The sun rose gently over the eastern peaks, painting the rooftops of Taiyin Sect in hues of amber and gold.
Lin Yuan stood at the sect's outer gate, his flawless white robe catching the light. A jade token at his waist bore the words: Eastern Ridge – Rogue Cultivator Investigation. Though he wore calm like a second skin, beneath it, his heart beat cautiously.
The Taiyin Sect only accepted female disciples—and Lin Yuan still carried the weight of his greatest secret.
Lady Yuexian approached, handing him a small embroidered pouch.
"Spirit pills, a defensive talisman, and a message stone," she said. "Use them wisely."
He bowed, voice soft and deliberately gentle. "Thank you, Grandmaster."
"You won't go alone," she continued. "You'll travel with four inner disciples. Be alert—and protect yourself."
Footsteps echoed behind him—cold, sharp.
"Oh? We're bringing the little princess?" sneered **Wu Yuerong**, tall and razor-tongued.
Behind her stood the rest of the squad:
* **Lu Shixian**, composed, with a silver spear;
* **Mei Lanyue**, silent, eyes behind a veil, talismans in hand;
* **Teng Fei**, strong, loud, and not particularly thoughtful.
"Greetings, senior sisters," Lin Yuan said respectfully.
Wu Yuerong clicked her tongue. "Don't think the Sect Leader's favoritism means you're qualified."
Lady Yuexian, calm as ever, only smiled. "She may surprise you."
---
The journey through the mountains was long—and laced with tension.
Wu Yuerong took every opportunity to test Lin Yuan.
"Still quiet? Or scared someone will find out you're useless?"
That night, while the others set up camp, Lin Yuan sat alone, thoughts racing.
*Why send me on a mission when I haven't even started true Qi Gathering? A rogue cultivator using spirit flames must be incredibly strong. Are we bait? Or is someone using me as bait without the sect's knowledge? Or worse… with it?*
He broke his silence. "Senior sisters, will we earn contribution points for this mission?"
Wu Yuerong scoffed. "You really think you're a genius, don't you?"
---
Later, they roasted a wild boar over open flame. Lin Yuan examined the meat carefully.
"Was this boar pregnant?" he asked.
Teng Fei shrugged. "Why does it matter?"
Lin Yuan's expression darkened. "This was a Mystic Beast's mate. One of them may come for us."
The others didn't believe him.
"How would you know?" Lu Shixian asked.
"There are no monkeys. No birds. No small animals," Lin Yuan replied. "This is clearly Mystic Beast territory."
He hurriedly assembled a basic flying formation using logs, spirit stones, and flags. "Get ready to fly—now!"
They ignored him—until the trees exploded around them.
A Mystic Beast charged from the woods.
The formation launched just in time. They escaped with their lives.
---
Panting, recovering in midair, Lin Yuan said, "Also… that boar was poisoned. A rare aphrodisiac. I've smelled it before—used on my master."
Wu Yuerong's face paled. "We… we can't go to the Flower Pavilion!"
"We won't," Lin Yuan said. "But don't ruin the Sect Leader's plan. Act like cultivators. Purify yourselves."
Out of desperation and fear, they agreed.
Lin Yuan activated his **Sunfire**, channeling it through their meridians to burn away the poison.
Teng Fei blinked. "It… worked. I feel better already."
---
They relocated to a secluded grove to rest.
Suddenly, rogue cultivators approached, wearing fake smiles.
"Need help?" one asked.
Lu Shixian narrowed her eyes. "Who sent you?"
They hesitated.
Moments later, battle erupted. The four disciples bound the rogues inside a formation.
"They have too many storage bags," Mei Lanyue said coldly. "They're grave robbers. Or worse."
"They've killed travelers," Lu Shixian agreed. "We kill them and bury them."
Lin Yuan nodded silently.
---
By dusk, they reached a ruined village. Burned homes. Collapsed shrines. Ash in the air.
Lu Shixian knelt by the blackened soil. "The attack was three nights ago. Still fresh."
"This is demonic flame," Mei Lanyue murmured, revealing a charred talisman. "There's lingering Yin energy."
Wu Yuerong pointed. "We need rest.You—*new girl*. Night watch duty."
---
Night fell. The stars blinked quietly overhead as Lin Yuan sat on shrine steps.
*Bite.*
He flinched. Ants?
*Lady Mingyan's voice echoed in his mind.* "Don't kill them. They're rare. Collect them—you'll need them."
Lin Yuan collected 51 ants, each nearly half an inch long. Soon, more insects came—strange and venomous. Lin Yuan unleashed Sunfire, forming a radiant circle that repelled them all.
---
Morning came.
Wu Yuerong scowled. "What happened here?"
"Insect attack," Lin Yuan answered. "I stopped them with Sunfire."
Mei Lanyue blinked. "You… did what?"
Lu Shixian muttered, "I thought those things would kill you."
Wu Yuerong narrowed her eyes. "Beginner's luck."
But something had changed.
Her voice held less mockery—and her gaze held the first glint of respect.