Xiao Wuchen ran as fast as he could, practically flying close to the ground, as he left the Qifeng Tower area. Only after running three streets west of the city and no longer hearing any pursuing sounds behind him did he slow down and hide deep within a cluttered alleyway. Leaning against the cold wall, he felt his chest heaving violently and his undershirt being soaked by cold sweat. A burning pain shot through his right arm — the aftershock of Fang Xiong's final iron arm strike. Had he not dodged quickly enough, he would likely be a pile of minced meat by now. [Ding! Mission objective achieved!] [Main Quest: First Glimpse (Retrieve the Imperial Scroll) completed!] [Mission completion assessment in progress...]
The system's cold notification invigorated Xiao Wuchen. He slowly unrolled the oiled paper scroll in his hand and confirmed that the Imperial Scroll was intact, without a single crease or bloodstain. [Completion assessment: Perfect (100%). Evaluation: The host accurately analysed the target's weaknesses and fully utilised his speed advantage, avoiding the strong points and striking the weak points. The attack was precise, wounding the target but not killing them, leaving room for further interrogation. The scroll remained intact throughout the process. Rewards: 1. Contribution Points: 100 points (doubled to 200 points in total)
2. Cultivation technique: Advanced chapter of 'Basic Internal Skill' (already added to the system's cultivation technique library).
3. Special reward: Random basic attribute permanently increased by 1. [Ding! Random basic attribute allocation complete: Agility (Speed) permanently increased by 1!] Xiao Wuchen felt a warm current flow into his limbs and bones, then converge in his legs and the nerves controlling his body's reflexes. Although it was only +1, it was a permanent improvement of extraordinary significance. This meant that his already impressive speed had increased even further.
Attributes: Strength (STR): 4 Agility (SPD): 7 + 1 = 8 Constitution (CON): 5 True Qi (INT): 3
"Agility has reached 8…" A hint of excitement flashed in Xiao Wuchen's eyes. With this level of agility, he felt more confident fighting in the martial world.
At dawn, Xiao Wuchen returned to the eunuch's residence and waited outside the secret room they had agreed on. He had already rewrapped the scroll in oilcloth to make it look unopened.
The trusted eunuch opened the door and, the moment he saw Xiao Wuchen, his sharp gaze swept over him. Seeing that, although his clothes were somewhat dishevelled, there were no obvious wounds and the scroll was intact and held in his arms, the eunuch's demeanour softened slightly.
"The scroll," he uttered, his words few and far between.
Xiao Wuchen stepped forward and presented the scroll to him.
The eunuch took the scroll and carefully examined the sealing wax. After confirming that it had not been tampered with, he nodded slightly.
'You did well.' The eunuch tucked the scroll into his sleeve and his tone regained its usual coldness. 'How is Fang Xiong?'
Xiao Wuchen bowed respectfully and replied, 'I heeded the Grand Steward's instructions. The scroll is of the utmost importance. I engaged him in a prolonged fight, daring not to fight head-on. I used my lightness skill and pressure point techniques to severely injure the vital joint in his right leg, rendering him unable to pursue me for a short time. After obtaining the scroll, I withdrew immediately, without harming him."
Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in the eunuch's eyes. Wounding him without killing him and leaving him alive was exactly the result the Grand Steward desired — a living Fang Xiong was more valuable than a dead one.
'You've completed the task admirably. The Grand Steward will remember your merit.' The eunuch tossed him a waist token. 'This is a fourth-class merit token, symbolising your initial achievement. But..."
The eunuch's tone shifted, and there was a hint of warning in his voice. 'You engaged in unauthorised combat with a master on the Human Ranking, using martial arts in private — this is forbidden.'
Xiao Wuchen immediately knelt on one knee. 'Your subordinate knows his crime! If he hadn't resisted, he would have been in grave danger, let alone retrieving the secret scroll. He did everything for the sake of completing the mission and is willing to accept punishment. Please punish me, Grand Steward.'
"Get up." The eunuch remained expressionless. 'Your merits and your transgression of using force are balanced. You have received your reward for this mission, but your official status remains that of a menial eunuch.'
The eunuch paused, his voice conveying a deeper meaning that only the two of them could understand. 'However, the head steward's decision to keep you in the menial quarters is also to conceal you better. He highly values your potential. From now on, you only need to await orders.'
Xiao Wuchen knew that this so-called 'balance of merits and demerits' was actually a favour and a warning from the head steward. He had performed a great service without attracting attention, hiding perfectly under the guise of a menial servant.
'Thank you for your mercy, Head Steward! I will be even more loyal to repay your kindness!' Xiao Wuchen bowed again.
The eunuch said nothing more, turning and walking deeper into the secret chamber. He left only one sentence: 'Go and clean up your injuries. The next mission will come soon.'
Xiao Wuchen knew that he had successfully established himself at the dark eunuch's residence. His journey to the top had only just begun.