Ignoring the gaunt face of the lanky man, Shan Hai snorted, "This is just a small lesson. Think before you speak next time!"
The lanky man gritted his teeth, wanting to cry but having no tears. He truly felt he had a loose tongue.
With a backer, he forgot that Shan Hai was a complete lunatic.
How could he have thought that such a lunatic would restrain himself in front of Lord Li?
"My lord, Lord Li, you must seek justice for me!" The lanky man's voice had grown old and trembling as he pleaded with Lord Li.
He could still fight. He had several beautiful companions at home, and he wanted a few more in the future.
Now he looked like this ghost, could he still perform?
A flicker of disgust crossed Li Xie Qian's eyes. He directly kicked the lanky man away.
"Scram, you waste."
In his opinion, the lanky man had brought this upon himself, lacking ability and failing to see the situation.
He put on a smile again, addressing Shan Hai kindly.
"Is this the ability gained from the mission target? Shan Hai."
Shan Hai nodded, then removed his hood, revealing his face, which wore a manic, slightly neurotic smile.
"That's right, time manipulation. It's incredibly useful!"
When joining the Black Robes, everyone's appearance was recorded, though only those with second-sequence clearance or higher could access it.
So there was no need for Shan Hai to hide his current disguised face. Li Xie Qian must have seen it in the database.
"Hmm, good. It's indeed a good skill!"
Lord Li nodded with satisfaction, narrowing his eyes and repeating, "Good."
While saying it was good, a glint of jealousy flashed in his eyes.
He had never expected this time-based skill to be so effective in Shan Hai's hands.
Generally, time-based skills were not very powerful and often had significant side effects.
Furthermore, haphazardly using time-based skills could lead to causal chaos for oneself.
Currently, the only time-based skill that could be activated with minimal cost was the Time Stone.
Indeed, for entities like the Black Robes that delved into countless worlds, they naturally possessed items that could control or influence time.
The Infinity Stones were among them.
However, even second-sequence Black Robes could not use the Time Stone frequently.
No one wanted to be deeply entangled in karma, not to mention that activating the Time Stone required immense energy and would also cause physical damage.
But judging from the previous events, the side effects of Shan Hai using the time skill were minimal, almost non-existent.
Li Xie Qian's most proficient skills were in perception. After Shan Hai used his skill, he felt no change in Shan Hai's aura, meaning he hadn't become entangled in karma.
Therefore, this time-based skill, initially estimated to be a low-level skill, had clearly surpassed the Time Stone!
This ignited a wicked fire in Li Xie Qian's heart.
This was outrageous. What was thought to be a D-grade minor skill was essentially a top-tier S-grade skill?
He absolutely had to gut the mission evaluator upon his return.
Honestly, if not for the higher-ups' intervention, Li Xie Qian would have loved to snatch this skill himself. He wondered if the skill could be transferred again.
However, Li Xie Qian didn't know that this was not a mission skill at all, but entirely a self-realized time manipulation ability of Lin Feng.
Lin Feng, possessing numerous skills and abilities, could manipulate the time of a Black Robe weaker than himself without backlash, right?
Li Xie Qian, who had been smiling, suddenly let his face fall. He feigned a sigh and said insincerely, "However, Shan Hai, killing a companion for this skill is still not advisable."
"The higher-ups have already decided to eliminate your existence and reclaim the corresponding skill."
Li Xie Qian paused, hoping to see a look of panic on Shan Hai's face.
But he was disappointed. Shan Hai still wore that reckless, manic expression, showing no fear.
Having formed a judgment, Li Xie Qian changed the subject, "However!"
"A certain esteemed individual has already shielded you from this matter."
"So, this matter can be big or small. Do you understand what I mean?"
Li Xie Qian pursed his lips, watching Shan Hai for any hint of a reaction.
A lunatic, but not a fool.
Shan Hai clearly had the ability to kill the lanky man earlier but chose not to, only dispatching the lanky man's two subordinates.
Regardless of whether he left the lanky man to report back or not, it showed that Shan Hai had no intention of betraying or leaving the Black Robes.
Moreover, Shan Hai had reasons for killing.
He killed Na Xi Ya for snatching mission items. As for the two subordinates of the lanky man, they were also trash.
It didn't matter what happened to trash.
Shan Hai scoffed at Li Xie Qian's words.
I understand? I understand nothing.
A bunch of self-serving bastards, all they cared about were their dirty little schemes.
Within the Black Robes, there were also faction divisions.
After all, banding together was the only way to secure higher, better benefits.
"If Lord Li has something to say, just say it directly."
Li Xie Qian's eyes lit up. "Good, then I'll be direct!"
As expected, although Shan Hai was mad, he wasn't stupid.
"Young brother, your ruthlessness and decisiveness have greatly pleased that esteemed individual."
"Why not develop with our Golden Silver Tree?"
"That esteemed individual said that if you join, you'll be the first to choose your mission rewards from now on!"
"And if you agree, this will be yours!"
With a wave of his hand, Li Xie Qian produced a finely patterned wristband.
This wristband represented the status of a second-sequence member.
It not only granted higher clearance but also allowed acceptance of more significant missions!
The implication of Li Xie Qian presenting this was clear.
As long as Shan Hai agreed, he would be a second-sequence member, affiliated with the Golden Silver Tree.
Shan Hai tilted his head, as if contemplating.
Li Xie Qian smiled, not in a hurry, and squinted, waiting for Shan Hai's decision.
He believed Shan Hai would make the right choice.
His previous actions showed he was someone who would go to any length for benefits. Dealing with such a person only required sufficient compensation.
The competition between the Black Robe factions was fierce. Shan Hai, with his top-tier second-sequence combat power, would be a ready asset if recruited.
As for loyalty?
There was no need to worry. He had personally experienced the methods of that esteemed individual.
Coupled with the incredibly generous faction rewards, anyone with a brain would know what to choose!
Being favored by that esteemed individual was Shan Hai's honor.
Shan Hai pretended to think, but inwardly he sneered.
If he refused, he probably wouldn't leave this place alive today, right?
But wasn't this exactly what he wanted?
What was the purpose of his undercover mission? Wasn't it to climb high, establish deep roots, and then trigger a grand rebellion?
Exciting!