Jared offered a calm nod. “We understand. Thank you for the warning.”
Once the attendant had gone, Vermilion Demon Lord raised a sound-shielding barrier and spoke in a low growl. “Jared, Malevolent Path Hall’s roots run deep in this city. We must tread lightly.”
“Mhm…” Jared replied with a nod. “First, let’s get to Mission Hall and see if we can grab Earthfire Trial credentials quickly. After that, we visit Earthfire Pavilion itself. Even if we’re barred from entering, I want the layout and its guard roster mapped.”
They took only a moment to compose themselves, then slipped out of the inn and headed toward the southern district, where Mission Hall towered above the rooftops.
Mission Hall sprawled in a vast circle. Inside, the roar of voices rose like surf against stone walls. Hundreds of jade screens floated overhead, each flashing mission notices in restless, shifting light while robed figures streamed in and out beneath them. It didn’t take Jared long to locate the section reserved for Earthfire Pavilion.
There, the jade screens glowed a deep crimson. Only a handful of missions scrolled by, yet every one promised rewards rich enough to dazzle, and every one shimmered with the warning that it was extremely dangerous.
“It’s impossible to finish any of these missions quickly,” Vermilion Demon Lord muttered, shaking his head. “And they’re all far too risky.”
Jared’s brow tightened. To participate in the Earthfire Trial, he’d need ten thousand contribution points. Given the difficulty and reward scale on display, they would need to complete two or three of the extremely dangerous missions. That, unfortunately, would take too much time.
“So much for playing by the rules,” Jared whispered. “We’ll need to think of another way.”
Just then, a cluster of nearby cultivators lowered their voices, yet their words carried clearly to Jared’s ears.
“Have you heard? Ferdinand Flameheart, the elder of Earthfire Pavilion, is leading a party into Flame Gorge to harvest Flame Spirit Herbs and is currently hiring temporary guards.”
“Flame Spirit Herbs? That’s the main ingredient for Flameheart Pills. They only grow deep in Flame Gorge, with a flame dragon guarding the area. The fact that Elder Flameheart is going in person means the demand for the herbs must be pretty significant.”
“What’s the pay like?”
“Generous, from what I’m told. Guards who complete this mission will receive plenty of spiritual stones, and discounts on pills and magical items from Earthfire Pavilion! Those who perform well and impress Elder Flameheart enough might even receive a personal recommendation into Earthfire Pavilion itself.”
“Then what are you waiting for? Hurry and sign up! Elder Flameheart is one of the three great alchemy masters of Earthfire Pavilion. Following him on this mission is a rare opportunity!”
With that, a few cultivators hurried toward the recruitment area on the other side of the hall. Seeing this, Jared’s eyes lit up. Elder Flameheart? An alchemy master of Earthfire Pavilion leading a team to gather Flame Spirit Herbs? This could be a wonderful opportunity indeed. If I can get into this team and perform well on the mission, I might earn Elder Flameheart’s favor, thus qualifying for the Earthfire Trial… Hell, I might even obtain clues about the Jadeheart Marrow!
“Come on. Let’s go take a look,” Jared said to Vermilion Demon Lord.
The duo soon reached the recruitment alcove where several dozen cultivators, every one at least Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five, were already jostling to put their names on the ledger. A rough-hewn platform of fresh pine planks dominated the makeshift square. At its center stood an Earthfire Pavilion enforcer in ember-red robes, his authoritative voice carrying easily over the low morning hush.
“The escort assignment will last seven days. The destination is Flame Gorge. Your duties are simple: maintain a perimeter, lend muscle to our harvesters, and bring every person home alive. Applicants must already have reached Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five! Payment is 5,000 high-grade spiritual stones, with an additional bonus should the mission conclude without mishap. Also, there will be a brief competency test. Slots are limited! Only the first ten who pass will be accepted!”
Jared exchanged a look with Vermilion Demon Lord. In that silent glance, they reached the same conclusion: they would sign up.
However, when they stepped toward the testing area, a young Earthfire Pavilion enforcer flicked his eyes over Jared, caught a hint of the man’s meager aura, and immediately frowned. “Hey, buddy, are you sure you wish to apply?” the enforcer asked, his tone dripping with doubt. “We need cultivators who are at least Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five. Forgive me, but you don’t seem to meet that requirement.”
His words snapped the attention of everyone waiting in line. Dozens of eyes swung toward Jared. When those keen senses confirmed his paltry realm, many faces twisted into open sneers.
“He’s only at Heavenly Immortal Realm Level One, yet he wants in? Does he have a death wish or something?”
“Does he know what Flame Gorge is like? It’s where flame dragons roost, for goodness’ sake. Even Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Six experts might not leave the place in one piece—what’s a fledgling like him going to do, volunteer as dragon feed?”
Ridicule rippled through the crowd. Vermilion Demon Lord stood quietly behind Jared, crimson brows knitting. Jared, however, gave him a look, signaling him to stay calm.
“Yes, my cultivation level isn’t high, but I possess several defensive arts that might prove useful. Since I am here already, may I at least attempt the test?” Jared said evenly.
The young enforcer hesitated, when a booming voice crashed in from the side. “Attempt? Kid, do you think this is playtime?” The speaker was a slab-faced giant with two axle-sized axes and a Top Level Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Six aura. He stalked up to Jared. “The gorge is a meat-grinder, not a sightseeing tour. Do yourself a favor, leave now and let real cultivators sign up!”
“The test has not begun,” Jared replied, voice calm as still water. “How can you judge my worth so quickly?”
The brute barked a laugh. “Ha! Why can’t I? With your cultivation, I can crush ten of you with just one finger! Stop embarrassing yourself and—”
Alas, his words snapped off, the final syllable sliced clean by a hush that fell over the courtyard. Across from him, Jared shifted, merely to slide one foot forward. In that understated motion, a pinhole of his presence seeped free, thin yet impossibly dense.
What leaked out felt boundless, an ocean that contained every law of creation and yet rode above them, sovereign and untouched. The burly cultivator nearest Jared toppled into that ocean within a heartbeat. Chaos hemmed him in; the very rules around him quivered, then bowed.
His once-raging power turned thick and mute, as though it had stumbled on its natural predator. Face draining, he lurched back three full steps, sweat breaking across his brow while his gaze locked on Jared in raw, disbelieving dread.
Laughter strangled to silence. Every cultivator who had been jeering a breath earlier felt an unnamed flutter, a cold palm brushing the heart. They had no idea what they had sensed, but the giant’s terror and that fleeting, alien tide spoke clearly enough. The young man who seemed to be a Heavenly Immortal Realm Level One cultivator was anything but ordinary.
