The training session extended into the afternoon. Elder Han was thorough, explaining every detail of the spiritual essence circulation pattern and corrected my stance repeatedly.
"The foundation must be perfect," he said."One flaw in the basics will compound as you advance to higher forms. Fix it now or suffer later."
"Yes."
I practiced the circulation and moving spiritual essence from my immature core.The pattern itself was complex but logical.
After hours of training, Elder Han seemed satisfied."Enough for today now that you've grasped the principle you should practice the circulation daily and once you can maintain it for a full incense stick's duration without disruption, come find me."
I bowed and left the training area.The sect grounds were busy with afternoon activities while disciples moved everywhere.
The sun had already passed its highest point and was now starting its descent toward evening.
I strolled without any particular destination while thinking about the combat technique which was useful and the legend Elder Han had shared about the Fourteen Dao with the Seven Virtues, Seven Sins remained in my mind.
It was an interesting mythology whether it was true or not it still revealed how this world viewed power and how the sect justified its moral framework.
I continued walking and my feet slowly carried me toward a quieter area near a small pond where trees surrounded the place and their image being reflected on the water.
I sat down while the pond's surface remained still. It was a perfect place to think without interruption.
So I closed my eyes, letting my mind relax before a serious notification appeared.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
My eyes snapped open as the screen floated in my vision.
[Chosen One "Chen Wu" has received expedition quest]
Heh, I was waiting for this.
[Quest Type: Inheritance Opportunity]
[Location: Tomb of the Refining Demon]
I focused on the quest details. More information unfolded.
[Quest Background: An earthquake near Bai Village revealed a hidden underground structure. The villagers reported it to the Clouded Peak Sect and the sect identified the site as a possible tomb of a historical figure and organized an expedition.]
[Historical Context: The Refining Demon, a half-demon and half-human artificer who lived Nine thousand years ago. A master craftsman known for creating powerful artifacts using forbidden materials such as human body parts and captured souls. He later disappeared and his tomb remained unknown until now.]
I read everything carefully while processing the information.
It was like an inheritance site just for Chen Wu.
( Maybe this is their turning point.)
Which only meant one thing…
"I need to take it from him, no I will to take it from him." I stood up with a smile across my face and sprinted with purpose in my steps now.
First, I needed to join the expedition and add myself to the roster before it was finalized.
The Registration Hall wasn't far and it was the central location where disciples took missions, signed up for sect assignments, and registered for expeditions.
When I entered through the main doors, the interior was mostly empty because the late afternoon meant most disciples had already handled their business and only a few people were scattered around checking mission boards or talking with clerks.
There I approached the main counter, a middle-aged man sat handling paperwork and records as part of the sect staff.
He looked up when I arrived and his eyes widened slightly in recognition.
"Ah, it's Inner Disciples yang! How can I assist you today?"
"I have a question about an expedition mission. One that was recently posted regarding a discovered tomb."
"Ah yes a tomb investigation we received that report two days ago," he said while pulling out a registry and flipping through the pages before continuing that the expedition roster was nearly complete and the departure was scheduled for three days from now.
"Add me to the expedition roster as well."
The clerk blinked and surprise was clear on his face.
"You wish to join? This expedition is... well, it's classified as high danger. The initial scouts reported active defensive formations."
"I understand the risks."
"With respect, you're still recovering from your injuries. Perhaps it would be better to wait for a safer—"
"Add me to the roster." My voice was harder now, leaving no room for argument.
The clerk hesitated as he bit his lip and looked at the registry before looking back at me.
He knew who I was…
"I'll remember your assistance." Just one sentence from me.
"I…" He paused for a long minute.
"I…yes of course I'll add you immediately." He picked up his brush and started writing my name.
"Mm."
"Is there anything else you need?" I paused and considered before saying, "If you or your family ever have serious illness or injury that requires spiritual healing then come find me and I'll speak with my master on your behalf."
The man's eyes brightened immediately.
"Thank you! Thank you. That's incredibly generous!"
Access to Elder Han's healing services normally cost significant spirit stones or required connections, so being able to bypass that through me was valuable, very valuable.
"It's the least I can do for your help today."
Then I left the Registration Hall with the first part accomplished.
Now came the hardest part. Elder Han.
Elder Han's authority as my master was absolute regarding my training and missions, so I needed to secure that approval.
I changed direction and headed back toward the Medical Hall.
Elder Han would probably be there because the afternoon was when he usually handled administrative work and sometimes met with other elders.
When I entered the Medical Hall through the main entrance, I walked past the patient area and continued toward Elder Han's private room.
The door was open and voices drifted out.
I recognized both voices. Elder Han and Elder Shen were having tea together.
It was their routine and often spent afternoons like this while discussing sect matters, simply enjoying each other's company.
Then I approached the doorway and knocked on the frame politely.
"Master may I enter?"
Elder Han looked up from his teacup and asked, "Brat why are you back I told you to rest."
Then I entered and bowed to both elders.
Elder Shen smiled. Relaxed posture. "Fu Yang. How was your training today?"
"Very productive, thank you for asking."
Elder Han set down his cup and studied me. "You didn't come here just to report that. What is it?" No point being indirect.
"I've registered myself for an expedition quest involving the investigation of the recently discovered tomb."
"What?!" Elder Han's voice rose as anger flashed across his face. "You brat when did I give you permission to take dangerous missions?!"
He stood up abruptly and glared at me.
But then he paused and turned to Elder Shen, I didn't understood why?
Elder Shen was taking another sip of tea while his expression remained calm and almost amused.
"Is this the quest regarding that large opening in the earth?" Elder Shen asked.
"Yes Elder Shen."
"Mm." He set down his cup and looked at Elder Han as his eyes gave a subtle signal, a silent message passing between them.
Elder Han's glare intensified but it wasn't directed at me anymore because it shifted toward Elder Shen, his friend who was clearly supporting my decision without saying it directly.
"Haah..." Elder Han exhaled with a long and suffering breath. "When are they departing?"
"Three days."
Finally, Elder Han spoke. "Elder Shen I'll use sixty of my credit points for three Element Pearls, one fire, one water, and one metal."
My eyes widened a bit.
Elder Han turned to me and his expression was somewhere between irritated and satisfied. "Brat just you wait after this expedition when you get back I'll teach you the true value of these credits."
"Thank you Master I—" Wasn't this too easy…
"Don't thank me yet." His lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile but more like anticipation as he told me to get into his personal meditation room right now.
I bowed and quickly headed toward Elder Han's private cultivation area.
Behind me, I heard Elder Shen laugh. "Haha! Why are you showing that side to him? Haha! I know you already wanted to boost his cultivation anyway. You've been planning this."
Elder Han's didn't replied, but then Elder Shen's tone shifted becaming more serious. "Three elements though are you sure that's... intense for someone at his level."
"Just get me the pearls." He paused. "Hehe... this will teach this brat what real pain is! Hahahaha!"