As the disciples continued their comedic journey toward enlightenment — some spinning, others snoring — Li Qingyu sat at the sect's highest pavilion rooftop, arms folded, enjoying the wind.
Until—
> DING!
System Mission Unlocked!
[Beast Extermination: Night Howl in Willow Shade Village]
A ferocious spirit beast has been terrorizing the nearby Willow Shade Village at night. Villagers offer tribute, but the attacks continue.
Mission Reward:
– Sect Reputation +100
– Resource Pack (Intermediate Beast Core x1, Spirit Stones x20)
– Unlock Genius Location: [Potential Inner Disciple #4 Hidden Nearby]
Li Qingyu narrowed his eyes.
"Beast extermination? Tch. Why do I feel this is just another marketing stunt by the System?"
Still…
A genius hidden nearby? That part was tempting.Li Qingyu turned and shouted toward the courtyard, where several disciples were currently performing synchronized donkey steps, flinging leaves everywhere like it was a martial arts recital gone wrong.
"Ziyan! Grab your sword and cloak. Field trip time."
A gust of wind swept in, and Lin Ziyan landed beside him in a blink, looking mildly irritated as a twig hung from her hair.
"Another recruitment?" she asked, crossing her arms. "If it's another crying orphan with hidden dragon blood or a mute sword genius, just go alone."
Li Qingyu raised an eyebrow. "Relax. This time it's a beast extermination. Real danger. There's… a strong lead nearby. Someone interesting."
Ziyan's eyes lit up. "A real fight? Finally."
She rolled her shoulders, her sword humming softly on her back. "Last time you brought back that Wuxia girl who tried to spar using calligraphy and tea leaves. This time, if there's a fight, I'm getting the final blow."
Li Qingyu muttered, "You're still mad about the alchemy prodigy?"
"I'm still mad you made me carry her back while she lectured me on inner ink flow."
He smirked. "You're just jealous of her poetic aura."
Ziyan flicked her wrist. "Lead the way, oh mighty patriarch. Let's see what this beast can do before I slice it in half."