Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Mission to Sun City
With the traitor eliminated and the sect's defenses reinforced, Chan Li decided it was time for his disciples to grow stronger. The sect had remained hidden for too long. Now, it was time to venture out and make their mark on the world.
Gathering his top disciples, Chan Li announced their next mission.
"Your destination is Sun City, a bustling metropolis that stands as a beacon of trade and power. However, it is currently plagued by waves of beasts, demons, and monsters from the surrounding wilderness. Your task is to assist in defending the city, eradicate these threats, and seek out opportunities to grow stronger."
A collective cheer erupted from the disciples, eager to test their skills in real combat.
Arrival in Sun City
The journey took several days, but when they finally arrived, Sun City's grandeur left many in awe. Towering walls of golden stone protected the city, while grand palaces and lively marketplaces thrived within. However, despite the city's splendor, a tense atmosphere loomed over the streets.
The disciples quickly learned the reason for this. Massive packs of spirit beasts roamed the outskirts, night raids from demon clans had increased, and strange mutated monsters lurked in the sewers, attacking citizens at random. Sun City's forces were stretched thin.
The city's governor, Lord Qin, welcomed them. "The Heavenly Mystical Sect's assistance is most appreciated. If you can eliminate the threats plaguing our city, you will earn Sun City's gratitude and many rewards."
Chan Li smirked. "Rewards, you say? Then consider it done."
Battle Begins: The Night Hunt
The first mission led the disciples into the dense forests beyond Sun City's walls. Reports claimed that a pack of Moonfang Wolves, creatures with razor-sharp fangs capable of tearing through steel, had been terrorizing trade caravans.
Leading the charge was Yan Ling, the former demonic cultivator now fully embraced by the sect. With his twin curved swords, he moved like a shadow through the trees, striking down a wolf before it could react. Beside him, Yue Feiyan unleashed a storm of ice shards, freezing multiple wolves mid-leap.
But just as victory seemed within grasp, the ground trembled. A massive, three-headed Shadow Beast emerged, its eyes glowing with a sinister crimson hue.
"A Rank Five Spirit Beast?!" One disciple gasped in horror.
Chan Li grinned, watching from afar. "Now this is more like it."
The Underworld Syndicate's Interference
While the disciples fought on the outskirts, another force was stirring in Sun City. A mysterious organization, known as the Underworld Syndicate, had been profiting from the chaos, secretly controlling monster raids to weaken the city.
Their leader, a masked figure called the Crimson Specter, observed from the shadows. "The Heavenly Mystical Sect has arrived... interesting. Let's see if they are worthy of meddling in our affairs."
As night fell, assassins clad in black infiltrated the disciples' camp, blades gleaming in the moonlight. But before they could strike, a voice echoed in the darkness.
"Trying to assassinate my disciples? How bold."
Chan Li stepped forward, his aura flaring to life. "Let's see if you're as skilled as you are foolish."