The courtyard gradually returned to normal as laughter, arguments, and the clashing of wooden swords filled the air once more. Disciples resumed their routines as if nothing unusual had happened, their voices blending into the familiar rhythm of sect life.
But Lin Xuan paid no attention to any of it.
His thoughts were fixed on a single place—Broken Cliff Valley.
Leaning quietly against a stone pillar, he closed his eyes halfway, appearing as though he was resting. In reality, his focus was entirely inward, carefully reviewing the system interface.
"So… Treasure Detection shows the location," he murmured under his breath.
A faint blue screen flickered into existence before him, its light subtle yet clear.
[Rare resource detected. Location: Broken Cliff Valley.]
Lin Xuan exhaled slowly, his gaze sharpening.
"No mistake."
That was the place.
In his previous life, the Yellow Divine Spring Water had made someone rise to fame across the entire continent. Its value was undeniable.
This time… it would be his.
Before his thoughts could settle further, a loud bell suddenly rang throughout the sect, its deep sound echoing across the mountains.
The entire courtyard fell silent for a brief moment as disciples instinctively looked up.
Han Qiao frowned slightly. "The mission bell?"
Mei Ling glanced toward the main hall, her expression tightening. "At this time?"
The bell rang again, louder and more urgent than before. A voice followed, clear and commanding, spreading across the sect.
"All outer disciples, gather at the Mission Hall!"
The calm atmosphere instantly broke apart as excitement spread.
"Looks like something big."
"Probably a new batch of missions."
"Let's go, don't be late!"
Disciples began rushing toward the main hall, their earlier laziness replaced with anticipation.
Lin Xuan straightened slowly, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"Perfect timing."
By the time he arrived at the Mission Hall, it was already crowded. Dozens of disciples gathered around a large wooden board filled with hanging mission tags, their voices overlapping as they read through the options.
"Escort mission… too boring."
"Herb gathering? Not worth it."
"Wait—what's this one?"
A sudden shout cut through the noise.
"Broken Cliff Valley exploration mission!"
Lin Xuan's eyes sharpened immediately.
There it was.
More disciples gathered closer, their expressions shifting as they read the details.
"Reward: twenty spirit stones? That's not bad."
"It says unknown danger level…"
"Of course it does," someone scoffed. "That place is always dangerous."
Han Qiao turned toward Lin Xuan with a grin. "Hey, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Lin Xuan met his gaze calmly. "Probably."
"Let's take it," Han Qiao said without hesitation.
Before Lin Xuan could respond, a calm voice sounded from behind them.
"I'll join as well."
There was no need to turn. Lin Xuan already knew who it was.
Zhao Tian.
Han Qiao blinked in surprise. "You too?"
Zhao Tian nodded lightly. "I've heard that valley has some interesting things."
Mei Ling crossed her arms, her tone practical. "With you joining, this mission just became much safer."
A nearby disciple laughed. "Yeah, with Senior Brother Zhao here, what are we afraid of?"
Lin Xuan remained silent.
Safer?
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips.
If they truly knew what Zhao Tian would become in the future… they wouldn't sound so relaxed.
The mission tag was quickly taken, and the four of them formed a temporary team.
Han Qiao stretched his arms. "Alright, it's settled. When do we leave?"
"Now," Mei Ling replied without hesitation. "The sooner we go, the sooner we return."
Zhao Tian nodded in agreement.
Then all three of them looked toward Lin Xuan.
"What about you?" Han Qiao asked.
Lin Xuan met their gazes, his expression calm and unreadable.
"I'm in."
They left the sect soon after.
The path leading to Broken Cliff Valley was narrow and uneven, winding between tall cliffs and dense forest. As they moved further away, the air gradually grew colder, and the lively atmosphere of the sect faded into silence.
Han Qiao walked ahead, speaking as usual to fill the quiet.
"So, Lin Xuan," he said, glancing back, "you've been quiet today."
"Just thinking," Lin Xuan replied casually.
"About what?"
"Cultivation."
Han Qiao laughed. "You're too serious. Relax a bit."
Mei Ling added without turning, "Better serious than careless."
Zhao Tian walked at the rear, silent.
But his gaze occasionally shifted toward Lin Xuan.
Something felt… off.
He couldn't explain it. Earlier in the courtyard, for just a brief moment, he had sensed something missing, as if something important had slipped away. Yet no matter how he examined himself, nothing seemed wrong.
Still, his eyes lingered on Lin Xuan slightly longer than usual.
"…Strange," he murmured quietly.
Walking ahead, Lin Xuan did not turn back, but a faint curve appeared at the corner of his lips.
Noticing something?
Too late.
As they continued forward, his attention shifted inward once more. The system interface appeared again, accompanied by a faint golden mark pulsing within his mind.
[Treasure detection active. Target direction confirmed.]
The path was clear.
Broken Cliff Valley.
Without drawing attention, Lin Xuan subtly adjusted his pace, naturally guiding the group along the correct direction.
After some time, Han Qiao scratched his head in confusion. "Hey… are we going the right way?"
Mei Ling glanced around, her brows slightly furrowed. "…It feels right."
Zhao Tian remained silent, simply observing.
"This path is shorter," Lin Xuan said calmly.
Han Qiao blinked. "Oh? You've been here before?"
Lin Xuan paused for the briefest moment. "…I've heard about it."
"Ah, makes sense," Han Qiao replied, accepting the explanation without doubt.
No one questioned further.
As the sun began to set, the mountains ahead grew darker. Jagged cliffs rose sharply into the sky like broken teeth, while thin mist drifted between them, giving the entire area an ominous presence.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Han Qiao slowed his steps. "…This place feels different."
Mei Ling's hand tightened around her sword. "Stay alert."
Zhao Tian finally spoke, his voice low. "There are spirit beasts nearby."
Almost as if responding to his words, a deep growl echoed from within the forest.
Everyone stopped.
Lin Xuan's eyes sharpened.
They had arrived.
At the same time, the system's voice echoed softly in his mind.
[Approaching target location.]
A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked toward the mist-covered valley ahead.
"Let's move carefully," he said.
Because he knew that the moment they stepped deeper into Broken Cliff Valley… everything would truly begin.