The King Of Warriors novel (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5872

Jared offered a calm nod. "We understand. Thank you for the warning."

Once the attendant had gone, Vermilion Demon Lord raised a sound-shielding barrier and spoke in a low growl. "Jared, Malevolent Path Hall's roots run deep in this city. We must tread lightly."

"Mm," Jared replied with a nod. "First, let's get to Mission Hall and see if we can grab Earthfire Trial credentials quickly. After that, we visit Earthfire Pavilion itself. Even if we're barred from entering, I want the layout and its guard roster mapped."

They took only a moment to compose themselves, then slipped out of the inn and headed toward the southern district, where Mission Hall towered above the rooftops.

Mission Hall sprawled in a vast circle. Inside, the roar of voices rose like surf against stone walls. Hundreds of jade screens floated overhead, each flashing mission notices in restless, shifting light while robed figures streamed in and out beneath them.

It didn't take Jared long to locate the section reserved for Earthfire Pavilion.

There, the jade screens glowed a deep crimson. Only a handful of missions scrolled by, yet every one promised rewards rich enough to dazzle—and every one shimmered with the warning that it was extremely dangerous.

"It's impossible to finish any of these missions quickly," Vermilion Demon Lord muttered, shaking his head. "And they're all far too risky."

Jared's brow tightened. To participate in the Earthfire Trial, he'd need ten thousand contribution points. Given the difficulty and reward scale on display, they would need to complete two or three of the extremely dangerous missions.

That, unfortunately, would take too much time.

"So much for playing by the rules," he whispered. "We'll need to think of another way."

Just then, a cluster of nearby cultivators lowered their voices—yet their words carried clearly to Jared's ears.

"Have you heard? Ferdinand Flameheart, the elder of Earthfire Pavilion, is leading a party into Flame Gorge to harvest Flame Spirit Herbs and is currently hiring temporary guards."

"Flame Spirit Herbs? That's the main ingredient for Flameheart Pills. They only grow deep in Flame Gorge, with a flame dragon guarding the area. The fact that Elder Flameheart is going in person means the demand for the herbs must be pretty significant."

"What's the pay like?"

"Generous, from what I'm told. Guards who complete this mission will receive plenty of spiritual stones, and discounts on pills and magical items from Earthfire Pavilion. Those who perform well and impress Elder Flameheart enough might even receive a personal recommendation into Earthfire Pavilion itself."

"Then what are you waiting for? Hurry and sign up! Elder Flameheart is one of the three great alchemy masters of Earthfire Pavilion. Following him on this mission is a rare opportunity!"

With that, a few cultivators hurried toward the recruitment area on the other side of the hall.

Jared's eyes lit up.

Elder Flameheart? An alchemy master of Earthfire Pavilion leading a team to gather Flame Spirit Herbs? Well, well, well. This could be a wonderful opportunity indeed. If I can get into this team and perform well on the mission, I might earn Elder Flameheart's favor, thus qualifying for the Earthfire Trial. Hell, I might even obtain clues about the Jadeheart Marrow!

"Come on. Let's go take a look," Jared said to Vermilion Demon Lord.

The duo soon reached the recruitment alcove where several dozen cultivators—every one at least Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five—were already jostling to put their names on the ledger.

A rough-hewn platform of fresh pine planks dominated the makeshift square. Rope still glistened with sap where it bound the beams together. At its center stood an Earthfire Pavilion enforcer in ember-red robes, his authoritative voice carrying easily over the low morning hush.

"The escort assignment will last seven days. The destination is Flame Gorge. Your duties are simple: maintain a perimeter, lend muscle to our harvesters, and bring every person home alive. Applicants must already have reached Heavenly Immortal Realm Level Five. Payment is 5,000 high-grade spiritual stones, with an additional bonus should the mission conclude without mishap. Also, there will be a brief competency test. Slots are limited—only the first ten who pass will be accepted."

The terms were neither punishing nor lenient. The pay, by any metric, was fair.

What was far more enticing was the promise that success would place a guard within whispering distance of Earthfire Pavilion's higher-ups.

Jared exchanged a look with Vermilion Demon Lord. In that silent glance, they reached the same conclusion—they would sign up.

The test, according to the bulletin, was little more than a public display of cultivation and raw combat ability—a formality for anyone truly qualified.

However, when they stepped toward the testing area, a young Earthfire Pavilion enforcer flicked his eyes over Jared, caught a hint of the man's meager aura, and immediately frowned.

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