Feng Jiao Xue took actual weeks to master refining pills but in the end, unblemished skin reflects on the rippling water.
Whoever said looks doesn't matter clearly don't know how to wield appearances as weapons.
Playfully, she splashed Yin Xiao with water on the face before resurfacing.
The spring in the mystique ring has become her bathing space. The upper parts meant for drinking of course.
"So, what should I do now?" She asked Huang Jin De while twisting her hair to dry it.
Truthfully, she doesn't know. Her goal is there, but it's like a pinned designation with no clear road at the moment.
All she has done thus far is cultivate, train and then refine pills but...
An explosion came to mind.
She knows, strength is not fully everything. Even in a world of cultivation and magic.
And truthfully, she's bored.
Huang Jin De appeared hearing her question.
"You need to solidify your cultivation. I would recommend trying magic but... magic is unpredictable and a double edged weapon if not wielded right." Huang Jin De replied.
"Solidify, huh?" Feng Jiao Xue nodded at that before appearing back in her room.
Grabbing her cloak she headed back to the city, her path clear to the adventurer's guild.
The Adventurers' Guild was a vast, bustling hall filled with the energy of cultivators and magicians from every corner of the land. The air was thick with the scent of burning incense, sweat, and the tang of steel from freshly sharpened weapons. Torches flickered along the stone walls, casting long shadows across the room as adventurers crowded around large boards displaying mission postings.
At the heart of the guild, towering wooden beams supported the high, vaulted ceiling, engraved with ancient symbols of protection. Banners from various sects and clans hung proudly, their colors faded from time but still exuding a sense of history and power. The crackling of the fire in the hearth blended with the low hum of conversation, creating a constant drone of voices, most of them seasoned with both experience and arrogance.
Near the entrance, a group of grizzled veterans huddled over a table, tankards in hand, laughing loudly as they recounted their exploits. They wore a mix of armor and robes, some dented and worn from battle, others freshly polished, glistening under the torchlight. Their loud boasts and crude jokes occasionally drew the attention of passing adventurers, some eyeing them with respect, others with disdain.
Rows of counters lined one side of the hall where guild officers in plain robes dealt with missions, their faces expressionless as they handed out slips of paper to eager young cultivators. The officers, older and experienced, managed the chaos with calm precision, their ink-stained fingers gliding over scrolls and books as they tracked the endless flow of requests. Behind them, shelves filled with old mission logs and scrolls of ancient texts hinted at centuries of quests, both failed and successful.
Feng Jiao Xue stood in the middle of this chaotic scene, her slender figure almost swallowed by the sheer size of the hall and the towering cultivators around her. But she did not falter. Her presence was quiet but intense, her eyes scanning the board with sharp precision. The adventurers around her, clad in heavy armor and powerful robes, barely gave her a second glance, too engrossed in their own plans and missions. Yet, a few seasoned eyes lingered on her for a moment, sensing something more beneath her calm exterior.
Above her, mounted on the walls, were the trophies of past adventurers, beast skulls the size of boulders, gleaming swords that had seen countless battles, and the shattered remains of spiritual artifacts. Each relic told a story of triumph or loss, a silent reminder that the guild was more than just a place to gather, it was the heart of countless lives lived on the edge of danger.
In one corner, a training ring had been set up, where a group of adventurers sparred with wooden swords. The dull clack of the weapons echoed through the hall as onlookers placed bets and cheered, their voices rising in excitement as the mock battle played out. It was a constant reminder that here, only the strongest survived, and the weak had no place in the adventurers' world.
Outside the large windows, the sun was setting, casting a deep orange glow over the stone-paved courtyard where mounts and carriages waited for those about to depart on dangerous quests. The guild was alive, a living, breathing beast, where the dreams of adventurers either soared to greatness or crumbled into oblivion.
As she scans the missions, a group of older men nearby notice her.
She does make quite the sight. With only the cloak giving the others an idea of her, it would easily mislead others into thinking that she is helpless and weak.
Thin from malnutrition, healing pills can't fill up her fats after all.
Nutrition pills are no better as it would only be like canned goods. Filling but not fulfilling.
Scanning the fliers, she grabbed a D ranked one. An escort mission. This should be easy enough.
It's not that she doesn't want to make an effort. She just knew that she can't take more than she can chew and right now, she can't afford a reckless mistake that just might cause her, her life.
The guild officer stood behind the counter, a striking woman who seemed to draw attention without even trying. Her robes, while modest, clung to her figure in a way that subtly emphasized her curves, the fabric shimmering under the low light of the guild hall. Her long, dark hair cascaded over one shoulder in loose waves, framing a face that was both soft and alluring. Her eyes, almond-shaped and glimmering with a playful light, seemed to catch every detail in the room, missing nothing.
Despite her undeniable beauty, there was something warm and approachable about her. She had a way of smiling that made those who approached feel at ease, like they were talking to a friend rather than a guild officer. Her lips curved in a way that hinted at mischief, as if she knew a hundred secrets and was always on the verge of sharing them but never quite did. Yet, when she spoke, her voice was gentle, filled with an almost protective care that made even the most hardened adventurers trust her.
"Of course, please fill up this form along with your group" The woman, Feng Jiao Xue glanced at her jade pendant, Lan Yue. it read carved into the small accessori, replied.
Feng Jiao Xue paused, frowning. "Is a group required?"
Lan Yue raised a brow. "No, the client hired multiple people this time but... I would suggest taking a group you can trust. Being a strong adventurer is good but there is nothing more reliable than people you can entrust your life to" she advised kindly, like a big sister trying to talk to her little sister about the dangers of the world.
Feng Jiao Xue nodded. "Thank you but I'll take this mission please. On my own"
"As if a group of ants can protect you better than me" Huang Jin De replied indignantly from inside the space ring but Feng Jiao Xue did not make any indication that she heard him.
Lan Yue hesitantly asked "Are you sure? It may be ranked D-class but this one is really dangerous. The dark wind mountain is filled with beasts. I can point you to some other tasks that earn just as much but can be done alone" she good naturedly suggested.
"No, I'm sure I want this one," Feng Jiao Xue insisted. It's not that she has a death wish but she had seen the missions. The most benefitting one for her at the moment is the escort mission as this would allow her to see more of this world. And right now, she really needed that.
"Of course, please be careful" Lan Yue took the form she filled up to indicate she's taking the mission. "Here" The friendly woman handed her a low grade healing pills. "It's not much but even ant meat has meat. You don't know when you would need them."
Feng Jiao Xue wanted to give them back but seeing the caring and gentle expression of the other person, she took the pills given out of good will. "Thank you" she replied. She has no need for the pill but she is grateful for the woman's genuine concern
Chen Feng, a large, bearded man, scoffed.
"Ha! A little girl like her? Dark Wind Mountain? She wouldn't last a day. Better stick to errands around the city."
Li Wei smirked, crossing his arms. "Let me guess, you're thinking your cultivation will save you. I'd bet she's never even fought anything more dangerous than a spirit beast cub."
Feng Jiao Xue unfazed, eyes narrowing. "I wasn't aware I needed to consult with you before taking a mission. Or perhaps you're worried I'll succeed faster than you ever could?"
Back in the assassin organization in her previous world, she is used to dealing with people like them. Belittling those that they can while fawning over those that they can't afford to offend.
Wang Tao laughing, slapping his knee. "Succeed? She'd be lucky to survive! Dark Wind Mountain isn't for novices, girl. You'll be begging to return after the first night."
Feng Jiao Xue coldly, her gaze steady. "Afraid I'll outshine you? Or is it that you're used to people failing as often as you do?"
Chen Feng stepped closer, sneered. "Listen, girl. We've fought real battles, faced death. You've likely spent your time cultivating in peace. Out there, you won't have anyone to protect you."
Feng Jiao Xue met his gaze without flinching. "And yet, all I hear is how weak you think others are. A strong man wouldn't need to boast his strength to a woman, would he?"
Li Wei's voice was tight, clearly offended. "Big talk for someone who's never been in a real fight. The beasts out there don't care how sharp your words are."
Feng Jiao Xue turns back to Lan Yue, dismissive to the men that look down on her. "Is there anything else I need to do or am I officially on the mission?"
Lan Yue shakes her head. "The mission is yours. Be careful." She handed her back a copy of the mission file.
Feng Jiao Xue taking the mission file.
"Careful? Thank you but" Looks at the men coldly "They've already underestimated me. That's mistake number one."
Chen Feng grumbling under his breath. "We'll see if she's still so sure when she's crawling back half-dead. If she even makes it back."
Feng Jiao Xue walks past them without a second glance.