Chen Guang stepped forward cautiously, bowing slightly. "Esteemed elder, we— we don't know where he is."
Qin Han's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Lies." He motioned to his disciples. "Turn the place upside down."
The inn was thrown into chaos as Qin disciples ransacked the tables, overturned furniture, and searched every room.
Chen Wen, who had been helping behind the counter, was dragged forward and forced to kneel before Qin Han.
"You must know something," Qin Han sneered. "You were seen with him. Where is he?"
Chen Wen gulped with an expression of fear but he stayed silent.
Seeing this, Qin Fei stepped forward with a cruel grin. "Looks like I'll have to remind you what happens when you get involved with people above your station." He raised his hand to strike Chen Wen when a soft voice interrupted.
"Please, don't hurt him."
All heads turned to see Bai Ting Ting, the beautiful and graceful daughter of the Bai family, standing at the entrance.
Bai Ting Ting was incredibly stunning with long silky black hair that flowed like a cascading waterfall down her back, reaching past her waist.
She had a heart-shaped face with flawless, porcelain skin that seemed untouched by time.
Her almond-shaped eyes were a mesmerizing shade of deep sapphire blue, filled softness and depth, framed by long, dark lashes. Her lips looked soft, rosy and irresistible like it was painted by the finest artists.
She was clad in an elegant white and lavender cultivation robe, embroidered with intricate golden lotus patterns that glowed with spiritual energy.
She walked in with a composed demeanor, though her eyes held a flicker of worry.
Qin Fei's expression twisted with smug satisfaction. "Ting Ting, here to save your little pet?"
She lowered her gaze. "Chen Wen did nothing wrong. I… I will stay away from him if you leave him alone."
Chen Wen's heart shattered in an instant. "Ting Ting, no! You don't have to—"
"Silence!" Qin Han snapped as his eyes gleamed with triumph. "A wise decision, young lady."
Ting Ting bit her lip, forcing herself to remain composed as she turned and walked away. Chen Wen's face was filled with despair as he looked at her while she left.
Qin Fei leaned down to whisper in Chen Wen's ear. "She's mine, and you? You're nothing. Stay in your place."
With their point made, the Qin family left the inn, but not before leaving Chen Guang and Chen Wen shaken and humiliated.
---
Meanwhile, Victor was unaware of this as he strolled through the streets of Lingyun Town.
His new system objective loomed in the back of his mind.
---
System Notification:
Objective: Test your techniques in real combat situations.
(0/1) Real Combat Encounter Completed.
---
He cracked his knuckles. "Alright, system, time to put these moves to use."
His first stop? The Lingyun Trade Pavilion.
Victor had already made some good sales at the pavilion before, and if there was anywhere in town to find work that needed a cultivator, this was it.
As he walked in, he spotted Liu Shen, the sharp-eyed trader who had handled his transactions before. The elderly merchant had a keen gaze and a mind like a steel trap when it came to business.
Victor approached the counter, grinning. "Liu Shen, my favourite businessman. Got anything for someone looking to, uh… get their hands dirty?"
Liu Shen looked up, sizing Victor up with a curious smirk. "Fang Chen, my favourite customer... Are you looking to make more money, or do you actually have the strength to back up such a request?"
Victor chuckled. "A little of both. Something combat-related would be great."
Liu Shen stroked his beard. "As it happens, there was a customer earlier today with a rather unfortunate problem."
Victor leaned in with a look of intrigued. "Go on."
"A woman named Madam Zhou came in complaining that her farm has been overrun by spirit beasts—low-level ones, but troublesome nonetheless. They've been feasting on her crops, which, by the way, are not just ordinary crops but special herbs cultivated for medicinal and alchemical use."
Victor raised an eyebrow. "And why hasn't anyone dealt with this yet?"
Liu Shen sighed. "Because the cultivators in town demand a ridiculous fee for their services. Madam Zhou is not a rich woman, and no one wants to help without heavy compensation."
Victor smirked. "So if I take care of this for free, I'll look like a hero?"
Liu Shen chuckled. "You'll look like a fool to most. But… perhaps a fool with potential."
Victor thought for a moment. He didn't care about money right now—he just needed to test his new abilities and fulfill his system objective.
"Alright, I'll do it," Victor said. "Consider those pests eradicated."
Liu Shen looked amused. "I admire your enthusiasm. Madam Zhou's farm is located at the edge of town, near the river. If you truly wish to help, you'll find her there."
Just as Liu Shen finished speaking, Victor's system lit up with a notification.
---
System Notification:
<[ You have accepted your first mission! ]>
Mission: Clear out the spirit beasts from Madam Zhou's farm.
Difficulty: Low
Reward: ???
---
Victor grinned. "Hell yeah. First mission."
Liu Shen shook his head while watching Victor walk away with excitement. "What a brave young cultivator... oh well, I am sure he will be fine. He did come from the Hidden Valley, after all."
---
~ Madam Zhou's Farm ~
Victor arrived at the farm within fifteen minutes.
The fields stretched far, filled with rows of plants that emitted spiritual energy—no wonder the spirit beasts were drawn to them.
Standing at the entrance was a frazzled-looking woman with her gray-streaked hair tied back in a messy bun. Her expression was weary, but the moment she saw Victor approaching, hope flickered in her eyes.
"Are you here to help?" she asked hesitantly.
Victor gave a confident nod. "Fang Chen, at your service. Liu Shen sent me."
Madam Zhou exhaled in relief. "Oh, thank heavens! Those wretched creatures have eaten nearly half my crop already! I tried hiring help, but the cultivators all demanded more than I could afford."
Victor smirked. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it."
Just as he said that, a rustling sound came from the fields. Victor turned, his eyes narrowing. A moment later, three low-level spirit beasts emerged from the tall herbs—Wolffang Boars.
These creatures were bulky with muscular bodies covered in bristling gray fur. They also had sharp tusks protruding from their jaws. Their eyes glowed faintly with spiritual energy, indicating that they weren't just normal animals.
Victor grinned. "Perfect. Time for a real test drive."
He drew his sword while exhaling slowly.
The first boar charged with incredible speed, kicking up dirt in its wake. Victor's instincts kicked in immediately.
Phantom Mirage Step.
His feet blurred as his movement turned unpredictable. He sidestepped just as the boar lunged, leaving behind an afterimage that the beast plowed through.
Madam Zhou gasped. "W-what was that?"