I glanced at the sky. Evening was settling over the city, painting it in deepening shades of orange and gold.
The bandit confrontation will be late evening, I calculated. I have two, maybe three hours.
But first, there's something important I need to finish.
Mo Fan's serious little face flashed through my mind, how he'd stood guard at my door despite being only six years old, trying so desperately to be strong and responsible for his sister.
And Mo Ling's innocent laughter, the way she'd clung to my sleeve with complete trust, calling me "Big Brother Shen" in her bright, hopeful voice.
Their father had been missing for three months.
I couldn't bring him back if he was dead. That was beyond even the system's capabilities.
But I could at least give those children answers. Closure, if nothing else. They deserved that much.
And if he's alive, I thought grimly, my jaw tightening, I'll make damn sure he returns to them.
I navigated through the evening crowd, heading toward the district where the Mercenary Guild was located.
The streets here were different from the commercial areas I'd just left. Rougher, more chaotic.
Loose cultivators in mismatched robes lounged against walls or gathered in small groups, discussing missions and opportunities in low voices.
The atmosphere was competitive, almost predatory. Everyone was looking for their next big break, their chance to earn enough spirit stones to advance their cultivation or simply survive another month.
This is where the desperate come, I observed soberly. Those who failed sect recruitment, those expelled from their families, those with no better options.
The Mercenary Guild is their lifeline and their trap.
The guild building loomed ahead, impossible to miss even among the various establishments surrounding it.
It was a large three-story structure built from dark gray stone, far more imposing than elegant.
Unlike the refined facade of Jin Shang Hall with its artistic carvings and welcoming atmosphere, this building was purely functional.
Thick walls that could withstand attacks, reinforced doors bound with metal, and guard formations visibly etched into the entrance pillars, glowing faintly with protective energy.
They're not trying to attract with beauty, I noted. They're demonstrating strength. A different kind of advertisement entirely.
A constant stream of people flowed in and out through the wide entrance.
Most were loose cultivators, easily identified by their mismatched robes, varied cultivation levels, and the weapons openly displayed at their sides or backs.
Some looked like hardened veterans. Scarred faces, wary eyes that constantly swept their surroundings, movements that spoke of countless battles survived.
Others appeared younger, eager but inexperienced, probably fresh from failed sect recruitments and desperately seeking alternative paths to power and wealth.
I merged into the flow of people and entered through the main doors.
The interior was organized chaos given physical form.
The main hall was vast, easily fifty zhang across, I estimated, with high ceilings supported by thick wooden beams reinforced with metal brackets.
The space could probably hold several hundred people comfortably, and it currently seemed to be testing that capacity.
One entire sidewall was covered in mission boards. Massive wooden panels displaying hundreds of jade slips, each one representing a commissioned task waiting for someone desperate or skilled enough to accept it.
The missions were organized by difficulty and reward, with different colored tags indicating danger levels.
I could see cultivators crowding around the boards, pushing and shoving as they scanned for opportunities that matched their abilities and risk tolerance.
Arguments broke out occasionally over particularly lucrative missions, voices rising in heated disputes about who had spotted the posting first or who was more qualified.
The guild's enforcement cultivators, easily identified by their black robes with red trim, stationed around the hall kept things from escalating into actual violence, though they seemed content to let verbal conflicts resolve themselves.
Typical, I observed with dark amusement. Even in a cultivation world, people scramble for scraps while the truly valuable opportunities are handled behind closed doors, far from this public spectacle.
Along the opposite wall ran a long counter, at least ten zhang in length, manned by what had to be twenty or more attendants.
Each one processed mission acceptances and completions with practiced efficiency, their hands moving in blurs as they exchanged mission tokens for rewards or new assignments.
Lines formed and dissolved constantly, the flow of cultivators creating a dynamic pattern of movement across the hall.
The noise was substantial. Haggling, complaints, celebrations over completed bounties, all blending into a constant din.
I moved away from the crowd gathered around the mission boards, navigating toward the counter area with careful steps.
I waited patiently at an open section until one of the attendants noticed me.
He was a young man with tired eyes and the slightly hunched posture of someone who'd been working too many hours without adequate rest.
"Yes, customer?" he addressed me with professional courtesy despite his obvious fatigue. "Do you wish to accept a mission or report completion?"
"Neither," I replied clearly. "I need to commission a task. Where should I go for that?"
His expression shifted immediately to something more attentive and engaged. Commissioned tasks meant money, and money meant better treatment even for exhausted attendants.
"Ah, of course, honoured customer." He gestured toward a row of private rooms on the opposite side of the hall, partially hidden behind decorative screens.
"The commission department handles all special requests and private contracts. An attendant there will guide you through the process and discuss rates."
I cupped my fists respectfully. "Thank you for your assistance."
He returned the gesture with more energy than he'd shown initially, already turning to address the next person in line with renewed vigor.
Money talks, even here, I thought with wry amusement.
I crossed the main hall, weaving between clusters of cultivators engaged in animated discussions about mission strategies and reward splits, and approached the private room area.
The difference in atmosphere was immediate and striking. Quieter, more refined, with actual privacy formations glowing softly along the corridor walls.
This area was clearly meant for clients with actual wealth rather than desperate mission-takers scrambling for copper coins.
An attendant stood waiting near the entrance, a young woman dressed in the guild's black uniform with silver trim indicating her role in client services.
She bowed slightly as I approached, her movements graceful and practiced.
"Welcome, honored customer. Are you here to commission a task?"
"Yes."
"Excellent. Please follow me."
Her tone was warm and professional, a stark contrast to the chaos of the main hall behind us.
She led me down a short corridor lined with identical wooden doors, each one sealed with basic privacy formations that hummed softly with active energy.
Stopping at one of the middle doors, she opened it smoothly and gestured inside.
"Please make yourself comfortable, honored customer. An agent will be with you shortly to discuss your requirements."
The room was simple but clean and well-maintained. A low table of polished wood, cushioned seats on either side upholstered in dark fabric, and a small tea set arranged neatly on a side tray.
Privacy formations glowed faintly along all four walls, ensuring conversations wouldn't be overheard.
Much better environment for sensitive discussions, I approved.
I settled into one of the cushioned seats and waited, my mind organizing what information I could safely share about Mo Wuliang without revealing too much about myself.
After perhaps five minutes, the door opened again.
A woman entered with confident strides, dressed in the guild's standard black robes with her face covered by a dark veil that left only her eyes visible.
The concealment was standard practice. Many agents preferred anonymity to avoid potential retaliation.
"Good evening, honored customer," she said, her voice pleasant and professional as she settled into the seat across from me. "I am Agent Ling. How may the Mercenary Guild serve you today?"
Her cultivation was concealed, but I sensed at least mid-stage Qi Refining. Respectable for someone handling commissioned tasks.
"I need information," I said directly. "And possibly recovery of a missing person, depending on what your investigation uncovers."
"I see." She pulled out a jade slip from within her robes and prepared to take notes.
"Before we discuss specific details, please allow me to outline our primary services so you understand the scope of what we can offer..."
"Investigation and recovery," I interrupted gently but firmly. "That's what I need. Nothing else interests me at the moment."
She paused mid-sentence, then I saw her eyes crinkle slightly. She was smiling behind the veil.
"Straightforward and decisive. I appreciate that in a customer, honored sir. Very well, please tell me the details of your situation so we can assess what resources will be required."
I leaned forward slightly, keeping my voice even and factual.
"The missing person's name is Mo Wuliang. He was a hunter from a village in this prefecture. Three months ago, he traveled to this city for the regular market day to sell his hunting trophies and never returned home to his family."
Agent Ling's fingers moved across the jade slip with practiced efficiency, recording the information.
"Age and general appearance?" she asked, her tone businesslike but not cold.
"Mid-thirties, I'm told. Average height and build for a hunter, neither particularly tall nor short. Skilled with a bow, which was his primary hunting weapon."
I paused briefly. "He would have been carrying beast materials and trophies to sell, likely visiting the beast materials market district during his time here."
"Family situation?" she inquired, still writing.
I remained silent, unwilling to share more than necessary.
She realized her mistake and softened her tone. "I apologize in advance, honored customer, but I must be honest with you about the situation and set appropriate expectations."
I nodded, appreciating her directness. "Go ahead. I prefer truth over false comfort."
"Three months is a long time for a missing person case in a city like this," she explained carefully. "The possibilities are... varied, and many of them aren't favorable outcomes."
"I'm aware," I replied evenly, though the words tasted bitter. "He could be dead from accident or violence. He could have been captured and sold into slavery or servitude."
I continued steadily. "He could have abandoned his family voluntarily and started a new life elsewhere under a different identity. I'm not here seeking false hope. I'm here for truth, whatever form it takes."
Agent Ling studied me for a long moment, her visible eyes assessing my sincerity.
"Your realistic approach is... refreshing, if somewhat sad," she said quietly.
"Many who come here seeking missing loved ones refuse to acknowledge certain possibilities until we present them with undeniable evidence."
She straightened slightly, returning to business mode.
"Given the time elapsed and the nature of the case, the investigation will require substantial resources and effort."
She began listing methodically. "We'll need to check city entry and exit records, question merchants and stall owners who deal in beast materials, investigate possible slave markets both legal and illegal, search morgue and burial records..."
She continued. "And interview any witnesses we can locate who might remember a hunter matching his description from three months ago."
She paused meaningfully, her gaze steady on mine.
"The personal expenditure for such extensive and time-consuming work will be considerable, honored customer."
"Name your price," I said without hesitation. "I'm prepared to pay what's necessary."
"One thousand spirit stones for a comprehensive investigation," she stated clearly and firmly.
"This will cover agent fees for multiple investigators working simultaneously, information purchases from various sources both legitimate and underground, and necessary bribes to access certain restricted records."
She added carefully. "If we locate him alive and recovery or extraction is needed, additional costs may apply depending on the specific situation and any complications involved."
A thousand stones just for information, I thought, considering the amount.
Expensive, but not unreasonable given the scope of work required and the time that's passed. And honestly, finding him is worth far more than that to those children.
"The reward is appropriate for this task," I agreed without showing any hesitation. "I'll pay it in full right now."
Visible relief flickered across Agent Ling's features. Apparently not all clients were as understanding about costs.
"Excellent. The guild charges a ten percent commission on all contracted work to cover administrative overhead and guarantee insurance, so the total will be one thousand one hundred spirit stones. Is that acceptable, honored customer?"
"Yes."
"Very good. We'll begin the investigation immediately, today, in fact. I'll assign our most experienced agents to this case."
She produced a small jade token from her robes and placed it carefully on the table between us.
"This is your commission token. It's keyed to your spiritual signature and cannot be used by anyone else. Return in two to three days, and we should have preliminary results to share with you."
She concluded. "If the investigation requires more time to be thorough, we'll update you on progress and any complications at that time."
I reached beneath my robe and withdrew my personal spirit bag, the smaller one I kept readily accessible for everyday transactions.
Opening it, I poured out spirit stones onto the table between us in a steady stream.
Agent Ling watched with professional composure as the pile grew, though I noticed her spiritual sense sweeping over the stones periodically to verify their authenticity.
A sensible precaution in this line of work.
"One thousand one hundred spirit stones," I confirmed, pushing the final stone into place.
She produced a larger storage pouch from within her robes and efficiently transferred the spirit stones inside with practiced movements.
"Payment received and verified as genuine," she said formally, completing some final notations on her jade slip.
"The commission is officially registered under code reference MP-734. Is there anything else you can tell me about Mo Wuliang that might aid the investigation?"
She continued. "Any habits, known friends or enemies, specific locations he frequented in the city, distinguishing features or mannerisms?"
I considered what Mo Fan had told me during our conversations about his father.
"He was honest and hardworking by all accounts," I said thoughtfully. "Not the type to get involved in gambling, drinking, or other shady dealings."
I added. "He came to the city regularly, perhaps once every two months, to sell beast materials and purchase supplies."
"That information helps narrow the search parameters significantly," Agent Ling acknowledged with an approving nod.
"Honest hunters without vices are less likely to be involved in criminal activities or have made enemies in the underground, which eliminates several potential scenarios and lets us focus our resources more efficiently."
She stood gracefully and bowed formally, her movements precise and respectful.
"The Mercenary Guild thanks you for your commission, honored customer. We will do everything in our power to locate Mo Wuliang or determine his life status. Our reputation depends on thorough work and honest results."
I returned the bow and stood as well, tucking the jade commission token safely into my personal spirit bag.
"I appreciate your professionalism and honesty, Agent Ling. It's reassuring to deal with someone competent."
"It's our pleasure to serve worthy clients," she replied warmly.
"Please don't hesitate to return if you recall additional information or have questions about our progress. The token will grant you priority access to this department."
I gave a final nod of acknowledgment and made my way out of the private room.
As I walked back through the main hall, passing the crowds of cultivators still scrambling desperately for missions on the boards, arguing over scraps and copper rewards, I felt a weight settle in my chest.
Mo Fan and Mo Ling deserve to know what happened to their father, I thought soberly. Even if the answer hurts. Even if it breaks their hearts.
Uncertainty is its own kind of torture, especially for children.
But there was no time to dwell on melancholy thoughts now. I had other matters demanding my attention.
I stepped out into the evening street, where the sun had dipped even lower on the horizon, painting everything in deep oranges and purples that would soon fade to darkness.
Shadows lengthened dramatically across the cobblestones as merchants began closing their shops for the night and lighting lanterns against the coming darkness.
The bandit leader should be engaging the merchant caravan very soon, I calculated, checking the sky and estimating time remaining.
And once that chaos begins in earnest, I need to be ready to implement the next phase of my plan.
Must read
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Hello, everyone.
Once again, I was rejected for the contract with no chance to reapply in future. Recently, I've been thinking a lot, and I decided to re-upload the novel. So I hope we can stay connected. I'll post the upcoming chapters there, so please add the novel to your library and continue this journey with me.
I won't quit until I get my contract. No matter how many times I fall, I'll keep writing. So don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.
Thank you for staying with me
The new novel title is ASCENSION FARMING SYSTEM : FARM TO BECOME IMMORTAL CULTIVATOR
ADD this to your library collection.
From chapter 35 I will post there.
I've made some changes where I felt the story needed deeper development and stronger background. Don't worry, the main concept remains the same. I only wanted to make the world, the characters, and the emotions richer and more complete for you.
Also I have a doubt, do you really find my novel entertaining.