Chapter 17: Leaving the Divine Sword Academy

Even the lowest level demonic beasts cost 50,000 points in the shop, and divine beasts reached astronomical figures. "This is too exaggerated," Chu Xiaotian realized after carefully examining the shop's offerings. His 50,000 points seemed almost insignificant in comparison. "Looks like I need to work harder," he said with a bitter smile.

The next day, as the first rays of sunlight spread across the land, everyone began their cultivation routines. After completing his morning practice, Chu Xiaotian was summoned by the peak master Bai Li Xiong.

"Chu Xiaotian, come to me."

Upon hearing Bai Li Xiong's voice, Chu Xiaotian immediately headed to his residence, which was simple and ordinary like his own.

"Master, do you need me for something?" Chu Xiaotian asked upon arrival.

"Chu Xiaotian, according to the rules of the Divine Sword Academy, all warriors who have entered the Spirit Origin Realm must leave the mountain to complete a mission assigned by the academy, lasting half a year. You'll need to go to the main hall's mission tower to inquire about the specific task from the elder in charge," Bai Li Xiong explained.

"A mission from the academy?" Chu Xiaotian was taken aback. He wasn't aware of this rule, as he had spent the past month focused solely on cultivation.

"Yes, go to the mission tower and tell the elder that you're from Desolate Peak and have reached the Spirit Origin Realm. They will assign you a suitable task," Bai Li Xiong instructed.

"Alright, I'll prepare and then set off immediately," Chu Xiaotian agreed, not asking further questions. He figured it would be better to go directly to the mission tower.

After packing some personal belongings, mostly robes prepared by Xi'er, Chu Xiaotian set off. He had converted all his academy points into system points, knowing the items he could get with them were of low quality in the system's eyes. Three thousand academy points only yielded one thousand system points, but it was better than nothing.

This was Chu Xiaotian's second time leaving Desolate Peak, the first being to exchange for items. His first visit to the main hall had caused quite a stir, but this time was much quieter, which he preferred.

Arriving at the mission tower, Chu Xiaotian approached an elderly man with white hair and requested a task. After showing his identity token and filling out his information, the elder handed him his mission.

"Go to the Demonic Wind Forest, collect any demonic beast crystal, duration: half a year."

"Collect demonic crystals?" Chu Xiaotian was momentarily stunned. He could easily get them from the shop, but that would miss the point of gaining experience. The academy enforced these missions for the disciples' growth, and Chu Xiaotian had yet to face a demonic beast in combat.

"Ding! A primary mission has been triggered: Go to the Demonic Wind Forest and slay ten early-stage first-level demonic beasts."

"Looks like I'm heading to the Demonic Wind Forest," Chu Xiaotian said with a light chuckle, looking forward to the upcoming challenges.

"Thank you, elder," he said, then left the mission tower and headed down the mountain. As an official disciple with a mission, he could leave the academy freely.

As Chu Xiaotian departed from the Divine Sword Academy, a conspiracy against him was slowly unfolding. "Brother Zhou, Chu Xiaotian has left the mountain," an outer sect disciple at the gate informed Zhou Yang. Zhou Yang, still holding a grudge against Chu Xiaotian for a previous defeat, was planning his revenge.

Leaving the academy, Chu Xiaotian noticed the dimming sky and decided to stay in the Divine Sword Academy's resting place in the God Capital, planning to set off for the Demonic Wind Forest the next day.

Arriving at the huge estate, he saw the imposing red gate with a black golden-nanmu plaque reading "Divine Sword Academy." People passing by looked at the estate with envy and quickly moved on, not lingering.

Chu Xiaotian spent the night at the resting place, preparing for his journey to the distant Demonic Wind Forest, which was half a month's ride away on a fast horse. He needed to stock up on provisions and water for the journey.

The three major families of the God Capital, being affiliates of the Divine Sword Academy, had specially prepared these resting places for its disciples. Chu Xiaotian settled in, ready to embark on a new chapter in his journey as a martial artist.