CHAPTER 353: CHAPTER 229: SELECTING MISSIONS, A SMALL PERSON’S REVENGE_2

As for the third team, although it requires a long time and offers few Contribution Points, its advantage is being completely safe. Moreover, if one could build a relationship with Brother Jiang, there would really be no need to fear that vile Ye Huang. After all, that Ye Jiankong only controls nine Divine Skills and is of equal strength to Brother Jiang. If Brother Jiang were willing to say just one word of help, Ye Jiankong wouldn’t personally intervene. Facing only Ye Huang, the pressure on Brother Jiang would undoubtedly be much less.

Of course, all he could do was select the three teams. How to choose was Jiang Shu’s own business.

"Brother Luo, you’ve worked hard."

Several days of Cultivation had far less effect than before; "Heavenly Intent True Self Fist" had reached a threshold that couldn’t be surpassed without combat, making further progress difficult.

During these days, Jiang Shu had been sitting quietly, integrating his past Martial Arts. By piercing through the Void and seeing the unspoiled divinity of his Spirit, he had adjusted his body to its optimal theoretical state.

"Tell me the specifics of the first team’s situation. What do they intend to do in the Underground Abyss?"

After quickly brewing a pot of tea for Luo Yu, Jiang Shu invited him to sit and got straight to the point.

The moment he contemplated, the pros and cons of all three teams were clear to him. However, unlike Luo Yu, he actually preferred the first team.

The second team’s timeframe was uncertain. If Demon Beasts at the Peak of the Condensing Seed Realm decided to flee, they would not be easily pursued. It could take several months of chasing, making the meager twenty Contribution Points hardly worth the effort.

The third team seemed easy, offering a chance to build a relationship with an Outer Disciple. However, due to the Sect’s strict hierarchy, Outer Disciples viewed servant disciples much like nobles in a Dynasty viewed commoners. Receiving even a pleasant look would be fortunate, let alone forming a genuine connection simply due to an introduction. Thirty Contribution Points for three months’ effort just wasn’t as good as rearing Spiritual Cranes.

On the other hand, the first team, though seemingly harsh, could earn fifteen Contribution Points in just ten days and nights. If this could be a regular occurrence, twice a month, one could accumulate thirty Contribution Points.

What was more important, the Underground Abyss was a place he already planned to explore. After switching to "Heavenly Intent True Self Fist," his spiritual power had solidified further, reaching its limit. To advance further, he might need to use the Divine Power Kunpeng Devouring Technique to Suppress and Kill evil spirits and nourish his spiritual power.

If Outer Disciples wanted to use him to scout the path, he could equally use them for strong protection.

Should it come to a life-or-death situation, with Thunder Peng Netherworld Wings and Two Realms Shuttle, he should be able to save his own life.

As long as he could confirm that they were going down to Suppress and Kill evil spirits. If it were to Suppress and Kill other Demon Beasts or entities like serpent women of the Underground Abyss, then the mission would appear very average again. Apart from sufficient Contribution Points, there were no real advantages.

"I heard it’s Senior Sister Lu leading some junior sisters to Suppress and Kill evil spirits and train their Spirit. Recruiting servant disciples is also for their protection," Luo Yu said after downing the tea in one gulp. Although puzzled about why Jiang Shu chose this, he wouldn’t inquire too much. Jiang Shu had advanced step by step from a minor town in the Da Jing Dynasty to the forefront of a battle among hundreds of dynasties; to Luo Yu, this made it evident that Jiang Shu surely possessed supreme Talent and fortune.

He, for his part, just needed to follow closely and must absolutely not act on his own initiative.

"Thank you, Brother Luo, for your trouble during this period."

Jiang Shu didn’t excessively express his gratitude, having his own calculations. Once he advanced to the Furnace Fire Realm, he naturally planned to help Xue Xuan and Luo Yu.

After confirming the exact location, Jiang Shu headed directly to Chores Peak’s Spirit Martial Square.

Spirit Martial Square was the most important place at Chores Peak.

Outer Disciples would come here to discuss Martial Arts while on missions.

Servant disciples would come here to set up stalls and barter goods.

Even before arriving, Jiang Shu could hear bursts of noise. Behind him, numerous servant disciples, with the sound of the wind under their feet, swiftly followed.

"They say that Senior Sister Lu is a rare beauty. It would be great to have the opportunity to gain her favor in this mission, not only to savor the fragrance of a beauty but also possibly to rise quickly to the Furnace Fire Realm under her sponsorship and become an Outer Disciple."

"Pfft! What are you thinking? Forget about Cultivators at the Furnace Fire Realm; even those of us in the Detachment Realm have essentially transformed and are no longer mortals. Each one is a handsome man or beautiful woman. To judge Senior Sister Lu by her beauty is the greatest disrespect! Look, it has to be about strength. Although she’s just at the Mid-stage Furnace Fire Realm, she controls six Divine Skills and, upon reaching the Late Stage, will definitely have a chance to control ten Divine Skills and ascend the Divine Skills ranking."

"Not only is she powerful, Senior Sister Lu also has strong leadership skills. It’s said she established something called the Smoke and Mist Society among the Outer Disciples, which only female members join. This time, she is leading the newly joined Outer Disciples to the Underground Abyss for their trial. It’s just a pity that I’m not a woman; otherwise, I would definitely be recruited for this mission."

"It’s difficult. Even female servant disciples are required to meet high standards, let alone us men."

On Spirit Martial Square, the towering dragon column nearly reached the heavens; its top was surrounded by swirling white clouds, with a gentle breeze flowing around.

The entire square was a hundred times larger than that of the imperial palace’s grand assembly plaza. In some corners, servant disciples were still bartering goods, creating a lively atmosphere.

Of course, the most important figures were some Outer Disciples standing at the center.

They were all going out on missions and were here to select servant disciples.

Jiang Shu glanced over and saw seven or eight Outer Disciples, each with their hands behind their back, faces filled with indescribable arrogance. One servant disciple after another performed in front of them, showcasing their abilities.

Some were accepted with a nod, while others were dismissed with a shake of the head.

Indeed, even to be pawns, to be cannon fodder, one required certain credentials.

He couldn’t help but shake his head.

This was the Sect; despite knowing the dangers, with a massive base of one hundred thousand servant disciples, there were still many willing to take the risk.

Perhaps it was for the sake of accumulating Contribution Points.

Perhaps it was for the chance to progress faster amid life-and-death situations.

"Excuse me, are you Senior Sister Lu?"

On the field, there was only one female Outer Disciple, standing with a sword in her arms. In front of her, three consecutive servant disciples had been filtered out. Yet, her expression remained unchanged, cold like an untouchable flower on a high cliff.

Jiang Shu stepped forward and spoke respectfully.

Seeing her nod, without much hesitation, he began with "Heavenly Intent True Self Fist."

The thirty-six forms merged coherently in his hands, and all his acupoints resonated. Each fist and palm strike seemed endorsed by heavenly intent, depicting the self, utterly unstoppable.

"’Heavenly Intent True Self Fist’? At Perfection? You, not bad."

Lu Qingling’s eyes rarely lit up like this. She was well-acquainted with this Martial Arts compendium, which held considerable renown within the Sect. A Perfect Level "Heavenly Intent True Self Fist" could even hold off low-level evil spirits and was absolutely suitable for a protector.

Such strength was more than enough to make an exception and recruit him.

She nodded slightly. Amidst envious glances, Jiang Shu finished his form and stood aside, neither humble nor haughty, next to six female servant disciples.

The group exchanged names, discussing their respective Martial Arts expertise, preparing for their entry into the Underground Abyss.

Unknowingly, the group was nearly full.

However, just at that moment, a very familiar figure passed through the crowd, walked straight up to an Outer Disciple, and said, "Brother Yuan, I’m late."

"Hmm, I just finished gathering my team. Brother Ye, you’ve arrived just in time."

"I’ll take you to meet Senior Sister Lu first; we will enter the Underground Abyss with them this time."

While speaking, Yuan Xuan raised his hand and looked towards Lu Qingling.

Beside him, Ye Huang also followed his gaze and instantly saw, standing out like a crane amongst chickens in the group of female servant disciples... Jiang Shu!