Chapter 21

"Ding!"

"The side mission is completed, and the host gets 20 points of contribution."

"Ding!"

"Martial contribution: 117/100."

"The martial contribution value has overflowed. The host must consume the excess within 24 hours, or the overflow value will be automatically deducted."

---

As Jun Changxiao descended from the grudge platform, his thoughts were interrupted by the system notifications.

"An elite mission, no less!" he mused. "Completing it gave me 20 points of contribution."

He glanced at Wei Yiang's severed arm on the stage and couldn't help but feel a pang of nausea. "I've never even killed a chicken before, and now I've cut off someone's arm... It's normal to feel uneasy."

But he consoled himself, "He wanted to kill me first. Abandoning him was just self-defense."

In this cruel world, it was clear that one must fight back with equal ferocity to survive. His principle was simple:

"I don't offend people unless they offend me. If someone dares to attack me, I will strike back fiercely."

With that, Jun Changxiao sheathed his sword and bowed slightly, saying, "Elder Wei, we are finished here."

He jumped off the grudge platform with a flourish.

"Let's go."

"Yes!" responded Li Qingyang, Lu Yan, and the other disciples, following him away from the martial field.

"How is this possible?" murmured a warrior from the crowd. "The head of the Iron-Bone Sect defeated Elder Wei, who was at the 12th stage of Meridian Opening?"

The other martial artists were still in shock. The sight of Jun Changxiao shattering Wei Yiang's weapon and severing his arm was hard to comprehend.

The deacon of the Changdao Sect and the disciples of Hu Xiaozong stood frozen, thankful they hadn't challenged Jun Changxiao themselves.

A warrior solemnly commented, "Jun's sword must be of extremely high quality, probably of high rank."

This sentiment resonated with everyone. They couldn't fathom Jun Changxiao being strong enough on his own, so they attributed his victory to the quality of his weapon.

"Even Wei Yiang couldn't withstand that sword," another warrior added. "It's definitely of high rank."

As Jun Changxiao walked through the street, he reflected on the battle. "I didn't expect the first-tier swords from the novice package to be this powerful."

Initially, he had suspected the sword was superior to Wei Yiang's Golden Dragon Sword. After using it, he realized it was far beyond his expectations.

"Qianqian," he called out.

Lu Qianqian turned to him, her expression calm.

"This sword is quite impressive," he said, offering her one of the swords he had just obtained. "Would you like one?"

"No need," she replied coldly.

Jun Changxiao wasn't surprised by her response. "Okay," he said, tucking the sword back into his inventory.

"Head," Li Qingyang interjected. "If Senior Sister doesn't want it, may I have it?"

Jun Changxiao shook his head with a smile. "Perform well in the martial arts school, and you'll earn it."

Li Qingyang bowed slightly. "Understood, Head. I will strive to earn your recognition."

As they continued walking, Jun Changxiao addressed the disciples. "Take some time to visit your families. You can report back to the martial arts school in ten days."

"Thank you, Head!" the disciples chorused before dispersing.

Li Qingyang, however, remained. "Why aren't you leaving?" Jun Changxiao asked.

"My father is in seclusion. It wouldn't make sense to go back now," Li Qingyang replied.

Jun Changxiao nodded. "Then follow me for now."

"Head," Li Qingyang said after a moment's hesitation, "I have a request."

"Speak," Jun Changxiao said.

Li Qingyang took a deep breath. "I would like to bring someone to the martial arts school."

"Who?"

"The person I love."

"A woman?"

Li Qingyang nodded. "Yes, she's from a poor and mediocre background."

Jun Changxiao pondered for a moment. "So, this was another reason you joined the Iron-Bone Sect?"

"Yes," Li Qingyang admitted.

Jun Changxiao considered the request. "The martial arts school needs more hands for chores. She can come with you."

"Thank you, Head!" Li Qingyang said gratefully.

He could have joined the prestigious Cangshan School, but they wouldn't have accepted his beloved. The Iron-Bone Sect, being more lenient, was a better choice.

"However," Jun Changxiao whispered, "falling in love at sixteen is a bit early, don't you think?"

Li Qingyang shrugged. "In Qingyang City, many are married and have children by my age."

Jun Changxiao was taken aback. "Really?"

Li Qingyang nodded. "Yes, head. After the coming-of-age ceremony at fourteen, it's common to marry."

"Cough," Jun Changxiao coughed, masking his surprise. "Of course, I knew that."

Inwardly, he was stunned. "Married at fourteen and having kids at sixteen? Am I a senior single dog?"

After a short while, Li Qingyang returned, holding a letter instead of bringing his beloved.

"What happened?" Jun Changxiao asked.

"She left me a letter and disappeared, not wanting to hold me back," Li Qingyang said, his voice filled with pain.

Jun Changxiao patted his shoulder. "If she left, it means she cares about you. Focus on becoming stronger, and one day, you can search for her and prove that you deserve each other."

"Head," Li Qingyang said, determination in his eyes, "I will find her no matter what and tell her that only I, Li Qingyang, deserve her."

Jun Changxiao smiled and clapped. "Good. That's the spirit."

In this world, strength and determination were everything. Li Qingyang's resolve was commendable.

Lu Qianqian, standing nearby, remarked, "Another fool in love."

Jun Changxiao sighed, realizing that no one was immune to her sharp tongue.