Chapter 21: Reporting the Unseen

The return journey from the now-pacified Old Willow Creek was swift and uneventful under the cloak of night. Lin Fan's enhanced Wind Step devoured the distance, bringing him back to the familiar sight of the Azure Cloud Sect's Outer Sect grounds well before dawn. The sect was quiet at this hour, most disciples asleep or engaged in secluded night cultivation.

He didn't head straight for the Contribution Hall, knowing it likely operated on standard daytime hours for complex submissions. Instead, he returned to the relative anonymity of his hut. The battle with the Wraith, especially enduring its final empowered assault, had taken a toll. While his Qi was recovering rapidly thanks to the Nine Cycles Refining Art, his mind felt weary from resisting the constant mental pressure, and the Yin energy claw wounds on his arm still faintly throbbed with cold despite his Qi purging most of it.

He spent a few hours in deep meditation, not actively cultivating, but calming his mind, circulating his Qi gently to soothe his injuries, and ensuring he was fully recovered and centered. He mentally rehearsed the key points of his investigation report, ensuring clarity and accuracy. He also briefly examined the Yin Essence Bead using Basic Appraisal, confirming its nature as condensed Yin energy, but finding no immediate use for it beyond its potential value as a rare spiritual material.

As the first rays of dawn illuminated the sky, Lin Fan emerged from his hut, feeling refreshed and ready. He joined the growing stream of disciples heading towards the sect's central areas for morning activities. His destination remained the Contribution Hall.

It was already bustling when he arrived, perhaps even busier than the previous morning. Lin Fan navigated the familiar space, heading directly for the 'Task Submission' counters. He recognized the stern-faced male clerk from yesterday morning on duty again.

Lin Fan stepped up to the counter, placing his disciple token and the Old Willow Creek investigation task token down.

The clerk looked up, his sharp eyes showing a flicker of recognition, perhaps recalling the high-risk task Lin Fan had accepted just the day before. "Disciple Lin Fan. Reporting on the Old Willow Creek investigation?" His tone was neutral, professional, but held an undercurrent of expectation, possibly skeptical that Lin Fan would have anything substantial to report so soon.

"The investigation is complete, and the primary threat has been neutralized," Lin Fan stated calmly.

The clerk raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly. "Completed? Neutralized? Please provide your detailed findings." He prepared a recording jade slip, ready to take down the report.

Lin Fan recounted his investigation methodically: "Proceeding along the creek bed in Sector Gamma, I confirmed signs of struggle consistent with missing disciple reports. Encountered territorial Mist Hounds at the fifth layer – eliminated two. Analysis suggested their aggression, while notable, did not fully account for the number of disappearances or the lack of remains."

The clerk nodded slowly, making notes. This part was consistent with previous patrol findings.

"Deeper investigation revealed anomalous phenomena," Lin Fan continued, his voice steady. "Intensifying, disorienting fog; auditory and visual illusions; pervasive Yin Qi concentration increasing upstream. Discovered several submerged rune stones, confirmed via appraisal as fragments of an ancient formation infused with Yin Qi."

The clerk's hand paused. "Ancient formation? Yin Qi?" His gaze sharpened considerably. Formations, especially ancient Yin-attribute ones, were serious matters, far beyond typical Outer Sect concerns.

"Correct," Lin Fan confirmed. "Systematic search led to the formation's apparent core node – an ancient, blackened skull submerged in a stagnant pool, acting as a focal point for the Yin Qi. Identifying the formation suggested it was a Fragmented Yin Soul Trap Array, likely responsible for luring disciples via illusions and draining their life force, explaining the disappearances."

The clerk was now staring intently at Lin Fan, his professional facade replaced with undisguised shock. Several disciples at adjacent counters had stopped their own business, listening in with wide eyes. An ancient soul trap array? Here in the Outer Sect territory?

"Upon approaching the core node," Lin Fan's voice dropped slightly, becoming graver, "the array's guardian manifested. A Wraith – a powerful, malevolent spirit formed from resentment and sustained by the array and drained life force. Its cultivation level was peak sixth layer, capable of briefly touching the Foundation Establishment threshold when drawing power from the array."

A collective gasp went through the nearby listeners. A Wraith? Touching Foundation Establishment power? And this fifth-layer disciple was reporting it so calmly?

"You... encountered this Wraith?" the clerk asked, his voice tight.

"I engaged it in combat," Lin Fan stated simply. "Its attacks utilized Yin energy, spectral phasing, and mental assaults. Standard methods proved ineffective initially." He briefly described adapting his tactics, mentioning the use of fire/Yang energy (via the talisman) and focused Qi strikes to disrupt its form. "Ultimately, the Wraith was neutralized by destroying the core node – the skull – which served as its anchor."

He paused, then retrieved the Yin Essence Bead from his storage ring and placed it on the counter. "This bead condensed from the residual energy upon the node's destruction. Confirmation via appraisal indicates purified Yin essence."

The clerk stared at the small, dark bead as if it were a venomous insect. He carefully picked it up, examining its potent, cold energy. He then looked back at Lin Fan, his expression a mixture of disbelief, awe, and perhaps a touch of fear.

"This... this is an unprecedented report, Disciple Lin Fan," the clerk said slowly. He activated a communication talisman, speaking rapidly in low tones, likely relaying the key points to a superior or requesting verification. The wait stretched for a tense minute, during which the surrounding disciples whispered frantically amongst themselves.

Finally, the clerk deactivated the talisman. "Verification confirms... unusual energy fluctuations in the Old Willow Creek sector ceased abruptly approximately six hours ago. Patrols will be dispatched for a full sweep, but your report seems consistent with the sudden change." He looked Lin Fan directly in the eye. "Neutralizing a peak sixth-layer Wraith anchored by an ancient array... extraordinary."

He turned back to his terminal, inputting the final confirmations with slightly trembling fingers. "Task 'Investigate Disappearances near Old Willow Creek' – Completed. Cause Identified: Yin Soul Trap Array Fragment & Guardian Wraith. Threat Neutralized. Base Reward: 150 Contribution Points. Bonus criteria fully met. Maximum Bonus Awarded: 200 Contribution Points."

He finalized the entry. "Total Reward: 350 Contribution Points. Credited to your disciple token."

Lin Fan felt the confirmation register on his token. 80 + 350 = 430 CP. A huge step towards his goal.

DING!

[Host has successfully completed a high-risk investigation and neutralized a major threat, generating significant shock and altering sect perception!]

[Triggered emotions: Intense Shock (+350 Points), Utter Disbelief (+400 Points), Deep Respect (+250 Points), Awe (+200 Points), Calculated Reassessment (Clerk, +50 Points)]

[System Points earned: 1250]

[Current System Points: 845 + 1250 = 2095]

Over twelve hundred points! Lin Fan barely suppressed a grin. Reporting the truth of such a shocking discovery and feat was even more lucrative than the market squandering!

"Your contribution is significant, Disciple Lin Fan," the clerk said formally, handing back the token and the Yin Essence Bead. "The sect appreciates your diligence and capability. Further investigation into the array's origins will likely be handled by the Inner Sect or specialized departments."

Lin Fan nodded, storing the bead and his token. "Understood."

He turned and walked away from the counter, leaving behind a stunned clerk and a crowd of disciples buzzing with disbelief and newfound reverence. He had not only completed two difficult tasks back-to-back but had uncovered and resolved a dangerous, hidden threat that had claimed the lives of seven disciples. His name was no longer just associated with wealth and rapid advancement, but with terrifying competence and the ability to achieve the impossible.

He exited the Contribution Hall into the bright morning sun, feeling the weight of 430 Contribution Points and a healthy 2095 System Points. He had achieved his immediate objective and then some. Now, with a decent amount of CP, perhaps it was time to see what the sect itself could offer him in exchange. The Sect Exchange Hall beckoned.