Chapter 454: Kicked Out by the Hero Party, Then Meeting an Invincible Person

The guild receptionist was utterly bewildered. Having worked at the guild since age sixteen for ten years, she had never heard of anyone registering as a Mahayana Stage adventurer before.

What exactly was this “Mahayana Stage”?

“Welcome, sir. Are you here to register as an adventurer? Allow me to explain the adventurer ranking system.”

“There are five adventurer ranks in total. After registration, you’ll start as a Beginner Adventurer. Your rank will gradually increase as you complete more quests.”

With ten years of experience, the receptionist knew how to handle peculiar questions—simply recite the standard explanation. If unsatisfied, she’d repeat it.

“Even if I’m a Fifth-Rank warrior, I must start as a Beginner Adventurer?”

“Correct. Those are the rules. Adventurer ranks correspond to quest difficulty. Strength alone doesn’t determine everything—missions vary widely. Without experience, high rank alone could get you killed.”

“True, strength isn’t everything,” Jiang Li agreed.

Take himself for example. Even though he surpassed the Dao Ancestor in power, he couldn’t directly access the Immortal Realm—he needed to complete quests step by step.

Just as Jiang Li became a new adventurer, commotion erupted nearby.

“Isn’t that the Hero Party that’s risen to fame in recent years?”

“The legendary party most likely to defeat the Demon King and save the world?!”

“I heard they’re incredibly strong—all members are Fifth-Rank! Their leader personally slew an Ancient Dragon, bathed in its blood, and earned the title Dragon Slayer!”

The Ancient Dragons of Ayla World differed from Nine Provinces’ dragon clans—they resembled giant winged lizards.

Jiang Li was familiar with Ancient Dragons, having heard of them in Western myths from his past life.

“I wonder how powerful these Ancient Dragons truly are.”

The center of attention, the Hero Party ignored the chatter, preoccupied with internal conflict.

“What did you say? You’re kicking me out of the Hero Party?” Lance thought he misheard.

Though he’d joined midway, Lance served as both mage and strategist—devising tactics, providing magical support, and attacking enemies.

Back then, most party members were only Third-Rank, but showed great promise. Lance believed this party could slay the Demon King and become true heroes.

He’d given his all, never making mistakes. Their victory against the legendary Ancient Dragon relied heavily on his tactics. Without his thorough preparations, the entire party might have perished.

Never did he imagine the leader would expel him.

What had he done wrong?

“Do I need to repeat myself?” Dragon Slayer Andrew sneered.

“Lance, we don’t need you anymore. This isn’t just my decision—the entire party voted.”

Though silent, the members’ expressions said everything.

Lance couldn’t comprehend—he’d just returned from visiting family, and everything had changed?

“Give me a reason. I deserve that much.”

“You dare ask? Your presence drags us down—no, obstructs our mission to defeat the Demon King.”

“True, your Appraisal skill is useful, and your tactics helped us.”

“Then—”

“But your strategies are too conservative.”

“Remember when we decided to hunt the Hellhound? Everyone was fired up, but you poured cold water, saying it wasn’t time yet—too difficult, needed preparation.”

“What’s wrong with that? We defeated the Ancient Dragon because we had skill advantages and thorough preparation. The Hellhound’s different—its skills counter ours. Forced battle gives only sixty percent success rate.”

“I don’t care about percentages. While you visited family, we already slew the Hellhound.”

Gasps erupted.

Like Ancient Dragons, Hellhounds were legendary monsters humans couldn’t defeat. Yet the Hero Party kept slaying them.

Above Fifth-Rank was Legendary—no human had reached that level.

“Thanks to our new mage—like you, he’s both spellcaster and strategist.” Andrew gestured to a newcomer.

The new mage smiled. “Senior Lance, you’re too conservative and lack courage. Defeating the Demon King requires passion!”

“Under my command, the party worked seamlessly—slaying the Hellhound came naturally.”

Lance roared angrily: “You think I didn’t account for everything? Fighting the Hellhound—sixty percent success, thirty percent failure, ten percent total annihilation!”

“You charge ahead recklessly—have you considered failure’s consequences? Lives can’t be regained! Lose once, and it’s over!”

“Senior Lance, did you factor in the captain’s last-stand ability?” The new mage found Lance ridiculous—what kind of hero thinks about losing before fighting?

Weak mentality.

Dragon Slayer Andrew had a unique trait—when cornered or comrades were endangered, he unleashed tremendous power.

No one could explain it.

“Andrew’s bursts are too unreliable! What if he doesn’t activate it when needed?”

“Lance, name one famous adventuring party that hesitated instead of charging forward. Your timidity doesn’t suit the Hero Party.”

“And how many reckless parties died prematurely?”

“Lance, since you distrust me, leave as discussed.”

“We’re all nearing Legendary rank—breakthrough is imminent. Then we’ll challenge the Demon King. With you around, you’d just dampen morale again.”

Having heard enough, Lance left without another word. What fools—this party could never defeat the Demon King.

The Demon King surpassed Legendary rank.

In anger, Lance stripped his gear and departed.

As a genuine Fifth-Rank mage, countless parties immediately sought to recruit him.

But the betrayal crushed Lance. He wanted no more adventures or Demon King slaying.

He wanted retirement.

“How about teaming up to defeat the Demon King? I’m Jiang Li, newly registered adventurer.”

Lance’s eyes sharpened—his Appraisal skill couldn’t penetrate this man.

“Deal.”

Suddenly, retirement didn’t seem appealing anymore.