The awakening ceremony and subsequent training had solidified Xin Tian's position within Spirit Hall, but his journey was only beginning. Today marked his first official mission as a representative of Spirit Hall, a task given directly by Bibi Dong herself.
Seated in the Grand Hall, Xin Tian faced his adoptive mother, her expression a mixture of pride and caution. The other high-ranking members of Spirit Hall, including Qian Daoliu and several elders, observed silently.
A Mission to Expand Spirit Hall's Reach
"Xin Tian," Bibi Dong began, her voice commanding yet soft, "your power and potential have drawn both admiration and envy. Now it is time to demonstrate your worth to the world."
She gestured toward a map of the Douluo Continent spread across the grand table. "There is a small yet resource-rich region near the Star Dou Forest. Spirit Hall seeks to establish its influence there. However, the area is under the control of rogue spirit masters and factions opposed to us."
Qian Daoliu added, "This mission will not be easy. These factions have resisted Spirit Hall for decades, and their leaders are formidable. But with your strength, I have no doubt you can succeed."
Xin Tian's gaze was steady as he bowed slightly. "I will not fail. Spirit Hall's light will shine across the continent."
Preparations for Departure
Before leaving, Xin Tian reviewed the details of his mission. His task was twofold: to negotiate with the neutral factions in the region and to eliminate any rogue spirit masters who refused to cooperate.
The system chimed in, providing additional support:
[System Notification]
2. Quest Activated: Uniting the Fringe Territories
1. Objective: Expand Spirit Hall's influence by securing the Star Dou Forest region.
2. Sub-objectives:
1. Defeat the rogue spirit masters leading the resistance.
2. Establish an alliance with the neutral factions.
3. Reward: Advanced Spirit Ring Optimization and Divine Arsenal Unlock.
Xin Tian smiled faintly. The heavens continue to guide me.
He packed his belongings, including his Eclipse Sword, which shimmered with a faint glow. Several members of Spirit Hall's advanced guard were assigned to accompany him, though Xin Tian knew the true weight of the mission rested on his shoulders.
Arrival at the Star Dou Forest Region
The journey to the contested region was uneventful, but the tension in the air grew heavier as they approached their destination. The group halted at the edge of a sprawling village, where dozens of rogue spirit masters had fortified their position.
One of the guards whispered, "These people have resisted Spirit Hall for years. They'll never surrender easily."
Xin Tian stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. "Then we will make them see the futility of resistance."
The Confrontation
A man in his fifties, radiating the power of a Spirit Douluo, emerged from the rogue spirit masters' ranks. His expression was stern as he addressed Xin Tian.
"Young man, Spirit Hall sends a mere child to do its bidding? Have they grown so desperate?"
Xin Tian's gaze didn't waver. "I am no mere child. I am Xin Tian, the Celestial Arbiter. You have two choices: submit to Spirit Hall or be eradicated."
The man sneered. "Big words for someone so young. Let's see if you can back them up!"
With that, the Spirit Douluo released his martial soul—a ferocious Silverback Gorilla—and charged at Xin Tian.
A Display of Power
Xin Tian activated his Divine Dragon Soul, a golden dragon materializing around him. His first spirit skill, Infernal Domain, engulfed the area, suppressing the rogue spirit masters and disorienting their leader.
The Silverback Gorilla roared in defiance, but Xin Tian's Eclipse Sword sliced through the air, its blade radiating lunar energy. With a single strike, the Spirit Douluo was forced to his knees, his martial soul trembling under the might of Xin Tian's power.
As the rogue spirit masters looked on in shock, Xin Tian activated Godly Mandate, his final martial soul. A divine aura filled the battlefield, compelling the enemies to submit.
"Enough!" Xin Tian's voice rang out, carrying an undeniable authority. "Your resistance is meaningless. Join Spirit Hall, and you will find purpose. Oppose us, and you will find ruin."
One by one, the rogue spirit masters dropped their weapons, bowing before Xin Tian.
Securing the Alliance
With the rogue leaders defeated, Xin Tian turned his attention to the neutral factions in the region. Unlike the rogues, these groups were hesitant but not openly hostile.
Through a combination of diplomacy and demonstrations of his martial souls' power, Xin Tian convinced them to align with Spirit Hall. His Starlight Compass proved invaluable, its ability to enhance allies' abilities earning their trust and admiration.
By the end of the negotiations, the region was firmly under Spirit Hall's control.
System Rewards
As Xin Tian prepared to leave, the system chimed with another update:
[System Notification]
3. Quest Complete: Uniting the Fringe Territories
1. Rewards:
1. Advanced Spirit Ring Optimization: All absorbed rings will now start at 100,000 years automatically.
2. Divine Arsenal Unlock: Access to a set of god-tier weapons.
A shimmering panel appeared before Xin Tian, revealing a collection of weapons: a celestial spear, a divine shield, and more. Xin Tian selected the spear, its radiant energy resonating with his martial souls.
The Heavens' Chosen
As Xin Tian returned to Spirit Hall, the news of his success spread quickly. Bibi Dong and the elders were visibly pleased, though their expressions carried a hint of awe at his growing power.
"You have exceeded all expectations," Bibi Dong said, her voice filled with pride. "The heavens truly walk with you."
Xin Tian bowed slightly. "This is only the beginning. Spirit Hall's rise is inevitable."
As the chapter closed, Xin Tian's gaze turned toward the horizon. The world awaited, and with the heavens at his side, nothing could stand in his way.
End of Chapter 6