Chapter 63: Idiot.

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Idiot.

The next day, the Chen Family’s main grounds had become considerably livelier.

The changes were especially noticeable around the large courtyard’s field in front of the main hall.

What had once been a place for family gatherings and occasional announcements was now filled with thousands of cultivators, their figures extending from the stone platform before the hall all the way to the distant edge of the grounds.

Some wore the familiar robes of the Chen Family, while others still wore the clothing they had been accustomed to before.

There were men and women of different ages, young cultivators who had only recently begun their journey, and cultivators who had just started following the Sword Intent’s cultivation path.

They were all now members of the Chen Family, whether inner or outer. Naturally, bringing so many people together had also created new difficulties.

The family needed more than courtyards and cultivation grounds to accomodate such a huge number of people now.

It needed proper management, a way to distribute resources, and a system through which its members could contribute to the family’s development.

That was why today’s gathering had been arranged under Chen Yuan’s order.

At the front of the field on an elevated platform, Chen Haoran stood on a raised platform, with several elders seated behind him.

He looked over the enormous crowd before him, even he could not help but feel that the family had grown far beyond what he had once imagined.

A month ago, gathering a thousand people would have been a considerable undertaking.

Now, thousands stood before him, waiting for his announcement.

Chen Family members, newly recruited cultivators under Chen Yan’s initiative, and even a huge number of sword intent cultivators that were trained under Chen Feng’s training.

Chen Haoran raised one hand.

The conversations gradually faded. Those standing near the front quieted first, and the sound spread through the crowd until the entire field had settled.

"Everyone."

His voice carried across the field, strengthened by spiritual energy so that even those standing at the very back could hear him clearly.

"Since the last time we have had a proper gathering, our Chen Family had became considerably different than before. A totally new appearance over the family."

He paused, allowing his gaze to travel across the crowd, "Regardless of your prior background, as long as you have joined the Chen Family and accepted its current rules, you are now one of us."

A few people exchanged glances. Others straightened their backs, listening more attentively.

Chen Haoran continued calmly as he noticed the reactions from the crowd, "However, a family cannot grow stronger through numbers alone."

"We need order, discipline, and a proper way for every member to contribute according to their abilities."

He turned slightly, and an elder behind him stepped forward. With a wave of his hand, several large boards rose into the air and settled beside Chen Haoran over the platform.

Each board was covered in neatly arranged writing on papers that were pinned over it, though most of the characters were still too small for the distant members to read.

"Therefore, after discussing the matter with the elders and receiving the Ancestor’s approval, the Chen Family will establish a new institution."

He paused briefly before announcing it.

"The Mission Hall!"

The words spread through the crowd.

Some members looked at one another in surprise, while others began whispering among themselves.

A few younger cultivators seemed particularly interested, especially those who had joined the inner family hoping to obtain more opportunities to cultivate.

Chen Haoran waited until the murmurs had settled before continuing.

"The Mission Hall will be responsible for issuing tasks, recording contributions, and distributing rewards."

"From this day onward, members of the family will be able to accept missions according to their cultivation and abilities."

"Those who complete their missions will receive corresponding rewards, while those who make significant contributions to the family may receive additional recognition."

He raised his hand again, and the writing on the boards behind him began to glow, "At present, the Mission Hall will be divided into two grades."

The first board lit up.

"First Grade Missions. These are tasks that Qi Condensation cultivators can undertake. "

"They will include gathering spiritual herbs, collecting materials, escorting goods, assisting in the management of family properties, and dealing with matters that doesn’t require much difficulty."

Several people in the crowd nodded.

These were tasks they could understand, and many of them had already performed similar work before joining the Chen Family.

Chen Haoran moved his gaze to the second board.

"Second Grade Missions. These are tasks that require the strength of a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"They may involve dangerous territories, powerful demonic beasts, important negotiations, or matters that could affect the security of the family."

The crowd gradually quieted.

"However, there is something you should understand. At present, only three people in our Chen Family possess the cultivation required to undertake Second Grade Missions."

He did not need to name them and everyone knew who they were.

The three Ancestors.

A wave of whispers passed through the field. Some members looked toward the main hall, while others exchanged surprised glances.

Chen Haoran let the murmurs continue for a few seconds before speaking again, "That does not mean Second Grade Missions will remain limited to them forever."

"As the family grows, more members will eventually reach Foundation Establishment. When that happens, the Mission Hall will expand accordingly."

He looked over the crowd, his voice becoming firmer.

"But until then, do not mistake the grades of these missions for a measure of your worth."

"A First Grade Mission may seem ordinary, but every contribution matters."

"A family cannot rely on its strongest members to handle everything. The foundation is built by everyone."

His words drew different reactions.

Some of the younger cultivators looked disappointed that they could not take on more dangerous missions.

Others seemed relieved, knowing that they would not be forced into tasks beyond their abilities.

Among the older members, several nodded in agreement, understanding that a system like this would make the family’s affairs much easier to manage.

Near the middle of the crowd, Chen Yichen stood with Chen Minghao and Chen Yuexin.

Chen Yichen folded his arms as he examined the boards beside the Patriarch, "So, gathering herbs and escorting goods are considered missions now?"

Chen Minghao glanced at him.

"What’s wrong with that? Someone has to do those things."

"I know that. I’m just saying..."

Chen Yichen looked toward the second board, then lowered his voice.

"Wouldn’t it be more interesting if we could accept missions that involve exploring ancient ruins or hunting powerful demonic beasts?"

Chen Yuexin turned her head toward him.

"You just want to do something dangerous."

"That’s not true."

"Then why are you looking so disappointed?"

Chen Yichen opened his mouth, but after glancing at her expression, he decided not to argue.

Chen Minghao spoke quietly.

"Besides, even if such missions existed, do you think the Patriarch would let us accept them?"

Chen Yichen clicked his tongue.

"How would I know if I don’t ask?"

Chen Yuexin shook her head, but a faint smile appeared on her face.

Their conversation was interrupted when Chen Haoran raised his voice again.

"Of course, missions are only one part of the Mission Hall. Every task will have its own requirements, and members must not accept missions beyond their capabilities."

"Anyone who deliberately violates these rules and endangers other members will be held responsible."

His expression grew stern.

"The Mission Hall is meant to help the family grow, not to give people an excuse to compete recklessly or put their lives at risk."

The crowd fell silent. Chen Haoran allowed his gaze to pass over them before continuing.

"Those who complete missions will receive contribution points."

"These points can be exchanged for cultivation resources, techniques, pills, and other items provided by the family."

"The exact rewards will be displayed alongside each mission, so there will be no need to guess or argue over what you deserve."

That announcement caused a much stronger reaction.

"Contribution points?"

"Can they really be exchanged for cultivation techniques?"

Questions rose from different parts of the field.

Some members were already discussing which missions they might accept first, while others looked toward the boards with renewed interest.

Chen Yichen’s eyes lit up.

"Now that’s interesting."

Chen Minghao gave him a sideways glance.

"You’re interested because there might be rewards. Typical idiot.. "

"Of course. What else would I be interested in? Don’t tell me you are not interested?"

"I am... "

"At least you’re honest."

Chen Yuexin looked toward the front, paying closer attention to the explanation of contribution points.

For members who had joined the Chen Family from outer family members households, this arrangement was especially important.

They might not have the same background or resources as those born into the inner family, but they could still earn opportunities through their own efforts.

It gave them a clear path to improve their standing without relying entirely on connections or seniority.

Chen Haoran seemed aware of this as well.

"The Mission Hall will treat every member according to the same rules. Your background, the family you came from, or the connections you possess will not determine how many contribution points you receive. What matters is the mission you accept and whether you complete it properly."

He paused, then added in a measured tone.

"Naturally, the family will also consider the risks involved. No one will be rewarded for completing a task that was never assigned to them, nor will anyone be allowed to claim another person’s contribution."

The elders behind him nodded in agreement and Chen Haoran finally lowered his hand, "That is all for today’s announcement. The Mission Hall will begin accepting members and issuing its first batch of missions tomorrow. Those interested may visit the newly established hall after the gathering. Its location and rules will be displayed at the entrance."

He looked across the thousands gathered before him.

"Whether you are an young or old, I hope you will remember one thing. The Chen Family’s strength does not belong to a single person. It belongs to everyone who is willing to build it."

His voice carried through the field.

"Let us work together and make our family stronger."

For a brief moment, the crowd remained quiet.

Then applause began from the front, gradually spreading through the field.

Some members raised their voices in agreement, while others exchanged excited words about the missions that would become available the following day.

Chen Haoran watched the reaction with a faint smile.

Near the middle of the crowd, Chen Yichen was still looking at the boards.

"Tomorrow, huh?"

Chen Minghao glanced at him.

"Don’t tell me you’re planning to be the first one there."

Chen Yichen smiled.

"Why not?"

Chen Yuexin looked at him suspiciously.

"Just don’t accept something you can’t handle."

He waved a hand dismissively.

"I know my limits."

Neither of them looked convinced.

The following morning, long before the sun had risen, Chen Yichen was already awake.

He had barely do anything else through the night other than meditation.

Ever since the announcement of the Mission Hall, his mind had been occupied with the missions that might be available and the rewards he could obtain from completing them.

By the time he finally got out of meditation, he had already decided that he would be among the first to arrive. Unfortunately, he wasn’t content with going alone.

Chen Yichen quickly washed up, changed into fresh clothes, and left his residence.

The courtyards were still quiet, with only a few lanterns illuminating the stone paths.

Most of the family members were still asleep, and the faint sounds of early morning insects were the only things accompanying his footsteps.

He headed straight toward Chen Minghao’s residence.

After knocking several times, he heard a muffled groan from inside.

"Who is it?"

"Me! Open the door!"

There was a brief pause.

"Chen Yichen?"

"Who else would it be?"

Chen Yichen knocked again, this time with a little more force.

A few moments later, the door finally opened, revealing Chen Minghao with messy hair and a tired expression.

He stared at Chen Yichen, then glanced toward the dark sky beyond him.

"...What are you doing here?"

"Get ready. We’re going to the Mission Hall!"

Chen Minghao blinked.

"Now?"

"Of course, now!"

Chen Yichen grinned, his excitement seemingly unaffected by the fact that the sun had yet to rise.

Chen Minghao rubbed his eyes and leaned against the doorframe.

"Do you even know what time it is?"

"Early enough to get the good missions."

"There are no good missions before sunrise."

"Then we’ll be the first to find out!"

Chen Minghao stared at him for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh, "Idiot... "