Chapter 21: When did I ever say I was going to give her the resources?

Meanwhile, beneath the swirling depths of the Goblin Nest dungeon, a crowd was gathered around a newly emerged team.

“Holy crap! Is Yu Wenhao really an A-rank professional? Not only did he clear the Goblin Nest on master difficulty, but he also shattered the long-standing completion time record!”

“Gotta say, those big family kids are truly impressive. I remember when the Silver Wolf Guild cleared it, they had five A-rank pros, right?”

“Yeah, and Yu Wenhao’s team even had a B-rank priest traveler. Who would’ve thought that would be enough to clear it?”

“Yu Wenhao is a Barrier Master; he can’t be seen as an ordinary A-rank.”

“Don’t forget, he was only level seven when he entered the dungeon. Without real strength backing him up, how could the other four carry a dead weight through master difficulty?”

“Looks like the Barrier Master class is truly on par with S-rank.”

“Jealous...”

The crowd surrounded none other than Yu Wenhao and his team, fresh from conquering the master difficulty Goblin Nest.

Yu Wenhao’s gear was tattered, and his figure looked a little disheveled. Yet, none of that could mask the unstoppable smile on his face.

He had finally done it.

Emerging from the novice dungeon after countless trials and tribulations, all for this moment.

Especially when he heard those words:

“Truly on par with S-rank.”

At once, Yu Wenhao felt that all his efforts were worth it.

He had paid a heavy price to clear the master difficulty for just two reasons:

First, to obtain the General’s Ring and boost his combat power in preparation for the level 20 second job advancement quest.

Second, to prove to the city lord who truly deserved the S-rank resources.

Honestly, Li Yao’s strength had genuinely startled him within the novice dungeon, and rumors even spread of Li Yao awakening his talent.

At the time, Yu Wenhao had no intention of making an enemy of Li Yao.

Awakening a talent that fits one’s class meant access to SS-rank resources, which didn’t conflict with the S-rank resources Yu Wenhao coveted.

But the next day, he heard his S-rank resources had been taken.

Immediately, a murderous intent flared within him.

“No matter how strong he seemed early on, he’s just a summoner. If he can’t even guard his own resources, how dare he try to steal mine?”

Yu Wenhao sneered coldly, never once considering whether Li Yao could clear master difficulty.

The Silver Wolf Guild’s strength was rooted in their mastery of high-level classes.

Lower-tier pros in the guild were mostly young talents with promising potential.

They simply couldn’t compare to the seasoned veterans the guild hired at high pay.

Think Li Yao could clear master difficulty?

In his dreams.

Besides, Li Yao had publicly entered nightmare difficulty.

“Better off dying in there!” Yu Wenhao thought venomously.

Just then, his gaze caught a strikingly beautiful figure standing out in the crowd ahead.

She seemed to be chatting with various groups, seeking a team to clear the dungeon.

Yu Wenhao’s heart warmed as he quickened his pace toward her.

“Jiang, what are you doing here?”

The figure paused slightly at the sound of his voice.

She slowly turned, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead, revealing a delicate, lovely profile.

Seeing him, Jiang Ningyu’s eyes lit up with surprise.

“Yu Wenhao? What a coincidence! Are you here to clear the Goblin Nest dungeon too?”

Her exquisite face and the long legs visible beneath her robe made even the ever-sophisticated Yu Wenhao glance away awkwardly.

Jiang Ningyu knew how to use her advantages well; even when choosing equipment, she prioritized pieces that showed off her figure.

The two had crossed paths once before in the novice dungeon.

Yu Wenhao had been deeply impressed by this sweet-faced, slightly aloof girl.

Moreover, she was an A-rank Frost Master.

He felt as if he had met his destined soulmate.

Unexpectedly, fate had brought them together again so soon.

Yu Wenhao chose his words carefully, feigning casualness.

“Yeah, just here to grind and level up. We just got out of the master difficulty dungeon.”

“Master difficulty? You mean the master difficulty Goblin Nest?” Jiang Ningyu covered her mouth, utterly stunned.

Yu Wenhao smiled proudly.

“Haha, thanks to my family’s help. Otherwise, there’s no way I could have cleared it at level seven.”

Though seemingly modest, he was really telling Jiang Ningyu not to underestimate him—he had cleared master difficulty at level seven, a feat of considerable value.

“Level seven?”

Jiang Ningyu was almost speechless with astonishment.

“To enter a master-level dungeon at level seven, even with family backing, I wouldn’t dare.”

“Besides, my family is ordinary; none of them are professionals.”

Jiang Ningyu looked at Yu Wenhao, her cherry lips pressing tight, hesitant and seemingly keeping her distance.

“I’m going to find a team now. I need to grind hard and not let you rich kids pull too far ahead.”

Yu Wenhao watched her go, feeling a pang in his heart.

Such a sincere and hardworking girl was a rare treasure.

He immediately said, “Jiang, do you really think I’m like Li Yao?”

“We’re acquaintances, neighbors from different schools. How could I just stand by?”

“Come on, join my team. I can’t promise master difficulty, but clearing hard difficulty is a breeze.”

“This… I don’t think it’s appropriate. I’m afraid others might misunderstand.”

Jiang Ningyu spoke shyly but unconsciously stepped beside Yu Wenhao, joining his team.

“Misunderstand? What could be misunderstood? You’ve already broken up with Li Yao. Who else would misunderstand?”

Looking at the beautiful figure by his side, Yu Wenhao’s heart raced, and he lowered his voice.

“Jiang, don’t mistake me for someone like Li Yao.”

“What he can give you, I can give you. What he can’t, I can too!”

“Didn’t he break up with you and take the A-rank skill badge that should’ve been yours? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!”

“To be honest, I’m determined to get that resource from Li Yao.”

“When I get the S-rank resource, my share of the A-rank resource…”

Hearing this, Jiang Ningyu struggled to contain her excitement but frowned and took a step back.

“No, no, I can’t accept that A-rank resource. We’re just ordinary friends. How could I accept such a valuable gift?”

“Huh?”

Yu Wenhao was momentarily stunned. When did he say he was giving her the A-rank resource?

His A-rank resource was meant for his junior, though he could share some of the A-rank potions with Jiang Ningyu.

But now that the moment had come, Yu Wenhao’s heart raced.

“Must we only be friends, Jiang?”

“Annoying!” Jiang Ningyu teased, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

...