I Tame Beasts by Feeding

The Dark Stream was a long-standing organization whose exact founding date was no longer traceable. It started by developing in the shadows, taking on dark and shady business.

Years passed in this manner, and it was only in recent times that the organization began to act with increasing impunity. The power it had steadily accumulated finally surfaced, becoming known to the world and demanding to be taken seriously.

’Over the years, regardless of whether the Dark Stream is connected to the Profound Yin Sect, the profits they’ve reaped, both openly and in secret, must be an astronomical sum. It’s enough to make many factions green with envy, and even terrified...’

’All in all, no matter what the Profound Yin Sect decides to do this time, this campaign to exterminate the Dark Stream is bound to be a long and difficult one.’

’Especially since they practice such wicked Cultivation Techniques. They’re utterly depraved. They simply cannot be allowed to exist.’

If Yu Changsheng could figure these things out, then the leaders of the other sects were undoubtedly even more aware. And so, while many sects still chose to wait and see, the rest took increasingly decisive action, issuing a flood of missions to hunt down and eliminate the Dark Stream.

The winds of change swept across the Martial Continent, and a grim air of slaughter descended. As the sects moved in unison and the situation grew turbulent, chaos began to spread.

...

As for Yu Changsheng, after thinking through these matters, he let out a soft sigh, shook his head, and decided not to dwell on them any longer.

’Ah, forget it. All these grand affairs, the shifting political landscape... it’s all too remote for me. I’m just a Foundation Establishment Cultivator who hasn’t even reached the Golden Core realm. I can’t possibly get involved in the sect’s decisions or the games the higher-ups play.’

’All I can do is my best to protect myself in the midst of all this. And to be a Guardian for my family and friends.’

Yu Changsheng muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing slightly as he read the contents of the Communication Jade Tube in his hand.

’I can’t believe it. There’s a small Dark Stream stronghold right inside Bright Moon City. A cancer like that... if I just let it be, it’s a ticking time bomb. The threat is significant.’

The Communication Jade Tube contained a mission to hunt down Dark Stream members, one that Yu Changsheng had accepted. It wasn’t that he was required to go, but the matter involved Bright Moon City, which was the main base of the Yu Family. Naturally, this caught Yu Changsheng’s attention.

’Still, their leader is only at the Early-stage Golden Core realm. With my current strength, there shouldn’t be much danger. Fine, I’ll go take care of it. I can also swing by the Yu Family while I’m there. It’s been quite a while since I last visited.’

’Just to be safe, I should find a couple of helpers.’

After a moment of thought, Yu Changsheng wasted no time. He sent a message to Zhang Tianwen and Li Minghan and then waited.

"Mission to kill Dark Stream Cultivators in Bright Moon City. Their strongest is Early-stage Golden Core; I’m confident I can handle him. The rest are just Foundation Establishment. I need you to help hold them off. It’s not too dangerous. You in?"

Although Yu Changsheng could have handled this matter on his own, bringing Zhang Tianwen and Li Minghan was clearly a safer bet. Besides, Yu Changsheng had other considerations as well.

With thousands of Cultivators from the entire sect mobilized for missions to exterminate the Dark Stream, Zhang Tianwen and Li Minghan, as top prodigies among the Inner Sect Disciples, were naturally in the spotlight.

If they did nothing, or only took on missions that were too easy, it would inevitably lead to dissatisfaction and gossip among the other disciples. But if the three of them went to destroy a Dark Stream stronghold guarded by a Golden Core Cultivator, with Yu Changsheng there to anchor the team, there wouldn’t be much real danger. It would also set a good example and serve to boost everyone’s morale.

Before long, the Communication Jade Tube vibrated. Messages had arrived from both Li Minghan and Zhang Tianwen.

"I’m in! This is a perfect chance to get revenge for Junior Brother Wang Dingsheng. An organization like the Dark Stream, despised by gods and men alike, should have been wiped out long ago!"

That was the message from Zhang Tianwen. Every word burned with resentment and determination, but Yu Changsheng also sensed something else between the lines.

"Ooh? Something happening? Of course I’ll go, why wouldn’t I? I was getting bored anyway. It’s always more exciting to go on an adventure together! But Changsheng, you have to promise to protect me, hehe. Let me ride your coattails!"

This was Li Minghan’s message, its playful tone peeking through the flippant words.

After reading the messages in the Communication Jade Tube, Yu Changsheng smiled faintly. Shaking his head, he sent another message.

"Alright. Rest up tonight. We’ll meet at the sect gates early tomorrow morning and set off together."

As for Shen Xingchen, Yu Changsheng didn’t disturb him. During their last trip to Huishui Mountain, Shen Xingchen had been forced to self-destruct his Lifebound Magical Treasure. His strength was severely damaged as a result, and he was still recuperating.

However, with the corpse of the Profound Yin Poison Soul Spider, the Golden Cauldron Yin Iron, and additional compensation from Zhang Tianwen, he had more than enough to forge a new Magical Treasure that would surpass even the Dragon’s Roar Sword. He was likely still busy with that very task.

After all, a Sword Cultivator with a sword and a Sword Cultivator without one were two entirely different beings. That was why Yu Changsheng hadn’t told him about this mission.

After their journey to Huishui Mountain, the group had been through life and death together. Their bond had grown much closer, and they kept in more frequent contact.

"Alright, see you tomorrow morning."

After receiving their confirmation, Yu Changsheng wasted no more time. He went to Elder Wei’s residence to explain the situation. Elder Wei didn’t object, simply waving a hand to dismiss him and letting him go without any trouble.

「The next day.」

Aboard Zhang Tianwen’s Flying Ship, Yu Changsheng, Li Minghan, and Zhang Tianwen were gathered. They shared a drink, toasting one another as they flew toward Bright Moon City.