When the next day dawned, it was bright and clear, the sunlight reflecting off Outer Court's tiled roof. For once, the air felt lighter, less of heavy whispers hanging on after the elders' summons.
Wu Ming dragged Lin Xuan towards the canteen and tipped him a grin ear to ear. "Senior Brother, they gave us pork buns today! Pork! Do you know how long it's been since I had something that wasn't fake meat?" For the first time in this ancient place, Wu Ming strutted around like a rooster in the sun. Other disciples threw curious glances their way—some wary, others envious, and yet more whispering secretly—but no one dared to openly pick a fight.
"You see?" he said proudly, with his mouth full. "Senior Brother Lin, you have changed me—from 'laughing blade' into 'the laughing blade who eats meat.' That, my friend, is called progress."
Lin Xuan's lips tilted upward faintly. Even if it rains again, with a clown, it isn't so heavy on your heart.
By midday, the Outer Sect's square was filled with youngsters. The iron-grey-haired instructor unrolled a scroll, the scar tissue on his cheek twitching as he read. "By order of the Elder Council—Lin Xuan will join the investigation team to the fringes of Broken Fang Gorge. Reports of abnormal beast activity are there. Disciples Qiu Ran, Zhao Kun, and others will accompany. Departure is three days hence."
Gasps went up all over. Everybody knew Ran was Meng's most steadfast follower. And Kun, still smoldering from his defeat, was only too eager indeed to throw a punch at any opportunity.
Wu Ming pulled at Lin Xuan's sleeve. "Senior Brother, they just slapped a bull's eye on your back."
Lin Xuan gave a sharp nod. "Then I must whet the spearhead before the arrows fly."
In the practice yard for the next days, Lin Xuan trained. Spear forms he drilled until the weapon hummed at every thrust. He tested Qi circulation through his meridians, stabilizing the breakthrough he had hidden since Broken Fang Gorge days. At night, he studied herbs by lamplight, and as his fingers brushed over each leaf, they gently rustled, the System whispering its properties to him.
[Material Insight: Ironleaf Grass. Functions: Wounds clotting, Temporary resilience. Success rate: 72%]
[Material Insight: Ghostpetal. Function: Sleep induction, useful for antidote bases]
According to Lin Xuan, even if he who does not study but snores slightly in sleep-like sound places, Wu Ming, it remains occasionally a clown may yet surprise oneself.
On the second day, the timid girl from his Seven Stars squad approached shyly, offering a small pouch. "Senior Brother Lin," she said. "These are dried spirit dates. I thought you might need strength for the mission." Her voice shook, but her eyes were sincere in gratitude.
The deity wielded his head more than a foot, waving. "Cultivate the path steadily and do not waste your potential," Lin Xuan told her. Her expression held both determination and gratitude. To her rear, the lanky boy waved his thanks, though it was an awkward brand of chivalry.
Wu Ming whispered, grinning. "Senior Brother, now you've got fans! Be careful, don't get them mad—you'll turn right into the God of Formations!" When Lin Xuan said this, Wu Ming stopped grinning.
Meng Zhao, Qiu Ran, and Zhao Kun were in the Core halls at this time. He said to them, "You three listen. The matter in question is not beasts; it concerns something else entirely. Test him. Wear him out. Should the gorge experience a minor accident… none of the elders would dare query it."
All these words increased Qiu Ran's contempt. Zhao Kun gripped his fists in humiliation and anger with a vengeance.
The day before he was to leave, Lin Xuan stood alone on a small hill trying to get one last look at Mt. Taobao. His robe flapped in the wind, and he held his short spear firmly.
The sect has determined my point of engagement. Very well. They think that they will bury me in the mire of suspicion and intrigue. But each trap step is my path.
"Oh, I forgot to ask earlier—will we be able to eat while we do this mission? Because if not, then we're already done!" At Wu Ming's words, Lin Xuan turned back, his calm eyes softening faintly. "Bring them. Even storms must have bursts of color." But this blockhead.
The next morning would find them once again entering Broken Fang Valley on a mission—but now Lin had learned to expect more than just the hungry creatures inside.