Returning to his residence, Fang Han sat cross-legged. He didn’t begin to cultivate immediately, instead mulling over what he had learned in today’s lecture, especially Steward Liu’s explanation of swordsmanship.

The more he thought about it, the more profound it seemed. He immediately took out his Cyan Blade Sword, found an empty space outside, and, guided by his new insights, slowly began to practice the Xunfeng Swordsmanship.

For the next several days, Fang Han was completely immersed in absorbing the lecture’s lessons and his rigorous cultivation.

Sure enough, after receiving Steward Liu’s guidance, his progress with Xunfeng Swordsmanship sped up noticeably. The parts he previously struggled with now flowed smoothly, and as he executed the Sword Techniques, they held a hint of nimbleness and sharpness they’d lacked before.

He felt that he was not far from breaking through to the Realm of Perfection.

’I’ll need at least a hundred Contribution Points!’

However, this brought a practical problem to the forefront.

Once his Xunfeng Swordsmanship reached the Perfection realm, it would mean he had taken the technique as far as it could go. To continue advancing on the Sword Dao, he would have to learn a higher-level swordsmanship.

And a Middle Grade Sword Technique from the Library Pavilion cost at least a hundred Contribution Points to redeem.

He checked his Identity Jade Token. He had previously redeemed ten Peiyuan Pills, and now only twenty Contribution Points remained.

This was nowhere near enough for a Middle Grade Sword Technique.

’Could I borrow some from Senior Brother Wang Miao?’

Fang Han remembered Wang Miao’s words—"Come find me if you have any trouble"—and the thought of borrowing Contribution Points from him surfaced.

But he suppressed the idea as soon as it appeared.

He worried it was just a pleasantry on Wang Miao’s part, offered because of their families’ long-standing friendship. If he took him up on it so brazenly, he would seem tactless and pushy.

Besides, his relationship with Wang Meng was awkward, and he was even more reluctant to be indebted to Wang Miao over this.

’My Xunfeng Swordsmanship hasn’t reached Perfection yet, so getting a new sword technique isn’t an immediate emergency.’

’I can use this time to take some Sect missions and see if I can earn enough Contribution Points on my own. If I still don’t have enough when my swordsmanship reaches Perfection, then I’ll ask Senior Brother Wang Miao.’

Fang Han mulled it over for a moment and made his decision.

There was another reason for his decision: activating the sixteen-fold multiplier for his Swordsmanship Talent and Stepping Talent would require resources.

He had already activated the sixteen-fold multiplier for his Root Bone Talent; naturally, the multipliers for his Swordsmanship Talent and Stepping Talent had to be next on his agenda.

This would require at least a thousand Contribution Points.

With his current strength, there was no way he could break into the Sub-Branch’s top ten anytime soon and earn those rewards. The only way to get Contribution Points was by taking on Sect missions.

The next morning, Fang Han rose early. He planned to head to the Task Hall and see if there were any missions suitable for him. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

He pushed open his door, walked steadily out of the Sub-Branch, and headed straight for the Task Hall on the mountainside of the main peak.

Shortly after he left, a plainly dressed, average-looking servant scurried off in the direction of Zhao Qianjun’s residence.

This servant was Li Shan, the very man Zhao Qianjun had bribed to monitor Fang Han’s movements.

’He’s heading for the Task Hall?’

A flicker of delight appeared in Zhao Qianjun’s eyes as he heard Li Shan’s hurried report.

’If Fang Han is going to the Task Hall, he’s probably there to accept a mission.’

’And that would be the perfect opportunity to strike.’

He glanced at Li Shan, a murderous glint in his eyes, but ultimately, he stayed his hand.

’He could kill a servant and be done with it. He’d just say the man angered him. The Sect would never hold him accountable for a mere servant.’

’However, he worried that Fang Han might not actually accept a mission, or that the mission he chose wouldn’t be a suitable opportunity. So, for now, he had to let this servant live.’

Fang Han arrived at the Task Hall.

It was a vast, sprawling hall, buzzing with the din of voices as countless disciples came and went.

The hall’s inner walls were covered with rows of wooden mission placards, each one crammed with details: mission content, difficulty rating, Contribution Point rewards, personnel requirements, and more.

Many disciples clustered before these placards, carefully searching for missions that suited them.

Fang Han carefully browsed the mission lists. The tasks were incredibly varied: guarding medicinal fields, clearing out Demon Beasts, helping the Sect escort supplies, and even hunting down vicious and wanted criminals.

The difficulty ranged from low to high, with rewards to match.

Since this was his first time accepting a mission, Fang Han was cautious. His eyes focused mainly on the low-difficulty tasks that required a team.

These missions were relatively safe and suitable for an inexperienced new disciple like him.

’Escort medicinal herbs...’

After about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Fang Han settled on an "Escort Medicinal Herbs" mission.

The mission required a five-person team to travel to a medicinal field over a hundred li northeast of the sect’s main gate and transport that month’s harvest back to the Sect.

Upon completion, each member would receive ten Contribution Points.

It wasn’t a huge amount, but it wasn’t bad either, especially since the mission looked simple and the distance wasn’t too great.

Three disciples had already signed up for the mission, leaving two spots open.

After a moment’s thought, Fang Han decided the mission was a good fit. He walked over to the registration area below the mission placard and signed up with his name and number.

Just as he finished signing up and was making small talk with the other three disciples while they waited for the final team member...

...a figure appeared silently at the entrance of the Task Hall. His gaze was fixed covertly on Fang Han. It was Zhao Qianjun, who had rushed over after receiving Li Shan’s report.

Zhao Qianjun saw Fang Han standing with the others and glanced at the mission details on the placard. His brow furrowed.

’A five-person team... escorting medicinal herbs...’

He cursed inwardly.

With a multi-person mission like this, the team members would be looking out for one another. He’d have no opportunity to strike without being noticed.

’You got lucky this time, brat!’

A cold light flickered in Zhao Qianjun’s eyes, but he could only turn and slip away resentfully, his figure quickly vanishing into the bustling crowd.

’The timing isn’t right. I’ll have to wait for a better opportunity to make my move.’

Once the registration was complete, Fang Han and the other four disciples who had taken the mission gathered to introduce themselves.

"Name’s Shi Dali. Joined last year. I’m good with my fists and feet,"

a tall, sturdy young man with an honest face said, cupping his fist. His voice boomed like a great bell.

His simple smile gave off a sense of reliability.

"I am Li Yuan. I joined at the same time as Dali. I specialize in Light Body Skills and the Short Blade,"

another young man chimed in. He was lean, with sharp, clever eyes.

As he spoke, a copper coin danced deftly between his fingertips.

The remaining two were young women. The one with the livelier expression spoke first.

"I’m Liu Xiaoying! I came last year too, and I’m good with Swordsmanship!"

she said, her voice quick and cheerful, with a hint of playful charm.

"Chen Yun. I joined the year before last. I specialize in Leg Technique."

The last young woman had a quiet demeanor and long, slender legs. She gave a slight nod as she spoke.

Her voice was gentle, her gaze serene.

"I am Fang Han, a new disciple. I specialize in Swordsmanship. I hope I can rely on the care of my senior brothers and sisters."

Fang Han introduced himself with a humble bow of his clasped hands.

As a new disciple, he was likely the weakest of the five and had no experience with Sect missions, so he adopted a humble stance.

"Junior Brother Fang, there’s no need for such formality. We are fellow disciples, so of course we should help each other."

Chen Yun offered a faint smile, her words carrying the natural authority of a senior sister.

"It’s not far to the Medicinal Garden. Let’s get moving."

The five wasted no more time. They left the Task Hall and made their way to the foot of the mountain.

For a Martial Artist, one’s own two feet were often faster and more agile than any horse and carriage.

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

After a shared nod, they all activated their Step Techniques, shooting off toward the northeast like arrows loosed from a bowstring.

Shi Dali’s steps were heavy and solid, each one landing with powerful force, yet his speed was by no means slow.

Li Yuan, on the other hand, was nimble and light-footed. He moved like a monkey in the woods, his leaps and bounds completely silent.

Liu Xiaoying’s gait was light and graceful, like a butterfly flitting through flowers, her dress fluttering behind her.

Chen Yun’s pace was composed, her breathing even and deep, a clear sign of a profound foundation.

Fang Han activated his Startled Swan Step, his figure becoming a flickering blur as he kept pace right behind the other four.

At first, the other four were a bit worried that Fang Han, being a new disciple, wouldn’t be able to keep up.

However, they soon discovered that his speed was no worse than their own.

It was clear that, regardless of his Cultivation or Swordsmanship, this new disciple was definitely not lacking when it came to his Body Technique.

Traveling over a hundred li at full speed, the five of them arrived in less than an hour.

Before them lay a medicinal field nestled against a mountain and bordering a stream. All sorts of herbs were flourishing.

The area had originally been a natural source of medicinal herbs, frequently yielding precious varieties. When the Sect discovered that the Earth Vein Qi here was abundant, making it a treasure trove for cultivation, they claimed it and walled it off to create the Medicinal Garden.

A Medicine Garden Steward was already waiting. After verifying their five Identity Tokens, he directed several servants to load pre-packed crates of herbs onto five custom-built, two-horse carriages.

The carriages were wide and covered with waterproof tarps. A cyan banner was attached to the shaft of each, emblazoned with the word "Qingxuan," which snapped in the wind.

After a short rest, the five began escorting the carriages on the journey home. The carriages were driven by five servants who knew the roads well, while Fang Han and the other four disciples positioned themselves around the convoy, remaining vigilant.

The first leg of the journey was peaceful, with only the rumbling of wheels on the main road to break the silence.

As they traveled along a mountain path where the woods grew thick on either side, Fang Han keenly sensed several pairs of eyes watching them from the trees, their gazes tinged with greed.

His heart tightened. He subconsciously gripped the hilt of his sword, his sharp gaze sweeping across the grove of trees.

Li Yuan, beside him, noticed his reaction. He followed Fang Han’s gaze with a brief glance, then chuckled in a low, unconcerned voice.

"Junior Brother Fang, no need to be so tense. Relax. Here in Qingyang County, very few bandits would dare make a move on the Qingxuan Sect’s property!"

Chen Yun also offered a gentle reassurance, "Junior Brother Li is right. The Sect’s reputation precedes it. Common thugs wouldn’t dare tweak the tiger’s tail. We just need to stay alert, not be overly tense."

Hearing this, Fang Han relaxed slightly but didn’t let his guard down completely. He kept his eyes and ears open, remaining fully aware of his surroundings.

And indeed, though they occasionally felt the sensation of being watched, the hidden figures would only observe from a distance for a moment before quietly retreating. No one ever dared to actually step out and intercept them.

That Qingxuan Banner was like an invisible Protective Talisman.

The main road was in good condition, and the carriages made good time.

As the sun sank low, painting the sky with a brilliant sunset, the majestic silhouette of Qingxuan Mountain was already visible in the distance.

Before darkness fell completely, the carriages arrived safely at the main gate, where they completed the handover with the waiting steward from the Materials Hall.

"Ten Contribution Points have been recorded."

Inside the Task Hall, the steward verified the mission voucher, swiped Fang Han’s Identity Jade Token over a black, inkstone-shaped device, and a faint light flashed.

Fang Han took back the Jade Token and infused it with a wisp of Inner Qi. Seeing the number change from "twenty" to "thirty," he felt a solid sense of accomplishment.

After bidding farewell to the other four, Fang Han headed back to the Sub-Branch, his mind abuzz with thoughts.

’Ten Contribution Points in a single day... that’s the equivalent of two hundred taels of silver. Earning points at this rate isn’t slow at all.’

’But it also cost me a full day of Cultivation.’

’Just burying my head in Cultivation isn’t enough; I have to earn Contribution Points to raise the multipliers. But if I spend all my time earning points, I’ll have no time to turn my Talent into actual strength. That won’t work either.’

’From now on, I have to balance Cultivation and missions to maximize my gains.’

"Hmm...?"

Back in the Sub-Branch, still unwinding from the tension of the mission, Fang Han suddenly felt eyes on him and quickly turned his head toward the source of the gaze.

A servant was standing in that direction.

Just a perfectly ordinary servant. He looked away.

But then he suddenly recalled seeing that same servant this morning.

And back then, the man’s gaze had seemed to linger on him for a long time.

’Why would a servant I’ve never met be paying so much attention to me?’ A seed of doubt was planted in his mind.