A cold stream of information rang directly in his mind:
"New member 'Night,' your mission has been issued."
"Mission details: Within three days, uncover the truth behind the recent disappearances in Clear River Town, where outer sect disciples reside. There are seven missing persons, all young women, with cultivation ranging from Body Tempering to the first level of the True Qi Realm."
"Mission rating: Grade C."
"Mission reward: 500 contribution points and one formula for a second-tier pill, the Spirit-Concentrating Pill."
"Mission failure: 1,000 contribution points will be deducted. If serious consequences result, you will be expelled from Hidden Sword Hall and have your cultivation crippled."
"Mission details and clues have been transmitted through the Hidden Sword Token. Execute immediately."
The mission had come so quickly?
"Perfect. I can use this mission to test Hidden Sword Hall's mettle and gauge my true combat strength." Lin Ye immediately set out.
Lin Ye pushed open the stone doors of his cave dwelling and headed toward Clear River Town.
Clear River Town had roughly a thousand households. It had once been peaceful and harmonious, but now every home had its doors and windows shut tight, and barely any pedestrians could be seen on the streets.
Lin Ye quietly slipped into town.
"All the missing women went out alone at night and never returned. There were no signs of fighting at the scenes, nor were there any valuable clues. The latest case was three days ago—the daughter of Blacksmith Li at the eastern end of town, seventh level of Body Tempering..."
Lin Ye arrived at the eastern end of town and found Blacksmith Li's home. It was a small courtyard of blue bricks, its gate tightly shut. Suppressed sobbing came from within. Lin Ye circled around the back and vaulted over the wall.
Blacksmithing