First-tier sects definitely have higher-level information exchange channels.

Having Su Xiaomo run errands to deliver messages was mainly one of the most common tasks for entry-level disciples, and also served as an initial test.

However, to be assigned a message delivery task right after infiltrating Taixuan Sacred Sect showed they had recognized that Su Xiaomo had good footwork and was quite clever—perfect for this kind of work.

“Take it out and let this seat have a look,” Jun Changxiao said.

Su Xiaomo hurriedly retrieved the letter from his spatial ring, but reminded him: “Sect Master, the letter is sealed with an array formation. You absolutely cannot forcibly break it open, or the Array Hall Elder of Taixuan Sacred Sect will detect it.”

“Not a difficult matter.”

Jun Changxiao said: “Go fetch Old Zhen.”

The corner of Su Xiaomo’s mouth twitched.

At this moment, he had already realized that the Sect Master was determined to decode the letter.

Before long.

Zhen Dejun walked in. Understanding the Sect Master’s intention, after carefully examining it, he said: “Sect Master, this array formation is only the simplest kind. Not only can it be easily broken, but the person who set it up won’t be able to detect it either.”

Su Xiaomo immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as it wasn’t discovered, he could continue his undercover work. Otherwise, having come to the sect on this visit, there would be no need to return.

“Break it open,” Jun Changxiao said.

“Alright.”

Zhen Dejun was truly clean, efficient, and fast. In a very short time, he broke through the small array formation placed on the letter.

Jun Changxiao took out the letter paper from inside and saw written on it—Demon Person Valley is about to open. Please prepare your sect as soon as possible and don’t miss the appointed time.

The content was very brief.

Nothing earth-shattering or secretive either.

However, Jun Changxiao stroked his chin and said: “What place is Demon Person Valley?”

Zhen Dejun said: “This is a forbidden zone left behind by the Demon Emperor back then. Inside are hidden many secret manuals, spirit stones, equipment and other martial dao resources. It opens to the outside at a fixed time every year.”

“Can we go?” Jun Changxiao asked.

Zhen Dejun shook his head: “The first and second-tier sects jointly issued a statement that only designated sects may enter Demon Person Valley. Other sects are strictly prohibited from entering.”

“Heh.”

Jun Changxiao said: “The Demon Emperor has already fallen. The forbidden zone he left behind has long been ownerless. What qualifications do first and second-tier sects have to deprive other sects of the right to enter?”

This was what he disliked about some self-proclaimed righteous major sects.

They completely put themselves at the highest point, acting like superior powers pointing fingers at other sects!

Zhen Dejun said: “Demon Person Valley is full of dangers. Sects without sufficient strength who enter often end up completely wiped out, which is why the major sects strictly prohibit entry.”

“Moreover.”

He paused and said: “Some say it might be a trap the Demon Emperor set before his death, luring the major sects to jump in. Although they can obtain martial dao resources in the end, they also pay a terrible price.”

“That’s rather like the man who started the Age of Great Navigation.”

Jun Changxiao pondered briefly, then said: “If we of Eternal Sect insist on going to Demon Person Valley, will the first and second-tier sects block us?”

“They won’t.”

Zhen Dejun said: “After countless bloody lessons, any sect whose strength isn’t above second-tier level won’t dare enter even if given the qualification.”

“Very dangerous?”

“Extremely dangerous!”

Zhen Dejun’s face was serious.

Jun Changxiao said: “Hearing you say this, this seat is actually a bit tempted.”

The corner of Zhen Dejun’s mouth twitched: “Sect Master, I believe this matter must be carefully considered. After all, it’s not like entering the Life and Death Secret Realm where failure just means weakness for a while. Failing in Demon Person Valley means death.”

Jun Changxiao said: “True martial artists dare to face death directly. True martial artists can only grow by experiencing wind and rain.”

Zhen Dejun: “…”

“When does Demon Person Valley open?” Jun Changxiao asked.

“This…”

Zhen Dejun calculated on his fingers: “Roughly six or seven more months.”

“Still quite early.”

Jun Changxiao stuffed the letter back into the envelope and handed it to Su Xiaomo, saying: “Don’t delay. Hurry and deliver it.”

“Yes!”

Su Xiaomo asked weakly: “Sect Master, can I eat a meal before leaving?”

Having not eaten food made by Junior Sister Liu for some time, he was deeply concerned, couldn’t sleep at night. Coming to the sect on this visit was mainly for this reason.

“You may.”

Jun Changxiao paused and said: “By the way, what name are you using at Taixuan Sacred Sect?”

“This…”

Su Xiaomo scratched his head and said weakly: “Su Gousheng.”

“Boom! Boom!”

Thunderous sounds came from within the great hall.

…

In the dining hall.

Liu Wanshi sat to one side, chin resting on her hand: “Senior Brother, you’ve gotten thinner.”

“Smack, smack!”

Su Xiaomo, sporting a head full of bumps, wolfed down various delicacies. At that moment, his soul seemed to have already flown to the ninth heaven.

“Gulp, gulp!”

After drinking a large bowl of soup, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve and smiled: “Junior Sister’s cooking is still the best. Taixuan Sacred Sect’s food is simply rough tea and bland rice!”

Liu Wanshi said: “Senior Brother, when you return from your undercover mission, Junior Sister will cook special meals for you every day. I guarantee within a few days you’ll be plump and healthy.”

“Mm!”

After Su Xiaomo finished eating, he greeted his fellow disciples and then left Eternal Sect.

Lu Qianqian leaned against the great hall’s doorframe with her arms crossed: “If the Sect Master has matters to ask about, he can directly ask me. Why make Junior Brother Su take the risk of going undercover?”

Jun Changxiao said: “This kind of thing is actually also a test for him.”

Lu Qianqian frowned: “If discovered, it will be very dangerous.”

Jun Changxiao turned to look at her and said: “For you as eldest senior sister to care about your junior brother shows you’ve made great progress.”

“…” Lu Qianqian turned and left.

“Oh right.”

Jun Changxiao said: “I heard Demon Person Valley is about to open. This seat plans to take you all inside to have a go.”

Lu Qianqian stopped: “Demon Person Valley is extremely dangerous. Without strength above second-tier sect level, entering will surely mean more danger than safety. However… if the Sect Master insists on going, this disciple will naturally comply.”

“We’ll see.”

Jun Changxiao said: “This seat hasn’t thought it through clearly yet.”

…

Su Xiaomo smoothly delivered the letter to Dingyuan Sacred Sect.

Due to his fast speed, he received praise from the hall master in charge of tasks at Taixuan Sacred Sect, who transferred him to serve as a clerk by his side.

“Gousheng, you’re doing well, kid. Getting noticed so quickly. In my view, within a few months you’ll become an official outer sect disciple.”

“Heh heh heh, it’s just good luck. Not like Senior Brother who at a young age is already an outer sect disciple. Advancing to inner sect disciple in the future is a certainty.”

“Senior Brother Zhang, don’t move! How can I let you collect bedding? Leave it to me.”

Su Xiaomo had fully treated himself as a Taixuan Sacred Sect disciple, working hard to build good relationships with disciples who entered earlier, laying the foundation for obtaining intelligence later.

“Hall Master Jin, this newly entered Su Gousheng is good—a seedling worth cultivating,” a certain elder commented.

Hall Master Jin smiled: “The elder speaks truly.”

Usually entry-level disciples weren’t well-regarded at major sects, but Su Xiaomo used his cleverness to show the world that as long as one lowered their stance, they could definitely build good relationships.

The path of an undercover agent was very dangerous.

However, with this fellow’s thick skin and personality, as long as he wasn’t discovered, he would definitely make it at Taixuan Sacred Sect.

In the future, he might accidentally become a core disciple or even an elder.

Don’t be surprised—it was entirely possible.

Of course.

Su Xiaomo had no interest in Taixuan Sacred Sect whatsoever.

All his performance was built on quickly infiltrating the interior to obtain useful intelligence, then returning to the sect to eat Liu Wanshi’s cooking every day, and brag and shoot the breeze with Li Fei and the others during cultivation breaks.

…

Three months later.

The cooldown for Eternal Sect’s Life and Death Secret Realm reset.

Jun Changxiao as usual organized two hundred Wuwang-level disciples and four elders to challenge Difficult Mode.

Having experience, this clear went smoothly, though still inevitably over ten people died, unable to achieve a full-star completion.

“Now already ninth-rank Sword-Martial Dual Wuhuang. Getting closer to reaching the peak and opening the epic quest.”

Another three months passed.

Jun Changxiao again took disciples to challenge Difficult Mode.

Although there were no casualties, the experience points given clearly decreased, and he didn’t break through to peak Sword-Martial Dual Wuhuang.

“This is rather frustrating!” Jun Changxiao collapsed in despair.

“Sect Master.”

Li Qingyang said: “Are we still going to Demon Person Valley?”

“Of course we’re going!” Jun Changxiao said.

During this time, he had also thought it through clearly. If the third challenge of Difficult Mode could achieve a no-injury clear, he would go have some fun at Demon Person Valley.

I simply don’t believe it.

Could a forbidden zone left by the Demon Emperor be harder than the Life and Death Secret Realm?

The System collapsed: “Clearly it’s because a side quest came up that you’re so enthusiastic, alright!”

“When do we depart?” Li Qingyang’s eyes burned with fervor.

Originally, Li Qingyang was the only normal one in Eternal Sect, but under Jun Sect Master’s gradual influence, he’d slowly walked from the path of seeking stability toward the path of courting death.

“Make preparations.”

Jun Changxiao said: “We depart tomorrow.”

“Yes!”

—