"According to the rules, we can't disclose a mission before it's accepted. But you're no outsider, Junior Brother Lin, so of course I won't keep anything from you."
Zhou Sheng treated Lin Mo with particular warmth. Smiling, he said, "It's not far, just at White Jade Ravine, a hundred and fifty li away..."
As Zhou Sheng spoke, Lin Mo secretly frowned.
The Tai Sui Gate again!
Twenty years ago, evil cultivators led by the Tai Sui Gate had whipped up a bloody storm across the cultivation world, and even many mortals had suffered.
The Azure Cloud Sect, the Sword Sect, and Dragon Hall had joined forces with numerous righteous cultivators to tear the Tai Sui Gate out by its roots, finally putting an end to the calamity.
Many rogue cultivators had also joined the Righteous Alliance back then, including Cloud Crane High Person of White Jade Ravine.
"Cloud Crane High Person is quite well known among rogue cultivators. He had already reached the peak of foundation establishment back then. They say he's nearing the end of his lifespan and will soon pass away in meditation."
Zhou Sheng sighed, then chuckled softly. "Now that the Tai Sui Gate has risen from the ashes, Cloud Crane High Person fears retaliation and an unhappy end, so he hopes to gain our sect's protection."
"But he has a bit of a reputation among rogue cultivators, after all. Seeking refuge with our sect himself would cost him too much face. The sect's higher-ups decided to steer with the current and send someone to invite him to serve as a Guest Elder."
"That way, we preserve Cloud Crane High Person's reputation while strengthening our sect. It's the best of both worlds."
Lin Mo wholeheartedly agreed.
Though cultivators stood high above others, very few could truly keep their hearts pure and their desires few. Inevitably, their reputations became a burden.
Cloud Crane High Person was a perfect example. Even with his life in danger, he still couldn't let go of that pathetic scrap of face. It really did give one cause to sigh.
A hundred and fifty li... The round trip will take at least three days. That's hardly worth it...
Lin Mo silently ran through the figures, growing increasingly reluctant to take this special mission.
In three days, the spirit plants in his courtyard would have matured at least once, earning him no fewer than two hundred contribution points.
Besides, if something went wrong with the spirit plants while he was away, wouldn't it be too late for regrets?
"Cloud Crane High Person has profound attainments in formations. That's one of the main reasons our sect is willing to invite him."
Clearly oblivious to Lin Mo's expression, Zhou Sheng continued talking. "Among righteous rogue cultivators, Cloud Crane High Person ranks in the top three at least when it comes to formations. He's also well versed in spirit plants and has accomplished a great deal in cultivating them."
"That probably also factored into the higher-ups' decision to make him a Guest Elder..."
At this, Lin Mo's eyes lit up, and his thoughts immediately began to race.
His Small Courtyard already had a high-grade yellow tier Spiritual Energy Formation Disc to maintain the soil's spiritual properties and ensure the spirit plants grew without trouble. What he lacked most now was a protective formation.
If I could use this opportunity to build a good relationship with Cloud Crane High Person...
Lin Mo thought no further and nodded readily. "I'll take this mission! Please lead the way, Senior Brother."
Zhou Sheng beamed and hurriedly led Lin Mo to the Sect Affairs Hall to accept the mission.
As they approached the entrance, he suddenly stopped, looking slightly embarrassed. "Working in the Sect Affairs Hall, there are times when things are beyond your control. It's inevitable that people will find fault with you."
"If the Discipline Hall ever investigates, please... please put in a good word for me with Senior Brother Zhou Ge, Junior Brother Lin. At least our acquaintance won't have been for nothing."
Here it comes!
Everything was crystal clear to Lin Mo. He had already guessed that Zhou Sheng wouldn't be so friendly with him for no reason. Sure enough, the man wanted something else from him.
"You're worrying too much, Senior Brother."
Naturally, Lin Mo wouldn't clarify his relationship with Zhou Ge. After a moment's thought, he smiled and said, "A straight body needn't fear a crooked shadow. I'm sure you would never violate the sect's rules, Senior Brother, and the Discipline Hall certainly wouldn't wrong an innocent man."
Does Junior Brother Lin mean... he's agreed?
Zhou Sheng froze briefly, then broke into a broad smile and entered the Sect Affairs Hall with Lin Mo following behind.
Accepting the mission was a simple process.
Lin Mo took his Identity Token from his Storage Bag and lightly touched it against the Sect Affairs Hall deacon's Mission Compass. The mission details immediately appeared.
Travel to White Jade Ravine and invite Cloud Crane High Person to return to the sect. Time limit: seven days. Reward: one hundred contribution points. Failure will incur an appropriate punishment, ranging from three years of confinement to the destruction of your cultivation and expulsion from the sect.
Seven days. That's plenty of time, and I can make some preparations...
Under the curious gazes of a large crowd of Outer Sect Disciples, Zhou Sheng eagerly escorted Lin Mo out of the Sect Affairs Hall.
Ignoring those disciples' looks, Lin Mo quickly returned to his Small Courtyard and carefully checked the spirit plants' growth.
Everything was as usual.
The first mutated fire spirit fruit plant had produced three scarlet flower buds again. In another day at most, it would bear fruit.
The other twenty-odd spirit plants showed no abnormalities either. Without spirit spring water to irrigate them, they grew a little slowly, but their growth still far exceeded that of the ordinary spirit plants in the spirit fields.
It hasn't been long enough. The spirit liquid in the Treasure Gourd hasn't reached its peak state yet. I'll have to wait a little longer...
Lin Mo pondered for a moment, gradually forming a plan.
He could use this errand as an opportunity to experiment and see whether the plants would wither without spirit liquid.
He still had plenty of seeds anyway, so he could bear the loss even if they withered. He couldn't stay in the Small Courtyard tending them forever.
His only concern was the two mutated fire spirit fruit plants. If anything happened to them, the loss would sting for quite some time.
As the saying goes, preparation keeps trouble at bay. I'd better get a few more things ready...
After a long period of deliberation, Lin Mo left the Small Courtyard and returned to the edge of the spirit field under Liu Xianzong's care.
Just as Lin Mo had expected, little Qin Sang Sang was carrying water through the furrows to irrigate the field, fine beads of sweat covering her smooth, fair forehead.
Though she still found it somewhat strenuous, she was clearly much more practiced than before and went about her work in an orderly fashion.
Liu Xianzong trusted her as well. He sat in a reclining chair at the edge of the field, resting with his eyes closed. It was impossible to tell whether he was slacking off or circulating his cultivation technique.
"I was just looking for you."
Hearing approaching footsteps, Liu Xianzong saw that it was Lin Mo and immediately rose with a smile. "Steward Wang specifically assigned a Servant Disciple to help you tend your spirit field. He couldn't find you there, so I told the lad to wait at the Spirit Plant Courtyard."
It really is nice to have connections, even if it's only a misunderstanding...
Lin Mo couldn't help sighing inwardly. Slightly embarrassed, he said, "I wanted to discuss something with you, Senior Brother. Could I borrow Sang Sang for a while?"
"I'd like her to stay in my Small Courtyard for a few days, because..."
Before Lin Mo could finish, Liu Xianzong paused briefly, then gave him a lewd grin that said, You know, I know, we all know. "Understood, understood!"
Over the past few days, Qin Sang Sang had become increasingly handy to have around, and Liu Xianzong was actually rather reluctant to part with her.
But what could he do? Lin Mo was his good brother.
Besides, given Lin Mo's connection to Zhou Ge, a mere servant was hardly worth mentioning!
"Sang Sang, come here."
Liu Xianzong waved Qin Sang Sang over, a mischievous grin plastered across his face. "From today onward, you belong to Junior Brother Lin. Whatever the matter, big or small, you'll listen to him."
"As for me..."
As he spoke, he turned and winked at Lin Mo. "Let that Servant Disciple Steward Wang assigned come help me instead. What do you think?"
Before you continue