Chapter 5: Hidden Mission, Battle for the Slots

Chapter 5: The Hidden Mission and the Battle for a Spot

After the words of the two proud Yu brothers echoed through the vast courtyard, an eerie silence immediately settled over the place.

Not even a needle could be heard falling.

To be honest, this task of gathering intelligence was hardly a desirable assignment.

According to Xuan Nan and Xuan Ji, who had arrived earlier that morning, Qiao Feng had been spotted in the area just a day ago. He had even caused a commotion inside the Shaolin Temple, engaging in combat with several high-ranking monks.

If someone went out to scout for information, there was a real risk of running directly into him.

Among the so-called heroes present, they might feel brave when gathered together, unafraid of Qiao Feng. But if faced with him alone, very few would have the confidence to escape unharmed from the former beggar gang leader of the North, Qiao Feng.

Of course, those who practice martial arts tend to be bold. If it were only danger, there would still be brave souls willing to take on the risky job.

After all, scouting didn’t necessarily mean encountering Qiao Feng. If they avoided him and still managed to obtain useful intelligence—perhaps even his exact whereabouts—that would be a great achievement, as Yu Ji had said.

But the problem was, this kind of achievement was a poisoned chalice.

The task, when spoken of politely, was about gathering information to aid all the heroes in dealing with Qiao Feng. Put bluntly, it was a mere pawn’s job—an unglamorous scout, undeserving of recognition in any military formation.

If the news leaked, it would hardly sound flattering.

Such a high-risk, low-reward task—no matter the merit, it was a toxic one. Only a fool would volunteer eagerly.

Among the assembled heroes, was there such a fool?

There was.

After several seconds of silence and awkward tension, a voice suddenly broke through: “Count me in!”

Hearing this voice, like a savior emerging from the gloom, the two Yu brothers, steeped in embarrassment, did not feel relief. Instead, an ominous feeling grew within them.

The reason was simple: this voice was far too familiar!

Turning around, hoping against hope, their last shred of optimism was utterly crushed.

Stepping out from a side chamber was the very man who had volunteered, his brow carrying an aura of fearless determination reminiscent of the cold, desolate Yi River breeze—a man who had long been carefully protected by the Yu brothers: Yu Tanzhi.

After a brief moment of shock, Yu Ji sharply scolded, “Child, what nonsense are you causing? This is not a matter for you to be involved in. Step back at once!”

In truth, Yu Ji was rather clever.

Logically, if Yu Tanzhi had not stepped forward, that would have been one thing. But now that he had, the Yu brothers found it difficult to refuse. Otherwise, the other heroes might think: “What’s this? Your lives are precious, but ours are not? This dangerous and thankless task—you volunteer for us to take, but when the Yu family steps forward, it’s not allowed? Such a double standard?”

But Yu Ji’s single phrase, branding Yu Tanzhi as a “child,” made it seem as though he was merely family and not one of the true heroes present.

Thus, such a task that required the efforts of the martial world did not warrant his involvement.

This single sentence revealed that the Yu brothers’ current status in the martial world was not just due to their martial prowess.

But unfortunately, Yu Ji’s plan to divert attention was doomed to fail.

If it had been the original Yu Tanzhi, he would have dared not utter a word in the face of Yu Ji’s reprimand. But now, behind Yu Tanzhi’s guise, was Zhang Fang!

Would Zhang Fang fear Yu Ji’s anger?

A laughable notion.

Calm and unyielding, he approached the Yu brothers, respectfully cupping his fists and saying, “Today, the heroes of the village gather to undertake a great cause. Though I dare not compare myself to the esteemed heroes present, I wish to offer a humble effort for the martial world of Central Plains and the people of the Song Dynasty. I hope you two elders will grant me this chance.”

Zhang Fang spoke with righteous solemnity and conviction. Even the Yu brothers found themselves viewing this young man with newfound respect. Yu Ji wanted to retort but found himself at a loss for words.

At that moment, another figure emerged from the main hall—the most prestigious figure at this heroes’ gathering, Doctor Xue.

He approached the Yu brothers with measured steps, first casting a satisfied glance at Zhang Fang before announcing loudly, “Friends, I, Xue, am well aware that this reconnaissance mission is not only perilous but also damaging to your reputations. However, this matter directly affects the success or failure of our grand endeavor. It is beyond the capacity of ordinary villagers at Juxian Manor to undertake. The Yu brothers, as hosts of this manor, must remain here to entertain the heroes arriving one after another, unable to spare themselves. I hope you all will consider the greater cause and take on this difficult task.”

“I, Xue Muhua, thank you in advance!”

These words had a different impact than those of the Yu brothers.

More than seventy percent of the heroes were here out of respect for Doctor Xue. His endorsement meant that whoever took on this mission would be doing him a favor.

In the future, no matter if they were injured or ill, they could seek his aid. He would find it difficult to refuse.

For these battle-hardened martial world wanderers, this was tantamount to gaining an extra lifeline.

By comparison, a little risk and a slightly tarnished reputation seemed far less significant.

Sure enough, as soon as Doctor Xue finished speaking, more than twenty people immediately stepped forward to volunteer.

After thanking them with a respectful salute, Doctor Xue turned to Zhang Fang and said, “Young Master Yu, there are now enough volunteers. You are still young and inexperienced with the ways of the martial world. It would be best if you did not participate.”

No!

Zhang Fang had finally found a legitimate excuse to leave the manor and would not back down so easily at Doctor Xue’s words.

His expression grew even more resolute, and he declared proudly, “If the heroes here can do this, why cannot I? Does the storm of the martial world batter others but spare Yu Tanzhi?”

This remark was rather disrespectful to Doctor Xue, but the latter was not offended. Instead, he inwardly admired this young lord of Juxian Manor even more.

With a gentle smile, Xue Muhua said, “If you insist, then, brothers Yu…” He turned to the Yu brothers. “Since Tanzhi wishes to serve his country, we ought not to dampen his spirit. We must give him a chance. Let the heroes here test him. If he can win five consecutive matches, we will grant him a spot in the mission. What do you think?”

The Yu brothers’ eyes lit up simultaneously.

What a perfect excuse!

This way, they could silence the crowd, avoiding accusations of favoritism, while giving Yu Tanzhi a chance to learn his limits—and perhaps teach him a lesson about his own abilities.

As for winning five matches straight?

Come on!

If the Yu brothers knew Yu Tanzhi’s true capabilities as Zhang Fang, they would be the first to admit he wouldn’t win even one match.

Any of the martial heroes present could easily pin him to the ground and rub him raw.

From their perspective, Doctor Xue’s proposal of five matches was excessively cautious.

Exchanging a glance, the two brothers promptly agreed to the plan.

At that moment, a sudden prompt rang out in Zhang Fang’s mind, seemingly from the Wheel of Reincarnation Tower:

[Hidden Mission “Battle for a Spot” triggered: Compete with the assembled heroes for a place in the field investigation. Engage in five consecutive battles. Each victory grants 200 points. Winning all five grants an additional 1000 points bonus!

Mission penalty: None!

Accept the mission?]

Wow, an unexpected bonus!

Seeing the prospect of gain, Zhang Fang immediately energized, accepting the mission without hesitation.

His gaze then fell on a villager nearby. “Brother Bai Er, please fetch my steel shield from my room.”

(End of chapter)