Chapter 136: A Monster-like Centaur

What about the east?

Dask inhaled, his complexion darkened a few shades.

"That area belongs to the mountain‑folk mercenaries; if you must call it something, it's the true city‑within‑a‑city of Sunlight City."

"Doctor, consider this a friendly warning: if you can avoid that place, don't go; even if they pay you more, don't go on a house call."

Hehe, too late.

But Ji Ming said nothing, and just brushed it off.

"Hey, my family is big and has its own hospital; there's no need to involve a scoundrel like me…"

He was about to ask about the mercenary corps, when a commotion suddenly erupted at the far end of the nearby street.

"Damn."

Dask glanced around, then hurriedly pulled Ji Ming toward the base of a nearby wall.

"What's wrong?"

Lao Lang gritted his teeth, a look of disdain on his face.

"That's the tax minister's banner—bad luck! We should keep our distance."

Cooper is the tax collector, so he naturally told Ji Ming about the violent faction within the Commercial Union.

The tax collector and debt collector appear to head different regional departments, but up the chain they report to the same boss—the so‑called tax minister.

The minister who controls force holds a rank comparable to Suo La as chairman; within the Union his status is revered and must not be provoked lightly.

As Dask described, the crowd that had been bustling froze, and almost everyone scrambled in terror to the sides of the road.

All this made Ji Ming inevitably recall the scenes of a lord's procession in period dramas.

In fact it was true—henchmen were shouting curses while trying to drive the crowd away.

Fortunately the road was relatively wide, giving people somewhere to hide; otherwise a stampede might have occurred.

Damn, when I, the illustrious ruler of all living beings, make an appearance I never get this much fanfare!

Ji Ming widened his eyes, wanting to see which low‑life dared to show off before the great deity.

Soon, the minister's convoy arrived in the middle of the road, moving slowly.

But leading the line was not the most luxurious carriage, but...

Silver hair like a mane, a black horse armor adorned with intricate decorations, a massive longbow slung at the waist, and on the other side a razor‑sharp, sturdy Ma Mao.

Appearing there was a female centaur, her armor making her already towering figure even taller, like a four‑legged monster.

Moreover, considering that beast‑folk live slightly longer than humans, her human‑like cheek may look youthful, but she must be at least in her forties.

Her name is Ke Li Si Ting Zhen Zhu, a powerful bow‑crossbow specialist already at level 40, touching the high‑tier threshold.

Walking within the convoy, she slightly lifted her head, her eyes showing no regard for the surrounding crowd; her silver‑black figure was truly flamboyant and overbearing.

And Ke Li Si Ting indeed had the means, for the reason she led the patrol lay on the cart behind her.

"Damn, the rumors are true!"

"So giants really are that big?"

"That's terrifying, Minister…"

On top of it sat a raging cyclops, its visage ferocious, its teeth like razors, and even while lying down it resembled a mountain of flesh.

But at this moment its single eye was bloodshot and lifeless, its head seemingly detached from its scarred body, dead beyond death.

Indeed, the only ones capable of slaying monsters are other monsters, aren't they?

Only such strength can let the Commercial Union, weak in force, hold its ground in the three‑way contest.

Thus, besides fear, the crowd also felt a touch of awe.

Of course, except Ji Ming.

He was busy feeling sentimental.

Ugh, damn, if only I'd known not to hurry the move, I would've seen the spectacular, blood‑pumping monster‑vs‑monster fight!

When the convoy vanished on the other side of the street, the crowd resumed its clamor.

Dask wiped away nonexistent beads of sweat from his forehead, unable to help but comment.

"Even so, the tax minister truly lives up to the name—being able to slay such formidable monsters, that woman is really strong."

"Yeah, it's huge."

"Huh?"

"Uh, I mean, that giant is really huge…"

"... Indeed."

Walking and chatting, time passes quickly.

Turning a corner, in the middle of the intersecting roads, a massive stone structure emerged.

Even though the plaza before the doors was already large, it was still packed with people.

Those in the know said this was the Adventurers' Guild; those who didn't thought it was the Spring Festival Train Station.

"Old Hunter Textile Factory is hiring, wants the young and strong, humans first!"

"Northern Iron Mine needs many workers, generous pay, those with Qi below eight, do not disturb."

"Everyone, I need an apprentice; just know how to wield a hammer!"

Ji Ming glanced around, noticing familiar faces among the job seekers, all former adventurers.

After Sunlight City banned adventuring, they seemed forced to make a living this way.

Thinking of this, he asked.

"Dask, with adventuring suspended, what has the Wolf Pack Squad been up to lately?"

"Ha, our Wolf Pack Squad may be notorious, but we don't have to look this ragged; lately we've been serving as caravan guards, delivering goods inside and outside the city."

At this point, his wording became considerably more cautious.

"Doctor, the recent period has indeed been quite dangerous; the remedy you sold me last time is all used up. What do you think…"

Ji Ming realized belatedly and was suddenly enlightened.

No wonder Lei Nuo's byd was so enthusiastic today, even coming over to deliver two bottles of milk.

So they wanted their own remedy!

"Sure, come whenever you have time later; I'll give you a base price."

Since Ji Ming had already nodded, Da Si Ke no longer brought it up, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then excused himself, saying he had something to attend to.

After pondering his wording, Ji Ming exhaled a puff of foul breath and headed toward the Adventurers' Association's main gate.

The hall was crowded; he looked around and spotted a leopard person in a security uniform in the corner.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one nearby was watching, he slipped over quietly.

However, the beastman's intuition was always sharp; when he was still ten steps away, the leopard person noticed Ji Ming and turned his head alertly.

"Who are you, stop right there!"

Ji Ming was here to discuss business, not to cause trouble, so he naturally halted his steps.

"Don't get worked up; I mean no harm."

He unbuttoned his coat, revealing a curved hunting dagger strapped to his waist.

"I'm here to see Clan Leader Bao Li Si."

Leopard persons are few in number; as a guard, he instantly recognized it as Bao Li Si's personal weapon.

Now that it was in the hands of an unfamiliar human, there was only one answer—it was a token.

He immediately softened the threatening look on his face.

"Understood. Please bring the box and follow me."

After climbing several steps and passing through a long corridor, the clamor fell behind them; this must be the Association's office area.

Coincidentally, the guard had intended to take Ji Ming to the reception room before reporting, but on the third‑floor corridor the two happened upon Bao Li Si.

One could only say the clan leader lived up to his reputation; alone he seemed unremarkable, but compared with his accompanying guard, Bao Li Si was at least a head taller.

Moreover, after reaching level 13, Ji Ming could already see higher‑tier panels.

Although many areas were still hidden, Bao Li Si's rank was already displayed.

Sure enough, he was a level‑36 intermediate warrior.

Though not as strong as the three in the dungeon, in Sunlight City this should count as top‑tier combat power.

He looked somewhat surprised.

"Doctor Ji, why did you come?"

Ji Ming continued to display his businesslike smile.

"It's nothing serious; I just need you to help me brainstorm some ideas."

No problem, can you make a special trip here?

Bao Li Si, not a fool, turned his body aside.

"Come with me; let's discuss in my office."

He had the guard stay at the door, gestured for Ji Ming to sit, poured a cup of warm water, and then spoke again.

"Tell me any difficulty; you saved my life, and as long as I can help, I will definitely step in."

"Then I'm relieved."

Ji Ming recounted yesterday's incident in detail.

"I've heard that the director An De Lu of An De Lu Hospital is a rather difficult gentleman; now there's clearly a misunderstanding between us, and I hope to smooth things over through your connections."

"That's way too much!"

Although Ji Ming deliberately downplayed the matter, Bao Li Si let out a low growl, curled his sandbag‑sized fist, and hammered it onto the table.

"An De Lu Hospital deliberately hiked the treatment costs so high; now that a cheap Wai Shu Clinic finally appeared, the first thing they thought of was to come over and threaten you?"

"If we just let this slide, next it'll be forging, then weaving, and eventually the whole Sunlight City will become a One‑Man Rule of the Mercenary Association. Then what use is our Adventurers' Association?"

Ji Ming came to resolve the issue, but seeing Bao Li Si's beard‑blowing, eyes‑wide look, it seemed he wanted to enlarge the problem.

He hurriedly doused the fire.

"It's not that severe, just…"

But Bao Li Si cut him off resolutely.

"Doctor, you needn't say more; I'll see this through to the end!"

He stood up, about to go call someone, when a commotion sounded from outside the door.

"Clan Leader Mi Yang, President Bao Li Si is inside talking with someone; please come back in a moment…"

It was the guard's voice from earlier, followed by an aged, hoarse, yet somehow soft and muffled voice.

"No, his recent decisions are too foolish; if this continues, the efforts of the three clans will be doomed!"

Perking up his ears, Bao Li Si sighed, sat back at his desk, and helplessly cradled his own head.

"Ha Ke, let Uncle Mi Yang in."

As soon as the words finished, the door was pushed open.

Pure white fur, straight twin horns, a tuft of long beard on the chin adorned with multicolored threads, a luxurious robe embroidered with flora and fauna patterns, and a wooden short staff that looked unmistakably mystical in his hand.

Standing at the doorway was an old beastman with a sheep's head, clearly a mage by his attire.