The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 414

Chapter 414: Chapter 410: Underworld Task Chapter 414: Chapter 410: Underworld Task Seeing that she seemed genuine, Shen Luo felt regret.

“In that case, I will have to find another way. Nonetheless, thank you, Miss Ma.” Shen Luo bowed.

Upon hearing these words, Ma Xiuxiu didn't respond immediately to Shen Luo but furrowed her brows, deep in thought.

“Miss Ma…”

Shen Luo waved at her, bringing her back to reality. She hesitated a moment before saying:

“There is another way that may persuade that elder to help you with alchemy; would you be willing to try?”

“What method?” Shen Luo quickly asked.

“Master Shen, have you ever heard of the Underworld Task?” Ma Xiuxiu asked mysteriously.

“I might've heard of it. Why? Is the solution you're talking about related to the Underworld Task?” Shen Luo was slightly stunned, then asked.

“Yes. The alchemy master elder has been trying to refine a type of Mingling Pill and has been searching for the Spirit Material, Yellow Springs Crystal, a local specialty of the Yin Bureau. Unfortunately, this item is extremely valued in the Yin Bureau and rarely appears in the human realm. Thus, he has had trouble finding it. If you could somehow acquire this, then the conditions for alchemy could be largely negotiable.” Ma Xiuxiu nodded.

“Yellow Springs Crystal… Being so precious, it's probably not easy to acquire?” Shen Luo pondered.

From the few encounters Shen Luo had with Soul Hook Horse Face, he knew that items from the underworld were not easily obtained.

“Naturally, however our business association has plans to accept an Underworld Task soon, and the reward involves this Yellow Springs Crystal. If you are willing to participate, I can arrange for you to join as a member of our business association and participate in this task.” Ma Xiuxiu said.

“But as far as I know, you need to be at least a cultivator of Soul Condensation Stage to accept Underworld Tasks? My Dao-Practice is slight and probably not up to par, right?” Shen Luo hesitated.

“While that's indeed generally the case, this task is open to groups, so as long as the team leader has achieved Soul Condensation, one's level of cultivation isn't a problem – the Grain Avoidance Stage is good enough.” Ma Xiuxiu said with a smile.

“Could you please share the details of the task, Miss Ma? I would like to avoid hindering the progress of the business association due to ignorance.” Shen Luo approached Ma Xiuxiu with a smile and a bow and asked.

“Don't put yourself down, Master Shen… Generally, tasks from the Underworld mainly involve exorcising ghosts and demons. Since you are proficient in the way of talismans and have a mighty thunder talisman by your side, it would seem you are the best choice to take on this task.” Ma Xiuxiu waved at Shen Luo dismissively.

“Sounds like Miss Ma has thoughtfully planned for me.” Shen Luo smiled and remarked.

“I might have, but let me warn you. These kinds of tasks are generally not simple, especially this time when the rewards are high. The ghost that we have to exterminate is likely not a simple one either. You should consider it carefully before deciding. You can give me your answer by tomorrow afternoon.” Ma Xiuxiu's expression became serious as she explained.

“I accept the task.” Shen Luo contemplated a moment, then declared.

“The task won't start until half a month from now. There's no need to rush your decision just yet, we still have time.” Ma Xiuxiu gave him a startled look, surprised by his words.

“I've thought it through. I will accept it. Miss Ma has already considered so much on my behalf. If I were to continue being indecisive, wouldn't I let down your kindness?” Shen Luo chuckled with firm resolution.

“Indeed, your courage is exceptional, Master Shen. However, you don't need to worry too much about this time. The one leading this task is a Hierarch of our business association that's in the late stage of Soul Condensation. He has completed many Underworld Tasks, never lost one, and always kept the casualty rate extremely low. As long as you strictly follow his instructions, there won't be any problems. Moreover, I'll ask him to look after you a bit more.” Ma Xiuxiu's eyes flashed a look of admiration.

“Thank you for that.” Shen Luo offered a bow.

“Master Shen, there's no need to be so formal with me,” Ma Xiuxiu finally broke into a smile.

Afterward, she took her leave.

As it approached noon, Shen Luo also left the small courtyard and headed towards the West Market where the shops were concentrated, purchasing a batch of talisman papers and various spiritual materials for making talisman ink.

He wanted to use the half a month to draw more talismans to prepare for the Underworld Task.

Time flew by, and half a month had passed.

This early morning before Shen Luo could head to Treasure Hall, a carriage arrived outside his small courtyard. It was sent by Ma Xiuxiu to take him to the gathering point.

After packing all his talismans and magical instruments, Shen Luo got onto the carriage and headed west.

Passing through several streets and marketplaces, the carriage travelled for quite a while. When they passed a large gate, Shen Luo lifted the curtain for a peek and realized they had already arrived at Yongxingfang, northwest of the city.

“Why are we here?” Shen Luo asked puzzled.

“The gathering point is in Yongxingfang. Please be patient, sir, we'll be there soon.” The coachman explained.

Shen Luo originally thought the assignment to capture a ghost would start from outside the city. He never expected it to be in the Yongxingfang that was near the Imperial City.

Following the road further north through the city, it wasn't long before the carriage came to a halt.

Shen Luo hopped off the carriage, looked ahead and saw a grand building with two enormous stone sculpture lions, intimidating and majestic.

“City God Temple…”

Observing the plaque hanging on the building's lintel, Shen Luo couldn't help feeling surprised.

While he was pondering, another carriage showed up from behind. Stepping down from it was a tall man dressed in a short tunic, with a large bronze axe strapped on his back, striding towards him.

He walked up to Shen Luo and looked down at him. In a simple and honest manner, he asked, “You here for the gathering too?”

Shen Luo examined the man, noticing his broad forehead, low nose bridge, and thick lips. The man struck him as seeming simple and honest. Feeling somewhat confused, he nodded.

“So am I. Let's go together.” The tall man gestured with his big hand and lead the way up the stairs.

Shen Luo slightly hesitated before following.

“My name is Lu He, what's yours?” the man asked as he noticed Shen Luo following him.

“I am Shen Luo.” He bowed.

“Looks like it's your first time taking part in a task?” Lu He studied Shen Luo, then asked.

“Yes, it's my first time, I could use a few tips from you.” Shen Luo replied.

“There's not much to teach, I've only taken part three times myself. Anyway, just stay close to Elder Hu Yong.” Lu He advised.

“Elder Hu Yong?” Shen Luo was surprised.

“You didn't know? The one leading this task is Elder Hu Yong. As long as you stick with him and follow his instructions, you won't lose your life easily.” Lu He said, admiration evident in his eyes.

“Who is this Elder Hu Yong? Why is he so formidable?” Shen Luo questioned.

“There's no need to ask so many questions. What's most important when executing a task is not to act clever, just listen to Elder Hu Yong's instructions.” Lu He waved his hand impatiently as he spoke.

During their conversation, they entered through the front gate into the City God Temple.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.