Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

Zachary approached the beast barn. Ryder stood with the other disciples who worked in the barn, waiting for him at the gate. Because he was dressed in his brand new clothes, and had just gotten a new haircut, they didn't recognize him until he came closer. They raised their eyebrows and traded surprised glances with each other at Zachary's improved appearance. He looked more powerful, like someone with a high rank and great wealth.

"Are you ready? Today's recruitment meeting is very important. Everything must go smoothly," Zachary said to Ryder.

"Manager Harley, don't worry. I have everything ready," Ryder assured him in a deferential tone.

A few moments later, as Zachary had expected, Anthony arrived. He was accompanied by a dozen warriors of Imperial Level, including Shaw. They approached the barn in a mighty formation, and indeed, people who didn't know the situation of the Xiao Clan would credibly think that Anthony was the head of the clan. After all, many believed it was inevitable that Anthony would become the clan head sooner or later. Every Imperial Level warrior of the Xiao Clan regarded Anthony as the undeniable successor to the current leader.

Zachary walked up to Anthony, wearing a wide, fake smile on his face. "Anthony! I didn't expect you to attend this small recruitment meeting of the beast barn. It's a great honor to have you here."

Like Ryder and the others, Anthony didn't recognize Zachary immediately. "You..." As soon as he realized it was Zachary, he trailed off, a look of consternation on his face. He hadn't expected this sudden improvement in Zachary's appearance, making him look like he belonged in a leadership position.

Shaw and the other Imperial Level warriors frowned at Zachary's clothes, wondering why he had suddenly decided to change his appearance.

Anthony recovered from his initial shock and spoke up quickly, trying to restore the balance of power. "Harley! Of course I planned on being here to commend your work. It's good to see you doing your job so well! Even though you are a newcomer and you have just taken office, you've carried out a lot of drastic reforms in the beast barn. When I lead this clan, I will have need of people like you. I hope you will help me fulfill my vision for the Xiao Clan." It was an elegant way to praise Zachary while reminding him that he was a subordinate who would always work under him.

"Anthony, thank you for your kind words. I've been worried that you would despise me. But I should have known you would never be so short-sighted and petty," Zachary said mildly, meeting Anthony's gaze.

Anthony narrowed his eyes and continued with a forced smile, "Is everything ready for the recruitment meeting?"

"Yes, everything is ready. N

rriors had emerged from the beast barn wearing gloating expressions. They snickered to each other about how no one had come to sign up.

Zachary stood with them, his own face expressionless. Shaw said to him, "Why hasn't anyone come yet, Harley? Is it possible that all the disciples of the Xiao Clan are unwilling to attend the recruitment meeting?" Shaw tried to sound concerned, but it was obvious that he was pleased.

"Alas, since I'm new here, it seems that it won't be easy to get disciples to come and sign up. Maybe the recruitment meeting is going to be a failure," Zachary sighed regretfully, shaking his head.

Anthony and Shaw looked at each other and smirked. Some of the other Imperial Level warriors openly laughed at Zachary, secretly pleased that this young upstart had overestimated himself.

"Harley, since no disciple wants to sign up, I think we should end the meeting now. It doesn't make any sense to wait any longer," Anthony suggested, giving Zachary a smug smile. Then he turned around, intending to leave with his companions.

At that moment, a large group of people came into view. They were rushing towards the barn, and as they came closer, the sound of their footsteps and the clamor of their excited voices grew louder and louder.

Anthony stopped dead in his tracks, looking stunned. There had to be at least three hundred disciples all practically running to attend the recruitment meeting.

"What the hell is this?" Shaw said loudly, his eyes wide with astonishment.

As the shock wore off, Anthony's face was beginning to darken with anger and frustration at his thwarted plan. The other Imperial Level warriors all looked confused at this unexpected turn of events. No one had actually believed that so many disciples would come to the recruitment meeting. What the hell was going on?