Hu Liena's First Mission for the Enforcement Team

Spring passed and autumn came, and in the blink of an eye, another year had gone by.

Qian Yun had been on the Douluo Continent for over a year now. During these nearly two years, he had spent the vast majority of his time in Martial Soul City, or more accurately, in the Pope Hall.

His daily routine mainly consisted of cultivation. Of course, it wasn't just about increasing his soul power. According to the training philosophy of Bibi Dong, cultivation was not just about grinding away in isolation. Mental fortitude and tempering were equally indispensable.

Therefore, soul theory, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and even etiquette—courses that ordinary Soul Master Academy institutions would never teach—were all reasonably scheduled within the Pope Hall.

Even with such a tight cultivation schedule, both Qian Yun and Hu Liena successfully broke through to level 20 and obtained their second century-level spirit ring.

This came as a surprise to Bibi Dong. She never expected that her two disciples would have such exceptional talent, breaking through to level 20 at just seven and a half years old!

Although the news was not made public, it was certain that Qian Yun and his companion had shattered the record for the youngest level 20 soul masters in the history of the Martial Soul Hall, and perhaps the entire continent. Of course, that didn't count those born with innate full soul power.

However, as clever as she was, after the initial excitement, she quickly regained her composure. Qian Yun's Crown martial soul was truly unique; even after scouring the Library of the Martial Soul Hall, she had found no relevant records.

His astonishing cultivation speed could be explained by the characteristics of his martial soul. But Hu Liena's Demon Fox martial soul was not nearly as special. From ancient times to the present, there had never been a Demon Fox martial soul that reached level 20 so quickly; even with innate full soul power, it seemed a bit far-fetched.

Yet, despite her inner doubts, after checking their soul power, Bibi Dong found nothing amiss and could only let the matter rest for the time being.

Qian Yun was actually well aware of Bibi Dong's actions. He knew that such a cultivation speed would indeed arouse her suspicion.

However, through more than a year of living together, he had come to understand Bibi Dong somewhat. She possessed the typical caution unique to those in high positions; she would not act without absolute certainty, and the same went for questioning. If she didn't have the answers in her heart, she wouldn't ask Qian Yun.

Therefore, no matter what, Qian Yun and Hu Liena had completed the plan set by Bibi Dong ahead of schedule. Next, their area of activity would no longer be limited to Martial Soul City; they were to go out for field training.

Thus, not long ago, Qian Yun and Hu Liena joined the Enforcement Team of a Martial Soul Hall branch. According to the plan, they were to spend a relatively long period of time here.

At this moment, in a mountain forest within the Heaven Dou Empire.

Qian Yun and Hu Liena, dressed in Enforcement Team uniforms, followed the team along a rugged and muddy path.

It was noon. Although the blinding sunlight did not pierce through the dense foliage to fall directly on their group, the sweltering air in the jungle, the rotting and foul-smelling fallen leaves underfoot, and the animal bones that had been there for who knows how many years, still gave the two newcomers a harsh welcome.

In the middle of the team, the captain, Yake Entu, leaned on a tree branch as a walking stick. He looked at the sky and realized they had already covered a fair distance.

He looked back at the two quiet little children behind him and squeezed a smile onto his sun-darkened face.

"Amiga, Boli. Are you two holding up? Do you want to take a break before moving on?" Yake Entu's deep, resonant voice quickly spread through the team. Everyone couldn't help but stop in their tracks, turning to look at the two in the middle of the line with various expressions on their faces.

Qian Yun panted, his face slightly flushed. He looked up to meet Yake Entu's gaze, then glanced at the already breathless Hu Liena, and finally nodded.

"Alright!" Yake Entu didn't dawdle. He looked up and shouted to the other members, "Everyone, rest where you are!"

"Woohoo!"

"Long live!"

Suddenly, the team seemed to be injected with vitality. Various cheers erupted, and everyone moved quickly, scrambling to find a place to sit and rest.

Qian Yun helped Hu Liena sit down and assisted her in taking off the heavy backpack from her still-slender frame. Then, he sat down himself and took off his own pack, which was even heavier than hers.

"Phew." Hu Liena, feeling relieved, didn't even bother to wipe her sweat. She grabbed her water bottle and tilted her head back to gulp it down. Looking at her heroic posture, no one would ever guess that not long ago, she was a pampered girl living in luxury in Martial Soul City.

Qian Yun shook his head. "Drink less. Don't come begging me to tell the captain if you need to use the bathroom later."

"Ugh." Hearing this, Hu Liena looked as if she had been choked. After coughing violently a few times, she put down the water bottle as instructed. "Qian... er, Amiga, you're too much! Is there any need to joke with a girl about such things?"

"Heh heh, I'm just stating facts. Very tired, aren't you?" The smile on Qian Yun's face didn't change at all.

Hu Liena first nodded, then quickly shook her head, reaching up to wipe the sweat from her face. "Not tired!"

Qian Yun looked at her stubborn expression and put away his smile. "I know you must be feeling frustrated inside. You don't have to hold on to anything; anyone would be unhappy if they were suddenly thrown into a hellhole like this."

Hu Liena glanced at him but didn't object.

Qian Yun continued, "However, you know it in your heart, too. Flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the wind and rain of reality. Didn't you swear before the teacher? You will not fail her trust."

As Hu Liena listened, her eyes turned slightly red, and a hint of a sob crept into her voice. "I know the logic, but I just feel aggrieved. It really is a bit tiring."

Qian Yun patted her shoulder and said softly, "If you're tired, don't force yourself. Don't you still have me?" As he spoke, Qian Yun pointed to the two large bags beside them.

Hu Liena lowered her head, feeling a bit guilty. She had personally selected these two bags, which were filled with all sorts of wilderness tools, though they hadn't come in handy even once so far.

As the two were chatting, Yake Entu walked over to them. He didn't stand on ceremony, slapping his broad, dark hand directly onto Qian Yun's shoulder. "How is it, Amiga, Boli? Are you getting used to it?"

Qian Yun smiled and nodded. "Captain, we're both doing fine. The scenery here is beautiful and the climate is pleasant, so how could we not be used to it?"

Yake Entu was amused by his words and burst into laughter. "Haha, you kid really know how to joke! This is the first time I've heard anyone call Dead Man's Valley beautiful."

"With such strong team members, for two people just tagging along like us, it's practically a stroll," Qian Yun said, looking around. This team, composed entirely of soul masters, was indeed much tougher than an ordinary army.

"By the way, Captain, how much further do we have to go?" Qian Yun asked on behalf of Hu Liena, voicing the question she cared about most.

Yake Entu stopped laughing and rubbed his thick-skinned face. "You should both know that this mission is to clear out a nest of spirit beasts. We will stop for a rest at a place called Stone Village on the way. We are about half a day's journey from there now, and we expect to arrive before dark."

"Oh."

"Also, little ones. Although this is the edge of Dead Man's Valley, you still can't let your guard down. Remember what I said before we set off? Don't eat mushrooms of unknown origin, unless you want to watch colorful little people dancing." Yake Entu looked at the large backpacks on their backs, knowing they were likely rookies, and couldn't help but offer a few words of advice.

Qian Yun nodded. "Boli and I both remember."

Yake Entu brushed the dust off his pants and didn't bother them further. Although he didn't understand why two little kids who clearly looked like young nobles would run here, he understood the principle of not asking about things he shouldn't.

After resting for a while longer, Yake Entu and his group set off again.

After the rest, the team's morale was much higher, and they finally arrived at Stone Village within the scheduled time. Throughout the journey, Hu Liena had persisted without a single complaint.

The small village now lying before Qian Yun and his group was the so-called Stone Village. The village was not large, with only twenty or so households. At a glance, the entire village was built of stone.

Yake Entu arrived in front of the village chief's house, guided by a villager.

"Welcome, my lords, to Stone Village. I am Jie'en, the chief of this small village." In front of the small courtyard, an old man dressed in coarse cloth stood with a face full of smiles.

Although Jie'en's clothes were simple, he was dressed neatly and tidily, and the once-gray courtyard was now brightly lit.

However, no matter how Qian Yun looked at it, he felt the man's smile was unsightly, as if he were hiding some heavy burden on his mind.

Facing his enthusiasm, Yake Entu merely nodded indifferently. "Village Chief, we are currently on a mission and need to stay in your village for the night. This should be convenient, right?"

Jie'en's aged face had been covered in smiles since he first saw the group, and he nodded hurriedly. "Convenient! Convenient! Please, come in, my lords."

"Mm."

Just as the group was about to step forward, an old woman suddenly rushed out from the village chief's front door. Before anyone could clearly see her appearance, she knelt on the ground and began to wail, "Lord Soul Master, you must stand up for us! What are we to do!"

This sudden turn of events left everyone frozen in place. Jie'en rushed forward and hauled the old woman up, shouting, "What are you doing?! Get up quickly and go back inside."

While pushing her toward the house, he didn't forget to turn back with an awkward and flustered smile. "Please don't mind them, my old woman has been a bit touched in the head since she was young. I hope you all can forgive her."

"Go quickly!..."

"Hold on." Yake Entu frowned and raised a hand to stop them. After the two ceased their movements, he said, "In addition to spreading our teachings, we of the Martial Soul Hall have a duty to uphold justice. Old woman, if you have any grievances, feel free to speak them. We will preside over justice for you!"

"My lord, you have misunderstood. We have no grievances..." Jie'en still wanted to explain something.

Yake Entu furrowed his brows. "Hm? Are you trying to obstruct the Enforcement Team in the execution of their duties?"

Jie'en stared blankly at Yake Entu's upright posture for a moment, before finally dropping his facade.

"Sigh—" A long sigh escaped him, as if it contained far too many emotions.

Jie'en looked up at the group, then glanced at his aggrieved wife, and spoke slowly: "The truth is, this is my fault. Not long ago, a man claiming to be from the Martial Soul Hall suddenly came to our village. However, he neither showed a badge nor stated his purpose. The man gave off an air of mystery. He only asked me to provide him with lodging and would say nothing else. Although I was suspicious, the other party was a three-ring Soul Master, so I had no choice but to comply."

Yake Entu listened silently, his face showing no emotion, while Qian Yun appeared lost in thought.

"Everything was peaceful at first, but one day, my young nephew suddenly acted as if he were possessed. He was dead set on leaving with that man and wouldn't listen to a word anyone said. He even struck and injured my wife in a fit of rage. In my anger, I told him to get out! I told him it would be best if he never came back. Who would have known that once he left, he truly never returned."