Volume One, Chapter 14: Yao Zhi Earns Trust and Is Entrusted with a Perilous Mission

From the shadowed corner, a small, timid trainee nervously stepped forward, his eyes flickering with hesitation, unable to meet Lin Fan’s gaze.

He was one of the originators of the rumors.

Lin Fan did not reprimand him but calmly asked, “Why did you spread those rumors?” The slight trainee stammered, unwilling to reveal the truth.

Lin Fan did not press him but waited silently.

Finally, under everyone’s watchful eyes, the trainee confessed. It turned out he was jealous of Lin Fan’s talent and feared that after obtaining the artifact, Lin Fan’s strength would grow immensely, threatening his own status. So, he spread rumors to tarnish Lin Fan’s reputation.

Lin Fan did not expose him immediately but began gathering evidence discreetly.

He found several trainees who had been present at the time; they all confirmed Lin Fan’s innocence and pointed out the lies told by the small trainee and his accomplices.

Lin Fan organized the evidence and handed it over to the elders of the academy.

After investigation, the elders confirmed Lin Fan’s innocence and severely punished those who spread the rumors.

With the truth revealed, those who had once doubted Lin Fan came forward to apologize.

Lin Fan graciously accepted their apologies, stating he held no grudge.

His magnanimity and openness earned him even greater respect and admiration among the trainees.

Just then, the academy director and Elder Qingfeng approached.

The director patted Lin Fan’s shoulder appreciatively. “Lin Fan, you have done very well. You have not only proven your innocence but also upheld the academy’s honor.” Elder Qingfeng nodded in agreement. “Your courage and wisdom are admirable.”

Then the director announced a new mission: to venture deep into the Misty Forest to gather a rare medicinal herb.

This task was extremely dangerous, but Lin Fan accepted without hesitation.

He knew this was the director’s test and his chance to prove himself.

“Lin Fan,” the director said solemnly, “this mission is no small matter. You must be cautious.”

“Rest assured, Director. I will complete the mission!” Lin Fan answered firmly.

He turned to Xuanyuan Hong and the other trainees accompanying him, his gaze resolute: “Let’s depart!”

Lin Wan’er watched Lin Fan’s retreating figure, her heart filled with worry... and a faint, inexplicable hope.

She bit her lip gently and murmured, “Please come back safely…”

Lin Fan’s openness and composure not only cleared his own name but also won the admiration of all.

Witnessing this, Lin Wan’er’s heavy heart finally eased, replaced by joy and pride.

In her eyes, Lin Fan seemed to be surrounded by a subtle glow, shining ever more brilliantly.

Back in her quarters, Lin Wan’er tied on her apron and busied herself.

She carefully selected fresh ingredients, humming a cheerful tune, preparing a sumptuous dinner for Lin Fan.

The aroma gradually spread, drawing curious glances from nearby trainees.

Lin Wan’er packed the meal into a lunchbox and headed straight for Lin Fan’s quarters.

“Lin Fan, I made some dishes you like. Let’s eat together,” she said softly, a hint of shyness in her voice.

Lin Fan gladly accepted.

Together, they went to a quiet pavilion behind the academy. Moonlight poured down like water, bathing them in a warm, intimate glow.

Lin Wan’er arranged the food while Lin Fan carefully poured tea for her.

“Wan’er, thank you,” Lin Fan said, gazing at her with gratitude and tenderness.

Lin Wan’er blushed slightly, lowering her head to whisper, “I’m just glad you’re safe.”

They quietly enjoyed the meal, the moonlight making the moment especially romantic.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of blossoms, and insects chirped softly in the grass—a tranquil and beautiful scene.

Lin Fan looked at the woman before him, a ripple of emotion stirring within his heart.

But this peaceful moment was soon shattered.

A figure appeared outside the pavilion, breaking the warm atmosphere.

It was the academy director.

“Lin Fan, I have urgent matters to discuss with you,” the director’s voice was grave and serious.

Lin Fan’s heart tightened, sensing something important was about to unfold.

He rose to salute the director, and Lin Wan’er stood as well.

The director led Lin Fan aside and spoke softly, “I need you to venture deep into the Misty Forest to find a spiritual herb called ‘Star Soul Grass.’”

“Star Soul Grass?” Lin Fan’s heart jolted. He knew this herb was exceedingly rare and grew only in the most perilous regions of the Misty Forest.

The director nodded solemnly. “Yes. This mission is extremely dangerous. Are you willing to undertake it?”

Lin Fan met the director’s profound gaze, his mind racing.

He glanced at Lin Wan’er nearby, her worried eyes fixed on him, then back at the director’s serious expression, momentarily unsure.

“I…”

Lin Fan showed no hesitation. With a gaze as firm as rock, he declared resolutely, “Director, I am willing to go!”

His voice rang clear in the moonlight, carrying an undeniable strength.

The director had expected Lin Fan to hesitate, given the known dangers of the Misty Forest’s depths, but he was pleasantly surprised by Lin Fan’s decisiveness.

A faint smile touched the director’s lips. “Good! You are truly the pride of our Divine Martial Academy! I believe you will accomplish this task.”

Lin Fan then began preparing for the journey.

He packed his gear carefully, checking all the essential pills and weapons.

He went to the training ground and practiced his techniques repeatedly, ensuring he could unleash his full strength in battle.

His figure was as agile as a leopard, each sword strike slicing through the air as if tearing it apart.

The other trainees, inspired by Lin Fan’s determination, offered their support.

Some brought powerful talismans, others gifted him excellent equipment, and many quietly helped organize his belongings.

On the day of departure, the morning mist still clung to the air when Lin Wan’er arrived early outside Lin Fan’s quarters.

She wore a pale blue dress, elegant and refined, though her reddened eyes betrayed her deep reluctance and worry.

In her hand, she tightly held a delicate scented pouch embroidered with a small orchid—a creation of her own, filled with carefully chosen calming herbs.

“Lin Fan…” Her voice caught in her throat, tears shimmering in her eyes.

She handed him the pouch softly. “You must come back safely. I’ll be here waiting for you…”

Lin Fan took the pouch; its softness carried her unique warmth and fragrance.

He carefully placed it in his bosom and looked tenderly at the woman who cared so deeply for him.

Gently stroking Lin Wan’er’s hair, his voice low and resolute, he said, “Don’t worry, Wan’er. I will return safely. And I’ll come back to eat the meals you make.”

A heavy sadness hung between them, making the air feel thick.

Lin Fan took a deep breath, suppressing his reluctance.

“I’m leaving now.” With that, he turned toward the academy gate, not looking back.

He feared that if he did, he might never take another step forward.

Lin Wan’er watched his retreating figure until it faded into the distance, tears finally spilling over.

She raised her hand, trying to grasp something, but found there was nothing to hold onto.

She knew this parting might last indefinitely. All she could do was pray silently, praying for Lin Fan’s safe return.

Meanwhile, Lin Fan had already stepped beyond the academy gates, facing the endless Misty Forest ahead.

He glanced back toward the academy, a spark of determination flashing in his eyes.

He knew a perilous journey awaited him, but he would never back down.

A low, guttural beast’s howl echoed from deep within the forest, shattering the morning calm.

Lin Fan and his companions wound along the rugged mountain path, the dense canopy blotting out the sky, with only dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.

The air smelled of damp earth mixed with unfamiliar floral scents, refreshing and crisp.

“Howl—”

A thunderous beast’s roar tore through the forest’s silence, followed by a massive black bear bursting from the undergrowth. Its thick black fur gleamed with a metallic sheen, while its blood-red eyes fixed intently on Lin Fan’s group, growling lowly.

“It’s a Black Rock Bear! Everyone, be careful!” Xuanyuan Hong shouted, drawing his longsword and assuming a defensive stance.

The bear charged with astonishing speed, its massive paw swooshing toward Lin Fan’s head.

Lin Fan flashed aside, narrowly evading the strike. Star energy surged within him, activating his Wood Spirit Form, casting a shimmering emerald glow around his body.

“Wood Spirit Bind!” Lin Fan shouted.

The surrounding trees seemed to come alive as countless vines erupted from the ground, coiling around the Black Rock Bear like living snakes, binding it tightly.

The bear thrashed wildly, the thick vines creaking under its strain.

Seizing the moment, Lin Fan’s longsword transformed into a streak of cold light, plunging toward the bear’s throat.

“Roar!”

The bear bellowed in pain, blood spurting from its neck, staining the nearby leaves crimson.

Its massive body crashed to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

Lin Fan remained vigilant, sensing other beasts lurking nearby.

Sure enough, several smaller Black Rock Bears leapt from the thicket, attacking Lin Fan and the others.

An intense battle ensued.

Thanks to the Wood Spirit Form’s enhancement and his exquisite swordsmanship, Lin Fan maneuvered skillfully among the bears.

Xuanyuan Hong and the others fought bravely, unleashing a variety of techniques that gradually forced the bears into retreat.

The fight lasted long, leaving the surrounding woods ravaged and in disarray.

In the end, Lin Fan and his group successfully slew all the Black Rock Bears.

Lin Fan harvested precious materials from the bears’ carcasses, a satisfied smile crossing his face.

He knew these materials would greatly aid his cultivation moving forward.

“Seems this expedition into the Misty Forest has been quite fruitful,” Lin Fan thought, pressing onward deeper into the forest.

Suddenly, an unusual fragrance wafted ahead, stirring Lin Fan’s senses. Could it be...?

“Wait!” Lin Fan raised his hand to halt the group. “I think I smell the Star Soul Grass…”

He focused intently, tracing the scent’s direction.

“It’s just ahead!” Lin Fan said firmly, quickening his pace toward the source of the fragrance.

Before them, mist swirled, obscuring the view. Only a faint path wound forward, disappearing into the fog.

Lin Fan took a deep breath and stepped onto this unknown trail.