The manors steward was a friendly-looking elder. His back was somewhat stooped and he had a bit of mustache. However, his eyes flashed with cold light. It seemed that, given that hed become the steward of the city lords manor, he was no ordinary man.

So, you must be the elites Skyspan Academy sent to our aid. As soon as they stepped into the city lords manor, the steward stepped forth to greet them.

Were the team from Skyspan Academy. Your honorable city issued us a mission request, which is why were here, said Xue Mo resolutely.

Youre finally here. The steward sighed, then looked at the deathly-smog-filled sky. Im afraid our Barren Sands City has invited our doom.

Steward, why do you say that? asked Jiang Yong.

The mission request mentioned that everyone in ten of the surrounding villages perished. Well, let me tell you, over the past few days, the death rate has only increased. Furthermore, weve already sent out over a dozen groups to investigate, but theyve yet to come up with any results. More importantly. The steward paused, and his expression darkened. None of the teams we sent out to investigate ever returned!

Ye Zichen and the others froze. The city lords personal guards were all sky supremes, yet none of them had returned.

When we requested assistance from Skyspan Academy, we deemed this mission suitable for sky supremes. However, given the death rate over the past few days, Im afraid this is no longer a sky-supreme-level mission. Weve already sent a request for aid to the Sea of Innocence and the neighboring divine mountains. Children, were very grateful that you came all this way here to help us, but this is no longer something you can investigate. Please, return home!

The missions difficulty level had increased.

A solemn light flashed through the students eyes. Their gazes met, and they saw the same expressions in their companions eyes as well.

What should we do? asked the two flowers of the Appearance Association. Should we go back?

This was a group transmission message, so everyone from Skyspan Academy heard it. However, they fell silent. After a long while, Jiang Yong knit his brows and transmitted, If the steward says we cant complete this mission, theres more than an eighty percent chance hes right. Im sure the academy has heard this news too. Xue Mo, did you receive a message from the academy telling you to return?

I didnt, said Xue Mo. When the steward first told them the difficulty level had gone up, she immediately checked her transmission device but saw nothing from the academy.

So, are we leaving or not?

Xue Mo accepted this mission, and were only here because she invited us. Its up to her. If she says we leave, we leave. If she wants to keep going. We members of the Appearance Association will go with her, said Murong Xue, suddenly decisive.

Everyones gazes landed on Xue Mo. This whole time, shed gnawed her lower lip but said nothing. Finally, she glanced at Ye Zichen. Ye Zichen, what do you think?

The Appearance Association and Aspiration Society never would have guessed that in the end, this important decision would fall into the hands of the only one among them who wasnt a sky supreme.

Ye Zichen frowned as well. In truth, hed been considering this the whole time.

The steward wouldnt trick them. Skyspan Academy had definitely received news of the difficulty increase.

And yet, they didnt cancel the mission, nor did they request their group return to the academy. The academy wouldnt just let a group of top-notch talents theyd raised up throw themselves to their doom. Therefore, it seemed likely that the academy had reached the conclusion that they were qualified to handle this bounty mission.

After a moments hesitation, Ye Zichen explained his thoughts to the group.

Jiang Yong nodded in approval. Brother Ye, I think that makes sense. The academy wouldnt just let us rush to our graves. Given that they havent sent us a message, they must be certain we can handle this. Alternatively, they might have already sent someone to protect us in secret.

Please dont just repeat what Little Brother Ye said. Murong Xue rolled her eyes. This just proves you have no brain. That said, I agree with his analysis.

In that case, lets continue with the mission. Given that their companions had already expressed their approval, Xue Mo made her final call. Of course, if any of you want to quit, you can say so. None of us will think you cowardly. After all, no matter what else we say, this mission really isnt fit for sky supremes.

Well do what Big Sister says, said the two golden flowers of the appearance Association.

Pang Sheng said nothing, but the resolute look in his eyes already made his intentions clear.

This was our Anti-Upheavals mission to begin with. Our external support isnt backing down, so how can we? Li Hu greened. Besides, Luo Zi and I only just transferred over from the Grizzly Bears. Wed best put on a good show!

In the end, the only one who wanted to back out was Chen Guangfa. When he heard that the difficulty level had increased, his reaction was stronger than the others. However, when he heard that none of his companions were going to quit, he thought it over and said disconsolately, I wont back down either.

The team of ten was still complete. Xue Mo nodded firmly and gratefully at Jiang Yong and Murong Xue and the others. Next, she turned to the elderly steward and said, Mister Steward, wed still like to attempt this mission. Barren Sands City is connected to our Skyspan City. Furthermore, as students of Skyspan Academy, weve only reached our current mastery and obtained the opportunity to study in peace due to support from the countless cities of the Northern Divine Mountain. Now that youre in peril, wed like to end what little aid we can.

This The steward hesitated, but when he saw their resolute expressions, he couldnt help but nod. The path toward becoming strong is riddled with thorns. Your fearlessness reminds me of my youth. Protecting you too much will only restrict your future prospects. Fine. Then Ill take responsibility for granting you permission to carry on with your mission. If you succeed, were willing to offer three times the reward we promised earlier.

Thank you for your recognition. Xue Mo cupped her hands. However, we dont know where to start. Is there any chance you could point us in the right direction?

Not long ago, the city lord led his elite troops to a village in the northwest to investigate. You can head that way to meet up with him and hear his report, said the steward.

Little did they know, back at Skyspan Academy

Have you reached Xue Mo yet? The dean furrowed his brows at another middle-aged man, who held a transmission device. Hed already sent who-knows-how-many messages.

When he heard the deans question, he shook his head. Not yet.

The dean slammed his fist into the divine-wood desk, leaving behind a hand-shape input. This startled the other man, who immediately started trembling.

Go! Immediately send someone to Barren Sands City. If you see Xue Mo and the others, bring them back to the academy right now!