"In the Seventh Northern District, a serial-killing demon has appeared that has continuously been slaughtering border mountain villages. More than twenty of them!"
Inside the vice-director's office, Tong Chengtai frowned as he read through a dossier. Upon seeing the descriptions of the innocent names and their tragic deaths, he couldn't help but slam his hand on the table.
"These demonic fiends who use living people for cultivation!"
"Vice-director, this is the information relayed from our Northern Liaison Point of Tianwei Academy. According to the latest reports, that demon seems to have reached Beiliang County and, just three nights ago, committed another major atrocity, slaughtering over a hundred and sixty villagers in Caomiao Village."
A respectful nine-star mentor stood solemnly opposite of Tong Chengtai, speaking with a grave expression.
"Hmph, absolutely barbaric!"
Tong Chengtai gripped the dossier tightly, took a deep breath, and said slowly, "Very well. As a vice-director, I am already informed. I will convey this to the director and the other vice-directors. It seems Tianwei Academy needs to issue a demon slaying mission!"
It was well known that the primary task of the four major academies was to nurture elite talents for the empire. Whenever unusual disturbances occurred within the Empire, these academies would issue demon slaying missions to assist the Imperial forces in capturing these demonic entities.
Such missions typically carried significant risks, hence the rewards were usually high. Successfully completing these missions could even lead to commendations from the empire.
"With the intelligence network of the Four Major Academies, the other academies must have already received this information, so similar demon slaying missions will be issued soon."
"Very well then, I shall take my leave." The nine-star mentor bowed respectfully and promptly left the vice-director's office.
Tong Chengtai stared at the dossier, tapped the table thoughtfully, and muttered to himself, "This demon, daring to only attack small border villages without martial practitioners... his strength is probably not that formidable. Moreover, judging from his methods, he seems to be a novice in the ways of demons..."
After pondering for a moment, Tong Chengtai nodded slightly. "It seems appropriate to let Xian'er gain some experience by confronting demonic cultivators.
"Besides her, I'll allocate four more slots. Hmm, let that Ling Feng kid take one of them!"
With this in mind, Tong Chengtai began drafting a notice for the demon slaying mission. Once approved by the director, this mission would smoothly commence.
Everything unfolded as Tong Chengtai had anticipated. Soon, Director Mu Yunsang nodded in agreement and entrusted Tong Chengtai with full responsibility for issuing the demon slaying mission. He then stamped the scroll with his own director's seal.
Tong Chengtai took the demon slaying mission scroll and immediately sought out his treasured disciple, Lin Xian'er, handing her the scroll directly.
"A demon slaying mission?"
Seeing her teacher hand her a scroll, Lin Xian'er widened her beautiful eyes in surprise. "Teacher, a-are you joking? With my strength, I'm afraid I'm not capable enough to undertake a demon slaying mission."
As Tong Chengtai's student and assistant, Lin Xian'er naturally understood the significance of a demon slaying mission.
Despite the inherent dangers, it was undoubtedly an opportunity to make a name for oneself and gain recognition. The rewards for demon slaying missions were always substantial, often comparable to A-rank five-star missions or higher.
"If it were just you alone, it might indeed be challenging. However, there are four other spots available, and you can choose the team members."
Tong Chengtai stroked his beard while smiling. "Xian'er, I know you have a good relationship with that kid, Ling Feng. Let him take the second spot."
"Teacher!" Lin Xian'er blushed, glared at Tong Chengtai, and said shyly, "How could you say that!"
"Hahaha..." Tong Chengtai laughed heartily. "After living for so many years, do you think I can't see through you? If that isn’t the case, I won't let Ling Feng take on this task."
"No, no, Teacher, that's not what I meant." Lin Xian'er bit her lip, blinked, and said, "Then what about the remaining three spots?"
"Ling Feng has his comrades from the East Court's Sword Team. Just have Gu Tengfeng accompany him, and it should be relatively safe. As for the other two spots, you or Ling Feng can decide."
"Got it, got it." Lin Xian'er nodded quickly, her big bright eyes sparkling. "Can I invite Senior Sister Yuni to join us?"
Senior Sister Yun, mentioned by Lin Xian'er, was Yun Yiyi, the girl Ling Feng had encountered when he first ventured into the sky-tier student area to find the East Court's sword team who was hanging out with Lin Xian'er.
"Since I've left the decision to you, why ask me?" Tong Chengtai chuckled. "Alright, go recruit your teammates. Remember, once you undertake the mission, you carry the honor of Tianwei Academy. I believe the other academies have issued similar tasks. I hope our Tianwei Academy can complete this mission successfully and swiftly."
"I understand, Teacher." Lin Xian'er nodded again, bowed respectfully to Tong Chengtai, took the scroll and left the vice-director's office.
Lin Xian'er was somewhat excited as she found Yun Yiyi. After explaining the purpose of the mission, Yun Yiyi, though somewhat worried, quickly agreed.
"That's great, Senior Sister Yun! Let's go recruit the other team members together!" Lin Xian'er hugged Yun Yiyi's arm, smiling happily.
"Huh? Who are we looking for?" Yun Yiyi blinked. "Xian'er, are we going to the Mission Hall?"
"Forget about that. I've already figured out who our other teammates will be," Lin Xian'er said mysteriously.
"You've figured it out?" Yun Yiyi's eyes twinkled, then she smirked playfully. "Little Xian'er, is it that Ling Feng guy you talk about every day?"
"Pfft, I don't talk about him every day!" Lin Xian'er blushed and glared at Yun Yiyi.
"Haha, you little brat, you're blushing! But you're still denying it?" Yun Yiyi teased.
"Stupid Senior Sister, if you keep talking nonsense, I won't take you with me!" Lin Xian'er glared at Yun Yiyi, using her ultimate threat.
"Alright, alright, I won't say anything. Hehe..." Yun Yiyi chuckled softly.
"And, when we see Ling Feng later, you better not talk nonsense. If you do, I won't spare you when we get back!" Lin Xian'er warned Yun Yiyi, afraid she might say something inappropriate in front of Ling Feng.
Despite having feelings for Ling Feng, Lin Xian'er was sensitive about this matter and didn't want Yun Yiyi to ruin things.
"I got it!" Yun Yiyi pinched Lin Xian'er's cheek. "I don't know what's so good about that Ling Feng that has our Little Xian'er so infatuated. I heard he almost died in the Sword Tower of Wind and Thunder last time, and that brought out some tears..."
"Ahh! Senior Sister, I'm going to shut your mouth for good!"
Lin Xian'er suddenly went crazy, angrily chasing Yun Yiyi who fled in fear...