Setting: Umbral City, on the streets.
After witnessing Van Nam's impressive awakening, Lei Ming grew even more resentful and jealous. He had always considered himself the number one genius of Umbral City's younger generation, but now, Van Nam had stolen his spotlight.
Just as he was about to pick a fight with Van Nam, a calm yet authoritative voice called out from a distance. "Oh? Are people planning to brawl in the middle of the street?"
Startled, Lei Ming turned around. He quickly shed his aggressive demeanor, replacing it with a fawning expression. "Young Master Ouyang, it's just a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. We were just discussing the newly awakened Origin Spirits."
Ouyang Feng, the young master of Umbral City's Lord, slowly approached. He was tall and handsome, with a composed and serene temperament, a stark contrast to Lei Ming's arrogance. His gaze swept over Van Nam and Xiao Ling, lingering on Van Nam for a moment.
"Oh? Van Nam, your aura... Origin Apprentice Level 1?" Ouyang Feng frowned, slightly surprised. He could sense Van Nam's Origin Power aura, which was clearly only at Level 1, a step below even Xiao Ling beside him.
"How could this be?" Ouyang Feng thought to himself. "Could Father have been mistaken? With such a pure Dark aura, he only managed to advance one level in a day. Or... is he concealing his true strength?"
Ouyang Feng was intelligent and naturally suspicious. He recalled his father's words about Van Nam, the Black Moon Clan, and the impending changes in the Blackwind Territory. He became even more convinced that Van Nam was not as simple as he appeared.
Ouyang Feng couldn't help but re-evaluate Van Nam, though he maintained a calm facade.
He mentally reviewed his own advantages. As someone who had awakened a Variant Spirit¹, and a 'Light' element one at that, he was confident in his potential. He had heard that when Origin Sect experts condensed their Origin Armament, although its power increased, it became fixed in the shape of their Qi Spirit. For example, though his father was an Origin Sect expert, his Dark Glory Spear Origin Spirit hadn't changed much. But he, with his Radiant Light Variant Spirit, could condense it into a Light Sword or a Light Shield upon reaching the Origin Sect realm, making it far more versatile.
At this thought, Ouyang Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of smugness. He believed that as long as he cultivated diligently, he would soon surpass everyone and become the strongest in Umbral City, perhaps even the entire Blackwind Territory.
"Van Nam," Ouyang Feng suddenly spoke up, "I heard you awakened the Dark Fang, a rather rare Qi Spirit. Are you interested in joining my team after the upcoming Astral Martial Academy selection trial?"
Ouyang Feng's offer surprised both Lei Ming and Xiao Ling. Lei Ming's anger was plain to see, while Xiao Ling looked a little worried.
Van Nam's brow furrowed slightly. He knew Ouyang Feng's intentions weren't good. The invitation was a pretense; what he really wanted was to probe his strength.
"Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master Ouyang," Van Nam replied calmly, "but I've already promised Xiao Ling I would enter the trial with her."
Ouyang Feng smiled faintly, showing no disappointment. He glanced at Xiao Ling with a hint of hidden meaning. "Is that so? What a pity."
With that, Ouyang Feng turned to Lei Ming, who immediately seized the opportunity. "I just heard that the Myriad Treasures Pavilion has received a new shipment of weapons, perfect for Origin Apprentices and Disciples. Let's go take a look."
Beaming with excitement, Lei Ming hurried after Ouyang Feng. Before leaving, he didn't forget to turn back and shoot Van Nam a contemptuous look.
"Van Nam, you just wait," Lei Ming said softly, just loud enough for Van Nam to hear. "You'll regret refusing Young Master Ouyang."
The group departed, leaving Van Nam and Xiao Ling standing in the street.
"Brother Van Nam, are you alright?" Xiao Ling asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," Van Nam shook his head with a smile. "Just some petty words. Let's head back."
"Okay," Xiao Ling nodded, but she couldn't help but worry for him.
The two parted ways at the gate of the Zhou Clan estate. But instead of returning to the Black Moon Manor, Van Nam went straight to the Umbral City branch of the Mercenary Association.
The Mercenary Association was an independent organization with a network spanning the entire Xuan Yuan Continent. They provided services such as escorting, cargo transport, treasure hunting, and, most notably, missions related to exploring and developing dangerous lands. Every city, large or small, had a branch of the Association, as the demand for trade, transport, and exploration was immense.
Van Nam stepped into the Mercenary Association branch, a two-story building made of black stone that exuded an air of solemnity and mystery. Inside, it was bustling with noise and activity. Mercenaries in all sorts of attire and bearing various weapons were gathered in groups, discussing the latest missions.
Van Nam approached the reception counter, where a beautiful female clerk greeted him with a smile.
"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked.
"I'd like to inquire about the available missions," Van Nam replied.
The clerk handed him a leather-bound book filled with detailed information on missions, from their difficulty level and location to their rewards and strength requirements.
Van Nam flipped through the pages, his eyes stopping on a particular mission:
"Gather Leaf Herb at the edge of the Dark Forest. No level requirement. Reward: 50 silver coins. Note: Mission is not overly dangerous."
"This is it!" Van Nam thought. This was his chance to get close to the Dark Forest and find the answers to his secrets.
He pointed to the mission and said, "I want to accept this mission."
The clerk looked surprised, glancing at Van Nam from head to toe. "Are you sure? Although this mission has no level requirement, you're only an Origin Apprentice. Besides, you need a Mercenary Association membership card."
"I know," Van Nam replied. "I've already found a team. As for the membership card..."
He hesitated. According to the rules, only Origin Disciples and above could be issued a membership card, and he was...
Just then, a deep, warm voice rang out. "I'll vouch for him."
Van Nam turned to see a tall, middle-aged man with a resolute face and sharp eyes walking towards him. The man wore a suit of black leather armor and carried a large greatsword on his back, radiating the aura of a seasoned warrior.
"Big Brother Zhang!" Van Nam said, pleased.
This man was Zhang Hu, a peak-level Origin Disciple and the leader of the team Van Nam had registered to join.
"You've got guts, kid," Zhang Hu clapped Van Nam on the shoulder with a laugh. "An Origin Apprentice Level 1 daring to take a mission in the Dark Forest."
"I have faith in my own strength," Van Nam replied, showing no fear.
Zhang Hu nodded, a look of approval in his eyes. He turned to the clerk. "Miss, just give him the mission. If there are any problems, I'll take responsibility."
The clerk smiled and stamped the mission book. "Alright then. I wish you all good luck."
After completing the procedures, Van Nam and Zhang Hu went to the team's rendezvous point. Their group consisted of eight people in total: two peak-level Origin Disciples, Zhang Hu and a woman named Li Mei (an archer), three other Origin Disciples (Levels 12-15), and two Origin Apprentices (Levels 8 and 10).
Early the next morning, the group set off towards the Dark Forest. They traveled by horse-drawn cart, loaded with the necessary tools for gathering spirit herbs.
As they neared the entrance to the forest, Van Nam felt the Shadow Pact sigil on his hand grow hot. He gazed at the dark woods, a mix of curiosity and apprehension rising in his heart.
Two stern-faced guards at the gate came over to inspect the group's papers.
"Are you the team gathering Leaf Herb?" one guard asked, his sharp gaze sweeping over each member.
"That's right," Zhang Hu replied, presenting their travel permit.
"The City Lord's pioneering team is heading deep into the forest today to survey and remap the area. You must be careful not to go too deep. The beasts in the inner regions might be startled and run outwards, which could be unpredictably dangerous," the guard warned.
"Understood," Zhang Hu nodded. "We will only operate at the forest's edge."
The heavy iron gate slowly creaked open, revealing a trail leading into the dark forest. The group entered, carrying with them both hope and anxiety.
The Dark Forest stretched for hundreds of miles, the largest primeval forest in the Blackwind Territory. It was shrouded in black mist year-round, with dense trees that blocked out the sunlight. Beneath the ancient canopies lived countless wild beasts and Shadow Beasts, creating a dangerous and mysterious ecosystem.
Humans had tried to explore the Dark Forest many times, but to date, they had only managed to map its periphery. According to scarce records, the forest was divided into three main zones:
The Outer Ring: The forest's edge, home to Level 1 wild beasts and a few low-level Shadow Beasts.
The Inner Zone: A more dangerous area with Level 2 and 3 wild beasts and higher-level Shadow Beasts.
The Core: The heart of the forest, where no human had ever set foot. It was rumored to be inhabited by Level 4 and 5 beasts, and perhaps even more terrifying entities.
"Everyone, be on your guard," Zhang Hu reminded them. "Stay close together. Do not split up."
The team advanced, cautiously making their way deeper into the forest. The thick darkness, the chirping of insects, and the whistling of the wind through the leaves created an eerie atmosphere that sent a chill down one's spine.
Van Nam clenched his fists, feeling the Shadow Pact sigil burning on the back of his hand. He knew this trip would not be simple. But he was not afraid. He believed this was his chance to uncover the secrets of the Primal Dark Origin Spirit and become stronger.
(End of Chapter 5)