Chapter 15: Treasure Hunt
The Sage Master of the Martial League Hall remains shrouded in mystery, his origins obscured by legends and rumors. Some whisper that he is an immortal being, sent to this realm to offer wisdom and guidance to aspiring cultivators. Others claim he was a renowned general who lived centuries ago, his spirit lingering on to impart his knowledge. Yet, there are those who dismiss him as nothing more than a madman, eccentric and mysterious.
The truth of his origins remains a closely guarded secret, known only to the highest order of the Martial League Hall and a select few clan heads from the prestigious Big Seven. Despite the uncertainty surrounding him, one thing is clear—his presence commands respect and reverence among those who seek his counsel.
"For the next event, you will be randomly grouped together and tasked with collecting various items within the illusionary portrait realm, painted by a venerable artisan," Grandmaster Gao Dingbang announced, his voice echoing through the hall.
"As you venture into this realm, you may encounter minor fluctuations. Remember, it is merely an illusionary world created for this event. Ho ho ho, may fortune favor your endeavors," he concluded with a smile, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
The system promptly displayed the details of the next sub-mission for the preliminaries:
[Sub-mission #2: Illusionary Realm Treasure Hunt!]
[Description: Utilize your party to locate the following treasures hidden within the illusionary realm prepared by the Martial League Hall]
[Gentle Willow Fire Herb, Blue Spotted Crustacean Crablet, Everlasting Golden Plum Blossom, Stygian Cold Steel, and Jade Radiant Mirror.]
[Rewards: Obtain 1 free gacha-spin and an additional 100 exp upon completion.]
Shortly after, the seal on the illusionary realm was broken, causing the painted landscape to waver and distort like a peculiar portal had materialized. Young cultivators swarmed toward the anomaly, drawn into its mysterious depths. Avin took a deep breath, steadying his nerves before sprinting toward the portal, eager to embark on the next phase of the competition.
As Avin was drawn into the portal, an unexpected intruder suddenly materialized and unleashed a demonic technique, in attempt shattering the Illusionary portrait.
The headmasters of the martial league hall swiftly intervened, rushing to the scene to counter the impending threat.
"Myriad roars of the golden dragons!" Master Simu's voice thundered as a multitude of soul dragon creatures materialized, intercepting the incoming attack with their formidable presence. "Soul binding ice chains!" Headmistress Liu Meitong's command echoed through the chamber as she ensnared the intruder in chilling chains infused with Yin energy, rendering him momentarily incapacitated. Despite their efforts, some of the blast managed to strike the illusionary portrait, causing it to tear slightly under the onslaught.
"Fortunately, it seems the young ones inside are unharmed, but there's been a slight hiccup," remarked one of the formation masters.
"Some of the formations inside the illusionary portrait have torn, causing some participants to spawn away from their groups or even go solo on the treasure hunt."
"Let's not dwell on it now. If luck is on their side, they'll manage; if not, there's little we can do," Sage Master sighed, disappointment evident in his voice.
"Those demonic ruffians!" he muttered under his breath.
***
As Avin was engulfed by the portal's light, a wave of exhaustion washed over him. The swirling, distorted space and sudden vibrations left him disoriented, and he slipped into unconsciousness.
When he awoke, he found himself amidst a dense forest, disoriented and unsure of his surroundings. "Where am I?" he murmured, rising to his feet.
Turning to the System for answers, Avin received an unexpected revelation.
[There's been an unusual fluctuation detected as you passed through the portal.]
The System informed him.
[It appears something may have occurred from the outside.]
Furthermore, his mission parameters had been altered.
[Instead of joining a party, you'll be entering this realm solo to hunt for the required treasures.]
The System continued.
Avin felt a jolt of surprise as the System abruptly changed course, assigning him a solo treasure hunt.
[System Update!]
Flashed across his interface, along with the revised mission details:
[New Sub-mission #2: Collect the any hidden treasures (limitless) and rescue one aspiring cultivator.]
Avin couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and trepidation as he read the updated sub-mission from the system. The task now included not only collecting the required treasures but also rescuing a fellow cultivator, significantly amplifying the challenge ahead.
Along with this, came enticing rewards:
[Rewards: 3 free gatcha-spins and additional 300 exp.]
"High risk, high rewards, eh?" Avin muttered to himself, contemplating the newfound complexity of his mission. He knew that navigating the perils of the illusionary realm would require courage, cunning, and resourcefulness.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Avin saw an opportunity—a chance to prove himself and emerge stronger than ever before.
With determination burning in his heart, Avin steeled himself for the trials ahead, ready to face whatever obstacles the realm had in store. Whether blessing or curse, he was determined to seize this opportunity and emerge victorious.
[System Notice!]
[You may take some of the treasures hidden here in the illusionary portrait realm before time runs out.]
The System reminded him, the countdown ticking away.
[Time Remaining 72:00:00]
With determination burning in his heart, Avin steeled himself for the trials ahead, ready to face whatever obstacles the realm had in store. Whether blessing or curse, he was determined to seize this opportunity and emerge victorious. Each step brought him deeper into the dense forest, the canopy overhead casting dappled shadows across his path. Despite the uncertainty of his surroundings, Avin remained focused, his mind set on the task ahead.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, Avin kept a vigilant eye out for any signs of the treasures he was tasked with finding. The System's warning echoed in his mind, urging him to act swiftly before time ran out. With each passing moment, the urgency of his mission weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Yet amidst the tension and uncertainty, a flicker of determination burned within Avin's soul. He may be facing the unknown, but he refused to falter. With each step forward, he embraced the challenge ahead, ready to confront whatever trials awaited him in this uncharted realm.
***
Hien Ruan found himself in the company of Namgoong Jin and his pretty attendants, serving as little more than a lackey to the esteemed young master. Despite his own aspirations and dreams, Hien Ruan's humble origins relegated him to the role of an errand boy, carrying out menial tasks at the behest of his privileged companion.
While Namgoong Jin enjoys the admiration of his pretty attendants, Hien Ruan can't help but feel resentful of his submissive position. While the young master attracted the attention of his admirers, Hien Ruan worked tirelessly, but his efforts went largely unnoticed or unappreciated.
Hours passed, and still, Hien Ruan found himself relegated to the sidelines, while Namgoong Jin and his retinue enjoyed the fruits of his labor. Despite the injustice of his situation, Hien Ruan knew better than to speak out against his superior. With a resigned sigh, he resigned himself to his fate, focusing on his tasks with quiet determination.