At this point, Elder Shangshan's gaze suddenly deepened. "Junior Brother Qing, you have always held posts in the sect's heartland and have never taken part in the campaigns along the border defenses.
"Moreover, you only recently succeeded in reaching Foundation Establishment. There are scarcely any rumors about you in the Azure Wave Archipelago, and almost no one knows your true strength or background.
"As such, you are undoubtedly the ideal candidate for this secret mission. You can keep the operation concealed while taking them by surprise and striking when they are unprepared."
The elder paused, his tone growing heavier, as though every word carried the weight of a thousand jun. "Junior Brother Qing, listen carefully!
"After deliberation by the Council of Elders and myself, Inspector and Hidden Spirit Island Lord Qing Chen is hereby ordered to prepare for immediate departure, travel alone, and silently infiltrate Blackwood Island's heartland to carry out two major tasks!"
"First, you must strike straight at the dragon's lair and exterminate the entire Xu Household, formerly of Sea Prosperity Island, now entrenched on Yin Tiger Island, one of the twelve subsidiary islands under Blackwood Island. Young or old, leave none alive!
"This lineage betrayed our sect. Today is the day of reckoning. You must not show the slightest mercy!"
"Second, you must sow chaos in Blackwood Island's heartland and stir up a towering sea of blood. Remember, the more enemies you kill, the more ruthless your blade must become.
"The heavier the slaughter, the more illustrious your merits! This journey may be dangerous, but as long as you return successfully, your name will resound throughout the sect, and your deeds will shine across Azure Wave!"
After hearing Elder Shangshan's words, Qing Chen stood frozen as though struck by lightning.
His eyes filled with disbelief. "Elder, are