The sect mission was announced.

Although Jiang Hao didn’t show it, he was deeply concerned. After collecting the bubbles, he immediately headed to the foot of the Law Enforcement Peak.

In just a moment, he stood before the bulletin board and spotted his name.

Duànqíng Cliff, Jiang Hao: Clear the Demon Cave.

“Clear the Demon Cave? A team mission. Who are the other members?”

Soon, he saw the names of the other four participants:

* Qing Xue from Tianhuan Pavilion

* Lou Feng from Tianhuan Pavilion

* Xin Yuyue from Thunderfire Peak

* Zheng Shijiu from Ice Moon Valley

“Two from Tianhuan Pavilion. I wonder what their cultivation levels are.”

Staring at the names, Jiang Hao started to ponder.

He hadn’t had much contact with Thunderfire Peak or Ice Moon Valley, so he likely hadn’t made enemies there. But the two from Tianhuan Pavilion gave him considerable pressure.

Finally, he glanced at the mission timeline: the end of next month.

There were forty-five days left.

“It looks like I’ll need to advance to the late Foundation Establishment stage first, stabilize my cultivation, and spend a month earning spirit stones to purchase a powerful offensive artifact.

That’ll leave half a month to practice.

As for spells… Hongmeng Heart Sutra doesn’t have anything suitable. I’ll need to consult Master.”

Although his master didn’t hold him in high regard, some assistance would likely still be given.

This trip to the Demon Cave was bound to involve Tianhuan Pavilion causing trouble. His master surely understood this, so helping him wasn’t out of the question.

The Demon Cave was a hidden paradise where many sect experts cultivated.

It was said to have once been under demonic control, with its inhabitants now sealed in the depths. Even if they managed to escape, their cultivation would be limited to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Sect experts wouldn’t bother with such trivial threats, leaving the task to inner disciples.

The cleanup process generally lasted one to three months, depending on progress.

Rewards were distributed based on performance.

In truth, it was an excellent training ground.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Had he not offended Tianhuan Pavilion, Jiang Hao would have been quite eager to go.

Killing demons not only increased combat experience but also offered the potential for bubble drops.

Afterward, he turned to leave, intending to gather information about his teammates’ strength to prepare in advance.

“Junior Brother, we meet again.”

As Jiang Hao was leaving, a young woman in a green robe suddenly appeared in front of him.

“Sister Mingyi,” Jiang Hao greeted politely.

This woman was a candidate saintess of the Heavenly Sacred Sect, at the early Golden Core stage.

She was also an undercover agent—a highly dangerous one.

Thankfully, after the last traitor purge, these infiltrators had quieted down.

Furthermore, the emergence of the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower had made them wary, even fearful.

Everyone knew it was a trap.

Except for one bold woman, no one else dared take the bait.

“Junior Brother is too polite. I saw your name on the list. Are you headed to the Demon Cave?” Mingyi said with a warm smile.

With her sweet appearance and gentle demeanor, Sister Mingyi seemed like a ray of sunshine. But Jiang Hao knew she was ruthless and cunning, someone not to be crossed.

A Golden Core expert was an insurmountable mountain for him.

“Yes.” Jiang Hao nodded calmly. “I’ll be heading there at the end of next month.”

“This is for you. I just happened to acquire it. Consider it a token of thanks for your help last time.

Oh, and if I run into trouble in the future, I hope Junior Brother won’t refuse to lend a hand. Bye-bye!”

Without waiting for a response, Sister Mingyi placed a slip of paper in his hand and left swiftly.

Jiang Hao was momentarily puzzled but then opened the slip—and a smile spread across his face.

The undercover agents really did treat him well.

The slip detailed the strength and background of the four teammates:

* Qing Xue from Tianhuan Pavilion: Late Foundation Establishment, close to breakthrough. Master of the Heavenly Immortal Dao, whose cold demeanor often lures others into her charms.

* Lou Feng from Tianhuan Pavilion: Mid Foundation Establishment, close to breakthrough. Master of the Fallen Immortal Dao, skilled at subtly disrupting others’ minds.

* Xin Yuyue from Thunderfire Peak: Early Foundation Establishment. Master of the Heavenly Fire Thunder Sword, excels at summoning lightning—counteracts the Fallen Immortal Dao.

* Zheng Shijiu from Ice Moon Valley: Late Foundation Establishment. Master of Thousand Miles of Ice, ruthless and disdainful of Tianhuan Pavilion.

Studying the information, Jiang Hao found it odd.

The first two would undoubtedly target him, but the latter two seemed perfectly suited to counter them.

“Is someone helping me?”

His first thought was of his master.

While Jiang Hao wasn’t particularly valuable, he wasn’t entirely without worth either.

This arrangement seemed balanced—it avoided outright conflict with Tianhuan Pavilion while offering some protection for the sect’s disciple.

As for Tianhuan Pavilion’s grudge against him, it largely hinged on whether they could find a new furnace.

If they succeeded, Jiang Hao wouldn’t be worth further trouble. But if they failed and their breakthrough was jeopardized...

He’d have to flee for his life, as the pavilion master would go berserk.

Even revealing his true cultivation might not ensure his safety.

And if his secrets were exposed, the Devil Sect’s tolerance for him was questionable.

Even his Nine-Turn Death Substitute had uncertain limits.

“Well, if it isn’t Junior Brother Jiang Hao from Duànqíng Cliff.”

A mocking voice suddenly called out.

Jiang Hao looked up to see a disheveled man with bloodshot eyes and a faintly hostile aura walking toward him.

The man was in the mid Foundation Establishment stage.

“And you are, Senior Brother?” Jiang Hao asked politely, snapping back to reality.

“Next month, we’re heading to the Demon Cave together. Make sure you’re well-prepared.” Lou Feng stopped beside Jiang Hao, patted his shoulder, and sneered.

“With that frail body of yours, you might die the moment you step in. Don’t blame your Senior Brother for not saving you when it happens.”

With a burst of laughter, Lou Feng walked away.

Jiang Hao lowered his gaze and thought to himself, “So that’s Lou Feng from Tianhuan Pavilion.”