After racing through the roads in their carriage for half a day, the group finally arrived at a small town near Mount Qiuming. There, they checked into the town's largest inn. Once they had rested for a few hours, Cui Yongqin gathered everyone for a meeting.
The meeting was held in the courtyard of the inn, and Cui Yongqin even took the precaution of setting up a soul power barrier to ensure their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
"Now, I'll briefly explain the rules of this mission," she began. "As long as you eliminate all the bandits on Mount Qiuming within one week, the task will be considered complete."
"As for whether you want to split into groups, act solo, go for a head-on assault or plan an ambush—the Academy will not interfere. Just remember one thing: you are not allowed to call upon any external forces. Stay vigilant."
With that, Cui Yongqin removed the barrier and left the courtyard, leaving the ten students staring at one another, each uncertain what to say.
This mission wasn't just difficult—it was also the first time the Academy had provided no guidance whatsoever. The senior students were clearly unsettled by the lack of direction, feeling a bit lost.
At that moment, the eldest spirit ancestor among them stood up. With an air of authority, he swept his gaze over the group and cleared his throat.
"Everyone, the bandits are quite strong. I believe it's best if we work together. Under my leadership, I'm confident we can—"
"Hold it right there! Who said you get to call the shots?" a voice cut in.
It was Yan, who had already stood up, completely unfazed by the other's pressure.
Before Li Chang'an had joined the class, the elite class had been divided into two camps. Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena formed one faction, while the rest—excluding Qian Renxue—generally rallied around this guy named Song Rentou.
The reason was simple: Yan and his crew were younger, more talented, and enjoyed far more favoritism from Bibi Dong. That had caused a natural split within the group.
That said, Song Rentou's faction also had its strengths: they were older, more experienced, and had higher cultivation levels. Plus, they had the numbers. Because of this, they'd held the upper hand in several past disputes.
Li Chang'an didn't care about any of that.
Song Rentou frowned at Yan, releasing his spirit ancestor level pressure as he cracked his knuckles. "This isn't the time for internal conflict. If you act on your own recklessly, you'll only get yourselves killed. So like it or not, you'll have to cooperate with us!"
Whoa.
Li Chang'an raised an eyebrow in surprise. Turns out this Song Rentou wasn't all brawn and no brains. Not only did he try to assert dominance with his soul power, but he also laid out a rational analysis of the situation. A lot of people might have backed down at that.
But Yan and his group weren't ordinary students—they were the Academy's pride. And after hearing Li Chang'an's analysis on the carriage, Yan was confident that with the right approach, they could wipe out the bandits—minus the leader—on their own. There was no way he'd follow Song Rentou's orders.
"Hmph. Song, our performances will be evaluated by our instructors. You think we'll trail behind you just to eat your dust? No way. We can handle this ourselves!"
With that, Yan turned and left. Xie Yue followed without a word, face emotionless. Hu Liena also left soon after. Only Li Chang'an remained seated.
"Uh, Brother Rentou, don't worry. I'm neutral—I won't oppose you guys. But I'll take my leave now."
Li Chang'an stood up and left as well.
---
Once Li Chang'an exited the courtyard, he saw Hu Liena and the others waiting for him.
"You're neutral now?" Xie Yue asked, raising an eyebrow.
Li Chang'an quickly waved his hands. "No, no, no. I want to stay close to Senior Sister at all times. That's the only way I feel safe."
As he spoke, he tossed Hu Liena a playful wink. She simply smiled back.
Yan felt a pang of jealousy, but he didn't say anything. He didn't believe Li Chang'an was trying to pursue Hu Liena. Besides, with what was coming up, they'd still need Li Chang'an's input, so he let it slide.
"Alright, let's head back to my room and strategize. Since we've decided to act independently, we'd better make sure we win!" said Xie Yue, calling an end to the conversation.
"By the way, Senior Sister," Li Chang'an said on the way back, "you mentioned performance evaluation... but what exactly can we do with Academy points?"
Hu Liena slapped her forehead, looking at him like he was an idiot. Xie Yue and Yan had the same expression.
'Seriously? One of the first things you're supposed to do after entering Spirit Hall Academy is read the student handbook. It's all clearly written there!'
After Hu Liena gave him a quick rundown, Li Chang'an finally understood. Turns out the point system was ridiculously useful.
At Spirit Hall Academy, points could be exchanged for just about anything: lectures from Title Douluo, rare treasures, and even help hunting soul beasts specifically suited to your cultivation.
In short, as long as you had enough points, you could get just about anything—except maybe sleep with a teacher.
Everything else was fair game.
Li Chang'an gave the point system a big mental thumbs-up. He made a mental note to earn as many points as possible.
Once they reached Xie Yue's room, the four of them sat down at a round table. Hu Liena poured everyone a cup of tea, and finally, they got down to business.
"Chang'an, since we're going it alone this time, do you have any ideas for how we should proceed?" Xie Yue asked. After Li Chang'an's insight on the carriage, Xie Yue was now taking his opinion seriously.
Li Chang'an cradled his fragrant tea, looked at Xie Yue, and after a moment of thought, casually pulled out a map of Mount Qiuming and spread it out on the table.
"This is Mount Qiuming—where the bandits are hiding. Here is the main road—where merchant caravans frequently pass. And these... the mountains on both sides... are ideal for setting up an ambush."
As Li Chang'an pointed out each location, the others began to visualize the plan.
Li Chang'an's strategy was straightforward: they could either disguise themselves as a merchant caravan and lure the bandits out, or hide near where the bandits themselves would set up ambushes—and strike when time is right.
Just to be sure, he even offered up some of his own poisons and gadgets.
_____
T/N:
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