After hearing him out, Xu Jiuling clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "Good, good, good! What spirit! Junior Brother Gu, you truly live up to being a True Disciple of our Condensed Jade Sect. You have responsibility, courage, and fire in your blood!"
His smile faded, and he said solemnly, "In that case, the assignment is settled. If you can uncover the truth behind the murders on Mysterious Mountain Island, you may return to the sect immediately to report.
"If you cannot find any leads for a time, you must remain stationed on the island for up to five years, until the sect sends a replacement. This assignment is worth one thousand sect contribution points. In addition..."
He pondered briefly. "If, after uncovering the truth, you are willing to remain stationed there for another ten years, the sect can add another twelve hundred contribution points."
Xu Jiuling glanced at Gu Jianchun and added one final remark. "As a distinguished True Disciple, you enjoy special privileges. You may draw contribution points in advance, up to the amount allotted for this assignment, to prepare for unforeseen needs."
Hearing this, Gu Jianchun shook his head without hesitation. "Hall Master Xu, I will only take the investigation. As for staying ten years, I'll pass."
Xu Jiuling was not surprised in the slightest.
What True Disciple was not proud and ambitious, with aspirations reaching to the four corners of the world?
Making them languish in one place for ten years was sheer torture.
He nodded at once. "Since you only want the assignment to investigate the murders, I'll oblige you. As for the privilege of drawing points in advance, would you like to use it?"
Gu Jianchun smiled faintly. "That was precisely my intention. I wish to combine my previous savings with this advance, eighteen