Lottlin's words cast a silence over everyone, though many had prepared for such an outcome. Almost all of them had enemies, and banding together was their only relative safety. Alone, they faced the constant danger of death.
Many species shared a fate similar to the Star Clan. Take the two merfolk sisters in the team, for instance. Much like mermaids from Blue Star, their legs transformed into fish tails upon contact with water. The scales on their tails were rare materials in the universe, incredibly thin yet exceptionally strong, possessing unbelievable resilience, making them ideal for crafting close-combat armor. Even more astonishingly, when ground into powder and consumed using a special method, these scales induced potent hallucinogenic effects. Consequently, the merfolk sisters' species had been heavily captured and farmed, their scales repeatedly harvested for profit. It was only through the luck of finding Lottlin's team that they escaped this fate. Many in the team were in similar predicaments. They all understood that the journey to find the Reality Gem would inevitably attract powerful beings; otherwise, they would have already left the team.
As everyone fell silent, a series of knocks echoed. From the crowd emerged a powerfully built, muscular woman. Two horn-like protrusions adorned her head, and she stood nearly two meters tall. She was from the Mizini Horned Tribe, naturally robust and possessing divine strength—though "divine" was relative to ordinary races, comparable to Thor's power level. Her brute force made her a formidable fighter within Lottlin's team.
"Lord Lottlin, I believe that previous attack was more of a show of force," the horned woman stated, her voice deep and resonant, belying her formidable physique with a sharp mind. "He didn't go for the kill, so perhaps we still have a chance? Did he... make any demands?"
Lottlin nodded with satisfaction. "Indeed, he made some demands. He wants us to work for him. According to his wishes, we will become his eyes and ears across the universe, responsible for intelligence gathering. While this is sudden and I feel a sense of reluctance, I must deliver this news. Our bounty hunter team will be disbanded starting today. We cannot contend with such a powerful entity; we have no ability to resist." She subtly added, "My last act was to secure the freedom for anyone who does not wish to work for him to leave."
Lottlin intentionally withheld the generous terms Lin Feng had offered, driven by a degree of selfishness. Only those who would face the future with the team would be worthy of residing in the scenic Star Clan's territory, protected by a powerful being. This was Lin Feng's requirement: he desired subordinates who were responsible and capable. He disliked those who were indecisive.
Upon hearing of the bounty hunter team's disbandment, everyone was momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe. A few simple words from one person, and their team, which had been like a family for years, was dissolved? Simultaneously, a sense of injustice welled up within them. The feeling of their fate being controlled by others was unbearable, bringing back memories of their own tragic pasts. Fortunately, this time they had a choice, secured by Lottlin, though at an unknown cost. Some of the more sentimental companions immediately shed tears.
The hushed discussions gradually resumed. Lottlin did not stop them. After five minutes, the murmurs began to subside.
"Ruoyi, go and retrieve some of the funds," Lottlin instructed. Her relationship with Ruoyi was special; Ruoyi would not easily leave. "Now, those who wish to leave, come and take some money. This is the last assistance I can offer."
Everyone stared in bewilderment as Ruoyi brought out a sack of money from the ship's cabin. Murmurs erupted again, but quickly died down. They looked at each other, wide-eyed. After a long pause, not a single person stepped forward to claim the money. Lottlin feigned a look of slight confusion.
"What is it? Are there any concerns?" she asked. "Don't worry, that person agreed not to trouble those who choose to leave!"
A period of silence followed, until the horned woman spoke again. "I'm not leaving!" she declared. "Our goal has not yet been achieved, and I won't leave!"
Her words acted like a spark, and soon others chimed in. "That's right, I'm not leaving either. It's just a change of job. As long as we're all together, it's fine!" "Exactly, and where else would we go if we left?" "In any case, I'm not leaving. My life was saved by Lord Lottlin, and I won't leave her!"
The scattered remarks grew more numerous, and the voices gradually rose in volume. The confusion and worry in their eyes began to transform into determination. Yes, they had come together for a dream; now it was just a change of employment. As long as Lottlin was here and they were all together, there was still hope! They had long considered Lottlin their elder sister and this team their home. If they left now, where could they go? Where else would offer them shelter? Even in death, they wished to lie together with their companions! Moreover, everyone in the team owed Lottlin some debt of gratitude. Was it right to scatter like startled birds when times got tough, after sharing wealth and support? That would make them no different from the villains who had wronged them!
After much agitated discussion, no one chose to leave. This level of cohesion and unity was remarkable, moving Lottlin deeply.
"Good!" Lottlin declared, rising from her seat and patting the armrest. "Since that's the case, we will become his eyes and ears in the universe. At least we can stay together!"
"That's right, Lord Lottlin!" "As long as I'm with you, Lord Lottlin, I'm willing to do any job!"
The group's emotions surged once more. Lottlin waited until their excitement had somewhat settled before slowly sitting down. It was time to reveal the rewards Lin Feng had offered.
"Since no one has chosen to leave, I will now tell you about the preferential terms offered by that person!" Everyone focused their attention, as this was directly related to their future. They were all people who had suffered hardships, and their demands were not too high; as long as they weren't made cannon fodder, they would be content!