Chapter 78: The Inn

This reward was nothing short of generous. For a disciple of the inner sect, escorting a spiritual artifact and earning two thousand five hundred spirit stones was more than enough to make any ordinary disciple overjoyed. However, Bai Feiyu's expression remained unchanged upon hearing it.

Spirit stones, huh... What he lacked least now were these. After that expedition to the Toba Ruins, he had made quite a fortune—there had been rooms full of spirit stones there.

What Bai Feiyu cared about was the difficulty of this mission. After all, in his philosophy, nothing without challenge was worth striving for.

"Let's go. This time, I hope the four of us will have a pleasant collaboration," Qian Shuang said as she stepped up into the carriage ahead. The other three followed her.

Here, it wasn't necessary for someone to sit in every carriage, as the three were hitched together. As long as the front carriage was properly driven, the rest would follow.

After boarding, Shi Yuan volunteered to take the reins. "Senior Sister Qian Shuang, Senior Brother Yang Fan, and Junior Brother Bai Feiyu, it's truly an honor to be able to complete this mission with all of you," he said. "I've long heard of your reputations within the sect, but there was never a chance to work together—until now. At last, my wish has come true."

Shi Yuan was quite talkative, clearly excited to meet these three legendary figures. Bai Feiyu was the most famous among them, and Shi Yuan certainly didn't look down on him for having lower cultivation. After all, Bai Feiyu had defeated Li Zikun, who was at the ninth level of the Vast Qi Realm. More importantly, rumor had it that Bai Feiyu's combat strength was already far beyond that of an ordinary Lock Realm cultivator.

Thus, among them, Bai Feiyu was clearly the most renowned, followed by Qian Shuang—the sect leader's daughter and the goddess in countless hearts. Many prodigies had reportedly confessed their affections to her, only to be gently rejected as she cited cultivation as her priority. In comparison, Yang Fan's fame was a bit overshadowed, but as one of the sect's few Lock Realm disciples, he still had a name for himself.

Along the way, only Shi Yuan kept the conversation going; the others were mostly silent. Bai Feiyu responded to a few of Shi Yuan’s remarks—after all, someone had to break the silence from time to time. The journey, on the whole, was uneventful. Should any bandits appear, Bai Feiyu could simply set Yang Fan loose, and Yang Fan alone could handle everything.

The minor bandits they encountered were nothing but petty crooks, posing no real threat.

One noon, under the sweltering sun, Bai Feiyu and his companions drove their carriage to an inn. Out in these wilds, an inn was a rare sight, but most of those who dared open such establishments here were cultivators themselves. Most guests were members of various sects, passing through on official business and staying for a night.

However, the prices were steep—a single night cost one spirit stone. For perspective, an outer disciple only received five spirit stones a month, so a night here cost a fortune. Still, Bai Feiyu and the others paid without a second thought. Bai Feiyu was not lacking in funds, and as the sect leader’s daughter, Qian Shuang had even less reason to worry. Yang Fan, being a veteran powerhouse, had his own reserves, and as a Lock Realm disciple, his monthly stipend was far higher than an ordinary inner disciple's fifty spirit stones. As for Shi Yuan, Bai Feiyu kindly covered his expenses.

The four of them entered the inn and sat at a dining table. Bai Feiyu beckoned, and a waiter hurried over. "Honored guests, what would you like to order?"

Bai Feiyu glanced at the menu and, without hesitation, ordered seven or eight dishes and a fine pot of wine. "That will do," he said, handing over the menu with a flourish. He then turned to the others. "This time, we cannot afford any mistakes with the cargo. If anything goes wrong, we're all finished. I suggest we take turns standing watch at the carriages overnight, sleeping in shifts. As for the order—let's settle it with a game of rock-paper-scissors. Of course, even if I lose, my good brother Yang Fan will stand guard in my place."

At these words, Yang Fan slammed his palm on the table, his aura surging. But after a glance from Bai Feiyu, his momentum quickly faded.

Shi Yuan observed this exchange, perplexed as to why Senior Brother Yang Fan would so willingly play second to Bai Feiyu.

He had gone into seclusion to prepare for this mission, having signed up long ago, and left in such haste that he hadn't heard any of the latest news.

"Hey, have you heard? Recently, the big sects like the Void Return Sect and Golden Light Sect made a fortune in the Toba Ruins."

"Yeah, I heard there was no shortage of treasures in those ruins. But with the big sects guarding the place so tightly, no one else could get in."

"Those big sects are too overbearing, monopolizing the Toba Ruins like that."

At a distant table, several people were deep in discussion. Bai Feiyu and his group glanced over but paid them no mind. To be honest, in this world, might makes right. The big sects occupying the Toba Ruins was simply the way of things. If everyone were allowed in, the rewards inside would be greatly diminished. Furthermore, if just anyone could enter, the death toll in the ruins would soar—most would not have the strength to protect themselves.

"Hey, you brats, why are you eavesdropping on us?"

"You little punks, how dare you show your faces here at your age?"

At another table, some men noticed Bai Feiyu and the others and shouted at them.

Hearing these jeers, Bai Feiyu and his companions frowned. Bai Feiyu turned and replied, "You’re the ones talking—what has it to do with us? We're just passing through on an escort mission, staying the night. What does that have to do with you?"

Facing these burly men, Bai Feiyu felt no fear. Out here in the wilderness, he doubted any true powerhouse would suddenly appear.

His blunt retort darkened their faces, and the group immediately strode over in unison.

"The hell? You guys, escorting cargo? What sect are you from, sending a bunch of kids for a job like this?"

"Are you tired of living, calling us names?"

...