Lin Shu scanned the mission scroll, eyes narrowing as he took in the details. It was a hunt — a demonic cultivator had been targeting a village not far from Darkveil Crossing. But that wasn't the real reason Xu Jin had chosen this mission.
Xu Jin rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. "The pay's good, sure, but the real benefit is the location. The village is close to Darkveil Crossing, so after we finish, we'll have time to handle our own business in the town."
Lin Shu kept reading, piecing things together. "Why didn't they hire help from Darkveil Crossing itself? It's not that far."
Xu Jin shrugged. "Clans and institutes in Darkveil Crossing are mid-sized — way out of their budget. This village doesn't even have a proper clan, just a family of cultivators. They're not weak, but they aren't strong enough to deal with the problem alone."
Lin Shu glanced up. "And what problem is that?"
"The demonic cultivator." Xu Jin's tone darkened. "Mid-stage Rank 1, from what they say. He's been attacking the village, probably trying to exploit the chaos before a beast wave hits."
"Beast wave?" Lin Shu frowned.
Xu Jin nodded grimly. "It happens every few years. The nearby forest stirs, and bloodbeasts flood out. The village is already preparing, fortifying defenses and conserving strength. They can't afford to waste any more fighters on the demonic cultivator. He's killed two of their men already — early-stage Rank 1s. They're desperate."
Lin Shu's gaze returned to the mission scroll. The reward was generous — 450 gold coins each. More than fair for a mid-stage demonic cultivator, especially given the risk.
Xu Jin tapped the parchment. "The mission's time-sensitive. We've got one week. If we don't handle him before the beast wave hits, we'll be trapped there… and trust me, none of us want that."
Lin Shu nodded. "And after?"
"After we finish, we head to Darkveil Crossing. Should have a day or two to explore the town if we move quickly." Xu Jin grinned. "Kill a demonic cultivator, make some gold, then hit the black markets. Not a bad plan, right?"
Lin Shu said nothing. His eyes lingered on the parchment. One hunt, one kill. Then Darkveil Crossing. Simple enough.
"Alright," Lin Shu said calmly, eyes narrowing as he studied the mission scroll again. "But we need more information on the target. A demonic cultivator won't be easy to deal with, especially if he has strange techniques. We should set a trap and make sure he never realizes we're there until it's too late." He paused, voice lowering. "There's something else. It's not easy for an outsider to know about the village's situation… unless someone told him. There might be a traitor working with him. We'll need to watch the villagers too. If he tries to make contact, we'll catch him."
Xu Jin's eyes widened. "Damn. You're sharper than I gave you credit for." He clapped Lin Shu on the back, grinning. "Good thing we brought you along."
The Yan twins exchanged a glance, both nodding in agreement. Yan Bai spoke first. "Makes sense. No point taking risks. We already have to fight a demonic cultivator; getting caught in a beast wave too? No thanks."
Yan Hei snorted. "If it looks bad, we cut our losses and run. Failing the mission is better than dying."
Xu Jin grimaced. "Yeah… the punishments for abandoning a mission aren't light. Best case, we'd be fined. Worst case? Sent out to hunt beasts without pay. Either way, it beats getting torn apart by a horde."
As they spoke, Xie Lang leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, looking increasingly bored. He scoffed. "Hmph. What are you all so scared of? It's one guy. We find him, we break his bones, we move on. End of story." He cracked his knuckles. "If he knows we're coming, even better. Saves us the trouble of sneaking around."
The twins simultaneously facepalmed. Xu Jin sighed, rubbing his temples. Lin Shu remained silent, watching Xie Lang closely.
"Xie Lang…" Xu Jin started carefully, "didn't you say you wanted to see some fights in Darkveil Crossing? Watch stronger cultivators go at it?"
Xie Lang perked up. "Yeah! I heard the fights there are brutal. Blood all over the arena." He grinned, eyes glinting with excitement.
"And… didn't you mention your grandfather would be in Darkveil Crossing for a few days?" Xu Jin continued, voice steady. "If we mess this up — if the demonic cultivator runs and we have to chase him — we'll lose time. At best, we'd only have three days left once we reach the town. Wouldn't that mean… no fights? No meeting your grandfather?"
Xie Lang's expression shifted. He frowned, his simple mind struggling to process the implications. After a long pause, he sighed dramatically. "Tch. Fine. We'll go with your plan." He pointed a finger at the group. "But don't expect me to start sneaking around like a rat. If we find him, I'm punching his head off."
Xu Jin let out a long breath, muttering under his breath. "Finally… if that idiot kept insisting on charging in headfirst, we'd all be dead." He glanced at Xie Lang. "I swear, if he gets me into trouble in Darkveil Crossing, I'm pretending I don't know him."
Lin Shu barely heard him. His gaze lingered on Xie Lang, eyes cold behind his mask of indifference.
A grandfather… Lin Shu mused. A cultivator, no doubt. Probably someone strong if his grandson is already this skilled. He shifted his weight slightly, fingers curling unconsciously. Killing Xie Lang might not be worth the risk. If his grandfather has a way to track me, it could become a problem.
His expression darkened. But Xie Lang is simple. Easy to provoke. Easier to trick. I wouldn't win in a fair fight… but since when have I ever fought fairly?
Beneath his calm facade, Lin Shu smiled coldly.
As the group prepared to leave, Xu Jin glanced at Lin Shu's back and raised an eyebrow. "Hey, Lin Shu… why are you carrying a bag? Don't you have a storage pouch?" The others turned their heads, curious as well.
Lin Shu's expression remained calm. "I had to trade mine for some resources to aid my cultivation. My talent isn't that high. I need every advantage I can get."
The group nodded in understanding. Xie Lang scoffed, "Hah. Makes sense."
They set off, moving swiftly through the forest paths. Lin Shu matched their pace, lightning flickering faintly around him as he used his movement technique. As they ran, his mind raced faster than his legs.
A bag makes them think I don't have a storage pouch, let alone a storage ring. The bone gauntlets hide my ring perfectly. If I steal anything, they won't suspect me. I can always blame the demonic cultivator… His gaze swept over the others. I need to be the one to land the killing blow. If he's carrying anything valuable, it'll be mine. And if he's smart enough to stash his treasures elsewhere… well, I'll just make him talk.
Lin Shu's eyes flicked to Xu Jin, watching him move effortlessly beside him. How is this chubby guy so fast? Is all that fat just decoration? He could hear Xu Jin's breath, steady and controlled, and realized the boy's movements were deceptively light for his size.
The Yan twins ran quietly, their movements fluid. No visible energy surrounded them. Maybe their movement technique doesn't have any outward signs… Lin Shu mused.
His gaze shifted to Xie Lang. The boy's speed was different. Every time his foot struck the ground, the earth cracked slightly, propelling him forward in powerful bursts. He didn't use it constantly — just enough to surge ahead when needed, before falling back into a steady rhythm.
That technique… it isn't just about speed. It adds explosive strength with every step. Lin Shu's eyes narrowed as he noticed the faint tremors each time Xie Lang landed. He's literally smashing the ground for momentum. It's like he's using the earth itself to push forward. If he hit someone with that force…
As he studied Xie Lang, the boy suddenly turned, catching Lin Shu's eye. "Hey, Lin Shu." His gaze dropped to Lin Shu's hands. "That white armor you wear… I saw it cover you completely during your matches. What is it?"
The others glanced at Lin Shu, curiosity evident in their expressions.
Lin Shu kept his tone neutral. "It's a battle skill. It lets me grow bones as armor… and weapons."
The twins exchanged glances. Yan Bai hesitated before asking, "Does it hurt?"
Lin Shu paused for a heartbeat, then lied with ease. "A little."
They seemed satisfied with that, though Yan Hei grimaced. "Ugh. I'll stick to my blades."
Lin Shu didn't reply. His mind was already elsewhere, calculating, plotting. Let them be curious. Soon enough, none of it would matter.