Proving Immortality Starting with Hextech Runes

As Chen Xu approached, he felt several pairs of eyes converge on him.

Lin Miaoyin smiled gently at him and said politely, "Senior Brother Chen."

The cultivator surnamed Wu simply nodded silently, remaining as taciturn as ever.

At this moment, Wang Tiezhu pointed to a wooden plaque in the mission hall: "Junior Brother Chen, we've discussed it and decided to take on this mission to clear out the bandits on the outskirts of Nanjiang."

"The information given is that the bandit gang has three leaders, all of whom have the cultivation level of the seventh or eighth level of Qi Refining."

"The mission can accommodate up to five people, and the contribution points are quite generous. What do you think, Junior Brother Chen?"

"If the four of us go together, plus you, we'll have a better chance of success."

Lin Miaoyin chimed in, "Yes, Senior Brother Chen."

"This trip is overseen by Senior Brother Wang and Senior Sister Han, both experts at the eighth and ninth levels of Qi Refining."

"If we can get help from Senior Brother Chen, we will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort, and it will also be much safer."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu looked at Han Xiaomei with some surprise, only to discover that she actually had the cultivation level of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

However, its aura was faint, suggesting that it had cultivated some techniques to conceal its presence.

Then Chen Xu's gaze fell on the wooden plaque, which clearly recorded the mission details:

[Bandit Suppression]: Eliminate the Wild Dog Gang, which is entrenched on the outskirts of Nanjiang and at the foot of Qishan Mountain.

The three gang leaders were at the seventh or eighth level of Qi Refining, and their bandits numbered over a hundred, wreaking havoc in the area.

Mission objective: Retrieve the heads of the three leaders of the Wild Dog Gang. Contribution points: 1000.

Chen Xu's mind raced:

With three members at the seventh or eighth level of Qi Refining, this Wild Dog Gang is indeed troublesome...

Which of these ruthless bandits, who has lived a life of constant danger, wasn't forged in the crucible of life-or-death battles?

Their combat skills are far superior to those of ordinary cultivators of the same level, and their combat strength should not be underestimated.

Not to mention that the information about this sect may not be accurate, if the other side has a sixth brother who is hiding his strength, then we'll be in trouble.

At this point, Chen Xu had already decided to decline Wang Tiezhu's invitation.

No matter how generous the contribution points for this task are, you still need to be alive to enjoy them.

"What's more..." Chen Xu subconsciously touched the Five Thunder Talisman hidden in his sleeve.

I do have some trump cards, but those are for turning the tide in desperate situations; they are a lifeline.

I won't use it unless absolutely necessary.

Thinking of this, Chen Xu raised his head, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Wang Tiezhu and the others, and said in a deep voice:

"I apologize. I am not skilled in warfare and fear I might implicate you all, so I will not participate."

"I wish you all a safe and successful trip."

Upon hearing this, Wang Tiezhu looked somewhat disappointed.

He moved his lips, as if he wanted to say something, but finally said helplessly, "Since Junior Brother Chen is unwilling to go, then let's forget about it."

There was also a hint of regret in Lin Miaoyin's eyes.

After all, apart from Han Xiaomei, all of them had personally witnessed Chen Xu's ability to instantly kill people.

These words about not being good at killing are just an excuse.

Lin Miaoyin then smoothed things over, preventing the atmosphere from becoming awkward:

"Brother Chen is a man of profound wisdom, and Miaoyin understands. This journey is perilous, so caution is only right. We will certainly proceed with care."

The cultivator surnamed Wu remained silent, only glancing at Lin Miaoyin from time to time.

Han Xiaomei merely glanced at Chen Xu sideways before her gaze returned to Wang Tiezhu.

After declining Wang Tiezhu's invitation, Chen Xu walked into the mission hall alone, his eyes quickly scanning the densely packed mission plaques.

Escorting caravans, gathering rare herbs, exploring unknown caves...

These tasks were either time-consuming and labor-intensive, or they also contained hidden risks, so Chen Xu rejected them one by one.

Soon, his gaze settled on an inconspicuous wooden sign in the corner:

[Clean up the rat infestation]: Six hundred miles southwest of Hansong Gate, deep in Black Stone Valley, a large number of Crimson Blood Rats that gnaw on spiritual plants have emerged, posing a threat to the nearby medicinal garden.

The Rat King is suspected to be at the third level of Qi Refining. The swarm of rats is huge, estimated to number in the hundreds, but the individual rats are weak.

Task Requirements: Clear out the rat swarm and retrieve the rat king's teeth. Contribution Points: 10 points.

After reading the task requirements, Chen Xu's eyes lit up.

"This is it." He had already made up his mind.

Although the task of clearing the rat infestation contributes few points, it is safe.

Even if there were more of them, with Chen Xu's cultivation at the seventh level of Qi Refining, combined with talismans, he could easily sweep them away.

This perfectly aligns with his principle of only seeking to pass the test, not to achieve anything.

Moreover, the large number of these Crimson Blood Rats makes it easier to trigger the [Pirate Style] effect.

Chen Xu then took down the wooden sign that read "Clean up the rat infestation" and turned to walk towards the mission registration desk.

Wang Tiezhu, Han Xiaomei, Lin Miaoyin, and the Wu-surnamed cultivator were already waiting.

"Junior Brother Chen, have you made your choice?" Wang Tiezhu asked, his tone still somewhat regretful as he saw Chen Xu approaching with the mission token, clearly still hoping that Chen Xu would join him in suppressing the bandits.

The bandit suppression mission offers abundant contribution points, and having more people naturally makes it safer.

"Yes, I've accepted the task of clearing the rat infestation." Chen Xu nodded and handed the wooden plaque to the registering disciple.

"Clean up the rat infestation?" Lin Miaoyin glanced at Chen Xu, her tone somewhat surprised.

"Senior Brother Chen's choice to play it safe is indeed a wise move."

Han Xiaomei merely glanced at the task card in Chen Xu's hand without saying a word.

To her, a cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Refining who chooses such a low-risk mission is nothing but a coward, not worth commenting on.

The disciple in charge quickly registered the information of the five people and said:

"The application for travel has been approved. According to the sect rules, no disciple may travel for more than two years."

"When the two-year period is up, no matter where you are or whether you have completed the mission, you must return to the sect to report back."

"Anyone who fails to return by the deadline will be considered a traitor and will be severely punished!"

"We understand," the five replied in unison.

……

After leaving Hansong Gate, Wang Tiezhu patted Chen Xu on the shoulder and said:

"Junior Brother Chen, are you really not coming with us?"

"There's still more than a month until the wedding, so we plan to visit a few nearby markets and see if we can find anything suitable."

"No, Senior Brother Wang."

Chen Xu politely declined, saying, "I plan to go to Black Stone Valley first and finish this rat-clearing task as soon as possible so I can have peace of mind."

"Fine!" Seeing that Chen Xu had made up his mind, Wang Tiezhu did not press the matter further.

"Then we'll take our leave. Blackstone Valley isn't far, junior brother, please be careful. We'll be waiting for you at the Han family's residence!"

"Take care, Senior Brother Chen." Lin Miaoyin bowed with a gentle smile.

The cultivator surnamed Wu standing to the side also clasped his hands in a fist salute.

Chen Xu then left without lingering and headed southwest alone.

Outside the gate of Hansongmen Mountain is a bustling square, surrounded by shops and restaurants, and filled with lively chatter.

In the sky, various colored lights appeared and disappeared, mostly magical artifacts or spirit beasts ridden by inner disciples.

Looking at the scene before him, Chen Xu couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

This is the first time I've left the Cold Pine Sect after being a member for so many years.

Looking back, the gate of Hansong Sect was far less impressive than it is today.

After calming his mind, Chen Xu quickened his pace and headed southwest towards Black Stone Valley.

His goal was clear: to act quickly and decisively, and to eliminate the rat infestation after completing the task.

Then go to the surrounding markets to inquire about earth-attribute spiritual objects, so that you can prepare some gifts to give to Wang Tiezhu.

After all, it's my friend's wedding after so many years in the industry, I can't just go empty-handed...