As the Spirit Spring shimmered in the courtyard, Chen Fei stood at its edge, hands clasped behind his back. Wei Jin meditated nearby, already absorbing spiritual energy, while Xue Lian and Long Tian observed silently.
[New Mission: Acquire a Resource Node – Target: Abandoned Spirit Mine in the Shadowfang Mountains.] [Reward: Resource Income System + Tier 1 Spirit Stones x10,000]
Chen Fei turned to Long Tian. "The system marked a mine in the Shadowfang Mountains. Can we take it?"
Long Tian's expression turned grim. "That mine is contested. Bandits and rogue cultivators infest the area. But with your current power, and my blade... it is possible."
Chen Fei nodded. "Then we move at dawn. Xue Lian, select ten of your Ice Phoenix soldiers. Wei Jin, you'll join us. This is your first real mission."
Wei Jin's eyes burned with excitement. "Yes, Sect Master!"
The journey to the Shadowfang Mountains took two days. As the Dragon Sect party climbed the rugged peaks, the air grew colder and darker. The mine loomed in the distance—crumbling, ancient, and guarded by a loose camp of rogue cultivators.
[Enemies Detected: Cultivators (Stage 4 to Stage 7 Qi Condensation)]
"We're outnumbered," Xue Lian reported, "but their formation is weak. No true leader."
Chen Fei raised a hand. "Then we strike like lightning."
Long Tian stepped forward, his sword crackling with golden energy. With a single wave, he unleashed a shockwave that split the camp in two.
The bandits screamed and scattered, but Xue Lian's soldiers moved with practiced precision, freezing the ground beneath their enemies and capturing survivors.
Wei Jin darted into battle, Wind Saber Art slicing through two enemies. He took a wound to the shoulder, but stood tall, panting.
Chen Fei joined the fray, summoning his spiritual aura for the first time. A golden dragon silhouette roared behind him, striking fear into all present.
"Run—run! It's the Dragon Sect!" someone yelled.
Within moments, the battle was over.
[Mission Complete: Spirit Mine Acquired.] [Reward Claimed: Resource Income System Activated. Spirit Stones will be collected every week.]
A glowing formation activated inside the mine, purifying the area and creating a stable flow of spirit stones.
Chen Fei stood at its entrance. "Our first resource. The foundation of an empire."
Wei Jin knelt. "Thank you, Sect Master. I've learned much."
Chen Fei placed a hand on his shoulder. "And you'll learn more. This is only the beginning."
Back at the Sect, news of their victory spread. From the Heavenly Blade Sect to the Iron Spirit Pavilion, rumors grew.
"The Dragon Sect has seized the Shadowfang Spirit Mine...!"
Inside a hidden valley, a cloaked figure opened ancient scrolls, eyes flashing.
"So it begins... the true heir has returned."
And far beneath the earth, sealed within a crystal chamber, a beautiful woman stirred.
Her eyes fluttered.
Chen Fei's wife... was beginning to awaken.