Chapter 352 Taking Risks

In order to continuously absorb cultivation resources, Ye Fan decided to take on missions to train himself and also to accumulate more wealth and experience for the sect. He heard that the Mission Hall often issued various missions, many of which were dangerous but had rich rewards.

In order to seize the opportunity, he decided to go to the Mission Hall in person to find out.

The Mission Hall is located in the most prosperous corner of the Zixiao Sect's outer courtyard. The front of the hall is paved with neat bluestone slabs, and there are several simple stone pillars on both sides, which are engraved with faintly discernible crane patterns and ancient array runes. The entire exterior wall of the hall is mainly dark blue, decorated with golden borders, and it shines a steady and mysterious light under the moonlight. In front of the hall hangs a large plaque with the three words "Mission Hall" written on it. The writing is vigorous, as if to show that this is a holy place where many monks fight for honor and resources.

In front of the gate, teams of well-dressed inner disciples in various Taoist robes were coming and going. They looked confident and walked with firm steps. They were obviously the elites of the major sects. Among these people, outer disciples were extremely rare. According to the tradition of Zixiao Sect, outer disciples had a lower status. Usually, only those who ranked high and performed well could obtain the qualification to take on dangerous tasks with inner disciples.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Ye Fan stepped into the mission hall and immediately felt a strong spiritual energy and a strict atmosphere. The large space in the hall was spacious and bright, and the colorful lights hanging high around made the entire hall magnificent. In the middle was a long platform, on which were placed various mission notices and mission props, shining brightly. Several mission officers in uniform were busy sorting out documents, with serious and focused expressions on their faces.

In the hall, many inner disciples stood in groups of three or five, discussing their recent missions in low voices. Some were excitedly talking about their experiences of going to dangerous areas to collect rare medicinal herbs, while others were discussing how to cleverly complete secret missions. From time to time, excited laughter and words of encouragement could be heard from the crowd, and the whole scene was filled with competition and enthusiasm.

At the front desk of the main hall, a beautiful sister was standing there. She was wearing a purple dress, with picturesque features, pure and elegant temperament, and dignified like a fairy. She was busy receiving disciples who came to apply for missions, and her voice was gentle and firm. Her presence added a bit of warmth and order to the entire mission hall. Many disciples admired her talent and style, and whispered about her beauty and wisdom.

However, Ye Fan was wearing the clothes of an outer disciple, which was different from others and particularly eye-catching. Zixiao Sect had never had high requirements for outer disciples. Usually, only a few with excellent grades were allowed to take on tasks together with inner disciples, while most outer disciples could only do simple errands. However, Ye Fan's appearance made everyone look at him with new eyes. His cold and resolute eyes, steady and powerful steps, and the extraordinary temperament that emanated from him all showed that he was no ordinary person.

When they first stepped into the mission hall, several inner disciples saw Ye Fan and couldn't help whispering. Some mocked, "Look at this outer disciple. He dared to sneak in and take on a dangerous mission. He is so arrogant!" Another person sneered, "It's a joke that outer disciples can take on missions. They are no match for us at all."

Ye Fan listened to these taunts, but his face remained stern, and he did not show any panic at all because of these taunts. He knew that in this environment, only silence and strength could prove everything. Facing these difficulties, he just smiled slightly and whispered: "I know my limits."

Then, the mission officer began to announce today's mission. The disciples in the hall gathered around and listened carefully to the mission content. The mission officer's clear voice echoed in the hall: "Today's mission: Go to the forbidden area to collect 'Xuanling Grass'. This grass is extremely precious and is used to refine high-level elixirs. The mission is difficult, but the reward is generous. Petitioners, please state your name."

The inner disciples were eager to try, some confidently announced their names loudly, while Ye Fan remained silent, his eyes swept over the task announcement, thinking secretly in his heart. Although this task seemed dangerous, it was still a relatively simple one compared to other difficult tasks, enough for him to stabilize the resources at hand first, and at the same time accumulate the spiritual materials needed for cultivation.

"I'll go." Ye Fan whispered, his voice calm but full of determination. He slowly walked to the mission registration desk and handed the identity token to the mission officer. At this time, the beautiful sister frowned slightly in front of the desk, as if she doubted Ye Fan's courage. She whispered: "Even if you have some talent, you should know that this mission is quite dangerous. Outer disciples usually don't take such missions..."

Ye Fan raised his eyes and glanced at her, his expression indifferent: "Senior Sister, I know my limits. If the outer disciples dare to compete with me, they may not be able to survive this storm of heaven and earth."

Before he finished speaking, a burst of mocking voices arose from the surroundings. Someone whispered, "This outer sect kid is really brave enough to take a risk." Someone else sneered, "Just you? Don't dream!"

Lin Yue stood by and saw that Ye Fan's brows were unwavering. She gently wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye and thought to herself: No matter how the outside world laughs at me, I must stay with him.

While Ye Fan sorted out the registration procedures for the mission, he carefully read the mission officer's explanation of the mission details. He knew that although this mission was simple, it also contained certain dangers. If he encountered strange beasts or forbidden land organs on the way, the consequences would be disastrous. However, at this moment, he had no choice but to face it with a normal heart. After all, accumulating resources was more important to him than temporary comfort.

After completing the mission registration, Ye Fan led several disciples who were willing to go with him and quietly left the mission hall. Outside the hall, night had fallen, and the moonlight sprinkled on the quaint bluestone road, reflecting dots of silver light. The disciples around were discussing today's mission, either mocking or expecting, and the voices mixed together, forming a vivid and noisy picture.

Ye Fan and his fellow disciples walked along a quiet path, the night breeze blew gently, bringing the fragrance of flowers and plants. He looked into the distance with a firm gaze, which was the entrance to the forbidden area. Although he had many concerns in his heart, he knew that only by going out in person could he truly verify his strength and determination.

Ye Fan, who was walking at the front of the team, looked handsome and stern, with an unyielding stubbornness between his brows. The jade token and the sect rules booklet were firmly hung on his chest, indicating his identity as an outer disciple of Zixiao Sect. Although he was an outer disciple, he had the same extraordinary demeanor as the inner disciples, and was not affected by the ridicule at all.

"Remember, everyone, although today's mission is simple, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. As long as we work together, we will be able to complete the mission successfully and collect all the Xuanling grass." Ye Fan encouraged in a low voice, his voice full of determination and strength.

On the way, the team constantly encountered small forbidden organs and wild beasts. Ye Fan always led the team in danger with his agile and accurate swordsmanship and flexible body movements. Whenever a disciple was injured, he would stop immediately, patiently treat him, and even slow down his pace to ensure that everyone could complete the mission alive.

Once, at the edge of a dense forest, a group of ferocious wild beasts suddenly emerged. A disciple in the team shouted in panic: "Run!" But Ye Fan stood firm, drew his sword to fight back, and easily repelled the beasts, which made all the fellow disciples stand in awe.

Practice at night, the Zixiao Sect's skills reappear

After completing the mission, the team returned to the outer camp of the sect. The night was deep, and the entire camp was illuminated by dim lights. Ye Fan found a secluded place, near an ancient tree, and began to practice alone. He opened the Zixiao Sect's outer sect skills book. Under the light, the densely packed words on the pages flickered with a faint spiritual light, as if they were beating with life.

Ye Fan sat cross-legged, eyes closed, and devoted himself to cultivation. The sound of wind, insects, and occasional whispers outside became insignificant in the night. The spiritual energy in his body flowed slowly with the operation of the technique, and every move and every style made his heart surge. He knew that although this technique was the foundation of the outer sect, it was far superior to the techniques he had learned before, and its profoundness was enough to allow him to achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation.

In the dead of night, Ye Fan's brows were furrowed, and his shirt was soaked with sweat, but he showed no sign of giving up. Occasionally, he would mutter to himself in a low voice, as if he was talking to the wisdom of his ancestors: "As long as I persist, there will always be a day when I will transcend all shackles and move towards true freedom..."

At the same time, in another part of the camp, a young outer disciple quietly asked his companion next to him: "I heard that Ye Fan has been practicing hard these days. Can he break through the bottleneck? Is his talent really as outstanding as the rumors say?"

The companion shook his head and whispered, "I heard that there is a unique light in his eyes, as if he can see directly into the soul. No matter what, I believe he can do it. After all, he has always been the hope of our sect."

These words made Ye Fan's heart tremble slightly. He knew that no matter how the outside world laughed at and despised him, he had to stick to his own path. His firm eyes flashed with endless determination, and the skills and cultivation of the Zixiao Sect would be his strong support for the future.

In the early morning, the sun rose slowly outside the camp, dyeing the sky with a touch of orange-red, reflecting on the ancient trees and bluestones, making it look particularly warm.

Ye Fan stood up, straightened his clothes, and looked into the distance. He knew that although the training this night was difficult, his strength had improved significantly, enough for him to face more challenges in his future journey.

"No matter how dangerous the road ahead is, I will not retreat." He whispered, his voice firm and powerful. Lin Yue's message came through the letter, and the simple and warm words gave him great encouragement.

In the morning light full of hope and challenges, Ye Fan put away the Zixiao Sect's skills and secretly made up his mind: This is just the beginning. The future world is full of opportunities and crises. I will use my own strength to change my destiny and welcome the glorious era that belongs to me!