BXBX NOVEL Chapter 76 - 76: Departure
Just as the middle-aged Steward was smiling, Lu Yun spoke up.
“Are there any Black-rank tasks? These Yellow-rank tasks seem too easy, and the rewards are just average.”
Even though the rewards for Demon Extermination tasks of the same rank were higher, Lu Yun still chose a Demon Slaying task.
It was for the sake of better safety.
“Err—you think these tasks are too easy?”
The middle-aged Steward stared for a while, then sized up Lu Yun from head to toe, ensuring that he was indeed still at the peak of the Meridian Passage Realm.
Lu Yun of course noticed the other’s doubt and concern, and immediately smiled, “Please rest assured, Steward. I’m not some arrogant and conceited person. I choose a Black-rank task because I’m confident in my own strength.”
Hearing this, the middle-aged Steward finally nodded. However, he still warned once more, “Black-rank tasks target Third Rank Demon Beasts. Even the weakest Third Rank Demon Beast cannot be compared with a, Second Rank peak Demon Beast, let alone those fake ones in the Myriad Phenomena Tower. Are you sure you want to accept a Black-rank task?”
Lu Yun responded with a determined gaze.
At this, the middle-aged Steward could only sigh helplessly, then picked up another book from the window ledge, flipping through it for a while before closing it again.
After a long while, he looked up at Lu Yun.
“Black-rank tasks are different from Yellow-rank tasks. There are far more of them, and many people accept them, always exceeding demand.”
“I just checked, and there’s one that’s suitable for you.”
“Please, do tell.”
“Demon Beasts have been causing trouble in Cloud Water County. According to information received, there’s only one Demon Beast there, which has just advanced to the Third Rank not long ago. It’s considered an ordinary Black-rank task.”
“Compared to other Black-rank tasks, I think this one is just right for you. Are you willing to accept it?”
“Cloud Water County?”
An idea struck Lu Yun’s mind. Cloud Water County was his hometown, and this would be a perfect opportunity to go back and visit.
Without giving it much thought, he quickly accepted, and continued to ask, “May I ask, can I accept multiple tasks at the same time?”
One task only offered eight hundred Contribution Points, which was too little for him.
Moreover, going there and back would take up a lot of time.
As for an early Third Rank Demon Beast, he didn’t even take it seriously.
The middle-aged Steward looked at Lu Yun speechlessly. If he didn’t know that the youth in front of him was a rising genius of the Martial Academy, he would want to scold him.
Although he couldn’t scold him, he still had to remind him, so as not to have such a genius develop an arrogant and complacent character, looking down upon everyone.
Gathering his thoughts, he said, “Black-rank tasks are generally accepted only by True Qi Realm disciples. As for you, considering that you passed the eighth floor of the Myriad Phenomena Tower and can ensure your safety even if you cannot kill a real Third Rank Demon Beast, we allow you to accept one.”
“Furthermore, the Martial Academy has a rule that no matter what, a disciple can only accept one task per month.”
“The main purpose of the tasks is to train disciples, hone their temperament and strength, rather than send them to their deaths.”
By the end, the middle-aged Steward’s tone was particularly somber and serious.
Seeing that he was so insistent, Lu Yun was helpless. He really wanted to say that even a mid-Third Rank Demon Beast wouldn’t be a threat, let alone an early Third Rank one, which was just a slightly stronger sheep.
But could he say that? Of course not.
If he could say that, he’d rather go to the Myriad Phenomena Tower.
Compared to earning Contribution Points through tasks, it was even easier at the Myriad Phenomena Tower.
“Take it or leave it!”
Seeing that Lu Yun didn’t seem to be listening, the middle-aged Steward’s face darkened.
“I’ll take it, of course,” Lu Yun hurriedly answered. After all, even a mosquito’s leg counts as meat.
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged Steward’s face finally lightened up a bit, and he recorded Lu Yun’s and the task’s information in the task register.
“When you’ve slain the Demon Beast, simply report back here, and don’t worry about anything else; someone will investigate and confirm.”
“In addition, always remember one thing: your life is more important than the task.”
“Thank you for the reminder, Steward.”
As Lu Yun left the Task Hall, he couldn’t help but smile bitterly within. Hiding his true strength even for a single task made his life miserable.
Moreover, the training mechanism of the Martial Academy was really poor. These disciples weren’t allowed to fight the Demon Beasts now to hone their resilience and strong willpower, so how could they possibly become the pillars that Morigin required in the future?
After mockingly scoffing at it in his heart, his depressed mood was finally relieved.
Returning to the Elite Disciples’ residence, instead of going back to his own room, he went directly to Duan Qing’s.
Having not a single tael of silver nor a Contribution Point, he needed to seek Duan Qing’s help.
He gently knocked on the door twice, and the round-faced Duan Qing opened it.
Duan Qing was initially impatient, even a little angry, but his face broke into a smile when he saw it was Lu Yun.
“Junior Brother Lu, please come in.”
After taking their seats and sizing up Duan Qing, a puzzled look crossed Lu Yun’s face.
“Senior Brother Duan, something bothering you?”
Normally, Duan Qing’s smile was very lascivious, but not this time. He was smiling reluctantly, and a faint shadow could be seen on his forehead.
From this, it was clear that he was troubled, and it was rather complex too.
Upon hearing the question,
Duan Qing shook his head slightly, and said with a smile, “It’s nothing serious. 1 can handle it myself.”
Immediately afterward, his gaze fell on the tiger-head broadsaber behind Lu Yun..
“Junior Brother Lu, are you preparing to go out?”
“I just took on a task, and I’m going out to gain some experience and broaden my horizons.”
At these words, Duan Qing immediately grew interested, as though the person with a wretched and depressed expression earlier wasn’t him.
“Oh, is the task for Demon Slaying or Demon Extermination?”
“Demon Extermination tasks involve more complications, so I casually chose a Demon Slaying task.”
Duan Qing couldn’t help but smile bitterly, “You’re still too young, Junior Brother. Although Demon Extermination tasks are more complex, the rewards are higher. Upon completing one, you can not only gain more Contribution Points, but sometimes other gains too.”
“If you’re lucky, one task might be worth as much as several others.”
Hearing this, Lu Yun was first stunned, then a glimmer of light appeared in his eyes.
The previous time he and Xiao Chen completed their tasks, they not only received the mission reward but also got some taels of silver and two books of martial arts.
In this regard, there seemed to be a lot of profit in Demon Extermination tasks.
At the same time, he cursed himself for having such a narrow view on the matter.
Seeing the changing expressions on Lu Yun’s face, Duan Qing couldn’t help but laugh, “Haha, it seems that Junior Brother is a smart one after all.”
Lu Yun sighed deeply, “Alas, it’s just a pity that I learned too late.”
“This might not necessarily be a bad thing. Junior Brother Lu, your strength is formidable, but your task experience is limited. Undertaking a few Demon Slaying tasks before progressing to Demon Extermination tasks would ensure a higher safety.”
Duan Qing continued, “Over the years, quite a few Martial Academy disciples have sacrificed themselves in tasks. Among them were disciples with great talent and strong abilities. The number of disciples who’ve died in Demon Slaying tasks is far less than half of those who died in Demon Extermination tasks.”
Lu Yun nodded. This was very normal, as humans were more cunning and treacherous than Demon Beasts.
After discussing with each other for a while, Lu Yun finally revealed his intentions.
Duan Qing promptly and generously gave Lu Yun five hundred taels of silver.
The kind that didn’t need to be repaid.
After exchanging courtesies, Lu Yun took his leave..