The sect had something called the Mission Pavilion — a grand, stone building filled with golden scrolls, floating tokens, and disciples crowding like bargain hunters on discount day.
I had never been inside.
Until now.
---
Reason for My Visit:
The Sect Elders decided that my random successes meant I deserved another chance. Or they were just hoping I'd die and clean up their paperwork.
I approached the Mission Board — a glowing wall of shimmering scrolls and jade plaques. Each had an assigned level and colored border:
Green: Safe, boring, probably delivering soup
Blue: Bandit subjugation, spirit beast patrol
Red: Dangerous
Black: Labeled: "If you take this, write your will first"
> [System Suggestion:]
Recommended Mission: Clean the Sect Toilets (Green Tier)
Reward: 1 Bronze Spirit Token
Duration: 3 hours
[Host Response Option A:] Reject
[Host Response Option B:] Run away screaming
I chose Option C: Dramatic Mission Selection.
I slammed my hand on the nearest glowing scroll.
There was a ding, a flash of light, and someone behind me whispered:
"…Did he just pick a black-rimmed mission?"
Oops.
---
> [Sect Mission Acquired!]
Title: "Echoes Beneath the Cold Ravine"
Objective: Investigate strange disappearances near the Cold Ravine north of the sect.
Difficulty: High
Reward: Unknown
Party Leader: Assigned
[Note: This mission was previously declined by three core disciples.]
I tried to put the scroll back.
It stuck to my hand.
---
A voice rang out across the mission hall.
"I see someone has taken the Ravine task."
I turned.
There she was — Elder Lianhua — the calm, silent flower of the sect's inner circle. Graceful, unreadable, mildly terrifying. The kind of woman who'd offer you tea and poison you with a smile.
"You'll be joined by two others," she said. "This is a three-disciple trial."
From the shadows emerged—
1. Yue Lan
Graceful as always. Cool, unreadable.
Why she was here, I had no idea.
2. New face. New problem.
Name: Lin Yumei
Eyes sharp as daggers. Dressed in crimson-red outer robes. Short hair, tight stance. Looked like she could fold me into a dumpling.
She nodded to Yue Lan. Then looked at me like I owed her a spirit stone.
"This is the idiot?" she asked.
> [System Alert:]
New Character Detected: Lin Yumei
Rank: Outer Disciple (Advanced)
Cultivation Type: Fist & Seal
Mood: Hostile
Potential Romantic Subplot: No. Just no. Not unless you change. A lot.
---
Yue Lan crossed her arms. "The Ravine isn't a normal mission."
"Why me, then?" I asked.
"You're a chaos magnet," she said simply. "And apparently, chaos is required."
> [Hidden Trait Evolving: "Cosmic Disruption Aura"]
Enemies may randomly trip, forget spells, or explode slightly when near you.
---
Elder Lianhua gave us the final details:
"Disciples have gone missing. No bodies. No traces. There is demonic residue on the rocks near the ravine mouth."
"Demonic?" I whispered. "Shouldn't this be handled by someone not me?"
"Precisely why we're sending you," she said, sipping tea. "If you die, no great loss. If you survive… well, then you're interesting."
She turned to Yue Lan.
"You'll lead."
Yue Lan nodded.
Lin Yumei grunted.
I whimpered softly.
---
As we left the mission board hall, Lin Yumei walked ahead with Yue Lan, discussing formation techniques and sigils.
I trailed behind.
Then the system buzzed.
> [Secret Message – Corrupted Reward Chain:]
Real reward from this mission rerouted to "Glorious Blade System" in exchange for artifact points.
You will receive: A cracked copper ring.
"…This damn system."
---
As we exited the gates, a breeze rustled my robe. I looked back at the towering sect walls.
This mission wasn't given by the system.
It was recommended by it, sure — probably to get me killed.
But the elders gave it. The sect wanted it done.
And if demons really were involved…
I might finally get a real reward. Or at least a slightly better trash item.
One thing was certain.
This wasn't going to be boring.