Renault faced a major challenge: although he had managed the descent quickly, he still needed to return in the same amount of time, which would be an uphill climb. Additionally, he had to investigate the **Crimson Flame Cave** for any sign of demonic creatures, a task that would take precision and timing. The chance of creatures appearing during broad daylight was slim, making the task even more difficult. Moreover, if he spotted any creatures, they would undoubtedly notice him as well, putting him in significant danger.

Fortunately, the descent to the cave was downhill, saving him energy and allowing him to move faster. However, Renault knew the return trip would be much harder, as he'd have to navigate uphill, making it challenging to maintain his speed.

Now was not the time to dwell on these difficulties. Renault focused on the immediate task: reaching the **Crimson Flame Cave** in the shortest time possible and observing for any signs of demonic activity. He was determined to complete the mission, no matter the cost.

As Renault hurried down the mountain, he received a system notification: **"Player Renault has received Cultivation Quest 2: Investigate Demonic Creatures. Time limit: four hours."**

Watching the task timer tick down, Renault pushed himself harder. His sword, **Clear Wind**, was securely fastened on his back, and his body moved rhythmically, his steps light and precise, with his toes hitting the ground first as he leaned forward to maintain momentum. With the advantage of the downhill slope, his speed reached an almost terrifying level.

Occasionally, he lost his balance due to the steep descent. Tumbling and sliding down the path, he scraped against branches and rocks, leaving cuts and bruises all over his body. Some wounds bled, but Renault pressed on without concern, knowing that these injuries wouldn't be fatal.

Each time his health dropped too low, he consumed **Qi Blood Pills** to recover, also regaining some of his stamina in the process.

Back in the **Tianji Stone Chamber**, Yu Zhenzi observed Renault’s every move through a spiritual projection. He was both surprised and pleased by Renault’s performance. This mission wasn’t just a test of Renault’s abilities; it was also a way to evaluate his character. Yu Zhenzi had an important decision to make regarding Renault.

"Renault is willing to risk everything to complete his sect's mission, even his life. Such loyalty and intelligence are rare traits," Yu Zhenzi thought to himself. He was also curious to see how Renault would gather information on the demonic creatures and make his way back uphill, as that would be far more difficult.

Renault reached the vicinity of the **Crimson Flame Cave** in just half an hour, but rather than immediately returning, he spent the next ten minutes scouting the area. Oddly enough, after spending such a brief time near the cave, Renault began his return journey.

In total, Renault had spent about 45 minutes on the entire round trip, leaving him with more than three hours and fifteen minutes for the return leg of the journey.

Watching this, Yu Zhenzi nodded in approval. Though the return trip would likely take more time, Renault had conserved enough to meet the time limit comfortably. However, Yu Zhenzi was puzzled. Had Renault truly completed the observation task? There seemed to be no signs of any demonic creatures in the vicinity, yet Renault had already started back.

What surprised Yu Zhenzi the most was Renault’s incredible speed on the return trip. Despite the uphill terrain, Renault maintained a pace nearly as fast as his descent. This left Yu Zhenzi astounded—how could Renault maintain such a pace, especially after suffering injuries on the way down?

The secret to Renault's speed lay in his observation during the descent. He had noticed a nearby **cliff** and planned to scale it on the way back. The cliff was steep, and any misstep could send him plummeting to his death.

Renault smiled faintly as he eyed the **Clear Wind Sword** in his hand. Its flexibility made his plan feasible, but success would depend entirely on his execution.

In his previous life, Renault had performed similar maneuvers countless times in the game world. This would be his first attempt in reality, and while his confidence was high, he couldn’t shake a sense of nervousness.

He pulled out a **tough silk thread** he had requested from his master earlier. Using a special binding technique, Renault secured the thread to the sword's hilt. This technique, which Renault had perfected in the game, ensured that the thread would remain tied even if the sword took significant stress.

Renault drove the sword into a crevice in the cliff and jumped, his feet landing on the sword’s blade. The blade bent but didn’t break, thanks to its flexibility and durability.

With both hands gripping the silk thread, Renault pulled with all his might. The sword responded with a powerful recoil, launching Renault high into the air. He soared ten meters upward, his body like a swift bird, and landed gracefully on a protruding rock ledge.

As he grabbed the thread with one hand and tugged it, the sword was dislodged from the crevice and flew back into his hand. Renault then examined the next ledge, which was much higher—about twenty meters up—and more difficult to reach.

He knew that replicating the previous maneuver would be nearly impossible, as the height was greater and the ledge’s angle less favorable. Moreover, he had no way to adjust his trajectory mid-air.

Despite the challenges, Renault plunged the **Clear Wind Sword** into another crevice. He couldn’t afford to waste any more time. He knew that timed missions came with a purpose, and the sooner he completed them, the better the outcome.

With a powerful push, Renault launched himself upward, but this time, he fell short of the ledge, his body plummeting back down.