Chapter 87: The Agreement

Ji Xinghuo found Ren Mian a bit peculiar. Why talk in her room instead of the living room?

Jiangnan Caiyi was cooking and curiously peeked out.

“Come in!”

Ji Xinghuo quickly ascended the stairs.

Ren Mian and Jiangnan Caiyi’s bedrooms were upstairs, somewhere he seldom visited and never entered.

Entering Ren Mian’s room, the brightness struck him, featuring a wide bed and a desk facing the garden. The adjacent closet and bathroom lead to a balcony connected to a study filled with bookshelves and books. The room’s decor, subtle and fresh, matched its owner’s temperament.

Ji Xinghuo smelled a familiar delicate fragrance—osmanthus mixed with peach blossom—a memorable blend.

Bang.

Ren Mian gently closed the door.

Ji Xinghuo’s heartbeat hastened, standing there somewhat nervously.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Ren Mian said, sitting on a small sofa against the wall, her smile teasing, “What are you overthinking?”

“Not at all!” Ji Xinghuo protested quickly, “It’s just my first time in Sister Ren’s room, so I was curious.”

“There’s nothing here. You can come in anytime,” Ren Mian responded with a light laugh.

“Then I’ll make myself at home,” Ji Xinghuo said, taking a seat beside her.

“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Ren Mian said, her smile fading to seriousness, “I’ll be gone for a year or two. With your talent, by the time I return, you should be an advanced mutant, maybe even a super mutant. So, there are some issues I need to help you with before I leave.”

Ji Xinghuo was puzzled, scratching his head, “What issues do I have?”

He felt everything about him was just fine.

“Why don’t you go back to Earth?” Ren Mian asked softly, staring at Ji Xinghuo.

Ji Xinghuo faltered.

Unsure how to explain that he was a covert operative of Sword Bureau with lux training conditions, top salary, and the best cultivation resources—indebted financially and personally to the system.

Outsiders found it hard to understand why he wouldn’t stay at Sword Bureau.

The person who recruited him probably couldn’t either.

So, it seemed illogical to others why someone would forgo a promising future to adventure alone in the Star Realm.

Ji Xinghuo felt helpless each time he thought about it.

In hindsight, however, leaving the Sword Bureau was the right choice for fast tracking his power growth.

Although safe, the bureau couldn’t provide him with vital spirit energies or the most suitable mutant abilities.

Most importantly, staying would mean constant scrutiny from higher-ups and the potential exposure of his Wanxiang Star Pupils.

Yet, flying under the radar would prevent him from receiving their full support.

It was a persistent dilemma.

Ji Xinghuo had thought this through clearly at the time.

His solution was a temporary departure from Earth, securing enough power to protect himself from unwarranted manipulation by the Sword Bureau.

Although the bureau’s top brass likely harbored no ill intentions towards him, caution was necessary as even well-intentioned teams might harbor a few malevolent individuals.

Now, everything was going smoother than planned!

To others, though, his actions were suspicious.

Typically, mutants reluctant or fearful of returning to Earth were likely fugitives hiding in the Star Realm.

Sensing Ren Mian’s suspicion, Ji Xinghuo quickly clarified, “Sister Ren, rest assured, I’m not a fugitive. I just have other reasons that make returning to Earth inconvenient.”

“Can you tell me?” inquired Ren Mian.

“Uh…”

Ji Xinghuo hesitated, trying to formulate a reasonable explanation, but Ren Mian suddenly interjected, “Worried the Sword Bureau is after you?”

“What?” Ji Xinghuo was shocked, “How did you know?”

“Don’t underestimate my capabilities,” Ren Mian said with a mysterious smile. “If you want to leave the Sword Bureau, I can arrange your discharge, though it might offend some people and bend some rules. But if you ask, I’ll manage it.”

“Turns out Sister Ren knows everything,” Ji Xinghuo realized, slightly self-mockingly.

“I wouldn’t trust an unknown person without a thorough background check,” Ren Mian’s eyes twinkled cunningly.

Ji Xinghuo marveled again at her extensive reach.

The Sword Bureau was one of the Asia-Pacific Community’s top-secret organizations, yet she had access to his data.

After a pause, he asked, “Sister Ren, would it cost you too much to get me out? There’s usually no exit from an anti-espionage agency, just sacrifices or retirements. Signing that contract bound me legally to significant responsibilities.”

“It will take quite an effort, but I should manage,” Ren Mian nodded assuredly.

Ji Xinghuo pondered deeply.

Truthfully, he was enticed by the idea, but he owed Ren Mian too much already—both favours and financial debts. From her words, it was clear this wasn’t an easy matter.

If successful, not only would his debt increase, but she would also make enemies.

Moreover, he wasn’t entirely reluctant towards the Sword Bureau and would willingly serve his country with his enhanced abilities in the future.

“Sister Ren, do you think I should leave?” Ji Xinghuo decided to seek her opinion.

Ren Mian had clearly considered this before, “The Sword Bureau has a great reputation nationally; both the general public and the higher-ups have praised its contributions over the years. It has fulfilled its duties admirably, both to the country and its people.”

“Leaving without good reason would blemish your record.”

“Even if you become very strong later, the upper levels might still be biased against you.”

“The stronger you get, some might even grow wary of you, questioning your allegiance and loyalty.”

Ren Mian expressed some helplessness as she solemnly added, “These people are usually very powerful, influencing the Asia-Pacific Community’s decisions with a strong but rigid patriotism.”

Ji Xinghuo understood her point, “I am very patriotic!”

“Then why would you want to leave the Sword Bureau?” Ren Mian countered. “A true patriot wouldn’t refuse to be a swordsman, and you lack a justified reason to leave.”

Ji Xinghuo was momentarily speechless.

Wasn’t this a case of “If loyalty isn’t absolute, it’s not loyalty”?

He retorted somewhat defiantly, “When I am stronger than all of them, I will prove my convictions.”

“Indeed.”

Ren Mian believed this without doubt, seemingly more confident than Ji Xinghuo himself, “I know that day will come, but until you are the strongest, there will always be inconveniences and troubles.”

“You really don’t need to complicate things; they are not enemies. You don’t have to push yourself into opposition.”

Ji Xinghuo caught her meaning, “So, Sister Ren, you suggest I shouldn’t leave?”

“Yes, you can stay with the Sword Bureau.”

Ren Mian nodded, “You mentioned you have a big secret; I understand your concerns. Just maintain some distance from the Sword Bureau for now. If they come looking after I leave, give this letter to Chief Zhōu. He won’t trouble you then, allowing you room to grow.”

She pulled out a sealed letter from the desk drawer—clearly prepared in advance.

The envelope was blank.

“Will Chief Zhōu listen to Sister Ren?” Ji Xinghuo took the letter.

“He will,” Ren Mian smiled faintly, “If he doesn’t, others will make sure he does.”

Driven by curiosity, Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help asking, “Sister Ren, what exactly is your status?”

A mere letter could make the vice-head of the Sword Bureau bow.

That seemed far too exaggerated!

Knowing Zhou Yi was a legendary mutant, Ren Mian had always been a mysterious super-rich figure to Ji Xinghuo until today. He now realized she was much more than just wealthy; she seemingly had power and sway within the Asia-Pacific Community.

“You’ll find out someday,” Ren Mian said with a slight smile.

“When will that be?” Ji Xinghuo’s curiosity was barely contained, “Can’t I know sooner?”

Seeing his eagerness, Ren Mian pondered for a moment before saying, “If you advance to legendary mutant status within three years, I’ll tell you and gift you something you’ll definitely like.”

“Three years!”

Ji Xinghuo almost jumped in response.

Only 23 now, he would be just 26 in three years. There had never been such a young legendary mutant in Earth’s history. The demand seemed absurd.

“Sister Ren, aren’t you expecting too much from me?”

“Others might not, but you can,” Ren Mian winked playfully, smiling coyly, “I have high hopes for you, Xinghuo.”

Suddenly filled with ambition, Ji Xinghuo blurted, “If I really do it, no need for gifts. Can I make a request of Sister Ren instead?”

“It’s possible, depending on the request,” Ren Mian guessed his thoughts but didn’t reject them; her eyes showed anticipation instead.

“I’ll mention it when the time comes.”

Ji Xinghuo didn’t say it aloud, but countless ideas whirled in his mind, “Then it’s settled.”

“Good, keep it up!”

Ren Mian leaned in and embraced Ji Xinghuo lightly.

As Ji Xinghuo inhaled the fragrant breeze and felt her soft curves, he realized why many powerful men historically obeyed women effortlessly. He also understood the concept of “a beauty’s troublesome influence on heroes.”

Men are essentially creatures driven by their desires; against such breathtaking beauty, resistance was futile.

“Stay calm!”

“I think I got a bit carried away.”

Drawing a deep breath, his mind cooled.

“My ultimate goal is to reach the pinnacle of life evolution. I must not let a woman sway my determination. This is just scenery on my climb to the peak.”

“With no woman in heart, drawing the sword comes naturally!”

Ji Xinghuo internally repeated this to himself.

As Ren Mian released her hug, bringing a waft of her scent, Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help but think, “Delicious…”

Feeling unwell today, the third chapter is being written and will update by 7 PM. Normal updates will resume tomorrow.