75: The turmoil in the Mission Hall

The Inner Academy's Mission Hall was situated within a magnificent grand palace. The hall was bustling with people, and various mission details constantly scrolled across a massive light screen. From gathering medicinal herbs and hunting Magical Beasts to escorting merchant caravans and exploring ruins, the difficulty and rewards varied. This was a crucial place for Inner Academy disciples to acquire Fire Energy and gain experience.

When Xiao Chen stepped into the hall, he immediately attracted many gazes. His reputation in the Inner Academy was now formidable; whether it was his status as the champion of the selection competition or the rumors of his experiences in the Star Realm, all made him a focal point. Feeling the curious, reverent, or somewhat scrutinizing stares around him, Xiao Chen's expression remained calm as he walked directly towards the light screen.

His objective was clear: to find a mission of moderate difficulty that required him to leave the academy's confines, allowing him to interact with the outside world, gain practical combat experience, and potentially uncover opportunities. Mere secluded cultivation, after all, only nurtured hothouse flowers; true power was forged in blood and fire.

The missions on the light screen were dazzling. Xiao Chen's Soul Power swept across them, quickly filtering. Soon, a purple mission at the forefront of the mission list caught his attention:

【Exploration Mission】: Investigate anomalies in the "Gloomy Ancient Tomb" deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

【Difficulty】: Quasi-Earth Tier (Recommended for Dou Zong (Battle Sovereign) level teams to undertake).

【Description】: Over the past three months, in the southeastern region of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, an ancient tomb is suspected to have appeared, with abnormal energy fluctuations. Several mercenary groups have entered and subsequently lost contact. It is necessary to investigate the source of the energy fluctuations, assess the risks, and map the area. If a tomb is discovered, an initial exploration and record-keeping are required.

【Rewards】: One hundred thousand Fire Energy, one scroll of Earth Tier Low-grade Dou Technique or cultivation method (optional), three hundred Academy Contribution Points.

【Remarks】: Unidentified forces are suspected to be active in the mission area; extreme caution is advised.

"Gloomy Ancient Tomb... unidentified forces active..." Xiao Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. The depths of the Magical Beast Mountain Range were already fraught with danger, and with the addition of unidentified forces and a threat capable of causing Dou Zong (Battle Sovereign) level teams to lose contact, the danger of this mission was self-evident. However, high risk often came with high reward, and the words "ancient tomb" held a considerable attraction for him. Perhaps he could find some ancient relics or information.

"This is it," Xiao Chen decided, walking towards the mission counter.

Just as he was about to accept the mission, a slightly cold female voice sounded from beside him: "You're also interested in this mission?"

Xiao Chen turned his head to see a woman in a moon-white dress standing beside him at some point. Her face was exquisite, and her temperament was as cool as the moon. She was none other than Han Yue, a renowned genius on the Inner Academy's strong ranking list. Her aura was profound, clearly having reached the Two-Star Dou Zong level.

"Senior Sister Han Yue," Xiao Chen greeted with a nod. He had a good impression of this Senior Sister, who possessed both talent and beauty. Although there had been a slight rift due to Liu Qing's warning, he hadn't taken it to heart.

Han Yue's gaze fell on the mission light screen, and she said calmly, "This mission isn't simple. The risk is too great for one person alone. I've accepted the mission and am looking for suitable teammates." She looked at Xiao Chen, her eyes serene, "Your Soul Perception is outstanding, and your strength is sufficient. Interested in teaming up?"

Xiao Chen pondered for a moment. Han Yue's strength was formidable, and her background seemed extraordinary (he vaguely sensed that Han Yue might be connected to a prominent family in the Central Plains). Teaming up with her would indeed increase the chances of success and allow them to look out for each other. Moreover, he trusted Han Yue's character.

"Alright," Xiao Chen readily agreed.

"Count me in," another voice interjected. Lin Xiuyai, who had also walked over at some point, appeared with a gentle smile on his face. "This mission sounds quite interesting. I've just hit a bottleneck in my cultivation recently and need to get out and about."

Lin Xiuyai's strength was also among the top on the strong ranking list, and he was now a Three-Star Dou Zong. With his addition, the team's strength was greatly enhanced.

Han Yue glanced at Lin Xiuyai and nodded slightly, not objecting. Thus, a temporary team consisting of Xiao Chen, Han Yue, and Lin Xiuyai, three of the Inner Academy's top geniuses, was formed. This combination was enough to make any force in the Inner Academy take notice.

However, just as the three finished registering for the mission and were about to leave the Mission Hall to discuss their specific action plan, a cold gaze shot from not far away, carrying undisguised hostility.

Liu Qing, accompanied by a few others, blocked the entrance to the hall. His gaze swept gloomily over Xiao Chen, finally resting on Han Yue, his tone carrying a suppressed anger: "Han Yue, you're teaming up with him?"

Han Yue's brows furrowed slightly, and she said coolly, "Liu Qing, who I team up with is none of your concern."

Liu Qing's expression grew even uglier. He stared at Xiao Chen and said coldly, "Xiao Chen, don't think you can do whatever you want just because you have a bit of luck. The Magical Beast Mountain Range isn't the academy; it's full of dangers outside. Be careful you don't accept the mission with your life but never return!"

This was an overt threat.

Before Xiao Chen could speak, Lin Xiuyai stepped forward, still smiling, but his eyes sharpened: "Liu Qing, saying such things in front of the Mission Hall isn't appropriate, is it? Xiao Chen is our teammate; his safety is not for you to worry about."

Liu Qing snorted, knowing he wouldn't gain anything in front of Lin Xiuyai and Han Yue. He glared fiercely at Xiao Chen, then turned and left with his companions, but the hostility in his gaze remained undiminished.

"It seems this journey won't be too lonely," Lin Xiuyai shrugged, his tone somewhat teasing, but a hint of solemnity also entered his eyes. Liu Qing's influence in the Inner Academy was considerable, and his family also held some power in the Black-Corner Region and even the Central Plains. If he truly intended to cause trouble outside, it would indeed be a problem.

Han Yue looked at Xiao Chen and said calmly, "Don't mind him. Get ready. We'll gather at the academy's West Gate and depart in three days."

Xiao Chen nodded, feeling no fear in his heart, but rather a surge of heroic spirit. Liu Qing's threat was merely a whetstone. The real challenge lay in the mysterious Gloomy Ancient Tomb, and the potential lurking in the shadows... the Soul Hall or other forces.

He had a faint premonition that this mission would be far from a simple investigation. Perhaps, he would, for the first time in a true sense, directly face the treacherous currents of the Central Plains Continent.

Three days later, the Magical Beast Mountain Range would be a new stage.