The Imperial Heaven Sect bustled as usual, disciples coming and going across the wide marble paths of the main compound. Yet today, the air felt a little different. Whispers floated around the Mission Hall like drifting leaves in the wind. Something big had been posted.
At the very front of the Mission Board, glowing letters announced a new task:
"Mission: Investigate the Night Shadows' remaining branch hideout.
Reward: 1,000,000 High-grade Qi Stones.
Requirement: Foundation Establishment Realm (Late Stage Preferred).
Posted by: Instructor Pain."
The name alone caused commotion. Pain had recently led the raid against one of the Night Shadows' bases and had returned gravely injured, though he survived. For him to personally post such a mission meant it was dangerous beyond ordinary standards.
---
Disciples crowded in front of the board, talking excitedly.
"A million high-grade stones! That's insane!"
"Which means the mission could also cost you your life."
"It's Instructor Pain himself… if he's the one leading, at least it won't be chaos."
Still, despite the reward, most were hesitant. The name Night Shadows stirred fear. Everyone remembered how close they had come to killing the heirs during the last trial.
Jace stood at the far edge of the hall, pulling the half-mask tighter across his face. His crimson eyes remained hidden, and his aura deliberately suppressed to late Foundation Establishment. He had no intention of revealing his true cultivation unless forced.
He hadn't planned to come here. But overhearing two disciples whispering about Pain's mission had sparked something in him.
The Night Shadows again… This is my chance. If I want to test my strength—and my Dragon Breath—there's no better opportunity. And if I devour more of their bloodline energy… I'll grow faster.
The mask hid the faint smirk tugging at his lips.
---
[System Notification]
A familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[New Side Quest Assigned]
Mission: Join Instructor Pain's Investigation.
Objective: Eliminate at least one high-ranking Night Shadows cultivator.
Reward: 200,000 High-grade Qi Stones + Skill Evolution (Devour → Dragon Devour).
Penalty: -2 Levels of Cultivation Suppression (14 Days).
Jace's eyes narrowed. The system had never been wrong. If it gave him this task, it meant the opportunity here was real.
He didn't hesitate. He walked up to the counter, calmly placing his identity jade before the elder.
"I'll take the mission," Jace said simply.
The elder blinked at him. "…You're volunteering?"
Jace nodded once. "Yes."
His name was etched onto the list.
And that single act set the ripples in motion.
---
The Vampire Princess
Elsewhere, Veyra Nightveil—the vampire princess of the Vampire Clan—overheard two disciples whispering in disbelief.
"Some masked guy just signed up. Doesn't even look nervous."
Veyra's crimson eyes gleamed with curiosity. Masked… could it be him?
She had crossed paths with Jace before. Something about him gnawed at her instincts, as if his existence was shrouded in danger. She couldn't explain why, but she wanted to see what he was hiding...
When she learned he had volunteered, her decision was instant.
"If he goes, then I will too."
Gasps followed as she approached the counter, her beauty striking and her bloodline pressure impossible to ignore. The elder scribbled her name with trembling hands.
Now the mission had gained even more attention. If the vampire princess herself was willing to risk it, surely something extraordinary was about to unfold.
---
By the end of the day, ten disciples stood listed for the mission. Most were talented late-stage Foundation cultivators, proud and ambitious. Some came from smaller clans wanting glory, others from major factions hoping to earn resources for their families.
Among them, however, Jace stood out—even though he tried not to. His aura was restrained, his mask concealed his face, but still, whispers followed him. A lone wolf among them.
---
Two days later, the chosen ten were gathered in a secluded courtyard. The air was tense, heavy with expectation. Then came the sound of firm footsteps.
Instructor Pain emerged, his tall frame clad in dark battle robes. His face bore faint scars from the last raid, but he looked whole again. The oppressive weight of his aura made every disciple straighten immediately.
"You are the ones who answered my posting?" Pain's deep voice carried like thunder.
"Yes, Instructor!" they chorused.
Pain's sharp eyes swept over them. For a brief second, his gaze lingered on Jace—narrowing, as if sensing something was off—but he said nothing.
"You should understand what you've signed up for." Pain's voice was like steel. "The Night Shadows are no rabble. Their hideouts are traps. Even I was nearly slain the last time. If you follow me, your lives are forfeit the moment you hesitate."
He let the words sink in.
"Those of you who think this is merely about the reward—leave. I will not hold it against you."
Silence filled the courtyard. Then, slowly, one disciple stepped back. Another followed. Fear showed plainly on their faces.
By the end, five had left.
That left only five remaining: Veyra, three late-stage cultivators, and Jace.
Pain nodded, unsurprised. "Good. Better five who are willing than ten who will break under pressure."
Jace clenched his fists behind his back. Perfect. Fewer people in the way.
---
As Pain dismissed them for the day, Jace lingered at the edge of the courtyard, staring at the setting sun.
'Six days left on the system's main quest. And now a side quest tied directly to the Night Shadows… If I succeed, my devour ability will evolve into Dragon Devour. My path forward depends on this mission' he thought to himself
His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword.
I won't let this chance slip away.
Veyra watched him from a distance, her crimson eyes soft but sharp. She could sense the storm of emotions behind his mask.
'You hide yourself so well, Jace. But no mask can hide the hunger in your aura. What are you chasing? Power? Revenge?'
She allowed herself a faint smile. Whatever it is, I will see it unfold. That's why I joined.
Before they left, Pain gave one final warning.
"Remember: this is not glory. It is survival. Out there, the Night Shadows will not fight fair. If you fall behind, you will be abandoned. If you hesitate, you will die. If you doubt—then don't come."
His eyes burned as he looked at each of them in turn.
"Decide now. There will be no turning back once we set out."
The disciples exchanged nervous looks, but none stepped away this time.
Jace only nodded, his resolve unshakable.
And so, the five who remained—Jace, Veyra, and three others—were bound by a mission that could change everything.
A mission not only against the Night Shadows, but against fate itself.
---
TO BE CONTINUED...