Chapter 31-Sakura Nation Maiden, SS-Rank Star Whisper Witch!
Li Yao looked at the five figures approaching him.
He raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when Qin Yue stepped in front of him, pursing her lips protectively.
"Eh? Eh? Eh!"
"Did you discover this dungeon? Do you get to make the decisions?"
As she spoke, Qin Yue tugged on Li Yao's arm and pointed at the middle-aged woman ahead, who was surrounded by several soldiers.
"Young Master Li, go talk to that lady over there—she's the one who found the dungeon."
"As long as she agrees, no one can stop you!"
"A golden-tier item or an A-rank skill book should be enough to get her on board!"
Primordial Dungeons appeared randomly, and anyone could trigger them.
Those who discovered them but lacked the strength to conquer them would usually turn to the Federation for assistance.
That was exactly what was happening now.
To enter a dungeon, one had to compensate the discoverer with a satisfactory reward—an incentive to prevent stubborn individuals from hiding the existence of a Primordial Dungeon just because they couldn't clear it themselves.
"Hah! That won't be necessary."
The young man before them shot Li Yao and Qin Yue a disdainful glance.
"She's already entrusted me with full access to the dungeon."
"If you don't believe me, you can ask the two city lords yourselves."
Luo Yu nodded, taking over the conversation.
"Junfei is right. Li Yao, my apologies."
As one of the top professionals in the region, Li Yao wasn't someone Luo Yu wanted to offend.
"We all know how strong you are. If you'd already undergone your second class advancement, I might be able to convince Junfei to let you in. But at level 17… well…"
All nonsense.
Li Yao scoffed inwardly.
If he had undergone his second advancement, they'd just come up with another excuse.
Still, from Luo Yu's tone, Li Yao could tell that the city lord was wary of this Junfei character.
Just then, he felt a light tap on his shoulder.
City Lord Xue had somehow appeared beside him, whispering in his ear.
"Those three are from Sangyu City—their families are powerful."
"As for the other two, I don't recognize them, but they're definitely not simple. Maybe even…"
"Just be careful."
Sangyu City…
Li Yao repeated the name in his mind.
One of the Twelve Major Cities of Dragon Nation.
Barring any surprises, he'd be heading there soon for the Professional Combat Exam.
Jiangzhou and Nancheng were both subordinate cities to Sangyu.
And Sangyu had twenty-seven such cities under its jurisdiction.
Each one brimming with top-tier professionals.
From what Li Yao knew, among this year's newly advanced professionals, there were at least thirteen S-rank professionals.
Even so—
Li Yao showed no fear.
What intrigued him more was that these people seemed to be around his age…
Yet his Appraisal Skill couldn't see through their levels.
Li Yao understood how difficult leveling up was. If they had advanced at the same time as him, he doubted anyone could outpace him.
Their equipment gleamed with golden brilliance—clearly high-end gear.
The one in the lead wielded a spear, likely a warrior-type profession.
Among the three professionals from Sangyu City:
• One was a muscular knight with a heavy shield.
• One was a timid-looking girl, likely a support-type profession.
…Wait.
A summoner?
Li Yao raised an eyebrow.
A summoner standing out in a top-tier S-rank team was unusual.
But this summoner—while arrogant toward everyone else, even the three from Sangyu—
…was shockingly submissive toward the woman beside him.
Interesting.
"Alright."
Irritated by Li Yao's gaze, Yang Junfei finally spoke.
"The city lords got what they wanted."
"You've seen me, and I've seen… a useless summoner. I'm not impressed."
"So, City Lord Luo—can we enter the dungeon now?"
Though he spoke politely, his tone reeked of impatience.
Luo Yu smoothed things over.
"Of course, of course. This is a Primordial Dungeon, after all—it's natural for Junfei to be eager. I'll inform the military to grant access right away."
At this point, Li Yao lost interest.
Sure, he wanted to go—but not desperately.
The biggest rewards for dungeon pioneers were the first-kill loot and the Federation's contribution points.
Given his strength, he could simply tackle uncleared nightmare-difficulty dungeons instead.
As for contribution points—there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.
If not for Qin Yue, he wouldn't have even known about this Primordial Dungeon in the first place.
Coming late and missing out was just bad luck.
Since things had turned out this way, Li Yao gestured for Qin Yue to leave with him.
Just then—
A chilling voice cut through the air.
"Mr. Li… no, Sir Li. You're the summoner who cleared a Nightmare-Difficulty Dungeon, correct?"
Her voice was clear and melodious, but her Dragon Nation language was slightly awkward.
A Sakura Nationer?
Li Yao paused in surprise but stopped in his tracks.
"That's right! Young Master Li is the one!"
Qin Yue puffed up her chest, fuming.
She had called Li Yao over, only for him to be denied entry—she felt guilty for wasting his time.
At her response—
The Sakura Nation girl's eyes lit up.
"In that case, Sir Li should join our team. However, in exchange, you'll need to provide us with two golden-tier items."
Yang Junfei's face darkened instantly, but—
Strangely, he said nothing.
The girl elaborated.
"Kageshige-kun is also a summoner, but he isn't as strong as Sir Li. Logically, Sir Li should be the one to enter the dungeon."
At her words—
The once-arrogant summoner, who had looked down on everyone, turned deathly pale.
"Lady Mirei…"
The girl shot him a cold glance.
The summoner immediately shrank back, speechless.
But his eyes burned with resentment as he glared at Li Yao.
If looks could kill, Li Yao would've died a thousand times over.
Ignoring him, Li Yao responded calmly:
"One item."
His interest in the dungeon was worth about one golden-tier item at best.
"You should be grateful you're even getting a chance!" Yang Junfei snapped.
"I paid the same price—an A-rank summoner like you should be thankful you're even allowed in! And now you're trying to haggle?"
Qin Yue tugged Li Yao's arm.
She wanted to say, I can cover the second item for you!
If they cleared the dungeon, the loot alone would be worth far more than a golden-tier item—let alone the Federation's contribution points.
Of course, that was assuming they succeeded.
Qin Yue believed in Li Yao's strength.
"…Fine. Just one item. Sir Li, welcome to the team."
The girl agreed.
Even Yang Junfei, though clearly furious, didn't object—he merely shot Li Yao a venomous glare.
With that, Li Yao joined the team and checked the party panel.
• Dragon Spearman (S-rank)
• Sacrificial Paladin (S-rank)
• Pastoral Warlock (S-rank)
• Star Whisper Witch (SS-rank)
An overpowered lineup—even for a second-wave dungeon raid team.
Star Whisper Witch…
Li Yao was certain—he didn't know this Sakura Nation girl.
Yet she was the most stunning woman he had ever seen.
Even Qin Yue and Jiang Ningyu were a step behind.
Moreover,Li Yao noticed something.
She wasn't cold because of her personality.
Her eyes held undisguised arrogance, as if she looked down on everyone present.
Even when inviting Li Yao, her gaze was the same—like a superior recruiting a subordinate.
With their party assembled, they headed toward the dungeon entrance.
The surrounding professionals watched in excitement.
An SS-rank-led team?
They had only seen such things on television.
A Primordial Dungeon?
This was practically guaranteed victory!
Yet no one noticed—
Among them—
Yang Junfei's eyes flashed with hidden malice as he glanced at Li Yao.
Finally in, huh…?