With Zhang Luan's backing, Sen Luo's confidence visibly swelled.

"I must thank the Holy Son for this chance," Sen Luo said earnestly. "You let me become a Guardian. Without you, I'd still be out killing goblins, probably achieving nothing my whole life."

Watching his grateful face, Zhang Luan brushed him off with a few platitudes: "Keep working hard. The organization believes in you." After all, Sen Luo would've grown strong anyway. Zhang Luan was just adding the final touch. Besides, he only planned to use Sen Luo later. Accepting gratitude now might complicate things. He hated trouble.

After Sen Luo left, Yanat stood silently beside Zhang Luan, watching him fish with a hookless rod. Minutes passed with no catch. Finally, Yanat hesitated: "Holy Son... shall I make you a hook? You won't catch anything like this."

"You act like a hook would help," Zhang Luan shot back.

"Huh?"

"Never mind. You heard nothing. What do you know? I'm fishing the Zhang Taigong way—only the willing bite. Stop loitering. I don't need bodyguards, especially since you can't beat me. Shoo! I'll catch fish today."

Yanat scratched his head awkwardly. Zhang Luan was right. He'd lost before Zhang Luan's advancement; now, he stood no chance. Standing there did look foolish. He gave an embarrassed smile and walked to the Magic Conveyance, joining the driver to study the map. The vehicle was fast, but narrow roads and lurking monsters or bandits forced careful route choices. As the Holy Son, Zhang Luan's word was law—no one moved until he did, even with bandits possibly returning.

After hours of fishing, the sun blazed overhead—lunchtime. Zhang Luan flicked his finger. Fat fish teleported ashore via the Force of Creation. He threaded the line through their mouths and dragged them back.

"Yo, I'm back."

"Holy Son, you... uh... caught fish?" Yanat stared, disbelieving. He knew the rod had no hook. How could it catch big fish? That took years of skill.

"Holy Son, how?!" Yanat's eyes sparked with genuine excitement, unlike his usual calm subservience. He was a fishing fanatic—besides training others, it was his passion. Sadly, he rarely caught more than an eel. Seeing Zhang Luan succeed with no hook thrilled him.

"Ahaha, didn't I say? Only the willing bite. I'm a genius. Catching fish is normal. See? Small fish are gathering to eat my bait."

Zhang Luan placed the Culinary God's Spicy Pot on the table and tapped it. It instantly expanded to hold a whole fish. The lid sealed, cooking began.

Yanat frowned. Following Zhang Luan's hint, he scanned the riverbank. Fewer trees remained since the earlier attack. Normally, he'd spot bandits immediately—but saw nothing. Could it be...? He recalled mages and psychics in the last assault. If they used stealth abilities, his qi-based senses might miss them without active scanning.

"I was careless." He activated the Hypergravity Net, spreading it wide. Hundreds of hidden figures registered within its range.

"Damn it! They followed us! Everyone, prepare for battle!"

Shields and weapons rose instantly. Using Akamana's qi method, they formed a thick silver-white barrier around the Magic Conveyance. Only Sen Luo rushed to Zhang Luan's side, sword raised protectively. "Holy Son, be careful. I'll protect you." Though useless against Zhang Luan's strength, it showed Sen Luo's gratitude.

Zhang Luan grinned, gripping the Ends Bow. Black Moon and Crimson Sky modes flared—blue and dark red lights glowing on the bow. He aimed skyward. An energy arrow nocked the string. Whoosh! It shot up like a firework, vivid even at noon. Mid-flight, it trembled, teleported higher by the Force of Creation, then splashed into hundreds of arrows raining down.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Arrows crashed into the forest. Damage numbers flashed. Bandit battle panels flickered before him.

Amid pained cries, a yellowish net blocked the arrows. A scantily clad female bandit swayed her hips, emerging from invisibility.

"Hehehe~ Such firepower, cutie. Good thing I had my Earth Net~" She licked her purple-pink lips, eyeing Zhang Luan greedily. She thought he'd exhausted himself. Perfect timing.

"Get him! Bring this handsome boy to me. I'll make his night... fun~ Hahahaha!"

Frenzied bandits poured from the Colorless Shadows, crossbows and spears ready. No ordinary thugs. Guardians were strong, but not invincible against dozens—especially with more than just that woman looking dangerous.