Hope stared intently at the mission board, his eyes glued to the red-inked emblem of the Shadow Panther mission. The detailed description outlined the creature’s deadly capabilities, but Hope wasn’t deterred. Instead, he felt his determination solidify further. This wasn’t just another mission; it was an opportunity—a stepping stone to multiple advancements.
Pulling out the jade slip, he searched for information on the Mystic-Grade Vital Core Pill, the secondary reward for completing the mission. As the information flowed into his mind, Hope’s lips curled into a faint smile. The pill could significantly aid in his body cultivation, accelerating his progress in the Eternal Cinderheart Awakening Realm. With its assistance, he estimated he could break through to the mid-stage of the realm. That alone was enough to make him consider the mission worth the risk, but there was more.
He mentally calculated the total benefits. If he succeeded, the 3,000 contribution points would allow him to learn a Heaven-grade cultivation technique or even multiple Earth-grade techniques. Furthermore, he would gain invaluable combat experience, testing his limits against a cunning Tier 4(Essence Bonding) beast. It was everything he needed: points, a pill for a breakthrough and the chance to hone himself against a formidable enemy.
“There isn’t much to think about” Hope murmured to himself. As for the strength of the Shadow Panther? Perfect. He needed enemies of this caliber to sharpen his skills and push himself beyond his limits. He had confidence in the regeneration of his body, thanks to his body cultivation, and even if he sustained severe injuries, he trusted that he would recover. Pain wasn’t something he feared—it was something he embraced. Pain was the price of growth, and Hope was more than willing to pay it.
With his decision made, he reached for the mission token and made his way to the registration queue.
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The line wasn’t short, giving him ample time to observe his surroundings. The Mission Hall bustled with life, the vibrant atmosphere a stark contrast to the solitary path he had walked thus far. Disciples laughed and chatted, some boasting about recent missions, while others bartered their earnings for resources or exchanged pointers.
For many, this was heaven. A sanctuary where one could cultivate in peace, sheltered from the dangers of the outside world. Hope couldn’t deny its appeal. This was a place where safety was almost guaranteed, where powerful cultivators stood guard, ensuring the sect remained unassailable. A place where one could live a life free of fear.
The thought gave him pause.
‘Do I want to be safe?’ he pondered silently. The answer came swiftly: yes. Safety was a basic desire, a primal instinct. But then another question arose: ‘Do I like to fight?’
The answer, this time, was more complicated. Despite the pain, the danger, and the uncertainty, he couldn’t deny the thrill that came with combat. The rush of adrenaline, the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge, the clarity that came when his life was on the line—it was addictive.
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‘So, what do I really want?’ he mused. If safety was his priority, he could remain here indefinitely, rising steadily through the ranks under the sect’s protection. He could live a quiet, happy life, far removed from the chaos of the outside world.
The idea was tempting, but it didn’t sit well with him. His heart burned with a desire for more. He wanted to fight stronger enemies, explore uncharted territories, uncover the secrets of the world, and ascend to heights few could even dream of. Safety was a desire, but it wasn’t enough—not for him.
As he wrestled with these thoughts, he was abruptly pulled back to reality by a loud grunt. Looking up, he realized the line in front of him had disappeared, and the clerk behind the counter was staring at him with a mixture of impatience and amusement.
“Your turn, boy” the old man said, his voice gruff but not unkind.
Hope brushed away his thoughts and stepped forward, handing over the mission token. The clerk’s eyes widened slightly as he examined it. Recognizing the emblem of the Shadow Panther mission, he frowned and took a closer look at the young man before him.
“Do you truly wish to take on this mission?” the clerk asked, his tone skeptical.
Hope nodded, his expression calm and unwavering. He could guess what the old man was thinking—this wasn’t the first time someone had doubted him.
The clerk sighed, muttering under his breath, “Younglings truly don’t fear anything these days.” Nevertheless, he completed the registration process, handing the token back to Hope.
“It’s done” the clerk said, his voice carrying a note of resignation. “Just... don’t push yourself too much out there.”
Hope thanked him, tucking the token away as he turned to leave. The clerk watched him go, shaking his head. “What a reckless kid” he thought.
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The moment Hope stepped out of the Mission Hall, his mindset shifted. The doubts and distractions from earlier faded, replaced by a singular focus: the hunt.
The Azure Moon Forest, where the Shadow Panther had made its territory, was located on the sect’s outskirts. It would take him a day to reach it on foot, and the terrain was known to be treacherous. The forest was vast, its dense foliage hiding countless dangers beyond the panther itself. Poisonous plants, territorial beasts, and hidden traps were just a few of the hazards he’d need to navigate.
Hope wasn’t worried. His body cultivation gave him a resilience far beyond that of ordinary cultivators, and his instincts, honed through countless battles, would guide him. He relished the challenge.
As he prepared for the journey, he reviewed his equipment. His weapon—the mystic-grade sword was fastened to his waist. He also carried a small pouch of healing herbs and a flask of water. He only needed these things, the rest was unnecessary.
“I’ll need to be cautious” he thought, recalling the mission’s warning about the panther’s abilities. Shadow manipulation was a dangerous skill, allowing the beast to blend seamlessly into its surroundings and launch ambushes from unexpected angles. It was a predator that relied on intelligence as much as strength, and underestimating it would be a fatal mistake.
But Hope wasn’t afraid. If anything, he was excited. This mission wasn’t just a test of his strength—it was a test of his resolve, his adaptability, and his will to survive.
He hadn’t had a good fight since he arrived in Solaris and now he craved for it.
It was time to hunt.