C11 Cloud Connecting Mountain Range

Seeing Yu Kun's flustered expression, the disciple's smugness grew. "Are you too scared to take on this mission? Then just go and deliver the letter like a good boy! That's all you're cut out for!"

He paused, then added with a warning tone, "Don't say I didn't warn you. You're free to accept this mission, but if you fail, the sect will punish you. You have half a month. Fail, and you'll be spending the latter half in the water prison!"

Yu Kun, driven to laughter by his frustration, clutched the jade token tightly and declared, "Well then, I'm definitely taking on this mission!"

The disciple smirked, slipping back into his lazy demeanor, and said nonchalantly, "If that's the case, I wish you success. You might want to get used to the idea of the water prison, just in case."

With a disdainful snort, Yu Kun refrained from further argument. He took the jade token and strode out of the Mission Hall.

Yu Kun had not anticipated Chen Feng resorting to such low tactics, yet they were undeniably effective.

"He's not just an Inner Sect disciple; his family wields considerable influence. The Chen family may not be among the Northern Chill Realm's elite, but they're no small players. With his status, he can easily sic these Outer Sect disciples on me."

Taking a deep breath, Yu Kun shook off the unpleasant thoughts. "This mission is tough, but with my current capabilities, if I stay cautious and steer clear of the more formidable mutated beasts, I'm confident I can pull it off."

He examined the jade token closely, noting the mission details and the reward.

"I need to find the Flying Shadow Grass and return it to the sect, earning myself a day's access to the Cultivation Room."

"The Flying Shadow Grass is a Grade One herb. And if I manage to find the Grade Two Shadow Soul Grass, there's an extra reward in it for me."

On the back of the token was a simple illustration depicting both the Flying Shadow Grass and the Shadow Soul Grass.

Yu Kun pondered the task ahead, quickly realizing it wouldn't be a walk in the park.

Leaving aside the daunting mutated beasts of the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range, locating the elusive Flying Shadow Grass was a challenge in itself. It thrived only in the shadows and was all too fragile.

Shadow Soul Grass was an even rarer find than Flying Shadow Grass.

"With the Leviathan-roc System at my disposal, I should stand a chance at completing this mission!"

Yu Kun packed some dry provisions and water before hastily departing from the Flying Cloud Sect.

The Cloud Connecting Mountain Range lay about fifty miles from the Flying Cloud Sect, a journey that would take the average person at least half a day. But as a martial cultivator, Yu Kun could run at speeds more than tenfold that of an ordinary person. In just under half an hour, he reached the outskirts of the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range.

Dawn was breaking. Standing at the forest's edge, Yu Kun could faintly hear the birds chirping within the range and the whisper of the wind rustling through the leaves.

The dancing shadows of the trees cast a serene atmosphere.

Yet, Yu Kun was aware that beneath this calm lurked danger.

"The Cloud Connecting Mountain Range is an offshoot of the Cold Moon Mountain Range in the Northern Chill Realm! It teems with mutated beasts, unlike ordinary wild beasts, for they possess the ability to cultivate. Caution is paramount!"

Taking a deep breath, Yu Kun stepped into the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range.

He steered clear of the dark, shadowy areas blanketed by the trees.

This was the very edge of the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range. Over the years, it had been scoured hundreds, if not thousands, of times. Now, the best Yu Kun could hope to find here were some lesser Heavenly Treasures, hardly worth his effort to collect.

Yu Kun's fists were clenched, his face etched with vigilance. His Astral Energy coursed through him, ready to unleash an attack at a moment's notice.

"To find something like the Flying Shadow Grass, I must venture off the beaten paths and delve deeper into the mountain range. Yet, that risks getting lost and being unable to find my way back to the perimeter. But to fulfill my mission and avoid punishment, I have no choice!"

After a moment's deliberation, Yu Kun left the mountain trail, venturing further into the depths of the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range.

Despite being just a branch of the Cold Moon Mountain Range, its vastness was overwhelming, far too much for one person to fully explore. Days slipped by, two, then three, and still, Yu Kun had nothing to show for his efforts.

Yu Kun trekked through the dense forest, swatting his arm with force. A smear of blood marked the spot where he had crushed a mosquito as big as his finger.

"I've been roaming the Cloud Connecting Mountain Range for days without finding anything worthwhile, only to be swarmed by mosquitoes! If this keeps up, I might as well resign myself to a stint in the water prison."

Feeling a sense of resignation, Yu Kun suddenly noticed an eerie silence enveloping the woods, the usual chorus of birds and insects abruptly ceasing.

A jolt of alarm shot through him.

"Birds and insects may lack strength, but their keen senses are reliable indicators of danger. Their silence can only mean one thing—they've sensed a threat."

As this realization dawned on him, a thunderous roar echoed through the forest, followed by a disturbance in the trees and underbrush. A wave of motion surged towards him.

"Damn, a mutated beast is here!" Yu Kun's heart raced. Without a second thought, he channeled his Leviathan-roc Astral Energy and unleashed a powerful palm strike.

Though it wasn't his Great Vajra Palm technique, the Astral Energy he employed was formidable. The grass before him was shredded, revealing the assailant.

A beast resembling a Blackback Hound emerged, its appearance more menacing than any Yu Kun had encountered in his past life. Its fur bristled like steel needles.

"A Steel Mane Dog! Its fur is notoriously sturdy and sharp—enough to cause incessant bleeding once it pierces the skin. Swordsmiths even use it as a forging material for their blades."

Yu Kun's mind raced as he identified the creature before him.

A flicker of apprehension crossed his mind.

"Mutated beasts like this may not be the most formidable, but their bristling fur makes close combat a challenge for any warrior! Luckily, having reached the Intermediate Rank of Qi Refining, my Astral Energy has greatly expanded, allowing me to execute three Vajra Worshipping Moon strikes if needed!"