Chapter 47

Jun Changxiao moved so quickly that when he scratched Ishank's clothes, Ishank didn't even notice. With an angry roar, Ishank's muscles tensed, and he burst out of his clothes.

What's even more terrifying was that Jun Changxiao held a tuft of Ishank's hair in his hand!

What did this mean? It meant that if Jun Changxiao had wanted to kill him, he could have easily slashed his neck.

Ishank was strong, but not strong enough to withstand a sharp sword with his bare body. Moreover, Jun Changxiao was no weakling; he could easily decapitate Ishank with his speed.

Standing in place in only his white pants, Ishank's face was stiff with cold sweat on his forehead, his pupils filled with fear. When a tuft of his hair was cut off, he felt the breath of death, very real and terrifying! If Jun Changxiao had wanted to kill him, he would be dead by now.

The more Ishank thought about it, the more terrified he became. His sword, engraved with a dragon beast pattern, clattered to the slate ground.

"Hey," Jun Changxiao said, "are we still fighting?"

Ishank trembled, pressing his palms together in fear. "No... I won't fight anymore!"

This speed was beyond imagination, and he wouldn't dare fight again even with ten times his courage!

"Ding!"

"The side mission is completed, and the host gets 50 points of contribution."

"Ding!"

"Martial contribution: 74/100."

"50 points?" Jun Changxiao wondered. "So much?"

The system said, "Ishank's strength is at the fifth-grade warrior level. If the host defeats him, a high contribution value is naturally awarded."

Jun Changxiao mused, "So he's a fifth-grade warrior."

After the meridians burst, the realm was divided into more detailed levels, from low to high: first to ninth grades, and the peak after the ninth grade. For example, Elder Ma of the Cangshan Sect was at the peak warrior level. If he took one more step, he would break through to Martial Master. The bandit leader of Black Wind Fortress was only a second-grade warrior.

The Ai family wasn't a traditional martial arts family; they mainly dealt with elixirs in Huyang City. Ishank having the strength of a fifth-grade warrior was already quite impressive.

"Elder Ai," Jun Changxiao said, "you should have spare clothes in your space ring?"

Gradually calming down, Ishank realized he was nearly naked. His old face blushed as he quickly took out clothes to put on, retrieved his sword, and clasped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your mercy."

The pride and disdain in his eyes had vanished.

Jun Changxiao said, "Elder Ai, my disciples did wrong by stealing your elixirs. As the leader, I must acknowledge that fault."

The mission was completed, and he had received the contribution points. Naturally, it was time to de-escalate the situation. After all, the sect was still developing, and it was unwise to make enemies everywhere.

"But," Jun Changxiao continued, "my disciple was beaten half to death by your men. From this standpoint, it's better to make a big issue small and a small issue disappear."

As the victor, Jun Changxiao took the initiative to make peace, giving Ishank an opportunity to back down gracefully. Ishank took the hint and said, "Young people are hot-headed, and fights are normal. My Ai family won't hold a grudge."

The attitude change after being beaten was a true depiction of respecting strong fists.

Jun Changxiao said, "Elder Ai, you've come a long way. Allow me to extend my hospitality and invite you to the main hall."

Having his clothes torn was already embarrassing enough.

Ishank clasped his hands and said, "I have matters to attend to, but I will visit again."

Jun Changxiao escorted him to the door, bowing, "Elder Ai, safe travels."

"Farewell!" Ishank left.

However, as he walked down the mountain, still shaken, he thought, "I didn't expect the Ironbone Sect leader to be so formidable. I must report back and advise against provoking him."

Ishank no longer questioned Jun Changxiao's abilities. Given his terrifying speed, killing a warrior would be effortless!

...

"Head, you were amazing!"

"The Phantom Step you used was incredible!"

"Head, is this technique on par with the Yi Jin Jing? Is it a god-level martial art?"

When Jun Changxiao returned to the sect, the disciples swarmed around him, their admiration growing, especially recalling how he had humiliated Elder Ai.

Jun Changxiao said, "Train well, and in the future, I will teach you all the Phantom Step."

"Wow, the head will teach us the Phantom Step!"

"We must work hard to become stronger and not disappoint the head!"

"Let's go practice!"

The disciples' enthusiasm soared, their blood boiling with excitement.

Truth be told, in just a month, Jun Changxiao had secured an irreplaceable status in their hearts. No outsider could entice them away to another sect, no matter how prestigious.

This loyalty was what Jun Changxiao valued most. He didn't care about their qualifications, only their loyalty to him and the sect.

...

Inside the hall.

Jun Changxiao stretched lazily in his chair, smiling. "Earning 50 contribution points feels great."

"Ding!"

"Su Xiaomo found the lost Xiao Huang. The martial mission is complete!"

"Ding!"

"Martial achievements: 2/100."

"Martial contribution: 76/100."

Hearing the prompt, Jun Changxiao felt even more elated. "Great, another task completed so soon. I picked the right person!"

"Ding!"

"The martial mission is complete. Disciples' contribution value has been unlocked."

Jun Changxiao said, "Disciples can also earn contribution value?"

Opening the martial arts system data panel, he saw 'Martial arts members: 100/100' with a clickable 'Details' text.

Clicking it, a small data panel appeared, listing many disciples' names. Except for Su Xiaomo, who had '2 points of contribution value' next to his name.

Jun Changxiao asked, "What does this mean?"

The system explained, "Disciples receive contribution points for completing martial missions. The host can use these points to buy items from the mall for them."

Jun Changxiao jumped up, rejoicing. "So disciples earning contribution points benefits me too!"

The system clarified, "Disciples' contribution points can only be used for items specifically for them. The host cannot use these points for personal purchases."

Jun Changxiao slumped back in his chair. "Couldn't you have told me that from the start?"

The system replied, "Understood."

Jun Changxiao asked, "So disciples have their own contribution points, and they can use these to purchase items?"

"Not exactly," the system said. "Disciples have a special mall. The host can open this mall to view the items."

Jun Changxiao quickly opened the mall and saw an additional 'Disciples Mall' button below the primary mall. Clicking it, he saw various items, mostly at the beginner level, with prices generally around 1 point each.

"Damn!" Jun Changxiao exclaimed. "Why are the items in the disciples' mall cheaper than mine?"

The system explained, "Because you are the host, there are many ways for you to earn contribution points, while disciples can only earn them through completing martial missions."

"I see," Jun Changxiao said.

He randomly clicked on a product to examine it and found that the descriptions were basic. Compared to his mall, the items were clearly of a lower grade.

The system added, "The items in the disciples' mall are mostly for support, while the host's mall offers a complete collection."

Jun Changxiao nodded, understanding the distinction.