Task System, Main Quest Emerges

Back in Jiangnan City, it was already deep into the night.

The city gates were about to close. The guards saw the five people covered in wounds and looking disheveled. After a simple check of their mission credentials, they waved them through—most Martial Artists returning from the wilderness looked like this, so they were used to it.

The team handed in their mission at the Martial Artist Association, received their Academic Credits and rewards, and then split the money on the spot.

The materials from the Crimson Flame Tiger sold for a total of twenty-three thousand Huaxia Coin. Adding the mission reward of ten thousand, it came to thirty-three thousand in total. After deducting expenses for team-use medicine, Ice Pills, and other consumables, which cost around three thousand, they had thirty thousand left.

According to the rules: Sun Wanting, as the captain and main tactician, received 20%, which was six thousand; Lin Fan, as the main attacker and finisher, received 30%, which was nine thousand; Chen Dahu, Zhou Ming, and Bai Susu each received 15%, totaling four thousand five hundred each. The tiger's whip from the materials was appraised separately at five thousand and went to Lin Fan—this was an extra reward for him landing the final blow.

Lin Fan received fourteen thousand Huaxia Coin, stuffing the heavy wad of cash into his clothes.

"Go back and rest well," Sun Wanting instructed. "Let's meet at the usual spot in three days to pick up a new mission. Don't run around during these three days, especially you, Zhou Ming. You're not allowed out of bed until your ribs have healed."

"Got it, Captain," Zhou Ming said with a wry smile. The painkiller's effect had worn off, and he winced with every step he took.

Bai Susu supported Zhou Ming, and Chen Dahu limped along. The five parted ways.

By the time Lin Fan returned to his academy dorm, it was already past midnight.

He didn't rest immediately but first treated the burns on his left arm. The cooling cream Bai Susu gave him worked wonders, significantly reducing the burning sensation after application. He then took a Vitality Pill and began meditating to restore his Origin Energy.

This battle had been exhausting, but the rewards were also substantial.

[Combat Settlement]

[Killed Crimson Flame Tiger (Tier 2 High-grade): Proficiency +150 (Over-level bonus)]

[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +38, Current: Proficient (1420/5000)]

[Combat Intuition Proficiency +25, Current: Skilled (320/500)]

[Movement Technique Proficiency +18, Current: Skilled (280/500)]

[Iron Body Skill Proficiency +12, Current: Perfection (Fixed)]

[High-Temperature Resistance Proficiency +8, New Skill Unlocked]

[Teamwork Proficiency +15, New Skill Unlocked]

[Gained Skill Points: 2 (Team Mission) + 2 (First Over-level Kill of Tier 2 High-grade) = 4]

[Current Skill Points: 4]

The system notifications were dense.

Lin Fan examined them carefully, most interested in the two newly unlocked skills:

[High-Temperature Resistance (Novice 5/100): Ability to resist high-temperature environments. Heat resistance increases with each level.]

[Teamwork (Novice 15/100): Rapport with teammates, affects cooperative combat effectiveness.]

"It seems practical combat really is the fastest way to improve," Lin Fan thought.

One battle was equivalent to several days of hard training.

He brought up his status panel:

[Character: Lin Fan]

[Age: 16]

[Realm: 2nd Grade Martial Artist (Tier 2)]

[Origin Energy: 600/1200 (Recovering)]

[Cultivation Technique: Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art First Revolution (Minor Accomplishment 5000/5000, can break through to Second Revolution)]

[Martial Skills: Basic Fist Technique (Proficient), Basic Sword Technique (Proficient), Gale Sword Technique (Proficient 1420/5000), Iron Body Skill (Perfection)]

[Special: Gale Sword Intent (Novice 1/1000)]

[Support Skills: Alchemy (Novice 50/100), High-Temperature Resistance (Novice 5/100), Teamwork (Novice 15/100)]

[Skill Points: 4]

[Storage Space: 1 cubic meter (0.9 used)]

The first revolution of the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art had reached Minor Accomplishment, and he could begin cultivating the second revolution.

According to the technique's description, each breakthrough would bring a qualitative and quantitative increase in Origin Energy. The difficulty of the second revolution was twice that of the first, but its effects were also more significant.

"I'll use the skill points first."

Lin Fan pondered for a moment and decided to put all 4 skill points into the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art.

Although he could break through to the second revolution now, he could still accumulate proficiency in the first revolution. According to the system rules, the higher the proficiency within each level, the more solid the foundation after breakthrough, and the faster subsequent cultivation would be.

[Consumed Skill Points x4]

[Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art First Revolution Proficiency +400]

[Current Proficiency: 5400/5000 (Excess Accumulation)]

Excess proficiency would not be wasted; it would be converted into initial proficiency for the second revolution upon breakthrough.

"Alright, now to attempt the breakthrough."

Lin Fan sat down cross-legged and adjusted his breathing.

The running route for the first revolution of the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art was already etched in his mind. Now, he needed to follow the cultivation method's instructions and open up the meridian route for the second revolution.

He closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into his body.

Profound Origin Qi surged from his dantian, circulating along the first revolution's route once before... shifting towards a brand-new meridian.

"Hiss—"

Intense pain shot through him.

The process of opening a new meridian felt like carving a path through his body with a chisel; every inch of progress was accompanied by tearing agony. Sweat instantly soaked his clothes. Lin Fan gritted his teeth, continuing to push the Origin Energy forward.

One inch, two inches, three inches...

The route for the second revolution was far more complex than the first, involving three main meridians and twelve collateral ones. A slight misstep could damage the meridians, leading to a regression in cultivation at best, or crippling at worst.

But Lin Fan had the system.

[Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art Second Revolution Opening Progress: 1%...3%...5%...]

The progress bar advanced slowly.

For every 1% increase, his proficiency gained 10 points.

Time trickled by.

The moonlight outside the window gradually shifted westward.

As the sky began to lighten with the first hint of dawn, a muffled "boom" echoed from within Lin Fan's body.

It wasn't an explosion, but the sound of a bottleneck shattering.

The main meridian of the second revolution was unblocked!

Profound Origin Qi surged like a breached dam through the newly opened meridian, bringing waves of pleasant numbness wherever it flowed. His total Origin Energy increased at a visible rate, and its quality also improved further.

[Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art Second Revolution Opening Successful!]
[Current Level: Novice (100/1000)]
[Origin Energy Cap +800, Origin Energy Quality +50%]
[Excess Proficiency Conversion: 400 points of excess proficiency from the first revolution converted to second revolution proficiency]
[Current Proficiency: 500/1000]
[Realm Advancement: 2nd Grade Martial Artist (Stage Two) -> 2nd Grade Martial Artist (Stage Three)]

He had broken through!

Lin Fan opened his eyes, feeling the surging power within him.

His total Origin Energy had skyrocketed from 1200 to 2000, with a 50% increase in quality. This meant that the same moves would be more powerful and consume less energy.

"At this rate, with two or three more real combat encounters, the second revolution should reach the proficient level," he estimated.

Just then, birdsong drifted in from outside the window.

Daylight had arrived.

Lin Fan got up and stretched. The burns on his left arm had scabbed over and didn't hinder his movement. He washed up, changed into clean clothes, and prepared to head to the mess hall for breakfast.

As he reached the bottom of the dormitory building, a system prompt suddenly sounded in his mind—

It wasn't the usual chime, but a low hum, carrying a sense of urgency.

[Warning: Anomalous energy fluctuation detected]
[Source of Fluctuation: Wilderness area surrounding Jiangnan City]
[Nature of Fluctuation: Unknown, suspected artificial interference]
[Affected Area: Continuously expanding]
[System Analysis: This fluctuation is linked to the abnormal gathering of Demonic Beasts previously encountered by the host]

Lin Fan's steps faltered.

Anomalous energy fluctuation?

Abnormal gathering of Demonic Beasts?

He immediately recalled the Rock Armored Boar pack in Gray Rock Valley, the Blazing Tiger in Flame Valley, and those faint, elusive feelings of being watched.

"System, detailed explanation," he commanded mentally.

[Generating analysis report...]
[Report generated]
[Conclusion: Within a 300-mile radius of Jiangnan City, Demonic Beast activity frequency has increased by 47% in the past 30 days, with a 62% increase in aggression. Three abnormal gathering incidents have occurred (including the two experienced by the host).]
[Energy Fluctuation Detection: The same frequency of unknown energy fluctuations was detected before and after each of the three incidents.]
[Fluctuation Source Location: Approximate direction, Northwest, distance approximately 80 miles.]
[Recommendation: Further investigation required.]

The system interface expanded, displaying a simple map of the area around Jiangnan City. Three red dots marked the locations of the anomalous events, and a dashed line extended from these three dots, pointing towards a mountainous region in the northwest.

It was marked in red font: [Suspected Source].

Immediately after, the system issued a new quest:

[Main Quest Issued]

[Quest Name: Investigate Abnormal Aggregation of Demonic Beasts]

[Quest Description: Demonic beast activity around Jiangnan City has become abnormal, threatening the city's safety. Please investigate the cause of the abnormality and eliminate the source if possible.]

[Quest Hint: The abnormality may be related to the mysterious organization "Shadow Society." Proceed with caution.]

[Quest Requirements: 1. Investigate the cause of the abnormality (0/1); 2. Find the source of the energy fluctuation (0/1); 3. Eliminate or report the threat (0/1)]

[Quest Reward: 10 Skill Points, Storage Space expanded to 10 cubic meters, 1x Random Earth-grade Item]

[Failure Penalty: None (but if the abnormality persists, it may trigger a beast tide to impact Jiangnan City)]

[Accept?]

Lin Fan's pupils contracted.

A main quest!

The rewards were astonishingly generous—10 Skill Points were equivalent to 1000 proficiency, Storage Space would expand tenfold, and there was a random Earth-grade item.

But the penalty was even more alarming: it could trigger a beast tide to impact Jiangnan City.

A beast tide...

That was the nightmare of all wilderness cities. Tens of thousands of demonic beasts would surge like a tide, city walls would crumble, and lives would be lost. Jiangnan City had experienced three beast tides in its history. The most recent one was twenty years ago, which resulted in fifty thousand deaths and half the city reduced to ruins.

If a beast tide were to occur because of his inaction...

Lin Fan took a deep breath.

"Accept."

[Quest Accepted]

[Quest Countdown: 30 Days]

[Quest Hint Updated: It is recommended to form a team to investigate. Solo action carries extremely high risk.]

[Map Marker Updated. Please check.]

On the system map, a red dot in the mountainous area to the northwest began to flash, with a countdown next to it: 29 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes.

After accepting the quest, Lin Fan did not act immediately.

He needed more information.

During breakfast, the cafeteria was not crowded. Lin Fan bought two meat buns and a bowl of porridge, then found a corner to sit down. He ate while organizing his thoughts.

The system quest explicitly mentioned the "Shadow Society."

This was the third time he had heard of this mysterious organization.

The first time was when Zhou Ming mentioned that the Shadow Society was collecting strange crystals. The second time was when Old Man Li warned him to be careful of the Shadow Society. The third time was now, with the system directly hinting that the abnormality might be related to the Shadow Society.

"What exactly does the Shadow Society want?" Lin Fan frowned.

Collecting crystals, causing demonic beast abnormalities, triggering beast tides... What was the purpose of these actions?

To destroy Jiangnan City?

What benefit would that bring them?

As he was thinking, a figure sat down opposite him.

"Lin Fan, good morning."

It was Zhou Ming.

His complexion was still pale, but he seemed much better. He walked while clutching his chest, moving cautiously.

"Why are you here? Didn't I tell you to rest in bed?" Lin Fan asked.

"I couldn't lie down," Zhou Ming said with a wry smile. "And I have important information to tell you."

"What information?"

Zhou Ming looked around and lowered his voice, "About the demonic beast abnormality."

Lin Fan's heart stirred. "What do you know?"

"After I went back last night, although the pain kept me awake, my mind was still working," Zhou Ming said. "I organized all the intelligence I collected over the past three months and found a pattern."

He took out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and spread it on the table.

The paper showed a simple map of the area around Jiangnan City, with more than a dozen red dots and some arrows.

"Look," Zhou Ming pointed at the map. "These are records of abnormal events that occurred in the wilderness area over the past three months. Including demonic beasts gathering inexplicably, their aggression abnormally increasing, and the appearance of demonic beasts that shouldn't be active in this region, and so on."

"There were seventeen incidents in total. I numbered them in chronological order and found a pattern: the frequency of abnormal events is accelerating."

He pointed to a table. "In the first month, three incidents; in the second month, five incidents; in the third month, nine incidents. And each time an abnormal event occurred, the next event was closer to Jiangnan City."

Lin Fan looked at the map. The red dots indeed showed a trend of shrinking inwards from the outside.

The furthest red dots were over a hundred miles away, while the closest had appeared within a thirty-mile radius.

"There's something even stranger," Zhou Ming continued. "I compared the times these anomalies occurred and found they all happened within three days before or after a full moon."

"A full moon?" Lin Fan frowned.

"Yes. I checked the astronomical records. The full moons for the past three months were on the 15th of last month, the 16th of the month before that, and the 14th three months ago. The anomalies were concentrated around these three-day periods."

Zhou Ming paused, his voice lowering. "Moreover, after each anomaly, a batch of 'Anomalous Demonic Beast Materials' appears on the black market. These materials have stronger energy fluctuations than ordinary demonic beast materials, but... they have an indescribable, eerie feeling."

"Eerie?"

"I bought a scale from an anomalous Rock Armored Boar," Zhou Ming said, pulling out a small cloth bag from his bosom. He opened it, revealing a dark brown scale, about the size of his palm.

"Look here."

He pointed to the edge of the scale.

Lin Fan leaned in to examine it closely. The edge of the scale had an extremely fine gray pattern, like some kind of mark or a naturally formed texture. But upon closer inspection, the pattern had an unnatural regularity.

"This is..."

"I don't know," Zhou Ming shook his head. "But I tested it with a detection instrument. The energy fluctuation of this scale is thirty percent stronger than an ordinary Rock Armored Boar scale, but the fluctuation frequency is very strange, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, as if... it's being interfered with by something."

Lin Fan took the scale, feeling a slight coolness.

He activated the system's detection function.

[Item: Rock Armored Boar Scale (Anomalous)]
[Quality: Mortal Tier High Grade (Originally Mortal Tier Mid Grade)]
[Status: Energy disordered, unknown mark present]
[Mark Analysis: Suspected mental interference mark, can affect Demonic Beast behavior]
[Source: Rock Armored Boar affected by unknown energy]

The system notification confirmed Zhou Ming's judgment.

"Where did you get this scale?" Lin Fan asked.

"I bought it from a black market dealer named 'Old Ghost'," Zhou Ming replied. "Old Ghost specializes in reselling anomalous demonic beast materials. He said these materials come from a mysterious supplier who delivers a batch after every full moon."

"Can you contact this supplier?"

"No," Zhou Ming shook his head. "Old Ghost said he's never seen the supplier's true face. Every transaction is through an intermediary, cash and goods exchanged, no unnecessary chatter."

Lin Fan pondered for a moment.

Anomalous events, full moon nights, the Shadow Society, mysterious supplier, energy fluctuations...

These fragments seemed to form a picture, but several key pieces were missing.

"Zhou Ming, do you know of any special places about eighty miles to the northwest?" Lin Fan asked.

The source marked by the system was in that direction.

Zhou Ming thought for a moment. "Eighty miles northwest... that's the edge of the Shadowy Mountain Range. The terrain is complex, with many valleys, and it's said to contain remnants of ancient ruins. But because of the dense concentration of Demonic Beasts and frequent Spatial Rifts, few dare to venture deep."

"Spatial Rifts?"

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

"Yes, unstable small Spatial Rifts that appear randomly, connecting to unknown areas," Zhou Ming said. "The military has set up warning posts there, but they can only monitor the large rifts. The small ones are hard to guard against."

Lin Fan's heart stirred.

Spatial Rifts, ancient ruins, dense Demonic Beasts... this fit the characteristics of the "source of anomalies."

"You want to go there?" Zhou Ming saw his intention.

"Yes," Lin Fan didn't hide it. "I think the source of the anomalies might be there."

"It's too dangerous," Zhou Ming said seriously. "The Shadowy Mountain Range is one of the most dangerous areas around Jiangnan City. There are constantly 3rd Tier and 4th Tier Demonic Beasts appearing, and some have even seen traces of 5th Tier Beast Kings. And the Spatial Rifts there..."

He paused. "I heard that last year, a Hunting Group went missing in the Shadowy Mountain Range. Three months later, only a few pieces of broken equipment and... a few mummified corpses were found. The bodies were intact, but their blood was drained, as if sucked dry by something."

Lin Fan's heart tightened.

But he had accepted the mission, and there was no turning back.

Besides, if the anomalies continued as the system suggested and triggered a beast tide, Jiangnan City would be in danger. Xiao Yu was still in the city.

"I have to go," Lin Fan said.

Zhou Ming looked at him and sighed. "I knew I couldn't dissuade you. But if you're really going, you'd better be fully prepared. The Shadowy Mountain Range isn't like the Flame Valley; people really die there."

"I know."

"Also, if the anomalies are truly related to the Shadow Society, you need to be even more careful," Zhou Ming lowered his voice. "I've recently uncovered some fragmented intelligence about the Shadow Society – this organization seems to be conducting some kind of 'ritual'."

"Ritual?"

"Yes. There are rumors that they build secret altars in the wilderness and perform sacrifices using demonic beast blood and human lives, with the goal of awakening some 'ancient existence'," Zhou Ming said. "Of course, these are just rumors, hard to tell if they're true. But where there's smoke, there's fire. You should be mindful."

Ancient existence...

Lin Fan recalled the fleeting grayness in the eyes of the Crimson Flame Tiger.

Could that be the result of the "sacrifice"?

"I understand." Lin Fan nodded. "Thank you for the intel."

"Don't mention it." Zhou Ming smiled, then winced in pain. "You saved my life, after all. But I'm afraid I can't go with you this time; these ribs will need at least half a month to heal."

"Take care of your injuries." Lin Fan said. "The intel has already been a huge help."

They chatted for a few more minutes before Zhou Ming, due to the pain, returned to his dorm to rest.

Lin Fan sat alone in the cafeteria, watching the sky gradually brighten outside the window.

Main quest, Shadowy Mountain Range, Shadow Society, sacrifice, ancient existence...

Everything seemed to be weaving into a giant net.

And he was walking step by step towards its center.

After breakfast, Lin Fan went to find Sun Wanting.

Sun Wanting lived in a standalone courtyard near the academy—a property left by her father. The yard wasn't large but was very tidy, with a few cold-resistant plants growing in it.

After knocking, Sun Wanting opened the door quickly.

She was wearing a training outfit, with a fine sheen of sweat on her forehead, clearly having just finished her morning practice.

"Lin Fan? So early." Sun Wanting sounded a little surprised. "Are you all better?"

"Mostly." Lin Fan replied. "I have something important I need to discuss with you."

"Come in."

There was a stone table in the yard, and the two sat down.

Lin Fan didn't beat around the bush, directly stating the content of the system mission—of course, he omitted the system part, merely saying he had obtained information through some channel, discovering that the abnormal behavior of Demonic Beasts might trigger a beast tide, and the source was suspected to be in the Shadowy Mountain Range.

Sun Wanting's brow furrowed after listening.

"Shadowy Mountain Range..." she mused. "That place is indeed dangerous. When my father was still alive, the Thunder Hunting Group took on a mission to scout the Shadowy Mountain Range. Twelve people went, and only seven returned, all of them injured."

She looked at Lin Fan. "Are you sure you want to go?"

"I'm sure." Lin Fan said. "If there's a possibility of a beast tide, we must stop it. Jiangnan City can't withstand another beast tide."

Sun Wanting was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I agree. But it won't be enough with just the two of us; we need a full team."

"Chen Dahu's injury..."

"His hand injury isn't serious; he should recover seventy percent in three days." Sun Wanting said. "Zhou Ming broke his ribs and can't do strenuous exercise for at least half a month, so he can't go this time. Bai Susu can accompany us; her medical skills are very important in the wild."

"We still need a scout," Lin Fan added.

With Zhou Ming out, the team's reconnaissance capabilities would be significantly reduced.

Sun Wanting thought for a moment. "I know someone who might be able to join us temporarily. His name is 'Shadow,' a lone scout with extensive experience, but he charges a high price."

"Money isn't an issue," Lin Fan said. He had over ten thousand Huaxia Coins, and with the potential earnings from this mission, it would be enough to cover the reward.

"Alright, I'll contact him." Sun Wanting said. "But before that, we need a more detailed plan. The Shadowy Mountain Range is vast; where exactly is the 'source' you mentioned?"

Lin Fan took out a pen and paper and drew a rough location based on the markings on the system map.

"Eighty miles northwest, on the southeast side of the Shadowy Mountain Range, this area." He pointed at the map. "The terrain should be a valley or basin, possibly with ruins or caves."

Sun Wanting looked at the map, her expression growing increasingly solemn.

"This location you mentioned... if I remember correctly, it has another name."

"What other name?"

"'Cannibal Valley'," Sun Wanting said slowly. "It's said that few who enter ever come out alive, and their deaths are bizarre, as if their vital energy was drained. The military sent reconnaissance teams there, but they never found the specific cause and only listed it as a restricted zone."

Cannibal Valley...

Lin Fan recalled the dried corpses Zhou Ming had mentioned.

"Even so, we have to go," he said.

Sun Wanting looked at his determined eyes and suddenly smiled. "I knew you'd say that. Fine, since you've decided, I'll go with you. But this operation is extremely risky; we need to be fully prepared."

"What preparations are needed?"

"First, enough high-level pills. Replenishing Pills, Healing Pills, Detoxification Pills, and 'Clear Mind Pills' to counter mental interference." Sun Wanting began to list. "Second, special equipment. There are Spatial Rifts in the Shadowy Mountain Range, and we'll need 'Spatial Stabilizing Talismans' to detect and warn us. Third, maps and information. Although it's a restricted zone, people have been there before; we need to gather as much intel as possible."

She paused. "Fourth, and most importantly—a reliable backup plan. If we lose contact after entering, someone needs to know our location and request rescue if necessary."

Lin Fan nodded. "You arrange these. How much money is needed, and I'll pay for it."

"We'll talk about the money later." Sun Wanting waved her hand. "Let's solve the personnel issue first. I'll contact Shadow, and you go prepare the pills and equipment. Also, call Chen Dahu and Bai Susu; we need to have a meeting."

The two parted ways.

Lin Fan went to the academy's pharmacy and the black market, purchasing a large quantity of pills and several Spatial Stabilizing Talismans—these were expensive, costing two thousand Huaxia Coins each. He bought three, almost depleting his savings.

But it was worth it for the mission.

Around noon, the four members of the team gathered at Sun Wanting's small courtyard.

Chen Dahu's hands were bandaged, but he seemed in good spirits. Bai Susu brought her medical kit, ready with various medicines. Sun Wanting, meanwhile, had brought a stranger.

He was a young man in his early twenties, slender, dressed in a gray tight-fitting outfit. His face was expressionless, but his eyes were sharp. He stood in the corner, almost blending into the shadows, his presence barely noticeable.

"This is Shadow, a temporary team member. He's skilled in reconnaissance and stealth," Sun Wanting introduced. "Shadow, this is Lin Fan, the main initiator of this operation."

Shadow nodded but remained silent.

Lin Fan also nodded in greeting. He could sense that this Shadow was not weak, at least a 3rd Grade Martial Master, and specialized in stealth and reconnaissance, exactly what the team needed.

"Now that everyone's here, let's get down to business," Sun Wanting said, spreading out a map. "Our target this time is 'Cannibal Valley' on the southeast side of the Shadowy Mountain Range. The objective is to investigate the source of the abnormal gathering of Demonic Beasts and eliminate the threat as much as possible."

She looked at everyone. "Let me make this clear beforehand: the danger level of this operation is 'extremely high.' We might encounter 4th or even 5th-tier Demonic Beasts, and there could be unknown dangers. It's not too late to back out now."

Chen Dahu grinned. "Captain, what are you talking about? If Brother Fan is going, I'm definitely following."

Bai Susu said gently but firmly, "I'm a physician. The team needs me."

Shadow was silent for a moment before speaking, "If the reward is enough, I'll go."

Sun Wanting nodded. "Alright, since everyone has decided to go, let's make a detailed plan."

She began assigning tasks:

"Shadow, you're responsible for reconnaissance and scouting. Once we enter the Shadowy Mountain Range, you'll go ahead, maintaining a distance of one li. Report any abnormalities immediately."

Shadow nodded.

"Chen Dahu, you're responsible for defense and clearing the path. If combat breaks out, you'll be at the forefront."

"Understood!" Chen Dahu patted his chest, then grimaced in pain.

"Bai Susu, you'll be in the center, responsible for healing and support. Also, pay attention to any abnormal toxins or energy fluctuations in the environment."

"Okay."

"Lin Fan, you and I will be the main attackers. In combat, we two will deal with the most troublesome enemies."

Lin Fan nodded.

"The operation plan is as follows: We depart tomorrow morning, expecting to reach the outskirts of the Shadowy Mountain Range in two days. On the third day, we'll enter the mountains and take one day to reach the Cannibal Valley area. We'll begin investigations on the fourth day, and the duration of our stay will depend on the situation. The entire operation will not exceed seven days. Regardless of the outcome, we must begin our return journey on the seventh day."

Sun Wanting looked at everyone. "Any questions?"

"No," everyone said in unison.

"Good, then prepare yourselves today. We'll meet at the North City Gate at dawn tomorrow."

The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed.

Lin Fan stayed behind.

"Sun Wanting, thank you," he said earnestly.

Sun Wanting shook her head. "You don't need to thank me. If this could truly trigger a beast tide, then this is what we Martial Artists should do. Protecting the city, protecting ordinary people – that's what my father taught me."

She paused and looked at Lin Fan. "But I have a question – why are you so determined about this? Is it just because of the potential beast tide?"

Lin Fan was silent for a moment.

He couldn't mention the system quest, nor could he mention his worry for Xiaoyu.

Finally, he gave a partially true answer: "Because I've experienced loss. I don't want to see more people go through the same thing."

Sun Wanting seemed to understand and nodded.

"Then let's work together to prevent it from happening."

Leaving Sun Wanting's small courtyard, Lin Fan didn't return to his dormitory but went to the library.

He wanted to look up information about the Shadowy Mountain Range and Cannibal Valley.

The librarian was still Old Man Li. He sat behind the counter, engrossed in a yellowed ancient book.

"Old Man Li," Lin Fan greeted.

Old Man Li looked up and saw Lin Fan. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. "It's you. Your injuries are healed?"

"Mostly." Lin Fan was a bit surprised. "You knew I was injured?"

"Heh, Jiangnan City isn't big, and news travels fast," Old Man Li smiled. "Especially the matter of you hunting the Scarlet Flame Tiger. It's already spread throughout the hunting circles. The Thunder Team, a successful first battle, not bad."

Lin Fan's heart stirred. "Old Man Li, I want to look up some information."

"What information?"

"About the Shadowy Mountain Range, especially Cannibal Valley on the southeast side."

Old Man Li's smile disappeared.

He put down the ancient book and looked at Lin Fan, his gaze becoming profound. "You're going there?"

"...Yes."

"Why?"

Lin Fan hesitated for a moment before stating part of the truth. "I suspect it might be related to the recent abnormality of the Demonic Beasts. If left unchecked, it could trigger a beast tide."

Old Man Li remained silent for a long time.

So long that Lin Fan thought he wouldn't answer.

"Follow me." Old Man Li finally stood up and walked towards the depths of the library.

Lin Fan followed.

The two passed rows of bookshelves and arrived at a corner in the innermost area. The bookshelves here were covered in dust, clearly rarely visited.

Old Man Li pulled out a thick sheepskin booklet from the bottom shelf. The cover had no words, only a strange symbol—an eye pattern.

Lin Fan's pupils constricted.

He had seen this symbol before.

On the wooden plaque of the suicide squad member in Gray Rock Valley!

"This is..." his voice was a bit dry.

"Investigation records from fifty years ago," Old Man Li said slowly. "Regarding Cannibal Valley, and... the Shadow Society."

He opened the booklet. Inside were handwritten records, the handwriting neat but somewhat faded.

"Fifty years ago, Jiangnan City also experienced an abnormal gathering of Demonic Beasts, on a much larger scale than now," Old Man Li said. "The military organized an investigation team, led by me, to enter the Shadowy Mountain Range for investigation."

"You led the team?" Lin Fan was surprised.

Old Man Li nodded. "I was still in the military back then. We tracked the abnormal energy fluctuations and finally found the source—an ancient altar deep within Cannibal Valley."

"An altar?"

"Yes. The altar was covered in strange runes, and a purple crystal was enshrined in the center." Old Man Li's gaze became distant. "That crystal emitted strong mental fluctuations, which could affect the surrounding Demonic Beasts, making them violent and gather around the crystal."

Purple crystal...

Lin Fan recalled the "source of energy fluctuations" from the system mission description.

"We tried to destroy the crystal, but failed," Old Man Li continued. "The altar had a powerful protective formation, and... people from the Shadow Society appeared."

His voice lowered. "They were a group of people in black robes, extremely powerful. The leader called himself 'Nether Emissary', possessing at least the strength of a seventh-rank Martial Emperor. We were no match for them. Out of the twelve-person investigation team, only I escaped, heavily wounded."

Lin Fan was shocked.

A seventh-rank Martial Emperor! That was a powerhouse capable of flying and breaking an army single-handedly!

"What happened later?"

"Later, the military sent stronger experts, but the altar and the crystal had already disappeared," Old Man Li said. "The Shadow Society also went into hiding for a long time. This matter was classified, and the records were sealed."

He closed the booklet and looked at Lin Fan. "Fifty years later, the anomaly has reappeared. What this means, you should understand."

Lin Fan nodded. "The Shadow Society is back, and they might be carrying out the same plan."

"More than that." Old Man Li shook his head. "They failed fifty years ago. This time, they've returned, and their preparations are surely more thorough. If you go now, the odds are slim."

"But we have to go," Lin Fan said. "If we let them succeed, Jiangnan City will be in danger."

Old Man Li looked at him and sighed. "I know I can't dissuade you. Since that's the case, take this."

He took out a jade pendant from his robe. It was very similar to the one Lin Fan had, but more ancient, and the runes on it were more complex.

"This is the 'Evil-Breaking Jade Pendant'. It can resist mental interference and the erosion of evil spirits," Old Man Li said. "In Cannibal Valley, the most terrifying thing isn't the Demonic Beasts, but... something else."

"Something else?"

"I can't quite explain it," Old Man Li shook his head. "Back then, near the altar, I felt an extremely evil aura, like... living darkness. This jade pendant might help you."

Lin Fan took the jade pendant. It felt warm and smooth in his hand.

"Thank you, Old Man Li."

"Come back alive," Old Man Li patted his shoulder. "If you really find any clues, don't act rashly. Report back immediately. Some things can't be solved by you right now."

"I understand."

By the time he left the library, dusk was approaching.

Lin Fan held the Evil-Breaking Jade Pendant, his heart heavy.

The events of fifty years ago, the Shadow Society, the ancient altar, the purple crystal, the Nether Emissary...

The clues were increasing, but the mysteries were deepening.

Returning to his dormitory, he began to organize his equipment.

Pills, talismans, weapons, rations, water skins... He checked them one by one, ensuring nothing was missed.

Finally, he remembered the 2 Skill Points he hadn't used from the system reward.

After some thought, he decided to put them into Gale Sword Technique.

The Shadowy Mountain Range was fraught with danger, and he needed stronger offensive power.

[Consumed Skill Points x2]

[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +200]

[Current Proficiency: 1620/5000]

There was still a distance to the peak of Mastery, but at least it was an improvement.

All preparations were complete.

Lin Fan lay on the bed, but he couldn't sleep.

He thought of Xiao Yu.

They would set off tomorrow, and it would take at least seven days to return. For these seven days, Xiao Yu would be home alone. Although the neighbors would look after her, he still couldn't help but worry.

After this mission is complete and I get the reward, I'll get a bigger house and hire a nanny, Lin Fan thought. I can't let Xiao Yu be alone all the time.

The moonlight streamed in through the window, clear and cold like water.

Lin Fan gazed at the moon and suddenly remembered Zhou Ming's words: abnormal events always happened around the full moon.

Tomorrow was the twelfth, three days before the full moon.

If the pattern held, the next abnormal event might occur within these few days.

And they were heading towards the source of the event.

"Shadow Society..." Lin Fan murmured the name softly. "What exactly are you trying to do?"

There was no answer.

Only the moonlight silently illuminated the sleeping city and the dark mountains outside it.

Something was awakening there.