Not long after,
"Brother Jiang Heng!"
A clear voice echoed from inside the main gate. The gate creaked open, and a lively figure, like an elf, excitedly rushed out.
Jiang Heng smiled gently, "Weren't you the one who said, Uncle Wen asked me to visit when I have time? I've been in seclusion for so long, and now I finally have time to visit."
The two of them walked side by side into the courtyard.
"My father is waiting for you in the reception hall; I'll take you there!"
As she led the way, Wen Qingxue chattered away.
"During the time you were in seclusion, I also made a lot of progress. I've already reached the sixth stage of the Body Refining Realm."
"I'm a true genius too!"
Wen Qingxue playfully raised her face, as if waiting for Jiang Heng's praise.
"Sixth stage?"
Jiang Heng was surprised.
It had only been a little over three months since Wen Qingxue had become a martial artist in the Body Refining Realm, and now she had advanced from the first stage to the sixth stage.
Such a terrifying cultivation speed made him shudder at the thought of what it would be like without the system.
At this rate, Wen Qingxue might break through to the True Qi Realm before the age of 14.
"That's incredible! Qingxue is truly a peerless talent!"
Jiang Heng praised her sincerely.
While they chatted, they quickly arrived at the reception hall.
"Dad, Jiang Heng is here!"
Wen Qingxue pushed the door open and entered, with Jiang Heng following closely behind.
A middle-aged man in black sat at the head of the table, his expression gentle.
"Uncle Wen!"
Jiang Heng gave a slight bow.
"Nephew Jiang, no need for formalities, please have a seat!"
Wen Qingxue's father smiled and nodded, then turned his attention to Wen Qingxue.
"Qingxue, please leave us for a moment."
Wen Qingxue immediately pouted and protested, "No!"
She pulled Jiang Heng and sat down next to him, swinging her legs under her skirt and deliberately looking elsewhere.
Wen Qingxue's father shook his head helplessly, ignoring her, and smiled at Jiang Heng.
"I heard you won the championship in the Outer Sect competition, and I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet."
"Uncle Wen is too polite; it's just a minor honor in the Outer Sect. It's not worth mentioning."
Jiang Heng's smile was calm and somewhat distant as he exchanged pleasantries with Wen Qingxue's father.
Before long, Jiang Heng took the initiative to say, "If it weren't for Uncle Wen's help back then, I might not have had the opportunity to enter the sect. I'm always deeply grateful for that, and I'd like to repay your kindness."
"However, with Uncle Wen's status and position, ordinary things probably wouldn't interest you. So, if Uncle Wen has any requests, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best to fulfill them, which can be considered a small repayment."
A faint pause in Wen Qingxue's father's smile.
He could naturally see Jiang Heng's intention to maintain a certain distance.
To clear a debt of gratitude meant there was no need for further obligations, almost as if they didn't want to deepen their relationship.
However, he was a high-ranking figure in the Dalu Sect and had a mindset and thinking far beyond ordinary people.
He restored the warm smile to his face.
"Nephew Jiang is being overly polite; it was just a small matter. There's no need to make a big deal out of it."
"However, if you truly feel indebted, then please do me a small favor."
"We have a mine outside of Chuanjiang City that falls under my jurisdiction. Yesterday, we received news that a transport convoy from the mine was ambushed by unidentified individuals, and even three sect disciples stationed there were killed."
"One of them was a third-level Inner Sect disciple in the True Qi Realm."
"I'm currently considering who to send over to assist with this matter. Since you are willing, would you be willing to help me? Even if we don't find any answers in the end, it would be good for you to be there to oversee things for a month."
"Do you have confidence?"
Jiang Heng nodded decisively, "No problem! When should I leave?"
For him, it was best to repay the favor as soon as possible. Furthermore, he hadn't seen anything outside of the sect, and his knowledge of the outside world was based solely on his memories as a young Jiang Heng. This was a good opportunity to explore and gain experience.
Just as Elder Wen was about to speak, Wen Qingxue excitedly called out, "Dad, I want to go too!"
Elder Wen's face stiffened, and he said sternly, "Jiang Xianzhe is going to handle official business; why do you want to go?"
Wen Qingxue sat in her chair, wriggling her body, putting on a spoiled and petulant act.
"No! I want to go!"
"I haven't been out for so long. I'm always in the sect, and there's no one to talk to. Dad, you're always cultivating, and Brother Jiang Heng is also always cultivating. No one keeps me company!"
Wen Qingxue complained with a pitiful look and seemed on the verge of tears.
However, Elder Wen showed no mercy and remained stern, scolding, "If you keep throwing tantrums, I'll confine you!"
Wen Qingxue immediately stopped crying and snorted, turning her head to look outside without saying another word.
Elder Wen's expression softened again, and he turned to Jiang Heng, saying, "Jiang Xianzhe, forgive the disturbance."
"The attackers may strike again, so I hope you can depart as soon as possible, preferably within two days."
"After you've prepared, I'll give you the mission dossier, and I'll also arrange for someone to accompany you to the mine. During the operation, you will take the lead."
Jiang Heng contemplated for a moment before saying, "Alright! I'll make preparations and depart tomorrow."
After a brief exchange, Jiang Heng took his leave.
Wen Qingxue, who had been staring outside the whole time with a resentful expression, followed Jiang Heng out of the hall, still sulking.
Jiang Heng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Qingxue, you're still young, and your strength is still weak. Your father is naturally worried."
"Practice diligently, and once you reach the True Qi Realm, your father won't restrict you like this anymore."
Wen Qingxue's mood slightly improved.
"My father never cares about my feelings. When I become stronger in the future, I'll lock him up too and not let him leave!"
"He always talks about danger outside. What kind of danger could there be?"
"Even if there's real danger, with Brother Jiang Heng's strength, he can definitely protect me, right?" Wen Qingxue asked earnestly.
Jiang Heng nodded seriously, "Absolutely, even if there's real danger, I will make sure to protect you."
When Jiang Heng had just joined as a miscellaneous disciple, he had suffered a lot of bullying and had no friends. At that time, only Wen Qingxue, his childhood companion, often came to accompany him, and sometimes even protected him.
So, in the heart of the young Jiang Heng, Wen Qingxue was the only person he cherished in this world. This affection had merged into the new Jiang Heng's heart with the fusion of their souls.
After leaving the Elder's residential area, Jiang Heng headed to the Trading Hall. Since he was going on a mission for a month, he needed to purchase various supplies in advance for the journey, including materials for cultivation and silver coins.
With over 10,000 contribution points to his name, Jiang Heng, who was financially well-off, directly purchased 500 Qi and Blood Pills and 10 hundred-ounce silver bills. It wasn't that he didn't want to buy more, but carrying too much would be inconvenient.
Carrying a small wooden box filled with supplies, Jiang Heng returned to his small courtyard, cultivated for a while, and then fell into a deep sleep.
Outside the small courtyard, Lei Song let out a sigh of relief and revealed a sinister smile.
"This kid is finally leaving the sect!"
"No matter how talented you are, this trip won't spare you from death!"