Chapter 702: Cold Rejection
"Enough, Yamashita Masahiko. I'm warning you, since we're already on the same team, you'd better cut it out with those backhanded remarks!"
At this moment.
Avril turned to Yamashita Masahiko, her expression stern as she issued her warning.
To be honest.
She hadn't wanted Yamashita Masahiko on the team in the first place.
But Yamashita had connections. He was close to another vice leader of the Holy Knights.
He'd used that vice leader to approach Lucia, insisting that he join the treasure hunt team.
While Lucia was also a vice leader, she'd only recently been promoted, so she couldn't afford to offend a senior vice leader within the organization.
She'd mentioned this to her junior.
Avril didn't want her elder sister to get into trouble, so she reluctantly agreed.
Besides, Yamashita Masahiko was competent enough to avoid being a burden.
However…
Over the past few days, Avril had noticed that Yamashita treated the rest of the team with an air of superiority.
Even towards Avril, the team leader, he showed little respect.
His reasons for joining this team weren't limited to the treasure hunt; he was also after Ansely.
But Ansely knew the kind of man Yamashita was.
Like most members of the Holy Knights, she didn't hold a favorable view of people from Fusang.
Naturally, she wouldn't entertain his advances, which had led to the current tensions.
Avril also knew why Yamashita was targeting Ling Zhan.
It was simply because Ling Zhan was good-looking and, on top of that, lower-level and a non-specialist.
Even with his victory over Avril, Yamashita dismissed it as insignificant.
Facing Avril's warning, Yamashita didn't reply. He just shrugged and gave a careless smile.
He didn't seem to take it seriously at all.
"Ling Zhan, since you don't have a riding beast, do you have any flying tools or other means of travel?"
Seeing Yamashita finally quiet down, Avril turned to Ling Zhan.
However, the cold, reserved Ansely unexpectedly spoke up at that moment. Her voice was softer than usual, "If you don't have a way to travel, Ling Zhan, I can give you a ride."
"My little Snowy is gentle; you don't have to worry about her resisting."
Her words caused a subtle shift in the expressions of Avril, Adolphus, and Yamashita Masahiko.
Avril and Adolphus were surprised because, after a few days of interaction, they'd come to understand Ansely's personality.
Despite her striking beauty and alluring figure, she was distant and aloof, rarely speaking and keeping her distance from others.
She was closest to Avril among the group.
But now…
This cold and reserved woman was offering to let Ling Zhan ride her Sacred Snow Python.
This left Avril and Adolphus both taken aback.
Could it be…
That good looks really opened every door?
Was Ansely falling for Ling Zhan?
Well…
They knew it wasn't just that.
It had something to do with Ling Zhan's unique demeanor and the reassuring presence he carried.
They couldn't deny that spending time with Ling Zhan, even though he was cold and distant, brought a sense of security.
To put it simply.
When teaming up with him, as long as you treated him sincerely, you could trust that he would never stab you in the back.
The fact that he inspired this kind of confidence only showed one thing:
He had a rare kind of personal charisma.
By contrast, Yamashita Masahiko, with his haughty attitude, sneering comments, and quick temper, gave off a completely different impression.
The rumors about him within the Holy Knights painted a picture of someone petty and vengeful.
Side-by-side, it was no wonder Ansely was more favorably inclined toward Ling Zhan.
But Ansely's invitation made Yamashita's expression darken immediately.
The woman he was pursuing had just offered another man a ride.
What's more, her Sacred Snow Python showed no resistance; its large, gleaming eyes even seemed to watch Ling Zhan with curiosity and anticipation.
With the bond between master and beast, it must have sensed Ansely's thoughts.
The python's gentle nature didn't mean it would accept just anyone on its back.
Yet it showed no objection to Ling Zhan, clearly understanding that its master might have a special interest in this man.
This infuriated Yamashita Masahiko even further.
His expression grew colder.
His gaze toward Ling Zhan became icier.
Inside, his desire to eliminate this non-specialist solidified.
But he didn't say or do anything rash; he simply turned away, vowing to himself that once they were inside the sacred treasure realm, he would find a chance to get rid of Ling Zhan.
As for Ansely…
He would make sure she learned what despair truly meant!
Ling Zhan could sense Yamashita's intent clearly.
It was obvious Ansely's gesture had completely enraged him.
But Ling Zhan didn't mind.
Knowing Yamashita's hostility, Ling Zhan was more than willing to see the man meet a perfectly reasonable end.
As for Ansely's offer…
"No need, I have my own way of getting there."
Ling Zhan shook his head gently, declining.
"Oh…"
Ansely looked slightly disappointed, and even her python gave Ling Zhan a reproachful glance.
Avril and Adolphus couldn't help but be surprised by Ling Zhan's response.
This guy was seriously cold and detached.
In the Holy Knights, Ansely was known for her beauty—her stunning looks and figure rivaled even Lucia's.
Together, they were dubbed the "Ice and Fire Beauties" by some. Lucia was gentle and warm, while Ansely was cold and aloof.
If Ansely invited anyone else, nearly all the men in the Holy Knights would eagerly accept.
But Ling Zhan refused without hesitation.
This…