Chapter 53: The First Inner Sect Mission

Having initially mastered the sword techniques of the Luminescent Blade Manual, Bai Yue Ning found her spiritual power growing ever more refined under the advanced rotations of the Basic Qi Refining Art. She resolved not to remain isolated in her cultivation any longer. Practice required a balance between exertion and rest, and resources to sustain progress.

She prepared to visit the Inner Sect Steward Hall to accept her first assignment.

The Steward Hall of the Inner Sect was always bustling with voices. Beneath the immense jade wall glowing with spiritual light, Bai Yue Ning looked up, carefully sifting through the tasks. The numbers of contribution points shimmered on the wall—each one representing resources, but also risks.

She scrutinized the options; her cultivation at the sixth layer of Qi Refining placed her at the bottom of the Inner Sect, so she had to choose with caution.

"Third from the top on the left, that ‘Purge the Demon Bats of Blackwind Ravine’ task—how about that? The contribution points look substantial," Ye Ming’s voice sounded in her mind, full of renewed vigor, even a bit too lively.

"Demon bats gather in swarms, they thrive on filth and darkness, easily corrupting magical tools—not worth it," Bai Yue Ning dismissed the suggestion, her gaze moving on.

"Tsk, then the one on the right, ‘Collect Venom from the Jade-Blood Spirit Toad,’ sounds like a great supplement!"

"The Spirit Toad is fiercely poisonous, and its companion beasts are troublesome. The task description is vague—there could be unlisted dangers."

"If neither will do, caretaker, you really need to toughen up... Over there, that direction, smells amazing! What’s over there? Feels like there’s plenty of ‘delicacies’!"

"Such rich energy signatures—let’s go check it out!"

Bai Yue Ning followed the direction indicated by his thoughts. It led to a corridor towards a side hall, where a sign shaped like an iron anvil hung above the entrance, inscribed with the words ‘Artifact Refining Hall.’

She understood instantly: the Artifact Refining Hall, the sect’s place for smelting materials and crafting or repairing magical tools, naturally amassed a wealth of spiritual minerals and treasures.

For Ye Ming, it was nothing less than a sumptuous feast bursting with aromas.

"Come on, don’t just stand there! Let me get just a little closer, to sniff it—just to sniff!"

"Don’t even think about it," Bai Yue Ning replied firmly, rooted to the spot.

What a joke.

Taking a sword that secretly absorbed the essence of materials into the Artifact Refining Hall? She would be apprehended by the elder on duty before even stepping inside, dismantled for study.

"Just a glance, I promise not to take a bite!"

---

"My Hundredfold Refined Steel core urgently needs quality energy to stabilize it. Otherwise, if it shatters again in battle, we’ll both feel the pain!" Ye Ming began to reason with her, his tone pitiful.

"No," Bai Yue Ning remained unmoved.

Ye Ming’s promises meant nothing when ‘delicacies’ were involved.

"Bai Yue Ning, you’re stunting the sword’s development! Hindering our mutual progress!"

Seeing that playing the victim was futile, he switched to condemnation, his mental fluctuations so intense that her temples throbbed.

Bai Yue Ning ignored him, forcing her attention back to the task wall, locking onto a less conspicuous assignment.

Task D7: Escort a shipment of supplies to Qinghe Town.

Requirement: At least three Inner Sect disciples.

Reward: 200 contribution points per person, thirty low-grade spirit stones.

The task was simple, the reward reasonable, and most importantly, it offered a chance to leave the sect and travel through wilderness. This might give Ye Ming a chance to ‘snack,’ so he wouldn’t obsess over the Artifact Refining Hall.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward and inscribed her name below the task with spiritual power.

"An escort mission? Sounds dull, and the reward is so-so..."

"Sigh, my steel core, my stardust sand..." Ye Ming lamented, still longing for the Artifact Refining Hall.

After accepting the task, she had to register in the side hall and receive the list of supplies and the route map.

As soon as she stepped inside, Bai Yue Ning felt two gazes settle on her.

To the side stood two people: a young man, exceptionally tall and sturdy, simply dressed in brown short robes, standing upright. His features were sharply defined, his eyes clear and honest, as he regarded her with curiosity.

Beside him was a young woman in a pale moon-white robe adorned with cloud patterns, graceful and serene. Her brows were refined, her gaze sharp yet gentle, and she offered a friendly, slight smile.

Bai Yue Ning immediately recognized them.

After the Inner Sect trial and the Outer Sect tournament, among the disciples favored by the elders—aside from herself and Yao Feng—these two were the most notable: Wang Qingxiao and Lin Shixuan.

It was said they hailed from the same town, knew each other since childhood, entered the Inner Sect together, their cultivation arts complementary and their abilities formidable.

She hadn’t expected to encounter them here, nor that—

---

The steward disciple verified the task information and announced, "Escort task D7, participating disciples: Bai Yue Ning, Wang Qingxiao, Lin Shixuan."

"All three are present. You may check the supply list and route here. Gather at the mountain gate plaza tomorrow at dawn for departure."

So, her teammates were these two.

Wang Qingxiao grinned broadly, his voice booming, "So it’s you! That sword strike in the semifinals was impressive!"

His words were direct, his praise unreserved, making it impossible to feel any resentment.

Lin Shixuan gently tugged at his sleeve, as if finding him too blunt, then spoke softly to Bai Yue Ning, "Sister Bai, I’ve long admired you. Please look after us on this journey."

Bai Yue Ning returned the courtesy, "Brother Wang, Sister Lin. Let’s look out for each other."

She sensed Wang Qingxiao’s aura was robust, already at the eleventh layer of Qi Refining, with vitality far surpassing others at that level—a clear sign of a body cultivation path.

Lin Shixuan was at the tenth layer, her spiritual power flowing delicately and steadily, runes of light flickering subtly around her—she specialized in talisman arts.

"Ah, new teammates? That big guy’s vitality is so strong, he’s like a humanoid beast. The girl’s spiritual power is pure and comfortable—feels like a support type," Ye Ming perked up instantly, professional instincts triggered.

"Team setup’s decent, tough, offensive, and supportive..."

"Uh, I mean, we’ve got assault, covering, and flanking—the mission should be solid."

Bai Yue Ning ignored his nonsense, focusing on verifying the list.

The supplies were mostly medicinal herbs and low-grade spirit minerals, destined for the market in Qinghe Town, a subsidiary settlement. The route followed the official road, as her assessment suggested, with minimal danger.

Wang Qingxiao seemed to have already reviewed the details, standing by with occasional glances at Lin Shixuan, a subconscious attention.

Lin Shixuan checked the items carefully, occasionally pointing out small details to the steward disciple, meticulous in thought.

"They seem easy to get along with, much better than that scheming Zhu," Ye Ming commented.

"But that guy’s eyes keep drifting to the side, not focused on the task... Hmm, I get it."

Bai Yue Ning’s expression remained composed, but her heart stirred.

Ye Ming, though prone to sarcasm, was sharp—especially sensitive to energy and emotional fluctuations.

His observation meant Wang Qingxiao and Lin Shixuan’s relationship was indeed unusual.

Once the verification was complete, the three agreed on the departure time for the next day and went their separate ways.