Confused, Fu Xuan asked, "What's with that expression? Why do you look so disgusted?"
Pei Guang coughed, trying to compose himself. "Don't worry, it's not because your drops are trash. Ahem! Anyway, didn't you say you had a mission for us? Just give it to us already so we can get to clearing out enemies."
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Trash? ? I'm the Master adiviner of the Divination Commission, one of the Six Charioteers, and a future general of the Xianzhou. How could I drop trash?"
March 7th, ever the sharpshooter with her words, delivered the final blow. "Uh… Master Diviner, don't get mad, but the stuff you drop is about the sa quality as what we get from Cloud Knights or mara-struck soldiers. To Ah Guang, you're just at maximum a mini-boss."
That one line sent Fu Xuan spiraling into mories of her capture at the hands of Pei Guang back at the Exalting Sanctum. Waking up in a "common enemy" labeled trash can was a mory she had brushed aside until now. But hearing March 7th's words brought it all flooding back.
Thanks to March 7th's reminder, Fu Xuan's mories ca flooding back. Her expression froze, shifting quickly from confusion to indignation, and finally to a hint of anger.
"I'm a common enemy? Just a common enemy?!"
Pei Guang quickly placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Ahem! Whether you're a common enemy or not isn't important. We weren't expecting loot from you anyway. Let's focus on the mission! The mission, Fu Xuan—don't dwell on the common enemy thing."
Fu Xuan took a deep breath to compose herself, though frustration lingered. Since eting Pei Guang and his companions, she'd found herself losing her temper far more often. With so effort, she finally cald down.
"The situation is this," Fu Xuan began, gesturing toward the massive alchemy furnace visible in the distance. Surrounding it was a thick, noxious fog that blanketed the area.
She explained that this was the final stronghold of the Alchemy Commission's traitorous mbers—Disciples of Sanctus dicus. Their leader was entrenched in the fog-covered zone, and the furnace emitted a dangerous miasma capable of corrupting Xianzhou natives into mara-struck soldiers. Even the Vidyadhara and the Foxian weren't entirely immune.
Because of this, Fu Xuan needed Pei Guang and his team—short-lived species not as susceptible to the miasma—to infiltrate and shut down the furnace. Once that was done, she could lead the Cloud Knights into the area for a full assault.
She detailed the problem: while the Disciples of Sanctus dicus weren't individually strong, their miasma gave them a huge advantage, rendering even the battle-hardened Cloud Knights powerless against it.
The Cloud Knights' advanced armor, though equipped with oxygen filtration systems, couldn't provide full-body coverage, leaving them vulnerable to the miasma's effects.
The miasma didn't just attack externally—it seeped into the body through the slightest exposure. While the knights could hold their breath temporarily, prolonged exposure or even a single lapse could turn them into mara-struck soldiers.
Fu Xuan had explored other options but found them ineffective. The miasma couldn't be blown away with wind or neutralized with existing technology. The only way forward was for Pei Guang's group to take the lead.
Having finished her explanation, she looked at Pei Guang with uncharacteristic humility. "I hope you can help us, Pei Guang. Of course, if this seems too dangerous, feel free to decline. Your circumstances are unique, and I can't be certain how the miasma might affect you."
Pei Guang waved her off with a grin. "The mont you assigned this task, I knew the miasma wouldn't affect . If it did, the mission system would've prompted to gather counterasures like consumables or equipnt to deal with it. So don't worry—I'll take the job."
Fu Xuan exhaled in relief. "Thank you!"
March 7th chid in, "Wow, Master Diviner! No need to be so formal. Honestly, just letting us loot freely has earned you our full support. Even if you can't drop loot, we can feel the sincerity."
Stelle nodded. "Exactly! Sure, Fu Xuan might just be a common enemy who doesn't drop great items, but it's the thought that counts. As Ah Guang says, as players, we can't ignore treasure chests, rewards and trust. Let's unlock the final seal and take down the elite enemies!"
Pei Guang's party couldn't deny Fu Xuan's earnestness. Her willingness to let the "players" loot freely had earned their respect and made them eager to tackle her mission.
Pei Guang, ever the strategist, began outlining his plan. "Since everyone here is tied to the Abundance, let's blend in by becoming Abomination of Abundance ourselves!"
With that, Pei Guang donned his Abundant Ebon Deer set, transforming into a convincing imitation of an abomination.
Watching his transformation, Fu Xuan couldn't help but comnt, "Honestly, if you appeared on a battlefield like this, everyone would definitely think you were an Abomination of Abundance. That said, your equipnt is fascinating. You look fully armored, but you can move as if you're wearing normal clothes. I really don't understand how you managed that."
Pei Guang grinned, clearly proud of his unique "gear."
"It's the player's way. Don't worry, if you ever need to fight more Abominations of Abundance, just call . I'll turn them into gear, and we'll use that gear to farm even more abominations. Everyone, suit up! Let's hunt those lost in darkness within the miasma."
Stelle, now fully geared, raised a valid question. "Ah Guang, isn't the mission just to shut down the furnace? Can't we just, you know, turn it off and be done?"
Pei Guang shook his head. "No, no, no. You don't understand how these missions work. Turning off the furnace is guaranteed to trigger wave after wave of enemies. And then—surprise! A furnace defense battle. It's such a pain. But this world gives us freedom, so we're not bound by the chanics. Let's clear the field first, wipe out everyone, then shut off the furnace. No defense phase needed."
Stelle clapped, genuinely impressed. "No wonder you're Ah Guang. Always thinking ahead. Let's go!"
"Exactly," Pei Guang said, leading the charge. "Let's hunt so Abominations of Abundance and make a sacrifice. If I recall correctly, Xianzhou reveres the Aeon of Hunt. Let's follow their traditions: a couple of abominations heads for the Hunt's blessing. Maybe we'll get so good drops."
March 7th chid in, "What are we sacrificing exactly?"
Pei Guang thought for a mont. "Abominations heads should do. Based on my experience, gods love heads—bull heads, goat heads, fish heads—you na it. Since the Aeon of Hunt despises abominations, offering a few of their heads might improve our luck."
"And if we don't get any drops?" Stelle teased.
"Then we switch faiths," Pei Guang deadpanned. "With so many Aeons, at least one should grant us good drops. Worst case, we try Nanook. Back in Belobog, you prayed to Nanook, and we got so decent loot. Even if he's the final boss, I don't mind temporarily swearing allegiance if it ans good gear."
Stelle's eyes lit up. "You know, you're making sense. Speaking of loot, check out my gear! Legendary light cone, golden tier. And this War-flaming lance? Pure orange-grade. What about you, Ah Guang? How many legendaries do you have? Oh no, don't tell you've only got one?"
Pei Guang stopped in his tracks, glaring at Stelle as an almost tangible wave of murderous intent filled the air.
"I've decided," Pei Guang said coldly. "Forget the Disciples of Sanctus dicus. I'll start by sacrificing this lucky loot goblin."
He grabbed Stelle by the shoulders and began shaking her. Stelle, despite being shaken like a maraca, only laughed harder. The rest of the group looked on, sharing knowing smiles.
Except for Tingyun, who was watching with an expression caught between exasperation and deep thought. "If Pei Guang keeps ssing around like this," she mused, "he might actually attract the Hunt's attention. And if that happens, how am I supposed to execute my plan?"
She ntally adjusted her strategy. First, observe Pei Guang's antics and confirm if the Hunt truly takes notice. If "he" doesn't, she'd play along for now, biding her ti to deal with these dangerous "players."
As she considered her options, her gaze lingered on Dan Heng. If anyone posed a threat, it was him.
"I'll take Pei Guang out first," Tingyun thought, her expression hardening. "Then Dan Heng. The others can wait."
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