Volume One: The Planet of Beasts Chapter 15: Earning Extra Income

A playing card snapped from between his fingers, tracing a curved white line through the empty air. It accurately pierced the first and second lit candles in succession, then flashed through and embedded itself two-thirds deep into the third candle. A faint smile played at the corner of Li Juxu’s lips—his strength had indeed increased. In the past, even when he exerted all his might, he could only slice halfway through the second candle, never fully cutting it. Now, not only were the first two candles severed cleanly, but the card also embedded deeply into the third. The increase in power was substantial. Moreover, this was his first attempt. When the force, angle, and technique all aligned perfectly, he was confident he could cut through three candles without fail.

He hid away in his room, tirelessly practicing over and over. On the third day, accompanied by the faint gleam left by the flying card, the first, second, and third candles were all sliced through at the base. The card then struck the fourth candle, wobbled twice, and fell to the floor.

Finally, he had succeeded!

People must set goals for themselves, and when those goals are achieved, the joy within is indescribable—a profound sense of accomplishment. Perhaps this triumph meant little to Cao Gang, but for Li Juxu, it was deeply satisfying. Through this success, he had clearly seen the gap between himself and others, as well as the direction he needed to move forward.

He had always taken his card-throwing skills seriously, and after the battle in camouflage gear, he valued them even more.

According to Cao Gang, some ordinary people could cut through three candles as well. Because Li Juxu had struggled to do so, he had appeared indifferent on the surface but was secretly discouraged, thinking he lacked talent. This success rekindled his courage. If ordinary people could cut three candles, then after taking the strength potion, cutting through four candles would be his new goal.

Cao Gang returned, but brought no good news. Many people had gathered at the base, with numerous hopefuls wanting to join the team, yet few were suitable.

First, one needed considerable skill; the team did not harbor idlers or liabilities. A useless teammate could doom everyone. Second, values had to align—if you were asked to cover a teammate’s retreat but fled alone, no matter how strong you were, you would never be accepted. Lastly, obedience and a spirit of sacrifice were essential. If two people both wanted a valuable piece of equipment, they couldn’t just fight over it. Someone had to step down. Just like when Cao Gang wanted the strength potion—if everyone refused to yield, the team would collapse. Selection was mutual: the team chose its members, and members chose their team. Both sides had to appreciate each other.

The results of the explosion came in as many expected. A gang from out of town had used a strength potion as bait to rob many people, but they encountered a formidable opponent who pulled the grenade pin immediately. The result was mutual destruction. Unfortunately, the strength potion was not found at the scene—it was unclear whether it had been blown away, destroyed, or picked up by a lucky survivor.

In the base, such cases were deemed unsolvable without a claimant. Those injured on the street in the blast had to accept their misfortune; no amount of resentment helped. The base’s administrators would bear no losses from such incidents.

A week later, Cao Gang brought the drummer, freshly out of surgery, back to the hotel to recover, saving some hospital expenses. Hunters often got injured; where they healed was not a concern. For lower-tier hunters, the hotel offered the best value for convalescence, so the drummer did not begrudge Cao Gang’s thrift. Afterwards, Cao Gang left again.

Wang Xiaoxin had not returned since leaving—perhaps because of something Wild Boar said that day. She was Cao Gang’s girlfriend, and if anyone was to comfort her, it would be Cao Gang. Everyone tactfully avoided mentioning her.

While the drummer was in surgery, he kept busy arranging a private job for Li Juxu. A newly formed team had accepted a mission, but either due to its danger or their inexperience, several members died and the sniper was injured. The remaining members had been replaced except for the sniper.

The injured sniper, sharing the hospital room, had lost his right arm and was unlikely to ever snipe again.

Upon hearing that the team was looking for a sniper, the drummer immediately thought of Li Juxu. The team knew little about Li Juxu’s background—he never spoke of his family—but all knew he needed money. While others relaxed during downtime, he took private jobs to earn extra cash. Cao Gang turned a blind eye, as long as it did not harm the team’s interests.

“Several casualties? That mission must be serious,” Wild Boar immediately objected. He did not recommend Li Juxu taking such a dangerous job.

“I don’t know the specifics; that’s for you to discuss yourself. But the team leader is wealthy. Though the mission failed, the injured sniper received full payment plus an additional 5 million copper coins in compensation, and all medical expenses were covered,” the drummer explained. Wild Boar fell silent. Normally, only successful missions paid full wages. Failed missions might pay 10-20%, essentially a runner’s fee. Medical costs were usually covered, but compensation varied. Generous leaders offered substantial sums; stingy ones might just throw a few fruits at you. Five million copper coins in compensation was top-tier—this leader was indeed rich.

Without hesitation, Li Juxu asked the drummer for contact information and set out immediately.

The Long-Eared Rabbit Hotel was a high-end establishment in the base, offering integrated lodging and dining, with laundry service included. The service was impeccable, but the price was steep—8,000 copper coins per night. Monkey’s lifelong dream had been to stay there for ten or fifteen days to indulge in comfort. Sadly, that chance was gone.

As soon as Li Juxu stepped into the lobby, he was stopped. High-end hotels had strict security. After explaining his purpose, the guard made a call for confirmation. Then he escorted Li Juxu to the seventh floor.

Pushing open the door, a young man of about twenty-four or twenty-five was already waiting.

Li Juxu had never stayed in a luxury hotel and was unsure of its grade. The reception room was at least eight times larger than his usual lodging, fully furnished with a freezer, wine cabinet, and coffee machine. Thick carpets covered the floor—a clear sign of expense. Instinctively, Li Juxu slowed his pace, careful not to soil the room.

The guard, after confirming the young man’s expression, gently closed the door and left.

“You’re not yet eighteen, are you?” The young man scrutinized Li Juxu for a long moment, speaking with suspicion.

“98.9% accuracy within 500 meters, 92.6% within 1,000 meters,” Li Juxu replied calmly. He had long accepted the disadvantage of his youth and knew exactly how to dispel his employer’s doubts.

Indeed, upon hearing this, the young man stood and extended his hand.

“My name is Pu Shaoyun, but everyone calls me Pu Shao!”

“Night Owl!”