Chapter Fifteen: Redeeming Contribution Points

After reading the attributes of this magic scroll, Chen Qi was overjoyed. His confidence in dealing with the giant bear grew significantly, sweeping away the gloom left by his earlier, reckless actions.

He couldn't help but tease the timid mage girl, surprised that such a coward had managed to obtain a blue-quality item.

Soon, Chen Qi caught sight of the Cloud Sea Sect’s gates.

Gazing at the towering, ancient, and elegant architecture, a sense of security welled up in his heart. By now, dusk had fallen, and the mountains at night were fraught with hidden dangers.

Chen Qi felt secretly fortunate to have returned before darkness descended, sparing himself the ordeal of facing the ferocious beasts that prowled at night.

His first stop was the Mission Hall, where he intended to report his safe return.

As he walked through the main doors, the previously drowsy steward of the Mission Hall immediately perked up. The hall was empty at this hour, so the steward’s attention fell instantly on Chen Qi.

He stifled a yawn and said to Chen Qi, “So, kid, how was your first venture into the mountains? Did you hunt any vicious beasts?”

Chen Qi smiled as he handed back the beast compendium and the sensing jade, replying, “It was truly perilous for a first excursion. I nearly lost my life, but luckily, Elder Sun rescued me.”

The steward’s face broke into a mischievous grin as he teased, “Dangerous, of course it’s dangerous. But really? Could it be? Did a Cloud Sea Sect disciple actually return empty-handed from the mountains?”

Seeing how much the steward was enjoying himself, Chen Qi didn’t interrupt. He waited until the steward had laughed for a good ten seconds before responding slowly, “As for the beasts, I didn’t slay too many. Fewer than ten, I suppose.”

The steward’s expression froze momentarily before he forced a smile and said, “Fewer than ten, you say? I bet most were just entry-level beasts, right?”

Sensing he’d piqued the steward’s interest, Chen Qi pressed on, “Would you mind accompanying me to the Contribution Hall? It’s my first time exchanging materials, and I’m worried I might get shortchanged.”

Saying this, he pulled out a large parcel of Red-Striped Boar King meat he’d prepared in advance and offered it to the still-stunned steward.

Chen Qi added, “Just a little token of appreciation, sir. This is Red-Striped Boar King meat—delicious stuff. Please, give it a try.”

The steward opened the wrapping, glanced at the fresh meat inside, and stroked his beard, remarking, “Very well, you’re quite sensible. Steward Liu of the Contribution Hall is an old friend of mine. I’ll go with you and make sure everything’s above board.”

With that, the steward accompanied Chen Qi out of the hall. As soon as they stepped outside, Chen Qi watched in astonishment as the steward closed the main doors behind them, hung a ‘Steward Out’ sign, and left with him.

Chen Qi was amazed at how casually the steward abandoned his post.

Before long, they arrived at the Contribution Hall, a complex several times larger than the Mission Hall. Besides the outer reception chambers for disciples, the inner rooms stored treasures and beast materials redeemable with contribution points.

No sooner had Chen Qi entered than the Mission Hall steward greeted Steward Liu with a round of pleasantries. Chen Qi stood quietly to the side, hands clasped respectfully.

After some time, the Mission Hall steward pointed at Chen Qi and said to Liu, “Old Liu, this kid’s just returned from his first trip to the mountains, brought back some beast materials, and is acting all smug about it. I thought I’d come along to see what’s got him so excited.”

Perhaps because he’d accepted Chen Qi’s gift, he added, “This lad’s got potential. Make sure you give him a fair number of contribution points. Not many servant disciples dare venture into the mountains anymore.”

Liu replied with a laugh, “Since he’s a servant disciple, it’s only right for the sect to show him some favor.”

He patted Chen Qi’s shoulder and said, “Come on, boy, show me what you’ve got! I’ll offer you the highest price I can.”

Instead of immediately presenting his materials, Chen Qi handed over another packet of Red-Striped Boar King meat. He explained, “First, let me thank you for your consideration, Steward Liu!”

He then began retrieving beast materials from his storage space.

The first item he produced was a complete Red-Striped Boar carcass. After a brief inspection, Liu mused, “This Red-Striped Boar is intact and fresh. According to the sect’s standard rates, that’s fifteen contribution points—I’ll give you two extra.”

Overjoyed, Chen Qi quickly presented an even larger boar carcass, its meat already cleanly butchered.

This time, Liu took a careful look before chuckling, “I thought you were boasting about the Red-Striped Boar King meat, but you really did hunt one!”

The Mission Hall steward remarked, “This Red-Striped Boar King must be at least seventh-rank. Such meat is truly rare.”

At these words, Liu stroked his own beard and declared, “For a servant disciple to slay a seventh-rank beast is no small feat. I’ll buy it for forty contribution points.”

Seeing Chen Qi’s unchanged expression, he explained, “Normally, seventh-rank beast materials fetch around thirty points, but Red-Striped Boar King meat is hard to come by.”

Chen Qi bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude.

The Mission Hall steward added, “I never expected you to dare hunt a seventh-rank beast on your first trip. You might have the strength of an outer disciple already.”

He patted Chen Qi on the shoulder, preparing to leave.

But Chen Qi stopped him, saying, “Please wait, sir. I have several more beast carcasses.”

With that, he produced the remains of several Scarlet Flame Beasts slain by Elder Sun.

Steward Liu burst into hearty laughter as he examined the bodies. “These are torn to pieces—clearly shattered by inner force. You must have found the remains left by an elder or inner disciple, didn’t you?”

Afraid Liu might use this as a reason to lower his reward, Chen Qi quickly replied, “Your insight is truly impressive, Steward Liu! I did indeed venture deep into Scarlet Flame Mountain and was nearly killed by a pack of them. Elder Sun saved me.”

He pulled back his clothing to show the fresh wounds he’d received that very day.

Liu sighed, “Taking shortcuts is not the true path, but since Elder Sun granted you these materials, I won’t undercut you. The bodies are quite damaged, so I’ll give you forty contribution points for all of them.”

Chen Qi thanked him again, and finally brought out the Iron-Arm Great Ape and some miscellaneous low-grade beast materials.

By now, both stewards were unfazed. Liu quickly assessed, “The arms of the Iron-Arm Great Ape are exceedingly tough. I’ll give you thirty-two points for those materials, and round the rest up for a total of eight points.”

After settling all the contribution points, Liu glanced at Chen Qi’s servant disciple token, which now showed a total of one hundred ninety points, and said with some emotion, “Most outer disciples don’t have as many points as you, though they do spend more.”

Chen Qi didn’t reply, for at that very moment, the ‘Sprout Space’ sent him a message:

[Selected disciple of the Cloud Sea Sect has surpassed one hundred contribution points. Level 1 Faction Store unlocked. Please check for details.]