Chapter 47: The First Subordinate

Naturally, Lei Qing did not expect Jiang Yu to become extremely loyal to him or swear undying loyalty right away. Many things required slow accumulation. Moreover, Jiang Yu was a decent person with a good reputation among his brothers, so he was worth Lei Qing’s effort to support and cultivate.

Directly in front of Jiang Yu, Lei Qing activated his Spatial Ring and took out an item from it.

Jiang Yu stared at the swirling spatial vortex on the ring, dumbstruck. Was this the legendary Spatial Ring? It was an incredibly power ful item. In his twenty-seven or twenty-eight years of life, he had never seen such a thing before. Even his previous commander of a small mercenary group certainly did not have something like this.

For a moment, he felt excited. He thought to himself that the Lei Family, as an hereditary Earl family, indeed had profound foundations. Even its direct descendants fleeing in disaster could be allocated a Spatial Ring. From this, it seemed that following Young Master Lei and the Lei Family would have great prospects. He had indeed heard rumors that the Lei Family was no longer glorious and was somewhat declining. However, he did not care about these things. First, his personal strength and charm had somewhat subdued him, making him willing to take a risk. Second, if the Lei Family were at the peak of its prosperous momentum, how could they possibly look down upon a mere Black Iron-rank fighter like him?

Little did Jiang Yu know that even the hereditary Earl Lei Family could not casually give a Spatial Ring to Lei Qing. The reason Lei Qing did this in front of him was merely to display his own deep foundation and strength, to make Jiang Yu look up to him, and to add some respect and loyalty.

Seeing the slightly awe-stricken look in Jiang Yu’s eyes, Lei Qing knew he had achieved his goal. He opened his hand to reveal the item. It was translucent and shimmered with a faint, earth-yellow aura.

“Gulp.” Jiang Yu stared blankly, unable to resist swallowing his saliva as he fixed his eyes on the object. This… this was actually a Crystal Core. More importantly, it was an Earth-element Crystal Core. Jiang Yu practiced an Earth-element Fighting Qi Technique called the “Earth Fighting Qi,” which was a very low-level, common Fighting Qi Technique. Only commoners with no background, connections, or family heritage would practice such ubiquitous low-grade techniques.

But regardless, Jiang Yu also cultivated Earth-element Fighting Qi. His greatest wish in life was to obtain a High-Rank Earth-element technique. Also, he had a strong desire for Earth-element Demonic Beast Crystal Cores.

Unfortunately, neither of these things could be obtained by Jiang Yu. High-Rank Fighting Qi Techniques, needless to say, were monopolized by noble families or major powers, such as the Lei Family’s “Three Changes of Heavenly Thunder.” Not only could Jiang Yu not get one, but even if he did, daring to practice it would lead to his death by pursuit if discovered.

As for the latter, although it was somewhat easier to obtain, it was extremely difficult for Jiang Yu. If he went to hunt them himself, even if an Entry-rank Bronze Earth-element Demonic Beast stood in front of him, taking his more than ten subordinates to hunt it would basically be a suicide mission, not to mention all the other unfavorable factors.

As for buying, there were indeed sellers. However, such items rarely flowed into the lower market targeting commoners. They usually existed only in higher-level shops or auction houses. They were mostly monopolized by noble families and powerful factions. Even if, hypothetically, one or two occasionally entered the lower market, what then? With so many competitors, how could Jiang Yu compete? Even a single Entry-rank Bronze Crystal Core could often sell for the sky-high price of hundreds of gold coins.

Therefore, the reason Jiang Yu could reach the peak between the High-stage Black Iron rank through a common Fighting Qi Technique was due to his hard work and perseverance. As for Earth-element Crystal Cores, he had always been cut off from them, never even getting a whiff.

No wonder his eyes went straight when he saw Lei Qing take out an Earth-element Crystal Core. He drooled, wanting to swallow the Crystal Core in one bite. However, that was all. No matter how strong his desire was, even if he were given a few more bold chances, he would not dare to rob Lei Qing. He had personally seen how the scarred bandit, whose strength was slightly superior to his own, was instantly killed by a single move from Lei Qing.

Furthermore, he had a faint guess in his heart: Young Master Lei took out an Earth-element Crystal Core in front of him, was it perhaps…? He was both hopeful and afraid of being disappointed, his mind in turmoil and anxiety.

Seeing his fluctuating expressions of desire, hope, and self-restraint, Lei Qing was somewhat satisfied. Jiang Yu’s self-control was decent; even when facing something he deeply desired, he did not lose control.

“You can see it is an Earth-element Crystal Core,” Lei Qing said, tossing it into the air. The Crystal Core flew in an arc towards Jiang Yu: “It’s yours.”

Jiang Yu’s expression became extremely complicated. His hands and feet moved clumsily as he caught it. When he held it in his hand, his entire body seemed to tremble. For a moment, happiness overwhelmed him, making his mind dizzy and leaving him not knowing what to do.

“This Crystal Core may not allow you to break through to the Bronze-rank all at once,” Lei Qing said in a calm tone. “But it can help you temper your body and break through the bottleneck that has troubled you for more than two years, allowing you to reach the peak of Black Iron.” Through their communication along the way, Lei Qing knew that Jiang Yu had been stuck at the High-stage Black Iron for a long time but had persisted with his willpower.

“I thank Young Master for the reward,” Jiang Yu finally regained some of his senses. He trembled uncontrollably, his voice choking: “Subordinates should not accept rewards without merit.”

“No matter. Just remember to serve me well in the future,” Lei Qing was also quite satisfied with Jiang Yu’s reaction, which made him act more generously. Besides, the stronger his subordinates were, the better. He encouraged him: “I know you practice a common Fighting Qi Technique. For now, I cannot find you better techniques, but I will keep an eye out for opportunities in the future. Also, you must remember to train hard and strive to enter the Bronze-rank sooner. In the recent period, you will follow me, and I will guide your training. I hope to help you avoid some detours.”

Jiang Yu was shocked again. He felt the sincerity of Young Master Lei, that he genuinely wanted to cultivate him. Immediately, with a solemn face, he knelt on one knee: “I thank Young Master for your hard work in cultivating me. Your subordinate is willing to go through fire and water for you, sparing no effort.”

Lei Qing laughed heartily and helped his first true subordinate up with his own hands. He said seriously: “From now on, we are brothers on the same boat. We will work together and strive to achieve something. Although our starting point is low, I firmly believe that as long as we work together, we will eventually prosper. Also, do not underestimate your practice technique. In the history of our continent, there has never been a lack of strong individuals who reached the peak with great perseverance using a low-grade technique.”

“Your subordinate understands. From now on, I will work double hard to become your right-hand man as soon as possible,” Jiang Yu was somewhat excited, but his eyes were filled with sincerity.

Lei Qing was also somewhat excited in his heart. This was his first subordinate. Although not a very powerful expert, with good cultivation, he might well become a capable subordinate. Besides, recruiting a small expert of this level was already the limit of Lei Qing’s status and strength. He did want to recruit some Holy Rank powerhouses, unfortunately, his capital was thousands or tens of thousands of miles short. Which Holy Rank powerhouse was not a regional overlord or a famous existence? How could they be foolish enough to mingle with a nameless, powerless pawn with no strong background like him?

Lei Qing could make Jiang Yu grateful with an Entry-rank Bronze Crystal Core, but if he used the same item to recruit a Holy Rank powerhouse, the best outcome would be being slapped away by a single blow. Identities, statuses, strengths, and even fame were different, so the things they could achieve were naturally different.

Meals are eaten one bite at a time, and roads are walked one step at a time. In short, Lei Qing was somewhat satisfied with the first step he had taken.

……