Chapter 72: Herbalist Visa

Zhou Kai returned to Circle Studio. Gu Fangyi had gone to the Siping District mall to make preparations, while Lu Luo headed towards Han Shiyu’s dormitory. Lu Luo needed many things now. He required a large amount of energy to enhance his attributes and strengthen his fundamental power. He needed Sequence Values to perfect his incomplete Sequences, a substantial amount of Dark Energy to enhance his Qi and complete the second energy acupoint, and various fusion materials to synthesize and upgrade his equipment. These items could be obtained within the Wall, but invariably, they were either extremely difficult to acquire or very expensive. Lu Luo was broke. He currently relied on Zhou Kai for meals, and the studio didn’t always land lucrative deals like the one with Qian Ming. Thus, his only option was to venture outside the Wall. His objective was simple: hunt Exotic Species, obtain energy, gather resources with the Observer’s help, and rapidly build up his strength. He had recently reviewed many materials and books about the world outside the Wall. With the Observer’s memories and assistance, he felt confident he could handle the situations out there. 「...」 Upon arriving downstairs at Han Shiyu’s dormitory building, he noticed no one was queuing anymore. It seemed this was because Han Shiyu had consecutively rejected too many people. The dormitory supervisor looked at Lu Luo with initial puzzlement, then recalled he was the one Han Shiyu had permitted to go up directly. "You’re here!" "Ah?" "You’re still a student. Pay attention to safety, and also to your status." With that, the supervisor returned to her room, leaving Lu Luo standing alone in the wind, bewildered. What did she mean by that? What is she thinking? We’re innocent! Forget it. Explaining is just concealing, and concealing is the start of a mistake. Walking through the gray corridor of the teacher’s dormitory, Lu Luo reached Han Shiyu’s door. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! After a few knocks, Han Shiyu, dressed in professional teacher’s attire, opened the door. She scanned Lu Luo from head to toe, apparently having already guessed his purpose. "Getting ready to go out?" Now that the monthly exams were over, only two matters could prompt Lu Luo to seek her out proactively. One was the Outside-the-Wall Visa, and the other concerned a Martial Arts Practice Instructor. Martial Arts practice would take a relatively long time. Seeing Lu Luo’s urgent demeanor, it can only be about the Outside-the-Wall Visa. "Yes, I’m preparing to go out. As we discussed, if Professor Han has any arrangements or requirements, you can tell me now." Just as Lu Luo finished speaking, Qi Xinzhu emerged from Han Shiyu’s bedroom and stood behind her. "Eh? You’re here too. What was your name again?" "Believer of Light, Qi Xinzhu." "Oh, right! Qi Xinzhu. Look at me, I must have left my brain at home." Han Shiyu glanced at Qi Xinzhu. She had initially thought Qi Xinzhu would be better suited than herself to pursue Dawn—young, beautiful, with an excellent personality and limitless potential. Such a woman should be admired by many men, an ideal choice to serve Dawn. However, she hadn’t expected Qi Xinzhu to be so inept, seemingly even less capable than herself. Several days had passed, and Lu Luo still hadn’t remembered her name. Was this some kind of joke? Serving Dawn was a serious matter. Qi Xinzhu stood awkwardly, somewhat at a loss, until Han Shiyu cleared her throat, alleviating the uncomfortable silence. "Alright, the condition for you to go out is simple: just take her with you." Lu Luo’s expression immediately soured. "Are you kidding me, Professor Han? I’m going outside the Wall, not on a vacation. Making me take a woman along is like bringing an encumbrance, isn’t it?" "Her energy signature is higher than yours and is still increasing. How did you conclude she’d be an encumbrance? Do you really think rounding up makes you a Second Tier?" Is it really about her being an encumbrance? Of course not. The main issue is that I don’t want to take her! This was an expedition for him and Gu Fangyi, just the two of them. What was the point of bringing a woman? A woman would only slow down their exploration outside the Wall. However, Han Shiyu’s method of handling Lu Luo was quite direct. "You won’t take her? Fine, then you’re not going out." "Hey, hey, don’t be like that! We can discuss anything! It’s just bringing one person, right? Easy!" True adaptability means knowing when to advance and when to retreat. Lu Luo understood when to yield and when to fold. "That’s more like it." Han Shiyu crossed her arms, a gesture that significantly accentuated certain assets, drawing Lu Luo’s sidelong glance. Forget it. Her chest is bigger; I won’t argue with her. 「...」 Lu Luo looked at the three visas in his hand, his eyebrows slightly raised in dissatisfaction. "A Medicinal Herb Collector’s visa?" "What? I’m a biology professor specializing in pharmacology and medicine. I can only issue you a medical visa or a herb-collecting visa. Since you don’t have medical skills, naturally, I can only give you a herb-collecting visa!" "Fine! A Medicinal Herb Collector it is, then!" The Alliance didn’t impose significant restrictions on those venturing outside the Wall, but there were strict regulations regarding visa duration. The main difference between a Medicinal Herb Collector’s visa and a mercenary visa was its validity period. Due to the high concentration of Dark Energy outside the Wall, the longer someone stayed out, the greater their risk of encountering danger, contracting viruses or bacteria, or developing latent mutations. Those who could obtain a mercenary visa usually possessed considerable strength; some were Transcendents, while others were highly skilled ordinary people. Strong individuals outside the Wall were better equipped to overcome dangers and handle incidents, thus lowering their risk of mutation. Consequently, their visas lasted longer, up to a maximum of 30 days. In contrast, a Medicinal Herb Collector’s visa was valid for only 10 days, meaning they had to return within that timeframe, including travel time. Though termed "Medicinal Herb Collector," this type of visa was virtually indistinguishable from the Fourth Ring Scavenger visa issued by the Alliance—both were the lowest-tier visas. As for Hunters’ visas! Apologies, Hunters don’t need visas, because visas are authorized by Hunters themselves. They could stay outside the Wall for as long as they wished; that’s how much leeway they had. Unfortunately, Lu Luo still had to maintain his student identity and was bound by his contract with Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals. Otherwise, having a Hunter’s identity would simplify many things. "I also wanted to ask Professor Han where I might find Black Wolf Spider venom and Silver Centipede saliva, or if they’re sold anywhere. I’ve consulted many books and visited numerous shops but found nothing. I want to be as prepared as possible before going outside the Wall." "You’ve studied poisons as well? Those two aren’t rare. Silver Centipedes are First Tier Exotic Species, and Black Wolf Spiders are Second Tier. The reason you can’t find them is simple: they have almost no medicinal value. They aren’t worth much, the venom is difficult to preserve, and no one hauls back an entire Exotic Species. So, naturally, you’ll find them hard to come by." Hearing that he would have to search for these two items outside the Wall, Lu Luo silently nodded. He had already been prepared to do so. Asking Han Shiyu was merely a final confirmation. "Well then, Professor Han, I’ll take my leave." Lu Luo walked out the door, only to find Qi Xinzhu following him. "You’re not planning to follow me, are you?" "Is there a problem? I was going to... accompany you anyway." Qi Xinzhu didn’t say "protect." Han Shiyu had previously advised her to be mindful of certain things when speaking to men. Most men disliked being protected, or at least, disliked hearing it phrased that way. Lu Luo looked at Qi Xinzhu, his mind filled with more questions. What were the true motives of Han Shiyu and Qi Xinzhu, both Believers of Light, in approaching him? Is this some kind of seduction tactic from the Dawn Church? When it comes to seduction, I’m the originator. Back in my day... "[Stop reminiscing. Back in your day, you were thrown into a river for your seduction tactics!]" Lu Luo ignored the Observer’s prompt. Professor Han doesn’t actually think that having a beautiful woman follow me will sway me, does she? She’s still underestimating the strong will of a transmigrator. Lu Luo helplessly spread his hands. "You can follow me, but during any operation, you must obey my commands. Of course, I won’t ask you to do anything suicidal. However, you must adhere to my instructions regarding normal task assignments and operational plans." "No problem, that’s perfectly reasonable. If you have any other requirements, please state them now." "That’s all. It’s dangerous outside the Wall. Just take good care of yourself." "I will!"