The following day, a group of disciples gathered outside the Dust Valley Sect, most of whom were inner sect disciples, along with five core disciples.
Deng Jie wore an expressionless face, but as he looked at the five core disciples, a flash of envy crossed his face before disappearing immediately.
Among the core disciples stood a girl who attracted everyone's attention—Zou Mei.
She had barely been in the sect for three years, yet she had already broken through to the Foundation Realm, becoming a core disciple.
Her talent was frightening, making everyone jealous.
With her Blue Peak High-Grade Talent, everyone knew it was only a matter of time before she became the strongest among the disciples.
Just then, Mo Jian appeared in the distance, followed by five servants. He was dressed in an expensive silk robe, and his hair was neatly arranged.
Looking at him, all the disciples were shocked and confused.
"Where is this trash going?"
Deng Jie wore a look of disdain and sneered. "Mo Jian, where do you think you're going? With your weak body, it's not safe outside the sect."
Mo Jian heard him but did not spare him a glance, standing proudly to the side.
Seeing this, all the inner disciples widened their eyes in disbelief. Deng Jie was no ordinary disciple—he was the inner court chief disciple.
However, compared to Mo Jian, the Sect Master's only son...
As for the core disciples, they glanced at Mo Jian for a moment before turning their attention back to the rising star—Zou Mei.
Zou Mei looked at Mo Jian with undisguised disgust.
Mo Jian felt her disdain but showed no change in his expression. What had happened three years ago was a stain on his reputation—one he had to gradually erase.
Besides, he didn't care.
The previous Mo Jian was not him. So, it didn't matter how anyone looked at him.
As he stood there, proud and handsome with five servants at his side, most of the disciples were filled with jealousy.
"How I wish I were the Sect Master's only son."
Ten minutes later, three elders arrived—a core elder and two inner elders.
The thin core elder scanned the group, his eyes landing on Mo Jian. A flicker of shock crossed his face.
"Mo Jian, what are you doing here?"
"Elder Kang, I'm going to the border," Mo Jian responded calmly.
Elder Kang opened his mouth to speak, but Mo Jian cut him off.
"I've already made up my mind. I'm going to the border."
"Fine." A deep sigh escaped Elder Kang's lips.
He knew how weak Mo Jian was, and the border was dangerous.
Thus, he decided to keep an eye on him at all times.
The disciples looked at Mo Jian with a mix of pity and disdain.
"Does he think the border is a playground?"
"Ah! I can't wait to see him wet his pants when he sees a Vengeful Wisp."
Mo Jian heard all their negative comments but remained indifferent.
Soon, the servants brought out the Cloud Chase Horses. These special-breed horses possessed extreme speed and high endurance.
For such a long journey, an ordinary horse would have been a hindrance.
While everyone was selecting a Cloud Chase Horse, a carriage arrived.
It was pulled by four sturdy Cloud Chase Horses, and its frame was crafted from expensive wood and rare materials.
At the sight of the luxurious carriage, both disciples and elders widened their eyes in disbelief.
Under their stunned gazes, Mo Jian stepped into the carriage with a calm expression, while his servants mounted their Cloud Chase Horses.
"Show off!" an inner disciple scoffed before climbing onto his horse.
The elders shook their heads, ignoring Mo Jian's blatant display of wealth.
Each Cloud Chase Horse cost 500 contribution points—a hefty sum that required numerous missions to earn.
Yet, Mo Jian acted as if they were nothing.
Deng Jie gritted his teeth, glaring at the carriage one last time before mounting his horse.
"At the border, let's see how your father's wealth will help you."
"Depart!" Elder Kang commanded.
As a Core Refining expert, he was much faster than the Cloud Chase Horses, but for the sake of the disciples' safety, he chose to ride one.
Slowly, the group departed from the sect.
Meanwhile, in the core region of the sect, Liu Zexian looked in the direction of the sect gate and asked, "Do you think he'll be safe?"
"He will," the Sect Master nodded confidently.
Recently, he had realized he could no longer read his son. It was as if he had become a completely different person.
"I hope so..." A hint of worry flickered through her eyes.
Ten hours later, the group arrived at the Western border and entered the Dust Valley Outpost.
Stepping out of the carriage, Mo Jian immediately felt the suffocating pressure in the air. He also noticed the strong yin energy permeating the atmosphere.
"Young Master," an old man called out, rushing toward him.
"Are you the caretaker?" Mo Jian asked.
"Yes, Young Master. Please, this way." The old man bowed respectfully.
Within the outpost, there were numerous small rooms and courtyards for disciples to use during their stay at the border.
And Mo Jian was led to one of the small courtyards. Though simple, it had everything one needed for survival.
Turning to the caretaker, he asked, "Have you done what I asked?"
"Yes..." The old man nodded and pulled a thin book from his sleeve.
"Good. You can leave."
After the caretaker departed, Mo Jian's servants prepared him a warm cup of tea while he flipped through the book.
Quickly scanning its contents, a deep frown appeared on his face.
"This isn't enough... But at least it gives me a direction to search for the Ember Flame."
His journey to the border had two purposes.
First, he needs to find the Ember Flame and determine what he can invent to counter the Vengeful Spirits.
Second, to discover ways to reclaim more than one kilometer of lost land.
Slowly, night fell, and the yin energy reached its peak. The strong wailing of the wind echoed through the air.
In the distance, eerie cries and the sounds of battle could be heard.
Under the cover of darkness, Mo Jian slipped out of the courtyard. Clad in a black robe, he jumped over the outpost fence and ventured deep into the Vengeful Spirit Zone.
AN: Can we get 100 Power Stones and 2 golden tickets before this week runs out?