Chapter 42: Generous Rewards

Gripped by the overwhelming force that was dragging him in, Gu Feng clung desperately to a small tree. The sapling couldn’t bear his weight and bent more and more until, with a sharp crack, it snapped.

Gu Feng let out a shrill cry as he was pulled in. The gate of the courtyard where the red dot was located swung open without a breeze. The moment Gu Feng was sucked through, the door slammed shut with a bang. The suction vanished, and Gu Feng dropped into the yard. He looked around, curiosity shining in his eyes. It was a perfectly ordinary courtyard, no different from any other poor family’s home. Glancing toward the main house, he saw the red dot—it was inside.

Sensing no immediate danger, Gu Feng mustered his courage and walked toward the house. The silence around him was so profound he could hear his own heartbeat. As he drew closer to the main entrance, his eyes widened.

Inside the central hall, a black-and-white portrait hung above an altar table. On either side of the table stood two grand armchairs. Seated in the right chair was an old woman. The key detail was her appearance: her eyes were closed, her skin shrunken and dried, the color ashen and brownish. It was instantly obvious—this was no living person.

The red dot was the old woman.

A mechanical chime sounded in his mind: “Bloodthirsty Mummy detected. Mummy level: Peak Spirit Adept. Mission: Slay the Bloodthirsty Mummy and bring peace to the people. Rewards: Strength +300, Gold +1000, Level +1, Points +10, Resurrection Points +50.”

At the words “Peak Spirit Adept,” Gu Feng’s body tensed. That was the pinnacle of the Spirit Adept rank—not a mere first or second level. More importantly, this was not a death mission, just an ordinary quest. The rewards were stunning, dazzling his eyes with their promise.

A level up would let him break through to Level Eleven and step into the Spirit Adept realm—by far the most crucial prize. Since his sister was currently safe, Gu Feng decided to go all in. After all, he still had eight Self-Sacrifice Contracts left. To waste one on such an opportunity was more than worth it.

Having made up his mind, Gu Feng drew his short sword and, summoning all his courage, approached the mummy.

The mummy had been watching Gu Feng all along, puzzled by his every move. Usually, those who were dragged here wore faces twisted in terror, shouting to bolster their courage, trembling or even wetting themselves at the sight of her. But this young boy—how could he remain so calm?

The mummy, eager to feast, restrained herself out of curiosity. She wanted to see what Gu Feng would do.

Gu Feng raised his short sword as he came closer. Finally, the mummy understood—he meant to kill her. Her eyes snapped open, milky white and fixed on Gu Feng.

Gu Feng suddenly felt an unbearable weight, his body frozen in place. Fear flickered across his face as he stared at the mummy. He couldn’t help cursing inwardly, “Damn it, how can a corpse be this strong?”

A sudden pull yanked at him. In his vision, the mummy’s mouth opened wide, revealing only four sharp teeth—reminiscent of a cat’s fangs. As her jaws stretched further, Gu Feng caught sight of wriggling parasites deep inside.

His stomach churned, and he almost vomited.

The mummy, savoring the moment, deliberately slowed the pull, watching Gu Feng’s expression, hoping to witness utter despair.

But Gu Feng disappointed her. Aside from disgust and a hint of panic, there was no despair in his eyes.

As the mummy’s jaws neared his neck, Gu Feng, unwilling to accept his fate, roared inwardly, “Self-Sacrifice Contract, I want to self-destruct! Blow this mummy to pieces for me!”

Boom!

A massive explosion engulfed the mummy.

A hideous roar escaped her lips—a last cry of fury at her unexpected death—as she was blasted to fragments.

A chime sounded. “You have slain a Peak Spirit Adept Mummy: Item acquired—Evil-Repelling Pendant, Experience +11,000.”

Another chime: “Mission accomplished: Slay the Mummy. Rewards received: Strength +300, Gold +1,000, Level +1, Points +10, Resurrection Points +50.”

A third chime: “Death Mission completed. Level advanced to Spirit Adept. Reward: Fire Affinity Physique. Resurrection time reduced by 11 hours.”

In the Resurrection Waiting Space, Gu Feng listened to the system’s three announcements, staring at his rewards in a daze before bursting into delighted laughter.

To slay a Peak Spirit Adept mummy in one go, and such generous rewards! As for the Fire Affinity Physique granted by the death mission, Gu Feng guessed it would enhance his elemental attacks.

No matter the details, this was a windfall. The resurrection wait reduced by eleven hours meant he would revive in just one hour—how could he not be thrilled?

He used the system to locate his sister.

He saw his sister bathing and changing in the Liang family’s quarters, accompanied throughout by Liang Zi. Outside, a number of Liang family youths, entranced by Gu Yan’s beauty, were discussing how to pursue her; some, with darker intentions, were already plotting misdeeds.

After her bath, Gu Yan emerged in splendid new garments, as breathtaking as a lotus rising from water. Even Liang Zi was struck speechless by her beauty.

With a hint of jealousy, Liang Zi exclaimed, “Gu Yan, you’re far too beautiful!”

Gu Yan gazed at her reflection, satisfied, thinking, “Brother Gu Feng, I am worthy of you.”

Seeing that her praise went unheard, Liang Zi took Gu Yan by the hand. “Come, let’s go eat.”

At the same time, Liang Zi knew that Gu Yan’s appearance would drive the family’s young men wild.

Sure enough, the moment Gu Yan appeared, countless Liang family youths froze in awe, then erupted with excitement.

One handsome, capable young man, self-assured and considering himself outstanding, strode confidently toward Gu Yan, cupped his hands, and said, “Miss, my name is Liang Duan. I am a family prodigy. I hope to make your acquaintance.”

Gu Yan glanced at Liang Zi, who was watching with amusement, ignored Liang Duan, and said, “Let’s go eat.”

Hearing this, Liang Duan maintained a smile, but inside, he was seething, convinced she was putting on airs. Without another word, he turned and left.

Liang Zi, familiar with his character, knew he wouldn’t let things rest, but didn’t take it too seriously.

Liang Duan headed straight for the kitchen, quickly greeting the staff, then took out his long-cherished “Wolf and Tiger Powder” — a substance that, once consumed by a woman, left her ravenous as a wolf or tiger.

Liang Zi led Gu Yan to the kitchen.

At the sight of the window laden with delicious food, Gu Yan couldn’t help swallowing—a loud gurgle from her stomach betrayed her hunger.

Liang Zi smiled gently. “Hungry, Gu Yan? There are pastries over there—have a snack first, then pick your ingredients. The chefs will prepare fresh, delicious dishes soon.”

Nibbling on a pastry, savoring its flavor, Gu Yan went to choose ingredients for her meal.

At a window in the kitchen, Liang Duan hid, memorizing every item she selected, clutching the Wolf and Tiger Powder, his heart racing with anticipation.