The morning sun cast golden rays through the paper windows of the Azure Dragon Sect's outer disciple hall, bathing the graduates in an ethereal glow. Lin Feng stood among his peers, the crisp silk of his graduation robe rustling softly in the gentle breeze that carried the scent of plum blossoms from the gardens below. His mind still reeled from the cosmic transmigration that had torn him from his Earthly existence—a successful businessman with a hard-earned empire—and deposited him into this cultivation world where power flowed through meridians and destiny danced to the song of the Heavenly Dao.
As he collected his graduation jade slip, its cool surface humming with spiritual energy against his palm, Lin Feng's newly awakened spiritual senses began to perceive the world differently. Where once stood ordinary buildings, he now saw structures infused with ancient formations that gathered and channeled celestial qi. The air itself shimmered with invisible currents of elemental energy, flowing like rivers through the landscape. Even the very mountains surrounding the sect seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the earth beneath them.
This cultivation world is truly magnificent, Lin Feng marveled inwardly, his businessman's mind already calculating opportunities. Far grander than the medieval-Earth-like realm I initially perceived. This is a realm where mountains pierce the heavens, rivers flow with spiritual essence, and cultivators can command the elements themselves.
His obsidian eyes—sharp and calculating from decades of corporate negotiations—scanned the courtyard where graduates gathered to form their first cultivation teams. The sight that met his gaze caused his breath to catch in his throat. Among the throng of disciples, one young man stood out like a jade among common stones, surrounded by three celestial maidens whose beauty could make even ancient immortals lose their cultivation focus.
To Lin Feng's cultivated perception, an almost visible aura of golden luck swirled around the central figure. This was Long Tian—formerly David—the scion of a wealthy merchant family whose messy blonde hair framed a face radiating confidence and destiny. But it was the three maidens accompanying him that truly stole Lin Feng's breath.
On Long Tian's left stood Xia Qingyue, her long lavender locks cascading like amethyst waterfalls down to her slender waist. Her delicate features were framed by skin as pure as freshly fallen snow, and her sapphire eyes held the depth of ancient oceans. A cyan ribbon bound her hair in an elegant knot that accentuated her ethereal beauty, making her appear like a maiden who had descended from the highest heavens.
To his right was Bai Luoyan, whose petite frame belied the sharp intelligence in her dark eyes. At barely five feet tall, she embodied the perfect loli archetype, yet her gaze held a calculating depth that suggested she saw far more than her youthful appearance would indicate.
Behind them both stood Su Wan'er, a vision of mature allure whose voluptuous figure was accentuated by her form-fitting cultivation robes. Her brown hair was woven into an intricate French braid that fell across one shoulder, and her warm smile could melt even the sternest elder's resolve.
The Three Saintesses of Azure Peak, Lin Feng recalled from his absorbed memories. Known throughout the Eastern Continent as peerless beauties who have rejected countless suitors from noble clans and powerful sects alike.
He remembered a verse from an ancient poem that had moved him in his previous life: "One beauty to cause a city to fall into chaos, another to cause a nation to crumble, and another to bring the entire world to ruin."
A perfect description, Lin Feng thought with growing excitement. These three are beauties capable of triggering wars among kingdoms, yet they all orbit around this single young man. What tremendous luck he possesses!
Lin Feng's analytical mind began connecting the dots as he observed their interactions. Xia Qingyue's possessive glances, Bai Luoyan's childhood familiarity, and Su Wan'er's familial claims—all woven together with Long Tian at the center. His memories supplied the details: Xia Qingyue was Long Tian's betrothed through an arrangement made by their parents; Bai Luoyan had been his childhood friend since they played among the spirit peach trees; and Su Wan'er was a distant relative whose family connection had brought them together.
I see it now, Lin Feng realized with a profound sense of understanding. This isn't merely a fortunate young cultivator—he is a true protagonist blessed by the Heavenly Dao itself. Excellent grades, wealthy family backing, a pre-arranged marriage to a beauty, childhood friends who adore him, hidden strength that will soon manifest, and an ambition to reach the highest cultivation realms. All the elements of a heaven-defying protagonist are present.
A shiver of excitement ran through Lin Feng's body as he recalled countless cultivation novels from his previous life. The protagonists always had absurd luck that turned garbage into legendary treasures and transformed dangers into opportunities. They possessed cheat abilities, hidden guardians, and fate itself seemed to bend to their will.
Long Tian is exactly such a character, Lin Feng thought, his heart pounding with anticipation. His very existence bends fortune to his will. But unlike those novel protagonists, I can see his luck with my own eyes—or rather, with the spiritual perception granted by my transmigration.
Lin Feng's sharp eyes noticed something others might have missed: a subtle golden aura that swirled around Long Tian like a protective mantle. This was the visible manifestation of heavenly luck, the blessing of the world spirit itself upon its chosen son. Lin Feng knew from his past life's reading that such luck could only be possessed by a true protagonist—the one destined to shake the heavens and challenge even the gods themselves.
If I can steal away his beauties, take his opportunities, claim his treasures, and shatter his heavenly backing, I can steal his destiny for myself, Lin Feng thought with growing determination. I don't need a system or divine blessing—I have the experience of thirty years of strategic thinking and the advantage of knowing exactly what a true protagonist looks like.
Without hesitation, Lin Feng followed the group as they made their way toward the Mission Hall in the heart of the city. This building was no ordinary structure—it was a magnificent edifice that seemed carved from a single piece of azure jade, its towering pillars engraved with dragon motifs that appeared to move in the shifting light. The hall's doors were forged from spirit iron that had been refined a thousand times, and spiritual guards clad in black armor stood at attention, their weapons glowing faintly with contained power.
Even the imperial guards would be no match for these warriors, Lin Feng thought with awe. What an incredible starting point for a protagonist! This must be a powerhouse-level organization!
As a seasoned novel reader and businessman, countless clichés and routines flooded Lin Feng's mind. A mighty power hiding its true strength, waiting for the right moment to emerge. Talented individuals ready to draw their swords at a single command. This must be the future army of the protagonist!
Just as Lin Feng was about to enter, two guards stepped forward, their spears crossing to block his path.
"Halt!" one guard commanded, his voice echoing with spiritual authority. "No entry without proper recommendation or sufficient cultivation rank. The Mission Hall is not a place for rootless cultivators to wander."
Lin Feng quickly composed himself, drawing upon decades of business negotiations where first impressions determined success or failure.
"I am with the group that just entered," he explained smoothly, gesturing toward Long Tian and the Three Saintesses. "I am their classmate and follower of the young master who leads them. If you doubt my words, simply ask them to confirm."
The guards exchanged glances, their spiritual senses probing Lin Feng's cultivation base. They recognized the importance of those who had just entered the hall—all possessed great backgrounds and powerful connections. Who were they to cause trouble for such people?
Lowering their weapons, they allowed Lin Feng to pass. He slipped inside with a triumphant smile, his heart pounding with excitement.
This is only the beginning, he thought as he entered the bustling Mission Hall. The path to becoming the strongest cultivator under heaven starts today. And I will walk this path with my own hands—not relying on any cheat system or divine blessing!
The Mission Hall was a marvel of cultivation architecture. Its ceilings soared hundreds of feet into the air, supported by pillars carved with scenes of legendary battles between immortal beings. The floor was made of spirit stones that pulsed with gentle energy, replenishing the cultivators who stood upon them. Countless jade slips floated in the air like fireflies, each containing mission details that glowed with different colors indicating their difficulty levels.
At the central counter stood a beautiful young woman with skin as pale as snow and hair blacker than midnight. Her name was Hua Xiran, daughter of the Mission Hall's master. Even Su Wan'er's voluptuous figure paled in comparison to Hua Xiran's mature elegance and natural charm. Each step she took made her tight-fitting robes cling to her curves, causing spiritual energy to swirl around her like jealous winds.
Lin Feng felt his breath catch in his throat. Danger! Danger! Danger! his mind screamed. Another disaster-level beauty! The protagonist's luck truly knows no bounds!
The girls around Long Tian immediately sensed the threat. Their eyes narrowed as they watched Hua Xiran approach their group, her smile warm and inviting. When Long Tian stepped forward to greet her, his eyes fixed on her magnificent form, the three beauties instinctively formed a protective circle around him.
The protagonist's halo and luck are too powerful, Lin Feng thought with a mixture of jealousy and admiration. He's openly flirting with another beauty right in front of his harem, yet they simply stand by and allow it—as if they've been enchanted and rendered foolish.
A profound realization struck Lin Feng like a bolt of lightning. Why is the protagonist strong? It's because he has a powerful family backing him, loyal beauties in his harem, strong allies supporting him, and cheat abilities to grow stronger. These elements combine to form his absurd luck!
Lin Feng remembered countless novels from his past life. Protagonists rarely died—they always had life-saving treasures or mysterious experts appearing at their moment of death. With each crisis, they only grew stronger while their enemies perished.
I see it now! Lin Feng's breathing quickened with excitement. If I take away all the factors that create Long Tian's luck—his harem, his family's wealth and influence, his future allies like this Mission Hall, his cheat abilities to grow stronger—I can shatter his protagonist character! I can steal his destiny and make it my own!
His eyes narrowed with determination. I will become the true protagonist of this story. I will walk the path of cultivation with my own two feet, without relying on any system or divine blessing. I will claim these beauties, seize these treasures, and break through the heavens themselves!
Just as Hua Xiran began speaking with Long Tian, Lin Feng noticed a shadow moving near the wall. An old man dressed in dark robes had been hiding there, undetected by even the powerful guards. The elder quickly threw a small jade slip toward Long Tian before vanishing into thin air as if he had never existed.
Lin Feng's heart raced. How could such a person enter this heavily guarded hall? And why did he deliver that message specifically to Long Tian?
Without hesitation, Lin Feng slipped toward the wall. His movements were swift and silent, honed by years of business negotiations where information was often more valuable than gold. He retrieved the jade slip before anyone noticed, tucking it safely into his robe.
This could be the key to everything, he thought as Hua Xiran continued her conversation with Long Tian. The protagonist's first major opportunity...and now it's mine.
The Mission Hall buzzed with activity as cultivators of various ranks exchanged missions, traded spiritual materials, and formed alliances. The air smelled of sandalwood incense and spiritual herbs, creating an atmosphere of mysticism and power. Colorful spirit lights danced through the air, illuminating the faces of those who dreamed of immortality.
Lin Feng observed everything with the eyes of a businessman—analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This world operates on different rules than Earth, he realized. Power isn't just about money or influence—it's about cultivation, resources, and connections to the Heavenly Dao.
His fingers brushed against the jade slip hidden in his robes. I must examine this later, away from prying eyes. Whatever opportunity it contains, I will seize it for myself.
As Hua Xiran finally concluded her conversation with Long Tian's group, she led them to the mission bulletin boards. These weren't ordinary boards—they were floating slabs of spirit jade that displayed missions according to cultivation rank, glowing softly with spiritual light.
Lin Feng noticed Long Tian's group lacked one member. They seemed to be waiting for someone to join them, as regulations required a minimum of five cultivators to form an official team.
Lady Luck smiles upon me today, Lin Feng thought with a sly grin. This is my chance to join their group and begin my plan to steal away their beauties.
He approached them leisurely. "Long Tian! Isn't this our classmate Long Tian and the famous Three Saintesses of Azure Peak?"
The three beauties exchanged glances before turning to glare at Lin Feng. One by one, they spoke without giving Long Tian a chance to respond.
"Were you following us?" asked Bai Luoyan, her voice sweet but laced with venom.
"We need some private time. Please leave," Su Wan'er added with a dismissive wave.
"As expected of a rootless orphan," Xia Qingyue sneered. "Daring to speak to nobles without proper respect. Such a nuisance."
Lin Feng understood immediately. The moment the three beauties made eye contact with each other, they had formed a tactical alliance—a temporary truce to eliminate outsiders. It was their natural defense mechanism, born from their obsession with Long Tian. Their minds had already claimed him as their collective property, and no outsider would be allowed to interfere.
As an experienced novel reader and businessman who has used every trick in the book—including blackmail, extortion, and more—I won't be so easily discouraged, Lin Feng thought with amusement. Let's play fire with fire.
His plan was simple yet effective: attack the core while turning allies into enemies. He would sympathize with Long Tian while sowing discord among the girls, isolating them one by one.
Ignoring their snobbish remarks, Lin Feng approached Long Tian directly. "To be honest, I also need a team to register. Why not join together, old classmate? We've trained alongside each other for years."
Long Tian examined Lin Feng from head to toe, his mind calculating. This boy's cultivation base seems adequate, but I must ensure he harbors no ill intentions toward me or my companions.
"I didn't expect an orphan like you to have the backing necessary to enter this hall," Long Tian said, his tone calm but testing.
Lin Feng recognized the protagonist's routine—first insult and sneer to gauge reactions, then determine true personalities.
Haha! He's playing the testing waters game the moment we meet. As expected of a true protagonist, Lin Feng thought inwardly.
"It's simply that I have no one to rely upon," Lin Feng replied, his expression carefully controlled to show sadness. "I was fortunate enough to earn the pity of someone who recommended me here. Seeing you all waiting, I thought you might also need a member. You know how rarely I spoke to anyone during our training—resulting in being left out of most class teams planning to join sects together."
Perfect, Lin Feng thought. Lower his defenses by showing I have no backing, then trigger his protagonist's natural hero tendency to help the downtrodden.
As expected, Long Tian chuckled. "It's alright...I was merely testing you. My intention wasn't to insult you. You understand how dangerous the outside world is—I cannot take on teammates who might betray us at crucial moments."
Seeing the situation developing favorably, Lin Feng knew it was time to neutralize the girls' opposition. He nodded at Long Tian, then turned to the three beauties with a seemingly innocent expression.
"Lady Bai Luoyan, Lady Xia Qingyue—why is it that every time I see you together, you're both being undermined by Lady Su Wan'er?"
This was his opening move—attacking their weakest link. He had decided Xia Qingyue, the cyan-haired beauty, would be his first target. The loli and the busty one could wait.
The reaction was immediate and exactly as Lin Feng had predicted. The three beauties had spent so little time interacting with outsiders that they viewed Su Wan'er as the instigator of their conflicts. Seeing an "outsider" confirm their suspicions created an instant bond.
"Elandor—you're right!" Xia Qingyue exclaimed, her cute face twisting with newfound anger. "It's always this fake cousin sister trying to separate me from Long Tian!"
"Yes," Bai Luoyan chimed in. "I always wondered why we constantly argue whenever we're together. It seems it was all this little blue-haired schemer's doing. Hmph! Playing tricks against Long Tian's one and only childhood friend—how naive you are, fake sister!"
Xia Qingyue's eyes narrowed dangerously as she glared at Lin Feng. Her yandere instincts had sensed the threat immediately. This dangerous man cannot be allowed to join our group. He will tip the balance against me!
"Why are you interfering in our affairs, lowly commoner?" she spat. "Know your place!"
She turned to Long Tian. "I cannot allow him to join us. He doesn't seem like a trustworthy person."
"Why direct your anger at me, Lady Xia Qingyue," Lin Feng countered smoothly, "when it's clear you're at fault, as Lady Bai Luoyan and Lady Su Wan'er have pointed out?"
The alliance between Bai Luoyan and Su Wan'er strengthened instantly. Their expressions conveyed mutual understanding—a comradeship forged in countless battles against Xia Qingyue's interference.
"Yes, Xia Qingyue," Su Wan'er pressed. "Why oppose Lin Feng when he speaks the truth? The truth hurts like a knife to schemers like you. Lin Feng, we were just lacking one member—it's fortunate we found you. As fellow classmates, we can trust you."
"I agree," Bai Luoyan added quickly. "Lin Feng, we were missing a support cultivator like you in our team. Please join us."
Xia Qingyue glared at Lin Feng as if he were the murderer of her parents. She understood perfectly—this was no longer a battle of two against one, but three against one. Her position in Long Tian's heart was slipping away.
Long Tian observed the scene thoughtfully before finally breaking the silence. "I'm sorry, Xia Qingyue, but you know I've always valued the majority's opinion. I see no valid reason to side with you and reject Lin Feng."
Lin Feng's smile widened. The protagonist's hero personality has been triggered. He enjoys making others grateful for his kindness. Perfect.
Xia Qingyue's shoulders slumped as she whispered barely audibly, "Why is this happening?...Why won't Long Tian trust me?...Our bond should be stronger than this. How can he ignore my opinion?"
Lin Feng, standing close enough to hear, could barely contain his satisfaction. The first strike against enemy lines has been successful. Now is not the time to slow our offensive.
After successfully registering their team under the name "THE RISING STARS," Long Tian beamed with pride. This had been one of his long-awaited objectives.
Xia Qingyue saw her opportunity to regain favor. "Long Tian, let's not waste any more time. We need to gain experience quickly to break through from the Qi Condensation realm to Foundation Establishment and beyond. We must begin our cultivation journey immediately!"
She reached to grasp Long Tian's hand, but Lin Feng stepped between them, blocking her path.
"Lady Xia Qingyue," Lin Feng said with his signature smile that made her feel as if a devil from the deepest pits of hell was ridiculing her. "Long Tian, since we've just formed our team and aim to reach the highest cultivation realms eventually, we must be far-sighted in our approach."
"I believe we should first secure a residence to store our supplies and equipment. Then we must obtain sufficient spiritual rations for extended cultivation sessions. Only after these preparations should we examine available missions to find those most suitable for our current strength."
"We cannot be short-sighted and rush into missions blindly," Lin Feng added, his eyes locking with Xia Qingyue's. "Don't you agree, Lady Xia Qingyue?"
Bai Luoyan and Su Wan'er were quick to support him. Their alliance had already formed strong roots.
"Yes, Xia Qingyue," Su Wan'er said with a triumphant smile. "Thankfully we admitted Lin Feng, or you would have dragged us into unprepared missions. I think you want us to starve during our cultivation journey and waste time on useless missions."
"Indeed," Bai Luoyan added. "I'm now certain you're always responsible for causing discord in our group. It's your short-sighted approach that has made us suffer various setbacks in the past."
Lin Feng took the opening. "Thank you, Lady Bai Luoyan and Lady Su Wan'er, for sharing my opinion. But ultimately, the decision rests with our team leader. You accepted me because you lacked proper support. How can I be a good support cultivator if I cannot analyze situations and provide unbiased advice?"
"You know, in life-or-death battles, even the smallest mistake can lead to an entire team's downfall."
"Oh, you need not keep addressing us as 'Lady,'" Bai Luoyan said warmly. "We are now one team. Please call us by our names."
"How can a mere commoner dare to use our personal names!" Xia Qingyue shouted in frustration.
Bai Luoyan also chimed in, "Yes, we must rely on you. Xia Qingyue uses her tears and pitiful expressions to manipulate Long Tian into making mistakes. You must intervene to prevent her continued errors."
The alliance of Bai Luoyan, Su Wan'er, and Lin Feng turned expectantly to Long Tian.
Hearing their arguments, even Long Tian began to view Xia Qingyue as careless and shortsighted. "Of course, we must follow your advice, Lin Feng. You are an excellent support cultivator. Continue providing useful guidance to us in the future."
Xia Qingyue stomped her foot angrily, knowing she had suffered another defeat. Her resentment toward Lin Feng deepened with each passing moment.
The newly formed team spent the afternoon securing a modest residence, purchasing basic equipment, and furnishing their living quarters. By evening, Long Tian gathered everyone in the main hall.
"Let's select our first mission," he announced. "We must cultivate quickly and rise through the ranks."
They returned to the Mission Hall, where countless jade slips floated in the air, each containing a different mission. As newly registered cultivators at the lowest tier, they were limited to E-rank missions—tasks suitable for beginners still in the early stages of the Qi Condensation realm.
Five missions were available to them. Two involved capturing low-level spirit beasts in the nearby mountains. One required assisting farmers with their spiritual crop production. Another involved investigating rumors of bandits ambushing merchants on trade routes. The final mission was to help a nearby village deal with an infestation of venomous spirit spiders.
Lin Feng immediately noticed Xia Qingyue's subtle trembling when she read the spider-related missions. Is this girl afraid of spiders? he thought with interest. Another weakness discovered!
Without hesitation, he spoke up. "Long Tian, only the fourth and fifth spider-related missions are suitable for us. The other locations are too distant and would take far too long to complete."
"Noooooo!" Xia Qingyue burst out, her face pale with fear. "We cannot accept these missions! You know how terrified I've been of spiders since childhood, Long Tian. We must choose other missions—even if they take longer to complete."
Bai Luoyan and Su Wan'er exchanged knowing smiles before countering her objections.
"Xia Qingyue, are you out of your mind?" Su Wan'er snapped. "The other missions would take at least two months to complete. The distances are prohibitive."
"Yes," Bai Luoyan added. "Aren't they just low-level venomous spiders? What's the big deal? I've heard they're among the weakest spirit beasts. We can complete these missions quickly."
Even Long Tian began to view Xia Qingyue as selfish, placing her personal fears above the team's progress. If she's afraid of such weak spirit beasts, how can she possibly face stronger opponents when we accept higher-rank missions?
"You disappoint me, Xia Qingyue," Long Tian said gravely, his hero-like personality activated. "A cultivator must face their fears and overcome them. This is the path to strength."
Xia Qingyue felt tears welling in her eyes. Never before had Long Tian spoken to her with such disappointment. And all because of Lin Feng...
She stomped her foot furiously, watching helplessly as the three members of the alliance smiled in victory. Her resentment toward Lin Feng reached new heights.
The next morning, as the team prepared to depart for the spider-infested village, Lin Feng subtly slipped a small packet from his robe. Inside was a rare Qi-suppressing poison he had purchased the previous day—a non-lethal medicine that would slow mana circulation in the body for two days, taking a full day to enter the bloodstream and reach peak effectiveness on the second day.
Perfect timing, Lin Feng thought as he mixed the powder into Xia Qingyue's morning tea. By the time we face the spider queen, she'll be completely powerless.
After their meal, the team set out on foot for the two-day journey to the troubled village. Xia Qingyue had suggested taking a carriage to avoid potential ambushes, but her suggestion was once again overruled by the majority.
"We have our entire lives ahead of us for luxury," Long Tian declared with conviction. "This is our first chance to camp under the stars and test our cultivation skills in the wilderness. Don't ruin this special experience with unnecessary comforts."
Xia Qingyue's head drooped in resignation. She knew there was nothing she could do but face her arachnid fears head-on.
Lin Feng watched her closely, noticing how she attempted to mentally prepare herself for the ordeal. She's trying to delude her mind, to motivate herself to overcome her fear. But I've already prepared my countermeasures.
The journey was uneventful, allowing the team to practice their coordination and teamwork. By nightfall, having covered half the distance, they found a suitable place to camp beneath ancient pine trees whose branches reached toward the heavens like praying hands.
As the campfire crackled warmly, casting dancing shadows across their faces, Long Tian gathered everyone for a serious discussion.
"I've decided our combat formations," he announced, his voice firm with leadership. "I will take the frontline position alongside Bai Luoyan. Xia Qingyue will provide support with her fire attribute cultivation techniques."
"Su Wan'er will use her wind attribute to maintain situational awareness and strike from range. Lin Feng will fill whatever role we lack, while also providing support cultivation techniques to enhance our abilities."
Lin Feng suddenly remembered an important detail he had overlooked during his transmigration. In this world, cultivators harnessed spiritual energy known as Qi. Weak cultivators required incantations to direct their Qi for techniques, while high-level cultivators could perform techniques without chanting.
Qi was the energy produced by all living things, flowing through meridians in the body. Everyone was born with the ability to cultivate Qi, but each person's physique determined which elemental attributes or support techniques they could master.
Lin Feng's body, according to his memories, was particularly adept at support techniques—specifically, enhancing the abilities of teammates during combat. Long Tian possessed weak fire attribute talent, so he focused on sword and spear techniques instead. Bai Luoyan had similarly weak water attribute talent, so she specialized in defensive techniques, carrying a small white shield on her back. Su Wan'er had weak wind attribute talent that enhanced her perception and accuracy. Only Xia Qingyue had medium-level fire attribute talent, allowing her to perform area damage with powerful fireballs.
Their roles were perfectly balanced—a frontline fighter, a defender, a ranged attacker, a support cultivator, and a versatile backup.
Lin Feng smiled inwardly as the team finalized their plans. The downfall of this blue-haired beauty is already in motion. And I will be the one to witness her despair.
The village was nestled in a valley surrounded by misty mountains. Its wooden buildings stood in stark contrast to the primitive stone structures Lin Feng had expected. The villagers, though simple in appearance, possessed a quiet dignity and deep connection to the land.
After verifying their mission documents, the village chief was surprised to learn the team intended to complete both tasks simultaneously. The group explained their plan—to eliminate the spider queen directly, which would solve both problems at once.
The chief's eyes lit up with hope. "If you succeed in destroying the spider queen's nest, I will reward you with one hundred spirit stones—ten times the standard reward!"
Lin Feng knew this was exactly what he had hoped for. Xia Qingyue would only need to use weak techniques against the small spiders, preserving her strength for the final confrontation with the queen. And when that moment came, the poison would have reached its peak effectiveness.
Her downfall is inevitable, Lin Feng thought with satisfaction as they approached the cave entrance marked on their map. The poison should be at its most potent by now.
The cave mouth was hidden behind thick vegetation and large boulders, making it nearly invisible to untrained eyes. Inside, the walls glistened with moisture, and the air carried the distinctive scent of venom and decay.
Small spider-like creatures skittered along the walls and ceiling, their glowing red eyes visible in the darkness. The team dispatched them easily, their movements showing excellent coordination from their morning practice.
Xia Qingyue was in high spirits, her fear seemingly forgotten as they progressed deeper into the cave. "I've already overcome my spider phobia!" she declared proudly to Long Tian.
Lin Feng merely smiled, knowing her confidence would soon shatter.
After half an hour of careful advancement, they reached the deepest chamber. The cavern opened into a massive space where thousands of spiders of various sizes had gathered. At the center stood the spider queen—a massive creature the size of an ox, her body covered in iridescent blue fur that seemed to absorb the dim light.
Long Tian quickly organized the team into their practiced formation. He and Bai Luoyan took the front lines with their weapons ready. Su Wan'er readied her bow behind them. Lin Feng activated his support techniques, sending waves of enhanced strength and agility through his teammates. Xia Qingyue stood at the rear, preparing her fire techniques.
The plan was perfect. They would kill as many spiders as possible, then force the survivors toward the queen. Finally, Xia Qingyue and Long Tian would combine their fire techniques to eliminate the remaining threats in a single devastating blast.
For half an hour, the battle raged. The team moved with precision, their earlier practice paying dividends. Over two hundred spider corpses littered the cavern floor, but at least seventy remained, including the massive queen.
Everyone was exhausted—sweat soaked their robes, cuts and bruises covered their skin, and their weapons showed signs of damage from striking the spiders' hard exoskeletons. Xia Qingyue, following the plan, had conserved her strength, using only minimal fire techniques when absolutely necessary.
As they finally cornered the remaining spiders against the cavern wall, Long Tian and Xia Qingyue began their incantations. The air grew hot as their combined fire techniques gathered energy.
Bai Luoyan and Su Wan'er cheered, believing the mission was nearly complete.
Only Lin Feng wore an evil grin.
The disaster he had orchestrated was about to unfold.
No matter how much Xia Qingyue chanted, she couldn't feel her Qi responding. The poison had completely blocked her meridians, preventing her from accessing her cultivation base.
Her face paled with panic. "I...I can't...something's wrong with my cultivation base!"
Long Tian's expression turned grim. "Xia Qingyue, this is not the time for games! Use the damn fire technique! Our lives depend on it!"
"I'm not joking!" she cried desperately. "I can't access my Qi! Something is wrong with me!"
Bai Luoyan's face twisted with anger. "Xia Qingyue, are you taking revenge on us for speaking against you? Can't you see our lives are in danger? The difficulty of this mission has already reached D-rank! Only your technique could have provided the area damage needed to finish them!"
Su Wan'er joined the accusations. "Xia Qingyue, I always suspected you never truly mastered high-level fire techniques. You only showed off with weak spells to gain Long Tian's favor. You lied to us all this time!"
Lin Feng stepped forward, his expression grave. "I take responsibility as the support cultivator. I should have verified Xia Qingyue's abilities during practice sessions. After repeated warnings from Bai Luoyan and Su Wan'er, I should have insisted she demonstrate her full capabilities. We fell for her deception."
Long Tian's face darkened with disappointment. "I never knew you were such a selfish person, Xia Qingyue. To place your personal feelings above our lives...you've endangered all of us. This mission has escalated beyond E-rank difficulty. Only your combined fire technique could have ended this battle cleanly."
As the accusations piled up, Xia Qingyue felt as if she were falling into the deepest abyss of despair. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined the person she cherished most would scold her so harshly.
"Long Tian, believe me!" she pleaded, tears streaming down her face. "I've been with you since childhood! There's something wrong with my body—I can feel it returning now! I can use my techniques again, I promise!"
"It's too late for lies," Long Tian said coldly. "Prepare yourselves, everyone. We must fight our way out!"
The battle that followed was brutal and desperate. The team fought with everything they had, trading blow for blow with the energized spider monsters. Their weapons grew dull, their armor cracked and splintered, and their bodies accumulated wound after wound.
Throughout it all, Xia Qingyue sat on the ground, her eyes blank as she muttered to herself. "Everything was fine this morning...why now? Why can't I access my Qi? Did someone plot against me?"
No one paid her any attention. In their eyes, their own survival was the priority.
Only Lin Feng occasionally dispatched spiders that ventured too close to her position.
The battle lasted until early morning, the rising sun filtering through cracks in the cavern ceiling. When the final spider fell, Long Tian, Su Wan'er, Bai Luoyan and Lin Feng collapsed to the ground, utterly drained.
Lin Feng breathed a sigh of relief. "This time I almost died," he thought to himself. "Thankfully I'm with the protagonist. The protagonist's halo and luck saved us. I still can't believe Long Tian carried high-quality recovery pills whose cost equals countless mansions."
He remembered the critical moment when defeat seemed inevitable. Long Tian had produced four jade bottles containing luminous liquid. After drinking them, the team felt torrents of energy flooding their bodies, allowing them to continue fighting until victory.
Sure enough, the protagonist cannot die so easily, Lin Feng mused.
After resting for several hours, the team members gradually regained their strength. They collected the spider queen's venom sac and carapace—valuable materials for alchemists and weaponsmiths—before returning to the village.
The chief was overjoyed at their success, rewarding them handsomely and providing horses and a carriage for their return journey.
Throughout the trip home, the team was energetic and cheerful, discussing their techniques and celebrating their promotion to the next cultivation rank. Only Xia Qingyue sat silently in the corner of the carriage, head bowed, unable to face her teammates' accusing eyes.
The poison's effects had finally worn off, allowing her to access her Qi again. She couldn't find any physical explanation for her earlier failure and began to believe her fear of spiders had somehow blocked her cultivation.
Lin Feng watched her dejected expression with satisfaction. My first objective is nearly complete. The foundation has been laid. Now I must build upon it.