200: Sand Shadow Thief

As Thunder Shakes the Mountain's voice fell, a brief silence descended upon the great hall, with only the faint starlight simulated on the ceiling flowing quietly.

Chen Linsheng stood in place, his expression unchanged, but his thoughts were racing like lightning.

Option one seemed like a meteoric rise with a wealth of resources, but it also meant being immediately tied to the Army Breaker Manor's war machine, losing his freedom.

A ten-year term, during which he could not leave without permission, and life and death would be unpredictable.

The secrets he carried—the deep mysteries of the Great Sun Burning Heaven Physique, the connection to the crimson flame great peng feather, and the potential of his new Hunyuan Qi and Blood—all required time for quiet contemplation and digestion. Rashly involving himself in high-intensity missions and unknown factional infighting was by no means wise.

Option two, though it halved his resources and came with the pressure of an assessment mission, gave him the buffer time he needed most.

A one-year term was enough for him to stabilize his cultivation at the Dragon Tendon Realm Perfection, further contemplate and integrate his Legacy, and simultaneously handle the trivial matters in Jiuqu Prefecture to secure a more stable foothold for Su Wan and himself.

Though the assessment mission was dangerous, it was also an Opportunity to prove his abilities and accumulate merit and experience.

The pros and cons were clear; there was almost no need for much deliberation.

Before half the time it takes for an incense stick to burn had passed, Chen Linsheng looked up, his gaze clear and firm as he met Thunder Shakes the Mountain's scrutinizing eyes.

“Elder,” he said, cupping his fists with a steady and powerful voice, “this Junior chooses the second path.”

There was no surprise in Thunder Shakes the Mountain's eyes; he seemed to have expected this choice long ago.

He nodded slightly, his face showing neither joy nor anger. “Tell me your reasons.”

“This Junior was fortunate enough to obtain a Legacy. My Realm has just risen, and although my Foundation is solid, the integration of my Cultivation Technique and the mastery of my power still require time to settle. It is not suitable for me to immediately engage in high-intensity combat, lest an unstable Foundation becomes a burden instead.”

Chen Linsheng said frankly, “Furthermore, this Junior comes from a humble background and still has family in Jiuqu Prefecture to settle and mundane affairs to conclude. A one-year term is just enough to attend to both. As for the assessment mission, this Junior is willing to use it to temper myself and test what I have learned.”

The reasoning was sensible and reasonable, neither humble nor arrogant.

Below the dais, Xiao Zhan's eyes flickered with a hint of approval. The heroic-looking woman also nodded slightly, clearly understanding the choice.

Thunder Shakes the Mountain tapped the armrest lightly with his finger, pondering for a moment before saying, “A prudent move, not a mistake. What my Army Breaker Manor wants are military talents who can fight for a long time and stand alone, not shooting stars that flash and disappear. Giving you time to stabilize is acceptable.”

His tone suddenly turned murderous and cold. “But the assessment mission is no joke. If you think being a candidate on the rolls means you can pass easily, you are dead wrong!”

He raised his hand, and a clerk standing by immediately stepped forward, handing a dossier and a palm-sized black iron token to Chen Linsheng.

The dossier was made of some kind of tough leather, cool to the touch. The token was heavy, with a relief of crossed blades and arrows—the Army Breaker insignia—on the front, and a temporary character for 'Dispatch' on the back, with fine serial numbers and runes engraved along the edges.

“Your assessment mission is here.” Thunder Shakes the Mountain’s booming voice echoed in the hall. “To the north of Jiuqu Prefecture, on the three main trade routes leading into the heart of the Northern Border, a group of bandits calling themselves the ‘Sand Shadow Bandits’ has been raiding frequently for the past six months. This group of villains acts with cunning and ruthlessness, coming and going like the wind. They specifically target small and medium-sized merchant caravans with weak escort forces, plundering goods and slaughtering everyone, leaving no survivors. On several occasions, peripheral personnel and transport teams sent by our Army Breaker Manor for rotations at outposts along the way have also met their end at their hands.”

His eyes were sharp as knives as he stared at Chen Linsheng. “According to scattered clues and vague descriptions from survivors, this group of bandits is unusual. Their leader goes by the nickname ‘Ghost Sand’ and is suspected of practicing a strange movement technique and an evil sand-control method, allowing him to appear and disappear without a trace in the desert, even creating small sandstorms for cover. There are also signs that they may be secretly colluding with certain small tribes in the Northern Desert to obtain intelligence and channels for selling stolen goods. The methods used in the last two attacks left very faint traces, similar to those of the White Lotus Sect driving vengeful spirits or using filthy blood... though weak, we must be on guard.”

Chen Linsheng felt a chill in his heart. Northern Desert tribes, remnants of the White Lotus Sect... he had clashed with both of these forces in the Secret Realm. Could it be that their shadows were truly behind these 'Sand Shadow Bandits'? Was it directed at him, or was it a coincidence?

Thunder Shakes the Mountain continued, “Your mission: within three months, identify the exact lair, personnel scale, and patterns of action of the ‘Sand Shadow Bandits.’ Then, find a way to eliminate them. You must kill the ringleader ‘Ghost Sand,’ bring back his head, and capture as many tokens or clues of their external collusion as possible to report back here. If you can uproot this group of bandits entirely, it will be a major achievement.”

Three months to identify and eliminate a group of mysterious, fierce bandits who might involve external forces. The mission difficulty was indeed not small.

“This is a temporary dispatch order.” Thunder Shakes the Mountain pointed at the black iron token. “With this token, within the range of Jiuqu Prefecture and the three adjacent northern counties, you may call upon no more than ten local garrison soldiers to assist you, or mobilize peripheral personnel and partner martial arts halls registered with the Army Breaker Manor, with the total number also not exceeding ten. Garrison officers and relevant personnel who see this token must cooperate with your actions, provided there is no conflict with higher-level military orders. But remember, the dispatch order is limited to mission-related matters and must not be abused. Ultimately, success or failure depends primarily on your own ability and planning.”

He was given help, but the number and scope were limited; the core pressure remained on him.

Chen Linsheng took the dossier and token with both hands; they felt cold and heavy. He quickly flipped through the dossier, which recorded the times, locations, and rough damage estimates of several large-scale attacks, as well as some rumored characteristics of ‘Ghost Sand’ and the Sand Shadow Bandits, but it indeed lacked key clues. Clearly, the opponent was very cautious.

“This Junior accepts the command,” he responded solemnly, stowing the dossier and token away carefully.

“Very well.” Thunder Shakes the Mountain stood up, his tall frame carrying an invisible sense of pressure. He walked down the steps and came before Chen Linsheng, no more than three paces away.

“Chen Linsheng, I can see that you are no ordinary person. The Secret Realm Legacy is an Opportunity, but also a test. I hope you use this one year well; do not squander this Opportunity, and even more so, do not squander the chance given by my Army Breaker Manor.” His voice softened slightly, but still carried a steel-like force. “The mission is dangerous. Everything should be focused on preserving yourself and completing the mission. If it becomes impossible, you can call for help or retreat in time; preserving a useful life is better than a senseless sacrifice. But if you shrink back from difficulty or act perfunctorily... the Army Breaker Manor has no room for trash.”

A combination of grace and authority, both a warning and an expectation.

“This Junior understands and will do my utmost to live up to the trust,” Chen Linsheng replied in a deep voice.

Thunder Shakes the Mountain nodded and said no more, turning and waving his hand. “Go. You can discuss specific matters with Xiao Zhan. He is familiar with the situation in the Northern Border and may be able to give you some advice.”

“Yes.”

Chen Linsheng bowed and withdrew. Xiao Zhan also gave a slight nod to Thunder Shakes the Mountain and the heroic woman before exiting the Thunder Hall with Chen Linsheng.

The heavy hall doors slowly closed behind them, sealing off that murderous and solemn atmosphere.

In the corridor outside the hall, sunlight spilled through the pillars, bringing a touch of warmth.

Xiao Zhan walked side by side with Chen Linsheng and said in a low voice, “Elder Lei may seem strict, but he actually cherishes talent. Giving you an assessment mission is both a rule and a way to see your ability in practical coordination. The ‘Sand Shadow Bandits’ have indeed been rampant lately, and the Manor has long taken notice. Sending you there also has the intention of using your strength to eradicate this cancer.”

Chen Linsheng nodded. “Captain Xiao, do you have any more clues regarding these ‘Sand Shadow Bandits’ and ‘Ghost Sand’?”

Xiao Zhan pondered, “What is recorded in the dossier is everything currently known. This group is extremely cunning; they rarely leave valuable clues at the crime scenes, and occasionally when bodies are left behind, they are destroyed by wind and sand or some kind of corrosive energy. ‘Ghost Sand’ is even more elusive; no one knows his true face. We suspect they may have some secret method for rapid movement or concealment in the desert, or even... they might be entrenched in some unknown hidden stronghold, similar to a Secret Realm fragment or ancient ruins.”

He looked at Chen Linsheng with a deep gaze. “You carry the ‘Great Sun True Flame,’ which is supremely Yang and righteous. Perhaps it will have some restraining effect on certain dark and hidden methods. You must be careful on this trip; if the remnants of the White Lotus Sect are truly in league with them, their methods will surely be treacherous. I need to guard the prefecture city recently and cannot help you directly, but I can introduce you to two people.”

As he spoke, he took out two pre-prepared short letters from his robe.

“One is for Team Leader Wang at the Black Stone Pass garrison outpost. He is my former subordinate, reliable, and familiar with the desert terrain north of Black Stone Pass. He also has a few elite veteran soldiers under him. You can use your dispatch order to discuss borrowing men from him.”

“The other is for the manager of ‘Baixiao Hall’ in the prefecture city. On the surface, Baixiao Hall is a teahouse, but in reality, it is one of the largest information hubs in the Northern Border. Its background is complex, but its reputation is acceptable. By paying a corresponding price, you might be able to buy some scattered news about the ‘Sand Shadow Bandits.’ Remember, only do business; do not get deeply involved.”

Chen Linsheng took the letters, feeling grateful. “Thank you, Captain Xiao.”

“No need to be polite.” Xiao Zhan patted his shoulder. “I look forward to the day you officially join the Manor. At that time, perhaps you and I can truly fight side by side.”

The two parted at the entrance of the branch office. Chen Linsheng looked back at the stern black building and gripped the dossier and token in his hand.

The mountain rain is about to come, and the wind already fills the building.