Conflicts

"Desolate Abyss, huh? With this, can we finally defeat the Crimson Storm Sect?" the Sect Master said, his eyes glowing menacingly.

"Sect Master, was it really necessary to give that junior this much wealth?" Elder Mei inquired respectfully.

"This information is something that can completely change our situation with the Crimson Storm Sect. The pill that the junior showed has the effect of increasing a person's affinity. With it, we can nurture more powerful disciples. With them, we can surely turn the tide and pay them back for the massacre!" the Sect Master said in a furious tone, his eyes turning red.

"Elder Mei, I want you to send some disciples of Qi Condensation to the Whispering Woodlands and check on this Desolate Abyss. Although I would prefer to send someone of higher rank, we are currently at war against the Crimson Storm Sect, and they might ambush them," the Sect Master sighed, calming down.

"This junior understands," Elder Mei bowed and left the abode.

Elder Mei arrived at the Mission Hall, where several disciples greeted her. She then posted the mission of investigating the Mysterious Tower on the rectangular wood in the center, made up of the Hallowed Arbor and supported by several pillars. The wood had intricate patterns and rich hues that perfectly blended with the surroundings.

Afterward, Elder Mei went inside the Mission Counter and sat there, minding her own business.

A few days later, a group of disciples gathered inside the Mission Hall, discussing the missions.

"Brother Huo Hong, have you seen the missions? It's becoming weirder day by day," a person with a large mouth and a bit of chubbiness spoke up.

"There's a mission of wiping the excrement of a Foundation Establishment Beast inside the Inner Court!" he said furiously.

"You're right, Brother Ying! These missions are usually performed by at least someone of Foundation Establishment due to the danger of the beast attacking. But how could those arrogant bastards assign such a task to us in the outer sect?" he growled in anger.

Meng Lei added, "There's also a mission of finding a lost chicken! Do they think of us as freeloaders?"

They discussed the missions, browsing through the Mission List.

"Hmm? Finally, a normal mission!" Ying exclaimed.

"Investigating the Mysterious Tower in the Whispering Woodland, and on top of that, there should be at least eight people in the group?" Ying questioned, confused.

"Why should there be eight people in the group? Is it because of the war with the Crimson Storm Sect that they want us to travel in groups? But if someone ambushes us, wouldn't there be heavy casualties?" he added.

Huo Hong, who was beside him, said, "Although that might be the case, it's not applicable all the time. There have been several disciples who carried out their missions individually without suffering any ambush. It seems that since the sect itself posted this mission, it holds importance to them."

"But if it's so important, why couldn't they just post this mission in the inner court? Why did they put it here? Is it because of the war that they can't send someone from the inner court to the Whispering Woodland?" Wu Sheng, who was in the group, pondered.

"I think that's the case. Foundation Establishment disciples are more important to the sect due to their battle power, so it's as if they are discarding us countless Qi Condensation Stage disciples," Liu Xin analyzed the situation.

"But the rewards aren't bad either! We get a mortal-grade talisman that can spew fire and 500 Middle Grade spirit stones! Even if the mission is dangerous, the rewards are tempting," Chan Yu said, saliva almost dripping from his mouth.

"I think this is a high-risk, high-reward situation. If something goes wrong, it could cost us our lives," Wu Sheng warned everyone.

"I am taking this mission," Ying was the first to raise his hand.

"Me too."

"Me too."

After a few moments, nine disciples accepted the mission. They were Chan Yu, Hou Hong, Liu Xin, Wu Sheng, Ying Ling, Gong Wei, Sun Chen, Yang Tian, and Wei Xing.

"Do you accept this mission of investigating the Mysterious Tower in the Central Grove?" Elder Mei looked at the group of nine people in front of her, gazing at them with deep eyes.

"Yes!" everyone shouted in unison.

"Okay. You also have to investigate the inside of the tower, so be careful on your journey," she waved her hand, dismissing the disciples.

After everyone left the Mission Hall, Elder Mei sat on the chair, muttering softly, "I really hope that we overcome this dark time where our disciples are dying needlessly at the hands of the enemy sect."

In the outskirts of the Whispering Woodland, a group of people dressed in blue intricate robes moved vigilantly.

"Everyone! After days of travel, we have finally arrived at the outskirts of the Whispering Woodland. Before we venture deeper, I would like to propose something," Hou Hong, taking the lead, said.

"What is it, Brother Hong?" Wu Sheng questioned.

"Since only some of us are acquainted with each other, I would like everyone to showcase their abilities. This way, we can be aware of each other's abilities and plan accordingly for our mission, as we currently only have a rough idea," Hou Hong suggested.

"I agree with this," Liu Xin added.

Everyone agreed to showcase their abilities.

"Since I proposed this, I should be the one going first," Hou Hong exclaimed as he ran with the group to a place where a Qi Condensation Stage 5 serpent rested. It was covered in dark green scales with patches of light green scales and had two horns protruding from its head.

"Haaaaaah!"

"Iron Palm Strike!" Hou Hong shouted as he threw a palm covered in Brown Qi, filled with power.

The serpent was caught off guard and suffered a direct hit from the attack. It was thrown backwards, and the trees in its path broke like tofu. The once green and peaceful scenery was replaced with broken trees stained with blood.

The serpent, now enraged, got up and started attacking Hou Hong, but it was defeated in a few rounds. Hou Hong then took the corpse and put it in his spirit ring.

"I am Hou Hong. I mainly cultivate Earth Qi, and I am at the Qi Condensation Stage 6," he introduced himself to the group.

Everyone praised him as he had the highest cultivation base among them.

"I will go next," Wu Sheng raised his hand and swiftly started sprinting around to find a suitable target.

After some time, he faced a Qi Condensation Stage 4 Crimson Feathered Phoenix. The bird had fiery red stripes all over its body, a sharp beak, and burning red eyes.

They both faced each other, and Wu Sheng attacked first, drawing his sword.

"Whirling Serenade!"

Wu Sheng unleashed a series of sword techniques, ranging from simple slashes to complex patterns of unthinkable forms. His movements were fluid and serene, turning the bloody scene of the bird getting slashed into a picturesque sight.

The bird tried to flee, but Wu Sheng cut off its wing and killed it with a fluid slash to its neck. He put the corpse in his spirit ring and said to the group with a smile, "My name is Wu Sheng, and I am a swordsman who specializes in Whirling Serenade. I am at the Qi Condensation Stage 5." He then joined the group.

"I would like to go next," Liu Xin spoke up. He faced a Qi Condensation Stage 4 Flowing Mist Serpent, which had a sinuous body and emitted a misty aura.

As the fight started, Liu Xin's expression changed to one of the frenzy as lightning covered his whole body. He muttered, "Lightning Body!"

Everything became blurred as the serpent activated its ability and covered the surroundings in mist. But flashes of lightning flickered through the mist, creating a picturesque sight. After some time, the mist dissipated, revealing a scene covered in blood, with Liu Xin standing at its center, drenched in crimson. He returned to the group with a terrifying smile and said, "My name is Liu Xin, and I mainly cultivate Lightning Qi. I am at the Qi Condensation Stage 5."

To be continued...