"No way, this brat has deprived me of two months’ worth of cultivation resources. I must find a way to get them back." As cunning as one gets older, Steward Mu Kun’s eyes flashed, coming up with a new plan immediately.
Sending Chu Feng to die in the Fiery Flame Cave did not achieve the intended purpose, and instead, Chu Feng had a lively escapade.
Needless to say, there was no chance of pleasing Elder Yang, and there might even be the risk of inviting Elder Yang’s scolding.
Being criticized for incompetence, certainly one would be reprimanded as a waste. Couldn’t even handle a new entry-level disciple.
Steward Mu Kun said coldly, "What’s the rush? Do you really think I, the steward, would covet your petty novice resources?"
"There’s another task here that requires your attention. Once you’ve completed it, not only will you achieve a great merit, but I will also personally ensure that the cultivation resources you deserve are delivered to you."
Chilling killing intent lurked in the depths of Steward Mu Kun’s eyes; this task was certainly another dangerously fatal one.
F*ck, this old bastard just doesn’t know when to stop, does he?
Chu Feng had just narrowly escaped death in the Fiery Flame Cave and hadn’t even caught his breath. Steward Mu Kun was already trying to assign him another deadly task, naturally, he would not agree.
"If my memory serves me right, an ordinary disciple only needs to complete one task per month, right? You should save your task for someone else!"
"From now on, I am no longer a new entry-level disciple, and if I want to receive tasks, I’ll go to that window over there; I don’t need you, Steward Mu Kun, to worry about it." Chu Feng flatly refused.
"Heh heh, I’m afraid it’s not up to you! As the saying goes, the capable must do more. You have shown exceptional performance, and no one else but you can accomplish this task."
"Behind the Sect’s mountain, or rather, beneath the Heavenly Sword Peak, there is a valley. It is shrouded in fog all year round, never seeing the light of day. Legend has it that the valley was a place used by ancient witches in ancient times to punish evil spirits. Hence, it is also known as Evil Spirit Valley."
"Some time ago, a direct disciple of our Sect entered the valley for cultivation and has since vanished. To this day, he has yet to emerge. You should go in there and look for him, find the person, and bring him out. The Sect will certainly reward you handsomely!"
Steward Mu Kun actually intended to send Chu Feng to the terrifying Evil Spirit Valley.
The people around who heard this looked at Chu Feng with pitiful eyes. The old disciples all knew too well the terror of Evil Spirit Valley.
It’s a place a hundred times more horrific than the Fiery Flame Cave.
The Fiery Flame Cave merely has visible dangers like magma and earth fire. In contrast, Evil Spirit Valley harbors invisible and intangible evil spirits that lurk like fierce ghosts.
Hiding in the shadows, killing without trace.
Completely indefensible and impossible to evade.
"Humph, Steward Mu Kun really has a high regard for me. A direct disciple got trapped inside and couldn’t get out, yet you ask me, a lowly capable entry-level disciple, to go for the rescue. Are you really sending me to save someone or to meet my death?"
Chu Feng’s voice was loud, and his heart was filled with immense anger.
That old scoundrel Mu Kun was just too cruel.
Quite a few people turned their attention towards the commotion, and some began to whisper, pointing fingers at Mu Kun.
"What are you shouting about? Shouting for what?"
"If I tell you to go, you go. I will report this to Elder Yang myself, and the approval should come through very soon!"
Mu Kun’s face was paint with coldness; he was only a steward and did not truly possess the authority to force Chu Feng to undertake such a deadly mission.
Moreover, according to the rules, once Chu Feng completed his first novice task, he would no longer be under Steward Mu Kun’s jurisdiction.
However, Mu Kun was very crafty; he capitalized on the grudge Chu Feng held against Elder Yang and forced this deadly mission upon Chu Feng. Then he would submit an application for Elder Yang’s approval.
One could guess with their toes that Elder Yang would definitely approve.
"To get me killed, they’ve even mobilized a respected elder to pressure me; I really want to see what Elder Yang will do."
"People want face, trees want bark; let’s hope Elder Yang would want to keep some face!"
Chu Feng had no intention of entangling further with Steward Mu Kun and immediately turned to walk away.
Mu Kun sternly yelled, "Chu Feng, you stop right there! Is this the attitude you show when a Steward is speaking to you?" With so many people watching, for a mere Entry-level disciple to show such disrespect to him, where should he, a Steward, put his face?
Chu Feng responded with a cold smile, "If I don’t leave, should I stay here for dinner? Little master does not have the spare time to listen to your nagging. When the application you’re writing is approved, have someone notify me!"
Having said that, Chu Feng ignored the eating-people-like ferocious expression on Steward Mu Kun’s face as he walked towards the upper floors of the Sword Pavilion.
While walking, he chuckled, "Ah, speaking of which, I should thank Steward Mu Kun for your care! Otherwise, how would I have the chance to go up to the Third Level of the Sword Pavilion and select from the Secret Technique Manuals?"
Steward Mu Kun felt his lungs were about to explode, unable to hold back any longer, and a mouthful of blood spurted out.
He could only watch with envy as Chu Feng arrogantly and triumphantly proceeded upstairs to the Sword Pavilion.
Chu Feng had never been to any place above the First Level of the Sword Pavilion. There was a spiraling staircase that led to the upper floors.
At the entrance to the Second Level, there were two powerful protectors standing guard.
After Chu Feng produced the Judgement Token representing his great achievements, the protectors did not trouble him and directly let him pass.
However, they did not allow Chu Feng to enter the interior of the Second Level of the Sword Pavilion, merely permitting him to ascend the staircase.
It was said that the Second Level also housed some Secret Technique Manuals, but they were all of lower-tier techniques.
The Secret Technique Manuals on the Third Level were of a higher grade.
Chu Feng quickly arrived at the entrance to the Third Level, and to his surprise, there was no one guarding the stairway landing. Higher up, there was a Fourth Level, but a conspicuous stone stele stood in the middle of the corridor.
Engraved on it, the words were stained again with red paint, very striking.
Just four characters.
Great Sects have exceedingly stringent sect rules, particularly regarding their core resources; the strictness is exceptional.
Even True Disciples who trespass might end up executed and put to death.
Chu Feng dared not gamble with his life and subconsciously walked towards the inside of the Third Level.
"Present your Identity Token, Judgement Token or Merit Medal!"
A hoarse and deep voice startled Chu Feng, who looked around but failed to spot anyone.
"Kid, what are you looking at? Hurry up and bring out your Token and Judgement Token!" the elder commanded impatiently.
Only then did Chu Feng notice, sitting cross-legged on the stone platform at the entrance to the Third Level, was a grey-haired old man.
The purple robe the person wore indicated that this old man was an Elder of the Sect.
"Respected Elder, here is my Identity Token and the Judgement Token from the Law Enforcement Hall!"
Chu Feng quickly took out the two items and presented them respectfully to the Elder.
The Elder scrutinized them for a moment and said with some surprise, "To survive the centennial magma eruption of Fiery Flame Peak without dying, you are the second person! Enter!"
"Remember, you may only select one Secret Technique Manual. If you dare to hide or privately read or recite inside, you will be executed immediately!"