The next day.

Creek.

Ling Chen pushed the door open, and sunlight poured down from the sky, illuminating him warmly and comfortably. He squinted his eyes slightly before opening them, gazing at the surrounding rich Spiritual Qi shrouded in mist, his lips involuntarily curved into a smile.

What a nice place.

As a direct descendant, Ling Chen's dwelling was undoubtedly allocated according to the highest standards. And according to the Ling Family's rules, at this time every day, unless they are direct descendants, everyone else must gather at the Martial Arts Plaza for daily training assignments.

In three days' time, Ling Chen had almost completely assimilated what he gained from cultivating in the Sword Pool. Now his cultivation was nearing the Fifth Level of Sky Apex Realm, not far from breaking through to the next realm.

"Ling Yu."

While Ling Chen was enjoying this rare moment of tranquility, a familiar laughter suddenly came. He turned his head, only to see a beautiful silhouette appearing in the distance. In his sight, Ling Xue, wearing a snow-white dress, was standing not far away, a shallow smile hanging on her cold and beautiful face as she walked towards him with her two round, white jade legs.

"Sister Ling Xue."

Ling Chen smiled and then cupped his hands towards Ling Xue.

"Are you used to living here?"

Ling Xue's residence was not far from here. She came to Ling Chen and said with a smile.

"I'm quite used to it. The branch family doesn't have a place this good."

Ling Chen nodded, his expression then slightly tensed, "Sister Ling Xue, is there any news from the Family Head's side?"

"These days, the Family Head has been striving to get you an opportunity to cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil, but he seems to have encountered considerable resistance."

Ling Xue shook her head, seemingly quite helpless too, "Mainly, the Elder Branch insists that you go through normal procedures and contribute a corresponding amount of family contribution points before allowing you to cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil."

"How much family contribution is needed to cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil?"

Ling Chen frowned and couldn't help asking.

"One Hundred Thousand."

Ling Xue announced an extremely daunting number, "I currently only have over thirty thousand contribution points on me, one hundred thousand is quite substantial."

Contribution points are personal possessions and cannot be traded. Otherwise, Ling Chen would still be able to find a way to gather them.

"As a newcomer, just entering the Ling Family, trying to gain one hundred thousand family contribution points is simply impossible. They're deliberately making things difficult for you, just to prevent you from cultivating family absolute techniques."

"Then it seems I have to seek another way."

Ling Chen sighed. If there's truly no way, then the Gold Sword Pupil would have to be abandoned.

Swoosh!

At this moment, a piercing sound suddenly resounded in mid-air. Among the sight, a figure exuding powerful aura broke through the air and landed on the mountain they were on.

It was the Third Elder, Ling Lie.

"Elder Ling Lie, is there something you need from this young one?"

Ling Chen's eyes lit up, Ling Lie appeared at this time, surely he's not here just for a casual visit.

"Yes."

Ling Lie nodded slightly, "I have good news and bad news to tell you. Which one do you want to hear first?"

"Tell me the bad news first." Ling Chen said with a slightly tensed expression.

"The bad news is, due to interference from the Elder Branch, the Family Head couldn't secure you the opportunity to cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil."

A trace of regret appeared on Ling Lie's face.

Ling Chen felt somewhat disappointed, but he had already mentally prepared himself, and immediately asked, "Then what's the good news?"

"The good news is, the Family Head currently has a task for you. Once you complete it successfully, you can earn enough family contribution points." Ling Lie said.

"What task?"

Ling Chen lifted his eyelids, the good news sounded promising, at least there was a glimmer of hope.

Ling Lie didn't say much, then handed a scroll to Ling Chen, "The task details are all written there. Once achieved, it's a tremendous功劳, and one hundred thousand contribution points are readily obtainable."

Taking the scroll, Ling Chen carefully read the contents, gaining a general understanding of the task.

This task turned out to be an operation against the Witch Fiend Sect.

As early as half a month ago, the Saint families in Xuzhou had already allied to launch a war against the Witch Fiend Sect, but the battle didn't seem so smooth. Instead, the Saint Family's allied forces on the Ling Family's side faced more defeats than victories.

The reason naturally laid in the fact that within these allied forces, there were spies from the Witch Fiend Sect. This fact was already quite clear.

However, even though the Saint families knew spies were present, they couldn't root them out because the spies were hidden too deeply, and their strength was formidable, possibly being one of the prominent figures within the allied forces.

This task involves going to the frontlines of the fight against the Witch Fiend Sect to root out these spies and reversely turn the tide of the war.

The task is extremely difficult, and might take up to three months without completion.

After all, within the allied forces there are Saint experts standing guard, many Half-Saint powerhouses, even they are troubled by this issue, so why believe a young family member can manage it?

"Ling Yu, this task is very difficult. If you can't complete it, don't push yourself. The Family Head will send others to handle it, just consider it an opportunity to train and strengthen yourself on the battlefield."

Ling Lie seemed to empathize with Ling Chen's thoughts, and immediately spoke.

"I understand."

Ling Chen nodded, but he felt a bit indifferent inwardly. No matter how tough the task, he wanted to give his best shot. Without trying, how can you ascertain inability?

"Ling Xue, this time you will go with Ling Chen to hone yourself and assist Ling Yu."

Ling Lie turned to Ling Xue, instructing.

"Yes, Third Elder."

Ling Xue cupped her fists, with the Heavenly Sword Tournament approaching, going to the battlefield against the Witch Fiend Sect for training and enhancing strength was a good choice.

Spending too much time within the family without practical experience actually limits improvement.

"Ling Yu, when will you set off?"

Ling Lie asked.

"As soon as possible, tomorrow morning."

Ling Chen pondered briefly, then made his decision.

"Very well, tomorrow morning, I'll arrange the fastest flying puppet for you, take this Special Envoy Token with you." Ling Lie handed a black token to Ling Chen, "The family is sending you out as a Special Envoy to inspect the Saint Family's allied forces. This token allows you unimpeded access within the allied forces, and the strong ones among them to assist you in the investigation."

Receiving the token, Ling Chen's eyes flashed with light. He didn't believe that with just a token, he could control such a large allied force, but, at least, it could aid him with more convenient actions.

Nonetheless, this task, even he might not be able to complete it smoothly...