74: The task of making a name for oneself

With strong enemies lurking outside and undercurrents surging within, Wen Youyi knew deep down that if the Mutual Aid Society wanted to truly gain a foothold and break the deadlock, it had to demonstrate enough strength to shut everyone up!

He arrived at the Mission Hall once again, his gaze passing over the ordinary tasks and landing directly on the very top of the jade wall, at those few crimson-colored missions that had hung there for years, representing extreme danger and glory.

[Suppress the Earth Fire Cavern]

Requirements: Earth fire has erupted deep within the Qinglan Mountain Range, forming a cavern where a large number of Fire Fiend Yao Beasts have bred, threatening the surrounding area.

Need to enter the depths of the cavern, Seal the Earth Fire core, and wipe out the Yao Beasts.

Rewards: 2,000 Contribution Points, 100 High-Grade Spirit Stones, and one qualification to select an item from the Sect secret treasury.

Recommendation: Led by a Foundation Establishment Stage Elder, or a team of multiple elite Qi Refinement Stage Late Stage cultivators.

[Explore the Lost Ancient City]

Requirements: Investigate the truth behind the ancient city ruins that recently appeared in the Misty Swamp, map the area, and assess the risks and value.

Rewards: 1,500 Contribution Points and priority for exploring unknown ruins.

Recommendation: A team with strong Divine Sense, proficient in Formations, and skilled in survival.

[Wipe Out Evil Cultivator Stronghold]

Requirements: Investigate and eradicate the stronghold of the evil cultivator organization 'Blood Fiend Cult' entrenched at 'Black Wind Mountain', and rescue the kidnapped Mortals.

Rewards: 1,800 Contribution Points, 300 Karma points, and a Sect Magical Artifact (of choice).

Recommendation: A team with formidable combat power and tacit coordination; must be wary of evil arts.

Any one of these three missions would be enough to make the top Outer Sect teams shrink back.

The Earth Fire Cavern has an extreme environment where Fire Fiend Yao Beasts fight without fear of death; the Lost Ancient City is eerie and unpredictable, and the Misty Swamp itself is a death trap; the evil cultivators at Black Wind Mountain are cruel in their methods, and there is a possibility that a Foundation Establishment Stage evil cultivator is stationed there.

Inside the Mission Hall, many Disciples saw Wen Youyi's gaze land on these missions and couldn't help but hold their breath.

"He... he isn't thinking of taking these missions again, is he?"

"He's crazy! Absolutely crazy!"

"Even if they can fight, these missions aren't something a Qi Refinement Stage cultivator should touch!"

Wen Youyi ignored the surrounding discussion, his brain rapidly analyzing the pros and cons of the three missions.

The Earth Fire Cavern: the environment is unfavorable to him, and the Fire Fiend Qi might interfere with his Domain.

The Lost Ancient City: the uncertainty is too high, and it might take a long time.

The Black Wind Mountain evil cultivators... A cold light flashed in his eyes.

Evil cultivators kidnap Mortals and Cultivate evil arts; it is intolerable by the laws of heaven!

Furthermore, wiping out evil cultivators earns immense Karma and is the best way to demonstrate a Righteous Path stance, shutting the mouths of those who criticize his "evil arts"!

More importantly, this kind of head-on battle best demonstrates the combat power of their team!

This is the one!

Wen Youyi stepped forward and, amidst the shocked gazes of everyone, took down the crimson token representing "Wipe Out Evil Cultivator Stronghold"!

"Hiss—!"

A sound of gasping echoed throughout the Mission Hall.

"He... he actually took it!"

"Wipe out the Blood Fiend Cult? There are only five of them!"

"This time they've really bitten off more than they can chew!"

The news spread through the Outer Sect like a gale, even attracting the attention of the Inner Sect!

In the Five Elements Courtyard, Fire Cloud Child received the news, was stunned for a moment, and then revealed a ferocious smile: "Seeking their own death! Is the Blood Fiend Cult of Black Wind Mountain someone to be trifled with? It is said their leader is already at Half-step Foundation Establishment! This is perfect for borrowing a knife to kill someone!"

In the Hundred Herbs Pavilion, Senior Sister Mu heard the news, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed. After pondering for a moment, she instructed her subordinate Disciples: "Prepare the highest quality healing and detoxifying Medicinal Pills; they might need them."

Even the Discipline Hall and several Elders who were paying attention to this matter turned their gazes toward the direction of Black Wind Mountain.

Everyone wanted to know if this Wen Youyi, who had created miracle after miracle, could continue his legend this time.

After taking the mission, Wen Youyi did not depart immediately.

He knew deeply that this battle was dangerous and that he had to make full preparations.

He gathered the core members through the "Mind Net" and announced his decision.

"Screw them! I've long found those evil cultivators an eyesore!" Zhao Iron Pillar rubbed his hands together.

Wang Wu was calmer: "The Blood Fiend Cult has been entrenched for many years, and their stronghold is easy to defend and hard to attack. There must be Formation traps; we need detailed intelligence."

"I will find a way to get the intelligence," Wen Youyi said. "Senior Brother Zhang, you are responsible for preparing Formation-breaking talismans and defensive Magical Artifacts against evil arts. Iron Pillar, lead the team to step up drills for assault tactics. Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Li, prepare the supplies, especially the detoxifying and recovery Medicinal Pills."

The entire Mutual Aid Society began to operate efficiently again, like a precision war machine.

Wen Youyi, through the channels of the Hundred Herbs Pavilion and the Mutual Aid Society's own intelligence network, spared no cost in gathering all information regarding Black Wind Mountain and the Blood Fiend Cult.

Three days later, everything was ready.

Wen Youyi and the other four, under the gaze of countless expectant, worried, or schadenfreude-filled eyes, left the Sect once again and headed for Black Wind Mountain!

This battle would determine the fate of the Mutual Aid Society: would it be making a name for themselves, or... falling into an abyss of no return!

(End of Chapter)