Chapter Sixteen: Exchanging for a Treasure

The next morning, Luo Tian rose early.

There was no doubt that the life of an outer disciple was far superior to that of a menial laborer. Just the tasks that could earn sect contribution points were diverse and abundant, not to mention the vast array of cultivation techniques and martial arts at their disposal. Moreover, Ziyang Mountain, where the outer disciples resided, was brimming with spiritual energy. Even if one simply stayed indoors to cultivate day after day, it would never be a waste of time. However, staying here still required contribution points, so every outer disciple had to set aside time to complete tasks.

Of course, stronger disciples could spend most of their contribution points to exchange for elixirs, treasure weapons, and other items to enhance their power. Weaker disciples, unable to take on the more dangerous tasks, spent most of their time on less risky but less rewarding duties. After paying the required contribution points for lodging, little remained.

Elixirs and treasure weapons!

All things are born to nourish humanity. This includes herbs imbued with energy; alchemists extract their essence through special means and refine them into elixirs. As for treasure weapons, they are crafted by weapon forgers using various materials, resulting in instruments that could be weapons, armor, or items with special functions. For example, the storage pouch each outer disciple received was the handiwork of a forger.

A cultivator’s strength depended not only on their level but also on such external aids, which could significantly boost combat ability. For instance, Shen Lingbo had taken a Strength-Enhancing Pill; had he not encountered Luo Tian, he could have easily overwhelmed any other menial laborer.

The Hall of Treasures and Elixirs!

Luo Tian looked at the building before him, nodded to himself, and entered without hesitation.

“A new outer disciple?”

The guardian of the Hall of Treasures and Elixirs was a burly middle-aged man. Upon seeing Luo Tian, he gave him a brief once-over and spoke in a disinterested tone, devoid of emotion.

“Greetings, Uncle Liu.”

Luo Tian noticed the nameplate in front of the man, which read “Inner Disciple Liu Quan.” He immediately bowed. “Outer disciple Luo Tian, here to exchange for a treasure weapon.”

“This sword is a low-grade treasure weapon. Two hundred contribution points. Hand over your identity badge!”

Liu Quan casually pulled a longsword from behind and slapped it onto the table. He then reached out, signaling Luo Tian to present his badge and pay the contribution points.

“Uncle Liu, I don’t want—”

Luo Tian found it a bit amusing and exasperating that Liu Quan had made the decision for him so directly.

“Enough talk! There aren’t many weapons you can get for two hundred contribution points. Other than swords and blades, it’s just spears and axes. For your build, a sword is suitable. I don’t have time to fetch you something else.”

Liu Quan frowned, clearly displeased with this troublesome outer disciple. You should take what you’re given. If you’re not from one of the Four Great Families, you’re just a lucky commoner who managed to enter the Divine Sun Sect. Where do you get so many opinions?

“Uncle Liu, I wish to exchange for a mid-grade treasure weapon.”

Luo Tian lowered his head slightly, his tone calm.

“A mid-grade treasure weapon?” Liu Quan narrowed his eyes, his voice suddenly cold and laced with disdain. “The cheapest mid-grade treasure weapon costs six hundred contribution points. How could a newly admitted outer disciple possibly afford that?”

Liu Quan, being a member of one of the Four Great Families, knew all about the outer disciple assessments. The families had ways of ensuring their juniors received several hundred extra contribution points, but those not of the Four Great Families could never amass so much. They were simply in a different league.

“Uncle Liu, I want to exchange for this Azureglow Longsword.”

Luo Tian casually flipped through the catalog before him, then handed over his identity badge. “Seven hundred fifty contribution points—enough for this mid-grade treasure weapon.”

Low-grade treasure weapons were merely durable, but mid-grade ones could be infused with spiritual energy, making their power incomparable. Since he had the means, Luo Tian would not settle for less. As for choosing a longsword, it was not only convenient for fighting beasts and cutting up corpses, but since Liu Quan had brought out a low-grade longsword, Luo Tian was determined to get a mid-grade one—simply out of obstinacy.

Sheer caprice!

A strange sense of satisfaction welled up in Luo Tian’s heart. Yet what struck him most was the peculiar prejudice all the inner disciples from the Four Great Families seemed to harbor against those from humble backgrounds. It wasn’t just a matter of birth—there had to be another reason.

By the time Luo Tian left the Hall of Treasures and Elixirs, his contribution points were completely spent. The original thousand points were now a longsword and several elixirs.

Next, it was time to head to the task hall!

Recalling the map’s directions, Luo Tian strolled forward, paying no mind to the strange glint that had flickered in Uncle Liu’s eyes.

“There’s a task to gather fifty Starpoint Grasses. Recruiting two teammates—must be at mid-stage Energy Condensation!”

“Hunt a hundred Giant-Tusk Boars and collect two hundred tusks. Anyone interested?”

Upon reaching the destination, Luo Tian weaved through the crowd inside the task hall, catching snippets like these. Most people were moving in small groups, and he realized that those recruiting temporary teammates were likely weaker disciples or those used to working alone.

Tasks generally fell into three categories, divided according to the strength of outer disciples. Some of the less dangerous or time-consuming tasks—like planting or tending spirit beasts—were considered one-star tasks, recommended for early-stage Energy Condensation cultivators (the first three cycles). The slightly riskier and more rewarding ones were aimed at mid-stage disciples. The rest were either highly dangerous or required leaving the Divine Sun Sect to venture into the wilds, which took considerable time but rewarded generously with contribution points and other bonuses.

Luo Tian ignored the tasks meant for mid- and late-stage disciples, carefully studying those for the early stage. Since this was his first mission, he deliberately chose ones with no time limit and rewards based on quantity. Tasks with quotas were exclusive; once taken, others couldn’t accept them, and failure resulted in deduction of contribution points.

“Huh? Senior Brother Luo?”

A young, innocent voice called out nearby, full of delight. “It really is you!”

Luo Tian turned in surprise. “Yang Qing, you’re here too?”

“Yes! Senior Brother Luo, you finally broke through! Our team just accepted a task, but one member fell ill. Would you like to fill in for this round? It’s a one-time collaboration, no strings attached.”

Yang Qing was a delicate-looking youth, his voice gentle, almost like a girl’s.

“What’s the task?”

Luo Tian decided to inquire first. After all, tagging along with someone familiar with the process would do him no harm.