85: Chapter 85 Golden Map
In Lin Fan's view, at least.
If the Dark Alliance took the initiative to come to him because of his investigation, that would actually be the best outcome.
It would save him the trouble of having to track them down himself.
The truck returned to silence, but this silence was not oppressive or tense; instead, it felt somewhat relaxed.
Yao Dong focused on driving, navigating through the streets of Barron City;
The rugged-looking man in the front row, along with the two people beside Lin Fan, all leaned back in their seats with their eyes closed to rest.
As for Lin Fan, he turned his head to gaze at the scenery outside the window, his head turning from side to side from time to time.
Although Barron City was one of the smallest cities in the country, it covered a vast area and had a population of over one million.
Lin Fan had lived here for eighteen years, yet there were still many places he had never set foot in.
The truck drove for over an hour before finally arriving at the border checkpoint leading out of the city.
This city had more than one border exit, to begin with.
And Lin Fan had never been to this one before.
He looked through the window beside Aunt Mi Xue.
He saw that the checkpoint here was much more sophisticated than the one near the farm where he usually went to grind for experience.
An outpost had also been built near the border, guarded by several Alliance officers.
Furthermore, this place was not far from the bustling areas of Barron City.
It only took a few minutes of driving to reach the nearest complex of buildings.
The four trucks carrying the members of Wave Squad stopped briefly at the outpost.
An Alliance officer walked straight toward the front of the lead vehicle.
A few seconds later, they were cleared to pass.
The four trucks started up again and finally drove out of Barron City.
The trucks proceeded along a road built by the authorities.
The road cut through the desolate area beyond the border, stretching endlessly into the distance like the shadow of a giant.
Lin Fan had never left the city before, so everything before his eyes felt novel to him.
On both sides of the road lay an endless sea of sand.
Other vehicles passed them from time to time along the way.
Every few kilometers.
One could see an outpost, each guarded by four or five Alliance officers.
The four trucks sped along the way, passing through forests and crossing bridges.
They drove for a full three hours.
Before finally leaving the main road and turning into a rocky path.
The ground was covered with fine gravel.
All sorts of giant boulders were visible everywhere, stretching as far as the eye could see.
Driving on the uneven surface, the truck body soon began to jolt violently.
After another seven minutes of driving.
After turning past a boulder as large as a house, they finally arrived at their destination.
Through the windshield, Lin Fan saw a dense crowd of people.
He did a rough count and was surprised to find nearly a hundred people!
Besides people, the area was filled with trucks and other small vehicles, all of which were their means of transport.
The four trucks of Wave Squad drove to the side and parked side by side.
Lin Fan and the others got out of the vehicles one after another.
"I've been sitting for too long; my body is almost stiff."
After getting out of the car, Aunt Mi Xue stretched, her ample chest trembling slightly like a startled rabbit.
After stretching, Aunt Mi Xue's gaze fell upon the crowd in the distance.
Her expression instantly became serious, and not a hint of her former affability could be found on her face.
It was not the first time Lin Fan had seen her like this, so he didn't think much of it and cast his gaze toward the crowd in the distance as well.
After a brief observation, Lin Fan noticed.
Everyone present was a Mage, with strength ranging between First-Order Mage and Tier 3 Mage.
Among this group, there were only four Tier 3 Mages; counting Aunt Mi Xue, that made five.
The rest were mostly Tier 2 Mages and First-Order Mages.
Lin Fan also noticed.
Although these people appeared to be gathered together, they were actually divided into three squads, with about twenty to twenty-five people in each squad.
"Let's go."
Aunt Mi Xue spoke and led the way toward the three squads.
Lin Fan and the others immediately followed.
Meanwhile.
The people from the other three squads were also sizing up the newly arrived Wave Squad.
Countless gazes fell upon Lin Fan and his group as they approached.
"Yo, isn't this the Water Witch? Miss Aunt Mi Xue, it is truly my honor to participate in this clearing operation with you."
A tall man with curly hair and a handsome face chuckled at Aunt Mi Xue, his eyes full of greed, unscrupulously scanning her curves.
This person was a Tier 3 Mage, and he was followed by twenty-three people.
One of them was also a Tier 3 Mage, and the remaining twenty-two were mostly Tier 2 Mages.
Clearly, this squad was the strongest one present.
Aunt Mi Xue merely glanced at him indifferently without replying, her gaze sweeping over the others.
Lin Fan raised an eyebrow.
He thought to himself whether this curly-haired man really didn't know how to hide it, or if he just couldn't be bothered to conceal his lust.
"He is Captain Jin Tu, the leader of Golden Tree Squad. There are two Tier 3 Mages in his squad, and most of the members are Tier 2 Mages, which is why he is so arrogant. Don't pay attention to him; he's all talk."
Yao Dong walked over to Lin Fan and whispered a reminder.
Lin Fan looked at Yao Dong and clearly saw the suppressed anger in his eyes.
Lin Fan: "..."
Are you sure you aren't saying this to yourself, reminding yourself not to be impulsive?
The curly-haired man, Captain Jin Tu, noticed the small interaction between Yao Dong and Lin Fan, and when his gaze fell upon Lin Fan, his brows furrowed slightly.
"Heh, I consider myself well-acquainted with the members of Wave Squad, but how come I've never seen this face before?"
His tone was playful, and his scrutinizing gaze was fixed tightly on Lin Fan.
"He is a new member of our squad, brought here by the captain herself."
Yao Dong reached out, wrapped his arm around Lin Fan's neck, and said aloud.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Captain Jin Tu murmured, narrowing his eyes as he sized up Lin Fan.
A brat personally accepted by Aunt Mi Xue?
Just because he's handsome?
He's just a greenhorn; could it be that she likes younger men?!
Captain Jin Tu felt a wave of irritation and instantly developed hostility toward Lin Fan.
"Only a First-Order Mage level, but since he was personally recruited by Aunt Mi Xue, he must have some potential. Follow me closely later, and I'll protect you."
Captain Jin Tu smiled at Lin Fan, but his words were full of sarcasm.
Lin Fan raised an eyebrow again.
He saw through the other party's malice at a glance.
He didn't even remember when he had offended this person.
"You'd better save your protection for yourself and your team members."
Aunt Mi Xue's cold voice rang out, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes, while her other eye remained covered by an eyepatch.
"Don't be so standoffish. I just want to care for your squad, just like I care for my own people."
"How about we just merge? You can all join Golden Tree Squad."
"I'll tell you a secret; I've met with Mr. Chen Ping privately."
"You all should know Mr. Chen, right? He personally promised to join my squad, only saying he had some matters to attend to and would come once he was done."
"How about it? Mr. Chen is a top-tier powerhouse. If you follow us, you definitely won't lose out."
Captain Jin Tu boasted with a smug look.
Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.
Mr. Chen?
Is it that Mr. Chen Ping who has recently risen to fame?
Even the leaders of the Alliance have to be respectful to him!
Lin Fan: "..."
Damn it, what kind of nonsense is this idiot spouting!