Chapter 3: The Mission Begins

At dawn, Bai Letian had calmed his thoughts from the previous day and followed Xu Yuhao to the training grounds to practice his techniques.

Thanks to muscle memory, Bai Letian quickly regained his grasp on the moves he had learned before. However, there was one technique—"Serene Mirror, Still Water"—that he struggled to master.

"This technique requires your heart to be as clear as a mirror, reflecting all things in the world. Your training has only just begun; you still have a long way to go." Xu Yuhao noticed Bai Letian's frustration and patiently explained, "You seem to have distractions in your heart. If you take a moment to settle your mind before practicing, your progress will be much smoother."

Bai Letian pondered this for a moment before nodding in agreement. He decided not to force his way through the technique but instead to focus on achieving inner peace.

"Xiao Bai, are you okay? I heard you got stabbed yesterday! Just wait—I'll find that guy and make him pay!"

A furious female voice rang out as a woman in the same uniform strode toward Bai Letian.

"Damn it, why are they all showing up?!" Bai Letian groaned inwardly.

The newcomer was Wen Qingyi, who looked exactly like his formidable superior in the real world. Beside her stood a petite girl—one who bore an uncanny resemblance to Jiang Xianqing.

"Xiao Bai is fine now. I was here. He was just momentarily distracted." Xu Yuhao reassured her gently.

"Senior Bai, are you really okay?" the Jiang Xianqing lookalike asked with concern.

"I'm fine. Hao-ge gave me a healing potion—I've already recovered." Bai Letian smiled.

"Hao-ge?" The girl blinked in confusion.

"Oh! I mean Senior Brother Xu. Thank you for your concern, Junior Sister Jiang Xianqing." Bai Letian tested her reaction.

"I told you, don't call me by my full name!" Jiang Xianqing blushed.

So it really was the same as in the company. That meant Wen Qingyi was also just like her real-world counterpart.

"As long as you're okay. Oh, by the way, Master is looking for us," Wen Qingyi informed them.

"Master? What for?" Xu Yuhao asked curiously.

"Not sure, but it's probably another mission. I heard this one is going to be tricky."

With that, the group made their way toward He Shengnan's palace.

Inside the hall, He Shengnan sat with a troubled expression, studying a scroll in his hands. As soon as he saw them enter, his face broke into a smile.

"Master, do we have a mission?" Wen Qingyi asked eagerly.

"Yes, but this time, all four of you must go together. It's a complex task."

"What kind of demons are we dealing with this time?" Xu Yuhao asked.

"It's Yiluo," He Shengnan's gaze darkened. "A cultivator friend of ours has detected one of Yiluo's subordinates—Shui Shayu, one of the Seven Rakshasas—lurking near Taimin Village. The appearance of a Rakshasa means that Yiluo himself might be close by. Shui Shayu specializes in deceiving the mind and distorting reality. Though Taimin Village appears peaceful, it may have already suffered a massacre. We need experienced fighters to investigate."

"Yiluo?" Bai Letian murmured.

Xu Yuhao explained, "Yiluo is a demon that has cultivated for tens of thousands of years, mastering countless dark arts. Long ago, our grandmaster battled him for two centuries without a clear victor. In the end, our grandmaster landed a decisive blow, leaving Yiluo gravely wounded. But in his desperation, Yiluo fled to a small town and slaughtered every living soul there to recover. Since then, he has vanished without a trace. Our grandmaster, gravely injured as well, has been recuperating ever since. His wish is for us to hunt down Yiluo and eliminate him before he regains his strength."

"That's right!" He Shengnan affirmed. "We've finally found a lead on him, and I'm sending your team to investigate. But be careful—Shui Shayu is not to be underestimated."

Bai Letian's mind raced. So this Yiluo is the final boss of the story. If I can defeat him, maybe I can return to the real world.

The thought brought an involuntary smile to his face.

"What are you smiling about?" Jiang Xianqing asked suspiciously.

"Nothing. Just looking forward to finally testing my skills," Bai Letian replied, grinning.

"Alright, go prepare. You leave at dawn tomorrow," He Shengnan instructed. Then, turning to Wen Qingyi, he added, "Come with me to retrieve some elixirs, just in case."

After parting ways with He Shengnan, Bai Letian, Jiang Xianqing, and Xu Yuhao returned to their quarters to prepare for the journey.

On the way, Bai Letian asked Xu Yuhao about the technique their grandmaster had used to defeat Yiluo.

Xu Yuhao chuckled, "It's the very technique you've been struggling with—'Serene Mirror, Still Water'."

So I've been unknowingly training the move meant to slay the demon king all along?

Back in his room, Bai Letian mulled over the technique, a mixture of doubt and determination stirring within him. He had never truly grasped Serene Mirror, Still Water, but hearing the story of their grandmaster made him realize—it wasn't just a technique; it was a state of mind. A complete inner stillness. A reflection of the self.

"Maybe... I'm just not calm enough yet," he murmured to himself.

Standing by the window, he gazed at the darkening sky, contemplating the mission ahead. His eyes hardened with resolve. "This mission isn't just a test—it's my chance to prove myself."

A soft knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Senior Bai, still preparing?" Jiang Xianqing's gentle voice called from outside. She pushed the door open and stepped in.

Bai Letian turned to her with a faint smile. "Yeah, just thinking about Serene Mirror, Still Water."

Jiang Xianqing tilted her head. "That technique? I thought you already learned it?"

Bai Letian chuckled wryly. "I know it, but I haven't truly mastered it."

She stepped closer, her eyes filled with reassurance. "It's okay, Senior. You've improved so much already. No need to rush."

Her words carried a warmth that eased some of Bai Letian's tension. As they talked, time slipped by unnoticed.

The next morning, Bai Letian, Jiang Xianqing, and Xu Yuhao gathered their gear, ready to depart for Taimin Village. For Bai Letian, this mission was more than just another battle—it was a trial, a crucial step in his journey.

He knew that the coming confrontation with Yiluo's forces would not only test his strength but also determine whether he could truly reach the realm of Serene Mirror, Still Water.

With a firm stride, he followed his companions down the mountain, each step bringing him closer to the challenge—and the truth—awaiting him ahead.