Lin Rui, task jade token in hand, entered Hundred Herbs Hall. It was a pharmacy with an unassuming exterior yet filled with ancient charm. A faint fragrance of medicinal herbs permeated the air. Hanging on the walls were several scrolls depicting the growth of spirit herbs, while various precious spirit medicine bottles and jars were neatly arranged on the counters. At the center of the shop sat a middle-aged man, approximately fifty years of age, with a benevolent countenance but remarkably sharp eyes. This was none other than Shopkeeper Wang, the proprietor of Hundred Herbs Hall.

  Upon seeing Lin Rui enter, Shopkeeper Wang's gaze swept over the jade token. Smiling, he rose and gestured for Lin Rui to take a seat. "You must be the cultivator who accepted the Pure Heart Grass mission?" He beckoned Lin Rui to a chair nearby. "Though you appear young in years, and your cultivation level is...unseen, Deacon Zhao must have his reasons for assigning you this task."

  Lin Rui nodded slightly. Though still harboring doubts, he refrained from further questioning. It seemed Deacon Zhao's authority carried considerable weight.

  Shopkeeper Wang sighed softly as if contemplating how to explain the mission's peculiar nature. "This mission... has been undertaken by cultivators before." He paused for a moment, seemingly searching for the right words. "Pure Heart Grass' is precious, but not every cultivator can complete this task. It grows only in areas deep within the Azure Mist Mountains, where spiritual energy is exceptionally dense. Such places are brimming with spiritual energy and highly conducive to cultivation, but consequently, they occasionally attract the presence of demon beasts." He raised his eyes to meet Lin Rui's, a hint of helplessness within them. "However, demon beast appearances are infrequent. In truth, it is more often external cultivators, lost and straying into that region, whose ensuing panic creates tense situations. You should not encounter too much trouble as long as you act cautiously."

  Upon hearing this, the unease in Lin Rui's heart noticeably eased. The mission's risks were not as dire as initially conceived. He furrowed his brow, then inquired, "Even so, why did Deacon Zhao still decide to assign me this mission? I possess no cultivation, and the task seems of considerable difficulty. Is this not... unsuitable?"

  Shopkeeper Wang seemed to have anticipated this question, a faint smile gracing his lips. "From my observation just now, I could discern that you possess exceptional discernment, a quick mind, and the ability to respond calmly in the face of events – qualities far surpassing some cultivators with high cultivation levels but a dearth of practical experience. The crux of this mission lies in adaptability and wisdom, not solely in cultivation prowess." He paused, his gaze deepening. "It is highly probable that Deacon Zhao recognized these abilities within you, believing you capable of addressing the mission's uncertainties with intelligence and composure."

  He continued, his tone imbued with subtle nuance, "In fact, a cultivator did accept this mission previously but deemed it too simple midway and chose to abandon it. Therefore, you can rest assured that this task will not exceed your capacity."

  Lin Rui, his doubts now completely dispelled, left Hundred Herbs Hall. The mission, while challenging, was not insurmountable; instead, it presented an excellent opportunity to hone his abilities.

  "Then I accept this mission." Lin Rui declared with resolve, determination flickering in his eyes.

  Shopkeeper Wang nodded a hint of gratification in his smile. "Good that you've decided. This task requires a four-person team, so you'll need to wait a few days for the other cultivators to assemble. I'll make the arrangements. Once everything is prepared, return to Hundred Herbs Hall in seven days to find me, and we can set off together then."

  Lin Rui nodded, having already formulated a plan in his mind. "Understood. I'll return in seven days."

  Turning to depart from Hundred Herbs Hall, Lin Rui had a new course of action in mind. With the mission settled, he could use these next few days to familiarize himself with the surroundings of Bamboo Cloud Town and simultaneously enhance his cultivation level, preparing for the upcoming task.

  As Lin Rui exited Hundred Herbs Hall, he suddenly felt inclined to take a different route. Since it was still early, he might wander a bit and see if anything of note caught his eye. Thus, he turned the corner and headed down another path toward the Lin Residence.

  The Lin Residence was situated in the western suburbs of Bamboo Cloud Town, and this path meandered through a tranquil and secluded verdant bamboo forest. Trees with luxuriant foliage lined the path, casting deep bamboo shadows on the ground. As Lin Rui strolled along, his mood gradually relaxed. Unknowingly, his steps led him to the vicinity of the family's Spirit Tea Garden.

  The Spirit Cloud Tea Garden was one of the Lin Family's most prized assets. Each leaf was meticulously tended by the family's most skilled spirit plant masters. The garden's core product – the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout – was renowned as a top-grade mortal rank spirit herb, exceptionally rare, and practically a legend within Azure Mist Province. Its unique aroma and spiritual energy attracted countless cultivators to purchase it. Especially for cultivators at the "Meridian Awakening" stage, the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout was invaluable, capable of significantly accelerating cultivation speed within a short time, and indeed a treasure pursued by all cultivators.

  The Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout's growth environment was exceedingly demanding, with only the Lin Family's unique Spirit Tea Garden able to provide such suitable conditions. To ensure its high quality and purity, the Lin Family relied on specific soil and the power of formation masters to maintain this unique growing environment. Day after day, formation masters cast spells, using formations to regulate the climate and spiritual energy density, providing the optimal growing conditions for every spirit sprout.

  The garden's climate was shrouded in a misty haze akin to a celestial realm. This mist was not naturally occurring but instead resulted from "climate formations" meticulously created by formation masters. By adjusting air humidity and temperature, the formations allowed the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts to grow peacefully in this spirit-rich environment, shielded from the interference of external weather changes. More importantly, the spiritual energy density within the tea garden rivaled that of any spirit field, unmatched even by famous sects of Azure Mist Province. It was precisely for this reason that the spiritual energy contained within the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout was exceptionally potent, enabling cultivators to rapidly boost their cultivation speed after consumption, especially providing immense benefits to cultivators in the "Meridian Awakening" stage.

  Therefore, the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout was not merely a precious spirit herb but also a symbol of the Lin Family's profound foundation, arguably one of the family's "lifelines." In Azure Mist Province, only the Lin Family could cultivate this spirit tea, and its yield was exceedingly scarce. Each year's production of spirit tea underwent rigorous screening and inspection. The family's high echelon regarded this spirit tea garden as their most vital secret. Outsiders were strictly forbidden from approaching these precious spirit sprouts, and even within the family, special authorization was required to enter the garden for picking or processing.

  Guardian formations meticulously protected every Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout in the garden. The operation of each formation relied on careful adjustment and maintenance by the clan's formation masters. High-intensity defensive arrays surrounded the area, protecting the garden from damage or theft. Simultaneously, elite cultivators dispatched by the family rotated on duty, rigorously monitoring every inch of land within the garden to ensure absolute security.

  Every leaf of the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprout crystallized the Lin Family's generations of effort and wisdom. It was a symbol of the Lin Family's wealth and the essence of the family's heritage.

  At this moment, Lin Rui vaguely discerned figures in the distance of the Spirit Cloud Tea Garden. It seemed many family disciples were gathering there. Further off, he also noticed a middle-aged man dressed in Lin Family robes, conversing in hushed tones with a group of disciples, evidently dealing with some urgent matter. Lin Rui's heart stirred. He lifted his feet and approached, wanting to see what had occurred.

  He softly approached the tea garden entrance and encountered a guard disciple standing by the gate, his expression rather somber. Curiosity piqued, Lin Rui stepped forward to converse with him.

  "Brother, what's going on? Has something happened?" Lin Rui asked with a smile, relaxed and natural tone.

  The guard disciple looked up at him with a hesitant expression, clearly not intending to disclose anything readily. However, recognizing Lin Rui – this family scion who had recently garnered considerable attention due to the "Ancestor Manifestation" incident – the guard disciple paused in silence for a moment, then replied in a low voice, "Young Master Lin, there's been a bit of trouble at the Spirit Tea Garden. Recently, the Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts cultivated in the garden were stolen. Harvesting and management of the entire tea garden have been affected."

  "Stolen?" Lin Rui raised an eyebrow, repeating in disbelief, "Is this spirit tea very valuable?"

  "Of course." The guard disciple nodded. "After each harvest, the family strictly inspects the quality and purity of the spirit tea. Although the primary purpose of the spirit tea is for internal cultivation within the family, if external cultivators wish to obtain even a tael or two, they usually need to pay exorbitant spirit stones or even rely on connections with sects or other powerful factions to acquire it. Moreover, the transactions of these spirit teas are minimal. Each batch is as precious as a treasure and is never easily released into the market. Therefore, the theft of Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts is almost equivalent to a major incident that shakes the Lin Family's foundation. If word of this gets out, it's feared it will trigger unforeseen consequences, and the family's reputation and interests will face immense damage."

  The guard disciple's expression grew even more solemn. "Moreover, the stolen spirit tea isn't just from this batch; it also seems to involve management issues within the garden."

  Hearing this, Lin Rui's questions deepened. He turned his gaze to the distance, seeing Second Uncle Lin Tiande in hushed discussion with several cultivators, the atmosphere appearing somewhat uneasy. Lin Rui couldn't help but furrow his brow. "How are the family elders handling this?"

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  "The family elders have already been informed and are investigating," the guard disciple replied. "However, there are no clear leads at present. Management of the Spirit Tea Garden has always been stringent, and incidents are rare, so everyone is perplexed. It's said that Elder Tiande is personally in charge of handling this matter, which is why he is here with other cultivators, discussing countermeasures."

  Lin Rui nodded slightly, a hint of intrigue rising in his heart. He knew that the theft of Cloud Mist Spirit Sprouts, one of the Lin Family's most vital cultivation resources, was no trivial matter. Lin Tiande, as a family elder, was usually reliable, but facing such a significant incident, the pressure and anxiety he must be under were palpable. Furthermore, power struggles were incessant within the Lin Family, and every theft incident often involved complex games of vested interests.

  Just as Lin Rui prepared to press further with his questions, he suddenly felt a sharp gaze cast from afar. Following the line of sight, he saw Lin Tiande standing at the far end of the tea garden, his brow slightly furrowed, his eyes carrying a hint of displeasure.

  Lin Rui was momentarily taken aback, inwardly thinking, "This is not good." Sure enough, Lin Tiande lightly waved his hand, beckoning in Lin Rui's direction.

  "Lin Rui, come over here." Lin Tiande's voice was not loud but carried an air of authority.

  Lin Rui sighed inwardly, muttering, "Knew, I shouldn't have come to join the commotion." However, he knew that he could only obediently go over no matter how unwilling he was.

  He put away his smile, adopting an obedient demeanor, walked up to Lin Tiande, and respectfully bowed his head, "Second Uncle."

  "You brat, isn't there a cultivation assessment at home in a month? Why are you running over here to join the excitement? Instead of cultivating properly, if you fail the assessment, your chance to turn things around will be gone." Lin Tiande frowned, his tone unkind.

  Lin Rui lowered his head slightly, a sly smile in his eyes. "Second, Uncle, it's precisely because I'm concerned about the assessment that I came out. Look, haven't I already registered my cultivator identity?" As he spoke, he took out his cultivator identity jade token from his bosom and waved it in front of Lin Tiande.

  Lin Tiande looked at Lin Rui, his brow slightly raised, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "You, a cultivator without cultivation, actually managed to get a mission?" He was somewhat doubtful, "Even if you registered, you shouldn't be able to receive any valuable missions, right?"

  Lin Rui chuckled inwardly but maintained an obedient demeanor on the surface, casually retorting, "I accepted a mission from Hundred Herbs Hall, setting off in seven days. It's quite a mission." He deliberately drew out the words "Hundred Herbs Hall," imbuing them with a hint of mystery.

  Lin Tiande was taken aback, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He hadn't expected Lin Rui to secure a mission, but he quickly regained his composure, his gaze tinged with interest. "Oh? You got a mission?" He regarded Lin Rui thoughtfully. "However, since it's seven days from now, you can't just idle about, can you? After all, your cultivation is still... lacking."

  Lin Rui smiled and nodded. "Indeed, planning to return home to continue cultivating. However, I'll take them to accumulate experience if suitable missions arise. After all, I absolutely must pass the assessment in a month." He feigned ease but inwardly held a sliver of anticipation. It seemed Lin Tiande wasn't opposed to him taking on missions.

  Lin Tiande glanced around, his expression shifting. Suddenly, he thought he could help Lin Rui with this minor matter and probe him in passing. After all, opinions on Lin Rui within the family had always been mixed, with various factions holding differing attitudes towards him. Although Lin Rui's cultivation was wanting, and many in the family didn't think much of him, some even considering him "useless," Lin Tiande was clear that Lin Rui was, after all, of his direct line of descent bloodline, coupled with the recent "Ancestor Manifestation" incident. He needed to carefully consider the current trends, especially at this crucial moment in the family's internal power struggle.

  Lin Tiande pondered. Since Lin Rui was already under significant pressure from the upcoming assessment, perhaps giving him an opportunity and letting him undertake a mission to accumulate some experience and display some ability wouldn't be amiss. After all, the family situation was complex, and the games between factions could not be ignored. Giving Lin Rui a hand at this juncture could be accruing some goodwill within the family.

  "Since you put it that way, I'll give you a chance then," Lin Tiande said, his tone laced with a hint of testing yet also displaying a subtle undertone of concern. "However, this mission is not insignificant. I'm about to issue a mission now. Will you accept it?"

  Lin Rui's eyes brightened, and his heart instantly filled with curiosity. "What mission? Second, Uncle, this mission must be important, right? Tell me the specifics."

  Seeing the interest in Lin Rui's eyes, Lin Tiande decided. He took a deep breath, a flicker of composure within his gaze. "Since you desire opportunity so much, I shall grant you this mission to test if you truly possess the ability. Of course, since I've decided to give you this task, I naturally believe it to be within your capabilities."

  Lin Rui was momentarily stunned, watching Lin Tiande retrieve an ancient-looking token from his waist. Crafted from a strange material, its surface was covered in intricate runes, emitting faint undulations of spiritual energy. Lin Tiande gently tapped the token into the air, and it immediately levitated, emitting a low, resonant sonic pulse as if connecting to some invisible force.

  "Let the Spirit Network bear witness; the covenant shall commence," Lin Tiande intoned in a low voice with a hint of solemnity. The token hovered mid-air, its radiance growing ever more dazzling as if resonating with the unseen network permeating the Azure Clouds World. "This is a Spirit Network Covenant. Once formed, it will be bound by its rules. Successful completion will naturally bring benefits; a violation, however slight, will hinder your path forward, and a grave violation will damage your cultivation. Exercise utmost caution."

  Lin Rui gazed at the token, shimmering with runic light, and felt an invisible power permeating the air, causing a sense of awe to rise within him. This was no mere paper contract from his previous life but a more direct, more potent form of binding. He smiled faintly, muttering, "So, this is the 'covenant' of the cultivation world, with the Spirit Network as witness. Quite just and impartial, indeed."

  From his life as a private investigator, he understood the importance of contracts. Every commission was more than just a money transaction; it was a pledge of credibility. This Spirit Network Covenant elevated that pledge to the level of the entire Azure Clouds World's rules. Lin Rui understood that this was not merely a task but a test of his capabilities. Failure would mean losing experience, damaging credibility, and the potential for severe penalties from the Spirit Network, even impacting his future cultivation path.

  Lin Tiande, seeing Lin Rui listening attentively, continued, "The mission you are about to undertake is not simple, involving certain internal family matters. I will disclose the specifics when the mission is officially issued. Once you agree to accept the mission, the covenant takes immediate effect."

  A flicker of excitement flashed in Lin Rui's eyes. He knew that internal family matters were bound to involve many secrets and complex relationships unknown to outsiders, precisely the kind of opportunities he could leverage. Moreover, his detective skills might prove invaluable.

  "I accept, Second Uncle," Lin Rui replied without hesitation, inwardly thrilled, sensing this was an invaluable opportunity.

  Lin Tiande smiled faintly, nodding in approval. "Since you've decided to accept, the covenant must be sealed." As he spoke, the token in his hand emitted a burst of bright light radiating outwards. The runes began to pulsate as if connecting to the Spirit Network, preparing to finalize the mission binding.

  As a subtle undulation rippled through him, Lin Rui sensed a peculiar connection quietly forming within his body. He knew his covenant with the Spirit Network was complete.

  "The mission is officially issued. You will investigate the theft at the family's Spirit Tea Garden within three days and identify the culprit." Lin Tiande's tone carried a hint of expectation. "I trust you will complete it successfully."

  Lin Rui nodded slightly, a surge of excitement welling up within him. This mission was his chance to establish himself within the Lin Family before the month-end assessment. He clearly understood that success would surely garner more support and recognition. Moreover, and most importantly, he could finally begin to legitimately utilize his private investigator skills, a prospect that thrilled him immensely.

  "Rest assured, Second Uncle, I will handle it as quickly as possible," Lin Rui said faintly. Then, turning away, he began mentally outlining the steps of his investigation, preparing to commit himself fully to this challenging task.

  No sooner had Lin Rui turned than he heard hushed whispers behind him.

  "Lin Rui dares to accept a mission? His cultivation hasn't even reached Level 1. What kind of mission can he possibly do?" An older Lin Family disciple murmured, his tone laced with disdain. "With his meager cultivation, he's simply unfit for such tasks. Probably just trying to save face."

  "Haha, you're right. Back then, even the Wang Family looked down on him, which led to the annulment of the engagement due to his low cultivation. Now he's running off to take missions, practically inviting trouble." Another disciple chuckled, his tone mocking.

  "However, the family's attitude towards him seems to have shifted recently. Even Second Uncle has started to value him," a nearby disciple said in a low voice, tinged with doubt and apprehension. "If he completes this mission, that would be truly extraordinary. Anyway, though his cultivation is poor, he seems quite sharp-minded now. Who knows, he might solve the case."

  "You think he can pull it off? I think he's just hanging around the family, trying to find a niche. He hasn't even sensed spiritual energy. What can he possibly accomplish?" The older disciple scoffed, clearly not optimistic about Lin Rui.

  "Don't underestimate him," another disciple added in a hushed tone. "Elder Tiande wouldn't have assigned him the mission lightly. You know Elder Tiande is always meticulous, never making pointless gambles. Despite his poor cultivation, Lin Rui seems... more complex than we imagine."

  "Oh? So even you are optimistic about him?" A disciple raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with playful mockery. "Even if he can take on a mission, whether he can complete it is another matter."

  Hearing these murmurs, the corners of Lin Rui's mouth couldn't help but lift slightly. Though their words carried a hint of disdain and contempt, he knew this was precisely his opportunity to shine. Every person who underestimated him would become the best foil to his eventual success.

  He did not heed their idle gossip but secretly resolved to prove everything with his actions.

  Lin Tiande, watching Lin Rui depart, seemed to have just recalled something and called out, "It's late today. Start the investigation first thing tomorrow. But remember, also seek out your cousin Lin Yueyao; she will assist you in this investigation."

  Lin Rui was momentarily taken aback, tilting his head as he asked, "Lin Yueyao?" His tone carried a hint of uncertainty, and he inwardly searched his memory. Lin Yueyao was Lin Tiande's only daughter and is currently one of the family's most gifted members of the younger generation. Already at Meridian Awakening (Level 3), her strength was considerable, almost the pride of the family.

  "Your cousin will assist you as per my arrangement. You need not question her help," Lin Tiande added. "Though young, she has a keen interest in investigations of this nature."

  Lin Rui mused silently, "Help me? More like monitor me, I reckon."

  Recalling Lin Yueyao, Lin Rui couldn't help but frown slightly. Though they didn't interact much usually, Lin Yueyao had never held a favorable impression of him, particularly regarding her stance on his engagement with Wang Ruohan. Lin Yueyao had once mentioned in a family meeting that she felt his engagement with Wang Ruohan was a "blemish" on Wang Ruohan's life, which led her to look down on Lin Rui. She believed that if Wang Ruohan were to marry her, it would be an honor to the family; however, because of Lin Rui's existence, it all became somewhat "unbearable" Naturally, she was not fond of Lin Rui, this "Ruohan's former fiancé."

  This caused Lin Rui to maintain a certain distance from her. He didn't feel she could offer him helpful assistance and even worried that her involvement in the investigation might bring trouble instead.

  However, he revealed no aversion and bowed his head politely, replying, "Yes, Second Uncle. I understand."

  Lin Tiande glanced at him, seeming to have no further intention to elaborate, and smiled faintly. "Seek her out tomorrow morning. She will certainly be of help."

  Lin Rui nodded, inwardly reluctant but without reason to refuse. After all, Lin Yueyao, as the family's "genius," undoubtedly had value in terms of assistance, even if her attitude towards him left something to be desired.