Chapter 3 Mercenary Tao
"Squad ID 64323…"
Bai Cangzhu had read some works in the infinite genre and wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the settings and rules of this so-called [Infinite Dimension].
He just hadn't expected to encounter another squad in the very first trial mission, and it seemed they were in a conflicting faction regarding his own trial mission.
Is this the difficulty of the so-called special trial…
Bai Cangzhu focused his mind on the squad's ID number and learned that this squad would enter this world seven days later.
This meant the time left for him to complete the first mission was within seven days.
Moreover, the difficulty of this special trial didn't end there.
Mercenary Tao was an antagonist character in the early stages of the Dragon Ball world, sinister and powerful, holding the title of the world's number one assassin.
When Goku first encountered him, he was easily defeated by Mercenary Tao, even though Goku at that time already possessed strength close to that of Master Roshi.
At the same time, Mercenary Tao demonstrated for the first time in the story the terrifying power of Earth's top martial artists in this world.
Heating bathwater to 200 degrees Celsius using only his ki and comfortably bathing in such hot water;
Using cloth shoes to bounce up, block bullets from a sniper rifle, and accurately ricochet the bullets back to kill the sniper;
Shattering the skull of a reasonably strong fighter with his tongue, killing him;
Cutting down a stone pillar thick enough for one person to wrap their arms around with his bare hands, throwing it, then jumping onto the pillar to perform "pillar flight," traveling 2300 kilometers in less than 4 minutes to accurately find his target…
Almost every feat was completely beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
Mercenary Tao was a monster-level powerhouse who had truly transcended mortal limits.
The trial set by such a person would likely not be as safe and harmless as Master Roshi's…
Creak. Bai Cangzhu opened the door. The wind from outside immediately rushed in, heavy with moisture.
This place was clearly at a high altitude, perhaps also very close to the sea.
Bai Cangzhu noticed that several figures had already appeared outside the room. These people varied in height and build, but every face radiated coldness. No one spoke to each other; they just waited there.
Bai Cangzhu didn't know if there were other trialists among these people.
He looked down at his own attire: a white T-shirt paired with black training clothes and flat cloth shoes. These people were dressed almost identically, seemingly a uniform arrangement.
Before Bai Cangzhu could observe carefully.
Voom!
A terrifying roar grew louder, and within breaths, it was as dreadful as a fighter jet flying low overhead.
A black dot appeared in the sky, and the next moment, a stone pillar crashed down from above.
BOOM!
The terrifying shockwave passed through Bai Cangzhu's body as if tangible. He felt like he was crossing a road during a typhoon.
The massive sonic boom and shockwave caused everyone, including Bai Cangzhu, to temporarily lose their hearing, their senses thrown into disarray.
When the dust and smoke in their vision cleared, Mercenary Tao, with his black braid wrapped around his neck, had appeared before the crowd.
The man who had knocked on doors earlier, wearing a blue Tang suit, now stood furthest away.
Seeing Master Mercenary Tao was as terrifying as ever, he, the owner of this inn and one of the few who could exchange words with Mercenary Tao, still felt an instinctive fear towards him.
This was an inn on a mountaintop, catering only to special guests.
For example, customers looking to hire the world's number one assassin, or today's kind—these desperate assassins and madmen wanting to become Mercenary Tao's disciples.
Tap, tap, tap.
Mercenary Tao took step after step. Bai Cangzhu's pupils contracted slightly, like a hawk's. His dynamic vision was excellent; the rhythm and distance of each of Mercenary Tao's steps were perfectly precise.
"Tsk, is this the so-called body control of a martial artist."
Mercenary Tao, hands clasped behind his back, came before this group of dregs. Suddenly, he pointed, indicating a giant man over two meters tall standing in front of Bai Cangzhu, along with several others, and said,
"You few, you are not worthy of learning my techniques. Scram."
The giant man was stunned. In his hometown city, he was a hegemon of the underworld. He had come seeking the world's number one assassin to broaden his horizons, only to be kicked out at first sight. He instantly became furious.
"Why!"
"You haven't even seen my skills, on what basis…"
Swish, thud!
Two brief sounds occurred. Bai Cangzhu only felt Mercenary Tao flicker in his vision. His pupils contracted, and he turned his head to look at the giant man in front of him. He saw this little giant, likely weighing over 400 jin, start to lose his balance.
"Ugh… ugh…"
He mumbled twice but ultimately made no sound before crashing heavily to the ground, kicking up a considerable amount of dust.
Only then did the others realize what had happened.
Several people showed expressions of terror, and some couldn't help but let out short, subconscious gasps.
But Mercenary Tao merely flicked his braid indifferently and said,
"You, you, and you, are also unworthy of learning from me. Scram!"
This time, no one dared to question Mercenary Tao's decision. Everyone pointed out turned and started walking down the mountain.
A few even showed expressions of relief; Mercenary Tao's tendency to kill at the slightest provocation terrified them.
Bai Cangzhu looked around. Including himself, only 8 people remained.
There was a swordsman wearing a red face scarf and holding a scimitar, a middle-aged man with a shotgun slung over his back, and even a woman dressed revealingly.
Seeing Bai Cangzhu sizing her up, she pulled her shoulder strap down further and winked at him.
Bai Cangzhu knew that the remaining few were likely not easy characters. After all, anyone who could witness murder without batting an eye probably had some issues.
Moreover, Bai Cangzhu now realized that the few who were just pointed out were those who had shown fear or intent to dodge after Mercenary Tao appeared. The only exception was probably the giant man; he was right in front of Bai Cangzhu and hadn't moved.
But he was the one killed.
The only reason Bai Cangzhu could think of was that Mercenary Tao needed a target that looked tough enough to make an example of – killing the chicken to scare the monkeys.
Heh, truly a villain, killing at the drop of a hat.
Mercenary Tao swept his gaze over the remaining few but said nothing more. With a casual flick of his hand, a stack of envelopes slid down in front of them.
"Kung fu is the art of killing. Here are some unsavory assassination contracts. Choose one for yourselves."
"Within seven days, successfully complete the mission. The one who brings back the most bounty money, I might reluctantly accept as a disciple."
Everyone's eyes instantly changed. The woman who had been flirting earlier, her body as supple as a spirit snake, instantly twisted her waist, reached out, and snatched an envelope from the air.
The man with the scimitar directly slashed at the woman, but she dodged by twisting her waist. The others instantly started fighting amongst themselves.
Bai Cangzhu stood still, not moving. He clearly saw the movements of the others fighting – the trajectory of the scimitar, the stance of the man holding the gun…
After the scramble, only one slightly crumpled envelope remained on the ground.
Seeing that the others had already left, Bai Cangzhu bent down and picked it up.
[Side Mission: Assassination Contract]
[Go to South City, meet the client Abola, and kill the strike leader McGee for him]
[Mission Reward: 500 Dimension Points]
Mercenary Tao looked at Bai Cangzhu, who hadn't fought or snatched, showing no expression.
"Why didn't you fight for one? Do you not wish to become my disciple?"
Hidden within his words was a hint of killing intent.
Bai Cangzhu seemed oblivious, shaking the envelope in his hand and revealing a smile.
"How could that be?"
"Your test is to complete the mission and bring back the most bounty, not to fight over envelopes. Whether one gets it first or last, what difference does it make?"
(End of this chapter)