The morning bells of Azure Cloud Sect echoed across the mountain. Disciples flooded the courtyards, heading to training, alchemy pavilions, or sparring arenas.
But Long Chen's destination was different—the Mission Hall.
The building stood at the center of the outer sect grounds, carved from black stone, its walls etched with glowing runes. Above the arched entrance, golden characters blazed:
"Azure Cloud Mission Hall."
Inside, the hall bustled with activity. Disciples crowded before floating jade tablets, each glowing with lists of tasks.
The steward behind the counter—an older disciple in darker azure robes—spoke lazily. "Rules are simple. Complete a mission, earn contribution points. Fail, and points are deducted. Abandon a mission, and punishment will follow. Choose wisely."
The tasks varied:
Herb Gathering → travel to nearby mountains, collect rare herbs. Reward: 5 points.
Beast Subjugation → eliminate rogue Qi Condensation beasts near villages. Reward: 10–20 points.
Escort Duties → accompany merchants along trade routes. Reward: 15 points.
Outer Sect Patrol → watch the sect's borders. Reward: 8 points.
Some disciples scoffed at menial tasks. Others eagerly chose safer missions to accumulate points slowly.
Long Chen's golden eyes scanned the tablets. His bloodline pulsed faintly—hungry.
The System flickered:
[ Mission Suggestion ]
Recommended: Beast Subjugation
Rationale: Dragon bloodline can devour beast essence → enhances cultivation.
A faint smile curved Long Chen's lips. He pressed his jade token to the glowing tablet.
"Mission Accepted: Subjugate the Ironback Wolves terrorizing Silverleaf Village. Reward: 15 points."
The steward glanced at him, then sneered faintly. "So you chose that one. Dangerous for new disciples. Try not to die, boy."
Murmurs rose among the other disciples.
"Is he insane? Ironback Wolves hunt in packs."
"He just broke through yesterday. Overestimating himself."
"Or maybe… he's confident."
As Long Chen stepped outside, he noticed hostile gazes. The arrogant youth from before leaned against a pillar, smirking with his small faction gathered around him.
"Well, well. The monster wants to play hero. Brothers, remember the village near Silverleaf? Looks like fate delivers him right into our path."
His cronies laughed, whispering threats.
Long Chen ignored them. He had no time for dogs barking at shadows.
Just as he was leaving, Zhang Mu and Zhang Wei rushed up.
"Brother Long Chen!" Zhang Mu panted. "Did you pick a mission already?"
Long Chen nodded. "Ironback Wolves."
Zhang Mu's jaw dropped. "That's… that's insane! They hunt in packs. Even Foundation Establishment disciples can fall if surrounded."
Zhang Wei's gaze, however, remained steady. "And yet, you don't seem afraid."
Long Chen smiled faintly. "Fear only feeds the wolves."
Zhang Mu hesitated, then clenched his fists. "Then let us come with you. Even if we can't match your strength, we can at least support you."
Long Chen studied the siblings quietly. They were weak, yes—but determination burned in their eyes. And allies, even weak ones, had value.
"Very well. But stay close, and listen to my commands."
By midday, the trio left Azure Cloud Mountain, traveling along the forest path toward Silverleaf Village. The sect's walls vanished behind them, replaced by wild landscapes—ancient trees, rivers, and distant mountains shrouded in mist.
Zhang Mu talked nervously, filling the silence. "Do you know, Brother Long Chen, that Ironback Wolves' hides are tougher than steel? Even blades struggle to cut through. And they say the alpha wolf… has already reached late Foundation Establishment."
Long Chen's golden eyes glimmered faintly. Perfect. More essence for me to devour.
Zhang Wei walked quietly, her hand brushing the hilt of her sword. Every so often, her eyes flickered toward Long Chen, as if studying him.
As they neared Silverleaf, the air grew heavy. Birdsong vanished, replaced by faint growls carried on the wind.
Long Chen stopped, raising his hand. "They're here."
In the shadows of the forest, pairs of crimson eyes glowed. One, two… ten.
The underbrush rustled. Enormous wolves padded into view, each the size of a horse. Their hides glistened like black iron, claws sharp enough to rend stone.
Zhang Mu's face turned white. "S-so many…"
The largest wolf stepped forward, its back ridged with steel-like spikes. Its aura pressed down like a storm.
The System pulsed in Long Chen's vision:
Pack: Ironback Wolves (9)
Alpha: Foundation Establishment (Late)
Reward: Beast Essence, +15 Contribution Points.
Long Chen's lips curved into a calm, hungry smile.
"Stay behind me."
The wolves growled, muscles tensing.
Long Chen drew the Iron Fang Blade, golden light flickering across his skin.
Time to feed the dragon.