"I am Hao Ye. Greetings, fellow Daoists."
"I am Duan Li. It is an honor to meet you all."
The two male cultivators were both middle-aged in appearance, yet their temperaments differed drastically. One was rough and boisterous, while the other was refined and scholarly.
The latter, Duan Li, was particularly meticulous in his speech and courteous bows, carrying himself no differently from the scions of ancient, strict great clans.
Once the two finished their introductions, it was Luo Chen's turn.
Old Angler spoke up. "This is Luo—"
Yet before he could finish, Luo Chen interjected, "I am merely a rogue cultivator. Thanks to the kind regard of a few friends, I was given the Daoist title Qingyang. You may simply address me as Qingyangzi."
The trio froze. It was rare for someone to volunteer their own Daoist title.
Typically, those with Daoist titles were either extraordinarily powerful or preeminent figures in certain crafts.
This Qingyangzi had a striking bearing and spoke with lofty confidence; clearly, he was no ordinary figure.
Old Angler cast a surprised glance at Luo Chen.
*Does this Luo Hai not want more people to know his true name?*
*Then I was indeed being too abrupt earlier.*
Mulling over the faintly familiar title "Qingyangzi" in his mind, Old Angler began explaining the specifics of their Demon Hunter assessment mission.
Luo Chen listened to the brief while carefully sizing up the two newcomers.
Volunteering his Daoist title had been deliberate.
After speaking with Zhang Jiadi, he had truly come to realize that the squabbling over benefits among rogue cultivators was far rougher and more savage. If he did not want endless trouble disrupting his quiet cultivation in the future, he had to plant his banner high!
As for trouble from Lengguang Island?
If it were merely the Golden Core factions on Lengguang Island, he truly did not fear them. If few came, he could handle them himself. If many came? That was impossible. Those factions had families and properties to protect; who would drag a horde across thousands of li just to settle a score with him?
His only slight concern was Blood Nightmare Moluo.
However, he had no open conflict with Blood Nightmare Moluo, only friction with He Yuan.
Blood Nightmare Moluo merely wished to recruit him. Having failed to do so, he would hardly force the issue. After all, Luo Chen was currently within the territory of the Myriad Immortals Association, which harbored direct enmity toward the remnants of the Yuan Demon Sect.
Presumably, Blood Nightmare Moluo would not be so brazen.
After weighing various factors, Luo Chen had simply put forward the title "Qingyangzi."
When the time came, embellishing the battle at Lengguang Island a little would naturally spread his fame far and wide, and those with keen eyes would link Qingyangzi to Demonic Lord Qingyang.
Doing so would save him boundless effort.
Old Angler's briefing soon concluded.
Yet upon hearing the mission, Luo Chen could not help asking, "I heard that previous Demon Hunter assessments were just short escorts or hunting low-tier demon beasts. Why has it turned into besieging and slaying an early Golden Core cultivator this time?"
Even as shock rippled through his mind, he had an epiphany.
No wonder a mere assessment mission required three Golden Core cultivators.
Hunting a Golden Core!
Old Angler gave a soft chuckle, stroking his grizzled beard as he said, "The Myriad Immortals Association may seem to have existed for a century, but to cultivators like us, that is merely a handful of closed-door retreats. Many rules are constantly being improved.
"The adjustment to this mission's standard, for instance, was decided only recently by the Longyuan City Lord.
"Think about it: for dignified Golden Core Masters to share the rank of one-star demon hunter with early Foundation Establishment, or even late Qi Refining cultivators for a period of time—it would hardly sound flattering, would it?
"Hence, for newly joined Golden Core cultivators, the specifications for the Star Demon Hunter assessment mission were raised. As long as you complete it, you will be promoted straight to four-star demon hunter, enjoying far greater privileges.
"Fellow Daoists, weigh the pros and cons for yourselves!"
The difficulty was higher, but upon completion, their star rank would skip the one- to three-star tiers corresponding to Foundation Establishment cultivators and leap directly to four stars—a tier normally held only by Golden Core cultivators and a handful of exceptionally outstanding late Foundation Establishment cultivators.
There were downsides, but the advantages far outweighed them!
Luo Chen was no fool. With a little thought, he understood that this rule worked heavily in favor of newly joined Golden Core cultivators like them.
Moreover, it aligned far better with his own interests.
His previous plan of gradually building his reputation to climb the star ranks could now leap forward in a single bound.
Glancing out of the corner of his eye at the other two, he saw they were completely calm, as though they had already known.
*These two must have arrived earlier than I did, so they are more familiar with the assessment details.*
Luo Chen saw through it instantly.
Seeing that the three had digested the mission's scope, Old Angler smiled faintly. "Have you made up your minds? Will you take this mission? Once completed, you will be promoted straight to four-star demon hunters, enjoying tremendous perks in our Myriad Immortals Association!"
Without hesitation, Hao Ye declared in a deep, booming voice, "I accept! Three against one, and with Brother Qingyangzi, a mid Golden Core expert, at our side, this mission will be like taking something from our own pockets. Why wouldn't I take it?"
Old Angler looked pleased, then turned his gaze to the other two.
While Luo Chen was still pondering, Duan Li patiently pressed for further details.
"What is the prey's name? What is his background? What formidable techniques does he possess? Elder Angler, shouldn't you make this clear to us? A mere realm of 'early Golden Core' is far too vague."
As he spoke, he specifically glanced at Luo Chen.
"To be frank, with our lineup, we could contend even against a mid Golden Core cultivator. Yet the prey is merely at the early stage. If you tell us he has no lethal tricks, then this assessment is simply too easy—practically handing us a free pass.
"Under the heavens, I doubt such good bargains truly exist!"
Meeting his gaze, Luo Chen nodded in agreement.
Even after determining that the pros outweighed the cons, what still gave him pause was precisely what Duan Li had pointed out.
The mission was simply too easy!
Old Angler laughed, his deeply wrinkled face folding together like a sheet of crumpled paper.
"Cautious, aren't you?
"Originally, I intended to share these details on the way, but since you are so impatient, I shall speak plainly!
"His true name is unknown, his aliases are unknown, and his lethal techniques are even less known. He hides on a small island near the Quyang Sea. The reason he became a target for our Myriad Immortals Association is that the concealment array he deployed is the Yuan Demon Sect's renowned Ten Directions Shadowless Formation.
"Anyone capable of mastering the Ten Directions Shadowless Formation, or possessing its formation tools, is inevitably a true disciple of the Yuan Demon Sect.
"As everyone knows, the very first rule to becoming a Star Demon Hunter of the Myriad Immortals Association is to execute Yuan Demon Sect remnants on sight!
"Consider this mission your pledge of allegiance."
His words were delivered with a gentle smile, calm yet resolute.
Yet as they fell upon the ears of the three, they struck like a bolt from the blue, draining the color from their faces!
A Yuan Demon remnant, a Golden Core true disciple!
Giving the three no time to dwell on it, Old Angler withdrew his smile and asked directly, "This mission—do you accept, or do you decline?"
Exchanging glances, Hao Ye was the first to nod heavily. "I accept!"
Luo Chen pondered for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "I accept."
Duan Li, despite his aristocratic air, had been hesitating earlier. Yet seeing Luo Chen, who stood at a higher realm, accept the task, his indecisiveness was severed at once.
"I, Duan, am willing to go as well."
Seeing that all three had accepted the mission, the smile returned to Old Angler's face.
"Splendid!
"For this assessment, I shall serve as the inspecting commissioner, recording the entire mission.
"Tomorrow morning, we meet at the Longyuan Teleportation Formation. I trust none of you will be late."
***
Stepping out of the Demon Hunting Bureau, Luo Chen had not walked far before Hao Ye called out to him.
"Qingyangzi, do you have time for a chat?"
"About what?"
Hao Ye offered a slight smile. "Naturally, about the assessment mission. After all, the target is a Golden Core true disciple of the Yuan Demon Sect. Even if the three of us join forces, a true disciple of a sacred land is not to be trifled with. Getting to know each other better before setting off will make cooperation smoother."
Indeed!
The true disciples of ordinary sects were far stronger than typical rogue cultivators, to say nothing of a sacred land's true disciple.
Even an early Golden Core cultivator at the same stage would hardly be easy to deal with.
Hao Ye had appeared full of confidence earlier, stepping forward twice to accept the mission without hesitation. Luo Chen had thought him reckless, but he turned out to have a shrewd mind beneath that coarse exterior.
Pondering for a moment, Luo Chen asked, "Just the two of us?"
The implication was clear: he was willing to talk.
Hao Ye's spirits lifted, and he nudged his chin toward a certain direction. "Fellow Daoist Duan Li has already been waiting for some time."
Looking in that direction, Luo Chen saw Duan Li's elegant figure standing before the window of a tavern across the street, gently nodding toward him.
"In that case, let us have a chat!"
Luo Chen smiled freely, following behind Hao Ye as they stepped into the tavern.
***
That conversation lasted an entire afternoon.
Over such a long time, the topics were no longer confined to the assessment mission, focusing mostly on rumors surrounding the Myriad Immortals Association.
When they left the tavern, the evening sun was dipping below the horizon.
Luo Chen looked back at the private room and let out a faint chuckle.
*It seems everyone is brimming with confidence about passing this assessment.*
*Though their lips speak of caution, they have already begun fantasizing about life in the Myriad Immortals Association once they become four-star demon hunters.*
*And in truth, so have I!*
Laughing at himself, Luo Chen realized why this atmosphere had taken root.
The destruction of the once-lofty God Transformation sacred land had shattered the impression of untouchable supremacy that hung over every ordinary cultivator's mind.
If even a sacred land could fall, how could its cultivators be invincible?
Especially when it was three against one, overseen by an eight-star demon hunter like Old Angler. Success was virtually guaranteed!
In their eyes, the assessment mission felt more like going through the motions.
Everyone was impatient to move into the Dragon Taming Mountain Range and enjoy Tier 3 spiritual ground!
Returning to the Zhang family courtyard, Luo Chen summoned Tianxuan immediately.
"I am leaving Longyuan City tomorrow."
Tianxuan started, asking instinctively, "Is it for the assessment mission?"
Luo Chen nodded. "Yes. This mission will take a day at shortest, or three at most. While I am away, I need you to do something for me."
Tianxuan's expression tautened. "Please give your orders, Master!"
"No need to be so nervous; it is a small matter." Luo Chen smiled faintly. "Do you remember that guide who found a vessel for me at Giant Whale Port?"
Tianxuan hesitated briefly. "I remember. His name was Liu Fu."
"Right. Make a return trip, find him, and have him spread word of what happened on Lengguang Island. Moreover, it would be best if the outcome of the battle on Lengguang Island reached the Myriad Immortals Association through Giant Whale Port."
Tianxuan was somewhat puzzled. Why had he not done this earlier?
To wait until they arrived here—was it merely a sudden whim of her master's?
Even so, since she had been given a task, she had to execute it well!
After a moment's thought, Tianxuan asked, "Should I highlight Master's glorious deeds in that battle?"
Luo Chen was lost for words. Having fled in such a disheveled state, what glory was there to speak of?
"No need for that. Focus mainly on the grand battle between the four Nascent Soul Perfected Persons of the orthodox and demonic factions. However, weave my name into the narrative along the way. This should not be difficult; as the fuse for the war between the orthodox and demonic factions, the battle of Lengguang Island is already the subject of rampant rumors. All you need to do is supply a few details.
"You may not know this, but when human cultivators gossip about rumors, they are always obsessed with the fine details to lend credibility to their chatter.
"You need only add a log to the fire, and the flames will burn all the brighter."
Tianxuan only half-understood, but she etched Luo Chen's words firmly into her memory.
***
Early the next morning.
Inside the Myriad Immortals Palace of Longyuan City, the three Golden Core cultivators waited quietly.
Before long, the gray-haired, gray-bearded Old Angler appeared before them.
Without excessive pleasantries, he uttered a single phrase.
"Follow me!"
Luo Chen and the other two followed behind him, venturing deep into the Myriad Immortals Palace before halting inside a heavily guarded hall.
Resting his gaze upon the circular raised platform etched with intricate patterns and glowing with faint spiritual light, an unusual glint flashed through Luo Chen's eyes.
A teleportation formation!
Teleportation formations, exceedingly rare in the Eastern Desolation, were commonplace in the cultivation world of the Northern Sea.
The reason lay in the Northern Sea's vast expanse, where long ocean stretches separated immortal islands.
Driven by war, trade, and the needs of high-tier cultivators, teleportation formations had gradually become widespread over time.
However, so far as he knew, most teleportation formations in the Northern Sea were short-range arrays.
Super-teleportation formations like the one beneath Duzhen Hall on Mount Cangwu, which spanned more than half the Mountain Sea Realm, were unheard of here.
Noticing the three inspecting the formation, Old Angler ordered his subordinates to activate it while explaining, "This array is a directional teleportation formation, oriented solely toward the three directions of the Three Oceans Defensive Line.
"Under normal circumstances, activating it once would cost you a million spirit stones. Even with a demon hunter's discount, it still starts at several hundred thousand spirit stones a trip.
"For this assessment mission, it is free. If you wish to use it in the future, unless you are summoned under special wartime conscription, you will have to pay from your own pockets."
The exorbitant price made the three click their tongues in secret.
An ordinary Golden Core cultivator was worth only around a million spirit stones.
Who could bear to spend so lavishly?
They might as well expend their own Dharmic powers and fly.
Luo Chen's thoughts wandered even further. It turned out the cultivation world was no different from mortal society; food, clothing, shelter, and transport could all be turned into profit.
In fact, it was far more lucrative than mortal schemes.
"Alright, the preheating is done. Step up!"
With that, Old Angler stepped directly onto the teleportation formation, taking his place at the very center.
Luo Chen and the others wasted no time, stepping up immediately.
Throughout the process, although Luo Chen and Duan Li kept observing, their expressions remained composed.
On the other hand, Hao Ye's exposed skin occasionally tightened, revealing tension he could not entirely control.
*Is he really that nervous?*
Luo Chen wondered inwardly.
Moments later, under the stewardship of the Myriad Immortals Palace cultivators, the dim teleportation formation blazed with dazzling radiance.
When the spiritual light finally faded, not a trace of anyone remained on the raised platform.
Chapter 596