Chapter 116: War Wolf Mercenary Group

Entering the mercenary headquarters, Lin Xiao faced no obstructions whatsoever.

Gazing at the layout map, he quickly understood that registering as a mercenary required heading to the third floor. Since that was the case, Lin Xiao gave it no further thought and simply chose the stairs.

Before long he reached the third floor, dedicated solely to mercenary registration. Few people were present, and Lin Xiao completed the process swiftly.

No difficulties arose except that, when providing his name, he used the alias Xiao Lin, momentarily stunning the staff member. Fortunately, no questions were asked, for registering under one's true name occurred occasionally.

From that moment, Lin Xiao became an F-rank mercenary. What lay ahead was taking on missions to earn points. The staff who assisted him informed him that both accepting tasks and joining a mercenary group were located on the fifth floor. Without hesitation, he proceeded there directly.

Where the third floor had been quiet, the fifth buzzed with energy. Even before entering, lively commotion reached his ears.

"D-rank mercenary groups recruit powerful damage dealers. Welcome C-rank and above to join."

"C-rank mercenary groups seek a healer. No level limit!"

...

Lin Xiao's spirits ignited, and he began wandering about.

Soon his brows knit together.

He had underestimated the competition. The highest rank here appeared to be C-rank, and even then he fell short.

He had spoken briefly with several group members. They knew he was F-rank and only second-level, then dismissed him without inquiring about any special talents.

Lin Xiao could only accept the outcome.

Was the path to becoming a mercenary truly blocked?

He had circumnavigated the entire fifth floor without finding a suitable group.

Just as he prepared to leave empty-handed, a man's shout rang out.

"B-rank mercenary group recruiting chefs. No level limit required, though self-preservation ability is essential. Above all, culinary skill must be exceptional! Those interested, come register!"

The call drew every eye in the vicinity.

Lin Xiao was no exception.

The speaker was a slender young man in his early twenties, his frame thin as a bamboo stalk.

Yet Lin Xiao felt no contempt. From his presence, killing intent radiated—an impossible aura without repeated brushes with death.

Recruiting for a B-rank group remained enticing, drawing many onlookers.

"Damn it, a B-rank group is hiring! I'd love to join, but I can't cook."

"I know him. He's Shen Hou of the War Wolf Mercenary Group. Their strength is formidable—only eleven members, yet B-rank. You see why they're respected. Didn't expect them to recruit now."

"Recruiting I understand, but a chef?"

"Some minds are beyond our grasp."

"The War Wolf Mercenary Group's reputation is impeccable. Joining would be a fortune."

"I can make scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Think I have a chance?"

...

Absorbing the chatter, Lin Xiao pieced together the story.

Shen Hou? The name suited him perfectly.

The others confirmed the group's sterling reputation. Joining might prove worthwhile.

Its power was undeniable, they added.

Eleven members, B-rank rating—each a near-A-rank mercenary, elite among elites.

They sought a chef, and Lin Xiao held absolute confidence in his skills.

Though not matching Song Mingze's, the difference was slight. If such talent failed to satisfy them, his years of training would have been wasted.

Finding a worthy team had been difficult, so he pressed forward. He approached Shen Hou directly.

"I sign up!"

Shen Hou glanced at him, nodded, and gestured for Lin Xiao to wait aside.

Lin Xiao understood. The draw of a B-rank group was immense; already over a dozen had registered.

"Enough! Follow me. Since we seek chefs, we will test your abilities. Important: we accept only one. No trouble if we reject you."

No objections were voiced. Under Shen Hou's lead, they exited the headquarters.

To assess cooking, a suitable kitchen was needed.

The group soon reached a modest restaurant.

Inside, Lin Xiao saw ten young men and women, each around twenty.

Their auras pulsed with lethal intent.

These were undoubtedly the other ten members of the War Wolf Mercenary Group.

Compared with them, the students of the Jingdu Spirit Martial Academy seemed like delicate blooms in a greenhouse.

None spoke, merely offering faint glances.

Shen Hou, as recruiter, addressed them politely.

"Introduce yourselves, please."

The applicants began one by one.

"Smoke Sand, B-rank mercenary, fourth-level A-rank fire system. I once studied cooking briefly."

"Little Fatty, B-rank mercenary, fourth-level B-rank beast transformation. My father is a chef; I learned a little."

...

Lin Xiao came last. He noted the applicants' minimum was C-rank, lowest cultivation third-level.

Indeed, he was the weakest on paper.

When his turn arrived, he showed no nerves.

"Xiao Lin, F-rank mercenary, second-level SS-rank power system. I won't boast, but few chefs surpass me."

Using a false name, he disguised his abilities— a practice he had performed before.

The introduction drew every gaze, not only from the War Wolf members but also from the other applicants.

The reason was simple: Lin Xiao's ranks were abysmal. Only his SS-rank ability stood out; otherwise he was unremarkable.

Feeling the stares, he scratched his head.

"Why the attention? We're recruiting chefs, not judging talent by level. Good cooking is enough."

Shen Hou smiled broadly.

"Precisely. Levels are irrelevant. The essential is delicious food. Now that introductions are complete, let me explain the test: egg fried rice. The simplest dishes best reveal skill. Go to the back kitchen, each prepare one portion. Once finished, write your name on the plate. We will taste them; the finest will be accepted. Any objections?"

None were raised.

Yet the simple assignment gave those hoping to pass through back doors a glimmer of hope.

Lin Xiao found the challenge refreshingly straightforward.