Biyun had already started to get the hang of the system's patterns from his previous two missions.
The higher the reward for avoiding trouble, the greater the danger involved. Tasks that were suicide came with top-tier primordial treasures as rewards.
The safer options, on the other hand, only offered basic rewards.
"But this time, none of the options come with basic rewards," Biyun mused to himself. He suspected that no matter what choice he made, there would be some level of danger he couldn't avoid. After killing Nezha, the danger had spiked instantly.
Going back to the White Bone Cave on Skull Mountain was out of the question. Great Sage Taiyi would probably show up sooner rather than later, and going back would be like walking into a death trap.
As for fleeing and trying to convince his master to join the Western Sect, given how everyone valued their sects, suggesting that his master defect to the West would likely make Stone Ridge Fairy take matters into her own hands and clean house.
So, neither of the first two options offered any real chance of survival. That left the second option—convincing his master to head to Golden Turtle Island together to lie low for a while. This option still carried significant risks, but it was much safer than the other two.
"Choose the second option!" Biyun made his decision quickly. In these extraordinary times, his decisiveness and quick thinking were on full display.
It wasn't very realistic to persuade Stone Ridge Fairy to leave, but Biyun had to try. His master had nurtured and guided him; of course, he wanted to help her escape the deification disaster.
"Master, now that we've killed Nezha and Great Sage Taiyi is sure to come looking for trouble, why don't we head back to Golden Turtle Island for now? We can report the whole thing to the Sect Master and let him decide what to do," Biyun said, seeing Stone Ridge Fairy about to return to Skull Mountain.
Stone Ridge Fairy paused at his words and said coldly, "Great Sage Taiyi's disciple can kill people, but others killing his disciple is not allowed? An eye for an eye, that's only fair."
Even now, Stone Ridge Fairy was still trying to be reasonable, not realizing Great Sage Taiyi's sinister intentions. This was all a trap set by others, waiting for them to fall into it and then use the opportunity to stir up trouble between the Chan and Jie Sects. The two sects had never gotten along over the years, and with all the accumulated grievances, they just needed a spark to ignite a conflict.
"Master is right, but Great Sage Taiyi is not likely to be reasonable with us. He spoiled Nezha rotten. If he had disciplined Nezha properly, he wouldn't have turned out so arrogant and unruly. Taiyi is partly to blame for Nezha's behavior," Biyun argued.
Stone Ridge Fairy had to admit that made sense. If Great Sage Taiyi had been a better mentor, Nezha wouldn't have been such a troublemaker. So, Biyun's point was valid.
"You're right, my disciple. But even if Great Sage Taiyi comes to Skull Mountain, why should I be afraid of him? You go back to Golden Turtle Island and report this to the Sect Master. I'll stay here and see what Taiyi can do to me," Stone Ridge Fairy declared, already influenced by the aura of disaster and unable to take any advice.
Besides, even if Biyun went back to Golden Turtle Island, as a third-generation outer disciple, he wouldn't easily get an audience with the Sect Master. Not even the second-generation outer disciples had that kind of access. By the time Biyun might get to see the Sect Master, Skull Mountain could have already been flattened.
If the Sect Master really wanted to save his disciples, the Jie Sect wouldn't be in such disarray, with enemies picking them off left and right.
Biyun tried to persuade Stone Ridge Fairy, but to no avail. He didn't know what else to say.
Just then, the system announced that the mission was complete.
[Ding, congratulations, host! Your reward, a low-tier primordial treasure, the Dinghai Pearl, has been credited. Please check it promptly!]
Hearing this, Biyun felt anything but happy. The mission was complete, which meant his persuasion had failed. Stone Ridge Fairy was determined to go back to Skull Mountain and had no intention of leaving.
In Biyun's view, this trip back to Skull Mountain was likely to end badly for his master. All his efforts to change things and help her escape the disaster seemed futile in the end.
It was fate!
But it wasn't fate at all. It was just the hidden power struggles among the sages.
"Disciple, no more persuading. I want to see just how powerful Taiyi can be. Just do as I say," Stone Ridge Fairy said firmly. She was a decisive person, a rare being who had achieved enlightenment, and her reputation in the Skull Mountain area was well-known.
Biyun had no choice but to nod in agreement. After some thought, he decided to follow Stone Ridge Fairy back to Skull Mountain first and then head to Golden Turtle Island later.
"Master, don't we have another master on Skull Mountain? Why not ask him for help when the time comes? It would be good to have some support," Biyun suggested. He had only heard of Ma Yuan and had never met him, so he didn't know the exact relationship between this second-generation Jie Sect disciple and his master.
Stone Ridge Fairy shook her head and said, "Ma Yuan digs out hearts and drinks blood. He's done things that both gods and humans despise. Although we're both Jie Sect disciples, I'm ashamed to be associated with him."
The Jie Sect had its share of good and bad apples. Many evil individuals were part of the sect. Even though Stone Ridge Fairy was a rare being who had achieved enlightenment, she didn't want to be like Ma Yuan.
Biyun nodded in agreement. He didn't approve of Ma Yuan's heart-digging and blood-drinking ways either.
Seeing that Stone Ridge Fairy wasn't taking any advice, Biyun was at his wits' end.
Back on Skull Mountain, Stone Ridge Fairy handed Nezha's Universe Ring and Cosmic Silk to Biyun, saying, "Your journey to Golden Turtle Island is long and perilous. The island is hidden in the seas and is constantly on the move. These two treasures should help protect you along the way."
The Universe Ring and Cosmic Silk were both decent treasures, but Stone Ridge Fairy didn't care to use them. They were more suitable for a younger cultivator like Biyun.
"Thank you, Master, for these treasures," Biyun said gratefully. They would indeed come in handy for his dangerous journey.
"Hurry up and go," Stone Ridge Fairy waved her hand, signaling him to leave. She knew the upcoming battle would be risky. She was well aware of the true nature of the Chan Sect Golden Immortal.
"Master, I don't know how long it will take me to get there. If Great Sage Taiyi comes looking for you, you can use the mountain's great formation to defend yourself. I've heard that Taiyi has a powerful treasure called the Nine-Dragon Fire Canopy, which excels at using divine fire," Biyun shared what he knew.
Stone Ridge Fairy was originally a piece of primordial stone that had achieved enlightenment, and some said she was a leftover five-colored divine stone from Nuwa's sky-mending project.
No matter what, Stone Ridge Fairy was most afraid of fire. Hearing about the Nine-Dragon Fire Canopy, she made a mental note. That thing was her biggest weakness.
As for Biyun, he was grateful for Stone Ridge Fairy's guidance and didn't want to abandon his master and escape alone. But staying would only make him another casualty.
Moreover, even if Biyun left Skull Mountain, there was no guarantee he would make it to Golden Turtle Island alive.
Up in the nine heavens, a pair of eyes had already locked onto Biyun, waiting for him to leave Skull Mountain so they could strike.
Just as Biyun was about to leave the boundaries of Skull Mountain, a new mission appeared. Biyun's spirits lifted, and he quickly checked it out.