I am a winner with Chinese poetry

Chapter 140 Arrangement

"Let's get out of the city first. I'll tell you about this mission on the way!" Shan Ze said to Wu Ziyu with a dark face and a bad temper.

"Got it, Captain!" Wu Ziyu was not afraid at all. He took out a folding fan from somewhere. Although it was late autumn and the air was cold, he leisurely unfolded the fan, which was obviously more decorative than practical, and waved it slowly and gently again and again.

Seeing this, Jiang Liunian patted Gu Yunzhou's shoulder gently and said with a low laugh, "Yunzhou, even though Brother Wu looks a bit out of tune right now, he's our strongest backing when it comes to carrying out our mission. He's absolutely reliable!"

"What Liunian said does make sense. Although Wu Ziyu behaves rather uninhibitedly in private, he knows how to prioritize tasks and is a trustworthy partner." Zhuang Xian, standing aside, echoed with a faint smile on his face.

Wu Ziyu seemed to have caught their conversation. He gently closed his fan, straightened his back with a pretentious air, and said in a loud voice, "Haha, that's exactly what you said. I, Wu Ziyu, am the kind of man who can enjoy the pleasures of life while also shouldering my responsibilities!"

Shan Ze rolled his eyes at the sight. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he launched a feint kick at Wu Ziyu's buttocks, but Wu Ziyu nimbly dodged it with a playful grin. "Enough of the antics. It's our turn!" Then, with a serious expression, he handed his documentation to the inspecting soldier outside the city gate for registration.

This document is specially issued by Qilianguan. It is needed to accept tasks and exchange merit items in Qilianguan. Gu Yunzhou also got one yesterday.

The moment they stepped out of the city gate, Wu Ziyu seemed reborn. His carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp, piercing gaze. His hand unconsciously rested on his scabbard, and he resembled a sword poised for release, its edge unstoppable. Even Jiang Liunian, who usually appeared somewhat immature, now had a resolute gaze and a faint aura of fierceness about him, as if he had grown up in an instant.

"I've accepted three missions this time. Look carefully at this map. The Demon Mist Forest isn't too far from here. If we're quick, it'll only take a night. I've read many ancient records beforehand and know that in three days, the Demon Mist Forest will host its annual Fog Feast, a two-day thick fog. During this special time, the usually hard-to-find Lost Flower will quietly bloom, making it easy to pick.

We're not the only team on this mission, and many others are eager to get a piece of the action. Therefore, we must race against time and move with lightning speed! Shan Ze spoke as he slowly unfolded a detailed map. His fingertip delicately touched the mark for the Demon Mist Forest, his eyes gleaming with unquestionable determination.

"As for the second mission, it requires more mobility. The vanguard of this group of demonic barbarians has already set off. Today, the City Lord's Mansion and the border defense forces have jointly made public the fact that the demonic barbarians have joined forces. The situation is urgent, and our actions must also be accelerated.

We took on this mission to find the Lost Flower because we pass through a natural canyon—the Yellowstone Gorge. This area, blessed with unique geographical advantages, has always been an ideal place to hide. Perhaps, it is in this canyon that we can capture the slightest trace of those demons! Shan Ze's finger gently touched that crucial spot, his usually rare serious expression now fully revealed.

As for the third task, it won't be too late to tackle it after we've successfully completed the first two. Although this matter involves evil spirits causing harm to innocent people, fortunately, their behavior has been restrained and they haven't wreaked havoc frequently.

This mission was solemnly issued by the City Lord's Mansion. It is said that in the past month or so, thirteen incidents have been recorded, and the victims are all residents of the suburbs of Qilianguan.

Although Qilianguan is a magnificent border pass, the Tianxing Continent is vast, densely populated, and has villages scattered all over the place. Even if Qilianguan sends out patrol teams every day and guards diligently, it is difficult to completely eliminate hidden dangers.

In the villages scattered around the pass, the peaceful life would occasionally be broken by sudden shadows. Those monsters seemed to be endless, and there would always be a few that would secretly appear in the human territory.

"In that case, let's proceed according to your plan. I have no objection." Zhuang Xian was the first to speak out, his tone steady.

"I have no objection!" Wu Ziyu looked eager to try, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, you damned savages! Your Master Wu is coming. Why don't you clean your necks and wait to be slaughtered!"

Jiang Liunian was also eager to try, full of anticipation. However, when his eyes fell on the rookie Gu Yunzhou beside him, he couldn't help but reveal a trace of worry: "I have no objection, but Yunzhou is a rookie. Captain, this Demon Mist Forest is extremely dangerous. He..."

The Demon Mist Forest is not a good place for novices to level up. It has another terrifying nickname - the Man-Eating Forest. Not only are demons rampant in it, but even every blade of grass and tree is murderous. If you are not careful, you may die here. This is no joke.

"Don't worry, Liunian," Wu Ziyu waved his hand gently, his eyes full of confidence, "With a few of us here, Yunzhou's safety will be guaranteed. Besides, although the Demon Mist Forest is famous, it is easy to get out if you understand the rules and don't do anything stupid!" Wu Ziyu waved his hand, indicating that Jiang Liunian didn't need to worry.

"Thank you Liunian, I still have some ability to protect myself. Besides, challenging opponents of higher levels, isn't that the fun of adventure? What's there to be afraid of!" Gu Yunzhou not only did not show any fear, but his eyes flashed with inexplicable excitement.

"Haha, that's right, you are indeed one of my generation. Yunzhou, I am very optimistic about you!" Wu Ziyu smiled heroically and patted Gu Yunzhou on the shoulder, with an expression of a fellow traveler that was beyond words.

"Let's get back to the topic, Yunzhou, Liunian is absolutely right. This is your first mission, so remember one iron rule: never leave the team without permission. If you notice anything wrong, be sure to inform us immediately!" Shan Ze put away his smile in time, his expression solemn, and his words revealed his rigorous attitude towards the mission and his warning for the safety of his teammates.

"Got it, Captain!" Gu Yunzhou nodded firmly, his face solemn. He knew that acting on one's own and disobeying orders were the most common taboos for new recruits. Haven't you seen in movies and novels that the first characters to encounter misfortune are those lone heroes who act independently and disregard orders?