Chapter 44: Reporting on Duties and Revitalizing the Cultivation World (44% complete)
At this moment, all eyes were on the airship's occupant. As the focus of everyone's attention, Helian Yi glanced at the flashing recording stones in all directions, suppressed the corners of his mouth, and tried his best to appear calm and collected: "Board the ship."
The young man had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, phoenix eyes and thin lips. His aura was noble and imposing. If you ignored the little bit of pride that he couldn't hide between his brows, everyone who saw him would have to say that he was indeed worthy of being called the number one young master of the Helian generation. He was indeed a prodigy nurtured by the Helian family, the head of the three clans and nine sects. Not long after the news of Tianyan Academy was confirmed, he received special treatment from the academy.
Many mission takers mingled among the crowd, and upon witnessing the phoenix leading the way, they couldn't help but regret selling the jade pendant too hastily. The most arrogant divine beast in the world was leading the way, and this prestige would spread throughout the four continents in less than half a day. In the past millennia, the only person to have received the favor of a divine beast was the owner behind this flying ship. Helian Yi was thus able to leave a lasting impression on the world by taking a picture with the phoenix in an unconventional way.
Despite their jealousy, they would still choose to sell the jade pendant if given the chance again. They knew better than outsiders how many points Helian Yi had spent to monopolize the jade pendant. Some people on the forum estimated that he had given away at least ten sacred-grade spiritual artifacts to the system for free. The price he paid was enough to exchange for a small spiritual vein in reality. Such a huge price was only for the right to use the flying boat. Apart from the young master Helian, who held the sole heir position in the Helian family, it would be difficult for anyone else to be so generous.
Thinking of the storm Helian Yi had stirred up on the mission trading forum, where the transaction fees alone were enough to win several high-level prize pools with a guaranteed minimum, they couldn't feel jealous anymore.
Helian Yi was very satisfied with the deal. For him, exchanging spirit stones and resources was nothing. The Helian family had a deep foundation and everything they needed. What he, as the heir, had to do was ensure that the Helian family chose the right side in this huge upheaval in the cultivation world and continue their past glory. He wanted everyone to know that he, Helian Yi, had enrolled in the Tianyan Academy, and to subconsciously instill in onlookers the idea that the Helian family and the Immortal Realm had already formed a connection.
He had already done ideological work within the clan three years ago, and now, as long as it concerns the academy, he can mobilize all the resources provided by the Helian family.
Within hours, the four continents would know that the young master of the Helian family had participated in the entrance examination in a high-profile manner and received preferential treatment. He had achieved his goal of helping the family, and his personal desire to be respected had also been satisfied.
Helian Yi leisurely led his companions onto the flying boat, and nodded reservedly to Phoenix.
He was young after all, and no matter how much he pretended to be reserved, he couldn't hide the peacock-like pride emanating from him.
Feng Wujue glanced at him a few more times. Under his wings, a black raven with iridescent feathers poked its head out. Its tiny, beady eyes were full of emotion as it scrutinized the young people.
Wu Zhan, now in his true form, cried out and communicated with his master in bird language: "Your Majesty, can they become qualified servants?"
Feng Wujue: "They are not servants, they are students of the academy."
The little crow nodded repeatedly: "I know, select three thousand students who are qualified to serve His Highness."
Feng Wujue: "..."
Too lazy to correct his understanding, he simply asked, "Has Feng Xiao been behaving himself these past few days?"
"Your Majesty, the young prince got tired of the dress-up game and made a fuss when he realized you weren't there. Later, he got hooked on a matching game and got stuck on level 88. The later levels are not easy, so it should keep him occupied until the end of the entrance exam."
"That's good."
Wu Zhan continued to stare at Helian Yi, and said critically, "This person is barely qualified to live next to the young prince."
Feng Wujue also looked over, but unlike Feng Wujue, his eyes were filled with pity.
No one can resist the allure of a divine beast. Those who rank high in the assessment have the right to choose their own residence. He could imagine the cultivators fighting tooth and nail to live closer to the phoenix.
But his little one's temper...
Feng Wujue withdrew his gaze.
Contact with divine beasts can bring blessings and protection. Xiao Tingyuan standing next to the phoenix and drawing a lottery ticket might even change his fate against all odds. For them, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Once everyone boarded the flying boat, it started moving. It traveled at an extremely high speed, and thanks to the transparent barrier, those standing on it felt no turbulence at all.
As soon as he boarded the flying boat, Su Xiaoyao did a complete 180-degree change of expression, switching to his usual demeanor and grinning slyly at Helian Yi: "Brother Helian, your flying boat has overshadowed 007. That guy will definitely be targeting you again this quarter."
Helian Yi sneered: "He's sniping at me, so you're not going to snipe him?"
Su Xiaoyao turned around gracefully and waved her hand: "Treat everyone equally."
After saying that, she dragged Jiang Yun straight to what interested her.
"The Soul-Crossing Banner, is it related to your Soul-Summoning Banner?"
Jiang Yun nodded: "There are three banners in total: one for summoning the soul, one for restraining the soul, and one for ferrying the soul."
Su Xiaoyao's eyes lit up: "If you get the Three Banners, will your strength become even stronger?"
Jiang Yun's usually icy face revealed a rare look of longing: "If I could obtain the Three Banners, my strength would definitely increase greatly, and... my loved ones would be able to rest in peace."
Three years ago, he obtained the Soul-Summoning Banner from the Ghost Cultivation Secret Realm. He returned to the Jiang family's territory in the mortal realm. 444 said that the Soul-Summoning Banner could summon vengeful spirits whose resentment had not yet dissipated. He tried it and it worked. However, the 120 vengeful spirits of the Jiang family had lost their minds and become little ghosts under his control within the Soul-Summoning Banner. This was not the result he wanted to see. 444 advised him to relax. Vengeful spirits that wander outside for a long time will soon dissipate. At least the Soul-Summoning Banner can nourish their souls. Perhaps one day he will obtain the Soul-Crossing Banner and be able to send his loved ones to a peaceful death.
He said that obtaining the Soul-Summoning Banner was a coincidence, and that a sacred artifact of the same caliber would not appear so easily. 444 comforted him and told him to believe in miracles.
But he was plagued by misfortune, so what miracle was willing to favor him?
Unexpectedly, a miracle occurred today, and the treasure he had been searching for was right in front of him.
Jiang Yun felt an urge to cry. He subconsciously shouted "444" to tell his companions who had accompanied him through three years of hardship that he had finally been blessed with good fortune. He would strive to excel in the academy and try to apply for the use of the Soul-Crossing Banner.
He called out several times without getting a response before realizing that 444 wasn't there, and a sense of loss welled up inside him.
He was already used to having 444 by his side.
"What are you muttering about?" Su Xiaoyao raised her elbow and nudged him.
The system name was still a censored word; she could only see Jiang Yun's lips moving, but she couldn't hear what he was saying.
“I’m wondering how our partner is doing now. Does it… does it miss me?” He lowered his eyes and pursed his lips.
Su Xiaoyao immediately realized who her partner was referring to and comforted her, "Don't worry, my darling said that your darling is the most protective of its own. It would argue with other leaders for three hundred rounds to help you win first place. It must miss you terribly right now."
I've been so busy traveling these past few days that I haven't had time to think about 996. But when I suddenly mentioned it, I felt a sense of emptiness.
She also wanted to work 996: "Sigh, it's so strange not having anyone nagging me."
Hearing their conversation, others were also affected, involuntarily thinking of their own reliable systems.
"I hope my precious baby's performance review goes smoothly and that he receives a lot of bonuses." Su Xiaoyao clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and prayed for the leader.
"I hope so." Xiao Tingyuan patted her shoulder, and also began to miss that strange, sarcastic voice.
【Good grand-disciple, you still have me. Take out the iron pot, your ancestor will teach you a couple of new dishes, guaranteed to help you get closer to your new friends, making you so popular that you'll forget about 1314!】 The chef, busy repairing himself, happened to be awake and secretly vied for position while 1314 was away.
Xiao Tingyuan sighed helplessly, "Master Chef Ancestor..."
[Quick, quick! I've been there, let me tell you, the way to a friend's heart is through their stomach. Everyone on this flying boat is worth befriending. Show me your skills, it'll definitely work!]
"There's no such thing as a worthwhile or unworthwhile friendship."
"Hmph, I know you young people won't like to hear this... but it won't stop you from cooking. Even if the flying boat is fast, it'll still take a whole day to get there. That girl Su is still incredibly greedy even though she's fasting. Aren't you going to consider making something to eat, just watching her eat sunflower seeds?"
"Alright." Xiao Tingyuan thought about it and agreed, then took out his food and went to prepare a meal.
Su Xiaoyao's eyes lit up when she saw his actions: "Old Xiao, Old Xiao, you'll be the only one who can cook after we get to the island. My stomach is in your hands now!"
Shen Suqi was surprised at first: "You can actually cook?"
Then he pondered: "Those above the Foundation Establishment stage can abstain from grains, so does that mean the island doesn't provide food?"
That's a good question.
Although the young cultivators present had all practiced fasting, the love of food is human nature. The system shop only sold pastries and never hot meals.
"So Brother Xiao can cook."
"Fellow Daoist Xiao, your skills in flipping the wok are quite adept."
After some deliberation, the taskers realized that in order not to satisfy their culinary desires, they needed to cultivate a good relationship with Xiao Tingyuan, who was a good cook. So they all stepped forward, gathered around Xiao Tingyuan, and put on friendly smiles.
The mission members, who were supposed to part ways after boarding the spaceship and continue scheming against each other, cleverly built a new bridge of friendship.
At the same moment, at the crevices where the Immortal Realm and the Cultivation Realm meet.
No one knows when a lush island was built in the deserted land. It is full of life, with unique scenery, and what is even more special is that it is inhabited by glowing little balls.
"The performance review meeting is now officially starting. Please have the system that drew number one come up to give its presentation."
Amidst a half-enthusiastic and half-sparse applause, a stiff ball of light slowly moved onto the stage, scanning the equally uneasy old classmates below the stage, as well as the bright-eyed new batch of junior system members, silently raising the performance report until it covered their faces.
"Ahem, esteemed leaders, dear classmates, good afternoon. I am System 444, and the following is my professional summary over the past three years..."
"Wow, this is the big shot from last year, 444!"
"444 must have a lot of insights to share, let's quickly write them down!"
"We must learn from the experts!"
From the side that was applauding enthusiastically came excited voices.
White Dumpling 444 blushed, wishing he could bury his round head in his work report.
It continued with difficulty: "On my first day in office, I became the first system to break the rules in this term, and I broke the rules twice."
The discussion abruptly ceased.
444 is utterly hopeless.
Damn it! The system! Hey!
I didn't mention the new junior system members would be attending the performance review! This is completely different from losing face in front of an old classmate I know so well! Jiang Yun! How are you going to repay what you owe me?!
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Author's Note: Jiang Yun and 444: A Mutual Longing
Previously on: 444 broke the rules twice that day to save Xiao Jiangyun after binding him.
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