CHAPTER 48: CHAPTER 48: ILL-INTENTIONED VISITOR!

After the self-study period ended, Lu Luo arrived at the teachers’ dormitory building.

"Auntie, I’m looking for Professor Han Shiyu."

The dormitory supervisor glanced at Lu Luo, her expression revealing a hint of surprise at his appearance, but as a dorm supervisor, she’d seen all sorts of people over the years.

Although Lu Luo was good-looking, he wasn’t extraordinary enough to warrant special treatment from her. The supervisor pointed to a group nearby and told Lu Luo, "Those people are all here to see Professor Han Shiyu, saying they want to consult her about medicine and pharmacology. If you’re here for Professor Han too, then get in line."

Lu Luo looked at the seven or eight people beside him, feeling rather speechless. They were so eager—when would it be his turn? His time was precious; how could he waste it here?

"Professor Han Shiyu asked me to come over. Honestly, I’m not the least bit interested in her, really, Auntie. Look into my eyes; they’re especially sincere."

The dorm supervisor’s expression grew stern.

"From your eyes, I only see eye mucus. Here, you follow the rules. People from the Western Ring say this dish isn’t spicy, those from the Southern Ring say these mushrooms aren’t poisonous, Lu Yun says he’s not interested in money, Yang Huateng says he’s from an ordinary family, and these men standing here say they’ll love their girlfriends for a lifetime. Then, you say you’re not interested in Professor Han. Hmm, I believe you all. You’re all good youths of the Wasteland, but you still have to queue."

Lu Luo: "..."

This auntie is sharp-tongued and clear-minded, clearly not an average person. Moreover, she’s brimming with energy; I reckon you can’t beat her. How about we just queue?

Before Lu Luo could leave, the few guys next to him already started to clamor at him.

"What are you looking at? Come over and queue."

Lu Luo didn’t want to line up here; it was too much of a waste of time. But he wasn’t sure if Han Shiyu had called him over only to move things, or if there were other, legitimate reasons, such as those involving the "Little Yellow Bottle Type III."

As he hesitated, Han Shiyu seemed to sense his quandary and proactively appeared at the stairwell of the dorm area, waving at Lu Luo.

"Lu Luo, come with me."

"Okay." Lu Luo felt as if a great weight had been lifted. He then shot a disdainful glance at those seven or eight bootlickers—Hmph! Bootlickers don’t get mansions!

They watched enviously as Lu Luo followed Han Shiyu upstairs, wanting to speak up but were stopped by the domineering dorm supervisor.

"What are you doing? Think you’re all special? Queue up properly."

Under the supervisor’s domineering control, these eager young men could only shiver in the wind.

...

Lu Luo followed Han Shiyu to her dormitory. This time, there was no laborious task of moving items.

After closing the door, Han Shiyu cut to the chase and started questioning Lu Luo.

"Lu Luo, is what you said about the Church during the day true?"

Although Lu Luo was still pondering why Han Shiyu had sought him out, he naturally responded, "Of course, the Dawn Church is the hope of the Wasteland, a symbol of light—grandeur, brightness, and justice. Is there any organization better than the Church? There isn’t. Whether it’s the council or the Hunters, it’s all a game of power. Only the Church represents the true faith of the people."

Let me translate what Lu Luo just said: I’m just spouting nonsense, PFFT!

There’s no tax on boasting, so Lu Luo just kept praising the Church. Especially since Han Shiyu enjoyed listening to it, why not indulge her?

As Lu Luo boasted enthusiastically, Han Shiyu raised a finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet with a "shush" gesture.

"Since you also think highly of the Church, would you like to join the Dawn Church?"

Lu Luo was taken aback. Good heavens, she actually wanted to recruit him!

"Er... HEHEHE~ HEHEHEHE! I’m the kind of person who dwells in darkness but yearns for the light. I’m already tainted; why would such a prestigious place as the Church need a Fourth Ring reject like me? Professor Han must be mistaken."

Can I freeload in the Church? If not, why should I join?

Joining the Church was out of the question. With so many strict doctrines to follow, no freeloading in clubs, and no hunting Exotic Species, Lu Luo found the Hunters, who could operate outside the walls, far more appealing.

"Any darkness and filth can be purified."

"It’s not just an issue of darkness and filth, Professor Han. You don’t understand. I’m an orphan, and I’ve made it this far step by step. I’m also burdened with a 250,000 contract with Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals. I don’t want to have any dealings with Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals, and to resolve this contract, I was forced to sign a service agreement with the Hunters, letting them handle this 250,000 debt for me. If the Church gets into a conflict with the Hunters over such a trivial matter concerning me, that would be unfortunate. I’m a well-intentioned person and don’t wish for the people of the Wasteland to shed blood."

Han Shiyu listened to Lu Luo’s words, her brows furrowing slightly, and said with a bit of arrogance, "Forced? Did the Hunters coerce you? Don’t worry. Even the entire Fourth Ring Hunter department is nothing to the Church."

Seeing how boldly Han Shiyu spoke, Lu Luo suddenly felt uneasy. He thought the Hunters were pretty formidable—how could Han Shiyu be so fearless? Was the Church really that powerful?

"Better not, Professor Han. I just want to marry a wife and have twenty-odd children. I know the doctrines wouldn’t allow that, so let’s forget it."

One wife can’t bear twenty-odd children; there’s a flaw in your logic. Also, if you’re scared, you’re scared. Although I will mock you, you still have to boldly acknowledge it.

Following one’s heart isn’t being scared; it’s called a wise retreat.

Han Shiyu’s smile faded, her gaze becoming serene and devout, which left Lu Luo somewhat at a loss.

"I understand what you mean. My invitation remains open to you at all times, Lu Luo."

Lu Luo scratched his head, baffled by the night’s events; however, joining the Church was out of the question.

The existence of the Devourer made his cultivation process look suspiciously like that of an Exotic Species. Moreover, he still needed to hunt Exotic Species outside the wall; Hunters were obviously a better choice than the Church.

"Is this it? Can I leave now?"

"I’m not just skilled at healing—combat and potions are also my areas of expertise. If you have any problems in these two areas, Lu Luo, feel free to come to me anytime. Even if these are fine, you’ll inevitably encounter some problems in your university life. You can always tell me. Next time you come, I’ll inform the dormitory auntie in advance."

Han Shiyu’s overly straightforward friendliness was quite alarming for Lu Luo, yet if she meant him harm, it didn’t seem to make any sense.

Lu Luo indeed had two issues that needed resolution: one was the Red Shell’s scorpion tail needle, and the other was the frequent appearance of Exotic Species inside the wall.

"Professor Han, why have Exotic Species been appearing inside the wall so frequently recently? Have the high walls lost their effectiveness?"

This question from Lu Luo was like an ultimate move, catching Han Shiyu in an area where her knowledge was lacking. She genuinely couldn’t answer and could only be vague in her response, "I suppose it must be the darkness before the dawn."

Lu Luo was about to start his studio, so understanding the reasons behind the frequent appearance of Exotic Species within the wall was crucial. Clearly, Han Shiyu’s answer could not satisfy him.

He was a bit disappointed and didn’t bring up the Red Shell’s scorpion tail needle at this time.

"I understand. I’ll be going then, Professor Han."

"Alright, go on."

Han Shiyu walked to the window, watching Lu Luo leave, before shaking her head.

I seem to have failed to resolve any of his issues. It’s no wonder he rejected me so directly. The pursuit of dawn is always fraught with twists and turns; I was perhaps too impulsive. However, the Holy Light will always chase the dawn. Soon, someone more suitable than me will appear.

...

In the following days, with the opening of Circle Studio imminent, Lu Luo and his two companions became incredibly busy.

Gu Fangyi learned that Lu Luo had beaten Wang Xuebin and his two companions, but he didn’t mention it, merely keeping it in mind.

Zhou Kai used his talent for sweet-talking to coax a few of their dorm mates into redecorating Circle Studio for free.

Their funds were truly insufficient. Although these people’s decoration skills were terrible, they saved every penny they could; at this point, they still had to be thrifty.

Gu Fangyi and Lu Luo spent these days training with all their might, aiming to quickly reach the First Tier to boost the studio’s combat power.

And so, on January 15th of the year 400, fifteen days after the start of the school term, the studio was finally renovated. Lu Luo and his two companions’ Circle Hunter Daily Operations Office opened for business!

There was no ribbon-cutting, no congratulations. Looking at Circle Studio before him, Lu Luo felt somewhat emotional.

"My brothers and I are filled with lofty ambitions. Buddha bless us! A fortune-teller said my success would be built upon a pile of bones. I disagree. I believe that for those who venture out, whether they live or die should be decided by themselves."

Anyone who didn’t know better might think some grand organization had been born. In reality, it was just a dilapidated room, and it was even haunted!

Upon opening the studio, Lu Luo’s first order of business was to contact Ludie. He had tried reaching out to Ludie before but had always been turned down with the excuse that Ludie was too busy recently.

This left Lu Luo somewhat uneasy. What could that rascal Ludie possibly be so busy with? Busy advancing to Gold Tier?

"Hello! Is this Captain Ludie?"

The call connected with difficulty. However, this time, the voice that answered was different—it was a rather cold female voice.

"The boss isn’t here. You’re Lu Luo, right?"

"Yes, I am."

"Wait."

...

Half an hour later, Lu Luo and his two companions met up with two members of Hunter Team 13.

These two, a man and a woman, were striking figures. The woman wore tight gear, had short hair and somewhat dark skin, and looked very capable. The man was an out-and-out fatty, his clothes ill-fitting; when he puffed out his chest, his belly would even be exposed.

"My name is You Xiaoqi, you can just call me Brother Qi. He is Ding Peng, nicknamed Fat Ding. We are both members of Team 13. We’ve come as per the boss’s request to assist you. From now on, we’ll be stationed here for work. So, you’re Lu Luo?"

You Xiaoqi had a strong presence, and her demeanor instantly seemed to dominate the three of them. Fat Ding was off to the side, munching on something, not saying a word.

You Xiaoqi’s strength is preliminarily estimated to be at the Second Tier—and a very, very strong Second Tier at that. Fat Ding’s is unknown; he has the ability to block perception.

These two... they’ve come with ill intentions!