Chapter 839: Search for a Place

Ye Mo examined the large mission screen, noting most assignments were in the All Herbs Mountain Ranges. Remembering the small booklet the manager had given him the previous night—containing information about the mountain range—he retrieved it from his storage ring.

The All Herbs Mountain Ranges were among the ten largest ranges in the North Far State. They served not only as trial grounds for Zheng Yuan Sword Sect members, but also for the Lian Qing Sect, the Flowing Cloud Sect, the Demon Spirit Sect, the North Lightning Palace, and other sects. The North Lightning Sect, a five-star sect, was rumored to possess a Hollow Spirit level master.

Despite the numerous sects using the All Herbs Mountain Ranges for trials, the vast expanse remained largely unexplored. Even after years of use, sect members typically searched only the outskirts, covering less than half the area.

While the All Herbs Mountain Ranges abounded in spirit herbs and valuable resources, they were also incredibly dangerous, teeming with ferocious beasts and treacherous terrain. Many trial-seeking sect members disappeared each year.

“This is a good place,” Ye Mo mused. “It’s so large; if I find a secluded area to cultivate, no one will find me, right?” He decided then and there.

Closing the booklet, Ye Mo returned his gaze to the mission screen. Solo missions were scarce, and even fewer were located in the All Herbs Mountain Ranges.

Just as he considered accepting a group mission, a lively voice called out, “Martial Brother, are you interested in a mission to the All Herbs Mountain Ranges?”

The voice sounded youthful, but turning, Ye Mo saw a woman in her thirties. Though her skin was somewhat dark, she wasn't unattractive.

Ye Mo nodded quickly. “Yes, I’m looking for a mission.”

The woman responded warmly, “I’m Liu Zhenyue. My team—another martial sister and two martial brothers—has accepted a mission to collect Rainbow Gold Lotus. We’re short one person; would you like to join us?”

Rainbow Gold Lotus. Ye Mo knew of it; not a pill ingredient, but a valuable material used in forging, particularly women's clothing. It typically grew in cold areas near ponds, making it a desirable find. It wasn't something easily found in the outskirts. He nodded. “Yes, I'll join. I’m Ye Mo, newly arrived at the sect.”

Liu Zhenyue’s face lit up; Ye Mo's cultivation at stage 8 would be a valuable addition. She waved to the three others behind her.

The three quickly approached. Liu Zhenyue introduced Jiang Yi, of average height but fairer than herself, and Tong Zhentan, an exceptionally handsome man—both at stage 9. There was also Huang Ping, a pretty girl at stage 7, who appeared quite smitten with Tong Zhentan.

After registering, the five immediately left the mission hall. To Ye Mo’s surprise, Tong Zhentan produced a low-grade flying artifact—a small boat.

It was unusual for a Chi Gathering state disciple to possess such an item.

Tong Zhentan smiled. “It’s a family heirloom, a gift upon my advancement to inner sect member.”

Ye Mo was astonished. “You’re not an outer sect member?” Most mission participants were outer sect members.

Tong Zhentan smiled enigmatically, not elaborating. He understood the disdain some held for his participation in outer sect missions, but his motivations extended beyond the mission itself. He valued the combined cultivation and experience. His true goal wasn't the Rainbow Gold Lotus.

“Let's board. We'll need two days of flight to reach the All Herbs Mountain Ranges,” Tong Zhentan announced.

The others quickly boarded, but Ye Mo shook his head. “I have a flying sword.”

They remained silent; his hesitation was understandable given their recent acquaintance.

Two days later, they entered the All Herbs Mountain Ranges. The vast expanse of forests and lakes before them was a truly wild landscape.

Tong Zhentan slowed the flying boat upon entering, cautioning, “Numerous beasts inhabit this area, and ambushes are common. Remain vigilant.”

Ye Mo observed various low-level beasts; the strongest was only level 2, lacking even a beast core. He also saw spirit herbs and cultivators battling beasts.

The group proceeded directly to their target, minimizing delays. Ye Mo remained largely passive. They reached a misty lake on the fifth day, the likely location of the Rainbow Gold Lotus.

Even Ye Mo's potent spirit sense couldn't fully penetrate the lake's depths.

Tong Zhentan stopped the boat several kilometers from the lake's edge. “The Rainbow Gold Lotus is on the far side, guarded by Metal Spine Crocodiles. While numerous, the strongest is only level 2 peak. With caution, we should succeed.”

Liu Zhenyue proposed, “Martial Brother Ye and I will distract the crocodiles.”

Tong Zhentan agreed. “Jiang Yi, Huang Ping, and I will retrieve the Rainbow Gold Lotus.” He led them toward the lake.

Ye Mo saw five or six Metal Spine Crocodiles lounging near the Rainbow Gold Lotus, mostly level 1 and 2. Non-level 3 beasts were typically only at the Chi Gathering state; level 3 was equivalent to Foundation Establishment.

From three kilometers, Tong Zhentan shouted, “Martial Sister Liu, Martial Brother Ye, draw their attention!”

Ye Mo frowned. Even if a distraction were necessary, waiting until the others were closer would be wiser. Furthermore, the abundance of Rainbow Gold Lotus suggested they could simply take some without alarming the beasts.

He hesitated, then stopped, refusing to attack. But Liu Zhenyue charged, immediately attracting three level 2 crocodiles.

Ye Mo sighed, suspecting Tong Zhentan’s intentions were less than honorable. Liu Zhenyue was quickly overwhelmed, hit twice by water arrows, her clothes torn. She realized something was wrong—why was she the only one fighting?

Seeing Tong Zhentan’s confused expression, Ye Mo briefly doubted his assessment, but Liu Zhenyue’s peril demanded action. He used his flying sword to engage two crocodiles.

Liu Zhenyue visibly relaxed, offering Ye Mo a grateful look before taking a pill.

As Ye Mo's flying sword heavily wounded a crocodile, a deep roar echoed. A black figure burst from the water, charging toward Ye Mo and Liu Zhenyue.

A level 3 beast, at minimum. Both Ye Mo and Liu Zhenyue’s faces fell.

Ye Mo's spirit sense tracked Tong Zhentan, who was swiftly gathering Rainbow Gold Lotus, his timing impeccable. He was aiming for a large, purple flower. It was clear; Tong Zhentan had deliberately deceived him.