and Fu Qing.

Shu Bao, looking at the potion in the test tube in his hand, suddenly asked, “Which apothecary master made this?”

“It’s unsigned. The quality seems good. Why?” Nan Ming checked the potion again, just in case.

“Nothing, nothing. I just happened to offend an apothecary master before,” Shu Bao recalled Duan Zhuo and wanted to learn more about apothecary masters.

Upon hearing this, the members of Nan Ming’s legion looked at Shu Bao with noticeably altered expressions, some even showing signs of rejection.

“That’s indeed problematic. Apothecary masters often have many hidden cards and their networks are complex. You should be careful,” Nan Ming said, maintaining his usual attitude, but also reminding Shu Bao to stay safe.

Not everyone possesses the same resolve as Nan Ming. Apothecary masters are extremely rare in the Chaotic World, as becoming one requires innate talent, not just hard work. An excellent apothecary master has formidable connections. Many powerful individuals are willing to do favors in exchange for rare potions.

Shu Bao hadn’t realized how highly esteemed apothecary masters were in the Chaotic World, which explained why Duan Zhuo had left with such a harsh warning.

Some members of Nan Ming’s legion began to look at Shu Bao with increasing discomfort, likely concerned that bringing Shu Bao along might inadvertently offend an apothecary master and cause trouble for the legion.

Fu Qing noticed the change in the others’ expressions and quickly understood the reason. He patted Shu Bao on the shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t abandon a friend.”

Shu Bao felt touched by this, “And if someone tries to come after you, I won’t abandon you either!”

Fu Qing: “…” Why does this beautiful friend have such a delusion?

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