Liu Xingchen's words were clear to Jiang Hao. When it comes to sect missions, they usually involve accompanying others, which he couldn't refuse. The Heavenly Joy Pavilion folks were certain to be encountered on such tasks, which was dangerous. He had to advance quickly to ensure his safety.
[Name: Jiang Hao]
[Age: 19]
[Level: Mid Foundation Establishment]
[Techniques: Hundred Revolutions of Heavenly Sound, Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture]
[Divine Abilities: Nine Revolutions Death Substitution (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear and Tranquil Heart]
[Vital Qi: 49/100 (Trainable)]
[Level Progress: 50/100 (Trainable)]
[Divine Abilities: 0/3 (Unavailable)]
"Only halfway there. It still requires a lot of time to advance," he thought.
"I need to find a way to cultivate more spirit herb seeds; that's how I can unlock the blue bubbles more easily."
With a Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower in his possession, his cultivation sped up significantly, despite the increased risk. However, the benefits he reaped made it worthwhile: the Primordial Chaos Heart Scripture, concealment methods, and daily blue bubbles all fell into his grasp, albeit risking everything.
Due to Elder Bai Zhi and that woman, he always seemed to offend one side.
"Do you know when the missions will be assigned?" Jiang Hao asked cautiously.
"Normally, I shouldn't disclose this," Liu Xingchen hesitated, "but considering you've been treated unfairly, it might take anywhere from two to three months."
Liu Xingchen went on to outline two ways out of his situation: "First, avoid the Heavenly Joy Pavilion. With time, they might forget about you, especially if they find a new target with an enchanting physique."
"Second, prove your value so much that your master wouldn't hesitate to protect you, making the Heavenly Joy Pavilion reconsider the costs and benefits, eventually letting the issue slide."
"But the second method is difficult. I've heard Broken Hearts Cliff recently took in a prodigious disciple. Have you heard of this?" Jiang Hao shook his head, quite clueless. Both routes seemed difficult. The first seemed his best choice for now, as the second required him to demonstrate a value he couldn't risk showing yet. And such value took time to cultivate—a luxury he didn't have.
He did not give much thought to the news about the disciple at Broken Hearts Cliff, as they had no personal vendetta. All he needed to do was conduct himself properly in his duties. He then inquired about the cultivation level of the team leader. Liu Xingchen told him it was expected to be late Foundation Establishment, possibly even reaching completion.
Jiang Hao was silent for a moment. His progress rate could possibly match the late stage but reaching completion was currently beyond him. He needed to find a plan quickly.
Following a few more exchanges, Liu Xingchen departed, mentioning that once the person from Heavenly Joy Pavilion no longer held a grudge, Jiang Hao would be free from the traitor's stigma.
Watching his departure, Jiang Hao couldn't help but feel grateful. Liu Xingchen had helped him a great deal. The appearance of the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower improved his situation significantly. Having made the Heavenly Joy Pavilion an enemy meant he stayed clear of old acquaintances, focusing instead on mutual use with those in similar straits.
"Sixty days—each day gaining just a sliver of cultivation progress. I need to earn some money to buy spirit herb seeds," he mused. "But spirit stones are scarce; even with what I have, around ninety, I'll hardly afford enough decent talisman materials."
The following day at the Spirit Herb Garden entrance, Jiang Hao spotted a young man about his age, though perhaps a bit younger. The boy was neatly dressed, appearing quite proper, with a hint of youthful innocence on his face. Next to him stood a middle-aged man: Jiang Hao's master, Ku Wuchang, the head of Broken Hearts Cliff.
Seeing this, Jiang Hao approached with respect: "Disciple greets Master."
Bitter and straightforward, as always, Ku Wuchang seemed to be pondering something solemnly. He simply glanced at Jiang Hao and said, "You arrived just in time. Show your junior around the Spirit Herb Garden. He's new and unfamiliar with it." Jiang Hao nodded, answering, "Yes." The Spirit Herb Garden was primarily his responsibility, so it made sense to assist.
As to whether his master was considering the issue of a thousand spirit stones, Jiang Hao paid it no mind. His primary goal was survival. Other expectations were unnecessary.
Within the Demonic Sect, avoiding betrayal was already good fortune. One had to see things clearly and act accordingly.
"I'm Jiang. Full name, Jiang Hao. I help out at the Spirit Herb Garden for now," he introduced himself once his master left. The young man before him was the famed genius disciple Liu Xingchen mentioned. At the early Foundation Establishment stage, around eighteen or nineteen—it was impressive based on talent alone. Out of curiosity, Jiang Hao activated his divine ability for an appraisal.