After checking its status, Su Chen decided to give the shadow a name for convenience.
"Well, let's call you Xiaohei from now on."
Seeing Xiaohei's lack of reaction, Su Chen ordered it to enter his shadow and not come out until ordered.
He then proceeded toward the forest's border, following the direction Deacon Chen had come from.
After sprinting in that direction for some time, he discovered a storage ring and a beast-storing bag beside a blood-covered ground.
Collecting them, he exited the Sunset Forest.
Summoning the flying beast from the bag, he seated himself on it. Since he was alone on the return journey, it only took one hour to reach the sect.
Storing the beast back in the bag, he headed towards the mission hall. His solitary return surprised those who knew he had gone with Shu Feng and the others.
Approaching the mission counter, Su Chen handed in the completed mission.
The desciple at the counter inquired, "What about your teammates?"
"All dead" Su Chen replied calmly.
The person at the counter then asked, "Can you tell me the whole process?"
Utilizing his low spiritual pollution ability, Su Chen recounted the entire incident, omitting the detail of him killing Deacon Chen. Instead, he mentioned that Deacon Chen had perished while battling another black tiger demon..
Believing Su Chen's account due to the effects of spirit pollution, the disciple in charge dismissed him and proceeded to report the news of the inner disciples' and deacon's deaths to the elder in charge of the disciple hall.
As one of the peak of Taiyi Sect, White Moon Peak exuded an enchanting mist that enveloped its surroundings. The pinnacle revealed a sprawling courtyard adorned with spiritual animals and lush plants. Amid this tranquil scene, a middle-aged woman sat gracefully on a wooden chair, indulging in the delicate flavors of her spirit tea.
Abruptly, a flying crane descended from the skies. As it drew near, a young girl gracefully leaped from its back and swiftly made her way toward the middle-aged elder.
"Disciple Quanxue greets Elder Yao."
"What brings you here, Quanxue?"
Quanxue proceeded to recount the story that Su Chen had presented to the Mission Hall.
"Elder, what actions should we take concerning that outer disciple?"
"Quanxue, do you find Su Chen's account believable?"
"Elder, there are certain aspects of the story that are difficult to believe."
"Yes, send someone to Sunset Forest to verify if there are any discrepancies in Su Chen's story. If there are, bring him to the Disciple Hall for further investigation; otherwise, let it go."
"But, Elder..."
"Say no more. I understand your concerns, but in my view, this Su Chen's worth exceeds that of the other four."
"But why, Elder?"
"Firstly, he attained cultivation at the 8th floor after returning from the Sunset Forest, indicating he may have encountered some fortuitous opportunities. Secondly, he emerged alive while the others, with major realms higher than him, perished. This demonstrates his superiority. If he has the ability to emerge clean from the investigation, let him go, as this also showcases his own capabilities."
Listening to this, Quanxue has a face of realisation.
"Understood, Elder Yao"
Back at the Outer Door, Su Chen collected the total reward for the task and quickly made his way to his residence. Upon entering his home, he called out for Su Ling'er.
"You're back, brother!"
Su Ling'er came running and hugged Su Chen. As her only remaining relative, Su Chen held a significant place in her life, almost like a father.
"Were you fine, Ling'er?"
"Yes, brother."
Looking at his safe and sound sister, Su Chen resolved to become stronger to protect her. He understood that only by gaining strength could he have the ability to protect someone dear to him.
"Sister, today let's eat spirit food."
"But brother—"
"No buts. You just need to eat within your limit, and I will take care of the expenses. Today, I have received a large amount of spirit stones as a reward for my mission."
Even after hearing this, Su Ling'er's face was distressed, as coming to this sect has made her aware of how much spirit stones are important for new cultivators and how high cost does spirit food costs.
Knowing that his sister was thinking about him made Su Chen's heart soft, and the pressure and tension accumulated in the past days were washed away.
After getting ready, he took Su Ling'er to the Spirit Food Pavilion. Calling for a flying crane using his disciple card, he handed it a spirit stone and asked it to take both of them to the Spirit Food Pavilion.
Coming towards the Spirit Pavilion, he went inside it. Looking at the menu, he ordered a large amount of expensive food, even after his sister insisted on eating cheaper ones.
Seeing the abundance of food on the table, Su Ling'er puffed her mouth in anger.
"Brother, you should have saved the spirit stones for your own training instead of spending them on spirit food."
"Hahaha, don't worry about it and try some of the food, Ling'er."
Still a bit upset, Su Ling'er reluctantly took a bite from one of the dishes.
Su Chen watched from the side as stars began to appear in Su Ling'er's eyes. Seeing her hesitate to take the next bite, Su Chen felt a urge to cry.
"Why are you being so shy? Eat as much as you want because I have to pay for it even if you return it now. Plus, eating it will be beneficial for your health and keep your skin beautiful."
Listening to Su Chen's words, Su Ling'er's face turned as red as an apple.
"Hmph, I know, I know."
After saying this, she started eating slowly. Looking at her happy face, Su Chen also began to feast.
The spirit food tasted better than any food he had ever eaten.
After consuming more than half of it, Su Chen's stomach was full, but there was still an unsatisfied look on his face.
After paying spirit stones to the person in charge, he stepped outside the spirit food pavilion.
While he was about to call for the spirit crane, he noticed a large crowd gathered nearby. Curious, he went to see what had happened.