Chapter 1736: The Additional Condition

Without further delay, Li Yan walked briskly toward another side hall—the area designated for mission applications.

Upon entering, he gave the room a cursory glance before heading straight for a specific deacon. This deacon held a significantly higher rank than the one named Sun; she was a woman at the Spirit Transformation stage.

When Senior Sister Wang saw Li Yan approach her desk, a small smile touched her lips.

“Junior Brother Li, it has been some time since we last met.”

“Senior Sister Wang, what a coincidence that you are on duty today,” Li Yan replied with a smile of his own.

Since entering Huangqi Valley, Li Yan had not joined any internal factions, nor had he engaged in unnecessary conflicts. Consequently, most people he knew maintained at least a veneer of cordiality with him. Over the last few years, he had become quite familiar with the deacons of the Mission Hall, all of whom had noticed his relentless drive to accumulate Sect Contribution Points. His non-confrontational nature had allowed these acquaintances to blossom into a modest level of friendship.

“Which mission has caught your eye this time, Junior Brother Li?” Senior Sister Wang asked directly, her eyes fixed on him. She was somewhat familiar with his temperament and knew him to be an exceptionally cautious individual.

Instead of handing over his token immediately, Li Yan looked at her with a serious expression.

“Senior Sister, I wish to inquire about the mission to escort pills to Xianhe Manor. Please rest assured, I will not ask for any core secrets. I merely wish to know the approximate distance to Xianhe Manor and how long the journey might take if everything proceeds smoothly.”

Senior Sister Wang immediately understood his intent. He was weighing the potential gains against the risks—a signature Li Yan move. Since the information he requested did not violate the mission’s security protocols, she gave it a moment’s thought before answering.

“It is approximately seven hundred thousand miles from the sect.”

Li Yan nodded. That distance was not excessive. If the journey was uneventful, a round trip could be completed in ten to fifteen days. He waved his sleeve over the desk, and his identity token appeared. Simultaneously, five high-grade spirit stones slid silently into the wide, draped sleeve of Senior Sister Wang’s robe.

She acted as if nothing had happened, but the smile on her face widened a fraction. This Junior Brother Li was truly a sensible man. Whenever he asked for information slightly outside her official duties, he was always so tactful. A few words from her in exchange for several high-grade spirit stones was a bargain she was more than happy to accept. It wasn’t a breach of duty, just a simple conversation.

She took the token and placed it into the slot at the corner of the desk. This time, instead of the usual glow, the token emitted a vibrant red light. Several lines of text flickered within the radiance. After scanning them, Senior Sister Wang nodded. However, she did not immediately finalize the mission for him. Instead, she looked him in the eye and spoke slowly.

“This mission is somewhat unique. I must state a prerequisite. If you can accept it, I will confirm your participation.”

“Please speak, Senior Sister,” Li Yan replied calmly. He knew a mission with such high rewards wouldn’t be straightforward.

“The three thousand Contribution Points mentioned as a reward… those are only granted if all six of you successfully complete the mission together,” Senior Sister Wang explained, pausing to let the words sink in.

Li Yan’s brow furrowed slightly. He didn’t quite understand her meaning. This was a team mission; did she mean that if someone died, the mission would be considered a failure? What did the number of people have to do with the reward?

“This mission involves escorting a large quantity of pills. Normally, the items would be kept by one person—usually the strongest or a random person chosen to deceive potential thieves. However, this time, the pills must reach the destination regardless of the cost. Therefore, the sect will divide the pills into six equal portions, with each person carrying one part.”

“This ensures that even if disaster strikes, as long as one person escapes, a portion of the cargo will reach the destination. If only a few of you make it, the reward will be reduced, likely to between one thousand and one thousand five hundred points. However, if some of you fall but others manage to bring their cargo along, making the set complete, you will still receive the full reward. Otherwise, the final payout will be determined by the situation. Do you understand, Junior Brother Li?”

Li Yan finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Firstly, the mission was clearly vital, evidenced by the massive reward and the extreme cargo-splitting tactic. Xianhe Manor was desperate for these pills, even if they only received a fraction. Secondly, the mission was not just dangerous; it was high-risk. The split suggested that the sect expected an ambush.

It was likely that a powerful force was targeting Xianhe Manor and was willing to strike at Huangqi Valley to prevent the delivery. Only a formidable power would dare to rob the sect’s treasures without fearing immediate retaliation. This explained why the mission spots hadn’t been filled immediately. Most people likely walked away after hearing this explanation.

For a moment, Li Yan felt his own resolve waver. If he only ended up with a thousand points, he would be better off taking multiple lower-risk missions. However, he also understood why the sect hadn’t sent a Void Refining expert. To the sect, this matter was important but not critical enough to divert a major powerhouse. They preferred letting disciples handle it for points.

Li Yan lowered his head in contemplation. Senior Sister Wang did not rush him. After dozens of breaths, he looked up.

“Senior Sister, I will take the mission.”

Li Yan had reasoned that even if he ended up finishing the task alone, it would be no different from taking a regular high-rank mission. But there was a chance for a three-thousand-point windfall, and for that, it was worth the risk. He couldn’t afford to miss the opportunity to access the Legacy Ancient Hall in a few years. He had to cure Senior Sister Bai’s injuries as quickly as possible. Since no word had come from Martial Aunt Ning Ke regarding the Moon-Chaser Clear Immortal Herb, he had to pin his hopes on the Legacy Hall.

Back in his courtyard, Li Yan freshened up. He was exhausted after being away for over a month and needed rest. The Mission Hall told him to wait for further notice. He knew that including himself, four people had already accepted. They only needed two more before they could set out, which Senior Sister Wang estimated would take a day or two.