Chapter 129: Chapter 128: Returning to the Sect, Ordinary Mission

「Ten months later.」

On the broad back of the Cyan Feathered Eagle, Lu Zhao sat cross-legged, the fierce wind whipping his black robe. Gazing down at the verdant forests flashing past and the slowly clarifying outline of the Bixia Sect Mountain Gate, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

’I’m finally out of that hellhole—the Lingze County outpost.’

For over a year—a full year and four months—he had toiled in that place overrun by Blood Spirit Worms and thick with damp miasma. Even with his resilient spirit, seeing the light of day again and returning to the Sect’s territory, he couldn’t help but feel as if a lifetime had passed.

However, this feeling was soon replaced by a weighty sense of accomplishment.

Over the past year, his gains in Puppetry had been substantial. His refinement of the Ice Wind Wolf Puppet and the Water Spirit Turtle Puppet had grown more proficient, with the success rate steadily increasing. More importantly, he had successfully created a brand-new Vine Snake Puppet! Now that he was back, he could start gathering the rare materials needed to refine the Tier One High-Grade Cyan Wood Giant Ape and officially attempt to become a Tier One High-Grade puppet master.

His Magic cultivation had far exceeded his expectations. Not only had he reached the Entry Level with the Blood Evil Body Protection Technique, but thanks to hunting a massive number of Blood Spirit Worms in Lingze County, he had accumulated an incalculable amount of Insect Blood. The Evil Qi contained within this refined Insect Blood was enough to support him in cultivating the first layer of this technique to the Perfection Realm. At that point, the Blood Gang on his body’s surface would become even more condensed, greatly increasing his Defense Power.

The Hundred Waters Spirit Enhancement Skill had also, as he expected, smoothly reached the Minor Achievement Realm. Now, if he were to simultaneously channel the Hundred Waters Spirit Enhancement Skill and the Thousand Overlapping Waves Skill, then fully activate them with the Hundred Waters Magic Disc, he was confident in the power of the combined strike. With the three effects stacked, Lu Zhao was fully confident that even a Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer cultivator wielding a Tier One Top Grade Defensive Spiritual Artifact might not be able to withstand the single blow!

In comparison, his Cultivation progress was unremarkable. The Spiritual Qi in Lingze County wasn’t particularly dense. Even with the help of Pills, his Cultivation had only advanced a small step within the Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer. Furthermore, he had invested a great deal of energy into his Puppets and Magic, which inevitably affected his own cultivation. He was still some distance from the 9th Layer.

「Seven days later.」

The Cyan Feathered Eagle landed in the Bixia Sect’s Mountain Gate square. As Lu Zhao’s feet touched the solid, smooth White Jade tiles that emanated a faint Spirit Light, and he felt the pure, abundant Spiritual Qi from within the Mountain Gate wash over him—far superior to that of Lingze County—that surreal feeling of a lifetime having passed washed over him again, even stronger than when he was in the air.

He didn’t delay, heading straight back to the 210 Cave Mansion of the Xin Character. He closed the stone door and activated the Restriction, sealing himself off from the outside. Everything inside the cave mansion was as he had left it: cold and simple, yet possessing a reassuring familiarity. Lu Zhao didn’t immediately begin to meditate. Instead, he shed his dust-covered Magic Robe, lay down on the cold stone couch, and completely relaxed his Heart Spirit.

The nerves that had been taut for over a year suddenly loosened, and exhaustion washed over him like a tide. He closed his eyes and quickly fell into a deep sleep. He slept profoundly, without dreams or disturbances.

「By the time he awoke, it was noon the next day.」

The Lighting Bead on the cave mansion’s ceiling emitted a soft, steady glow. Lu Zhao felt refreshed and invigorated. The fatigue from days of travel and mental strain was completely gone, his Sea of Consciousness was clear, and he felt better than ever.

He got up, washed up briefly, and changed into a clean Steward Black Robe. After adjusting his state to its peak, he set off for the Recruitment Bureau.

Stepping into the familiar, solemn hall of the Recruitment Bureau, he soon saw Wang Ping.

"Junior Brother Lu! You’re finally back!" Seeing Lu Zhao, Wang Ping’s face broke into a genuine smile, his eyes filled with unconcealed surprise and a hint of admiration. "Have a seat! Quick, have a seat!"

After Lu Zhao sat down, Wang Ping personally poured him a cup of Spirit Tea and said with emotion, "Junior Brother, your perseverance... I’m truly impressed! I’ve been on duty at the Recruitment Bureau for so many years and seen countless Outer Sect Stewards come and go. Those who can last a full year in that hellhole Lingze County are exceedingly rare. Someone like you, Junior Brother, who stayed for a year and four months... this is the first time I’ve ever seen it!"

He shook his head, his tone laced with disbelief. "A full year and four months! By my count, that means you’ve completed eight mandatory missions in one go! Incredible!"

Lu Zhao accepted the tea, his expression calm. "Senior Brother, you flatter me. I was forced by the circumstances and just gritted my teeth and endured it. That place... it truly wears a person down."

"Even enduring it requires that kind of spirit and ability!" Wang Ping waved his hand dismissively, then a look of envy appeared on his face. "But your hard work has paid off! Junior Brother, you’ve hit the jackpot this time! According to Sect rules, since you’ve completed eight mandatory missions, you won’t have to carry out any more for the next two full years! For these two years, you can finally relax!"

A faint smile touched Lu Zhao’s lips upon hearing this. "I’ll take that as a good omen, Senior Brother. I can indeed catch my breath for these two years. However, it’s you, Senior Brother, who is truly enviable—stationed at the heart of operations, managing and coordinating, without having to rush about and face dangers outside like us."

"Junior Brother, don’t you mock me!" Wang Ping immediately began to vent his frustrations, the envy on his face instantly replaced by misery. "You have no idea the hardships we who hold official posts endure! It looks like a cushy job, but in reality, we have no freedom at all! Without a transfer order, I can’t even leave the Mountain Sect on my own. How is that any different from being in prison?"

"Every day, there are mountains of documents and scrolls to process, all sorts of coordinating, reporting, and verifying... It’s all tedious and complicated, mentally and physically exhausting! Sometimes I’m so busy I work late into the night and can’t even squeeze in time to meditate and regulate my breathing. My Cultivation is falling behind! It’s nothing like you guys. Your missions out there may be dangerous, but at least you’re free to move about, and you get blocks of time to cultivate after you’re done..."

Wang Ping grumbled on for the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, laying out all the difficulties of a cultivator with an official post, as if trying to vent all his pent-up frustration in one go. Lu Zhao just listened quietly, occasionally nodding in agreement without interrupting. He knew well that everyone needed to vent, and being a patient listener at that moment was more effective than any words of comfort.

Finally, his mouth dry from talking, Wang Ping picked up his teacup and took a large gulp. Only then did he remember the real reason for the visit, slapping his forehead. "Look at me, so caught up in complaining that I almost forgot about your business, Junior Brother!"

He put down the cup and said seriously, "Junior Brother, about your standard mission quotas for last year and this year..."

Lu Zhao picked up the thread, "That is precisely why I came. After staying in Lingze County for over a year, I didn’t finish last year’s standard missions, and I haven’t done a single one for this year. I just got back a few days ago and am not sure how to make them up."

"Don’t you worry about that!" Wang Ping waved his hand, his tone firm. "Your situation last year was special. I’ve already reported it to the higher-ups, and they’ve permitted you to roll over the five uncompleted standard missions from last year to be completed along with this year’s. In other words, you’ll need to complete a total of fifteen standard missions this year."

He paused, then lowered his voice, offering a bit of guidance. "As for how to complete them... Junior Brother, you don’t need to run around and do them yourself. Make a trip to the 316 Cave Mansion of the Jia Character and find a Senior Brother named Wei Tong. Just tell him that I, Wang Ping, sent you. He’ll take care of everything for you."

"Thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother!" Lu Zhao said, cupping his hands in thanks.

"Between you and me, there’s no need to be so polite," Wang Ping said with a smile. "Go on, now. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you can focus on your cultivation."

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