Exploring the Mining District, the Lifeblood of Spirit Stones

The next morning, the sky was just beginning to brighten.

Chu Bai rose early and went to ask his instructor, Zhou Changkong, for leave. As for Supervisor Chen, he had already reported his plans during yesterday's patrol. Monitoring the Law Net was a routine task; it would carry on without him for a few days.

"Going to the Abandoned Mining District to clear out rats?"

When Zhou Changkong heard where Chu Bai was headed, he nodded slightly, showing no objection. "As your cultivation improves, you can't always build carts behind closed doors. More practical combat experience will do you good. Demon Beast extermination missions, in particular, will give you a clearer view of the cultivation world's cruel side."

He asked casually, "Which team did you join?"

"The Elite Squad led by Senior Sister Wang Qingli from the third year."

"Wang Qingli?" Zhou Changkong thought for a moment, then placed her. "That girl has solid defenses and a steady temperament. You're unlikely to run into trouble with her. But..."

His tone shifted. "As far as I know, yours isn't the only team taking this rat-clearing mission. Several strong third-year teams are going too. You'll be working together to clear them out, but who kills more and earns more Dao Merit will come down to your own abilities."

"I understand." Chu Bai made a mental note. Besides the Demon Beasts, he would have to watch out for competition from fellow students.

After saying goodbye to his instructor, Chu Bai returned to his room and packed a few things. Along with essential rations and clean water, he gritted his teeth and spent twenty Dao Merit at the Pill Pavilion on two bottles of Qi-Replenishing Pills.

The mere seventy points left on his identity plaque made Chu Bai's heart ache.

*You can't catch a