Chapter 173: Gathering of Heroes

At 7:30 the next morning, Lin Xinyan knocked at Shi Ji’s door.

Since he had promised her last night, Shi Ji had no choice but to get up and open the door for her.

Based on Lin Xinyan’s analysis, the fact that the Star Alliance had only summoned S-ranked and A-ranked heroes this time clearly indicated the importance of the situation. There was even the possibility that they would be assigned to carry out some challenging missions.

Remembering how he had said he’d act with Lin Xinyan and protect her, Shi Ji quickly reconciled with the idea.

After just a few minutes of getting ready, the two of them were off.

Lin Xinyan had been considerate of Shi Ji. She knew that he liked to sleep in, so she hadn’t come too early. Shi Ji might think 7:30 was early, but in reality, factoring in time to wash up, have breakfast, and the trip to the Star Alliance, half an hour was about right.

Their breakfast was simple: a cup of soy milk and a few steamed buns each, which they ate on the go. 

Since Lin Xinyan couldn’t eat too much, she ended up giving Shi Ji some of her buns.

When they arrived at the Star Alliance, it was around 7:55, just a few minutes before 8:00.

“Shi Ji, we need to hurry up. The meeting’s about to start.”

That was true, but as Shi Ji followed behind, still holding his soy milk and buns, one of the staff members suddenly stopped him.

“Hey! No unauthorized personnel allowed inside!”

Lin Xinyan quickly stepped forward to explain.

“Sorry about that! Instructor Jing Xin invited Shi Ji, so please allow him to enter.”

The staff member was momentarily taken aback, and then connected the dots. Since Lin Xinyan was an A-ranked hero and her instructor was Jing Xin, her words carried some weight.

So, the staff member no longer blocked their way and let Shi Ji through.

Following a guide, they arrived at a tightly secured meeting room. Upon entering, Lin Xinyan and Shi Ji found that, aside from them, all the other S-ranked and A-ranked heroes were already present, seated around a large conference table.

Including them, there were now fifteen people. 

Excluding the injured A-rank gatekeeper and Divine Hunter, all the remaining S-ranked and A-ranked heroes had arrived. Among them were the five S-tier heroes: Jing Xin, Black Dragon, Blade, Thunderstrike, and Windfeather. The eight A-tier heroes included Phantom, Equilibrium, Platinum, Hong Yao, Dark Star, Dark Moon, Alloy, and Aunt Cai.

From the already present A-tier heroes, Phantom Move, Equilibrium, and Platinum were unfamiliar to Shi Ji.

Phantom, a Guard-class hero in his late twenties, had mid-length hair and exuded a certain grace. He wore a black-and-white long coat adorned with golden accents, and his hands were equipped with specially made gloves embedded with metal. Phantom claimed to possess the power to control all things, but in truth, it was merely the telekinesis common among Guard-class heroes. Though he was an A-tier hero with some strength, compared to Jing Xin, there was a significant gap.

Equilibrium, sporting long hair styled in an intricate manner, wore a fully-armored outfit resembling an old military uniform, complemented by a cape that made him look quite dashing. Known as the “Twin Gun General,” Equilibrium earned his name from his remarkable dual-wielding skills. However, despite being an A-tier hero, he was actually a Soldier-class Starborne, often underestimated by many.

Platinum, with short hair and dressed like a boxer, had a more elaborate appearance compared to Rayger. As a Horse-class Starborne, he was known as the “Fist Emperor” and “Platinum Brain.” His strength was formidable, able to go head-to-head with Wind Fether. However, he was also known for being unreliable, which had kept him stuck at A-class, preventing him from advancing further. This reputation earned him the nickname Platinum Brain.

As soon as Lin Xinyan and Shi Ji entered the conference room, all eyes turned toward them. While everyone acknowledged Lin Xinyan, their attention was especially drawn to the guy behind her—Shi Ji—holding a cup of soy milk and several steamed buns.

Among the S-ranked and A-ranked heroes present, many were already familiar with Shi Ji. Most of them had a good impression of him.

The moment Shi Ji walked in, Aunt Cai broke into laughter.

“Hey there, kiddo! Take your time eating, don’t choke now.”

Alloy and Wind Fether also couldn’t hold back their laughter.

Their amusement made Jing Xin feel awkward. She glared at Shi Ji, thinking this guy had no sense of decorum. 

Really? Did he not realize what kind of formal setting this was? He just waltzed in with soy milk and buns, casually eating like it was nothing. Seriously, could he not stop eating for one second?

Despite being stared at by a dozen people, Shi Ji didn’t seem fazed at all and continued to munch on his buns. But Lin Xinyan, on the other hand, felt a different kind of embarrassment. Everyone had already arrived, and they were the last ones in.

She gave an apologetic smile to the room. 

“Sorry about that, we’re a bit late.”

As she spoke, Lin Xinyan had already pulled Shi Ji over to an empty seat, sitting down together. Throughout this whole process, Shi Ji remained the center of attention.

Blade, upon seeing Shi Ji, couldn’t help but be irritated. This kid was always so arrogant, never knowing when to rein it in. Just looking at him was enough to be annoying.

“Lin Xinyan, you’re late, and you brought a stranger. Don’t you think an explanation is in order?” Blade questioned, his tone sharp.

Lin Xinyan immediately composed herself, ready to respond. But just as she was about to speak, Shi Ji—who was still munching on his steamed buns—jumped in first.

“We walked into this room at precisely 7:59:48, twelve seconds before the meeting was set to begin. Now, it’s already past 8:00, and our meeting host hasn’t even shown up. So, we’re not the ones who are late, the host is. And as for your second question, before you start meddling in other people’s business, why don’t you handle your own first? I don’t have time to waste on pointless chatter.”