After enjoying Mu Xi's doting service, Li Chang'an gave her a habitual pinch on the cheek before slipping away. As usual, he didn't bother with cleaning up after the meal—that was Mu Xi's job.
Tomorrow marked the Elite Class's annual field mission event. But unlike previous years, this time the missions weren't a joint operation. Instead, they were assigned individually, based on each student's specific capabilities.
Li Chang'an didn't yet know what his own mission was, but he wasn't worried in the slightest. An outstanding young man like him had every reason to be confident!
After dinner, the students of the Elite Class began to gather. The mission briefings were about to begin, and attendance was mandatory.
Already seated in the classroom ahead of everyone else was Cui Yongqin—now a Spirit Saint and officially recognized teacher. A stack of dossier envelopes lay on the desk in front of her. These contained the assignments for today.
Compared to six years ago, Cui Yongqin was noticeably more mature, though her figure hadn't changed much. Her aura of authority, however, had grown immensely.
"Everyone, please take your seats," she began. "We'll start distributing your missions now. But first, let me make one thing clear: While the Academy won't stop you from teaming up, remember—each of you has a separate mission, and time is limited. Working in groups may leave you pressed for time."
"Also, although these missions might seem less complex than the group missions of previous years, they are significantly more dangerous. Operating solo carries much greater risk."
"Each of you will have a teacher secretly assigned to trail you. They won't interfere unless they receive your distress signal. I hope every one of you comes back alive."
"Don't think the Academy is being heartless. We've invested a lot of resources in your training—not to raise delicate vases."
"Alright. When I call your name, come up and collect your mission file."
"Li Chang'an."
"Xie Yue…"
Li Chang'an took his envelope, gave it a quick weight check in his hand, then broke the seal and began to pull out the contents.
First came a distress flare—Spirit Hall's latest research development. Next was a mission map, a briefing document, a mission objective sheet, and a list of guidelines.
---
Li Chang'an's Mission Objective: Escort the Hong Chamber of Commerce's caravan from Spirit Hall City to Heaven Dou City.
Notes:
The Hong Chamber of Commerce ranks fifth on the continent. They are exceptionally wealthy, and this shipment contains high-value goods.
Danger is likely during transit.
A young lady from the Hong family—specifically the young madam—will be traveling with the caravan and must be protected at all costs.
---
After going through the entire packet, Li Chang'an scratched his head in mild frustration, a pained look on his face.
Truthfully, escort missions were some of the trickiest—unpredictable and full of uncertainty. Bandits could jump out at any moment, and this wasn't just any caravan, but one from a top-tier chamber of commerce.
To make matters worse, aside from himself, the caravan's only other serious combatant was a level-40 Spirit Elder. Everyone else? Ordinary folk. If something really went down, it was doubtful they'd be able to hold out.
In other words, Li Chang'an was now the de facto commander of this escort team. Their safety rested on his shoulders.
Still... going to Heaven Dou City meant he might get to see Qian Renxue!
Over the past six years, Li Chang'an had made time to visit Xiao Wu at least once every year. With his help, she was no longer just a scholarship student—she was a bona fide little heiress, affectionately known as "Sister Wu" around campus.
He had already promised Xiao Wu that next year, he'd go accompany her to another academy—naturally, that meant Shrek Academy.
Not that he had any grand ambitions at Shrek. He just wanted to give Zhu Zhuying—a proper home.
Qian Renxue, on the other hand, he had only managed to see once in six years. Letters were exchanged via special channels, but due to her status, opportunities to meet in person were rare.
This time, though, with a legitimate work excuse, he had to find a way to meet her. After all, flirtation by letter couldn't hold a candle to the real thing.
---
After leaving the Academy, Li Chang'an went straight to the Pope's Hall. These days, he didn't even need a pass—his face was enough to grant him entry.
Inside the office, Bibi Dong was dressed in a pale violet Pope's robe, immersed in paperwork. Time seemed to have left no trace on her flawless face, which was still as refined and poreless as ever. Her exposed snowy calves and long, shapely legs only added to the vision—she looked like a painting come to life.
These past six years had been a period of explosive growth for Spirit Hall, which had begun to embed itself deep into the lives of the common people. The foundation had grown stronger, and so had Bibi Dong's power. Her commanding presence was now formidable.
"You're busy again, teacher?" Li Chang'an casually walked up behind her and began massaging her temples without waiting for permission.
"Yes," Bibi Dong leaned her head back slightly, her eyes closing as she let out a gentle sigh. "The political landscape has shifted. The two empires are starting to counter our expansion. There's a lot to juggle."
Li Chang'an was one of the very few—perhaps the only one—who was treated with such warmth by the Pope herself. Not even Hu Liena enjoyed this level of closeness.
Over the years, Bibi Dong had grown accustomed to her disciple's physical affection. Whether it was massages, shoulder rubs, or spontaneous hugs from behind, Li Chang'an had always been respectful in his own way.
"You don't need to worry too much, teacher," Li Chang'an said with a smile, gently brushing a lock of her hair back into place. "Spirit Hall began its expansion ahead of the empires. Now that they've noticed, it's already too late. We still hold the advantage."
"As always, my disciple is so clever," Bibi Dong smiled with her eyes closed.
"I'm the one who assigned your mission," she continued. "Ghost will be watching you from the shadows—you'll be safe. The Hong Chamber is aligned with us, so I want you to take this seriously. This is your first mission in full command. I trust you."
"…And if you get the chance, visit her for me while you're in the palace," Bibi Dong added quietly, a trace of sadness in her tone. That girl… was still her daughter, after all.
"Understood, Teacher. Don't worry," Li Chang'an nodded solemnly. He already knew who she meant. Two years ago, when he visited Qian Renxue in his capacity as the Holy Son, Bibi Dong had told him the truth.
_____
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