Greencloud City was nothing like Lin Xue imagined. Towering walls of spirit-forged stone shimmered faintly with runes, and merchant caravans lined the gates in endless rows. Carts overflowing with beast pelts, glowing herbs, and spirit stones were watched by cultivators of every rank—from lowly Qi Gatherers to Core Formation guards in embroidered robes.
As Yuefeng and Lin Xue stepped through the southern gate, the system pulsed quietly in his mind.
> [Quest Completed: Journey to Greencloud City]
Host Reward: +20% Cultivation Boost
Disciplinary Bond Resonance: +4%
New Module: Sect Recruitment Tracker (Locked)
A low, comforting hum filled his meridians. He could feel his qi circulating more freely—still weak, but no longer stagnant.
"Where first, Master?" Lin Xue asked, her voice more confident now. Since her breakthrough, she stood taller, her curves more defined under a plain green robe. The training had done more than grow her cultivation—it was reshaping her entirely.
"Information," Yuefeng said. "Before we pick a sect or start refining pills, we need to know who controls what in this city."
They made their way to a tea house near the eastern quarter—a place known for attracting rogue cultivators and mercenaries.
Inside, the scent of bitter spirit leaf tea and roasted beast meat filled the air. A flirtatious waitress bowed, eyes lingering on Yuefeng.
"Private booth, sir?"
Yuefeng nodded. "With sound suppression."
She smirked. "Of course." Her voice dropped to a purr. "And if you need company—"
"No," Lin Xue snapped before he could answer.
The waitress blinked, then bowed again and left. Yuefeng stifled a chuckle as Lin Xue crossed her arms, cheeks pink.
"Was that necessary?"
"She was acting… shameless," Lin Xue muttered.
Before Yuefeng could tease her, two men entered the booth next to theirs, voices muffled but still audible through the spiritual barrier.
"…Third Elder of Crimson Veil Sect is recruiting female cultivators again."
"I heard. Offering dual cultivation techniques. The strong ones get access to peak-level resources… but many disappear."
Yuefeng's brow furrowed.
> [System Alert: Hidden Quest Available]
Title: "Veil of Crimson Secrets"
Objective: Investigate the Crimson Veil Sect's practices
Rewards: Unknown
Risk: High
Accept? [Y/N]
He tapped [Y].
This wasn't just about cultivation anymore—it was about survival in a world filled with hidden predators.
"Change of plan," Yuefeng said. "We attend the Crimson Veil Sect's open recruitment. You'll register as a candidate."
Lin Xue blinked. "You want me to join them?"
"As bait," he admitted. "But you won't be alone."
"And if they try something?"
A small, dangerous smile crossed his lips.
"They'll regret mistaking you for prey