Chapter 214: First mission
Alex did not say anything else. He simply smiled and gave a respectful nod.
Berdin observed him for another moment before turning around. "Follow me," he said calmly.
The next instant, both of them disappeared from the reception hall. The surrounding scenery blurred before stabilizing again as they walked through a spacious corridor built from white crystal. Every wall radiated a soft golden light, giving the place a sacred atmosphere.
Alex quietly followed behind him.
After walking for several minutes, he decided to ask something that had been bothering him.
"Sir, may I borrow a cultivation technique?" Alex asked respectfully. "The one I have been using is of rather low quality."
That statement was neither completely true nor entirely false.
His previous cultivation technique truly had become useless after arriving in the Genesis Realm. However, his real reliance had always been the System.
Berdin glanced at him before speaking.
"A low quality cultivation technique, huh?"
There was a trace of amusement in his voice.
"Yet with such a technique, you reached Grade Three at your age. If that is true, then your talent might even surpass mine."
Alex scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"I merely encountered a few fortunate opportunities."
Berdin did not ask further questions.
Everyone had their own secrets.
As long as those secrets did not threaten the Light Elemental Faction, he had no interest in digging deeper.
"After you officially join the faction, you may choose a cultivation technique from our library."
He looked ahead as they continued walking.
"You may select a Rare Grade cultivation technique. Whether you choose a cultivation method or a combat technique will be entirely your decision."
Alex smiled.
"Thank you very much, Sir."
"It is nothing."
A few moments later, the two of them arrived before an enormous building.
Unlike the temple’s solemn architecture, this place radiated warmth. A golden emblem shaped like a shining sun was engraved above the entrance, while countless runes continuously absorbed surrounding light energy.
"The Light Elemental Faction," Berdin said.
Alex followed him inside.
The hall was surprisingly quiet.
Only seven people were present, including Berdin himself.
Several of them were chatting casually while others cultivated peacefully in separate corners. The moment Berdin entered, everyone immediately stood up.
"Captain."
They greeted him respectfully.
Berdin nodded before gesturing toward Alex.
"This is Alex."
"He has officially joined our faction today."
Everyone curiously observed the newcomer.
One middle aged woman smiled warmly.
"Welcome."
"It has been nearly four years since our faction recruited a new member."
Another young man laughed.
"I was beginning to think Aurora City had run out of light elemental users."
The atmosphere was much friendlier than Alex had expected.
Berdin continued the introduction.
"Among us, only Anthony has reached Grade Three."
Anthony stepped forward.
He appeared to be a middle aged man with short blond hair and calm blue eyes.
He smiled politely before extending his hand.
"It is nice to meet you."
Alex accepted the handshake.
"It is my pleasure."
The remaining members were all Grade Two Entities.
Although their cultivation was lower than Alex’s, none of them appeared jealous.
Instead, they looked excited that another powerful member had joined their small faction.
After everyone became acquainted, Berdin spoke again.
"Alex."
"The library is located on the eastern side of this building."
"You may select your technique today."
Alex nodded gratefully.
"Thank you."
Without wasting time, he walked toward the library.
...
The library was much larger than he had imagined.
Rows upon rows of bookshelves stretched into the distance.
Every cultivation technique was sealed inside transparent crystal cases that continuously radiated spiritual fluctuations.
An elderly librarian noticed Alex’s token before smiling.
"So you are our newest member."
Alex nodded politely.
"I came to choose a cultivation technique."
The old man pointed toward several sections.
"All techniques are divided into four grades."
"Common."
"Rare."
"Ancient."
"And Sacred."
Alex quietly listened.
"Only Rare Grade techniques are available inside this branch."
"Ancient techniques are too valuable to be stored in a city library."
"As for Sacred techniques..."
The old man chuckled.
"Even I have never seen one."
Alex understood immediately.
Being allowed to choose a Rare Grade cultivation technique was already an enormous privilege.
He carefully browsed through dozens of manuals before finally selecting one.
Its name was Radiant Heaven Scripture.
It absorbed surrounding energy continuously while refining every the body.
Although it could not compare with the techniques possessed by major organizations, it was more than enough for his current needs.
The moment he finished registering the technique, the familiar mechanical voice echoed inside his mind.
[Ding! Rare Grade cultivation technique acquired.]
[Ding! The System’s automatic cultivation function has resumed.]
[Ding! Based on the current cultivation speed, the host can naturally break through to Grade Four within ten billion years.]
[Ding! Absorbing additional worlds or obtaining higher quality energy sources will greatly accelerate the process.]
Alex’s lips twitched.
"Ten billion years?"
He almost laughed.
"If I really waited that long, I would probably become a fossil before reaching Grade Four."
The System remained silent.
Alex sighed helplessly.
Then another thought crossed his mind.
"Can I still travel to lower worlds using the Lotus of Creation?"
The System immediately answered.
[Ding! Yes.]
[Ding! However, I advise the host to first establish a stable foundation within the Genesis Realm.]
[Ding! Entering lower worlds without sufficient influence may expose the host to unnecessary risks.]
Alex slowly nodded.
That advice actually made sense.
If he first established his reputation inside the Genesis Realm, he would possess resources, allies, and protection before exploring other worlds.
That was undoubtedly the safer choice.
After putting away the cultivation technique, Alex left the library.
One of the faction members was already waiting outside.
"My name is Lucas."
"I shall show you your room."
Alex followed him through another corridor before arriving at a modest but comfortable residence.
Although it was not luxurious, everything inside had been prepared.
There was even a small cultivation room that gathered genesis energy from the surroundings.
Alex smiled with satisfaction.
"This is more than enough."
Lucas laughed.
"We rarely stay here anyway."
"Most of the time, we are outside completing missions."
After thanking him, Alex spent several hours becoming familiar with the cultivation technique.
That night, the entire faction gathered together for a welcoming banquet.
The atmosphere was surprisingly lively.
People chatted freely while enjoying food prepared by the temple.
Alex quickly realized that everyone respected Berdin deeply, yet nobody feared him.
Although Berdin appeared cold during missions, he treated every member fairly.
Even ordinary conversations gradually became relaxed.
During dinner, Alex also learned about the faction’s true purpose.
Unlike many organizations that pursued wealth or influence, the Light Elemental Faction existed primarily to eliminate evil spirits and heal people.
Light elemental users naturally possessed advantages against darkness based lifeforms.
That was why the people of Aurora City held them in such high regard.
As the banquet drew to an end, Berdin suddenly stood up.
The room immediately became silent. He looked toward one of the members.
"Merlin"
The blond man stood immediately.
"Yes, Captain."
"Tomorrow, you will head toward Gray Mist Village."
"They have requested assistance after losing contact with several residents."
Merlin nodded.
"As you command."
Then Berdin looked toward Alex.
"Alex will lead your team."
Everyone was slightly surprised.
Even Anthony blinked.
However, Berdin calmly explained his reasoning.
"He is already a Grade Three Entity."
"Regardless of experience, his cultivation is currently the highest among your team."
Merlin respectfully lowered his head.
"I understand."
"I shall fully cooperate."
Alex did not refuse.
If he wanted to establish himself within the faction, proving his abilities was unavoidable.
...
Early the next morning, five figures departed from Aurora City.
Alex walked at the front while Anthony and the remaining three members followed behind.
Their destination lay several hundred kilometers away.
Along the journey, Anthony explained the mission.
"Gray Mist Village has stopped communicating with nearby settlements."
"The temple originally suspected an ordinary evil spirit."
He frowned slightly.
"However, none of the scouts have returned."
Alex quietly memorized every detail.
After several hours of travel, the group finally reached a nearby hill.
Everyone stopped.
Silence filled the surroundings.
Not even birds could be heard.
The village ahead was completely engulfed in unnatural darkness.
The black mist continuously flowed between every house, blocking even sunlight from entering.
It resembled a living creature slowly breathing.
One of the younger members swallowed nervously.
"What shall we do, Captain?"
Alex narrowed his eyes.
His powerful perception spread toward the village.
The deeper it reached, the heavier his expression became.
He could feel countless traces of hatred.
Fear.
Death.
And something far more sinister.
It was definitely not an ordinary evil spirit.
Whatever lurked inside that village possessed intelligence.
It was waiting for them.
Perhaps it had already discovered their arrival.
Alex slowly raised his hand, stopping everyone from advancing.
"No one enters yet."
His calm voice carried unquestionable authority.
"We know almost nothing about our enemy."
"Charging inside without preparation would be the fastest way to get ourselves killed."