Chapter Seventeen: Gale Squad

“This task requires collecting a hundred stalks of Clearcloud Grass within ten days. Since this herb mostly grows on the outskirts of the Shenyang Forest, the danger isn’t high, and the contribution points aren’t great either. If you complete the mission, Senior Brother Luo, you’ll receive one hundred and fifty contribution points. What do you think—want to give it a try?”

Seeing Luo Tian’s expression, Yang Qing immediately guessed that Luo Tian had only recently broken through and was accepting this sort of outer sect disciple mission for the first time. So, after his explanation, Yang Qing lowered his voice and added, “Senior Brother Luo, you can get to know the lay of the land in Shenyang Forest with us first. If you go out on your own the first time, it’s easy to run into trouble without help.”

A hundred and fifty contribution points for ten days.

Luo Tian pondered for a moment, glanced at the three people watching from nearby, and realized they must be Yang Qing’s teammates. He nodded slightly, “Very well, let’s go together.”

Though the contribution points weren’t much, the time allotted was generous. He figured he could finish a few of the other tasks he’d already accepted along the way. Besides, he was unfamiliar with Shenyang Forest, so having someone to guide him would be best.

“Great! Senior Brother Luo, follow me!”

Yang Qing was delighted to lead the way. He was excited to help Luo Tian, since Luo Tian had once done him a favor when they were both menial laborers in the sect. Now that he could repay that debt, nothing could be better. “I became an outer sect disciple three months ago and have been with the Bo Feng Squad ever since. This is our captain, Senior Brother Li Bofeng, fourth-stage of the Qi Condensation Realm, the Green Qi stage. And these are the Zhao brothers, Senior Brothers Zhao Zegang and Zhao Zeming—they’re twins. One is at the third stage, the other at the second.”

After a brief introduction of the members, Yang Qing fell silent. It was clear he’d already explained Luo Tian's identity to the others before inviting him to join.

The nine stages of Qi Condensation were represented by the colors red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple, black, and white. After reaching the White Qi stage and breaking through again, one entered the Flowing Vein Realm, where vital energy flowed like water—vastly more powerful than Qi Condensation.

Luo Tian’s gaze swept over the group. Li Bofeng was about his own age, of balanced build, steady expression, and rugged features—he truly looked the part of a captain. The Zhao brothers were similar in appearance and both large and sturdy; the only difference was that the elder, Zhao Zegang, was a little taller.

“Yang Qing, you said he just became an outer sect disciple?”

The speaker was Zhao Zegang. He glanced coolly at Luo Tian. “We’re both first-stage Qi Condensation. Why do you call him ‘senior brother’? Have you forgotten the sect’s rules?”

“Ah, Senior Brother Zhao, that’s because—”

Yang Qing faltered, unsure what to say.

A chill settled over the group.

The rules of the sect could not be ignored, but Yang Qing didn’t believe that just because he was now of equal strength to Luo Tian, he should change the way he addressed him. Those were two separate matters.

“All right, Ah Gang, that’s Yang Junior Brother’s own business—don’t interfere,” Li Bofeng interjected sternly, not wanting discord before they’d even set out. He then looked at Luo Tian, curiosity flashing in his eyes. “Luo Tian, let’s get going. On the way, Ah Qing can tell you all about Shenyang Forest.”

With that, he started walking. The Zhao brothers exchanged a glance with Luo Tian before following.

“Understood!” replied Luo Tian, falling in at the rear.

“Senior Brother Luo, there are many demon beasts and medicinal herbs inside Shenyang Forest. If you act alone, it’s especially dangerous. You were recruited at the last minute and you’re only first-stage Qi Condensation, so you won’t be given anything too risky,” Yang Qing whispered, seeing Luo Tian looking distracted and thinking he was worried about the mission.

“Yang Junior Brother, could you tell me about the general situation in Shenyang Forest?” Luo Tian recognized Yang Qing’s good intentions and responded naturally, calling him junior brother.

Yang Qing was delighted by the term. “Of course! Shenyang Forest is less than half a day’s journey from Ziyang Mountain. The deeper you go, the stronger the demon beasts become. Sometimes, a particularly fierce one might stray outwards. Not only us, but even inner sect disciples enter from time to time—though they stick to the inner areas and we rarely meet them.”

“Also, most good medicinal herbs and treasures are guarded by demon beasts—sometimes groups, sometimes powerful individuals. Senior Brother Luo, you just broke through, so be careful not to provoke them. Generally, it takes outer sect disciples a year or two to advance a stage. You should take it easy for now. If you take three or four years to, um—”

Yang Qing had intended to say that if Luo Tian took a long time to break through again, he’d need to be extra cautious in the coming years. But he realized that was tactless and bit his tongue.

“It’s all right. I’ll be careful,” Luo Tian replied with a gentle smile, unconcerned by Yang Qing’s words.

“Hurry up, you two! We’ve got other tasks this trip. If we run out of time, we’ll not only gain nothing but have to pay contribution points as a penalty!” Zhao Zeming called out. As a second-stage Qi Condensation disciple with some seniority, he naturally felt the need to assert his authority over these two newcomers.

“Yes, Senior Brother Zhao!”

Yang Qing gave Luo Tian a look, and the two quickened their pace to catch up with the others.

No matter how far the journey, the destination is eventually reached. Compared to ten days, this stretch was not too long.

So this is Shenyang Forest?

Luo Tian lifted his gaze and was startled by the sight: towering trees with lush, sprawling branches, some so massive they reached dozens of meters high. Looking up from below, one would feel as if the trees pierced the very clouds.

“Ah Qing has been here before; nothing more needs saying. As for you, Luo Tian, be sure to keep close to the group and don’t fall behind. If there are rare herbs to collect, the three of us will handle the main fighting, with Ah Qing assisting. Luo Tian, you’ll be on lookout. If there’s danger, alert us right away so we can adjust our formation and respond accordingly.”

Li Bofeng halted and spoke as captain, responsible for the whole group. Even if this mission wasn’t particularly perilous, he wanted everything managed properly. Secretly, he sighed—if Zhang Chaoyue, their third-stage member, hadn’t been poisoned by a snake during a recent mission and lost nearly all his strength, they wouldn’t need to be so cautious. As long as no mid-tier second-rank demon beast with a screw loose wandered out, the Bo Feng Squad could have swept through the forest’s outskirts with ease.

Zhao Zegang turned and cast a cold look at Luo Tian. “This place isn’t too dangerous, but it’s no scenic garden either. If you cause trouble and put the team in danger, I’ll deal with you myself when we’re done!”