"Knock" Knock !!"
"Young master, your breakfast is ready," the maid said as she knocked on the door.
For the past few days, the maid hadn't shown up due to her embarrassment about falling asleep in Ryuji's bed all day. It all began when Ryuji didn't return to his room after she knocked on the door. She went to look for him and found him cultivating in the yard. She decided to clean his room, but ended up falling asleep in his bed. When night came, she woke up and realized she was in Ryuji's room. After cleaning up, she set the dinner on the table, but her shyness prevented her from returning to Ryuji's room.
Today, she gathered her courage to knock on Ryuji's door and found him still sleeping in his room. As Ryuji woke up tiredly and opened the door, he saw the maid with a tray of breakfast. He had a bad dream that morning, which left him feeling tired. He recalled the incident of the maid falling asleep in his bed a couple of days ago and found it amusing, causing him to smile.
"Young Master, here is breakfast," the maid said to Ryuji.
"Thank you," Ryuji accepted the tray with his breakfast, and the maid bowed her head before leaving.
Ryuji actually wanted to know the maid's name. It had been several days since he had arrived at the Frost Dragon Sect. He considered using his skill "Inspection" to find out her name, but he thought it would be better to ask her directly next time.
"Alright, let's check my attributes now," Ryuji said as he ate the beef soup and bread on the table.
"Status," Ryuji uttered, and a blue window appeared in front of him.
________________________________
[Status]
[NAME: Ryujin]
[LEVEL: 19 ] - [[HIDE]]
EXP : 15 / 19000
[STRENGTH : 82 (+25) ] [ENDURANCE:22(+50) ] [DEXTERITY : 24 (+33)]
[AGILTY: 66 (+17) ] [INTELLIGENCE : 34 (+1000) ]
[SENSE:31 (+1000) ] [QI: 78 ]
[STATUS POINT: 190]
[SKILL POINT : 1]
________________________________
"Some attributes have increased, but the progress is too slow," Ryuji thought as he looked at his status panel. Then he said, "And I don't know how my attributes compare with others. Can I compete against those at the Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment Realm?" Ryuji pondered this seriously, unsure of the extent of his strength.
Ryugi contemplated heavily, considering to whom he could test his abilities. If his strength wasn't sufficient to face someone in the Foundation Establishment Realm without using his Blindfold, he needed to level up further, as he couldn't predict what challenges the future held. He briefly considered initiating a public challenge against disciples, but the status difference between a Servant and a Disciple made that option less appealing. Additionally, it wouldn't be entirely satisfying for Ryuji to test his strength against someone of lower status.
"Where should I test my abilities? Against a formidable opponent? But how?" Ryuji mused as he ate, pondering whether he should seek advice from his Master, "Master, where can I find a formidable opponent?" He wondered how his Master would perceive such a question.
...
...
"Hmm, I've got an idea," Ryuji smiled after a few minutes of contemplating ways to test his abilities and progress further.
A few minutes later, Ryuji arrived in front of Master Xiao Mihwa's chamber and knocked.
"Knock!! Knock!!"
"Master, your disciple has come," Ryuji announced.
"Enter," Master Xiao Mihwa replied.
"This disciple pays respect to Master," Ryuji bowed upon entering the room.
"Do you have anything to ask, my disciple?" Master Xiao Mihwa ask to ryujin from behind the curtain.
"Mmm, Master, can I take a walk and explore the Frost Dragon Sect?" Ryuji asked while interlocking his fingers, showing his curiosity.
Observing this, Master Xiao Mihwa inquired, "Why do you want to stroll around the Sect?"
"Master, I just want to learn about the sect. Even though I can't see, I can hear and feel what's around me," Ryuji gently explained to Master Xiao Mihwa.
Amused by Ryuji's behaviour. Master Xiao Mihwa granted permission, suspecting that Ryuji might be feeling a bit bored in this place without other disciples around. "Alright, you can go. Just remember, if someone tries to provoke you, it's best to ignore them. But if you can't, give them a gentle reminder, a light punch perhaps?"
"Thank you, you are the best master," Ryuji exclaimed happily.
"Should I send someone to accompany you, disciple?" Master Xiao Mihwa asked with some concern.
"It's okay, Master. I'll be fine on my own," Ryuji assured Xiao Mihwa.
"Disciple..." Master Xiao Mihwa began.
"Yes, Master?" Ryuji replied.
"Nothing, you should enjoy the sect while you're out and about," Master Xiao Mihwa said.
"Yes, Master. In that case, I seek your permission to withdraw," Ryuji said, saluting before leaving the room.
Master Xiao Mihwa considered informing Ryuji about his Senior Sister, but due to the cheerful mood Ryuji was in, she decided not to bring it up.
After receiving permission from Master Xiao Mihwa, Ryuji descended the stairs. The building he resided in was situated atop a hill surrounded by trees. As he reached the base of the hill, he continued his journey within the sect. Along the way, many disciples caught sight of Ryuji. Whispers spread among them, discussing the recent battles Ryuji had engaged in against Core Disciples and Inner Disciples a few days prior.
"Guys, isn't he the mortal who defeated Liu Chen and his followers?"
"Where?"
"Guys!! The Blind Swordsman is walking right now?"
"Yes, there he is."
"Who is that blind man?"
"Ah, you don't know him because you were on a mission..."
A Disciple proceeded to share the story with another, detailing how Ryuji, a blind mortal servant of the Crimson Frostblaze Clan, had triumphed over Core Disciple Liu Chen and three Inner Disciples. The Disciple also narrated how Ryuji had fractured their hands and legs during the confrontation.
"Murmuring," the Disciples were engrossed in discussing Ryuji's feats.
Ryuji simply ignored them and continued walking toward his destination.
"DISCIPLE HALL"
Ryuji arrived in front of the Disciple Hall. Some time ago, he had thought that the Disciple Hall was the right place. In addition to being the place for registering disciples and servants, it also served as the hub for disciples to pick up missions and claim contribution points earned through tasks. Ryuji planned to explore and see the missions available in the Disciple Hall. His Blindfold heightened his senses, allowing him to navigate without arousing suspicion. Everyone would assume Ryuji was waiting for someone.
Walking inside, Ryuji approached the bulletin board located in the Mission Hall. Standing near the entrance, he used his enhanced senses to read every detail.
"Hmm..." Ryuji observed each available mission, deep in thought. "I should remember all of them, so I don't need to come to this place very often after finishing them," he mused.
Mission: Bandit Den Raid
Location: Shadowfang Valley
Requirement:
Minimum Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Realm - 3rd Stage
Proficiency in Combat Arts and Stealth Techniques
Description: A notorious bandit gang, known as the "Shadowfang Marauders," has been terrorizing the peaceful villages of Shadowfang Valley. Their hideout, a treacherous maze within the dense Whispering Woods, has become a hub of criminal activity. Your mission is to infiltrate their den, neutralize their leaders, and apprehend the remaining members. The innocent villagers have suffered for too long, and they are counting on your bravery to restore peace to the region.
Contribute Points: 150
Mission: Clash of the Renegades
Location: Crimson Peak Plateau
Requirement:
Minimum Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Realm - 5th Stage
Mastery of Offensive and Defensive Techniques
Description: The threat posed by the "Crimson Renegades" has escalated to a perilous level. This notorious bandit clan has taken control of the once-tranquil Crimson Peak Plateau, turning it into their stronghold. They are not only a menace to the local populace but also a danger to the realm. Your mission is to eliminate every member of the Crimson Renegades, leaving no survivors. The province's safety hangs in the balance, and your courage is the key to restoring harmony.
Contribute Points: 300
....
....
After memorizing over 50 missions posted on the mission board, Ryuji walked out of the hall, but he was stopped by a group of Core Disciples.
"Are you the Blind Swordsman?"
".."
"Did you beat my brother, Liu Chen?"
"...," Ryuji didn't answer, but he thought, "What should I do with him?" He walked past Liu Meng without acknowledging him.
Observing Ryuji's response, Liu Meng turned his body and watched Ryuji walk away. He wanted to engage Ryuji in a fight, but upon seeing no trace of fear or unease on Ryuji's face, he decided to let go of his intentions. Although Liu Meng's cultivation surpassed that of Liu Chen, he didn't have the same notorious reputation as his brother.
"Huff!" Liu Meng let out a sigh.
Ryuji, as he walked away, also let out a sigh, having prepared himself to counter any sudden attack from Liu Meng. However, it turned out Liu Meng didn't strike him from behind.
Having acquired 50 missions, Ryuji strolled around the Frost Dragon Sect, he bought Foods and Drink with the money he got from his master. In truth, since his arrival, he hadn't had the chance to explore the sect thoroughly. The place was vast, resembling a city, complete with towering buildings, market stalls, and bustling activities. Yet, it was unique in that it was filled with disciples eager to learn martial arts and individuals affiliated with the sect.
"Wow, what an amazing statue," Ryuji exclaimed as he saw a woman holding the head of a horned monster, surrounded by intricate ice effects. The statue appeared to be made from smooth white jade or natural stone.
"1st Sect Master Caelia 'Yeolmul Gyeoul'," Ryuji touched the inscription beneath the statue and spoke the words aloud.
Ryuji gazed at the statue a few more times before heading back home, as it was already getting late in the afternoon. He felt that this place truly was a different world — the ambiance, surroundings, and even its people were distinct, yet it held a common thread with Earth: the notion that the stronger would always emerge victorious and shape the course of history.
After entering his room, Ryujin sat down in his usual chair. Shortly after, a maid knocked on the door and handed him his dinner. However, once again, Ryujin didn't have the chance to ask for her name. As he savored his meal, he patiently waited for midnight to arrive, the designated time for him to put his plan into action.
As the room gradually succumbed to the darkness of the night, only the dim moonlight illuminated its corners. With deep concentration, Ryujin inspected his equipment and weapons. Amid the tranquility of the night, he contemplated his ultimate goal: to test his abilities.
Before long, midnight finally arrived. Rising from his chair, Ryujin's movements were resolute and filled with conviction. Utilizing his blindfold's skills, [Concealment] and [Merging with Darkness], in an instant, his presence became imperceptible. With a heart pounding with both trepidation and determination, he opened his room's door and entered the silent corridor. Ryujin walked out of the house into the courtyard, then descended the stairs in the darkness. He felt a twinge of anxiety, fearing that Master Xiao Mihwa might realize he was venturing out during the night, given the Master's likely high cultivation level. Nevertheless, Ryujin held firm faith in his blindfold's ability to deceive Master Xiao Mihwa.
After successfully distancing himself from his living quarters, he strolled leisurely within the shadows. The skill "Merging with Darkness" merely rendered him undetectable to the naked eye in moderately dim environments; however, in well-lit areas, this passive skill held no value. It was unlike his mask, the [Shadow Veil], which allowed him to blend into shadows. Ryujin had contemplated using the mask within his room, but the risks were substantial. First, he risked detection by Master Xiao Mihwa, for while it concealed him, being only of Spiritual tier, Ryujin doubted he could evade detection entirely.
Walking onward in the darkness, Ryujin halted around 500 meters from the sect's gate. He realized the sect's guards were merely at the Foundation Establishment level. Within the darkness, he donned his mask and activated the [Shadow Veil], When Ryujin used the Mask he didn't know if his White hair has changed into a red Hair. In an instant, he was swallowed by the shadows, a sensation that startled him. Yet, he found himself traveling beneath the ground's surface. This discovery struck him as peculiar, though he lacked the time to ponder over it. Pressing on, he passed through the gate unseen and distanced himself around 500 meters before emerging back to the surface through the shadows.
"I can walk through shadow, but it takes some of my Qi," Ryujin said as he moved away from the Frost Dragon Sect's gate.
Ryujin stopped in his tracks as he realized one crucial oversight: he had no idea of his location. He had forgotten to acquire a map of the Frost Dragon Sect's vicinity. He removed his mask and put on his blindfold instead. With his blindfold enhancing his senses and intelligence by +1000, Ryujin decided to locate someone with superior perception.
"Got you," Ryujin exclaimed with a smile, and he dashed forward using the Wind Steps technique to one place.