45: Mission Controversy and the Diffusion of "Technology"

Carrying the Bat King's Materials and the mission completion certificate, The core five people of Wen Youyi returned to Qingxuan Sect.

When they handed over the pair of dark golden wing membranes, representing the Demonic Bats' leader from Black Wind Cave, to the Mission Hall deacon, the entire Mission Hall fell into an eerie silence.

All the Disciples who witnessed this scene gaped in disbelief.

"He... they actually completed it?"

"It's only been a few days? Black Wind Cave! That's a mission even Qi Refining Fifth Layer teams struggle with!"

"Looking at them, it seems... they weren't hurt much?"

Those who had been waiting to see a joke, or were preparing to receive the "fat sheep's" inheritance, were all dumbfounded. Especially when the deacon confirmed the mission completion and handed over five hundred contribution points and two hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones to Wen Youyi, that heavy reward stung countless eyes.

D-7 Courtyard not only survived but actually completed that notoriously deadly mission, and seemingly with ease!

This news caused an even greater stir than their return from the Ancient Ruins! If the previous event was luck, then this Black Wind Cave mission was a solid proof of their strength!

Wen Youyi ignored the surrounding discussions and the increasingly complex gazes. After receiving the rewards, he led his companions straight back to Ding Zi Courtyard.

Closing the courtyard gate, they shut out the external clamor.

"Haha, exhilarating! Look at the expressions on those guys' faces, their eyeballs almost popped out!" Zhao Iron Pillar laughed heartily, feeling triumphant.

Wang Wu and the others also smiled. This counter-attack against Chen Jian and the completion of the mission greatly boosted their confidence.

"Don't celebrate too early." Wen Youyi remained calm. "Chen Jian is dead; those behind him won't let it go. And the 'abnormal' strength we displayed this time will attract more attention and scrutiny."

He tallied their gains from this trip. The mission rewards, plus the spoils plundered from Chen Jian and his group, amounted to another considerable fortune, especially some Medicinal Pills and Cultivation Techniques from Chen Jian's Storage Pouch, which were of good quality.

"We need to convert these resources into strength as quickly as possible." Wen Youyi made arrangements. "Furthermore, regarding the 'Star Domain,' we must be even more cautious and not use it lightly unless absolutely necessary."

He had a premonition that a greater storm was approaching.

Sure enough, just two days later, trouble came knocking.

This time, it wasn't the Discipline Hall, nor a certain Disciple, but an unexpected person—the Old Deacon who often dozed off in the Mission Hall.

He still looked half-asleep as he knocked on the Ding Zi Courtyard's door and, facing a somewhat startled Wen Youyi, lazily asked, "Boy, what method did you use to clear Black Wind Cave? The poisonous miasma in that cave isn't easily dealt with by ordinary anti-poison Medicinal Pills."

Wen Youyi's internal alarm bells rang loudly, but his expression remained calm: "To answer the Deacon, this Disciple and the others were fortunate enough to find some ancient anti-poison powder, and with our tacit cooperation, we barely managed to complete it."

"Ancient anti-poison powder?" The Old Deacon's cloudy eyes glanced at him, smiling meaningfully. "An ancient formula that can completely block the Black Wind Cave's poisonous miasma, allowing you boys to stroll through it as if it were your own backyard? Hehe..."

He didn't probe further, changing the subject: "A few junior Inner Sect Disciples took on a mission to clear the 'Corrosive Poison Swamp.' The poisonous miasma there is ten times worse than Black Wind Cave, and their anti-poison Magical Artifacts are almost at their limit. They're very interested in the 'method' you used, and asked me to inquire... are you selling it?"

Wen Youyi's heart jolted. Inner Sect Disciples! And they directly pointed out their interest in the method of "isolating poisonous miasma"!

This was definitely not a coincidence! Someone must have reported their "abnormal" performance in Black Wind Cave!

Was it the Five Elements Courtyard? Or other interested parties?

"Deacon, you jest." Wen Youyi quickly bowed. "This Disciple and the others have no special method; it was truly luck combined with some rudimentary cooperation. It's nothing significant, and we wouldn't dare make a fool of ourselves."

The Old Deacon seemed to have anticipated his refusal and didn't get angry. He slowly said, "Sometimes, possessing a rare treasure isn't necessarily a blessing. The Sect is not a pure land. Some things, held too tightly, can burn your hands. If you can exchange them for tangible benefits, or... find a patron, it might not be a bad path."

These words were profound, carrying a hint of warning and a faint suggestion of recruitment.

Thoughts raced through Wen Youyi's mind. This Old Deacon seemed to know something, and his attitude wasn't entirely malicious.

"Thank you for your guidance, Deacon." Wen Youyi respectfully said, "It's just that this Disciple and the others truly have limited abilities, and I fear we would disappoint the Senior Brothers of the Inner Sect."

The Old Deacon gave him a deep look, said no more, waved his hand, and ambled away.

Watching the Old Deacon's retreating figure, Wen Youyi's brows furrowed.

The trouble had escalated. From the covetousness of Outer Sect Disciples, it had risen to the attention of Inner Sect Disciples, and possibly even the recruitment or coercion of certain factions.

Their "technology"—whether it was the "Star Domain" or its demonstrated effect of "isolating poisonous miasma"—had attracted higher-level attention.

Should they continue to hide it, or... "diffuse" it to a limited extent in exchange for resources and protection?

Wen Youyi fell into deep thought.

He knew that the next crucial decision was imminent. This concerned their future path and whether they could truly establish a foothold in this whirlpool.

(End of Chapter)