As dawn tinted the sky, Bamboo Cloud Town stirred awake from its overnight slumber. Thin mist curled amidst the grey tiles and white walls, like gossamer veils draped across winding stone-slabbed paths. Early spirit birds chirped merrily within the bamboo groves, filled with the faint, clean scent of bamboo leaves and the freshness of morning dew.

  Lin Rui pushed open his room door, inhaling deeply, and savored the crisp air unlike that of Los Angeles. He changed into a set of azure-blue close-fitting attire, cinching a belt embroidered with the Lin Family's azure serpent pattern around his waist. His short hair was neatly styled, his eyes bright, and his entire being radiated vitality, a world apart from the "resurrected" youth in the ancestral hall of yesterday.

  He walked along the bluestone slab path toward the heart of Bamboo Cloud Town. Along both sides of the street, shops were gradually opening for business, and steam billowed from breakfast stalls. The aromas of spirit rice cakes, spirit-infused buns, and Pure Heart Dew mingled in the air, a tantalizing fragrance.

  "Oh, isn't this Little Rui from the Lin Family? Up so early today?" A middle-aged woman selling breakfast called out warmly.

  Lin Rui smiled faintly in response. "Good morning, Aunt Wang. Heading to the Heavenly Law Division to handle some matters today."

  "Heavenly Law Division? Going to register as a cultivator, is it?" Aunt Wang's eyes brightened, her tone tinged with envy.

  "Mm-hmm." Lin Rui nodded, not elaborating further.

  "Good lad, you've got ambition!" Aunt Wang gave a thumbs-up. "Once you become an official cultivator, don't forget Aunt Wang's spirit-infused buns!"

  Lin Rui chuckled in agreement and continued onwards. He recalled that the original owner of his body had been frail as a child, often falling ill. Aunt Wang, kind-hearted as she was, would often gift him some of her homemade spirit rice cakes to nourish his health-a kindness he had always kept in mind.

  Along the way, many town residents recognized him, greeting him with curiosity and awe. After all, the tale of the "Ancestor Manifestation" had already spread throughout Bamboo Cloud Town. Lin Rui, the Lin Family scion who had "returned from the dead," was now a local celebrity.

  "Hey, look, Little Rui of the Lin Family is back!" A middle-aged woman with a medicine kit hanging from her waist stood by the roadside, watching Lin Rui pass by, and couldn't help but whisper to her neighbor beside her.

  "Aye, never thought that lad would come back to life," an elderly man beside her said, shaking his head, a trace of astonishment in his eyes. "To think, the Lin Family was already holding a memorial service for him that day in the ancestral hall. Who knew he'd suddenly revive? Truly, the Mandate of Heaven made manifest."

  "Heard it was the Ancestor manifesting, specifically bringing him back," the middle-aged woman said mysteriously. "My son was messing around near the ancestral hall when he overheard the Old Clan Head saying Lin Rui had been dead for seven days before reviving. Incredible!"

  "Ancestor manifestation? Sounds a bit far-fetched," the elderly man muttered. "I did hear, though, that the Lin Family recently had a mysterious talisman master return, specifically to treat Lin Rui. Even my fourth boy saw him."

  "Talisman master? Haven't heard about that," the middle-aged woman said, momentarily stunned, then whispered, "But say, Lin Rui being able to revive-does it mean he possesses even greater talent? Otherwise, how could he have such potent luck?"

  "Talent? Can't say about that," the old man demurred, shaking his head. "He's only eighteen, and no talent has been shown yet. But recently, the Lin Family's internal strife has flared up again. Not sure if it's because of Lin Rui's revival or if something new has shifted within the family since his sudden return."

  At this moment, another older woman approached from across the way. Hearing their conversation, she couldn't help but interject, "You're all not quite right. I heard that after Lin Rui revived, he first met with the Lin Family's Old Ancestor, then spoke at length with the Lin Clan Head directly." She smiled mysteriously. "My son works for the Lin Family. He says Lin Rui seems intent on changing the family's current state. That's a big deal!"

  "Change the current state? Look at that kid-they just came back to life. How could he have such ability?" the middle-aged woman retorted. "If he could change things, wouldn't that mean a major upheaval within the Lin Family? I'd rather see if he can get more support from the family. After all, he hasn't had any cultivation for so many years. How's he going to survive in the cultivation world?"

  "Cultivation is secondary," the elderly woman countered, shaking her head. "Didn't you hear that after Lin Rui revived, he received some precious cultivation resources? My daughter told me that the Lin Family gave him several excellent cultivation manuals and spirit pills. This revival of his-the Lin Family must have plans. They wouldn't give up on him easily."

  "Cultivation manuals and spirit pills?" The older man's eyes brightened. "In that case, this kid is indeed not simple. Who would've thought Lin Rui, back from the dead, would hold such secrets?"

  "Indeed," the middle-aged woman agreed, nodding. "But people ask if Lin Rui will take over the Lin Family's position. That's what everyone is most concerned about. After all, he's gotten more attention now than ever. The Lin Family elders probably wouldn't dare to underestimate him, would they?"

  "Take over the Lin Family's position?" The older woman scoffed. "You're joking. The next in line will definitely be Lin Tianhong. It's not Little Rui's turn."

  "Lin Tianhong?" The older man frowned slightly. "True enough. After all, he is the current Family Head's eldest son. It should be him."

  "Haha, well, let's just watch the show," the middle-aged woman chuckled. "But judging by appearances, Lin Rui's reputation is booming. I bet many families are keeping an eye on him. When that happens, the storm within the Lin Family won't be small."

  Lin Rui frowned slightly upon hearing this discussion. He didn't break his stride but quickened his pace slightly, his eyes reflecting a trace of contemplation. These discussions about his revival and the family, though gossip, served as a reminder. He was more than just the Lin Family's resurrected "miracle." Some were already beginning to spread the news to control public opinion in town. Things were starting to develop in an interesting direction.

  "If they knew that the Ancestor manifestation was all made up by me, that I'm a transmigrator, they'd probably be even more astonished," Lin Rui thought.

  On his way to the Heavenly Law Division, Lin Rui carefully observed his surroundings. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Bamboo Cloud Town was more like a tranquil ink-wash painting-ancient, serene, and full of life. Here, there were no towering steel and glass structures. The buildings lining the streets mostly retained their ancient styles-grey tile roofs and white walls, stone-carved window lattices, and low eaves, as if one could hear melodious zither music at any moment.

  The air was permeated with the faint, clean scent of bamboo leaves and the fragrance of soil, giving one peace and tranquility. Bamboo Cloud Town's streets were narrow and winding. Occasionally, slender bamboo stalks could be seen swaying in the breeze by the roadside, their verdant shadows dappling the stone-slabbed paths with spots of light. Morning sunlight filtered through the bamboo grove, scattering variegated patches of light, appearing exceptionally warm as if one had stepped into another world.

  Along both sides of the streets, besides a dazzling array of breakfast stalls, there were also many pharmacies, talisman shops, spirit material stores, and other cultivation-related shops. Several older men were discussing the recent prices of spirit herbs in hushed tones at the entrances of pharmacies. Inside the talisman shops, the scent of paper and ink permeated the air, and various talismans were displayed, some faintly luminescent, others seemingly concealing mystical energies. Outside the spirit material stores, a slender spirit wood staff hung suspended, covered in fully engraved runes, appearing mysterious and as if it could sense the undulations of the surrounding spiritual energy.

  In more prominent locations, several shops displayed all sorts of signboards above their doors-some inscribed with "Centuries-Old Shop," seemingly weathered by countless years; some painted with peculiar runes, the surrounding spiritual energy subtly stirring, as if in mystical covenant with this heaven and earth; others, more directly, hung massive demon beast heads, their ferocious fangs and eyes seemingly perpetually warning passersby that this was a shop of extraordinary power.

  Lin Rui couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "This is the cultivation world, then..." His gaze swept over the cultivators coming and going on the street, and a peculiar sense of excitement surged within him. Although he had inherited the original owner's memories, personally experiencing this world filled him with unparalleled novelty and excitement. Every detail and scene seemed to be unveiled to him the boundless charm of the cultivation world. Every blade of grass and tree, every person and object here, contained the aura of cultivation as if the world as a whole had spiritual energy.

  He caught sight of a middle-aged man in azure robes emerging from a spirit material store, a fine short sword hanging at his waist. Several sparkling and translucent spirit stones were embedded in the sword hilt, spiritual energy swirling around them as if mysterious power flowed within the blade. The man exuded a composed, collected air, each step drawing the attention of many passersby.

  "He should be a cultivator with cultivation," Lin Rui mused, a longing rising in his heart that he too could one day, with these resources and spiritual energy, embark on the path of cultivation and attain such power and authority.

  Unknowingly, Lin Rui arrived before the most prominent building in Bamboo Cloud Town. This edifice distinctly differed from the surrounding ancient residences, its exterior simple and stately yet exuding an undeniable grandeur. The outer walls were constructed of smooth, white stone, their surfaces engraved with intricate golden runes. The runes radiated a faint glow as if sensing the flow of spiritual energy in the vicinity. Wisps of pristine white mist gently swirled atop the building, adding a touch of celestial air. Yet, it didn't feel as distant and unattainable as legendary divine palaces but more approachable and natural.

  Tablet hung above the main entrance, the characters inscribed elegant and dignified, reading- "Heavenly Law Division · Bamboo Cloud Town Branch." The strokes of these characters were fluid, the brushwork steady and robust, bearing a restrained sense of strength, perfectly complementing the building's style. Below the tablet, four golden bronze pillars stood in neat rows, their surfaces carved with simple yet exquisite rune patterns, symbolizing the power and wisdom of cultivators. These runes were more than mere decoration; they were symbols of the Heavenly Law Division's dignity and authority.

  Two warm lanterns hung at the entrance of the Heavenly Law Division, emitting a soft golden light. The lamplight shimmered faintly in the mist, illuminating the stone-slabbed path ahead. The light would flicker slightly whenever someone passed by as if guiding cultivators towards new paths. Compared to the hustle and bustle of other shops, this building appeared more solemn and serene, as if safeguarding the order and laws of cultivation in Bamboo Cloud Town.

  "Heavenly Law Division..." Lin Rui paused in his steps. "Looks like this is the management institution for cultivators in the Azure Clouds World."

  The Heavenly Law Division was in charge of numerous affairs, such as cultivator registration, assessments, and issuing some official missions. It was closely related to the growth and cultivation of nearly every cultivator. Here, one could see figures of cultivators seeking knowledge and taking examinations, as well as representatives of families or sects handling affairs, and even some who came to fight and settle grievances. It was more than just an ordinary building. It symbolized the order and authority of the cultivation world, the "entry ticket" coveted by countless cultivators.

  Lin Rui took a deep breath and strode towards the magnificent edifice, his heart brimming with anticipation-this step marked his actual starting point in the cultivation world.

  Inside the grand hall, people bustled about in a lively atmosphere. There were young individuals seeking to register as cultivators, cultivators arriving to accept missions, and representatives of cultivation families here to resolve disputes.

  Lin Rui approached a counter marked "New Cultivator Registration," taking his place at the back of the queue.

  The line moved forward steadily, and Lin Rui's gaze swept across the hall, taking in his surroundings. He noticed numerous mission scrolls hanging on the walls, detailing mission content, difficulty, rewards, and other information.

  "Escort caravan to Azure City, reward: ten spirit stones."

  "Collect ten Purple Cloud Herbs, and reward: one Qi Nourishing Pill."

  "Assist in investigating demon beast attack incident; reward: dependent on circumstances."

  ...

  A dazzling array of missions overwhelmed Lin Rui. He pondered, contemplating which mission he should choose as his "first step in cultivation."

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  "Next!" A middle-aged man behind the counter called out impatiently.

  Lin Rui snapped back to attention and stepped forward.

  "Name, age, origin, cultivation level," the middle-aged man asked without looking up, his tone curt.

  "Lin Rui, eighteen years old, Lin Family of Bamboo Cloud Town, Azure Mist Province, currently... not yet formally cultivated," Lin Rui answered truthfully.

  The middle-aged man frowned slightly, looking up at him. "Not yet cultivated? Are you daring to register as a cultivator without cultivation? Do you know the rules?"

  Lin Rui's mind raced, keenly aware that the Heavenly Law Division would be particularly demanding towards cultivators without cultivation. He replied steadily, "I am aware, but I have obtained temporary authorization from the Lin Family elders, permitting me to register as a cultivator. Although I lack cultivation, the family elders believe I have potential and thus secured this opportunity."

  "Authorization from family elders?" The middle-aged man's expression faltered, his eyebrows slightly raised. "You mean... a specially approved youth from the Lin Family?"

  Lin Rui nodded, retrieving the jade token Lin Tiancheng had given him earlier from his bosom, and handed it over.

  The middle-aged man took the jade token and glanced over it. The token did not display Lin Rui's cultivation level but instead clearly showed a special seal of the Lin Family elders. Only elders within the family were qualified to bestow such a seal upon their descendants. The middle-aged man frowned, muttering, "So, a specially authorized identity from the Lin Family. Indeed, it is different."

  After carefully examining the jade token, his expression gradually softened, and he set aside his prejudice against Lin Rui, finally speaking, "Since that's the case, we'll make an exception and register you." He took out a blank jade slip, placed it on the desk, and lightly tapped the rune array below it with his finger. Instantly, the jade slip on the desk glowed faintly, flashing azure light. Flowing characters and patterns can be seen through the light, which initiates the registration process.

  "However, I must remind you that this special status is limited to registration. The path of cultivation ultimately still depends on your efforts," the middle-aged man said in a flat tone, continuing his operations, seemingly indifferent to Lin Rui's circumstances.

  "I understand," Lin Rui nodded in response, his mind already contemplating how to go further on the path of cultivation.

  "Alright, since the family has already made arrangements, I will register you." The middle-aged man lightly waved his hand, and the jade slip on the desk vibrated subtly, then a line of light emerged:

  "Cultivator Registration Record

  Name: Lin Rui

  Date of Birth: Green Jade Moon, Osmanthus Day, 2600th Year of the Present Epoch

  Origin: Bamboo Cloud Town, Azure Mist Province

  Family: Lin Family

  Family Authorization Seal: Personally Signed Seal of Lin Family Elder

  Cultivation Level: None

  Cultivation Aptitude: Pending (may be improved based on subsequent cultivation performance)

  Special Identity Remarks: Special status, personally granted by Lin Family Elder."

  This text rapidly materialized on the jade slip's surface and then was recorded. The middle-aged man sighed softly and continued to operate the device. "Your identity information has been entered into the Heavenly Law Division's cultivator archives. In the future, if mission requirements or cultivator verifications are needed, this jade token can be used for inspection." He lightly pressed his finger, and the surface of the jade slip gradually brightened with blue light, eventually solidifying into a jade token gleaming with golden texture.

  "This is your cultivator identity tablet." The middle-aged man handed the jade token to Lin Rui, his tone indifferent. "With this identity tablet, you can enter various mission platforms in the cultivation world to register or inquire about missions. However, as you know, the missions you can accept are quite limited without cultivation."

  Lin Rui received the jade token and felt its weight. Though it possessed no tangible power, it symbolized recognition of an identity, marking his official first step into the cultivation world.

  The middle-aged man continued, "You can start with low-level missions to accumulate experience and improve your cultivation. The mission hall will assign missions based on your cultivation level, and currently, the only missions you are eligible for are entry-level tasks."

  Lin Rui nodded, his heart filled with anticipation. Although he had not yet cultivated, with the unique family authorization, he had at least obtained the opportunity to embark on the path of cultivation.

  Next, the middle-aged man pressed several runes on the jade slip. A golden chip emerged from a formation slot and was embedded into the other end of the jade slip. This process appeared exceedingly formal as if it were activating Lin Rui's identity.

  "This jade tablet will record your mission history. Upon mission completion, it will automatically update your achievements and experience until you are qualified to accept mid-level missions," the middle-aged man explained tersely. "It is also a symbol of your cultivator identity. Heavenly Law Divisions in other locations can use this to verify your identity."

  Lin Rui carefully examined the jade tablet, noticing no apparent cultivation level marker. However, in the center, a faint golden light point had materialized. The middle-aged man explained, "This light point will change as your cultivation level improves. If there is no progress for an extended period, it will gradually dim, and eventually, you will be unable to accept any missions."

  Lin Rui understood that this was not only a symbol of identity but also a form of intangible encouragement, urging him to strive to improve his cultivation constantly.

  "Alright, you are now a registered cultivator of Bamboo Cloud Town," the middle-aged man finally added. "After this, you can begin selecting missions suitable for you. There are no shortcuts on the path of cultivation. The more challenging the mission, the more it will temper your abilities."

  Lin Rui accepted the jade tablet, nodded, and approached the mission area. He did not rush to examine the missions but paused, taking in his surroundings.

  At the center of the mission hall stood a massive spirit crystal screen, upon which various mission postings scrolled, attracting many cultivators to stop and watch. Several staff members in Heavenly Law Division uniforms were busily answering cultivators' questions and handling multiple affairs.

  Lin Rui's gaze swept across the hall, noting the diverse attire of the cultivators, each reflecting their distinct identities and cultivation backgrounds. Some wore simple cloth robes, with plain storage packets hanging at their waists, their expressions serene, seemingly detached from material concerns, focused solely on inner cultivation. Others were adorned in opulent brocade robes with exquisite patterns and embedded gemstones, precious jade pendants hanging from their waists, exuding an air of wealth and nobility with every gesture. Still, others were clad in tight-fitting, sturdy outfits, muscles bulging, eyes sharp, clearly combat-oriented cultivators, radiating a rugged and fierce aura. And then there were those, even more distinct, dressed in peculiar garments, feathered crest, crown atop their heads, draped in animal hides, bone staffs in hand, bodies painted with vibrant pigments, exotically styled.

  Their demeanors were equally varied. Some had furrowed brows, seemingly lost in thought over some perplexing problem; others wore smiles, evidently having just completed a mission; some looked hurried, rushing to some destination; others carried themselves with haughty airs, clearly dismissive of everything around them.

  Several cultivators conversed in hushed tones in a corner of the hall.

  "Did you hear? A Level 3 demon beast has recently appeared in the Azure Mist Mountains. Several cultivators have already died," said a young cultivator clad in a blue robe.

  "Level 3 demon beast? That's beyond what we can handle," another cultivator said, shaking his head. "Better to just stick to low-level missions."

  "You're behind on the news," a female cultivator in red, close-fitting attire interjected. "I heard the major sects have already formed teams and set out."

  "Which sects?" the blue-robed cultivator asked.

  "Heaven's weapon Sect, Azure Sky Sect, Violet Flame Valley," the red-clad woman replied, appearing smug. "These sects are decent mid-sized sects in Azure Mist Province. With them taking action, that demon beast won't last long."

  "Even for sects, they must be careful," an elderly man said in a deep voice. "Level 3 demon beasts are not so easy to deal with."

  At the same time, some cultivators were trading spirit herbs on the other side of the hall.

  "This Purple Spirit Fungus of yours isn't old enough. Eighty spirit stones at most," said a short, stout cultivator.

  "Eighty spirit stones? You're too greedy!" a tall, thin cultivator retorted. "I risked my life to gather this from Black Wind Valley. It's worth at least a hundred spirit stones."

  "Ninety spirit stones, no more," the stout cultivator insisted.

  "Ninety-five spirit stones, deal!" the tall, thin cultivator finally conceded.

  A shrewd glint flashed in the stout cultivator's eyes. He retrieved ninety-five spirit stones from his storage pouch and handed them over.

  Lin Rui observed all of this with keen interest. He realized that the cultivation world was not only a place of rigorous practice but also a complex world filled with intrigue and interest exchange. Here, there were reclusive cultivators detached from worldly desires and merchants pursuing wealth, partners collaborating in teams, and rivals acting independently.

  Taking a deep breath, Lin Rui withdrew his gaze and walked towards the mission scroll area.

  There, row upon row of ancient wooden racks, hung hundreds of scrolls varying in size and material, some radiating faint spiritual light, others appearing ancient and worn as if they had been stored for a long time. The air was permeated with a faint scent of ink and a unique aroma as if each scroll concealed an unknown tale of adventure. Lin Rui's heart stirred slightly, and scenes of various cultivators adventuring involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

  As he was about to examine the mission scrolls more closely, a middle-aged man in a grey-blue robe slowly approached. The man was not tall, but his eyes were piercingly bright, his temples slightly bulging, and a short beard adorned his chin, giving him a shrewd and capable air. A delicate golden sword pattern was embroidered on the cuffs of his robe, signifying that he was an executive of the Heavenly Law Division.

  "Young friend, are you here to accept a mission?" The middle-aged man approached Lin Rui and asked in a measured tone.

  Lin Rui nodded, handing over his identity jade token. "I am a newly registered cultivator and would like to see if any missions suit me."

  Executive Zhao received the jade token and examined it carefully. His eyes did not hold the same disdain as the registration clerk before but appeared somewhat cautious. He infused spiritual energy into the jade token, and Lin Rui's information immediately materialized. Executive Zhao cleared his throat lightly, his tone becoming warmer. "So, you are a young friend from the Lin Family. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner." He returned the jade token to Lin Rui, bowing slightly with cupped hands. "My surname is Zhao. I am the mission executive here. You may call me Executive Zhao."

  Lin Rui returned the bow with cupped hands. "Executive Zhao."

  Executive Zhao nodded, gesturing towards the surrounding mission scrolls. "These missions are categorized by difficulty level, from low to high, in the order of Yellow, Profound, Earth, and Heaven ranks. Each rank is further divided into upper, middle, and lower grades. Given your current situation, you can only accept Yellow-rank, lower-grade missions."

  Lin Rui nodded, indicating his understanding. Following standard procedure, he could indeed only accept Yellow-rank, lower-grade missions. However, he secretly pondered that missions of this level were likely too simple and might not satisfy his yearning for cultivation.

  "Executive Zhao, what missions are available for me to accept?" Lin Rui asked, his tone still measured, but inwardly, he was already searching for more challenging opportunities.

  Executive Zhao smiled faintly, his gaze discerning some of Lin Rui's thoughts. He pondered for a moment, then continued, "Young friend, no need to be impatient. Observing your jade token, I see that your cultivation level has yet to be revealed. By regulation, new cultivators accepting missions for the first time must undergo a spirit energy test to determine the scope of their eligible missions. However..." Executive Zhao's gaze swept over Lin Rui as if making some assessment, "However since you have the Lin Family Elder's guarantee, this test can be waived. It's just..." He paused, "Today's Yellow-rank, lower-grade missions have all been taken. Although Bamboo Cloud Town is small, there are many cultivators, and low-level missions are always in high demand. If you are not in a rush, you can return tomorrow. The Heavenly Law Division updates a batch of missions daily at 7-9 AM."

  Lin Rui's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment in his heart. He had originally thought he could accept a mission today and begin his cultivation path, but he hadn't expected to encounter this situation.

  He lowered his head slightly, concealing his inner disappointment, and asked, "Are there no other options?"

  Executive Zhao shook his head, indicating his helplessness. "Such are the regulations, and I can do nothing." Lin Rui's expression remained unchanged, so he seemed to think of something else and changed the subject slightly, "However, I do have a private commission here. Perhaps you could consider it."

  "A private commission?" Lin Rui asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

  Executive Zhao nodded. "These types of missions are not official missions issued by the Heavenly Law Division but commissions forwarded by cultivators or mortals. The mission content is usually more peculiar, and the difficulty and rewards are also not fixed." He paused, "If a young friend is interested, I can help you take a look."

  Lin Rui pondered briefly. Although he had some doubts in his mind, since it was an opportunity, he might as well give it a try. He nodded lightly. "Then I shall trouble Executive Zhao."

  Executive Zhao moved behind a nearby counter, rummaged momentarily, and retrieved a scroll, handing it to Lin Rui. "A pharmacy shopkeeper posts this mission. The task is to find a spirit herb called 'Pure Heart Grass.' The reward is a vial of 'Qi Condensing Pills' plus fifty spirit stones." He paused, his gaze slightly lowering. "However, this mission is somewhat unique, as 'Pure Heart Grass' only grows deep within the Azure Mist Mountains, a place frequented by demon beasts, making it quite dangerous."

  Lin Rui accepted the scroll and scrutinized it. He noticed the scroll did not indicate a mission rank, only a brief description: "Suitable for cultivators with some experience." He couldn't quite explain why, but this phrase stirred something within him. Although he lacked cultivation, he was keenly aware of his extraordinary observational and reasoning abilities. His past life experience led him to believe that even when facing demon beasts, he could rely on his wisdom and composure to find solutions.

  "Some experience..." Lin Rui mused inwardly. After a brief pause, he looked up at Executive Zhao. "What is so special about this 'Pure Heart Grass'? Why would the pharmacy shopkeeper personally issue a commission?"

  Executive Zhao said in a deep voice, "'Pure Heart Grass' is an exceedingly rare spirit herb that can clear the mind and focus the spirit, aiding in cultivation. It is vital for cultivators to enter the path of cultivation. The pharmacy shopkeeper intends to use it to refine 'Pure Heart Pills,' a pill that can help cultivators break through bottlenecks and advance their cultivation." As he spoke, a complex glint flashed in his eyes. "However, such spirit herbs only grow deep within the Azure Mist Mountains, which are perpetually infested with demon beasts, making the environment extremely dangerous."

  Lin Rui had already made his calculations. Although this mission carried considerable risk, the reward was generous. It would also provide an opportunity to learn about the Azure Mist Mountains, preparing him for his future cultivation.

  "I accept this mission," Lin Rui stated firmly, a determined glint in his eyes.

  A hint of appreciation flickered in Executive Zhao's eyes. He nodded. "Since you have decided, I will register you for it." He took the scroll from Lin Rui, stamped a seal on it, and retrieved a jade token, handing it to Lin Rui. "This is the mission jade token. Take it to 'Hundred Herbs Hall' to find Shopkeeper Wang. He will tell you the specific details of the mission."

  Lin Rui accepted the jade token, thanked him, and turned to leave the mission hall.

  Executive Zhao watched Lin Rui's departing figure, stroking his beard, and murmured to himself, "That Lin Family kid... he's got something about him. I hope he can complete the mission smoothly and not disappoint my expectations."

  Leaving the Heavenly Law Division, Lin Rui did not rush to "Hundred Herbs Hall." Instead, he strolled along the street, contemplating his heart. Bamboo Cloud Town was the capital of Azure Mist Province. Perfect. He could take this opportunity to familiarize himself with the surroundings, which might prove helpful for his cultivation path.

  "Looks like today will be reconnaissance then," Lin Rui mused inwardly. "Well, the mission's accepted anyway; no need to rush."