chapter 24 “The Forgotten Mission”

The echo of clashing energy filled the vast training hall as Lu Yan moved through his exercises, his Qi surging in steady waves. Each strike, each stance was executed with flawless precision, his control refined after countless hours of relentless cultivation. The chamber, built deep within the mountain, pulsed with spiritual energy, amplifying the force of his techniques.

For the past eight days, Lu Yan had pushed his limits, tempering his body, refining his Qi, and deepening his understanding of alchemy. His breakthrough to the Fourth Stage of Qi Condensation had come hard-earned, and yet, he felt there was still more to grasp—more power lingering just beyond his reach.

The weight of the training wore on his body, but his mind remained sharp. As he adjusted his stance, preparing for another round, a sudden flicker of information crossed his consciousness.

Ding.

A silent ripple passed through his thoughts. His expression froze.

Mission: Unlock the secrets of this Crystal. Discover its true purpose and integrate its power with your Qi.

Reward: Unknown.

(Time left to do the mission 3 Days) 

failure of mission (Death)

A surge of realization struck him.

He had forgotten.

Lu Yan's gaze darkened. How had he overlooked something so crucial? The crystal—a relic of unknown origins, pulsing with untapped potential—had been left untouched, buried beneath his focus on cultivation. A mission assigned by the system was never insignificant. Each one carried weight, shaping his destiny, and yet he had allowed it to slip from his mind.

His fingers twitched slightly, recalling the last time he had attempted to probe the crystal's depths. The force had pushed back against him, resisting all attempts to integrate it with his Qi. It was not a simple artifact, nor a tool to be wielded carelessly.

He exhaled deeply, steadying himself.

"This cannot be delayed any longer."

With that decision, he left the training hall quickly, his steps deliberate like someone who's hands burned, as he moved toward the Hall of the Spirt Beast Ancestors.

The chamber was shrouded in an ethereal light, the air thick with the weight of history. Rows of towering statues lined the room, each figure a silent guardian of the sect's past. Their presence commanded reverence, and Lu Yan bowed deeply before stepping forward.

"Honored Ancestors, I seek your guidance." His voice was calm but carried an unwavering resolve.

 One of the ancestors let out a faint hum in response, the statues seeming to shimmer as if nodding in acknowledgment. Then, from the depths of the chamber, a voice, ancient and knowing, resonated.

"You have returned, oh Divine Child. What do you seek?"

Lu Yan clasped his hands. "I will be venturing out for a short time. There is a matter that requires my personal attention."

A pause. Then, the voice spoke again, laced with a quiet understanding.

"Do you require assistance?"

Lu Yan smiled faintly and shook his head. "No, thank you, dear Beast of the Divine of the Heavens. This is a path I must walk alone."

A deep silence followed, then a final whisper of approval.

The Beast Ancestor let out a deep, rumbling chuckle, the sound resonating through the chamber like distant thunder. "You do not need to be so formal. Just 'Beast Ancestor' will do."

Lu Yan inclined his head in acknowledgment.

As he turned to leave, the air around him trembled slightly. The statues, ancient and unmoving, seemed to pulse with unseen energy. Then, from the shadows, something shifted. A faint glow emerged—a small, intricately carved pendant, shaped like the head of a primordial beast. It floated toward him, encased in a faint golden aura.

Lu Yan caught it in his palm, feeling the raw, dormant power thrumming within. It wasn't just an artifact—it carried the essence of an ancient being, something far beyond ordinary spiritual tools.

"A gift," the Beast Ancestor's voice carried a solemn weight. "For three months, this artifact will allow you to take the form of a humanoid beast—an existence between man and spirit beast. It is not mere illusion, but a true transformation, allowing you to merge with nature, conceal your human presence, and draw power from the land itself."

Lu Yan's fingers tightened around the pendant. This was no simple tool. The ability to shift forms, even temporarily, could mean the difference between life and death in unknown territories.

Lu Yan nodded, sliding the pendant into the folds of his robe. "I understand. This is invaluable—thank you, Spirt Beast Ancestor."

The statues remained silent, their presence watchful.

With a final bow, Lu Yan turned and left the sacred hall, the weight of the artifact pressing lightly against his chest. However, he did not set out immediately. Though urgency pulled at him, he knew better than to begin such a journey without proper preparation.

Returning to his secluded training quarters, he sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, the moonlight filtering through the open window. The pendant lay in his palm, its faint warmth pulsing in rhythm with his own Qi. He studied its intricate carvings, the power within it restrained yet undeniable.

He closed his eyes, steadying his breath. 

As dawn approached, he finally allowed himself to rest. Sitting in silent meditation, his breathing slowed, his consciousness sinking into a deep, controlled state of recovery. His muscles, tight from days of training, gradually loosened. His Qi circulated smoothly, refining itself with each slow inhale and exhale.

By the time the first light of morning crept over the horizon, Lu Yan's eyes opened. His energy was fully restored, his mind sharpened. Rising to his feet, he adjusted his robes, securing the pendant beneath his collar.