C22 White Tiger Mountain!

Yang Chen offered an awkward smile, his mind still on the lookout for any potential perks. It was clear that Elder Wang wasn't one to be easily fooled.

Indeed, with age comes wisdom, and Elder Wang was no exception to that rule—certainly not someone to be trifled with.

Elder Wang, smiling, watched Yang Chen, then stroked his beard and said slowly, "In fact, this could be seen as an opportunity Grandmaster Chen has provided for you. The individual in question will arrive in a few days. With this mission's proof in hand, it should be quite straightforward for you to become their disciple."

Yang Chen's face took on a serious expression, and he leaned in to whisper to Elder Wang, "Elder Wang, who exactly are we talking about here? You're not going to sell me out, are you?"

Elder Wang gave Yang Chen an exasperated look and replied, "What's on your mind? If Grandmaster Chen says this person is no less formidable than himself, then you can take his word for it. As to who's the stronger of the two, well, that's not for me to say, hehe!"

Elder Wang chuckled mischievously, his thoughts inscrutable.

Yang Chen, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the person was at least a Heaven Sect powerhouse!

Still, Yang Chen held himself with a sense of pride and arrogance. He wouldn't accept just anyone as his master. They had to possess truly fearsome strength, or what would be the point? To surpass him?

In Yang Chen's view, taking on a master was about finding a mentor and protector, someone to offer guidance.

What good would a worthless master do, other than lending a title? Absolutely nothing!

'Best to focus on completing this mission,' he thought. 'Once it's done, I'll meet the person in question. If they don't meet my standards, I'll simply walk away.'

Besides, successfully completing the mission would also net him a weapon—a nice bonus.

Yang Chen scrutinized the mission details once more. It was his first foray into such an endeavor, and despite his strength, he knew caution was paramount. His adversary was a Spirit Beast, not a mere human.

Humans might find ways to escape death, but Spirit Beasts were less discerning—they'd go straight for the kill. Caution was essential, especially when facing a Grade S Spirit Beast.

"Flying Tiger, a Grade S Mid-Stage Spirit Beast, excels in wind-based abilities and is capable of flight!"

The introduction to the Spirit Beast was brief, yet even this scant information had cost a group of Grade A Ability Users their lives to obtain.

It certainly wasn't easy.

"Flying!"

Yang Chen's expression turned grave. He wouldn't be able to fly until he reached the Grandmaster level, but if this Spirit Beast could take to the skies with its innate advantage, taking it down might not be so straightforward.

"I'll need to seize the chance for a one-hit kill."

Yang Chen reflected for a moment, while Elder Wang respectfully allowed him time to think. This was an S-grade mission, after all; extra preparation was prudent. If Yang Chen were to fall to this tiger, it would be a significant loss for No.98.

A young prodigy like Yang Chen was a rarity on Earth.

He was irreplaceable.

After some time, a smile finally broke across Yang Chen's face. He turned to Elder Wang and asked, "Elder Wang, could you... transport me there?"

"Absolutely!"

With a gesture from Elder Wang, a middle-aged man in a black suit approached and gave a deferential bow.

"Take him to White Tiger Mountain, then stand by on the perimeter. If there's no word in three days, return on your own."

After issuing the instructions, Elder Wang addressed Yang Chen, "How does that sound? Three days ought to be sufficient, right?"

Yang Chen surveyed the expanse of White Tiger Mountain and nodded confidently. "No problem. I'll locate it within three days."

"Excellent. He'll escort you there and back."

Elder Wang nodded, his eyes reflecting his esteem.

The middle-aged man then gently said to Yang Chen, "Sir, please follow me."

Yang Chen acknowledged with a nod and proceeded to follow the man out.

Watching Yang Chen depart, Elder Wang's lips moved slightly in contemplation.

"Is it too rushed to assign him an S-class mission?"

"The constitution of a Grandmaster isn't as fragile as you imagine. He'll be fine," came Chen Tianxin's reassuring voice in Elder Wang's ear. Elder Wang pursed his lips and then leisurely made his way back to his counter to rest.

...

Within moments, a sleek black sedan sliced through the sky, speeding toward the southern reaches of Jiangnan City.

Seated within, Yang Chen's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, his mind actively strategizing on how to confront the S-class Flying Tiger.

The ability of the Flying Tiger to take to the skies certainly posed a challenge. Moreover, Yang Chen lacked any experience in battling Spirit Beasts. Yet, having endured life at the very bottom rung of society, Yang Chen possessed a unique trait that set him apart from others: he was utterly fearless in the face of death.

But let's not forget, Spirit Beasts are inherently more savage. They thrive in a brutal jungle ecosystem, a place where the law of the land is the survival of the fittest. By nature, they are far more ferocious than humans, which only adds to the complexity of the situation.

While Spirit Beasts may not have as many tricks up their sleeves as humans do, their combat instincts are incredibly powerful, making this another significant hurdle to overcome.

The car sped along unimpeded by traffic, and in just thirty minutes, we had covered dozens of kilometers. In the distance, the silhouette of a great mountain began to take shape.

"White Tiger Mountain!" The middle-aged man in black announced, snapping Yang Chen back to the present.

Yang Chen opened his eyes a sliver and peered out the window. Gazing upon the mountain shrouded in mist, he could sense a subtle aura of dominance emanating from White Tiger Mountain.

Indeed, it was an aura of dominance. Even before approaching White Tiger Mountain, Yang Chen could feel its imposing presence.

Though the aura wasn't overpowering, to the point it could be disregarded, a D-class or C-class Ability User would find their combat abilities severely diminished upon entering. E-class Ability Users wouldn't even qualify to set foot on the mountain.

Despite Yang Chen's A-class Qi cultivation, he encountered a slight resistance. But thanks to his Grandmaster physique, he was able to effortlessly dispel the mountain's oppressive force.

"White Tiger Mountain," the driver began, "is said to have been formed from the remains of a Grandmaster Level White Tiger. It exudes the aura of a White Tiger at the Grandmaster Level, making it accessible only to Ability Users of B-class or higher. All others are barred entry."

As the black sedan reached the perimeter of White Tiger Mountain, it came to a gentle stop and settled onto the earth.

Stepping out of the car, Yang Chen took in his surroundings, immediately feeling as though he had entered a mystical realm. The area was enveloped in a veil of clouds and mist, and the mountain itself resembled a colossal tiger lying in repose, its form accentuated by the swirling white fog, much like a slumbering White Tiger.

The vicinity of White Tiger Mountain, spanning thousands of miles, was devoid of any human presence. There used to be signs of life, but ever since the S-rank Flying Tiger's attack, not a soul could be found.

"Mr. Yang, you're free to enter. However, I must inform you that I'll be departing in three days, as per Elder Wang's orders. I trust you understand," the middle-aged man in black said as he stepped out of the vehicle and offered Yang Chen a respectful bow.

Yang Chen nodded in acknowledgment. They had already discussed this, and he was confident in his ability to resolve the situation within the allotted time.

"Understood."

With that, Yang Chen strode toward White Tiger Mountain, not once looking back. His silhouette gradually disappeared into the enveloping white fog.