Prologue

A towering building stood on a wide, empty street. Normally, this street would be bustling with people coming and going, full of vitality, but because of the rain, it was deserted today. At the front of the building was a large gate, which was now closed, with a sign above the arch that read, "Adventurer Guild Union." Beside the large gate was a smaller one, usually used by the guild staff, but on days like today when the rain poured heavily, everyone was allowed to use it. Soon, hurried footsteps approached the small door in the rain. A young man, hooded and clearly drenched, walked briskly toward the door. With obvious urgency, he pushed the door open and entered. Inside, all kinds of people could be seen chatting while eating and drinking beer. Few even glanced his way.

The young man headed to the large counter at the back of the hall. It was a grand counter with many receptionists, both male and female. The young man stopped in front of one in particular and finally spoke: "I've come to submit the completed request for the collection of blood grass and 50-year-old ginseng."

The silver-haired receptionist gave him a look somewhere between disdain and indifference. "Alright, Feicui Long, place it here on the tray. You'll receive 3 silver coins." Feicui Long quickly thanked her, ignoring her gaze, and took the money.

But just as he was about to ask if there were any other requests and then leave, the receptionist spoke first: "Feicui Long, there's no need for you to come back anymore. According to the new leader of the Vienna Fortress-City branch of the union, your permit to be an adventurer will be revoked."

Feicui Long, stunned, quickly replied, "But I've recently completed all the requests…"

The receptionist immediately continued, "I'm sorry, but according to union regulations, adventurers registered directly with the union must advance in rank within a maximum of 7 years if they don't have a group. You've already reached that limit, and there's nothing that can be done." Feicui Long, shocked, desperate, and heartbroken, could only leave with his money through the same door he had entered.