Starfire Gathers and the Dark Room Conspiracy

The exhilaration from destroying the Earth Vein Erosion Core didn't last long. When Su Yan returned to Chang'an City, weary but laden with spoils, an intangible sense of urgency became even clearer. An individual's strength was ultimately limited. As Elder Xingyan had said, confronting the threats of the "End Times Cult" and "Guixu" lurking in the world's shadows was not a task for one person alone.

"It's time..." Su Yan stood at the entrance of the small courtyard he rented, gazing at the bustling crowds of Chang'an City, a decision made in his heart. He needed to build his own influence, even if it was just a faint spark at first. This would not only alleviate the pressure but also allow him to acquire resources, information, and growth faster by leveraging collective strength.

He didn't have lofty ambitions of dominating the server. What was most practical right now was assembling a capable and reliable team that could tackle high-difficulty missions together, support each other, and establish a foothold in the face of future storms.

His first thought naturally went to the Wind and Snow Pavilion. Snowfall Without Trace was righteous, his team members were strong, and they had a history of fighting side-by-side. However, the Wind and Snow Pavilion was a mature mid-sized guild, so inviting them to join him, a lone commander, was clearly unrealistic. A more feasible approach would be an alliance, or perhaps... inviting a few like-minded individuals from within.

Next was the Star Pavilion. He had accumulated contributions and prestige there, and Elder Xingyan seemed to regard him with great favor. Perhaps he could use the Star Pavilion's platform to post recruitment notices or connect with other lone wolves or small teams who were also interested in "anomalous" events.

With his thoughts clear, Su Yan immediately took action.

He first visited the Wind and Snow Pavilion's stronghold. Snowfall Without Trace was very welcoming upon seeing him, and even more so when he heard that Su Yan had single-handedly destroyed an Earth Vein Erosion Core, showing him great respect.

"Brother Su is truly a warrior!" Snowfall Without Trace exclaimed. "We have found traces of that kind of filth deep within the earth veins ourselves, but due to many concerns, we never dared to venture in and clear it out. Brother Su's actions have truly rid the people of a scourge!"

"Brother Xue Luo is too kind; it was merely luck," Su Yan replied humbly before getting to the point. "To be frank, I've been feeling isolated and weak lately. Facing the increasingly rampant 'anomalies,' I often feel overwhelmed. Thus, I've had an idea to form a capable small team dedicated to handling such incidents. I wonder if Brother Xue Luo... or perhaps any like-minded friends within your guild, would be interested?"

Snowfall Without Trace pondered for a moment. "Brother Su's idea is excellent. To be honest, while our guild is large, our affairs are complex, making it difficult to concentrate our efforts on this matter. I personally strongly agree. If Brother Su doesn't mind, I, Snowfall Without Trace, am willing to ally with you in my personal capacity. If you need anything in the future, the Wind and Snow Pavilion will do its best to support you. As for team members... our guild brothers each have their own duties, and I cannot force them. However, I can introduce you to someone."

"Oh? Who?"

"A lone player, ID [Mo Hen]. He's only level 25, but he's incredibly skilled, especially in mechanisms, traps, and intelligence analysis. He's a bit reclusive, but reliable. He also seems to be paying close attention to the recent 'anomalies' happening in the world and has inquired about related information from me. I think he might be interested in your endeavor," Snowfall Without Trace said, providing Su Yan with several locations where Mo Hen frequented and his contact information.

"Thank you, Brother Xue Luo!" Su Yan expressed his sincere gratitude. Snowfall Without Trace's promise of an alliance and his introduction were undoubtedly a lifeline.

Leaving the Wind and Snow Pavilion, Su Yan went to the Star Pavilion. He didn't post a recruitment notice directly. Instead, he first met with Elder Xingyan to report on the destruction of the earth vein core and subtly mentioned his idea of forming a team.

Elder Xingyan stroked his beard and smiled. "Only by gathering the strength of many can great deeds be accomplished. It is good that you have this intention. There are many lone travelers and small teams within the Star Pavilion who have the world at heart. I will keep an eye out for you. Additionally, the pavilion has recently compiled a batch of files related to 'anomalous' events in various regions. Some of these are tricky or sensitive tasks that require people like you to handle. If you can complete them, not only will the rewards be generous, but you will also gain fame and attract like-minded individuals."

With that, Elder Xingyan handed Su Yan a scroll.

[Star Pavilion Secret Scroll: Mystery of the Abandoned Mortuary]

Description: An abandoned mortuary located at the border between the Great Tang territory and the Jiangnan wilderness has been enveloped in dense Yin energy for the past month. Ghost fires are often seen at night, accompanied by mournful cries. Several low-level cultivators who entered to investigate have mysteriously disappeared. The local Earth God has reported sensing strong resentment and abnormal energy fluctuations beneath the mortuary, which are suspected to be related to some evil ritual of the "End Times Cult."

Mission Requirements: Investigate the abandoned mortuary, uncover the source of the anomaly, and resolve the incident.

Mission Hint: Team action is recommended. Strong exorcism and purification abilities are required. Note that spatial distortions or mental illusions may be involved.

Mission Reward: 800 Star Pavilion Contribution Points, [Calm Heart Jade Pendant] x1 (can resist mental erosion), 1 Random Advanced Crafting Blueprint.

A team mission! And it directly pointed to an "End Times Cult" ritual! This was a perfect opportunity to test himself and potentially attract teammates!

Su Yan accepted the mission. After leaving the Star Pavilion, he followed Snowfall Without Trace's directions and found [Mo Hen] drinking alone in a secluded corner of a tavern in Chang'an City.

He was a young man dressed in black, with an ordinary face but sharp eyes. Several small mechanism pouches hung from his waist, and his long fingers were focused on a map he had drawn himself.

Su Yan walked up and got straight to the point: "Are you Mo Hen? Brother Snowfall Without Trace from the Wind and Snow Pavilion introduced me."

Mo Hen looked up, his gaze sweeping over Su Yan and the divine-looking Little Big Dipper at his feet like a hawk. He nodded, his voice flat. "It is I. Is there something you need?"

Su Yan briefly explained the Star Pavilion's secret scroll (non-core content) and his intentions.

After listening, Mo Hen remained silent for a moment. "The abandoned mortuary... I've been to the outskirts. The energy field inside is very strange, unlike ordinary ghosts. Are you sure you want to take on this mission?"

"I'm sure," Su Yan nodded. "Not only do I want to take it on, but I want to resolve it completely. I need reliable partners."

Mo Hen stared at Su Yan for a few seconds, seemingly assessing his strength and resolve, before finally speaking. "I can join. But I have three conditions: First, the primary focus of our actions will be thorough investigation, not blind risk-taking. Second, spoils will be distributed based on contribution. Third, information will be shared."

"Reasonable," Su Yan extended his hand. "Welcome aboard."

Mo Hen clasped his hand in a vow, forming a temporary team.

With Mo Hen, a master of mechanisms and intelligence, Su Yan's confidence soared. After discussing, they decided to find another support role, someone skilled in healing or stabilizing the team. Through the Star Pavilion's internal channels and Mo Hen's intelligence network, they quickly identified a target – [Bai Zhi], a level 24 disciple of Mount Putuo with excellent medical skills and the rare [Heart Calming Incantation] skill, which was highly effective against mental corruption. She had also been paying attention to various anomalous events, seemingly searching for a specific medicinal herb.

Su Yan and Mo Hen found Bai Zhi purchasing medicinal ingredients at a pharmacy in Chang'an City. She had a gentle demeanor but a hint of resilience in her eyes. After hearing Su Yan's intentions and about the abandoned mortuary mission, she hesitated slightly before nodding. "I'll join. The anomaly at the mortuary could pollute the surrounding water sources and herbs with resentment. I cannot stand by and do nothing. Besides... the 'Soul Purifying Flower' I need is said to only grow in extremely Yin places with abnormal energy."

Thus, a temporary team began to take shape: Su Yan (Mount Fangcun, main control/burst damage), Mo Hen (Unknown School, mechanisms/intelligence), Bai Zhi (Mount Putuo, healing/exorcism), and Su Yan's powerful physical pet, Little Big Dipper.

The three of them and the pet didn't delay and immediately began preparing for the trip to the mortuary. Su Yan was responsible for stocking up on high-level talismans and pills; Mo Hen prepared a large quantity of [Warning Mechanisms], [Binding Traps], and tools for deciphering formations; Bai Zhi meticulously refined a batch of special [Exorcism Powder] and [Calm Heart Pills].

Meanwhile, as Su Yan was busy forming his team, in a secret dark room within a hidden mansion in Chang'an City, several figures shrouded in shadow were plotting.

"...Are you sure? That Fangcun disciple named Su Yan is the one who has repeatedly disrupted our 'sowing' and even destroyed an 'Earth Vein Heart'?" a chilling voice asked.

"Confirmed. He's accompanied by a mutated purple Sea Hairy Caterpillar, its features are distinct. He's also been seen frequently with the Wind and Snow Pavilion and the Star Pavilion lately, seemingly recruiting people," another voice replied respectfully.

"Hmph, he's courting death. Does he really think he can oppose my cult with just a bit of luck and that strange bug?" the chilling voice sneered. "How is the 'Netherworld Sacrifice' progressing?"

"Reporting to the Steward, the ritual at the mortuary is ready. We only need to wait for the 'Night of the New Moon' to activate it, draw upon the 'Sacred Power,' and turn the surrounding hundred miles into a dead land to nourish our divine 'Seed of the End.'"

"Excellent. Since that brat is delivering himself to us, let him and everything he cares about become sacrifices for this ritual. Notify them, the plan remains unchanged, but... add some 'spice' for them, to ensure they never return," the chilling voice said with a cruel smile. "I will let everyone know the consequences of obstructing the arrival of 'The End'!"

In the dark room, murderous intent permeated the air.

Su Yan was unaware that the mission he was about to undertake had already been woven into a deadly net by his enemies. He was with Mo Hen and Bai Zhi, finalizing their plans one last time. Little Big Dipper sharpened its claws nearby, its starry patterns gleaming fearlessly in the lamplight.

The sparks had gathered, about to be cast into the deep darkness. And the darkness, too, had bared its fangs.