Wu Zheng returned to his quarters after a long day of discussions with his family. His conversation with Wu Cheng had been particularly exhausting. He had tried every argument he could think of, but his father remained resolute.
"You need experience," Wu Cheng said firmly, his eyes unwavering. "This is not just about cultivation, it's about surviving the battlefield. Your brothers have all done it, and now it's your turn."
Wu Zheng stood silent, his thoughts racing. How could he tell his father that he had already lived through countless battles, that experience wasn't what he needed? But revealing the truth was out of the question. Wu Cheng was unbending, and in the end, Wu Zheng had to bow his head in defeat.
The last light of the day faded, and the sky turned dark as he returned to his room. The moon was absent, leaving the world shrouded in blackness. Wu Zheng sighed, staring out into the void. There was no escaping it—he would have to complete the mission.
---
The morning sun greeted Wu Zheng with a crisp chill, a welcome contrast to the suffocating stillness of the night before. He dressed swiftly and left his quarters, his mind clear and focused. A rule was a rule. Now that he was a member of the Wu Clan, there were obligations he could not avoid.
The path to the mission hall was familiar, but today it felt different. The distant chirps of spirit birds echoed through the air, and the wind carried the scent of damp earth and pine. Each sound sharpened his awareness, preparing him for the mission ahead.
When Wu Zheng arrived at the mission hall, the building was already bustling with activity. Cultivators of all ages and ranks filled the room, discussing strategies and reporting their successes. The thick scent of incense filled the air, mixing with the sharp tang of metal and herbs.
He made his way to the mission board, where a large array of parchment papers were pinned, each describing a different task. The wooden boards creaked under the weight of them all. Wu Zheng scanned the various missions, his eyes narrowing as he considered his options.
---
Mission: Material Gathering
Reward: 50 Contribution Points
Description: The Phoenix Emberflower, a fiery red bloom that ignites when plucked. The embers it leaves behind are highly prized for cultivating fire-based techniques and must be stored in jade boxes to preserve their fire qi.
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Mission: Subjugation
Reward: 150 Contribution Points
Description: A third-tier beast has been sighted in the Shan Mountain range. Known for its valuable materials used in pill creation, it is considered a dangerous foe. Subdue the beast and return with its components.
---
After a few moments of contemplation, Wu Zheng chose the two missions. Both were located in the Shan Mountain range, which lay beyond some more smaller ranges, their peaks invisible from Wu Mountain, blocked by the towering formations in between.
The Shan Mountains themselves were formidable, stretching out like jagged teeth on the horizon, but Wu Zheng was not concerned about the journey. What intrigued him was the beast—taking down a third-tier beast would be a perfect opportunity to test his abilities but also provide enough contribution points to satisfy the mission requirements.
Wu Zheng stepped toward the registration counter, where an elderly man sat, his eyes half-closed as if in meditation. The elder glanced up as Wu Zheng approached, raising an eyebrow when he saw the missions.
"You're going after a third-tier beast?" the elder asked, his voice gravelly and tired. "Not many at the Foundation Establishment Realm take on such a challenge."
Wu Zheng's expression remained calm. "I've considered the risks. It's a suitable task."
The elder's gaze sharpened. "A third-tier beast is no ordinary creature, especially not in the Shan Mountain range. That place is treacherous, and its dangers go beyond the beasts themselves."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Wu Zheng considered how to respond. Should he reveal more about his capabilities? No, that would raise too many questions.
"I'm prepared," Wu Zheng said simply, holding the elder's gaze.
The elder studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. Just remember—these missions are meant to teach you, not kill you."
With that, the elder scribbled something on the parchment and handed it back to Wu Zheng. "You're registered. May the spirits watch over you."
Wu Zheng bowed respectfully before turning and making his way toward the exit.
---
By mid-morning, Wu Zheng reached the main gate at the foot of Wu Mountain. His supplies were packed—food, water, and a few talismans for emergencies. His sword hung at his side, a familiar weight that brought him comfort.
As he stepped beyond the gate, the landscape opened up before him. The peaks of the Shan Mountain range were still invisible, hidden behind the smaller ranges that lay in between. He could feel the vastness of the journey ahead, but instead of fear, he felt a strange sense of anticipation.
The path ahead was rugged, the ground uneven with jagged rocks and roots that threatened to trip up the careless. The air was cool, and the scent of pine filled his lungs as he walked, his boots crunching against the gravel. Each step felt deliberate, and as the forest closed in around him, the sounds of civilization faded away, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the occasional distant howl of a spirit beast.