Volume Two: Taking on a Task Chapter Eight: The Annihilation of Evil

After a silent night, everyone, heavy with drowsiness, gradually drifted off to sleep.

Chen Chen came to understand that while he was occupied with his tasks, the villagers outside the mountain forest were also busy with their own affairs—whether in daily necessities or leisure and entertainment.

He dared not speak too boldly, yet the simple life of securing three meals a day and a place to rest at night was still the dream of many. As for a higher standard of living, it required more labor and diligence to attain.

That night’s sleep was quite restful. Upon waking, Chen Chen checked out of his lodging and resumed his journey toward the mission’s location.

This time, he encountered an intriguing mission, labeled boldly as “Eradicate Evil.”

The specifics were that within these mountains, a group of masked assailants frequently knocked people unconscious and abducted them. Ordinarily, some factions did enter the mountains, knocking people out and then leading them out again. But this time was different—rumors said this group was taking their victims somewhere unknown.

Chen Chen was somewhat aware of these matters, having observed several times and learned the whereabouts of these men.

Fortunately, a few others had formed a team, and it was a sizable group.

After accepting the mission, they gathered weapons and torches and set out together. For safety, a few who hadn’t received the mission bravely joined the group as well.

Chen Chen wore a grave expression, covering his face with a piece of cloth wrapped around his clothes.

He followed those assigned to the mission into the mountain’s depths.

With the sky clear and the sun just rising over the peaks, the group worked together to reach the ominous threshold known as the Gate of the Underworld.

This time, Chen Chen was resolute in his determination to eliminate this malevolent force.

According to intelligence gathered by the team leaders, the perpetrators often acted with impunity—striking people from behind with blunt weapons, rendering them unconscious, and dragging them into the Gate of the Underworld.

Chen Chen had been fortunate enough to hear these secrets by chance.

Now that he had accepted this mission, he would not miss the chance to thoroughly eliminate this threat.

Six people had taken on the mission, and with the volunteers, the total was ten.

Upon reaching the Gate of the Underworld, the group set up additional arrangements.

They had already encountered each other briefly outside.

Three stood guard at the entrance, vigilant against outside intruders or any escapees from within.

The remaining nine marked their positions, torch in hand, and ventured into the cave.

Chen Chen had a longstanding connection with the Gate of the Underworld. If the hostile faction remained as they had been before, peaceful relations would have been ideal.

But matters had escalated—people were being assaulted and abducted within the mountains.

Now was the time for Chen Chen to step forward.

He fought for justice, to save the innocent, to protect countless lives, and to root out wickedness.

Or at least to drive the evil forces from this cavern, preventing them from abusing their power further.

The nine proceeded cautiously into the Underworld. Their hearts were clear and resolute.

This mission was no trivial matter. The evil faction was likely entrenched, ruling these mountains for more than a day or two.

But their dominion was not established through mere encampments.

They took advantage of the darkness, acting with complete impunity.

Thus, Chen Chen pressed forward with his comrades.

The most crucial task was to deal with those in power inside.

Based on his prior knowledge of certain groups, the mountain was fraught with danger.

Yet only one or two influential figures occupied the cave.

Removing these few would render the rest insignificant.

With roles clearly assigned, the group grew eager.

Indeed, at the Gate of the Underworld, some were seen escorting newly unconscious captives inside.

The three guards outside, tasked with the mission, naturally would not let them pass unchallenged.

Seizing the moment of their entry, one silently trailed them.

The other two crouched nearby, alert and watchful.

Inside the cave, torches flickered, casting dim light.

Chen Chen had extinguished his own torch early, relying on the faint glow to discern the scene.

Upon entering, some fell to the ground—members of their own side—but a few skilled individuals swiftly subdued several small underlings.

Meanwhile, Chen Chen’s main adversary finally appeared.

It seemed someone harbored a longstanding grudge against the leader and stepped forward to seek revenge.

The leader wore fine brocade robes, yet for some reason had stooped to dwelling in this cave.

Upon being discovered, he mistook the newcomers as rivals attempting to seize control of the cavern.

A fight broke out immediately.

A black-clad figure swiftly approached the robed man and struck.

The robed man reacted quickly; as they clashed, the black-clad man seized the leader’s throat, while the leader grabbed his wrist in return.

They spun around, locked in combat.

Elsewhere, several black-clad fighters engaged with other underworld minions.

Eventually, Chen Chen emerged from the shadows and approached the robed man.

This time, the leader was shrewd enough to realize the odds were against him.

Knowing resistance was futile, he did not linger.

After a few evasive maneuvers, he swiftly exited the Gate of the Underworld.

Within the cave remained a giant beast-like figure, occasionally emitting sinister laughter as if some malevolent plan had succeeded.

Chen Chen no longer felt any mercy.

Once certain the robed leader had fled, he dispatched the monstrous figure swiftly.

Examining it closely, the giant seemed to have been trapped for some time, suffering greatly.

Suddenly, an unknown hand hurled a throwing knife, striking the beast’s forehead.

This time, Chen Chen was merely an observer.

Those around him took action.

He alone maintained a composed aura, having driven off the robed man.

After eliminating the ultimate embodiment of evil, the cave ceased to radiate a collective malevolent will.

Whether other parts of the cave still harbored sources of evil or ensnared ordinary laborers to suffer remained to be investigated over time.

Riding the momentum of their recent victory and the overwhelming presence of their forces, the black-clad fighters quickly rescued the captives inside.

Chen Chen inspected the cave thoroughly.

Finding no lingering dark forces, they freed all hostages, bringing the matter to a close.

Chen Chen and several black-clad allies emerged from the Gate of the Underworld.

Since some enemies had escaped, it was impossible to allow them to regroup and launch a pincer attack.

Thus, after rescuing the captives, they departed hastily.

Soon after, another faction arrived.

They took charge of cleaning up, using the momentum of the group.

The unconscious minions and long-neglected filth were swiftly dealt with.

At the end, the group sealed the cave entrance with bricks and cement.

In the years that followed, the place became a refuge for desperate bandits.

Yet whenever evil forces attempted to ensnare innocent people and wreak havoc, several factions would unite to hunt down and eradicate the villains inside.

In return, rewards were granted according to the mission.

Over time, the Gate of the Underworld became a place where many stayed to gain experience and undertake tasks.

As long as one did not commit crimes, one could enjoy themselves freely.

But if one did transgress, this place became a real battleground for experience grinding.

Chen Chen no longer involved himself in these affairs.

His journey continued, and with these new beginner missions completed, he set off toward more advanced territories to grow.

Rather than simply leveling up, it was more a matter of traveling to other realms, broadening horizons, and gaining insight.