Jiang Hao fully understood Liu Xingchen’s words.
Sect missions were typically conducted in groups, leaving him with little room to refuse participation. Such opportunities would undoubtedly be exploited.
If he encountered members of the Tianhuan Pavilion—which was almost guaranteed—it would spell danger.
He had to advance his cultivation quickly to ensure his safety.
[Name: Jiang Hao][Age: 19][Cultivation: Mid-Foundation Establishment][Techniques: Heavenly Melody Hundred Turns, Hongmeng Heart Sutra][Abilities: Ninefold Death Substitute (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear Minded Heart][Vital Energy: 49/100 (Trainable)][Cultivation Energy: 50/100 (Trainable)][Abilities: 0/3 (Unavailable)]
"Only halfway there. Advancing still requires significant time."
"I need to find a way to cultivate more spirit herb seeds. That should make it easier to get blue bubbles."
Ever since cultivating a Tianxiang Dao Flower, his rate of accumulating cultivation energy had skyrocketed.
Though the associated risks had also surged, the benefits he had gained were well worth it.
The Hongmeng Heart Sutra, concealment techniques, pieces of the Nine Heavens Armor Set, and the daily blue bubbles—these were all immense gains.
But such blessings often came at a cost; offending Elder Baizhi or that mysterious woman seemed inevitable.
"By the way, Senior Brother, do you know when the mission assignments will be distributed?" Jiang Hao tentatively asked.
"It’s supposed to be confidential, but you’ve been treated unfairly," Liu Xingchen hesitated before answering.
"At most, three months. At the earliest, two months."
After a pause, he added, "Actually, there are two ways to escape your predicament.
"First, avoid the Tianhuan Pavilion entirely. With time, the situation might resolve itself. If their leader finds a new ‘charming physique,’ that would be even better.
"Second, prove your value. If your master decides you’re worth protecting at all costs, the Tianhuan Pavilion leader might weigh the pros and cons and ultimately downplay the issue."
"But the second option is far more difficult. Incidentally, I heard Duanqing Cliff recently accepted a particularly talented disciple. Have you heard about this?"
Jiang Hao shook his head; he wasn’t aware.
Neither option seemed feasible. For now, he could only choose the first. The second required a level of value he dared not display, and proving such worth would take time—something he lacked.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
As for Duanqing Cliff’s new prodigious disciple, he wasn’t too concerned. They bore no grudges, after all.
All Jiang Hao needed to do was carry out his duties as usual.
When he inquired about the cultivation level of the mission leaders, Liu Xingchen replied, "It’ll likely be someone in the late Foundation Establishment stage. If something unexpected happens, it could even be someone at the peak of Foundation Establishment."
Jiang Hao lowered his head, pondering silently. He could catch up to someone in the late Foundation Establishment stage if he worked hard enough, but the peak stage was out of his current reach.
He had to come up with a solution quickly.
After exchanging a few more words, Liu Xingchen left but not before reassuring Jiang Hao: "The day the Tianhuan Pavilion leader lets go of this matter is the day your status as a suspect will be cleared."
Watching Liu Xingchen leave, Jiang Hao couldn’t help but marvel at how well he was being treated.
The emergence of the Tianxiang Dao Flower had significantly improved his situation.
Due to his conflict with the Tianhuan Pavilion, Jiang Hao refrained from getting too close to his previous acquaintances. However, being labeled a traitor ironically freed him from such constraints, as it was all about mutual exploitation now.
"Two months, sixty days. Gaining one point of cultivation energy per day only allows for one training session."
"I need to earn more spirit stones to buy spirit herb seeds."
That was the only viable option he could think of. However, his current stock of spirit stones was meager—just over 90, including recent earnings.
Buying quality talisman materials would consume most of it, leaving little for spirit herb seeds.
The next day.
At the entrance to the Spirit Herb Garden, Jiang Hao spotted a young man who appeared about the same age as him, perhaps even slightly younger.
The boy’s attire was neat and proper, and his face still carried a trace of youthful innocence.
Standing beside him was a middle-aged man, who seemed to be explaining something to the boy. The boy nodded occasionally, humbly absorbing the guidance.
The middle-aged man was none other than Jiang Hao’s master, Ku Wuchang, the lord of Duanqing Cliff.
Seeing this, Jiang Hao decided not to disturb them and attempted to slip away.
However, the boy noticed him, leaving Jiang Hao no choice but to approach his master. He bowed respectfully and greeted him, "Disciple greets Master."
Hearing this, Ku Wuchang turned his gaze to Jiang Hao. He lowered his eyelids slightly, as if lost in thought, before speaking in a calm voice:
"You’ve arrived just in time. Take your junior brother around the Spirit Herb Garden and familiarize him with the area. He’s new here and unfamiliar with the surroundings."
"Yes, Master," Jiang Hao replied, nodding.
Since Jiang Hao managed most of the Spirit Herb Garden, it was natural for him to assist.
As for whether his master was pondering the matter of the 1,000 spirit stones, Jiang Hao didn’t dwell on it. All he cared about was surviving. He didn’t dare hope for more.
In the demonic sect, avoiding betrayal was already a luxury.
One had to remain clear-headed and aware of the bigger picture.
"My name is Jiang. Jiang Hao. For now, I’m just helping out in the Spirit Herb Garden," Jiang Hao introduced himself after his master departed.
He knew this young man was the prodigious disciple Liu Xingchen had mentioned.
At the early Foundation Establishment stage and only eighteen or nineteen years old, the boy’s talent was indeed remarkable.
Curious, Jiang Hao activated his divine ability to appraise the newcomer.