Chapter 71: The wind is strong and we are heading to the border

While the Lingxiao Palace's inquiry temporarily quelled the direct conflict within the sect, Ye Li clearly sensed an invisible undercurrent surging within the Xuanyun Sect. The sinister look in Situ Kuang's eyes as he departed, along with the occasional, undisguised hostility from the Zhankuang Peak disciples, foreshadowed a relentless pursuit of revenge. Meanwhile, despite a firm rebuttal from the leader, the Chiyan Sect, with their vindictive nature, would not relent. Overt and covert tactics were likely to ensue soon.

The tree wishes for stillness, but the wind never ceases. Staying within the sect would put her at the center of constant controversy, not only facing potential assassinations and harassment, but also disrupting her daily practice. More importantly, the existence of the star core, like a coveted treasure trove, constantly tests human greed. The sect could protect her for a while, but if the pressure continued to mount, or a greater exchange of interests emerged, there was no guarantee that someone would not harbor ulterior motives.

"I have to leave for a while." Ye Li made a quick decision. It wasn't fear, but a strategic shift. Avoiding the enemy's sharp edge, keeping a low profile, and improving strength were the best strategies for dealing with the current predicament.

She needed a reasonable, long-term reason that would keep her far away from the sect's sphere of influence. The sect's mission hall became her target.

Over the next few days, Ye Li spent most of her time in the Mission Hall, carefully reviewing the backlog of extremely difficult and time-consuming long-distance missions. These missions were often located in remote locations, with harsh environments and high risks. The rewards were often disproportionate to the risks, so few disciples were interested, which was exactly what she needed.

Finally, a long-term Class A mission called "Investigate the unusual movements of the black evil spirits in the northern ice field" attracted her attention.

Mission Description: In the northernmost, freezing ice plains, a buffer zone bordering demonic territory, patrolling disciples have recently observed unusually high activity from low-level demons (black demons), suggesting the infestation of demonic blood or the appearance of spatial rifts. Elite disciples are to be dispatched to investigate, identify the source of the unusual activity, assess the threat level, and eliminate it as appropriate. Mission Duration: Tentatively one to three years. Mission Level: Class A (due to high uncertainty, the risk may be extremely high or extremely low).

Mission location: Northern Border Demon-Suppressing City (one of the most remote strongholds of Xuanyun Sect, where disciples and monks are stationed all year round to resist the infiltration of demons).

Mission requirements: It is recommended for disciples in the late stage of Condensation of Meridians or above to accept this mission. They must have extremely strong survivability and independent combat capabilities.

Mission Reward: Basic Contribution Points: 100,000. Additional rewards will be given based on the results of the investigation and the degree of threat eliminated, with no upper limit.

This mission perfectly meets all of Ye Li's requirements: far away from the sect's core area (the northern ice field is almost at the edge of the spiritual world), long-term (at least one year), dangerous (related to the demon clan, with great variables), and with a reasonable excuse (investigating unusual movements, not just seeking refuge).

Accepting a Class A mission, especially a long-term, long-distance mission like this, requires review by the elders of the Deacon Hall. When Ye Li handed over the mission jade slip, the deacon elder in charge of reviewing it was visibly stunned and looked her over carefully.

"Junior Brother Ye, are you sure you want to take this mission? The environment in the northern ice field is extremely harsh. Although most of the Black Demons are low-level, their number is huge, and unknown mutations may occur. The degree of danger is difficult to predict. Although you are gifted, your cultivation is still shallow after all..." The elder reminded with good intentions.

Ye Li's expression was calm, and his tone was firm: "Thank you for the reminder, Elder. I am well aware of the difficulty of this mission, and I wish to use it to hone myself. Moreover, my skills are cold-resistant, so I may be able to adapt to the ice environment. I hope Elder will grant me this."

Seeing her resolve, the elder deacon, recalling the recent turmoil she had caused, vaguely guessed her intention to leave the sect. With a sigh, he affixed his seal of approval on the mission jade slip. "Since that's the case, you'll be on your own. Here's the map and contact information for the Demon Suppression City in the Northern Territory. Once there, report to the garrison commander, General Zhao Gan."

"Thank you, Elder."

After accepting the mission, Ye Li kept it a secret. She first went to the cave of Master Mu Yun and informed her master of her decision.

After hearing this, Lay Buddhist Muyun remained silent for a long time. A complex expression flashed across his eyes, which eventually turned into a sigh. "Leaving the sect to avoid danger and temporarily avoid the limelight is a wise move. Although the northern border is cold and dangerous, it is also free from the intrigues of the sect, and may be more suitable for you to concentrate on your cultivation. However... be careful. The demons are cunning and treacherous, and their infighting is far more complex than that of the sect itself."

He took out a storage bag and handed it to Ye Li: "Inside these are some high-level elixirs, talismans and life-saving items. They are a little gift from your master. In addition, General Zhao Gan of the Demon-Suppressing City in the Northern Territory owed your master a favor in his early years. If you go there with my token, he may be able to take care of you." As he spoke, he took out a warm jade pendant.

Ye Li felt a surge of warmth in his heart and took it solemnly: "Disciple will live up to Master's expectations and will return safely."

After leaving his master's cave, Ye Li secretly summoned Lin Feng through the Youge Order.

In the quiet room of the courtyard, the formation is activated.

"Pavilion Master, are you really leaving?" Lin Feng was worried when he heard the news. Ye Li was the backbone of You Pavilion. If she left, the development of You Pavilion would be affected.

"Yes, I must leave." Ye Li nodded. "After I leave, Youge will be under your full responsibility. Zhihe will be responsible for the allocation of elixirs and resources, Xiaohou will be responsible for intelligence, and Xiaoyi will assist you. Your top priority is to develop in a low-key manner, accumulate strength, and focus on the movements of Zhan Kuangfeng and Chiyan Sect, but do not take the initiative to provoke. Above all else, protect yourselves."

She handed Lin Feng a storage ring filled with spirit stones and resources: "These resources are enough to keep Youge running for several years. If you encounter a life-or-death crisis, you can send a message to me through special channels to the Demon Suppression City."

Lin Feng knew that he had a heavy responsibility. He knelt on one knee and said solemnly, "I will do my best to protect Youge and wait for the Pavilion Master's return!"

After arranging the affairs of Youge, Ye Li made some necessary preparations: he took most of the star gold and rare materials with him, leaving only a small amount for Xia Zhihe to use in refining pills and making talismans; he practiced the "Concentration Technique" to a deeper level to further strengthen his spiritual consciousness; and he drew dozens of talismans of various types in case of emergency.

Three days later, in the dead of night, a faint blue light quietly left Yundan Peak, alerting no one. It blended into the night, speeding towards the northern horizon. Ye Li chose not to use the sect's flying magic weapon, but instead relied on his own speed and the occasional use of the divine talisman to keep a low profile.

Shortly after Ye Li left, in Zhan Kuang Peak, inside Situ Kuang's cave.

"Master, that little bitch Ye Li has accepted the mission to investigate the Black Demon in the northern border and has left the sect overnight!" Goldman came to report excitedly.

A cold light flashed in Situ Kuang's eyes: "The Northern Territory? You know how to choose a place! The sky is high and the emperor is far away, it's a good opportunity to take action!"

"Master, should we..." Goldman Sachs made a gesture of wiping his neck.

Situ Kuang pondered for a moment and said coldly, "We don't need to do it ourselves. It would be easy to leave a handle. Immediately send someone to 'accidentally' leak Ye Li's route and destination to the Chiyan Sect. Also, we have a few 'old friends' in the Northern Demon Suppression City. Let's say hello and create more 'trouble' for that girl."

"Disciple understands!" Goldman showed a cruel smile on his face.

Almost at the same time, the Chiyan Sect also received the news that Ye Li had left the sect.

"She went to the North? Humph, you think you're safe hiding in that wild place?" Yan Sha sneered, "Send the word out, have our undercover agents in the North keep an eye on her whereabouts. If there's a chance... let her stay in that icy snow forever! The star core must be taken back!"

A hunting net targeting Ye Li was quietly set up the moment she left the sect.

At this moment, Ye Li braved the bitter north wind, soaring across thousands of mountains and rivers. The land beneath her feet gradually turned from lush green to desolate, and the temperature dropped ever lower. She knew the road ahead was arduous, not only facing a harsh natural environment and ferocious monsters, but also the wickedness of human nature and the endless pursuit of her.

But there was no fear in her heart, only an icy calm and an increasingly firm determination to follow the Tao.

"The Northern Icefield... Let me see how far you can hone me."

Her figure, a tiny black dot, vanished into the vast northern skyline. Her next legend was about to begin in that bitterly cold land, shrouded in snow and frost, teeming with danger.