Firefly Journey

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu immediately frowned. Having partnered with Meng Buzheng to guard the mountain for many years, he knew his senior brother's temperament well; he always looked down on the newer disciples because of his seniority.

When Lin Yuanran entered the mountain, he made a good impression on Zhang Yu, so he was actually biased towards Lin Yuanran.

Meng Buzheng's meaning was quite clear: what level could a disciple who had only been a disciple for three months possibly be? He probably hadn't even broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage yet. He wanted to use Lin Yuanran's low level of cultivation as an excuse to refuse him as a teammate.

The two disciples from Wulai Peak were unaware of Lin Yuanran's background, but they didn't understand Meng Buzheng's implied meaning.

Lin Yuanran was speechless.

I really want to punch you into a physical ascension! You waste all your time scheming and backstabbing. If you had put in any effort to cultivate, you wouldn't still be a mountain-guarding disciple.

Lin Yuanran laughed heartily and proudly declared, "Ninth level of Qi Refining!"

Qi Refining Level 9?

Everyone paused for a moment, their expressions varying.

Zhang Yu was amazed. He knew that this guy had only been a beginner for three months. He must have been only at the fifth or sixth level of Qi Refining at the beginning. In such a short time, what else could he be but a prodigy?

The two disciples from Wulai Peak frowned slightly. They wouldn't refuse any teammates, but this mission was very difficult. A Qi Refining stage disciple going up against Hong Xuan, who was in the Golden Core stage, was just asking for trouble!

The two regretted their decision, not because they looked down on him, but because they were unaware of Lin Yuanran's true background and simply thought he was unsuitable—a common human reaction.

The Yunlai Peak disciple in charge of issuing the missions was also stunned. "Wait, brother, how dare you, a mere Qi Refining stage cultivator, accept this kind of mission? Aren't you afraid of dying out there?!"

You should help your fellow disciples find their lost immortal pets, or help the sect's elders deliver messages and fetch water; those are the fields that suit you best!

Meng Buzheng was overjoyed. What kind of class did this insignificant junior have to be worthy of sharing the same mission with me?!

"Junior brother, I'm not trying to criticize you, but the mission that Senior Brother Yan assigned is too dangerous and not suitable for a newcomer like you. You should just forget about it."

Meng Buzheng spoke rudely.

Lin Yuanran was not flustered at all, and even a little proud. He did not explain the issue of realm, nor did he intend to show off his skills to make everyone think that he was capable.

He reached out and touched the jade tablet that Qingfeng Daoist had given him.

"Senior brother, I am a direct disciple of Zhulai Peak. Don't I even have the right to choose my own mission?"

Lin Yuanran squinted, anticipating Meng Buzheng's answer.

There's a reason why everyone wants to become a direct disciple. Besides enjoying individual instruction and more resources for spiritual practice, direct disciples also have many privileges.

For example, when it comes to accepting these bounty missions, basically any direct disciple can accept them regardless of the conditions. Sometimes, when they and ordinary disciples both want the same mission, the ordinary disciples will even give way, for no other reason than that the direct disciple is someone they dare not offend!

However, the previous disciples were all self-aware and would not accept tasks beyond their capabilities. This one... might have lost his mind.

As soon as Lin Yuanran took out the jade token of his personal disciple, Meng Buzheng's smile immediately froze on his face.

How is this possible! This brat is actually a direct disciple?

Meng Buzheng's expression was very unpleasant.

The two women from Wulai Peak looked surprised. Those who could be accepted as personal disciples were no ordinary people. Even if their cultivation level was not satisfactory, they must have some outstanding qualities.

Most of their doubts vanished immediately.

Zhang Yu was utterly shocked. This guy was so terrifying that he could become a disciple of Yifeng. He had to befriend him!

Lin Yuanran smiled and said, "I think I'm fine accepting this mission, right?"

Zhang Yu spoke on behalf of everyone, saying, "Since you are a direct disciple, there is naturally no problem."

"That's good. Why don't you two senior brothers introduce yourselves as well?"

Zhang Yu cupped his hands in greeting: "Helai Peak, Zhang Yu, late stage of Foundation Establishment."

Meng Buzheng reluctantly replied, "Yunlai Peak, Meng Buzheng, early stage of Golden Core."

Yuan Qingping and Hua Zhi reintroduced themselves. Yuan Qingping, like Zhang Yu, was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, while her junior sister Hua Zhi was only at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

The five people took on the task, but a mistake occurred when deciding on the team leader.

Meng Buzheng, relying on his seniority, wanted to take command of the squad. Zhang Yu advised him that Lin Yuanran was a direct disciple, and even if his cultivation level was lower, he should take the position. After all, he was a direct disciple, and it would be really troublesome if he complained.

Meng Buzheng's expression was uncertain; he didn't want to be outdone by the new disciple.

Lin Yuanran didn't care who the captain was; he didn't care anyway, he wouldn't listen...

In the end, a compromise was reached, with Yuan Qingping serving as the team leader.

The departure time has been set; it's tomorrow.

……

That night, a figure suddenly appeared on the silent Erlai Peak. The person had silver hair tied in a braid and was none other than Lin Yuanran in the form of Ario.

What is he doing at Mount Elektra?

Visiting friends...

Okay, he was just incredibly audacious.

The Star Moon Alliance is protected by a sect-protecting array on the outside, but there are not many restrictions inside. Disciples from different sects can come and go freely during the day. At night, it is much quieter, as everyone is either sleeping or busy cultivating. No one would run around under the moonlight.

Lin Yuanran felt a little melancholy at the thought of not seeing Feng Ling for many days, as he didn't know how long the trip to the Qinling Mountains would take. Therefore, he made arrangements in advance to invite her to meet him.

As a spatial mage, Lin Yuanran could easily climb the mountain. He looked around and saw a beautiful figure approaching gracefully.

The string of bells still hung from Fengling's waist. In order not to disturb those of the same lineage, Fengling used her magic to control it, so that it would not make any sound.

Even when the two were still quite a distance apart, Fengling waved her hand and cast a soundproof spell similar to a bubble spell to ensure that their movements would not be heard.

Upon approaching, Lin Yuanran, shameless as ever, grabbed Fengling's hand. Fengling didn't refuse, and the two walked for a while until they reached a precipice.

A bright moon hangs in the sky above the other side of the cliff.

Lin Yuanran rubbed her hands together and said, "I'm going to the Qinling Mountains tomorrow, and I don't know when I'll be back."

Wind Chime rolled her eyes: "I told you I'd go with you, but you weren't willing."

Lin Yuanran said, "I have my own reasons for going out, but I have been entrusted with this task and I cannot neglect my main mission. I'll leave the sect to you."

Feng Ling said, "The two leaders and five elders of the Star Moon Alliance have good reputations, so it's unlikely they're related to what we're investigating. Don't forget, there's more than just the Star Moon Alliance in Jiangdong."

Lin Yuanran thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense. At first, Wang Lingguan only had doubts, not certainty. Let's observe for a while longer, and if it really doesn't work, we can tell Him our guesses."

"Let's not talk about that. Did no one see you come here?"

"Don't worry, my spatial teleportation skills are becoming more and more proficient."

"That's good."

"Yeah... We're a perfectly legitimate couple, but right now, I'm actually feeling a strange sense of excitement..."

"You mean... having an affair?"

"Ahem, don't be so blunt."

"How about something more exciting?"

"What……"

Lin Yuanran could only utter two words before he was unable to say anything more, because his mouth was gagged. Yes, his mouth was also gagged.

Tonight, the moon is bright and the stars are few, making it the perfect night for lovers to be together.