Chapter 144: A First-Level Task

Chapter 144: A First-Level Task

"Brother Feng, that slap was too ruthless! Such a pretty face, and you nearly ruined it," Bai Ziyue remarked with a playful pout.

"You're one to talk. Your eyes were practically glued to her face," Mu Kuang teased.

"You don't get it. Beauties should be cherished, not scolded or hit," Bai Ziyue retorted, shrugging off the criticism with a smirk, his casual demeanor making him look like a street rogue.

"Man or woman, show no mercy when it's deserved," Mu Feng interjected calmly. "On the road of martial arts, there are three types of people you should always be wary of: the elderly, children, and women. Do you know why?"

Mu Kuang frowned in confusion. "Why?"

Before Mu Feng could respond, Bai Ziyue grinned. "Because those three never fight fair."

"At least you're not entirely clueless," Mu Feng said, laughing as he kicked Bai Ziyue lightly.

"I still don't get it," Mu Kuang admitted, shaking his head.

Mu Feng explained patiently, "The weak rarely fight with honor, and those three types can easily disarm your guard. That's why you must always stay vigilant."

"Ah, I see now. I'd better steer clear of women from now on," Mu Kuang said, nodding sagely.

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying women are all cunning and devious?" Yun Qingwan piped up, clearly displeased. She reached over and twisted Mu Feng's ear.

"Ow, ow! I was wrong, okay? You're the kindest and gentlest of them all," Mu Feng quickly pleaded, wincing in pain.

"Hmph, that's better," Yun Qingwan said, releasing his ear with a satisfied smile.

"See, Mu Kuang?" Bai Ziyue chuckled. "It's like the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, earth. Every force has something that counters it."

Laughing and joking, the group made their way to the Task Hall after Yun Qingwan returned to the female dormitories.

The Task Hall, a grand black stone building, bustled with activity. Students came and went, each seeking missions that suited their abilities.

Upon entering, Mu Feng and his friends approached a quieter section of the hall, where tasks were displayed on a wall divided into three levels:

Level 3 tasks:Simple and suited for new students, these paid the least but required minimal risk.Level 2 tasks:Moderate difficulty, ideal for students at the Purple Mansion Realm and offering better rewards.Level 1 tasks:The hardest and most lucrative, designed for Condensed Vital Energy Realm

The trio scanned the task board.

Examples of Tasks:

Level 3 Tasks:

Feed the Black Hump Falcons at the beast pen for half a month – 400 credits.Tend the Spirit Valley fields for one month – 600 credits.

Level 2 Tasks:

Find a third-tier herb, Blue Heart Fruit – 1,000 credits per fruit.Escort a caravan through perilous regions – 1,500 credits.

Level 1 Tasks:

Hunt the Condensed Vital Energy Beast, Iron Feather Roc, and extract its essence blood – 5,000 credits.Eliminate the Ma Mountain Bandits – 7,000 credits.Capture the notorious thief from the Great Yuan Kingdom, Li Caiyin, alive – 10,000 credits.

Mu Feng examined the tasks carefully. The lower-level ones were time-consuming and paid too little, while the Level 1 tasks, though rewarding, were fraught with danger.

As they considered their options, a senior student in a white robe approached, his expression laced with disdain. "Hey, you three! This section isn't for kids. Level 3 tasks are over there."

"Who says we're taking Level 3 tasks?" Bai Ziyue shot back. "We're here for a Level 1 task."

The senior laughed mockingly. "You? Freshmen? Taking a Level 1 task? Everyone, come look at these kids—they think they can handle elite missions!"

Other students turned their attention to the trio, sneering or shaking their heads.

"Senior, does it bother you if we take a Level 1 task?" Mu Feng asked calmly, his tone tinged with sarcasm.

"If you're stupid enough to take one, I'll bet you won't survive to complete it," the senior replied with a cold smile. "If you do, I'll personally give you 3,000 credits."

Mu Feng's eyes lit up. "Deal."

He pointed to the Ma Mountain Bandit Elimination mission and said to the green-robed task officer, "We'll take that one."

The hall erupted into murmurs.

"They're actually taking a Level 1 task?"

"Must be trying to prove something. They'll be running back here crying in no time."

The task officer raised an eyebrow. "You're sure about this? Level 1 tasks are deadly. Many inner court students have lost their lives on missions like these."

"We're sure," Mu Feng replied firmly.

With a sigh, the officer accepted their crystal badges, deducting 100 credits from each as a processing fee. He handed them a scroll containing details of the mission and a stern warning. "This task must be completed within a month. Failure to return by then will result in the task being reissued."

"Got it," Mu Feng said, nodding.

As they left the counter, the senior student called out mockingly, "If you can pull this off, I'll have those credits ready. But when you come crawling back, I'll expect 3,000 credits from you instead."

"Don't worry, senior. Prepare your credits," Mu Feng said, his tone steady.

"Newbies these days," someone muttered. "They'll get themselves killed for sure."

Ignoring the jeers and skeptical stares, Mu Feng and his friends left the Task Hall. Bai Ziyue laughed, "Brother Feng, I think you just made us the center of attention. Let's not disappoint."

"Let them talk. Actions speak louder than words," Mu Feng replied with a faint smile, already planning their approach to the mission.