Chapter 438: Old Wang’s Showoff
Chapter 438: Old Wang’s Showoff
After walking for about ten more minutes, the two finally reached the mountain peak.
Over a hundred people had already gathered there by the time they arrived. Most were lone operators, with few acquaintances among them. Strangers kept their distance from each other, but the spacious mountaintop prevented any sense of crowding.
“This many people?”
Han Sen blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected the Special Operations Bureau to call so many Awakened Ones this time.
“This is actually a small turnout. The Bureau only invites notable figures—like us brothers.” Xia Country’s vastness meant even a few invitees per province quickly added up.
“No B-ranks here?”
Han Sen scanned the crowd. Most were C-ranks, with a handful of D-ranks mixed in. He wondered if Awakened Ones were truly scarce, or if he’d simply moved in higher circles before.
“You think B-ranks grow on trees? Overseas, that rank could conquer small nations and declare themselves kings.”
Wang Bo shook his head at his companion’s lack of awareness regarding B-rank big shots.
“These folks are decent enough. B-ranks don’t appear everywhere. In provincial areas like Jiangnan City, C-ranks already count as VIPs.” Wang Bo’s former status as the city’s sole Awakened One proved how rare they were compared to ordinary people.
The Bureau’s complaint about manpower shortages suddenly made sense.
“So… we’re actually top dogs here?”
Han Sen looked utterly lost.
This defied all his expectations. Instead of a heroic summit, he’d stumbled into a pond where minnows made him seem big. He’d come to coast along, yet these amateurs kept highlighting his presence.
“Naturally! We’re the strongest duo here!”
With Wang Bo at B-rank and Han Sen at peak C-rank, they stood as undisputed great experts.
Having confirmed their superiority, Wang Bo shed his low-key act. His B-rank aura erupted, sending nearby D-rank weaklings tumbling like bowling pins.
B-rank!
Every head snapped toward Wang Bo. Murmurs rippled through the crowd:
“A B-rank strong individual!”
“The Blood Buddha situation must be deadlier than we imagined.”
When Wang Bo’s gaze swept the area, people instinctively stepped back—a gesture of respect that also drew attention to Han Sen beside him. Anyone keeping company with a B-rank couldn’t be ordinary.
“A Taoist priest? Isn’t that Taoist Priest Han who solved the Dragon Lord crisis…?”
Gossip spread quickly. The Bureau had recorded Wang Bo’s brief explanation when awarding Han Sen, selling the story within Awakened circles. Though details remained scarce, names stuck.
“Where’s the Special Operations Bureau team?”
Wang Bo ignored the gawkers, randomly grabbing an attendee for answers.
“Through that iron door, Young Master Wang. New arrivals need to check in.”
The man recognized Wang Bo, responding with eager flattery rather than fear—a clear bid for favor.
“Good.”
Wang Bo patted the youngster’s shoulder approvingly. He liked people who knew their place.
Han Sen had originally planned to follow and watch Wang Bo’s showboating, but suddenly a voice rang through his mind.
Ding!
Energy points +5
??
What the hell? Even this cringeworthy posturing earns points? System, are you broken?
Han Sen’s mind reeled. He’d thought the system required acting like a true big shot, not… whatever lowbrow grandstanding this was. If Old Wang’s crude theatrics counted, his heart ached imagining all those wasted opportunities.
Those were energy points slipping through his fingers!
Zuo Meng heard the mental complaints but didn’t care. As the rule-maker, he distributed points on whim – no stuffy system logic here.
“Move!”
Unaware of Han Sen’s turmoil, Wang Bo swaggered through the iron door.
The mountain-carved chamber defied expectations – cramped exterior giving way to vaulted space larger than the summit outside. Flickering bulbs revealed twenty-odd figures within.
These were tougher than the outside rabble. Han Sen’s quick scan found several C-rank peaks matching his own strength. Then three beyond his sensing: bald man, white-haired elder, and a leather-booted woman. B-ranks like Wang Bo, no doubt.
“Fresh meat.”
“Better stock than the last trash.”
Mocking voices drifted through shadows.
“Special Ops lackeys?” Wang Bo glared at two sharp-faced troublemakers.
“N-no.”
One stammered a reply.
“Then shut your trap!” Wang Bo’s B-rank aura erupted, draining color from the bullies’ faces. Since when did B-rankers slum with the elevator plebs?
“Where’s Special Ops?”
Wang Bo prepared more theatrics when Han Sen pushed forward.
His energy points now.
No more solo acts for Old Wang.
Han Sen shouldered past, adopting Wang Bo’s swagger as he cornered a bystander. Maybe he’d get lucky – either cooperation or conflict to milk.
“Taoist Han Sen? The Dragon Lord incident guy?”
His target recognized him – probably bought Special Ops intel.
“They left after roll call.” The man answered plainly, neither defiant nor fawning. No energy points here.
“What about Blood Buddha intel? We’re not here for sightseeing!”
“Didn’t say.”
Han Sen abandoned the man for the room’s centerpiece – glass cabinet holding ten numbered tablets.
“Anyone tried opening?”
“This is Special Ops turf.”
Nervous headshakes all around. Even C-ranks knew better than to vandalize government property.
“I’ll do it.”
Han Sen’s eyes lit up. Finally, a stage.