The three talented disciples—Lu Yanshi, Lu Yanxi, and Lu Yanhai—stood shoulder to shoulder in the grand assembly hall, their backs straight, expressions solemn. Before them stood the towering figures of the clan elders, each radiating the heavy, oppressive aura of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
The air itself felt thick, as though even breathing required permission.
At the forefront, Grand Elder Lu Maxi slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the hall like a calm but unstoppable tide.
"We have received news," he began, his voice deep and measured, "from the Sinking Mallow River."
The moment those words were spoken, a faint stir passed through the gathered disciples.
Lu Maxi paused deliberately, letting the tension build before continuing.
"The Iron-Hide Crocodile that resides there… has laid eggs."
A silence followed—one so deep it was almost suffocating.
Lu Maxi clasped his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable.
"It is currently in its weakest period."
Lu Yanxi's brows immediately furrowed. She took a small step forward, unable to hold back.
"But Grand Elder… the Iron-Hide Crocodile is a Foundation Establishment Realm demonic beast," she said carefully, her tone respectful but firm. "And it commands an entire swamp of lesser crocodiles. Even weakened… it is still terrifying."
Lu Yanshi let out a low breath and added quickly, "Sending us there… wouldn't that be like sending us to our deaths?"
A few disciples behind them stiffened at his bluntness.
Before Lu Maxi could respond—
"HA! Finally, someone said it!"
First Elder Lu Chanwu suddenly burst out, slapping his thigh with a loud smack. His eyes gleamed with excitement rather than concern.
"If you're afraid, just say it! Why dress it up so nicely? Death is part of cultivation!"
"Chanwu."
Grand Elder Lu Maxi's voice dropped slightly.
That single word was enough.
Lu Chanwu immediately coughed, straightened his robes, and pretended to examine the ceiling.
"I was just… encouraging honesty."
Lu Yanhai couldn't help it—he leaned slightly toward Lu Yanxi and whispered under his breath,
"Encouraging us to die faster, more like."
Lu Yanxi bit her lip, trying not to laugh.
Lu Maxi ignored the interruption and continued calmly.
"We are aware of the danger," he said. "If we wished for your deaths, there would be easier ways."
Lu Chanwu muttered, "Less interesting ways."
Another sharp glance from Lu Maxi silenced him again.
"Your mission," Lu Maxi continued, "is not to fight the Iron-Hide Crocodile."
That caused the tension to ease slightly among the three disciples.
"Your task is to observe, learn, and gain experience alongside your senior clan disciples."
He stepped back, his long sleeves swaying slightly.
"Second Elder Lu Chanxi will explain the details."
Lu Chanxi stepped forward quietly, his presence far less explosive than Lu Chanwu's—but far more unsettling. His narrow eyes seemed to calculate everything in the room at once.
"This will be your first mission beyond the Four Corners of the Clan," he said, his voice calm and precise. "You are all considered geniuses… but a genius who dies early is nothing more than wasted resources."
Lu Yanhai nodded subconsciously.
"That makes sense—"
"But," Lu Chanxi continued, his gaze sharpening, "a genius who survives… becomes an asset."
Before he could continue—
"Or becomes too arrogant and needs to be beaten down!" Lu Chanwu cut in again, grinning.
Lu Chanxi paused mid-sentence.
Slowly… very slowly… he turned his head.
The look he gave Lu Chanwu could have frozen a river.
Even Lu Chanwu stiffened slightly before clearing his throat.
"…I'll let you finish."
Lu Chanxi turned back as if nothing had happened.
"As I was saying… your role in this mission is specific."
He raised a finger.
"During the battle, while your seniors engage the demonic beasts, you are to retrieve the eggs of the Iron-Hide Crocodile."
A second finger.
"Alongside the eggs, there are accompanying spirit plants growing near the nesting grounds. Those are equally important."
A third finger.
"You will secure them… and ensure their safe return."
Lu Yanshi frowned slightly. "So… we're not fighting?"
Lu Chanxi gave a faint, almost amused smile.
"If you find yourself fighting the Iron-Hide Crocodile… you have already failed."
Lu Yanhai raised his hand hesitantly.
"…What if it finds us first?"
Lu Chanxi's smile widened just a fraction.
"Then run faster than your companions."
There was a brief silence—
Then Lu Chanwu burst into laughter.
"HAHA! Now that's practical advice!"
Lu Yanxi glanced at Lu Yanshi and whispered, "I'm standing behind you if that happens."
Lu Yanshi shot back, "No, you won't—you'll be the first to run."
Lu Yanhai sighed. "I knew I chose the wrong friends."
At that moment, a new presence stepped forward.
Third Elder Lu Chanki.
Unlike the others, his aura was steady and grounded, like an old tree that had weathered countless storms.
"I will be leading this mission," he said calmly. "I am responsible for handling any early-stage Foundation Establishment demonic beasts… including the Iron-Hide Crocodile if necessary."
His gaze rested briefly on the three disciples.
"I do not expect you to fight," he added. "But I do expect you to think. Observe the battlefield. Understand positioning. Timing. Survival."
He paused.
"And listen to instructions."
Lu Chanwu snorted. "Especially that last part."
Lu Chanki ignored him.
Lu Chanxi nodded slightly in approval before concluding,
"Accompanying us will be several late-stage Qi Refinery disciples. They will clear out lesser demonic beasts and support the operation."
He clasped his hands behind his back.
"Your lives… depend on coordination."
Lu Maxi stepped forward once more.
"Now—go to the Resource Repository," he commanded. "Take what you need."
He looked directly at the three.
"Prioritize healing pills… and Qi recovery pills."
Lu Chanwu added with a grin, "And maybe a good pair of legs for running."
Lu Yanxi couldn't hold it anymore—she laughed softly.
Lu Yanshi shook his head. "First Elder… you're not helping."
"I'm helping you stay alive!" Lu Chanwu replied proudly.
Lu Maxi waved his sleeve.
"You have two hours. Gather at the Mountain Gate."
His voice turned final.
"Your senior disciples… and we elders… will be waiting."
The three disciples straightened immediately.
"Yes, Third Elder!" they replied in unison toward Lu Chanki, bowing respectfully.
As they turned to leave—
Lu Yanhai whispered, "So… we're stealing eggs from a giant crocodile while it's angry."
Lu Yanxi nodded. "Yes."
Lu Yanshi added dryly, "And if things go wrong… we run faster than each other."
There was a pause.
Then all three spoke at once—
"…We're definitely going to die."
From behind them, Lu Chanwu's voice echoed through the hall:
"IF YOU COME BACK ALIVE, I'LL PERSONALLY TREAT YOU TO SPIRIT WINE!"
Lu Yanhai froze mid-step.
"…Wait. That actually sounds worth it."
Lu Yanxi smirked. "Now you're motivated."
Lu Yanshi sighed deeply.
"…We're doomed."