Chapter 31: The Maiden from the Sakura Kingdom, an SS-Rank Star-Language Witch!

Li Yao looked at the five figures approaching him. He raised an eyebrow, just about to speak, when Qin Yue stepped in front of him, pouting like a mother hen protecting her chick.

"Hey, hey, hey! Is this a dungeon you discovered? What makes you think you're in charge?"

As she spoke, Qin Yue tugged on Li Yao's arm, pointing toward a middle-aged woman surrounded by several soldiers. "Young Master Li, go find that lady. She’s the one who discovered the dungeon. As long as she agrees, no one can stop you! You can probably seal the deal with just a piece of Gold-tier equipment or an A-rank skill book!"

Primal Dungeons appear randomly, and anyone has a chance to trigger one. Those who discover them, knowing their own strength is insufficient, often seek help from the Federation. That was the current situation. To enter the dungeon, one must pay the discoverer a sum that satisfies them—a form of reward for the finder. This prevents radical individuals who cannot clear the dungeon themselves from hiding its existence to prevent others from claiming it.

"Haha, there’s no need for such trouble, is there?" The young man swept a disdainful glance over Li Yao and Qin Yue. "Just moments ago, she granted me full authority over entry. If you don't believe me, you can ask the two city lords."

Luo Yu nodded, picking up where the young man left off. "Junfei is right, Li Yao. I am truly sorry." As a top-tier local professional, Luo Yu did not want to offend Li Yao. "We are well aware of your strength. If you had already reached the second transition, I would have easily persuaded Junfei to let you in, but you’re only level 17, so honestly..."

*A load of nonsense.* Li Yao muttered to himself. If he were already at the second transition, they would have just found another excuse. However, he could see from the tone that City Lord Luo Yu was deeply wary of this young man.

Just then, Li Yao felt a light tap on his shoulder. City Lord Xue leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Those three are from Sangyu City; their family has significant influence. I don't recognize the other two, but they are clearly not simple. In fact... anyway, be careful."

*Sangyu City...* Li Yao repeated the name silently. It was one of the twelve major cities of the Dragon Kingdom. Barring any accidents, he would be heading there soon for his professional martial examinations. Both Jiangzhou and Nancheng were considered subordinate cities to Sangyu, which oversaw twenty-seven such territories. It was home to countless top-tier professionals. To his knowledge, among the professionals who transitioned this year, there were thirteen S-rank individuals.

Still, there was no fear in Li Yao's eyes.

What he wanted to know was why he couldn't discern the levels of these people, despite their apparent age being similar to his. He knew how difficult leveling up was; he was certain that among his cohort, no one was leveling faster than he was.

The equipment they wore was all gleaming with the brilliant gold of high-end gear. The leader, holding a long spear, was likely a Warrior-class. The other two from Sangyu City were a muscular man carrying a heavy shield—a Knight-class—and a seemingly timid young woman, likely a Support-class.

*Huh? A Summoner?* Li Yao was taken aback. In such a high-caliber team where everyone was at least S-rank, a Summoner stood out. Yet, when this Summoner looked at others, his expression was arrogant; he didn't even hold the three Sangyu City professionals in high regard. But when he looked at the woman beside him, he lowered his status significantly, as if trying to curry favor.

"Interesting."

"Alright." Seemingly annoyed by Li Yao's gaze, Yang Junfei spoke up. "I have satisfied the wishes of the two city lords. I've seen the person, and frankly, a trashy Summoner is not to my satisfaction. So, City Lord Luo, may we enter the dungeon now?"

Although he used polite language, Yang Junfei's tone was extremely impatient. Luo Yu, however, took the initiative to smooth things over. "Of course, no problem. Primal Dungeons are of great importance, and it is only natural for you to be in a hurry, Junfei. I will go have the military open the access permissions immediately."

At this point, Li Yao had lost interest in the Primal Dungeon. While he had wanted to go, he wasn't desperate. The greatest benefits of clearing a new dungeon were the first-clear rewards for monsters and the contribution points awarded by the Federation. With his strength, he could easily tackle Nightmare-difficulty dungeons that had yet to be cleared. As for the contribution points, there would be plenty of opportunities later. If not for Qin Yue, he might not have even known the Primal Dungeon existed. Arriving late and having the slots taken by others was just a matter of circumstance.

With the matter settled, Li Yao prepared to signal Qin Yue to leave. Just then, a cold, clear voice rang out.

"Li-kun... no, Mr. Li, you are the Summoner who cleared the Nightmare-difficulty, aren't you?"

The voice was melodic, speaking slightly accented Dragon Kingdom language. *A Sakura Nation native?* Curious, Li Yao paused.

"That's right, it's Young Master Li!" Qin Yue puffed out her chest, looking indignant. She felt a sense of guilt for bringing Li Yao all this way only for him to be denied entry.

Hearing this, the girl's eyes lit up. "In that case, Mr. Li, join the team. However, as the price, you must pay us two pieces of Gold-tier equipment."

Yang Junfei’s face darkened, but surprisingly, he said nothing. The girl explained, "Jing-sheng is also a Summoner, but his strength is inferior to Mr. Li's. It is only logical that Mr. Li should enter the dungeon instead."

Upon hearing this, the Summoner who had been looking down on everyone turned pale. "Lady Meise..." The girl just gave him a cold glance, and the Summoner withered instantly. He didn't dare say another word, merely glaring at Li Yao with resentment. If looks could kill, Li Yao would have been dead many times over.

Li Yao ignored him and said calmly, "One piece." His interest in the Primal Dungeon was worth about as much as a single piece of Gold-tier equipment.

"You think you're something special?" Yang Junfei was the first to jump in, furious. "That was the price I paid! Letting an A-rank Summoner like you join is a privilege, and you’re trying to haggle?"

Qin Yue tugged on Li Yao's arm, thinking, *I can help you pay for one!* If the clearance was successful, the rewards—let alone the gear drops—would be worth far more than the cost in Federation contribution points. Of course, that was assuming they succeeded. She believed in Li Yao's strength.

"Very well, one piece. Mr. Li, join the team." The girl spoke, and even Yang Junfei didn't protest further, though he shot Li Yao a vicious glare.

Joining the team, Li Yao looked at the party panel: Dragon Lancer (S-rank), Sacrificial Saint Knight (S-rank), Pastoral Warlock (S-rank), and Star-Whisper Witch (SS-rank). It was an overpowered lineup; even without him, it was well above the standard for a secondary expedition team.

*Star-Whisper Witch...* Li Yao was certain he did not know this woman from the Sakura Nation. She was the most stunning woman he had ever seen—even Qin Yue and Jiang Ningyu were slightly overshadowed. Furthermore, Li Yao noticed that her cold demeanor toward everyone wasn't just her personality. Deep in her eyes was an arrogance that looked down on everyone present. Even when inviting him, she maintained that same air, as if a superior were recruiting a subordinate.

The five of them formed a party and walked toward the dungeon entrance. The onlookers watched them with excitement. A team led by an SS-rank professional was something they had only ever seen on television. A Primal Dungeon? It was as good as conquered!

None of them noticed that within the party, Yang Junfei cast a hidden, malicious glance at Li Yao.

*Finally, you've joined in.*