The Blackfang Ravine had nearly killed him three times already. First when the crumbling path gave way beneath his feet, then when the venom-winged bats attacked, and finally when the Fox Spirit "accidentally" pushed him into what she swore was "just a shallow stream" (it wasn't). But as Luo Feng hauled himself over the final ridge, the sight before him made all the suffering worthwhile.
The Heavenly Sword Clan's mountain strongness gleamed in the dawn light, its white jade gates shimmering with protective runes. This was one of the few sects even the Void Dynasty wouldn't dare attack recklessly. Perfect.
[New Check-In Location Detected: Heavenly Sword Clan Main Gate]
[Initial Mission: Gain Entry Through Any Means Necessary]
[Reward: 150 Void Energy (Sword God)]
Luo Feng wiped the grime from his face. "Any means, huh?" He turned to the Fox Spirit. "Got any brilliant ideas?"
She grinned. "We could always try the classic 'distracted guard' routine. I'll be the distraction, you sneak in while they're staring at my-"
"Absolutely not." Li Qing's voice cut through the air as she materialized from the morning mist. "The Heavenly Sword Clan executes trespassers on sight."
Luo Feng blinked. "You're still following me?"
"I'm ensuring you don't disgrace what remains of the Verdant Cloud Sect's reputation."
The Fox Spirit clapped her hands. "Perfect! Then you can help with Plan B." Before anyone could protest, she whipped out three sets of white and gold robes from her qiankun pouch. "We're going in as wandering musicians!"
Li Qing looked at the gaudy costume with utter disdain. "These are..."
"Disciples from the Celestial Melody Pavilion, yes!" The Fox Spirit was already wiggling into her robes. "They're expected this week for the Sword Saint's sister's birthday celebration!"
Luo Feng examined the elaborate guqin strapped to his back. "I don't actually know how to play this."
"Just pluck the strings dramatically and look soulful. Trust me, no one actually listens to the music at these things."
[New Mission Unlocked: Seduce the Sword Saint's Sister During Performance]
[Reward: 300 Void Energy (Charm God)]
[Failure Penalty: Execution by Ten Thousand Sword Array]
Luo Feng nearly choked. "SYSTEM, ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME KILLED?"
The Fox Spirit, now in full musician regalia, patted his cheek. "Relax. Lady Ling is famously... appreciative of the arts. Just play your instrument with passion and she'll be eating from your hand."
Li Qing's hand twitched toward her sword. "This is beneath even you."
"Then wait outside," Luo Feng shot back as he adjusted his ridiculous hat. "But if I don't get in there, the Void Dynasty catches me, and then they'll-"
"Fine." Li Qing snatched the last robe. "But if anyone recognizes me..."
The gates swung open before they could finish arguing. A stern-faced elder looked them up and down. "Celestial Melody Pavilion?"
The Fox Spirit executed a perfect bow. "At your service, honored elder. We come bearing songs for Lady Ling's celebration."
The moment stretched. Then the elder stepped aside. "You're late. The performance begins in one shichen."
As they were ushered through the glittering courtyards, Luo Feng whispered, "Okay, serious question - what exactly does 'seduce' entail in this mission?"
The System's response was unhelpful:
[Interpretation Left to Host's Discretion]
[Suggested Approaches: Poetic Flattery, Musical Dedication, Accidental Clothing Malfunction]
The performance hall took Luo Feng's breath away. Hundreds of sword cultivators sat in perfect rows, their combined aura enough to make his knees weak. At the center dais sat an ethereal woman in moon-white robes - Lady Ling herself, the Sword Saint's younger sister.
Then she turned, and Luo Feng's stomach dropped. Because sitting right beside her, in full ceremonial armor, was the actual Sword Saint of the Heavenly Clan. The man who'd once cut down an entire demon horde with a single stroke. The man whose icy gaze was now scanning the "musicians" with growing suspicion.
The Fox Spirit elbowed Luo Feng forward. "Your move, lover boy."
What followed was the most disastrous musical performance in cultivation history. Luo Feng's "soulful" guqin playing sounded like a cat being stepped on. The Fox Spirit's dancing knocked over three priceless vases. And Li Qing... well, her attempt at flute playing was so bad it actually shattered a window.
But then something miraculous happened. Lady Ling stood up, hands clasped in delight. "How... avant-garde! Such raw, untamed emotion!"
The Sword Saint's frown deepened. "Ling, this is clearly-"
"Oh hush, brother." She floated down to the stage, her eyes locked on Luo Feng. "There's something... compelling about this one."
[Progress Update: Target's Interest Level at 65%]
Luo Feng decided to double down. He struck a dramatic pose, plucking a discordant note. "This song... is for you alone, fair maiden."
The Sword Saint's sword was halfway drawn when Lady Ling sighed dreamily. "Brother, I think I'm in love."
The temperature in the hall dropped twenty degrees. Every disciple's hand went to their sword hilt. The Fox Spirit grabbed Luo Feng's arm. "Time to go!"
They barely made it out before the first sword aura sliced through where Luo Feng's head had been. As they sprinted through the gardens with the entire Heavenly Sword Clan in pursuit, the Fox Spirit had the audacity to laugh. "See? I told you it would work!"
Li Qing looked ready to murder them both. "You've made enemies of the only sect that could have protected you from the Void Dynasty."
Luo Feng vaulted over a decorative pond. "On the bright side..." He patted the System notification now glowing in his vision:
[Check-In Complete]
[Reward: 150 Void Energy (Sword God) + 300 Void Energy (Charm God)]
"...I got paid?"
Behind them, the Sword Saint's voice boomed across the mountains: "FIND THEM! I WANT THAT GUQIN PLAYER'S HEAD ON A PIKE!"
The Fox Spirit grinned. "I do love a happy ending."
END OF CHAPTER10