Footsteps drew closer. The teammates stopped beside the charred, carbonized humanoid corpse. Red Chicken Bro gave it a kick, sending black ash scattering.
"He really is dead. Finally dead." Red Chicken Bro laughed three times. "I can go home and drink soup now."
Aside from Yin Ji, who remained relatively composed, delight flickered across everyone else's faces. Looking at the thoroughly dead Little Emperor, they all felt as though they were in a dream.
They had cleared an S-rank mission just like that!
"From now on, we'll have the honor of clearing an S-rank mission too." Even Love of Summer Trees's cool, aloof face could not hide her smile. "This is a hidden rating—I mean within the official organization. Sometimes, even if your merits aren't enough, members who have cleared an S-rank mission receive more attention and regard from their superiors than others."
Xiahou Aotian beamed and raised his chin. "This is an indispensable honor and badge for a protagonist."
He was very happy—no, ecstatic. Experience and rewards were secondary; the honor of clearing an S-rank mission was what truly mattered.
Xiahou Aotian had only cleared two A-rank missions in the past. He had never earned the glory of clearing an S-rank mission, and he had always considered it a great regret.
Now, the protagonist had obtained glory worthy of his status. Needless to say, he was overjoyed.
"S-rank..." Free Eagle murmured. She took a deep breath, unable to suppress the delight on her face.
The "hidden rating" Love of Summer Trees had mentioned also applied within Heaven's Punishment. This dungeon experience would become a stepping stone for Free Eagle's promotion to a Level Two Golden Executor.
"Yuanshi Tianzun, you're amazing. It'd be great if I could get matched with you every time from now on." Cloud Dream spoke with