Gu Jianlin looked up and saw the man with the wildly exaggerated smile turn and vanish into the sculpture.

When it comes to suits and refined elegance, he had met someone who was peerlessly perfect.

That someone was Jing Ci.

To be honest, Senior Brother was indeed flawless—his naturally mixed-race features, meticulously tailored attire, devoid of any excessive accessories, exuded an inexplicable elegance and nobility that didn't feel out of place.

While he was undeniably pretentious, you couldn't help but feel it suited him.

But the man they had just seen was likely the fourth director of the You Ying Group.

Si Wei'an.

Unlike Jing Ci, who wore a suit with understated charm, Si Wei'an managed to make his suit feel eerily malevolent—especially with that unnaturally disturbing smile he displayed earlier. It sent chills down anyone's spine, provoking an urge to slap him in the face with a slipper.

"That man is the Fourth Master of the You Ying Group, an out-and-out lunatic. His smile really drives up your blood pressure, doesn't it? Makes you want to take out a shoehorn and smack him in the face," Moon Princess's tone had notably improved, her beautiful eyes no longer frigid but carrying a hint of amusement and satisfaction.

Gu Jianlin might be a cold-hearted iceberg, but this parrot had unexpectedly managed to hit the mark.

"Indeed, quite uncomfortable to look at."

Gu Jianlin said expressionlessly, "What rank is he?"

"Fourth Master isn't like Third Master, who just loafs around. He's a Fifth Rank Star Lord, very powerful."

Moon Princess, lying lazily in his arms, replied indifferently, "Most Divines are clinically insane."

Gu Jianlin suspected she was throwing shade at someone, but lacked evidence.

"How long are you planning to stick to me?"

He asked, looking down.

Moon Princess let out a soft hum, much like a lazy cat, and then gracefully leapt out of his arms.

Butcher scratched his head, only to be intimidated by the girl's icy glare, retreating immediately.

At this moment, Dawn, lying on the ground, suddenly let out a groan of relief.

By all accounts, the Priest class was supposed to be fragile, yet this guy seemed almost completely unfazed after taking a knife to the chest. Right there, in front of everyone, he sat up like it was nothing, nonchalantly yanked out the blade embedded in his chest, and cast a wave of Holy Light.

Everyone basked in the Holy Light, their injuries gradually healing and their spirits replenished.

The only downside was that Dawn himself had exhausted his spirituality and appeared utterly fatigued.

The Poison Master, whose limbs had previously been broken, managed to recover in an instant, even forcing the bullets lodged in her muscles out.

She then pulled out a dose of Spiritual Secret Medicine from her bag and administered it.

Dawn was fully rejuvenated, restored to full health.

This pairing was, indeed, flawless.

Tang Ling turned her gaze toward two corpses on the ground and said calmly, "So these two were the traitors all along? I had suspected the real traitor was Nightmare."

"You can joke about food, but not about this!"

Nightmare's expression changed dramatically, "Who are you calling a traitor here? And these two... Moon Princess? Butcher?"

As candidates sponsored by the You Ying Group, both Moon Princess and Butcher were extremely well-known. Their names were even listed with bounties on Ether Association's wanted list.

Especially Moon Princess—she had become a notorious red-name target, aggressively pursued by the Ether Association.

"They're my friends."

Gu Jianlin replied matter-of-factly, "There won't be any problems."

The crowd hesitated for a moment.

Especially Tang Ling, who gave him a deep, piercing glance.

Butcher sneered, "What's the big deal?"

Moon Princess's gaze turned colder, but she didn't say anything.

"Doesn't matter."

Gu Jianlin said coolly, "Instructor Wan should be nearby, and he's likely watching."

Tang Ling shook her head, remarking with ambiguous intent, "It's not really a big issue anyway. A lot of high-ranking officials within the Ether Association have familial ties to You Ying Group. Though their stances differ, it doesn't always have to result in mortal combat. For example, Chen Bojun's ex-wife is now an executive of You Ying Group."

She hesitated for a moment, "Rumor has it that the two occasionally rekindle their relationship in the Ancient God Realm..."

And when you say rekindle their relationship in the Ancient God Realm... Well, what else could they possibly be doing?

You don't even need to think *that hard*.

"Ahem, this kind of gossip can really be discussed out loud?"

Dawn and Poison Master said in unison, "We didn't know about this!"

Blue Whale focused his gaze on the ground, avoiding eye contact, "I didn't hear anything."

"Exactly, exactly."

Ji Xiaoyu boldly added, "My grandmother said it best: in the Ancient God Realm, there are no lasting feuds; there's only temporary alliances! Whatever problems there are, settle them after we get out!"

Everyone now decided unanimously to turn their hostility outward.

Given the situation, bringing in two extra allies was like receiving help in a snowstorm.

After all, You Ying Group itself was rife with internal conflict.

The enemy's enemy is a friend.

Especially now, as hordes of living corpses were beginning to riot, the swarm below growing larger and larger.

They were madly surging upward.

After a brief discussion, the group decided to split into three teams temporarily.

Nightmare and Poison Master, neither of whom had combat capabilities, weren't suited to keep fighting. The upcoming battle would be ever-changing, and no one could ensure their survival.

Of course, the two of them alone wasn't enough to form a team.

So the Little Princess had to stay with them, as she was the core of this backup team.

The Little Princess, naturally, was unwilling—her first response was, "Why me?"

As the group hit a deadlock, the parrot swiveled its eyes and spoke first, "Because you're the strongest among us! The most critical missions have to be entrusted to the strongest! Just like ancient wars—what's the most important thing? Logistics, of course! You're pivotal to our success!"