Chapter 269: Beneath the Emperor Level, All Are Ants
Mission Type: Earth Rank – Collect medicinal herbs near Spring God Canyon.
Required Strength: Minimum rank of Da Dou Shi (Great Master).
Rewards: Low level Profound Rank Dou Technique or a Tier 4 Pill.
When this mission first appeared, most students instinctively rejected it.
Though the reward of a profound level technique or a Tier 4 pill was tempting, news of the recent tragedy near Spring God Canyon had spread far and wide. Spring God City, known for its many powerful experts, had been reduced to ruins with fewer than a hundred survivors out of millions.
For students at the level of Da Dou Shi or Dou Ling, taking on such a task seemed tantamount to suicide.
However, just as they were about to dismiss the mission entirely, their eyes fell upon the name of the supervising instructor: Elder Yan Xiao.
This name carried immense weight within the academy.
The Elder Yan Xiao who had risen to fame in the academy's Pill Refining Department was reputed to be at least at the peak Dou Huang (Emperor) level. His strength was acknowledged across the Black Corner Region as formidable.
However, what had truly endeared him to students was his generosity.
Rumors of his magnanimity were widespread: Han Yue, simply for speaking on his behalf, had been rewarded with the chance to undergo three Heart Flame Tempering sessions a priceless opportunity. Even Lin Xiuya and Lin Yan, who barely had more than a passing encounter with him, had been gifted his assistance in refining their Heart Flame Tempering Pills.
Beyond these examples, it was said that Elder Yan Xiao had a habit of handing out Tier 4 pills as casually as candy whenever he was in a good mood.
Thus, students who initially balked at the mission now considered its true appeal not the rewards promised in the mission briefing, but the possibility of earning Elder Yan Xiao's favor.
Still, fear of Spring God Canyon's devastation kept many hesitant.
But among the fearless or opportunistic nearly 20 Dou Ling ranked students soon signed up, believing that accompanying Elder Yan Xiao might be worth the risk. Unfortunately, the mission only had 10 available spots, leading to heated competition.
Ultimately, the team roster included familiar figures: Lin Xiuya, Lin Yan, and Han Yue, among others.
Unexpectedly, Liu Qing also joined.
Despite past clashes, Xiao Yan did not hold grudges and allowed Liu Qing to remain in the group. Liu Fei, on the other hand, tried to use her cousin's reputation to join the team but was swiftly rejected. The team's standards were high, and even her connections couldn't grant her a spot.
Thus, a team of elite students was assembled. Three days later, they set out toward Spring God Canyon under Elder Yan Xiao's supervision.
A Team of Promising Youths
As Xiao Yan glanced at the young faces in the group, a wave of nostalgia swept over him.
While this group might not seem overly powerful now, according to the original story, each member would one day achieve greatness. Even without his intervention, the weakest among them would eventually reach the Dou Zong (Venerate) level.
"Truly a group of future titans," Xiao Yan mused as he walked.
Then, casually, he sidled up next to Han Yue.
"Elder Yan Xiao!" Han Yue greeted him, her usually cold demeanor softening with a faint blush.
"No need to be so formal. I'm not very familiar with the others, so I thought I'd chat with you instead."
Xiao Yan smiled warmly, drawing a few subtle glances from Lin Xiuya and the others.
They weren't blind Elder Yan Xiao's particular attention toward Han Yue was obvious. However, they were tactful enough not to comment, even deliberately creating opportunities for the two to converse.
After all, Elder Yan Xiao wasn't some old, decrepit instructor. He appeared only slightly older than Han Yue herself, and his incredible talent earned their admiration.
Spring God Canyon
Spring God Canyon was located in the northern region of the Black Corner Domain. It was said that an ancient powerhouse known as the Spring God once resided here.
Though Spring God City's inhabitants claimed to be descendants of this legendary figure, the Spring God's history was so ancient that little could be verified.
Today, Spring God Canyon was regarded as a cursed and ominous place. Stories abounded of Dou Huang experts entering the canyon, only to never return.
Deep within its thousand foot chasm, thick black mist swirled, so dense it obscured even the faintest light.
Within the suffocating darkness, a pair of blood red eyes gleamed.
"Heh heh heh..."
The creature with crimson eyes radiated an oppressive presence that even the surrounding black mist seemed to fear. A chilling water blue flame ignited, illuminating its terrifying form.
The figure revealed itself a tall, imposing man clad in an opulent alchemist's robe.
It was none other than Han Feng.
Yet, the once elegant and dignified man was now grotesque. Black markings marred his face, his fingers had morphed into razor sharp claws, and his body exuded a malevolent aura.
"This Heavenly Flame makes refining souls so much easier..."
Han Feng's crimson eyes glinted with cruelty as he gazed at the water blue flame a flame that was devouring a small crystalline orb.
Inside the orb, faint screams echoed, as if countless souls were trapped within.
When the screams ceased, Han Feng's twisted smile widened. He opened his mouth, revealing rows of jagged teeth, and swallowed the crystal whole.
"Devouring the souls of this city's entire population should be enough to restore me to the level of a Demon General."
Han Feng's voice carried a sinister resonance, but his expression soon darkened.
"To think this world still has an Emperor level entity... What an annoyance."
Despite his newfound power, Han Feng understood his limits. As long as he remained below the Emperor level, he was no more than an ant before such beings.
"Beneath the Emperor level, all are ants," he muttered, his tone tinged with frustration.
Nearby, two grotesque figures none other than the corrupted Gold and Silver Elders laughed maniacally, their blood red eyes gleaming with madness.
A Familiar Face
Three days later, Xiao Yan's group encountered someone unexpected on their journey.
(End of Chapter)
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