Slifer walked over to where Leah lay. He released a sigh, "I never wished to kill your father, but he didn''t leave us much room for conversation."
Moaning with the effort, Leah pushed herself to her feet, steadying her shaky legs. "If you hadn''t taken me away," she spat, eyes alight with anger, "he would never have come after you in the first place."
He winced internally. She wasn''t wrong. But it wasn''t actually him who had made the choice; it was his predecessor. How can I explain to her that it was not ''me'' but another ''me''? He mused. Unfortunately, he couldn''t very well tell her the truth of the situation.
He cleared his throat, attempting to find the right words. "Actually, Leah, I... I wanted you as a disciple."
She looked at him as if he had grown a second head. "Then why," she began, voice trembling, "did you slaughter those who were sworn to protect me?"
He took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "You possess an incredibly rare cultivation body. With my teachings, you could reach heights you''ve never imagined. Your father, and even you, I presumed, wouldn''t willingly let you be my disciple. So, I... I had to use alternative methods."
Inside, Slifer cringed at his own words. The truth is, the original Slifer probably wanted her for darker purposes. To use her as a cultivation furnace perhaps. The thought left a bad taste in his mouth.
Leah''s eyes held a mixture of disbelief and shock. "So, you''re saying... you killed them... all for me?"
Slifer hesitated, then nodded slowly, "Yes, in a way."
He paused for a moment, "Would you consider being my disciple?"
Internally, he almost chuckled. Shell say no, for now at least. But I can play the long game. Slifer knew the nature of demonic cultivators too well; they were notorious for exploiting any situation to their advantage, even if it meant sacrificing their own kin.
Leah''s eyes widened a tad, and he could see the gears turning within her mind. The fall of her father left her vulnerable in the Black Heart Sect, a place where her privileged status had earned her a host of enemies. The Black Heart Sect''s lethal competitiveness was a stark contrast to the relatively tame Black Rose Sect. A return to her sect, he understood, meant a death sentence that awaited her, it would be those who seemed the most loyal to her to be the first ones to stab her in the back.
Amelia, who''d been quietly observing the exchange, finally broke her silence. "Master, you already have so many disciples... Isn''t Amelia enough for you?"
Slifer''s skin crawled a bit under Amelia''s gaze, which was perhaps a tad too possessive. Before he could respond, a System message popped up.
| Maximum Disciple Capacity Reached |
| No More Disciples Can Be Accepted |
He dismissed the alert with a thought, its message irritating but irrelevant. I don''t need the System''s approval to guide her. If Leah accepts my offer, we can work around the formalities.
His objective was clear: persuade Leah to accept him, mend the fractured relationship, and hopefully, prevent further conflict. He did not like the idea of a young genius dedicating their life to get revenge on him, he couldnt hide behind Hughies luck forever.
But ending her life... could I really do it?
The more he observed Leah''s young face, the more he realized he couldn''t stomach the idea of bringing her any more pain. She''s practically a child in the grand scheme of things. The last thing I want is to add her blood to my already stained hands.
Leah seemed to ponder the offer, her face going through a range of emotions. It was apparent that she was at a crossroad, faced with a choice between vengeance and survival. The world of cultivation was cruel, and sometimes, one''s mortal enemies turned into unlikely allies under the harsh laws of survival.
| Exceeding Disciple Limit Will Result in Continuous Credit Deduction |
Slifer''s face darkened, the System''s limitations ever testing his patience.
Yet, another notification followed almost immediately:
| Task: Kill or Reform the Demonic Cultivator |
| Description: Having orphaned a young demonic cultivator, resentment now brews in her heart. It falls upon you to cleanse her spirit, either through the release of death or the path of reform |
| Reward for Kill: 20 Credits |
| Reward for Reform: Extra Disciple Slot |
His eyes widened at the potential reward for reforming Leah. So, the System isn''t totally against me taking Leah as a disciple. But first, she needs to be "reformed." Challenge accepted.
He shifted his focus back to Leah, whose seemed to have made a decision. I''ll never accept you as my master! Not after you took my father from me! She spat at him with all the venom she could muster.
With a casual tilt of his head, Slifer dodged the unsavory projectile effortlessly. Whats with this girl and spitting? he thought, almost amused. Would she like a taste of her own medicine?
Before he could react, Amelias hand struck Leahs face again, snapping, You dont deserve to have him as your master!
Frowning at the escalating situation, Slifer put on a stern mask, addressing Morvran, Keep her under house arrest. If she doesnt come around in a while, she can rot in the dungeon.
Morvran acknowledged with a sharp nod, then reached out and grasped Leah''s hair, lifting her to her feet. She let out a piercing scream and kicked at Morvran''s legs, shouting, Let go of me, you bald-headed oaf!
Slifer watched as Morvran dragged the thrashing Leah away, his bald head gleaming in the light as it bore the brunt of Leahs verbal onslaught.
He shook his head, a plan forming in his mind to turn Leah''s loyalties towards him. Kidnappers manage to do it all the time. It''s just a matter of breaking and reshaping. Stockholm Syndrome, thats what they call it.
As he began to walk away, with Amelia closely tailing him, a System Notification blinked into existence:
| Ding! |
| Congratulations! |
| Your Disciple Fenlock Has Broken Through |
| Reward: 25 Credits |
He raised an eyebrow. It hasnt even been an hour. How on earth did the lad manage a breakthrough so quickly?
Fenlock emerged from his quarters, the aura of Peak Core Formation radiating off of him in vigorous waves. He clenched his fists tightly and his face hardened with resolve as he muttered fiercely, "Junior Sister, no one will keep me away from you, not even Master."
Slifer sat cross-legged on the ground in his courtyard, a circle of disciples surrounding him. Amelia had stubbornly claimed the seat to his right, an almost protective aura about her. On his left, Caelum was seated, his gaze flitting between his sword Bloodthorn and his master, Slifer, with an unspoken query swirling in his eyes.
Opposite to Slifer sat Fenlock and Hughie, the former emanated a newfound aura of confidence after his breakthrough, while the latter seemed to wish for nothing but the earth to swallow him whole, distancing him from the scrutinizing gaze he imagined from his master.
The silence was palpable as they all awaited Slifer to speak, yet he seemed to be lost in another world. His face cycled through an array of expressions - surprise, annoyance, and then a trace of glee.
Within the stillness, Caelum''s thoughts roamed wild. Is Master experiencing some sort of enlightenment? I''ve heard rare geniuses undergo such states. It''s not something one can seek, it just...happens. Could Master be one of those rare geniuses?
Hughie, on the other hand, sat in growing discomfort. Is Master staring at me? The thought nagged at him, causing his gaze to drop to his hands. He remembered the touch, shuddering at the recollection. If only Master were a beautiful woman, the thought fleeted, but he banished it immediately. But I had to be chosen by an old man, an ugly one at that. Heavens no!
In reality, Slifers focus was entirely occupied by the System notifications that floated before his eyes.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations! |
| You Have Completed The Requirements To Unlock Your Reward |
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.What could it be? His heart skipped a beat as another notification emerged.
| You Have Gained The Ability To Learn Your Disciples Skills |
| Ability: Mirror Mastery |
| Description: I taught you everything you know, not everything I know. |
| Techniques Will Be Converted To A Righteous Version, Showcase To Your Disciples The Power Of The Righteous Path |
Slifer''s eyes widened in realization. This sounds so OP! So, the System doesnt hate me after all.
Relief washed over him. With this, maybe there''s a chance to break through...
| Current skill level: 1 |
| User can only take 1 skill per disciple, only the skill they most commonly use |
| The conversion of this skill incurs a cost |
His smile briefly faltered. Ah, all these conditions. Now, this is the System I am accustomed to, he thought with a tinge of sarcasm.
| Focus Your Attention On A Disciple And Activate Your Ability |
Slifer redirected his attention to his disciples. Clearing his throat, he crafted a believable excuse for this gathering. It''s been a while since I''ve checked on your progress," he said calmly, his eyes shifting to Hughie. Hughie is the only disciple that definitely has protagonist level potential, surely he has multiple OP techniques.
"Hughie, how has your cultivation method progressed?" He inquired.
Hughie froze for a split second. I knew hed pick me, he thought bitterly, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "Master, I...I have yet to breakthrough to the second layer," he confessed, his voice tinged with embarrassment.
Slifer observed as the technique manifested before him through the system.
| Technique - Bloodforge Ascension |
| As injuries accumulate, the user''s body becomes a conduit for malevolent energy, morphing them into a nightmarish titan of destruction. |
| Current Level: 1 C enhances stats by 1 substage, defense and regeneration enhanced by 2 substages |
| Warning: High likelihood of death due to injuries being a requirement for activation |
| Warning: Low Will Stat can lead to loss of control |
Interesting technique, I wonder what the righteous version is like.
| Technique - Thunderstrike Ascension |
| The user, when struck by Heavenly Lightning, becomes a conduit for celestial energy, morphing into a mighty titan of righteous fury |
| Current Level: 1 C enhances stats by 1 substage, defense and regeneration enhanced by 2 substages |
| Warning: Requires a high Luck Stat to survive the strike of Heavenly Lightning |
| Warning: Low Will Stat can lead to loss of control |
Slifers face darkened as he mulled over the revised technique''s description. Such a technique would have been perfect, but the high luck stat... I''d be dead before activating it.
Hughie, witnessing the shift in his master''s demeanor, felt a chill run down his spine. As his master seemed lost in thought, Hughie hastily mentioned, "Master, I... I just need a little more time, a little more experience. I can feel the breakthrough nearing."
Slifer''s attention drifted as he pondered on the possibility of acquiring more skills from Hughie, yet a System notification cut through his thoughts.
| Upgrade Insight To Learn More |
Slifer shook his head, knowing full well that he could not afford to spend credits on upgrades now. There isn''t the luxury of credits for Insight...
Misinterpreting the gesture, Hughie deflated, thinking the head shake was directed at him. Hes going to use this as an excuse to punish me.
However, to Hughies surprise, Slifer directed his gaze towards Fenlock. Fenlock, share your cultivation method.
Fenlock cleared his throat, his hands awkwardly producing a flute from his robe. "My... my previous master found me suited for Sound cultivation. I... I have some talent in music," he shared hesitantly, his face a shade of red. The memories of mockery from other demonic cultivators, who called him ''soft,'' plagued his confidence.
With a mental command, Slifer activated the ability the System had granted him.
| Technique: Demonic Path of Emotions |
| Through the medium of music, the cultivator channels destructive attacks |
Fenlock watched his masters face for any sign of approval or disapproval, while Slifer marveled at the uniqueness of the cultivation method. Music as a conduit for destruction... it was something truly profound in its own right.
Slifer, with a raised brow, inquired, "Can you only use offensive attacks with this technique?"
Fenlock hesitated briefly, then shook his head. "No, Master. The effects of the attacks depend on my emotions and my will at the time."
Ah, that makes sense why his Will stat is high, Slifer thought,
As he opened his mouth to speak, Fenlock interrupted him hastily, Master, I dont need any guidance.
Fenlock was worried that his master would use cultivation as an excuse to keep him locked in his quarters, he couldnt allow that to happen, not again.
Slifer blinked, momentarily taken aback. Inwardly, he exhaled in relief. Good, I wasnt going to offer any guidance anyway. Im hardly familiar with ordinary cultivation, let alone the nuances of sound cultivation.
However, not wanting to seem negligent, he responded, "It''s the duty of a master to ensure the progress of his disciple. Demonstrate your technique."
With a hesitant nod, Fenlock directed his gaze to a nearby tree, he took a deep breath, summoning his feelingsparticularly the annoyance of his master''s perceived attempts to keep him away from his junior sister. With this emotion fueling his technique, he played a haunting melody on his flute.
As the notes flowed from the flute, they seemed to take on a sinister life of their own. The air around Fenlock vibrated with the intensity of his emotions, and the melody grew louder, more menacing. The soundwaves condensed into visible, pulsating ripples, like ethereal snakes, and they streaked towards the unsuspecting tree with terrifying speed.
The notes condensed into visible soundwaves that streaked towards the tree, smashing into it with a resonating shockwave. The bark shattered, leaves disintegrated, and the solid wood splintered into fragments, erasing the tree from existence.
Slifer watched the display, his expression unreadable. Impressive. But this technique... it isn''t for me. He knew his limitations. Music had never been his forte, and the System, in its typical fashion, would likely require him to painstakingly level the skill himself.
"That was impressive, Fenlock," Slifer began, attempting to offer constructive feedback. "Perhaps, for greater control, you could intertwine the essence of your soul with your flute. Let the medium become an extension of your spirit." He was winging it, but from his vast reading experience, geniuses in these types of novels gain inspiration from the most ridiculous sayings. Lets see if this holds true here.
Fenlock bowed deeply, thanking Slifer, Thank you, Master. Your insight is invaluable.
Slifer turned his gaze toward the spot where the mighty tree once stood. Perhaps, he thought, I should be more careful around trees in this sect. I certainly don''t want to get on the bad side of a demonic tree.
Chapter 14: Hughie Vs Caelum
Slifer shifted his focus onto Amelia, he felt a tad uncomfortable when she inched closer to him.
"So Amelia, how goes your cultivation?"
Amelia''s brows creased in mild frustration. "Master, I need more victims. To breakthrough to the Late Core Formation, I need to devour the souls of three Late Core Formation cultivators.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Is Struggling To Breakthrough |
| Bring Your Disciple 3 Late Core Formation Souls |
| Reminder: Righteous Souls Will Result In Credit Deduction |
| Reward: 50 Karmic Credits |
Slifer''s eyes narrowed as he read the System notification. His mind churned with thoughts, Using a Peak Slifer Card just to get her these souls? Not happening. His thoughts drifted momentarily to Val. Once she''s healed... if Amelia hasnt progressed by then, perhaps Val could assist her.
He collected himself and refocused on Amelia. The hidden cost of her cultivation method had the potential to chip away at his painstakingly earned credits. That was a risk he couldn''t take. "Amelia, you must ensure the souls you devour are not of innocent beings."
A look of genuine confusion spread across Amelia''s face. "But master, how can I know who is innocent and who isn''t?"
Slifer paused, taken aback by her question. She does have a point. He knew that it was the System which decided what was good and what was evil. Wanting to play it safe, he replied, "Target mostly demonic cultivators. When it comes to righteous cultivators, only act against them if they threaten you, or if you''re sure they''ve harmed mortals."
He nodded to himself, his thoughts running along the lines of universal laws. In most realms like this, Heaven frowns upon the killing of mortals by cultivators. I hope the System aligns with this logic.
Amelia responded with an angelic smile, "Understood, Master." Yet, the glint in her eyes made Slifer uneasy. He hoped she wouldn''t provoke others to assault her, solely to have a reason to claim their souls
Mind Mirror!
| Technique: Soul Render |
| Description: Unleash a blade of soul energy to slice through the enemy''s spiritual essence, causing profound damage at the soul level |
This is intriguing, Slifer mused, a soul-based technique.
"Show me your progress with the Soul Render technique."
Amelia gleefully agreed, her eyes scanning the courtyard for a target. Realizing there was none, she muttered, "One moment," and vanished.
Wait a minute, is she... The thought barely took form before Amelia reappeared, dragging a trembling Qi Refining disciple along. His eyes were wide with terror.
Slifer''s eyes widened as realization struck. He opened his mouth to halt her, but he was a moment too late. Amelia had already activated the technique. A ghostly blade formed from her fingertips, slashing through the air to strike the disciple. His scream of torment echoed through the courtyard as his soul was viciously shredded by the ethereal blade. The poor disciple collapsed onto the ground, unconscious, his face twisted in lingering anguish.
Amelia turned to face her master, a triumphant smile brightening her features. Yet the smile faded quickly as she met Slifers darkened gaze. His heart pounded heavily, witnessing such a brutal technique against a Qi Refining cultivator like himself was frightening.
Only a Qi Refining cultivator... The level of pain she could inflict was beyond belief. His heart shivered at the thought, his disciples'' previous acts of violence paling in comparison. Ignoring the 1 credit gain notification, his eyes narrowed.
"Master... Amelia stuttered, sensing that she had angered Slifer.
"Didnt I make it abundantly clear to stop bullying lower-ranked cultivators?" Slifer''s voice cut through the silence like a sword.
Amelias eyes widened in fear, "I-I wasnt bullying him, Master. He agreed to let me practice the technique on him for you to see.
Agreed? More like coerced, he thought bitterly. The boundary between consent and coercion was thin and murky in the cruel world of cultivation.
Slifer shook his head, feeling a prick of concern about Amelia''s practice methods. "When you practice this technique, what do you normally do?" Surely there must be a different method, he thought.
"Oh, quite a few of the junior brothers volunteer," she replied nonchalantly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.
Slifer paused. Are these guys so desperate that they''d endure soul torture just to spend time with a girl? He shook his head in disbelief at their pathetic behavior, a term from his previous world echoing in his thoughts - simp behavior.
He sighed heavily. "Amelia, my intention was for you to demonstrate on an animal, not on another disciple. You left before I could give proper instructions."
Amelia lowered her gaze. "I''m sorry, Master. I should have waited for your guidance."
Slifer waved his hand dismissively.
| Ding! |
| Righteous Alternative: Soul Harmony Strike |
| Description: By tuning one''s soul to the righteous energies of the heavens, the cultivator can channel a harmonious strike that seeks to purify the malicious intent within the target. The strike resonates with the opponents soul, diminishing their malicious energies and weakening their offensive capabilities for a short duration. The effectiveness of this technique increases with higher cultivation levels. |
Slifer read the description, taking a moment to let the information sink in. Soul Harmony Strike... it sounds less sinister compared to Amelia''s soul devouring technique. However, it still deals with the soul, a realm that I am not yet ready to tread upon.
He was apprehensive. The soul was a delicate and profound essence of a being, meddling with it without sufficient understanding was akin to treading on thin ice. While the righteous version seemed to have a noble intent, the underlying manipulation of soul energies was something that he didn''t take lightly.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.He concluded that he would not be copying this technique, at least not until he was better versed in the intricacies of soul cultivation.
Slifer turned his gaze to Caelum, hoping against hope that his disciple had a technique that could prove useful. "Caelum, how goes your cultivation?"
A shadow of disappointment cast across Caelums face, his shoulders drooping. "Master," he began, his voice filled with self-reproach, "I have failed as a swordsman. I did not even recognize my own master was a cultivator of the sword."
Slifer blinked in confusion, momentarily taken aback. Then it dawned on him. Ah, the Deadly Strike card that manifested sword qi. I hope he doesnt ask me for guidance, with the others, I might be able to mumbo jumbo my way out of it but Caelum isnt as gullible.
Caelum, in his desperation, began to kowtow before Slifer. "Please, Master, guide me! My own sword cultivation feels shallow and incomplete. Witnessing your strike has shown me the true path of the sword."
His head lowered, Caelum awaited Slifers response with bated breath. He wished for his master''s guidance but was realistic about his expectations. Master has always given us freedom, only intervening when he felt we were neglecting our cultivation. What are the chances he''d guide me now?
But Slifer, at that moment, was engrossed in a System message, not truly catching any of Caelum''s impassioned plea.
| Technique: Shadowstep Slash |
| Description: This technique uses the blood essence of the user to teleport instantly to their target''s shadow, delivering a deadly, unexpected strike |
A grin slowly spread across Slifers face. This... This is it. Such a technique would be ideal to confront cultivators of higher realms. And being a sword cultivator? It does have a certain ring to it. Arent sword cultivators known for being able to fight above their realms?
Meanwhile, Caelum, who had raised his head in the meantime, misinterpreted Slifer''s smile as an approval to his earlier request. His face brightened and he began thanking Slifer profusely. "Oh, thank you, Master! I knew you would guide me. Your benevolence is as boundless as the endless heavens..."
Slifer blinked, pulled out from his trance by Caelum''s ecstatic gratitude. Wait a minute, whats happening now? He realized he had been so engrossed in the technique acquisition that he hadn''t paid attention to a word Caelum had been saying. Oh no, what did I just agree to? Slifer thought, a sudden pang of unease striking him.
He looked down at Caelum who was still in the midst of expressing his heartfelt gratitude, utterly oblivious to the internal panic seizing his master. "I shall put in twice the effort, thrice the discipline to live up to your expectations, Master," Caelum was saying, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears of joy.
The reality of the situation began sinking in for Slifer. Oh heavens, what sort of sword guidance is he expecting now? I cant even tell a hilt from a blade.
He had never seen such emotion from his usually composed disciple.
Not wanting to shatter Caelum''s newfound enthusiasm, Slifer nodded vaguely, hoping the system would provide further assistance when the time came.
Slifer, eager to familiarize himself with the new technique''s nuances, gestured to Caelum. "Demonstrate the technique for me."
Caelum, visibly elated, nodded eagerly. "Certainly, Master." He stood up and focused his gaze on a nearby tree, preparing to launch his technique.
However, Slifer''s eyes widened in alarm. He hastily interrupted, "Wait! We never practice on trees, especially not within the sect grounds."
Caelum, a tad perplexed, complied. His eyes swept over his fellow disciples, wondering who would volunteer. Hughie slowly stood up, a fearless grin etched across his face. He seemed to welcome a chance at tasting a bit of pain.
Slifer, recognizing an opportunity to also witness Hughies technique, fought to suppress a smile. He gestured for them to proceed.
Standing opposite Caelum, Hughie chuckled. "Dont hold back, Senior Brother."
Caelum shook his head at the daring enthusiasm of his Junior Brother. He lowered his gaze to his sword, murmuring softly, Awaken, Bloodthorn. The sword responded, its form contorting into a demonic appearance. With a swift intake of breath, Caelums eyes flashed red, and in a whisk, he vanished, reappearing behind Hughie in a streak of red.
Hughie burst into laughter. Didnt even feel that! However, his laughter caught in his throat as he abruptly coughed up blood, clutching at his chest where a ghastly hole had been punctured.
Anger coursed through him, triggering his technique. "Bloodforge Ascension!" Hughie roared. His frame swelled, morphing into a terrifying figure as malevolent energy surged through his veins. His skin reddened and veins bulged menacingly as he turned towards Caelum, an avatar of rage.
With a bellow, Hughie swung a gargantuan fist towards Caelum. A nimble dodge saved Caelum from a crushing blow. The ground where the fist landed cracked and cratered, sending shards of rock flying.
"Master, I didn''t mean for this to happen!" Caelum shouted, keeping a wary eye on the transformed Hughie.
Slifer frowned, deep in thought. Perhaps I should intervene before things escalate further but is it worth using up a card?
The Bloodforge Ascension technique had its dangers, and losing control was a common one among transformation techniques that dabbled with demonic energy. Slifer remembered that Hughie had a measly Will of 3, losing control was probably normal for him.
YeahId rather not get involved, at least not yet.
Amelia, who had been silently observing the mayhem unfold, smirked. I could easily put him down, you know.
As for Fenlock, he shook his head. I hope this isn''t an everyday affair here. Even with his superior cultivation, Hughie''s aura sent a shiver down his spine.
"Caelum," Slifer called out, "You must subdue him. As his Senior Brother, this responsibility is yours."
Caelum nodded, his face tightening with resolve. As Hughie launched himself towards Caelum with a ground-shaking roar, Caelum nimbly hopped onto his other sword which lifted him into the air, narrowly evading the lethal swipe from Hughie.
Hughie, in his demonic frenzy, seemed to have forgotten his own ability to fly, opting to leap off the ground in an attempt to snatch Caelum out of the sky.
With a swift maneuver, Caelum activated a technique, and suddenly, the air was filled with nine images of him, each wielding its own Bloodthorn.
Is this a mirage technique? Slifer wondered, but as each image descended upon Hughie with a vengeance, the reality of the situation hit him C they were all real, or at least capable of inflicting real damage.
Despite Hughie''s inexplicable luck which helped him evade most of the strikes, the sheer number and ferocity of the attacks had a few land on target. Each strike that landed echoed with a sharp cry of agony from Hughie as he spiraled downwards, crashing into the earth with a deafening thud.
The coordination... impressive, Slifer thought.
The images of Caelum merged back into one as he descended cautiously to inspect the fallen disciple.
As Hughie staggered back to his feet, his body was a scene of carnage, riddled with gashes oozing dark blood. But as the Bloodforge Ascension technique continued to work its malicious magic, the wounds started healing, albeit painfully, while Hughies form expanded even further, his musculature bulging grotesquely. His eyes, now pools of boiling rage, shot up to the sky as he bellowed, "Die!"
A surge of demonic qi erupted from him, the blast force strong enough to send Caelum staggering back.
Caelum steadied himself, his eyes hardening. "I apologize, Junior Brother, but it seems I must stop holding back."
Chapter 15: Level Up!
Caelum readied himself, inhaling deeply. With determination burning in his eyes, he activated his most potent technique. "Bloodthorn Feast," he whispered, his voice barely audible. At his command, an eerie, elongated tongue sprouted from the blade of Bloodthorn.
Without any hesitation, Caelum plunged the sword deep into Hughie''s belly, who, caught in the midst of his transformation, couldn''t dodge in time. The grotesque tongue wiggled its way into Hughie, hungrily devouring the rampant demonic energy coursing through him.
Hughies screams echoed throughout the training grounds. His eyes, filled with agony, watched his monstrous form revert. As the transformation receded, his body grew smaller, and the color of his skin started to normalize. With fleeting clarity returning to his gaze, Hughie mustered enough strength to look at Caelum. "Senior Brother...beat me again," he murmured weakly, before collapsing into unconsciousness.
Caelum caught Hughie before he could hit the ground. "It''s not befitting for a Senior Brother to lose to his Junior," he softly remarked, gently cradling the defeated disciple in his arms. To expedite Hughies recovery, Caelum placed a few rejuvenating pills in his mouth.
Slifer, standing at a distance, let out a concealed sigh of relief. I''m just glad I didnt have to waste any cards, he thought. And I was lucky Hughie targeted only Caelum, not me.
Caelum turned to his master, a hint of anticipation in his eyes, hoping for some insights or pointers on his sword technique.
Slifer caught his disciple''s expectant gaze, quickly racking his brain for a profound yet sufficiently vague piece of advice.
"Your technique, ''Bloodthorn Feast'', carries the essence of both purification and devastation," Slifer remarked, weaving words that seem intricate yet were vague. "Remember, the blade is an extension of the self. Its potential is bound only by your own comprehension of the truth within the sword''s essence."
Caelums eyes widened in revelation. "Thank you, Master, for your invaluable guidance!" he said, clasping his hands together in gratitude.
Slifer gave a small nod, pleased that he was able to get away with his nonsense. His mind then focused on the new technique he had acquired. I need to get them out of here so I can practice, he thought. But then the missions he assigned to his disciples came to mind. Caelum, have you completed your mission?
He navigated to the system panel, clicking on Caelum''s name.
| Disciple: Caelum |
| Mission Status: In Progress |
| 8/10 Completed |
Caelum sighed, looking downcast. This disciple has yet to complete the mission. There were two left, but then I was summoned here.
Slifer nodded in understanding, Complete them and then return here. I will require your assistance for a little trip outside the sect.
Caelum''s eyes widened momentarily, hope flickering within them. Perhaps Master will provide more personal guidance, he thought. But Slifers next words dashed that hope as he addressed Fenlock.
Fenlock, stabilize your cultivation and await my call. You will also be joining me, Slifer instructed.
Slifers gaze then landed on Amelia. "And young lady, didn''t you claim your mission was complete?"
Amelia bobbed her head enthusiastically. "Yes, Master! You can ask around at the medicine hall. Theyll vouch for me!"
Slifer''s lips tightened as a system message blinked before him.
| Disciple: Amelia |
| Mission Status: Incomplete |
| 0/10 Completed |
Slifer sighed deeply, his patience thinning with Amelia''s deceit. The girl had claimed no prior experience, yet here she was, claiming to have completed the mission within a day. It was obvious to Slifer that she was lying. The previous Slifers leniency had unfortunately bred a sense of entitlement in the girl.
"Foolish girl, do you think you can lie to me? I know you haven''t saved a single life at the medicine hall," Slifer said sternly, his face hardened by disappointment.
Amelia''s eyes widened, and panic swirled in them as she stammered to find an excuse. Who betrayed me at the medicine hall? she thought bitterly, plotting revenge on the yet unknown perpetrator. Outwardly though, she pouted, "I... I apologize, Master..."
Displeased with her response, Slifer''s voice grew colder, "I should send you to Thunderclap Peak for your insolence."
The name of the dreaded mountain sent shivers down Amelia''s spine. It was where the original sent the disciples for punishment. The danger that lurked there was well-known, especially to Core Formation cultivators. While no disciple had died, they surely returned battered and bruised.
Although the original found the Thunderclap Peak useful for Hughies special technique, Slifer found it barbaric. He only intended to bluff, but the terror in Amelias eyes told him it worked.
Amelia''s face paled considerably, recalling the state Hughie returned in from that cursed place. Her voice quivered, "No, Master, I... I''ll complete the mission. I promise."
Just then, a System notification appeared before Slifer:
| Discipline Administered Correctly |
| 5 Karmic Credits Awarded |
Slifer felt a spark of pride. Doing my job right, he thought, not surprised by the Karmic credit gain. It was the System''s way to nurture righteousness within disciples. He would have been more taken aback had he not received any credits.
He looked at his disciples one last time before dismissing them.
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With his disciples gone, Slifer''s full attention was focused on the System screen that floated before him.
| Righteous Version: Sunrise Slash |
| Description: This technique harnesses the pure essence of light qi, allowing the user to teleport instantly to their target''s shadow to deliver a strike |
Slifer''s eyes widened. The righteous version was indeed different from the original, no longer tainted by the use of blood essence.
| Cost: 100 Karmic Credits |
| 20% Discount Due To Caelum''s Loyalty Rating Exceeding 80% |
A 20% discount, not bad at all, Slifer thought, his lips curving into a satisfied smile. It seems having disciples with high loyalty does come with its own advantages.
Deciding to buy the technique, Slifer mentally tapped the ''Purchase'' option on the System screen.
As he confirmed his choice, the System promptly responded.
| Sunrise Slash (Level 1) Added |
| 80 Karmic Credits Deducted |
As the technique was added, Slifer felt a peculiar sensation, a gentle pulse of energy that seemed to ripple through his mind. His vision blurred momentarily as knowledge and details about the Sunrise Slash technique flowed into his consciousness. When his sight cleared and the transfer of information ceased, he had a basic understanding of the technique.
It''s time to put this technique to the test, Slifer smirked. However, to truly practice, he needed a blade in his hand. The System''s outrageous prices for treasures made it impractical to purchase one. So, he''d previously asked Morvran to fetch a sword from the Armoury.
Not long after, Morvran arrived, holding a carefully wrapped item. As the wrapping came off, a sword was revealed. Slifer carefully took hold of the sword, his eyes drawn to its unique orange hilt. I''ve not seen that before, he mused. As he unsheathed the blade, its polished surface revealed its quality -- a peak Foundation Establishment treasure.
The sword required the qi of a Foundation Establishment cultivator to unleash its full potential, but with his Qi Refining stage qi, Slifer would have to channel more energy to compensate for the lack of quality. This excessive channeling could drain his qi swiftly and may potentially impair his physique. However, he wasnt worried, with the Sunrise Slash technique and a Foundation Establishment sword, he should be able to end the battle in one strike.
Slowly he swung the sword around, trying to get the feel of it. The imbalance and awkwardness in his form were glaringly obvious, even to his untrained eyes.
Morvran, who stood there watching, found his master''s interest in such a mundane weapon surprising, yet he knew better than to comment. The sight of Slifer swinging the sword with such atrocious form was almost painful to watch, but Morvran consoled himself thinking that his master must be onto creating a new technique. After all, someone capable of killing an Origin Realm expert with a single blow of sword qi couldn''t possibly be inept with a sword.
Catching Morvran''s lingering presence, Slifer cleared his throat, a hint of embarrassment in his tone. "Morvran, I''d appreciate some privacy for now."
"Understood, Master," Morvran nodded, adding, "I''ll stand guard outside to ensure no disturbances."
Once Morvran departed, Slifer''s focus shifted to a new System notification that appeared before him.
The swing of the sword felt more alien with each movement. He was sure the System would have a function to boost his mastery or levels using credits, yet such a feature seemed locked at the moment. And even if it was accessible, he mused, the cost would likely be astronomical.
Slifer spent a good amount of time familiarizing himself with the sword, feeling its weight, and growing accustomed to its length. He would be lying if he said that the sword seemed to have become an extension of himself already. But after about an hour, he felt it was time to practice the technique.
His eyes glanced over the dummies Morvran had arranged around the courtyard. He positioned himself a reasonable distance from one, thinking back to how Caelum activated his shadowstep technique.
He took a deep breath, channeled qi into his sword, and closed his eyes. With a soft murmur, he whispered, "Sunrise Slash."
Upon opening his eyes, a bright light glowed within them. In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his spot, reappearing far from his intended target, stumbling a bit before tumbling to the ground.
Brushing off the dirt and twigs from his robes, Slifer chuckled lightly. "Not bad," he commented aloud, "Itd probably get me killed in battle, but not a bad first attempt."
He eyed the dummy again. Alright, once I get this right, I''ll treat myself to a bowl of Celestial Lotus Soup, he thought.
The technique demanded a precise control of qi, which he unfortunately did not have, causing each failed attempt to drain him bit by bit. However, with every new attempt, Slifer noted the minute improvements. His teleportation distance became more accurate, the flash of light during his transitions less blinding, and his landing sturdier.
However, it wasn''t long before exhaustion finally caught up with him. Slifer collapsed onto a stone bench, his body slick with sweat and his breathing heavy.
He felt a warm satisfaction in his chest as he looked up to see a System message:
| Sword Mastery: 1% |
| Sunrise Slash Levelled Up |
A weary smile stretched across his face. "Looks like Level 2 means I''ve got the basics down. But there''s still a long road ahead if I want to use it in battle."
At the far end of a cave sat a throne, enveloped in shadows. Upon it, a hooded figure sat, its presence a cold void that repelled the meagre light attempting to infiltrate the dark lair.
The soft patter of hurried footsteps broke the silence, growing louder as they approached the chamber.
A figure, visibly anxious, made its entrance and quickly knelt before the hooded entity. "Master," he gasped, his voice tinged with a mix of fear and urgency, "My Lord, I have news."
The hooded figure shifted ever so slightly, and for a brief moment, a pair of eyes beneath the hood glowed a deep, menacing red. "Speak," it commanded, its voice chillingly calm.
Swallowing hard, the kneeling man began, "Grand Elder Olakin from the Black Heart Sect... he''s been killed."
A shadow of a frown creased the hooded figure''s concealed face. "And how does this concern me?"
The young man hesitated momentarily, gathering his courage. "It is said... Elder Slifer is the one responsible." Taking a shaky breath, he added, "The Grand Elder was killed in a single strike."
A tense silence settled in the chamber. Suddenly, the hooded figure''s eyes flashed red again, this time more intensely. Its fingers tightened around the throne''s armrests, the stone beneath its grip groaning in protest. "Impossible," it hissed. "I killed him myself. I made certain his Nascent Soul was annihilated."
As the words left its mouth, an overwhelming aura surged from the hooded figure, pressing down on the already trembling man before it. Gasping for breath, his eyes widened in realization. "Origin Realm..." he whispered, awe and fear evident in his voice, before succumbing to the pressure and collapsing on the cavern floor.
The sudden thud snapped the hooded figure out of its revelry. Quickly, it reined in its aura. I must contact the others, it thought. We cant delay any longer.
Without a moment''s hesitation, the figure vanished in a burst of demonic energy, leaving the unconscious messenger lying on the cold, hard floor, the cave once again swallowed by silence.
Chapter 16: Elder Slifer Is My Master, He Just Doesnt Know It Yet...
Morvran awoke with the early rays of dawn, pulling himself from the bed that barely held the imprint of his body. As a Core Formation expert, sleep was more a luxury than a necessity; a few hours per week sufficed.
He plodded over to the basin, fetching a jug of water to freshen his face and rinse his mouth.
Stepping in front of the mirror, a bald, chubby, yet serious face greeted him back. His features, distinctly Chinese, wore an expression of profound contemplation.
He opened a drawer, retrieving a small jar of cream. The price he had paid for it had been rather steep, costing him a few medium spirit stones. But the renowned alchemist who created it had promised it would give his bald head a sheen like no other.
As he rubbed the cream into his scalp, he murmured, "As Master Slifers right hand, one must always appear impeccable."
Slipping into his grand robes, he opened the door to his quarters, and was immediately greeted by a sight of three young men, clad in dark robes with their faces shrouded, kneeling in wait.
These were Master Slifer''s Death Warriors C elite guardians raised from childhood to lay down their lives for their revered master when the hour called for it.
Morvran let out a heavy sigh. If it weren''t for Master Slifer, these souls would''ve met a cruel fate in some forgotten alley, their existence devoured by the wilderness of the world.
His master had been a savior to many, a beacon of change in the merciless world they navigated. He too, like these death warriors, was an orphan taken under Master Slifer''s wings. A ripple of gratitude surged through his veins, as he knew he owed every shred of his being to his Master.
Morvran cleared his throat, bringing himself back from his thoughts. "Speak," he commanded the death warriors.
One of the young men responded, his voice steady but filled with concern. "Boss, last night an intruder attempted to break into Masters quarters.
Morvran raised an eyebrow. In the past, such audacity was unheard of, but after the news of Master Slifers failed breakthrough and his subsequent weakened state spread, there had been a trickle of bold attempts against him. As the right-hand man to Slifer, Morvran was the shield between his Master and threats; a role he embodied with grave seriousness.
Where is this intruder now? Morvran inquired, his voice a slow drawl portraying an icy calmness.
The young man hesitated for a brief moment before answering, It wasnt an assassin, Boss. It was a disciple.
Morvrans eyes narrowed into slits. Sending a disciple... this smells of a clever ploy by one of the elders, he thought.
Bring me to him, Morvran commanded, his voice leaving no room for question.
Without a word, the quartet moved, their figures blurring as they darted through the sect with a speed that made them near invisible to the naked eye.
The dungeon was dimly lit, the few torches on the walls providing an eerie illumination that flickered as the cold draft swept through the underground chambers. The yells of a young voice echoed, pleading with a fervent passion. "Let me out! Don''t you understand? He is my master!"
Upon entering, Morvran''s eyes landed on a tall, lanky disciple. This young man''s frame was riddled with bruises, yet there was a defiant gleam in his eyes and a smile, almost cocky, stretching across his face. The moment the lad''s gaze settled on Morvran, recognition lit his features. "Boss Morvran!" he exclaimed, the joy evident in his voice.
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So, the would-be assassin recognizes me, he thought grimly. Without a word, Morvran approached and, without warning, delivered a powerful slap across the boy''s face. Blood splattered, and the boy''s head jerked to the side, but the grin remained.
"Who sent you?" Morvran demanded coldly, suspicion clear in his eyes.
Still smiling, the lad, who was Dentos, laughed. "I wasn''t here to harm anyone. I simply wanted to bring a meal I had made for my master."
"And who, exactly, is this ''master'' of yours?" Morvran''s tone was skeptical.
Dentos looked straight into Morvran''s eyes and declared confidently, "Master Slifer, of course."
Morvran''s patience was wearing thin. With a swift motion, he struck Dentos again, this time with more force. The boy''s head collided with the cage''s bars, the metal clanging upon impact. "Stop with the lies, boy," Morvran warned, his gaze piercing through Dentos, taking in the boys battered physique and mentally marking which bones he''d target next.
Through the haze of pain, Dentos chuckled, albeit with bitterness tingeing his voice. "Elder Slifer is my master," he claimed, pausing briefly before adding, "He just doesn''t know it yet..."
Morvran stayed his hand momentarily. The idea of someone yearning to be his master''s disciple was new to him. He had always known Master Slifer to be a great man, but the world had its way of slandering the worthy. His doubts lingered but he knew for his master''s sake, he had to make sure.
With a swift motion, Morvran seized Dentos by the neck, his fingers pressing into the soft flesh. "This ''meal,'' is it poisoned? Is this your plan to assassinate my master?" he hissed.
Gasping for breath, Dentos managed to choke out, "No... I heard Master has taken a liking to food recently... I just...wanted to gift this to him."
Behind Morvran, one of the death warriors approached, handing him a meticulously wrapped package. "We found this in the boy''s storage ring," the warrior said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Morvran unwrapped the package to reveal a meal: delicate dumplings with a hint of celestial herbs, a soup that emitted a gentle aroma hinting at rare earthbound mushrooms, and a portion of heavenly glazed fish. It was a feast fit for a revered master.
Turning to Dentos, Morvran spoke sternly, "We shall see if you speak the truth, boy." He signaled to the death warrior who nodded and began cautiously tasting the food.
At the same time, another death warrior darted off towards the Medicine Hall to summon a healer, in case the food indeed was poisoned.
As the death warrior took the first bite, Dentos eyes widened in terror. "Stop!" he shouted, straining against the chains that bound him, his face twisted in a desperate plea. "It isnt meant for you!"
But his plea fell on deaf ears. Morvran watched the warrior continue to taste the meal, and then to Dentos, he nodded in silent affirmation, convinced now of the poisonous intent.
The boy''s desperate reaction... it only confirms the deceit, Morvran thought, the grim realization settling within his chest as he looked at Dentos with eyes hardened like the cold, merciless steel of a blade.
Morvran turned to the death warrior who had sampled the meal. "How was it?" he inquired.
The death warrior, though his face was concealed by the mask, seemed to carry a rare smile in his eyes as he responded, "Delicious. It tastes how I imagine a mothers cooking would be."
Morvran scowled, "But have you noticed any adverse effects?"
The warrior shook his head, "No, there has been no change in my health or my qi."
Morvran muttered under his breath, "Must be a slow-acting poison." His gaze shifted as the healer hurriedly approached them, applying a technique to ascertain the presence of any toxins. After a brief moment of scanning, the healer looked up, shaking his head.
"No poison detected," the healer confirmed.
"So, no poison?" Morvran mumbled to himself, his eyes not leaving Dentos. Perhaps this boy does have what it takes to be Master''s disciple, a thought darted through his mind, surprising him. His thoughts quickly jumped to Fenlock, and he scoffed inwardly, At least hell be better than that lovesick brat.
He sighed and commanded his men, Release him.
The clank of chains falling to the cold floor resonated in the silent room as Dentos was freed from his bonds. He slowly rose to his feet, rubbing his wrists to ease the soreness.
Morvran looked at Dentos with a newfound curiosity. It seems there was a misunderstanding. You may go," he said, his voice was stern yet carried a trace of unspoken apology.
Dentos, however, didn''t move. His eyes were fixed on Morvran as he spoke defiantly, I want to see Master Slifer.
Chapter 17: Meeting the Grand Elder
Slifer sat cross-legged in his quarters, eagerly devouring the bowl of Celestial Lotus Soup that he had promised himself. Each mouthful was a delightful explosion of rich flavors, making the tedious practice worthwhile. As he relished the heavenly taste, his concentration was broken by a sudden spiritual transmission.
"Master, the Grand Elder has extended an invitation for tea," Morvran''s voice echoed in Slifer''s mind.
Slifer paused, the spoon halfway to his mouth. Grand Elder...Isn''t that young brat Zarius master? he thought, a hint of displeasure clouding his thoughts. The Sect Master mentioned that the Grand Elder had let the previous incident slide. Now what could he possibly want?
With a resigned sigh, he lifted the bowl to his lips and in one hearty gulp, drained the remaining broth. His face turned a shade of red from the effort, but it was followed by a satisfied burp. A small victory before whatever it was that awaited him.
He rose from his seat, setting down the empty bowl. It was time to look presentable for the meeting ahead. He straightened his robes and made sure that there was no incriminating soup evidence. Clean. Nice.
"This old man better not have any thoughts of bullying me," he muttered, adjusting the collar of his robe. "And the tea... It better be top-notch."
The entrance to Grand Elder Tenzin''s courtyard was nothing short of breathtaking. A serene pond filled with blooming lotuses dominated the scene. Silver koi swam gracefully beneath the surface, casting ripples that reflected the soft glimmer of hanging lanterns. Surrounding it were vibrant gardens filled with rare spiritual herbs that emitted a gentle fragrance. Slifer exhaled deeply, If only I had reincarnated as a Grand Elder. This place... it''s just like a slice of heaven.
As he approached the main hall, a servant in elegant robes stepped forward, about to speak. Before a word could leave the servant''s mouth, a middle-aged figure with refined features, clad in a majestic robe depicting dragons intertwined with phoenixes, appeared out of thin air.
Insight!
| Name |
Tenzin |
| Realm |
Early Origin Realm |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
"Leave us," Grand Elder Tenzin commanded, dismissing the servant with a wave. He then turned to Slifer, his voice surprisingly humble. "A figure of Elder Slifer''s stature deserves to be welcomed by someone more significant than a mere servant. Even if that someone is as insignificant as little me."
Slifer blinked, taken aback by the warm welcome. This isn''t the Tenzin I remember, he thought. From the snippets of memories he retained from the original, Grand Elder Tenzin was known to be arrogant, much like his young disciple, Zarius.
Greeting the Grand Elder, Slifer bowed his head slightly. "It''s an honor, Grand Elder Tenzin."
Tenzin''s face reddened a bit, and he awkwardly cleared his throat. "Ah, Senior has shown this Junior too much respect."
Senior? Slifer thought, utterly confused. Despite how I might look, this Grand Elder is surely millennia older than me.
As the two walked deeper into the courtyard, Tenzin''s brow was slick with perspiration, his mind racing. Damn that Zarius! If he hadnt so rashly provoked this demon over the Heaven Rank Method, I wouldnt be in this humiliating position. He swallowed hard, recalling the gruesome image that had spread like wildfire throughout the sectSlifer effortlessly decapitating an Origin Realm expert with an Ascendant level strike. The mere thought sent shivers down Tenzin''s spine.
Upon reaching the center of the courtyard, two thrones stood facing each other. With a polite gesture, Grand Elder Tenzin gestured for Slifer to sit on the larger one, while he himself took the smaller seat. As they settled, servants bustled forward, pouring a clear, aromatic liquid into their cups C Immortal Tea.
Eagerly, Tenzin watched as Slifer took a sip. The subtle changes in Slifer''s expression didn''t go unnoticed; his eyes widened slightly, and his lips curled into a small smile of appreciation. Ah, this... this is far superior to what Morvran usually serves me, Slifer mused, taking another sip. Being a Grand Elder truly is worlds apart from a mere Elder.
"I trust the tea meets Senior''s tastes?" Tenzin inquired with a soft smile.
Slifer nodded slowly, "Indeed, it''s exceptional." Yet inwardly, he questioned, whats with calling me Senior? Is this old fool mocking me?
The Grand Elder cleared his throat before continuing. "Elder Slifer, I wanted to discuss the recent... incident between my disciple and yourself." He glanced at Slifer, noting the brief flash of annoyance in his eyes.
Slifer''s eyes narrowed, his previous appreciation for the tea momentarily forgotten. I knew it, he seeks retribution for that brat.
Seeing the change in Slifers demeanor, a bead of sweat trickled down Tenzins temple. As feared, this demon holds grudges.
Desperate to alleviate the tension, Tenzin forced a smile. "The disputes between juniors should indeed remain among them, dont you agree?"
Slifer responded with a hesitant nod, "I believe so."
Tenzin carried on, However, I was hoping a modest gift might ensure there remain no ill feelings between us.
The expression on Slifer''s face darkened. Blackmailing me? As if I have much to offer.
Tenzin''s heart pounded as he witnessed Slifers displeasure. Even a gift isnt appeasing this demon! He cursed inwardly as he let out a nervous chuckle.
With a snap of his fingers, a servant emerged, cradling a sublime sword. The black blade carried a haunting elegance, the hilt adorned with a red rose.
Slifer''s eyes widened as he activated Insight on the sword.
| Treasure |
| Grade |
Origin Realm |
| Type |
Sword |
| Conditions |
Perfect |
|
If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.He shook his head in disappointment, Useless. With my cultivation, itll be a while before I can use it.
Grand Elder Tenzin observed Slifer''s dismissive reaction and concealed a frown, he was not surprised that an Origin Realm treasure was not worth an Ascendant cultivators attention. But it had been centuries since he had been humbled like this, he felt like a mere servant attempting to please a king with a handful of gold.
Nevertheless, he forced a smile and began elaborating on the sword''s rich past.
"This is the Midnight Rose," he said, an heirloom of the Lotus Peak Sect that Iacquired. It was forged from Black Meteoric Iron by Grandmaster Shen, adorned with a Vermilion Blood Rose from the Heavenly Garden. It''s a humble offering, but the best this Junior could muster.
Slifer dipped his head slightly. "Thank you, Grand Elder."
Yet, he noticed Tenzins lingering gaze upon him. Stare all you want, old man, but I have nothing to give you, he thought, his face unmoved. He doubted the Grand Elder would attack him outright, if there was a high likelihood of that happening then he wouldnt be as composed as he was right now.
Noticing the displeasure creeping upon Slifers face, Tenzin hurriedly changed the topic.
Congratulations, Elder Slifer, on your recent breakthrough to the Ascendant realm. Truly, you now stand as a Supreme Elder," he managed, trying to inject warmth into his tone.
Slifers eyes momentarily widened, a flicker of genuine surprise. Ascendant realmme?
Tenzin caught that split second of vulnerability. Ah, the wolf wished to hide among the sheep a while longer, he thought bitterly.
Now it all makes sense, Slifer thought, nearly cursing out loud. The death of Elder Olakin, an Origin Realm expert, certainly alerted the sect. They must have viewed his soul lamp and seen me delivering the fatal blow. The news must''ve led Grand Elder Tenzin to approach me with such caution.
He managed a nonchalant smile. "Thank you, Grand Elder. But really, it''s no great feat."
Yet inside, Slifer raged at the unwanted attention. How am I supposed to behave like an Ascendant cultivator? That level of prowess is usually reserved for sect leaders!
However, a smirk curled on the edge of his thoughts. But, Supreme Elder does have a nice ring to it.
Tenzin broke through Slifer''s musings, "While the Sect Master remains in seclusion, your title of Supreme Elder won''t be formally acknowledged within the sect."
Slifer''s heart lightened, secretly pleased. Perfect. Im not prepared for the burdens that come with higher recognition. Being an elder is already too much of a stretch.
However, Tenzin, ever the diplomat, added, "But, in my eyes, you''ll always be a Supreme Elder."
The Grand Elder then dropped a tidbit that piqued Slifer''s interest. "Given the Sect Master''s absence, during the Disciple Selection Ceremony in a week, you will have the privilege of the first pick."
Before Slifer could digest this news, a System notification appeared in front of him.
| Ding! |
| Save A Poor Disciple From The Clutches Of These Demons |
| You Have Been Given An Extra Disciple Slot |
| Rewards: ??? |
If the System has handed this task to me, there must be a protagonist-caliber disciple among the participants.
Curiosity piqued, he asked the System inwardly, Can I identify protagonists among the participants?
| Upgrade the Insight Skill to gather more intricate details about targets |
Slifer mulled over this information. If I could see their stats, I could snatch the protagonist from right under the noses of the other elders. He recalled how Hughie''s protagonist status had unintentionally saved him. Maybe, having another protagonist disciple isn''t that bad of an idea.
He suppressed a chuckle at a wicked thought, I wonder if combining the luck of two protagonists and using the Random Card could yield a jackpot? Maybe something worth 100,000 credits?
"Is something amusing, Senior?" Tenzin asked, feeling that the newly ascended Elder was mocking him.
"Oh, nothing," Slifer waved off the question, the trace of a smirk playing on his lips. "I was just pondering the prospects of the upcoming Disciple Selection Ceremony. It seems there are interesting times ahead."
The Grand Elder nodded slowly before his face grew serious. "Senior, now that you''ve broken through, the nearby sects will undoubtedly be on guard," he remarked, the worry etched across his features.
Slifer frowned, not liking where the conversation was headed.
Tenzin continued, "The Black Heart Sect and the Black Death Sect, being demonic in nature, are less inclined to make a move against us. Especially after you eliminated their Elder Olakin. However," Tenzin sighed, his gaze distant, "the three major Righteous SectsHeaven''s Light Sect, Pure Soul Sect, and White Tiger Sectwon''t take kindly to this development."
Slifer groaned internally. Great, as if I don''t already have enough on my plate, now I''ve got to deal with these righteous hypocrites.
Sensing Slifer''s annoyance, Tenzin pressed on, "With the Intersect Competition nearing, we''ll gain an extra slot for the Sealed Realm, thanks to your breakthrough."
Slifer nodded. The original''s memories laid out the rules clearly. Each Ascendant cultivator earned their sect a slot. Typically, only 20 slots were allotted. After dividing them among the six sects, the righteous ones usually hoarded most, leaving scraps for the demonic sects. The strongest among the righteous sects, boasting three Ascendant cultivators, snagged three slots.
The remaining ten were fought for in the intersect competitions five for Core Formation cultivators and five for Foundation Establishment cultivators. Now, one would be directly allocated to the Black Rose Sect, reducing the competed slots to nine.
"To enter the realm, only those beneath the Nascent Soul stage may enter," Tenzin elaborated. I advise caution in selecting your new disciple, Senior. With your new status, many eyes will scrutinize both you and your disciples. It would be a significant boon to our sect if you could nurture a Foundation Establishment cultivator to secure one of those spots.
Slifer met the Grand Elder''s warm gaze. This old man isnt so bad, he thought. Ah, who am I kidding? He''s only being this courteous because he believes I''m an Ascendant realm cultivator.
I appreciate the insight, Junior, he responded, still finding it odd to address someone so much older with such a title.
As he stood to leave, his thoughts turned to the new task that he had received. Given that the System wanted him to acquire another disciple, he was set on doing so, but he''d be damned if he settled for anything less than the best.
After all, I didn''t grow up in capitalist America just to miss out on maximizing profit. He smirked. Every capable disciple is a walking, talking credit machine.
Whilst heading back to his quarters, the looming worries of the intersect competition and the slots kept gnawing at Slifer''s mind. Would I need to negotiate with other Ascendant cultivators? he wondered. The thought of deceiving beings that were a breath away from the Immortal realm seemed next to impossible. He shook his head. It''s a matter for the future, he thought. Who knows what cards Id have by then, maybe I can handle the situation.
He shook his head, shifting his focus, he decided it was time to meet the criteria for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm. A bitter laugh escaped him as he imagined the whispers about the newly ascended Ascendant cultivator Slifer, going around challenging Foundation Establishment juniors.
Summoning Morvran through a spiritual transmission, he awaited his arrival. Soon, the fat man stood before him.
Has Val awakened? Slifer asked, hopeful.
With a somber shake of his head, Morvran responded, She remains in deep hibernation, her body is still recovering.
Slifer sighed deeply. With little Val by my side, there would be fewer worries.
He composed himself and instructed Morvran, Inform Caelum and Fenlock to meet me at the sect entrance in an hour.
Morvran nodded and vanished in a blur of speed, leaving Slifer in his silent contemplation.
As he began his preparation, Slifer muttered to himself, Like hell, Im going anywhere without some bodyguards.
Chapter 18: A Wasted Meal Is A Tragedy Greater Than A Broken Cultivation Base
Nestled amidst lush green hills, a days journey away from the sect, was Willowbrook village. A charming haven for the weary traveler, yet an easy target for bandits, the latter being the reason Slifer had chosen the location for this little trip of his.
As they entered the village, Fenlock turned to Slifer, a look of curiosity etched on his face. "Master, why have we traveled to this place?"
With a semblance of profundity, Slifer replied, The journey to enlightenment is diverse, young Fenlock. The Dao beckons us to gain experience from every corner of life. He paused, letting his eyes scan the villagers working away, Many cultivators overlook the impoverished and the weak, yet, it is they who possess the mightiest of wills.
Yet, his real intentions were far from noble. When the bandits attack, eliminating a few Foundation Establishment realm bandits will not only earn me credits for my breakthrough but also for saving a village. Two birds, one stone, he smiled.
Slifer had ensured through Morvran that these bandits were not backed by some aged powerful cultivator. The last thing I need is an irate grandpa cultivator appearing out of thin air, Slifer shuddered at the classic xianxia trope.
Walking deeper into the village, the trio felt numerous eyes fall on them. The villagers with their sun-beaten faces and wary eyes, observed them with a mix of curiosity and dread. The emblem on their robes the Black Heart Rose was well-known in the region and not for the best reasons.
An elderly man with a limp, who Slifer assumed to be the village elder, approached them. His frail frame trembled slightly as he coughed into his wrinkled hands before introducing himself, I am Baelin, the leader of this humble abode. How... how may this poor old man assist the esteemed guests?
Caelum and Fenlock exchanged glances. Both were as clueless as the other. Their eyes turned to Slifer, awaiting an explanation.
With a gentle smile, Slifer addressed the village leader, We have simply come for my disciples to gain some experience from this village. There is no cause for concern.
Suddenly, a young man, tall and robust with sharp features and green piercing eyes, stepped forward, his stride carrying an air of righteousness. His jet-black hair flowed with the wind, and his eyes held a fierce determination.
Insight!
| Name |
N/A |
| Realm |
Early Foundation Establishment |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Willowbrook Village - Righteous |
| Disposition |
N/A |
Ah, the brave, outspoken, and possibly not-too-bright hero archetype, Slifer sighed.
The young man chuckled disdainfully, A demonic cultivator instructing his disciples in a secluded village like this? Doesnt exactly instill confidence within us.
Caelum''s gaze grew icy. He could hardly believe that a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator would have the audacity to insult his master. Advancing a step, he released his overwhelming Core Formation aura, If youre suggesting that my master has ill intentions toward this village, know that had he desired, everyone here would have been long dead.
The pressure of the Core Formation aura bore down on the young man, making his legs tremble, but he stood his ground. With great effort, he released his Foundation Establishment aura, looking unflinchingly into Caelum''s eyes,
Sensing the rising tension, the village leader immediately intervened. Ziven! he scolded the young man. Show respect to our esteemed guests!
Slowly, Ziven lowered his head, offering an apology, yet the fire in his eyes remained unquenched.
Slifer, observing this, couldnt help but crack a small smile. Yet, he wondered if retreat was the better choice to avoid entangling with a potential protagonist character, he had personally experienced their absurd luck work for him and he certainly did not want to be on the receiving end.
No we''re here for the bandits, not a confrontation with a budding hero. As long as the disciples dont do anything dumb, it shouldnt be an issue.
Waving his hand slightly, Slifer signaled Caelum to stand down. Immediately, Caelum suppressed his aura, stepped back, and offered a deferential bow to Slifer.
Turning to the gathered villagers, Slifer spoke up, Ive heard the Shadow Veil Bandits have been tormenting this village lately. I thought it would be a valuable lesson for my disciples to assist in this situation.
Hearing Slifers reply, the village elder''s face twisted into a hesitant expression. The notion of demonic cultivators offering aid was a challenging concept to accept, however, he didnt have much of a choice, Willowbrook village had no power to refuse the Black Rose Sect.
Huffing, the young man, Ziven, walked away with heavy steps. "I''d rather face death than take assistance from the likes of demonic cultivators!" he declared, his voice filled with anger and disdain.
Immediately, the village leader fell into a begging posture, deeply apologetic. Forgive young Zivens outburst, he trembled as he spoke. His family was slaughtered by demonic cultivators, their souls devoured before his very eyes.
Slifers nod was almost imperceptible. A tragic backstory, check. Heroic demeanor, check. Foolish enough to challenge forces beyond comprehension, check. He mentally ticked off the checklist that screamed of a protagonist''s traits.
The thought of taking the young lad as a disciple crossed Slifers mind. Although his character seemed a bit abrasive, Slifer believed he could mold him into something moretolerable. But as if reading his mind, a System Notification appeared before him:
| Ding! |
| Maximum Disciple Capacity Reached |
| No More Disciples Can Be Accepted |
Slifer sighed softly, he was aware of the limit, but he had held a slender hope that the System might carve out an exception for a potential protagonist. His eyes roamed over the retreating figure of Ziven and then back to the elder still holding a humble bow.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
I understand the grudges held by the young man; it is the tragic reality of the cultivation world. Nevertheless, our intention here is genuine, village elder.
Baelin, now slowly regaining his composure, nodded, though the uncertainty in his eyes was hard to miss.
Regardless, the village elder led them towards his humble abode.
When they arrived, Baelin turned to Slifer and mentioned, "The bandits haven''t struck for several moons now."
Slifer nodded as he pondered on his words. If they havent attacked for months, its very likely theyll strike soon. The sooner I can end this, the quicker I can return to the sect''s security.
The elders home was modest, bearing the true essence of rural life. Earthen walls, wooden beams, and a low-hanging roof made from thick straw. The center of the main room had a rustic wooden table surrounded by stools.
The elder quickly ushered Slifer to the seat of honor, a slightly elevated, wooden chair.
As Slifer seated himself, a "lavish" feast was presented before him. The village, in their undeniable generosity C or perhaps, sheer terror of angering a demonic cultivator C had sacrificed their precious livestock.
As he picked at the humble meat dish, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. These folks were living on a thread, yet here they were, offering what little they had to please him.
Its only fair to compensate them for their loss before we leave, he thought, nibbling at a piece of the rough-cut meat that tasted of genuine struggle and survival. A brief pause later, a memory of his own lack of wealth dawned on him, bringing a grimace to his face. Oh, right... my storage ring resembles a barren wasteland.
His eyes darted towards Fenlock, who was surveying the room with a detached look. Im sure Fenlock could spare a few spirit stones, a smirk appeared on his face once again. That would save him from squandering them on that Junior Sister hes been swooning over lately.
As Slifer ate, he relished every bite, thinking, For all the lavish feasts back at the sect, there''s something comforting about this simple homemade fare.
Lost in his thoughts, he failed to notice the incredulous stares he was receiving from Fenlock, Caelum, and the village elder, as he devoured the meal like a starved beast.
Is this really an Elder from the Black Rose Sect? Baelin thought.
After a short while, Fenlock stiffened, his attention snapped towards the door. Bandits! But as his gaze shifted to his still-feasting master, he decided to keep silent. If I sensed them just now, Master must have detected them long ago.
Suddenly, a loud crash interrupted Slifers gluttonous feast. The wooden door burst open as a battered figure slammed into Slifer''s table, sending food and dishes flying. Gravy dripped from shattered bowls and Slifers plate of meat lay ruined amidst the debris.
No, not my food, Slifer thought mournfully. He had always held a deep-seated belief, bordering on a sacred rule, that no morsel of food should ever meet an unjust end, especially not before meeting the end of his chopsticks.
Slifer''s eyes narrowed as they landed on the intruder: it was Ziven, battered, his clothes torn, and bruises covering his body. He looked up at Slifer, pain evident in his eyes. His lips parted, trying to relay a message, but before any words could emerge, he succumbed to unconsciousness.
What kind of protagonist loses to a mere bandit? he thought. He paused, Right, their early years usually consist of regular public humiliations. How typical.
"The villagers!" cried the village elder, fear replacing the initial shock as he darted outside.
Wiping the food stains from his robes, Slifer sighed, "It wasn''t personal before, but now," he glared at the splintered door, "now it''s very personal."
The bandits had just made this a vendetta by meddling with a cardinal sin C ruining his meal.
Slifer and his disciples emerged from the house, their eyes scanning the chaotic scene before them, they found the cries of the frightened mixed with the defiant shouts of men who were ready to die to protect their homes. These brave men brandished whatever weaponry they could muster - be it a rusty sword, a worn-out axe, or even farming tools.
Slifer observed the ragtag assembly of fighters. Most were mere Qi Refining cultivators with just a handful at the Foundation Establishment level.
But what caught Slifers eye was the village elder. The previously humble and weak aura that had surrounded him had vanished. With a steely resolve evident in his eyes, he released an aura that was at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Without a second''s hesitation, he charged towards a sinister-looking figure, presumably the bandit leader.
It''s always the old men to be wary of, Slifer mused, a common notion in a world where survival was the supreme law.
Caelum''s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword as he watched the bandits wreak havoc on the village. He turned to Slifer; the question evident in his eyes. "Master, should we engage?"
Fenlock too seemed eager to join the fray, but Slifer hesitated. He saw the various techniques being thrown around on the battlefield, some of which were potent enough to one-shot a Qi Refining cultivator like himself. I can''t afford to let them leave my side, he decided, even for a split second.
Donning a sage-like demeanor, Slifer replied with an excuse he had prepared, We can easily eliminate these bandits within a few breaths, but our goal here transcends mere fighting. It''s about gaining enlightenment through restraint.
Fenlock tilted his head, confusion evident. "How do we achieve that, Master?"
Slifer flashed a knowing smile. "By challenging ourselves against our foes, restricting our cultivation as we do so. Remain close and observe."
Fenlock''s eyes widened at the prospect of his master joining the battle, unlike the other disciples, he had never seen his master fight before.
Forsaking the ego to hone the blade. Brilliant. Caelum''s eyes sparkled with understanding.
Slifer ignored his disciples as he assessed the battleground, his gaze landed on a particular bandit, smirking arrogantly to himself. It was clear to Slifer that this was the ruffian responsible for Ziven''s sorry state C and more importantly the destruction of his meal.
Insight!
| Name |
N/A |
| Realm |
Early Foundation Establishment |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Affiliation: Shadow Veil Bandits - Demonic |
| Disposition |
N/A |
Early Foundation Establishment? Perfect!
| Ding! |
| Breakthrough Requirements |
| Appropriate Target Detected |
| Would You Like To Issue A Challenge? |
Slifer''s lips curved in a predatory grin. "Challenge," he murmured.
Upon seeing the prompt from the System, a smirk graced Slifers face. He was not foolish enough to announce his presence to all. As long as the System viewed it as a challenge, that was enough. He knew that to kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator, there could be no playing around, he needed to end the battle with a single strike.
With a fluid motion, Slifer unsheathed his sword, its blade gleaming ominously under the flickering flames that had caught onto some nearby huts. He then closed his eyes briefly and activated a skill C the Sunrise Slash.
When his eyes snapped open, they gleamed with a brilliant golden hue.
"Consider this payback for a meal so rudely interrupted," Slifer whispered as he vanished into thin air, leaving only a fleeting trace of golden light behind.
"This... this is my technique..." Caelum''s eyes widened in disbelief.
Shadowstep Slash
Despite some slight differences, to the creator of the technique, the sequence was unmistakable.
"How can Master use it?" Caelum was certain that his master had only seen him perform the technique once.
I-Is this the comprehension of an Ascendant Realm expert?
Chapter 19: Is This Some Sort Of Naruto-Sasuke Situation?
Slifer soundlessly materialized behind the bandit.
The bandit, previously leering at a woman with a disgusting grin, froze in place. His eyes widened in terror, but before he could even register the danger, his head separated from his body, landing on the ground with a soft thud.
| Ding! |
| Successfully Killed A Demonic Foundation Establishment Cultivator |
| Reward: 5 Karmic Credits |
| Breakthrough Requirements: 1/3 |
Slifer smoothly sheathed his sword, turning to face his disciples. A smirk played on his lips. "Flawless victory," he whispered more to himself than to anyone in particular.
However, his satisfaction was short-lived. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a pair of bandits turning his way, fury evident in their eyes for having killed their comrade. One of them, with tattoos snaking up his arms and a face twisted in anger, barked, "Old man, you''ll pay for that!"
Insight!
| Name |
N/A |
| Realm |
Late Foundation Establishment |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Shadow Veil Bandits |
| Disposition |
N/A |
Late Foundation Establishment? I might have bitten off more than I can chew. Without missing a beat, he coughed lightly, directing his disciples'' attention to the hostile bandits. "Well, what are you waiting for? It''s your turn now."
Caelum and Fenlock exchanged glances before nodding in unison. Conscious of Slifer''s earlier lesson, they suppressed their cultivation to match their opponents.
With a fierce battle cry, Caelum lunged at his opponent, blade singing as it cut through the air. The bandit parried the blow, but the sheer force behind the strike pushed him several steps back, the ground beneath his feet cracking. Regaining his balance, the bandit looked Caelum up and down, a lewd grin spreading across his face. "I''ll have fun with a pretty boy like you."
Caelum simply shook his head, retorting sharply, "You should worry less about my looks and more about keeping your head attached."
Meanwhile, the bandit charged at Fenlock with a maniacal glint in his eyes. But instead of drawing a weapon, Fenlock raised his flute to his lips. The resulting melody was grating and harsh, far from harmonious tone you would expect.
The bandit suddenly stumbled, clutching his head in agony. "What... what is this sound?! Stop it!" he shrieked.
Yet, it wasnt just the noise that was tormenting the bandit. The sound qi from Fenlock''s flute was insidiously seeping into the bandit''s body, tearing apart his insides.
Having ensured his disciples were occupied, Slifer subtly withdrew to a quieter corner, eager to try his luck at the gacha-like system.
| Ding! |
| Received: Critical Block Card |
| Description: Protects User From A Critical strike |
Yes!" Slifer whispered, his face lighting up, "A Critical Block card." Having lost his previous ones, Slifer had felt naked without them.
| Ding! |
| Received: Critical Block Card |
| Description: Protects User From A Critical strike |
With a delighted grin, Slifer exclaimed, "Another one? My luck''s been on fire lately!" He felt like he could never have too many of them. However, his joy was short-lived. The next card turned out to be a dud.
| Ding! |
| Received: Whimsical Wind Card |
| Description: When activated, makes the user''s hair blow dramatically even in the absence of wind |
Slifer cocked an eyebrow, staring at the card in disbelief. What in the heavens...? He couldnt help but shake his head in exasperation. "When would this ever be of use?" he muttered.
Determined to get something more valuable, he continued his card buying spree. After a few repeated failures, he finally won something interesting.
| Ding! |
| Received: Mirror Wave Card |
| Description: Allows the user to redirect any incoming attack back to its origin |
Slifer''s eyes widened in excitement, but as he read the fine print, his enthusiasm dwindled. Only effective against attacks below the Nascent Soul realm? he pondered. Heaving a sigh, he commented, "Well, it''s still better than that ridiculous Whimsical Wind Card."
Despite the mixed results, the thrill of gambling spurred him on. But after several more fruitless attempts, Slifer decided it was time to rejoin the battle, after all, he still had 2 Foundation Establishment cultivators left to kill.
His gaze settled on Caelum''s fight, and a frown formed on his face. Instead of the swift, decisive moves he expected from his disciple, Caelum seemed to be drawing out the fight, toying with his opponent like a cat with a mouse. He danced around, evading blows effortlessly and countering with teasing strikes, never landing a finishing blow.
"That''s not the Caelum I remember," Slifer commented. "He''s usually soserious."
As he looked at Caelum''s opponent, the System chimed in, startling him slightly.
| Ding! |
| Appropriate Target Detected |
| Would You Like To Initiate A Challenge? |
Slifer blinked in surprise. "How? He''s already in battle." But a thought occurred to him. Caelum hadn''t actually inflicted any damage. Is that the reason? Or is the System just being unusually generous today?
Regardless of the reasons, Slifer wasn''t one to decline an advantage. He chuckled, "I''ll take whatever I can get."
Challenge!
| Challenge Initiated |
| Fight! |
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Slifer closed his eyes briefly, activating the Sunrise Slash. In the blink of an eye, he materialized behind Caelums opponent. The mans eyes widened in shock and just as he tried to utter the word "coward," he began coughing violently. He grasped at his throat, only for his head to drop off moments later.
| Ding! |
| Successfully Killed A Demonic Foundation Establishment Cultivator |
| Reward: 5 Karmic Credits |
| Breakthrough Requirements: 2/3 |
Slifer turned his gaze to Caelum, who looked taken aback by the sudden intervention. "A sword cultivator must aim for efficiency," Slifer commented crisply.
Has Hughie''s influence made Caelum toy with opponents? Slifer pondered.
Bowing his head slightly, Caelum responded, "Thank you, Master."
Fenlock soon joined the duo, an air of satisfaction around him. His opponents scoffing remarks about him being ''soft'' as a sound cultivator had cost him his life.
A sudden System notification interrupted their brief respite.
| Ding! |
| Alert: The Village Is Under Attack! |
| Task: Save The Villagers |
| Reward: Based On Number Of Villagers Saved |
I was wondering when this would show up, Slifer thought. Turning to his disciples, he stated with a firm voice, "We''ve had our fun. Now, it''s time to get serious and protect these people. Leave any Early Foundation Establishment cultivators alive."
Caelum and Fenlock exchanged puzzled glances but nodded. They werent sure why they should spare those cultivators, but they trusted their masters judgment. With a shimmer, they unleashed their Core Formation aura and jumped back into the fray.
Good, they understand, Slifer thought, nodding in approval. Now, I just need to locate one more Foundation Establishment bandit, then I can make my exit.
As if on cue, a voice rang out, "Old man!" Slifer turned to find a young bandit confronting him. The youth was striking with sharp features, clear skin, and a cocky glint in his eyes.
Laughing mockingly, the bandit sneered, "What''s a useless Qi Refining cultivator like you doing here?"
Slifer raised an eyebrow. This fool could have taken me by surprise. Granted, not in one hit, thanks to my Critical Block cards. But still...
Shaking his head, Slifer responded with a smirk, "You might want to reconsider your strategy if you plan on surviving long in this world, young man."
The young bandits laughter echoed, rich with disdain. "Youre already one foot in the grave. Let me help you take that last step."
Slifer cocked an eyebrow, "Didn''t your parents teach you to respect your elders?"
The bandit''s face darkened. "My parents are dead, killed by Black Rose Sect scum."
Slifer sighed inwardly. When will I face someone without a vendetta against me or my sect?
With a smirk, the young bandit taunted, "Prepare to join them, elder."
Matching his humor, Slifer retorted, "I should be saying that to you, boy."
Without further ado, he activated his Sunrise Slash once more, reappearing behind his opponent. Swinging his sword downward, he fully expected to take the bandit''s head. Yet, his eyes went wide with shock as the bandit managed to turn in time, their swords clashing with a resounding ring.
With a sneer, the young fighter jeered, "Did you really think I would fall for that?"
Oh, shit. As Slifer hastily leapt backward, he was painfully aware of his limitations. Lacking proper sword techniques and martial arts knowledge, he felt like a fish out of water.
His thoughts darted to the new card in his possession. Guess I have to rely on you now. With only one such card available, he needed to ensure its optimal use. He had to provoke the bandit enough for him to unleash a devastating attack; then, with the card''s power, Slifer would redirect it and finish the fight.
Slifer racked his brain. Now how do I rile up a hot-headed teenager? Several ideas sprung to mind but as he pondered, a chuckle escaped his lips. Wait a minute. If teenagers here are anything like they were back home, practically anything will set them off.
Slifer decided to go with a time-tested tactic: the insult aimed at one''s family. With a playful smirk, he remarked, "Such fiery anger. Is it inherited from your parents, or did they leave you too early to pass it on?"
The young bandit''s face went from pale to deep crimson. Veins popped out on his neck as he screamed, "Blazing Fire Dragon Strike!"
That''s it, Slifer thought, preparing to use the card at the right moment. Come at me with all you''ve got.
From the bandits sword, a gigantic, roaring fire dragon emerged, its infernal heat causing the very air around it to shimmer. It lunged straight for Slifer, the intensity of its flames threatening to incinerate anything in its path.
What an idiot. With a mental command, Slifer activated the card.
| Mirror Wave Card Activated |
Immediately, an invisible barrier sprung up before him.
The fire dragon collided with the barrier, attempting to pierce through with its fiery fangs and claws. However, instead of breaking through, the dragon began to be pulled in, swirling and spiraling as if being sucked into a vortex. Within moments, it vanished completely, leaving behind an eerie silence.
The bandit paused, confusion painting his features. But before he could comprehend what had happened, a thunderous roar echoed. From behind the barrier, the very same fire dragon reappeared, this time facing its original master. Its eyes glowed brighter, and its flames seemed even more intense as it surged forward.
The bandit''s eyes shot open in pure terror, realizing the danger he was in. He raised his arms in a feeble attempt to shield himself, but the sheer surprise of seeing his own technique turned against him made him too slow to react effectively. The fire dragon slammed into him with a fury, wrapping its burning body around him and drowning him in an ocean of flames.
When the inferno subsided, only the charred remains of the once-arrogant bandit were left, smoke still rising from the scorched earth.
Slifer sighed, And that''s why you never underestimate an old man.
| Ding! |
| Successfully Killed A Demonic Foundation Establishment Cultivator |
| Reward: 5 Karmic Credits |
| Breakthrough Requirements: 3/3 |
| Enter Close Door Cultivation To Initiate Breakthrough |
Ziven groggily regained consciousness, his head throbbing from the impact. As awareness returned, the distant sounds of battle echoed in his ears. Pushing himself to his feet, he stumbled out of the house, his vision blurry. When it cleared, the sight that met him was both terrifying and infuriating. A massive fire dragon was consuming a young bandit, and standing a short distance away was the old demonic cultivator, Slifer.
"No... it can''t be..." Ziven''s eyes widened in shock. Grief and anger clouded his vision as he recognized the young bandit. "Xander!"
With a bellow of fury, he launched himself at Slifer, executing the "Windblade Vortex", a swirling tornado of sharp wind blades aimed directly at the old man.
Catching the movement in his peripheral vision, Slifer''s eyes widened just a fraction. What the hell is he attacking me for? Before the attack could land, Critical Block activated, repelling the young man''s assault.
Ziven, momentarily disoriented, pushed himself up and, fueled by rage, roared, launching himself at the elder once more.
I don''t have the time for this, Slifer gritted his teeth. If only the system allowed for mid-battle advancements. Is this brat really going to make me use one of my precious Peak Slifer cards?
Yet, as Ziven drew near, a familiar figure appeared between them, parrying Ziven''s onslaught with practiced ease.
The village leader''s voice boomed, "Ziven! Stop this madness!"
But Ziven''s eyes, clouded with grief, glared past him. "Move! He killed Xander! I promised I''d bring him back!"
Slifer, observing from the side, couldn''t help but think, Did that hit on the head earlier make him even more of an idiot?
The village leader tried to soothe the anguished young man. "Ziven, Xander had turned. He was with the bandits. It''s heartbreaking, but we have to face the truth."
Tears streamed down Ziven''s face, raw emotion choking his voice, "H-He was my best friend. I swore I''d save him."
Slifer just stared, an incredulous expression forming. Is this some Naruto-Sasuke situation playing out in front of me?
| Ding! |
| Warning: You Are Now The Target Of A Son Of Heaven''s Wrath |
| Your Luck Stat Has Been Appropriately Adjusted |
W-What?!
Chapter 20: Eliminate The Son Of Heaven
| Ding! |
| Warning: You Are Now The Target Of A Son Of Heaven''s Wrath |
| Your Luck Stat Has Been Appropriately Adjusted |
| Recommendation: Purchase The ''Heaven''s Shield Card'' To Protect Yourself Against Heaven''s Displeasure |
This kid really was a protagonist but to be able to affect my stats... Slifer''s left eye switched in irritation.
| Ding! |
| Luck Is Not A Fixed Stat |
| It Is Swayed By The Will Of Heaven |
Heaven''s Will... Slifer racked his brain. His experience from other xianxia worlds was that the Heavens Will was an abstract concept, a guiding force that governed the fate of everything in its domain. But what if the Heaven''s Will in this world isnt the same?
Perhaps, only Immortals have some understanding of Heavens Will, Slifer shook his head as he focused on his immediate concern.
Slifer quickly opened his system panel to check the cost of the recommended ''Heaven''s Shield Card''.
| Card: Heavens Shield |
| Description: Once activated, it forms an invisible barrier around the user, protecting them from the direct wrath of Heaven''s displeasure. The shield lasts for one month or until Heaven''s Wrath is appeased |
| Note: The card does not provide full protection against breakthrough tribulations, but it can lessen their intensity |
| Note: It does not guarantee safety from agents or beings carrying out Heaven''s Will. Repeated offenses against Heaven may weaken the card''s efficacy |
| Cost: 1000 Karmic Credits |
The System really has a knack for stirring up trouble and then conveniently providing solutionsat an extortionate price, of course. How typical. Slifer let out an exasperated sigh.
System, are any of my other stats compromised? He needed to ensure he wouldn''t suddenly become less perceptive, rendering him as clueless as his more... challenged disciples.
| Ding! |
| Negative |
| Only The Luck Stat Can Be Affected By Heaven''s Will |
Slifer exhaled deeply, the tension leaving his body. Thank the heavens I won''t end up a dimwit.
Glancing over at the enraged Ziven, Slifer pondered, Now, how am I going to deal with this kid?
A sudden memory flashed through his mind. It was a betrayal from his past, not in this world but in an online game.
It was the raid on Naxxramas. Slifers guild had spent weeks planning and preparing to vanquish Kel''Thuzad. They were on the brink of victory, with the boss''s health dwindling to just 5%.
But at that crucial moment, DrizztMagic, their primary healer, inexplicably chose to roll need on The Phylactery of Kel''Thuzad and then promptly logged out.
That backstabbing...Slifer shook his head, pulling himself from the memory. It was a game, yes. But trust was trust.
Looking back at Ziven, Slifers expression softened. "Betrayal is a bitter pill, young one. But be wary. Dwelling too deeply on such emotions can form a Dao demon.
Ziven glared back, tears streaking his face, "Y-You don''t understand, old man. You can''t!"
That''s true... I''ve never experienced such a deep loss before. Slifer sighed, realizing that perhaps comparing his gaming experience to Ziven''s pain might not have been the right approach.
| Ding! |
| A Son Of Heaven Poses A Threat To Your Noble Task |
| Action: Eliminate |
| Reward: 500 Karmic Credits |
| Warning: Killing A Son Of Heaven Will Affect Your Luck |
Slifer blinked at the abrupt notification, momentarily caught off guard. Kill a Son of Heaven? His eyes narrowed, deep in thought. Aren''t the System and the Sons of Heaven aligned on the righteous path? Why would the System want him dead? And offering such a high reward... what''s the catch?
His attention refocused on the scene in front of him. Ziven pushed the village leader away, his expression one of raw pain. "Remember this, old demon," he said, his voice low and threatening, "I will avenge Xander, even if it''s the last thing I do."
The village leader''s face turned ashen. He mumbled to himself, "Does this child wish to court death?"
Before Slifer could form a reply, a sharp pain lanced through his chest. His hand instinctively reached to clutch at the pain point as the imprisoned Origin Realm energy within him rebelled. The turbulent energy then quietened, but the fleeting pain had been sharp and unexpected.
Caelum rushed to his side, a worried expression on his face. "Master, are you alright?"
Masking his distress, Slifer waved dismissively, "I am pained that such a young soul can carry so much hatred."
Internally, Slifer frowned, The Origin Realm energy shouldn''t have acted up. Could the reduced luck stat have caused this instability?
Seeing Slifer''s darkening expression, the village leader grew even more anxious. "Esteemed Elder, please understand, Ziven is young and has faced much pain. Please, I beg you, show mercy."
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Slifer barely heard him. Instead, he asked, "When did the boy begin cultivating?"
The old man, taken aback by the sudden question, stammered, "About two years ago, after the death of his parents."
Foundation Establishment in just two years? Slifer''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. That''s no small feat. This kid, if he''s been cultivating for such a short time and reached this level, is definitely a genius.
As Slifer contemplated the young prodigy''s potential, a growing unease settled in the pit of his stomach.
I cant give him the chance to grow, Slifer thought. The guilt began to weigh on him, the idea of killing Ziven conflicted with his every moral fiber. Yet, he told himself, for survivals sake, it was necessary.
This kid could be the death of me. The vivid memory of novels he read, where lone protagonists obliterated entire sects to avenge a single person, sent shivers down his spine.
The future was uncertain, and Slifer did not want to risk everything just because he felt bad for the kid.
Slifer turned to his disciples, "Caelum, Fenlock. Kill him."
The disciples hesitated, exchanging unsure glances.
Fenlock asked, "Both of us, Master?"
"Yes," Slifer''s voice was cold and decisive.
Caelums voice wavered, "But Master, he''s only at the Foundation Establishment realm. Just one of us should suffice."
Slifer''s expression darkened further, his tone leaving no room for discussion. "Attack together. Kill him in one blow."
I''m not taking any chances with a protagonist, he thought wryly. If I''m going to kill him, I''m going all out.
With a melancholic smile, Caelum pondered, Master remains as ruthless as ever, before he and Fenlock lunged forward in sync.
The village elder''s face went pale. "Please, have mercy! He''s just" he began, stepping forward to plead. But Slifer''s raised hand silenced him. The elder hesitated, torn between helping the young cultivator and self-preservation. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he stepped back. Ziven... This path was of your choosing.
Caelum lunged forward, aiming straight for Ziven''s heart. However, just as steel was about to meet flash, a brilliant light burst from Ziven''s body.
It was a treasure - a jade pendant emitting a radiant, protective shield. Caelum''s sword collided with the barrier, causing a deafening clang and a violent rebound.
Slifer, watching intently, chuckled ruefully. A treasure of that caliber? In the hands of a mere village boy? Only protagonists...
From the other side, Fenlock''s flute emitted a piercing sound wave. The barrier began vibrating violently under the sonic assault. Ziven''s body shook, sweat beading on his forehead as he tried to withstand the combined might of the two assailants.
After a few seconds, the barrier shattered, propelling Ziven backward. Fueled by desperation and rage, he roared at the Heavens, and the skies responded with a thunderous echo. The familiar yellow aura surrounding him began to thicken, becoming denser, more radiant. There was a moment of absolute silence, then a burst of energy came off him.
Ziven had broken through to the Mid Foundation Establishment realm.
Slifer''s eyes narrowed in envy. Of course. Mid-battle breakthroughs. Always so dramatic and timely. It''s a shame the System never lets me have such moments.
Caelum, witnessing this transformation, shook his head and commented dryly, "A Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator is still just a Foundation Establishment cultivator."
With the newfound strength from his breakthrough, Ziven knew that even then, he stood no chance against the combined might of Fenlock and Caelum.
Desperation forced him to act, and he activated another treasure C a smooth, jet-black marble. It pulsated with energy, ready to teleport him out of harms way.
"You''ll pay for this," Ziven spat, even as the darkness of the marble began to envelop him. "I swear, I''ll come back and end you all!"
However, before the escape treasure could fully work its magic, Fenlock put his lips to his flute. The haunting notes pierced the air, causing Ziven to sway and stumble as he clutched his head in pain.
Seizing the opportunity, Caelum dashed in front of the staggered Ziven. Their eyes met one filled with determination, the other with disbelief.
"No!" Ziven shouted, but his plea was cut short as Caelum''s blade descended, severing his head from his body in one fluid motion.
Caelum, with practiced ease, returned his blade to its sheath and bowed deeply to Slifer. "It is done, Master."
Slifer blinked in surprise. I had expected him to make a narrow escape. Protagonists and their pesky knack for slipping away... He concealed his thoughts behind an impassive face, nodding at Caelum.
As Slifer prepared to depart, an ethereal white apparition C not quite a soul, but a shadow of Ziven''s essence C emerged from the fallen body. Before Slifer could react, it merged with a peculiar token that manifested from Zivens spirit ring.
No... Not this, Slifer thought, recognizing the importance of the token. I cannot let him flee, not in any form.
He reached for his Peak Slifer Card, ready to obliterate any trace of Ziven''s essence. But before he could act, a rift in the very fabric of space manifested, swallowing the mysterious token whole.
Slifer sighed heavily. That token... Could it be one of those clichd xianxia treasures? Maybe an old master sealed within, awaiting to mentor the chosen one? Or perhaps it''s a gateway to a hidden cultivation realm? Or could it be an infinite reservoir of Qi? His mind raced with possibilities.
If only I could''ve claimed that token for my own, Slifer mused. But after a moment of contemplation, he grinned sardonically. Although, the last thing I''d need is some elderly mentor inside a token. That''d be quite the sight C me, an old man, guided by another old man.
| Ding! |
| You Have Destroyed The Body Of A Son Of Heaven |
| Your Luck Stat Has Been Appropriately Adjusted |
| Reward: 250 Karmic Credits |
Slifer''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. So, the System''s feeling generous today? He thought with a hint of suspicion.
But before he could further dwell on it, another message popped up.
| Ding! |
| The Son Of Heaven Has Escaped |
| Warning: With Each Escape, Your Chances Of Killing A Son Of Heaven Decreases |
These protagonists... they''re like cockroaches. Slifer sighed deeply. Resilient and ever returning.
He shook his head with a hint of exasperation. Next time, I''ll have little Val devour him whole. That should do the trick.
Caelum stepped forward, head lowered. "Master, I apologize for my negligence. I let Ziven escape."
Fenlock, following Caelum''s lead, quickly bowed as well. "It was our failure, Master."
Slifer motioned for them to rise. "It''s unexpected," he continued, "that the young man would possess a treasure protecting his soul."
Suddenly, another message from the System popped up in Slifer''s vision:
| Task Complete |
| Calculating Reward |
| ... |
| 554 Villagers Saved |
| Reward: 554 Karmic Credits |
Slifer''s eyes widened at the notification. Why is the System granting me a credit for each life? When I saved Lushan Village, the reward was but a fraction... Just what game is the System playing?
His thoughts were interrupted as the village leader approached, kneeling before him in deep gratitude. "Elder, we owe you our lives."
Slifer gestured for him to rise. "Stand, village leader."
Then, turning to Fenlock, he commanded, "Give him five medium spirit stones."
Fenlock hesitated, a flash of panic in his eyes. Why me? He reluctantly took out the spirit stones from his storage ring, lamenting inwardly, How will I now afford my date with Junior Sister?
Handing over the stones, Slifer saw the village leader''s face brighten with gratitude. Slifer would have been more generous, but the encounter with Ziven had annoyed him.
The village leader, seemingly having forgotten Slifer''s earlier intentions towards Ziven, beamed, holding the spirit stones. "Thank you, benefactor!" he exclaimed, bowing repeatedly.
Slifer waved him off dismissively. "Enough. It''s time we left."
He then addressed his disciples, "Prepare to depart."
His gaze shifted in the direction of the sect, and a determined thought filled his mind: It''s finally time to breakthrough!
Chapter 21: Essence Mend Technique
Amelia hesitantly stepped into the medicine hall, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. It was her first time inside these walls. She had never needed the services of this place; any injury she received was healed using the pills her master had given her. Ironically, she was the reason many disciples ended up here.
To think I would be here to heal them, she thought, shaking her head in disbelief.
Inside, disciples bustled about, tending to the injured. The clatter of medicinal pots, the soft whispers, and the gentle laughter painted a peaceful picture, contrasting sharply with what one would expect from a typical demonic sect.
However, the moment Amelia entered, the atmosphere shifted. The noise quieted down as the disciples paused their tasks and turned their gaze towards her. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to caution, and for some, fear.
One particular disciple, a young girl with fair skin and braided hair, caught Amelia''s gaze. Recognition flashed across both their faces. This girl had tasted Amelia''s fist just a week ago, for daring to slander her beloved master. The sheer terror in the girl''s eyes was apparent. She had believed this hall, of all places, would be her safe haven from her tormentor.
Seeing Amelia glare at her, the girl''s face paled and her eyes rolled back as her body went limp.
What a weakling. She won''t last long in the sect. Amelia snorted softly, her lips curling in disdain.
The head disciple, a young man with an earnest face and wearing a pristine white robe, approached her hesitantly. His eyes betrayed a mixture of respect and fear. He clasped his hands and bowed, "The Grand Elder is not present at the moment. To what do we owe the honor of hosting Elder Slifer''s disciple in our humble medicine hall?"
Strike first, be it words or fists. Her master''s voice echoed in her mind, this was the first teaching that her master departed to her when he found her as a scared little girl. Taking a deep breath, Amelia puffed up her chest and looked down her nose at him.
"Listen closely," she began, her voice cold and haughty. "My master has assigned me a mission to save ten lives. I''m here to fulfil that task. She glanced dismissively around the hall. "Let''s make this quick. There are other matters I must attend to."
A single droplet of sweat trailed down the head disciple''s forehead. Healing isn''t something that can be mastered in mere hours, he thought anxiously.
However, he wisely chose to keep his thoughts to himself. Id rather not be the one to deal with her, he reflected, deciding to redirect Amelias newfound enthusiasm to someone else.
He led Amelia to his junior sister, a delicate young woman with deep blue eyes.
"Amelia, meet Clara," he introduced.
Offering a smile that seemed somewhat forced, Clara greeted, "Welcome, Amelia."
Amelia returned the greeting with a curt nod, her posture radiating confidence, yet her eyes hinting at uncertainty. "I''m here to learn healing."
Clara took a moment, choosing her words with care. "Have you practiced any healing techniques before?"
Amelia hesitated. Admitting ignorance wasn''t something she was fond of, and the weight of Clara''s gaze was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. But truth had its way, and she reluctantly shook her head.
Clara''s smile wavered momentarily. "Very well," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Perhaps it would be best if you observed me today. Tomorrow, you can begin practicing on your own."
Amelia merely nodded in agreement, eager to get the day over with.
Clara then led her to their first patient: a young man. His arm was swollen, angry red marks suggesting a bad fracture. His pale face showed clear signs of pain, his eyes barely focusing on the newcomers.
Clara motioned for Amelia to come closer. "For starters, I''ll use the ''Essence Mend Technique''. It''s the most basic of healing techniques. By channeling my qi into the patient, it stimulates their own qi to expedite the healing process."
Amelia watched with rapt attention as Clara took a deep breath, her hands glowing faintly as she gently placed them over the patients injured arm. Slowly but surely, the swelling started to subside, the redness fading away. The fractured bone was aligning itself, and the young mans painful grimace gradually transformed into a look of relief.
This...is incredible. Not as potent as master''s pills, but impressive nonetheless, Amelia''s eyes widened in amazement.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Clara glanced up, catching Amelia''s astounded expression. She smiled softly, "It takes time and practice. But soon, you''ll be able to do it too."
Over the next couple of hours, Amelia shadowed Clara, closely watching as she healed a variety of patients. Each ailment was unique: from deep gashes to burns, from fractures to internal injuries. But after the fifth or sixth patient, Amelia''s interest began to wane. The monotonous cycle of observation without participation was proving to be a tiresome affair.
Eventually, stifling a yawn, Amelia turned to Clara. "I think I''ve seen enough for today. I''ll be heading out."
Clara, who by now seemed more at ease around Amelia, offered her a warm smile. "You did well."
Amelia paused mid-stride, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? I just stood there."
"No," Clara replied, shaking her head with a soft chuckle, "you were part of the team. By being present and showing interest, you lent your support."
Amelia tilted her head slightly, processing the words. "So, you''re saying I helped heal those patients?"
Clara hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "I guess, in a way, you did."
A bright smile blossomed on Amelia''s face, one that Clara hadn''t seen before. "Then you can vouch for me," she stated more than asked.
Clara nodded, laughing softly. "Of course."
I''ve fulfilled my task, and with time to spare! A mischievous glint appeared in Amelias eyes. Perhaps now I can find a lucky soul to devour.
With a lively bounce in her step and a carefree wave to Clara, Amelia left the medicine hall.
The Next Day
Amelia''s footsteps echoed loudly against the polished marble floor as she stormed into the medicine hall.
Whispers circulated as disciples tending to patients paused and exchanged worried glances. All remembered her from the day prior, but today she seemed more... volatile.
Clara looked up and met Amelia''s eyes. A hint of surprise flashed across her face. "I didn''t think you''d be back."
How could she act so innocent? Such two-faced behavior!
Amelia''s eyes, cold and piercing, shot back, "It must''ve been you who tattled to Master!"
Without warning, Amelia''s clenched fist launched at Clara. The unexpected move caught the healer off guard, and with no time to react, Clara felt the full force of the blow. She was sent flying, crashing hard into the formation-reinforced wall. The impact rebounded her forward, leaving her motionless on the ground.
The room grew deathly silent, shock evident on every face.
"I never thought you''d betray me." The unfamiliar sting of betrayal gnawed at her insides. Amelia had thought, maybe, just maybe, that she had found her first friend in the sect.
Before the situation could escalate further, a rift in space tore open, revealing a stern-looking woman. With flowing raven-black hair, sharp eyes that missed no detail, and an air of authority that demanded respect, she was none other than Grand Elder Lydia, the head of the Medicine Hall.
Amelia felt a pang of unease from the immense pressure emanating from the Elder. However, she remembered her Master''s teachings and forced herself to maintain eye contact, refusing to appear weak.
Lydia''s gaze darted between the unconscious Clara and Amelia. Her lips pressed together in a thin line. "Even if you''re the disciple of an Ascendant cultivator," Lydia began sternly, "I will not tolerate such behavior in my hall."
Amelia, trying to reign in her boiling emotions, retorted, "She betrayed my trust. She got what she deserved."
Grand Elder Lydia shook her head slowly, "Clara was here all night. When would she have found the time to run to your Master?"
Amelia froze. Conflicting emotions warred within her. If not Clara... then how did Master find out?
Elder Lydia sighed, her expression softening slightly. "If you have come to learn the ways of healing, you will shadow me today." She paused, casting a glance back at Clara. "Let us begin with her."
She lowered herself beside Clara''s unconscious form, examining the bruises and contusions that marred her pale skin. "I heard Clara introduced you to the ''Essence Mend Technique'' yesterday," she stated without looking up.
Amelia hesitated briefly before nodding, "Yes, she did."
With a slight nod, Lydia commanded, "Use it. Show me."
Amelia blinked, taken aback. While she had observed the technique, executing it was an entirely different matter. But her innate talent for quickly mastering techniques bolstered her confidence. She recalled the many instances when her rapid comprehension had impressed her master.
Drawing a deep breath, she began to channel her qi, focusing on the basic principles Clara had explained. Her hands began to glow a faint blue, moving rhythmically over Clara''s injuries.
However, Clara''s body reacted adversely. She started twitching, her face contorting in pain, her soft groans echoing in the silent hall.
In Slifers quarters, his meditation was interrupted by a notification:
| Ding! |
| Due to Amelia''s actions, you have received 1 Karmic Credit |
Slifer heaved a resigned sigh, rubbing his temples. Always trouble, that one.
Back at the medicine hall, Lydia immediately intervened. "Your flow is too forceful. Gentle! Like a breeze, not a storm. Focus on guiding, not forcing."
Amelia gritted her teeth, adjusting her approach. Drawing upon the Essence Mend Technique''s foundational principles, she began to realign her qi, pouring it with a gentler, more nurturing touch.
As the minutes passed, Clara''s whimpers faded, replaced by steady breathing. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing confusion and lingering pain. When her gaze met Amelia''s, there was also a hint of fear.
Feeling a tightness in her chest, something she hadn''t experienced often, Amelia offered a hesitant smile. "I''m... sorry, Clara."
Clara nodded slowly, her eyes still wary but also holding a trace of gratitude. "Thank you... for healing me."
Another one scared off. Amelia let out a sigh, feeling a sting of regret.
Chapter 22: Heavenly Tribulation
Seated on a plush cushion in his quarters, Slifer took a moment to reflect. The journey back had not been a comfortable one for him. He had found himself constantly looking around and upwards, half expecting a disaster at every turn.
With my luck stat decreasing twice, it''s a wonder the Heavens didnt send a bolt down to finish me, he thought with a shudder. To his relief, the only real threats they encountered on their return were a few Core Formation beasts. But those were dispatched with ease by his disciples.
But with them around, at least I dont need to worry about the minor nuisances.
Taking a deep breath, Slifer leaned back and considered the events of the past day. Ever since his return, his mind had been preoccupied with preparing for the breakthrough.
Cultivation... A path of defiance against the very heavens, he pondered. Every cultivator, in their bid to ascend to greater power, had to face a tribulation imposed by the heavens. This was their way of testing and challenging the audacity of mortals who dared to tread too close to godhood.
Breakthroughs below the immortal realm, he contemplated, are not created equal. His mind separated the tribulations into five distinct grades.
The first grade, he thought, The Azure Pinnacle Tribulation. A mental image of azure clouds gathered in his mind. These sky-blue formations indicated the arrival of a Grade 1 tribulation. The tribulation consisted of three lightning strikes, one following the other. The intensity of these strikes was determined by the level the cultivator was advancing to. In Slifer''s case, it would be at the Foundation Establishment level.
His thoughts shifted to the next. Grade 2, a tribulation he was all too familiar with, was the Crimson Wave Tribulation. Contrary to its name, it wasn''t a wave of water. Instead of successive strikes, five lightning bolts would come crashing down simultaneously, like a sudden tidal wave.
Surviving the Crimson means a touch of the heavens'' own qi. Slifer remembered. Cultivators who endured this grade were rewarded. Merging with just a hint of that divine qi, their Foundation Establishment pillars became more fortified.
20 to 30% increase in qi quality and quantity...
The difference between the Azure and the Crimson could mean the difference between mediocrity and superiority.
Slifer sighed, the original had faced this very tribulation. Even among top sects where the Crimson was somewhat common, it was no mere spectacle. The intensity of the Grade 2 Origin Realm tribulation had nearly claimed the original''s life.
The Grade 3 Tribulation, known as the Golden Crown Tribulation, was reserved for the true geniuses of the top sects. As the name suggested, a brilliant, mesmerizing gold would cover the skies, akin to a monarch''s crown.
For this tribulation, nine lightning strikes would descend. It was as if the heavens gave a guided tour through the Foundation Establishment realm. The first three strikes, representing the Early stage, were challenging but not insurmountable. The middle trio, symbolizing the Mid stage, were potent and ferocious. But it was the final trinity, signifying the Late stage, that truly tested a cultivators mettle.
"Beyond the increase in qi quality and quantity, theres the chance for enlightenment," he murmured aloud. This brief but profound moment allowed cultivators to either birth a brand-new technique or master an existing one. It was a coveted opportunity as entering the state of enlightenment naturally was almost impossible.
Caelums Shadowstep Slash... Slifer wondered, deep in thought. The memory was hazy, but he felt certain that his disciple had created his signature move during that brief moment.
His thoughts then shifted to Amelia. She, too, had undergone the tribulation, and he couldnt help but wonder about the insights she might have gleaned. Unfortunately for him, the memories of the original Slifer were hazy, incomplete.
"Either the original didnt bother to ask, or the memories were lost," Slifer sighed.
Actually, given Amelia''s nature, he murmured, it''s best if I remain in the dark. With her tendencies, its likely some strange soul technique, and some things are better left undiscovered.
"The Obsidian Monarch... Slifer whispered as his thoughts turned to the fourth grade. The skies during such a tribulation would turn a deep, inky black, as if the heavens themselves were consumed by darkness.
Thirteen strikes, he thought, a knot of dread forming in his stomach. The initial nine mirrored the Golden Crown Tribulation, but it was the subsequent blows that were terrifying. A blow from a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, he whispered, trying to fathom its intensity. Yet, the ultimate test was the thirteenth strike, a blow powerful enough to have come from a Core Formation expert.
"How can the heavens expect a Foundation Establishment cultivator to bear such an onslaught? He muttered, frustration evident in his voice. Is it a trial or a death sentence?
His fingers tapped the armrest in contemplation. But the reward... he said, his voice trailing off.
"It includes the enlightenment of Grade 3 and something more," he whispered in awe. A bloodline.
Bits and pieces of memories floated to the surface of Slifers consciousness. Hughie, he thought. The young genius likely faced this tribulation, Slifer would need to subtly ask him later what bloodline he received. But there was another face intertwined with those memories, a face which left a bitter taste in his mouth C Tyrus.
Did Tyrus rely on insane luck, like Hughie? Slifer wondered. Or did he possess some other technique, some hidden strength that saw him through? If Tyrus had indeed faced and surpassed the Obsidian Monarch Tribulation, it meant he now had a bloodline. A bloodline that made him even more dangerous.
The significance wasnt lost on Slifer. A cultivator''s bloodline was the essence of their identity, an intrinsic power inherited from birth. "To acquire one..." he murmured, "only the Obsidian Monarch Tribulation can grant such a rewardand now the System."
Obviously, those that underwent a Grade 4 tribulation at the Foundation Establishment realm received a weaker bloodline than those encountering it at higher realms. Still, in the eyes of the sects, even the faintest of bloodlines was a treasure. They''d leverage such disciples, essentially transforming them into the founders of new, powerful clans.
"I mean, who wouldn''t want to sire an entire clan?" Slifer thought out loud, an amused smirk on his face. "Being surrounded by ethereal beauties, a dream for any vir-, he paused, chuckling, ...well, for someone like me."
But that dreamlike scenario had a dark flip side. The odds of survival for these tribulations, even for prodigious talents, were abysmally low. The mere notion of facing such dire odds, especially with his recent stroke of misfortune, made Slifer''s skin glisten with nervous sweat.
The perks of higher-grade tribulations C bloodlines, constitutions, enhanced spiritual roots C they all paled in comparison to the threat of obliteration. "With the System by my side, I could buy those blessings, can''t I? he whispered, trying to reassure himself. And if I consider their actual value... it''s a bargain."
Drawing a deep breath, Slifer tried to center himself. Hughie''s extraordinary luck should balance out my misfortune. He tried to convince himself of the likelihood of facing a more manageable tribulation, perhaps Grade 2 or even Grade 3.
A thought suddenly struck him. "If only I could get my disciples to bear the brunt of the tribulation for me," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice. "Imagine Val and the others fending off a Grade 4 tribulation. I''d simply reap the rewards." But he quickly sobered up. The memories of the original Slifer warned against such folly. Interference in another''s tribulation wasn''t just discouraged; it was catastrophic.
Interfering with another''s tribulation invites one''s own, he shuddered at the thought.
"I don''t even want to imagine what a protagonist''s tribulation would be like.
Slifer''s mind drifted to the Celestial Prism Tribulation, the highest grade. He almost scoffed, it wasnt worth even considering. It was a legend, an enigma; its trials and tribulations remained shrouded in mystery.
"I don''t even know why it''s considered part of the grades," Slifer mumbled, "The original has never met anyone who has witnessed it. I doubt even the Elders of ancient sects have any reliable records of it."
Regardless, anything related to the Heavens can go so wrong, he thought, rubbing his temples. It''s always best to be as prepared as possible. And for Slifer, preparation translated to ensuring that he had enough credits on hand. He needed to be in a position to instantly buy a card if the situation called for it.
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However, the system''s generosity in providing karmic credits lately was suspicious.
It''s too quiet... Too... generous. Something is amiss.
He felt the weight of impending doom, though, thankfully, it wasn''t a heart attack. Slifer chuckled to himself. Can cultivators even die from heart issues? He pondered for a moment before grinning wryly. Although, given what I''ve read, dying by furiously coughing up blood seems to be all the rage.
His thoughts then drifted to Amelia. When she had mentioned her new healing technique, an idea had taken root in his mind and he had immediately sent her back, If she refines that technique, perhaps I can harness its potential through my mirror skill, he thought. A righteous healing technique without any need for conversion? That''s savings right there.
He nodded to himself, a plan forming. The side benefit?
Perhaps some time in the medicine hall will tone down Amelia''s... aggressiveness. Slifer chuckled at the notion. The girl had a fire in her, but sometimes, even fires needed to be controlled.
If all goes well, I''ll have a new technique and a less volatile disciple.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Completed A Task |
| Reward: 50 Karmic Credits. |
Good timing, Slifer nodded. He should be back soon.
While waiting for Hughie''s arrival, a thought popped up. "System, when can I view my own stats?"
| The System Is Currently At Version 1 |
| Upgrade To Version 2 To Access Additional Features |
Raising an eyebrow, Slifer contemplated. Interesting, an upgradeable System. Just how OP can this thing become?
Keen on pursuing this line of thought, he asked, "How do I upgrade you?"
| Requirements For Upgrade: |
| 1. Kill a demonic cultivator. Status: Complete. |
| 2. Convert at least one demonic cultivator to the righteous path. Status: Incomplete. |
| 3. Upgrade Disciple Management Function. This will occur when all disciples achieve a breakthrough to the next major realm - Status: 0/4 Complete. |
"Sounds reasonable enough."
All my disciples are exceptional in their own rights. Their breakthroughs shouldnt take too long. Slifer rubbed his chin thoughtfully. But breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm from Peak Core Formation... even for prodigies like them, it can take decades.
He sighed. "Time isn''t on my side. I need to speed things up. The faster they achieve their breakthroughs, the sooner I can upgrade."
Looking at the second requirement, he smirked. Converting a demonic cultivator to the righteous path... Well, I''ve got that covered. It''s only a matter of time.
Status!
| Name |
Slifer |
| Race |
Human |
| Alignment |
Demonic |
| Cultivation |
Qi Refining C 9th Stage |
| Lifespan Remaining |
45 Days |
| Karmic Credits |
1300 |
| Skills |
Insight (Basic) |
| Items |
Reversal Cards x2, Peak Slifer Card x2, Critical Block Card, Whimsical Wind Card |
| Abilities |
Mirror Mastery: Level 1 |
| Techniques |
Sunrise Slash: Level 2 |
| Weapon Mastery |
Sword: 1% |
Slifer''s eyes darted over his stats, noting the healthy number of credits he had accumulated. Having all four disciples working in tandem is a real game changer.
He had previously compiled a list of beneficial cards to potentially utilize during the tribulation.
| Critical Heal Card |
| Cost: 100 Karmic Credits |
| Description: Heals 30% of wounds instantly |
This could be crucial, especially if I face a Grade 3 tribulation, Slifer thought.
| Thunder''s Ward Card |
| Cost: 500 Karmic Credits |
| Description: Grants 30% Resistance to lightning for 1 minute |
Considering the essence of the tribulations, this card seemed invaluable.
| Critical Block Card |
| Cost: 900 Karmic Credits |
| Description: Protects User From A Critical strike |
I wont have the luxury to gamble in the heat of tribulation. I already have one but it couldnt hurt to have another.
| Impeccable Card |
| Cost: 1200 Karmic Credits |
| Description: Provides 10 Seconds Of Absolute Damage immunity |
Ten seconds of damage immunity. That could make or break the tribulation.
Still, there''s no urgency to buy now, he thought, trying to curb his enthusiasm. Maybe, with Hughie around, I won''t even have to spend these credits.
The reason he hadnt picked up the Heavens Shield card to balance out his luck stat wasnt out of negligence. Even with normal luck, if I face an insurmountable tribulation... Better to save and strategize, he mused, relying on Hughie''s luck to shield him.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice. "Master, you called for me?" Hughie hesitated at the entrance of Slifer''s chamber.
Its time.
Slifer exited his quarters to find Hughie standing nervously. Slifer could sense the confusion emanating from the young man.
Clearing his throat, Slifer tried to find a logical explanation, "Hughie, I''ve been delving into a few...unique techniques. I might have drawn the attention of the heavens."
Hughies eyes widened. Why am I involved in this? his posture seemed to question.
Reading Hughie''s unease, Slifer reassured with a smile, "Remember the battle against Elder Olakin? I need you by my side, just like then." With a beckoning gesture, Slifer motioned for Hughie to come closer.
Hughie gulped. He wants to... hold my hand? Why did the heavens bless me with such looks? He thought frantically for a way out. "Master, perhaps Senior Brother Caelum would be better suited for this? He''s quite handsome too, although maybe not at my level..."
Slifer''s face scrunched in bewilderment. What in the world do looks have to do with this? He shook his head, dismissing the thought. "No, Caelum won''t suffice. It has to be you."
Hughie''s shoulders drooped, and he murmured, mostly to himself, "Senior Brother attracts all the ladies, while I...I keep drawing old men."
Choosing to dismiss Hughies peculiar muttering, Slifer decided to focus on the task at hand.
Grasping Hughies hand firmly, he closed his eyes, allowing his spiritual sense to delve into his being. As he began the process of condensing his qi, a subtle shift in the atmosphere enveloped them.
| Ding! |
| Warning |
| Heavenly Tribulation Triggered |
Opening his eyes, Slifer noticed the sky transforming. The formation of ominous red clouds heralded the incoming tribulation.
Chapter 23: M-Multiple Tribulations?!
"Only a Grade 2 tribulation," Slifer murmured with relief, watching the electric dance of the clouds with a hint of amusement. This shouldn''t take too long.
Turning to Hughie, he clapped a heavy hand onto the boys back, causing him to wince. "You really are my lucky charm," Slifer declared, a broad grin on his face.
Confusion marred Hughie''s features. He couldnt fathom why his master needed him for what appeared to be a Foundation Establishment realm tribulation. It all seemed so... ordinary.
Slifer''s gaze wandered to the Critical Block Card. The Crimson Wave Tribulation was ideal for his current predicament. The fact that his disciples hadnt primarily trained in defensive techniques meant he couldn''t use the Mirror technique to replicate any form of protective measure.
Just one card... he thought, hoping it would be enough.
Finally, the charged clouds released their pent-up fury. Five brilliant, red lightning strikes, like the fingers of an angered deity, snaked their way down from the heavens, aimed directly at Slifer.
Hughies eyes widened in disbelief as he observed his master, who made no move to prepare any defensive technique. Can an Ascendent cultivator''s body withstand such strikes without any protection? he wondered, doubt clouding his mind.
In the next heart-stopping moment, the five lightning bolts descended as one, aiming straight for Slifer. Just as they were about to make contact, the Critical Block Card activated. An invisible barrier shimmered into existence around him, just in time to intercept the heavenly onslaught. The lightning was easily repelled by the barrier and sent shooting outwards, striking the courtyard with deafening cracks.
The dust settled slowly, and there stood Slifer, unscathed, with a triumphant grin plastered across his face.
Hughie had seen such a phenomenon before, where attacks seemed to refuse to land on his master. Is it even possible for a lower realm attack to touch an Ascendant Realm master? he wondered, utterly baffled.
As Slifer absorbed traces of the heavenly qi, he felt a profound sense of satisfaction. The energy merged with his nascent pillar, a feeling that left him momentarily lost in its pleasure. Gazing at the dissipating remnants of the tribulation, Slifer scoffed, "I didnt even need to prepare for this."
Hughie could only manage a nervous sweatdrop. Why is Master so proud of overcoming a tribulation meant for the Foundation Establishment realm? he thought, not daring to voice it out loud.
But then, Slifers expression abruptly changed. His self-satisfied smile faltered, replaced by a frown of confusion. Wait a minute, why hasnt my first pillar been completed? he thought anxiously.
It was common knowledge that the Foundation Establishment realm consisted of nine qi pillars. Surviving the tribulation should have solidified the first one. Yet, nothing happened.
Determined, Slifer attempted to manually complete the pillar by manipulating his qi. Despite his efforts, frustration mounted as the pillar stubbornly remained 90% complete. After several failed attempts, he couldnt help cursing under his breath, suspecting the System''s involvement. Is the System preventing my progress?
His thoughts, however, were abruptly interrupted by Hughies soft muttering. "Obsidian Monarch Tribulation," the disciple whispered, seemingly to himself, but the words caught Slifers attention immediately.
Slifer snapped his head towards Hughie. "What did you just say?" he asked sharply, the previous issue with the pillar momentarily forgotten.
Hughie''s hand trembled as he pointed upward, drawing Slifer''s gaze to the heavens. The elder cultivator''s eyes widened in disbelief, taking in the sight of an unnaturally darkened sky. Mid-day, yet the heavens were consumed by an inky black. An unmistakable sign of... the Obsidian Monarch Tribulation.
| Ding! |
| Warning |
| Heavenly Tribulation Triggered |
Shit... this... this isnt even fair, Slifer cursed inwardly. He had scoured the original''s memories and found no mention of facing multiple tribulations in succession.
With an accusing glance towards Hughie, Slifer muttered, "I expected more from you."
Bewildered, Hughie responded, "Master, what did you want from me?" His thoughts raced. If Master feels lonely, surely the sect has many maidens eager for his company. Why drag me into this?
Slifer''s thoughts raced even as the tribulation gathered momentum. I need that impeccable card now. But when he tried to purchase it, an unwelcome message from the System interrupted him.
| Error: Shop Unavailable During Tribulation |
He stood there, stunned. Face turning a shade of red from frustration. The System... It knew! It knew my plan all along! His thoughts were abruptly halted by the sight of the first black lightning strike descending upon him.
Without wasting another moment, Slifer activated the Peak Slifer Card. Immediately, nine sturdy qi pillars took shape within him but just as swiftly as they formed, they shattered, coalescing into a golden core. The core quickly dissolved, giving way to a Nascent Soul, which expanded continuously, threatening to burst from the immense power it contained.
"I missed this," Slifer whispered, a surge of near-Origin realm power coursing through him, invigorating every fiber of his being.
The first lightning bolt hurtled towards him with alarming speed. Reacting instantly, Slifer channeled qi into his palms and forcefully slapped the strike away, redirecting it into a nearby tree. Watching the tree burst into a fiery blaze, Slifers eyes widened in alarm. Not a tree... anything but a tree! He chastised himself.
Almost instantly, two more lightning bolts rushed at him. With swift reflexes, Slifer diverted them upwards, redirecting their trajectory back towards the heavens. Take that! he defiantly thought, fully aware that such an act couldn''t possibly injure the heavens, but the symbolic gesture brought him satisfaction.
The onslaught ceased momentarily after the third bolt, and Slifer lifted his gaze to the skies. He recognized the pattern C every three strikes grew in ferocity. Taking a deep breath, he shouted, "Come on! Give me your best shot!" Every second counted with the Peak Slifer Card''s time constraint.
The Heavens responded with a thunderous roar, sending three more bolts. With graceful motions, Slifer repelled them one by one. But the presence of the 13th strike was undeniable, even Hughie shifted uncomfortably from the aura it released.
With a resounding crack, Slifer met the strike head-on, deflecting it with a powerful swipe of his hand. After the last assault, he inspected his hand, noting the scorch marks with a pained grimace.
As the last remnants of the tribulation clouds disappeared with a roar, Slifer sighed in relief. It''s finally over.
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However, his relief was short-lived. Peering within himself, he discovered the Foundation Establishment pillar was stuck at 99%.
He shot a wary glance at the sky, squinting against the dissipating clouds. Don''t you dare send another one, he mentally warned the heavens.
The Heavens didnt seem to have taken Slifers warnings seriously as a multi-coloured cloud began to take shape in the sky.
"No," Slifer whispered, dread apparent in his eyes. Beside him, Hughie, already pale, stuttered, "Ce... Celestial Prism."
Yet, to their astonishment, the swirling cloud didn''t coalesce. Instead, it crumbled apart, the sky gradually returning to the calm blue of midday. Slifer''s body sagged with relief. That was too close. A strike from the Nascent Soul realm... he mused, shuddering at the mere thought.
However, before he could process the turn of events further, an overwhelming dizziness gripped him. Clutching his head in bewilderment, he tried to steady himself. When his vision cleared, he found himself surrounded by an endless expanse of white, the familiar surroundings nowhere in sight.
Outside, Hughie''s demeanor shifted to an unusual seriousness. He recognized the signs - his master had entered a state of Enlightenment. Grasping Slifer''s hand more firmly, he stood guard. Any disturbance during such a pivotal moment could have grave consequences.
Where am I? Slifer wondered, but then a sliver of memory from his predecessor surfaced. During Enlightenment, a cultivator''s consciousness transcended, supposedly establishing a faint link with the heavens.
With this realization, Slifer closed his eyes, surrendering to the meditative state that he''d become familiar with through countless cultivation sessions. But nothing could have prepared him for what followed. An influx of information, vast and dense, cascaded into his mind with crushing weight. He felt as though his mind would be pulverized under the relentless torrent of knowledge.
I must focus, he reminded himself amidst the chaos, recognizing the monumental opportunity before him. This was more than just survival; it was his chance to create a technique of his own.
Slifer decided on creating a defensive sword technique. He already possessed the Sunrise Slash, an attack method, and he reasoned that a corresponding defense technique would make a complete set.
The light essence from the Sunrise Slash was already a part of his repertoire. It only makes sense to continue this path. Light is both illuminating and forceful, he thought. There werent clear guides or structured lessons in the information, but rather raw and powerful insights about the sword''s essence.
The accelerated speed of his thoughts astounded him, making complex tasks seem simple. He swiftly sifted through the overwhelming influx of information, zeroing in on details related to sword techniques and the light element.
Condense light through sword strikes... create a shield... explode outwards upon impact... Slifer pondered, his mind working feverishly. He envisioned a technique that channeled light through the sword, solidifying into a radiant shield. This shield would then burst outward when struck, repelling incoming attacks.
The number of strikes determines the shield''s potency, he surmised. The first strike could probably hold off an Early Foundation Establishment attack, and with the third strike, it could resist even a Late Foundation Establishment assault.
He fine-tuned his method, occasionally discarding certain steps. "The angle of the second slash needs to be sharper," he murmured, "and the timing between the strikes... it''s crucial. Too fast, and the light won''t condense properly. Too slow, and the defense will be riddled with gaps."
After what felt like a lifetime, Slifer felt his consciousness begin the journey back to his physical form as the separation between the enlightenment state and the tangible world blurred, then solidified. The sounds and scents of the outside world flooded back to him.
Opening his eyes, a contented sigh left him, and he whispered the name of his newly crafted technique, "Stellar Nova Strike." Though the name hinted at aggression, the ''strikes'' were, in fact, the foundation of his defense.
Upon hearing his master''s whisper, Hughie''s eyes sparkled with a trace of respect. A new technique crafted by an Ascendent being, he thought, filled with wonder. Perhaps Peak Earth rank, or maybe even Heaven Rank.
Hughie was curious about what sort of heaven-defying technique his master had created during his state of enlightenment, but he held his tongue, aware of his masters... slight paranoia.
Slifer sighed, a hint of longing in his breath. He missed the exhilarating clarity of enlightenment; now, his thoughts trudged along at a pace that felt painfully slow. He looked down, surprised to find his hand still clasped in Hughie''s. He quickly released it. Best not give my disciples the wrong idea.
| Congratulations On Creating A Technique |
| Reward: 200 Karmic Credits |
| Technique Name: Stellar Nova Strike |
| Rank: Mid-Earth |
| Description: A light-element defensive sword technique that harnesses consecutive strikes to form an explosive shield of condensed light |
Mid-Earth Rank. Not too shabby. Slifer nodded with satisfaction.
| Congratulations on successfully breaking through to the Foundation Establishment realm |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
One step closer to the original''s cultivation, Slifer thought. Foundation Establishment might be insignificant, but for an out-of-shape man from another world, its a huge accomplishment. Though this blasted System''s a double-edged sword...
With a simple wave of his hand, Slifer dismissed Hughie, who didnt waste any time and scampered off.
Once alone, Slifer entered his quarters and with a faint smile, summoned his status screen.
| Name |
Slifer |
| Race |
Human |
| Alignment |
Demonic |
| Cultivation |
Early Foundation Realm (1/9) |
| Lifespan Remaining |
45 Days |
| Karmic Credits |
1600 |
| Skills |
Insight (Basic) |
| Items |
Reversal Cards x2, Peak Slifer Card, Whimsical Wind Card |
| Abilities |
Mirror Mastery: Level 1 |
| Techniques |
Sunrise Slash: Level 2, Stellar Nova Strike: Level 1 |
| Weapon Mastery |
Sword: 5% |
However, his grin quickly turned into a frown as he saw there was no change in his lifespan, not even by a single year.
Typically, reaching the Foundation Establishment realm should''ve added a century to my life. But since this body already achieved that once... He mused, the realization sinking in. Makes sense, I suppose. Otherwise, we''d all just yo-yo between realms for eternal life.
With a resigned sigh, he muttered, I''ll have to rely on those Reversal Cards then.
Slifer then shifted his focus to the anticipated new bloodline a reward for conquering the Obsidian Monarch Tribulation.
A Peak Slifer Card for a bloodline? Definitely worth the trade, he consoled himself, still somewhat skeptical. Yet, his anticipation turned to annoyance when he found no trace of any new bloodline. Did the Heavens scam me?
| Congratulations On Acquiring A New Bloodline |
| Bloodline Name: ??? |
| Requirements to Unlock: ??? |
Chapter 24: Val The Disciple?!
| Congratulations On Acquiring A New Bloodline |
| Bloodline Name: ??? |
| Requirements to Unlock: ??? |
Slifer frowned, letting out an exasperated grunt. "Great! A mysterious bloodline that I can''t even access. How very...helpful."
Just watch, I''ll be on the brink of death, cornered by some lord from the netherworld, and THEN this overpowered bloodline will kick in to save the day. He rolled his eyes.
Pushing the thoughts of the bloodline to the back of his mind, Slifer turned his focus to his new technique. He summoned his sword from his storage ring. Though it was the same sword with the familiar orange hilt, something felt... different.
As he gripped the hilt, a sensation coursed through him, like the sword was whispering to him. Kill, kill, kill... It wasnt the most pleasant of feelings, but what could he expect from a blade that originated from a demonic sect?
| Ding! |
| Congratulations On Comprehending Sword Intent |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
His eyes widened slightly. So, this is Sword Intent? he pondered, understanding that the bond between blade and bearer was crucial to a sword cultivator''s true power. Sword Intent marked the first step in sword cultivation, potentially boosting a cultivator''s attack by an entire sub realm.
"Not bad," he muttered appreciatively.
As Slifer swung his sword around, he could feel a significant difference due to the 4% increase in his sword mastery. The air itself seemed to part more smoothly before the blade, every motion more fluid and precise.
Closing his eyes, he channeled his qi and intent into the sword, channeling the Sunrise Slash technique. In an instant, he was before a dummy, and with a swift, clean movement, its head tumbled to the ground.
Grinning at the effortless cut, he couldn''t help but boast a little. "At this rate, I might just stand a chance against a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. Wellthat is, if I catch them off guard."
Energized, he readied himself to test out the Stellar Nova Strike technique. Positioning himself, he performed three deliberate sword strikes. Each motion gathered the ambient light element, focusing and refining it until a radiant shield of condensed light blossomed around him. Observing the shield critically, he nodded in satisfaction but recognized its current limitations.
He paused for a moment, "Needs to be stronger," he reflected, aware that the technique was still in its initial phase, merely at level 1. "And I''ll do that the best way I know how." He took a breath, adding, "By facing real threats."
A brief hesitation followed before he corrected himself, "Well, maybe not a real battle. After all, I can''t risk getting killed. It''s not like I have an endless stash of cards to rescue me."
A sly smirk then spread across his face. "One of my disciples will do just fine."
A spiritual transmission abruptly pulled Slifer out of his musings. Morvran''s voice echoed in his mind, "Master, Val has woken up."
A grin spread across Slifer''s face. "Guess I''ve got a training buddy now," he commented out loud.
Upon arriving at the beast chamber, a place designated for housing beasts below the Core Formation realm. The beasts of Core Formation realm and above usually dwelled in their own habitats, like Val with her... cave. He felt a slight shudder run down his spine at the memory.
Slifer scanned his surroundings, seeing magnificent beasts, that he had believed to be only in fairy tales, caged like this made Slifer shake his head in disapproval. Such primitive ways of taming beasts, he thought sadly.
He had always had an affinity for animals, and while these beasts weren''t exactly...pets, Slifer believed there had to be a better way to tame them. "Maybe once I get my stuff sorted, I''ll see if I can change some stuff around," he mumbled to himself.
A disciple approached and offered a respectful bow. "Senior Slifer, your beast awaits you in one of the healing chambers."
Slifer barely held back a sigh. To him, it made more sense to treat these beasts as partners rather than mere tools. A deeper connection would surely yield better results in combat.
"It''s all about synergy, like Kiba and Akamaru," he muttered.
The disciple looked up in confusion, "Elder?"
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Slifer waved him off, "Nevermind, just take me to Val."
As they entered the healing chamber, his eyes were immediately drawn to the center. There lay little Val surrounded by a series of intricate formations, too complex for Slifer to even attempt to decipher.
Feeling her master''s presence, Val lifted her head and her eyes lit up with delight. With a joyful squeak, she swiftly rose and flew straight into Slifers waiting arms.
Turning to the disciple, who stood awkwardly observing the reunion, Slifer gave him a blank stare. The young man cleared his throat awkwardly. "I shall take my leave, Elder." With a swift bow, he quickly exited the chamber.
Immediately, Slifer''s stern exterior melted away, replaced by a look of tender concern. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his fingers gently brushing over the spot where Val had been injured.
Val tilted her head, attempting to muster a serious expression, "Me all bettew now."
Noticing the absence of even a faint scar, Slifer nodded in relief. "Master is glad. Val had us all worried."
Val blinked her large eyes, "How mastew? Val wowwied mastew huwt."
A warm smile spread across Slifer''s face. "Master is good, little one. I got rid of the big bad guy who hurt you."
Val''s round eyes widened even more. "Bad man hit Val for no weason."
"That''s right," Slifer affirmed, hugging the baby dragon a bit tighter. "Val didn''t deserve that."
The little dragon shook her head earnestly, her eyes still shining with innocence. "Val good."
Slifer''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "But guess what? Master has a present for you!"
"Pwesent? What pwesent?"
"It''s a surprise," Slifer teased.
Val''s face scrunched up in a pout. "No supwise!" she declared adamantly.
After a playful pause, Slifer continued, "How would you like to be my disciple?"
Val blinked, clearly confused. "Me monsta. How can monsta be disciple?"
Slifer sighed inwardly. From the original''s memories, I never heard of beasts becoming disciples. And about beasts taking human forms? Either that doesnt exist here, or it''s reserved for those in the Immortal Realm.
He gently patted Val''s head, trying to reassure her. "Master doesn''t see you as a monster."
After a moment''s pause, he softly added, "So, what do you think?"
Tears brimmed in Val''s eyes, as she whispered, "Val be Mastew disciple."
Slifer smiled as he swiftly opened up the shop and scrolled through until he found the card he was looking for.
| Name: Soul Bond Card |
| Description: Establishes a telepathic link between the user and the creature. The card grants the user the ability to utilize a random ability from the creature once a day. |
| Warning: If the creature is killed, the user''s soul will be severely damaged. |
| Cost: 900 Karmic Credits |
Slifer looked down at Val, her big eyes filled with hope and trust.
She''s worth it. Without hesitation, Slifer made the purchase, applying the Soul Bond Card to Val.
Almost immediately, a burning sensation seared his chest, causing him to look beneath his robes. He was met with the mark of a dragon. This mark, however, wasn''t just skin deepit was as if it had imprinted itself onto his very spirit.
| Ding! |
| Soul Bond Successful |
| Randomising Ability |
| ... |
| Ding! |
| You Have Gained The Ability Firebreath |
I can breath fire? That''s pretty cool!
| Congratulations On Gaining A Special Disciple |
| Your Disciple Capacity Has Been Adjusted |
| You Have Gained 100 Karmic Credits |
Good, she didnt take up a traditional disciple slot, Slifer thought with a hint of relief. I still need an open spot for the upcoming Disciple Selection Ceremony. There''s no telling who or what potential I might encounter there.
Closing his eyes, Slifer decided to focus on the newly formed bond. He could sense Val''s feelings, her immense joy and overwhelming emotion, and he knew he could pinpoint her location regardless of the distance.
As he opened his eyes, he saw a similar mark on Val. But it wasn''t the image of Sliferit was a blurry outline of a young man. That''s... Zack. My original body. So even in this form, my soul retains its original identity, he mused, taken aback by the revelation.
Val''s voice interrupted his thoughts, "Val feel... funny."
Slifer, recovering quickly, pinched her plump cheek affectionately. "We now a have Soul Bond."
Vals already wide eyes seemed to grow even larger with wonder. She knew that Soul Bonds were rare, transforming the typical master-servant dynamic to something far more profound, almost akin to equals. Tears formed in her eyes as she stuttered, "Val so...so happyyy."
Hugging her closer, Slifer whispered, "Master is happy too."
After enjoying the peaceful moment, Slifer coughed slightly to regain composure. "Master needs help practicing a defensive technique," he informed her.
Val''s head popped up, her eyes filled with eagerness. "Val help!"
Yet, seeing her overwhelming enthusiasm, Slifer hesitated, second-guessing his request. Is it really a smart idea to ask a Nascent Soul level beast to attack me? He wondered.
Val seemed to pick up on his hesitation. "Val pwomise be gentle," she mumbled, her tiny snout drooping slightly.
A small chuckle escaped Slifer''s lips, though doubts still danced in his mind. Does she even know her own strength? Yet, looking into those innocent eyes, Slifer couldn''t resist nodding in agreement.
Eh, maybe I''ll get to use her own firebreath attack against her, he smirked, imagining the look of surprise on Val''s face. Now, that''ll be an interesting sight.
Chapter 25: Slifer vs Val
Back at Slifers courtyard.
Slifer turned to Val, his expression serious. "Val, I need you to restrict your cultivation to the Early Foundation Establishment stage."
Val''s large, round eyes blinked in confusion. "Why Mastew?"
Slifer pondered how best to explain it, then chose a slightly convoluted explanation, "It''s because by tempering the technique against a milder flame, we can detect more subtle flaws."
Val''s expression only grew more puzzled, but she stubbornly nodded. "Okay. Val stay small."
Slifer pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. The ego of a dragon, he thought, always too proud to admit when they don''t understand.
He observed closely as Val''s Nascent Soul aura began to recede. It shrank to the Core Formation level and continued dropping until it stabilized at the Foundation Establishment stage. Cultivators could suppress their power, but without a formation or seal, it was merely a temporary measure. Any loss of concentration could lead to an accidental release of their true strength and that could be deadly,
Slifer exhaled in relief upon noticing he still possessed a Critical Block Card. You never know, this might come in handy.
Eager to begin, Val''s wings flapped vigorously. "Mastew, weady?"
Gripping his sword firmly, Slifer nodded. "Yes. Attack me with your firebreath."
With a graceful leap, little Val soared into the air. She paused, hovering, then opened her small mouth. A moment later, she exhaled a concentrated fireball, its heat distorting the air as it barreled toward Slifer.
He took a slow, deep breath, centering himself. Channeling his qi into his sword, Slifer danced through the three movements of the Stellar Nova technique with swift precision. Just as the firebreath was about to make contact, a barrier of light formed around him.
The next moment, Val''s fireball crashed against the barrier. Instead of swallowing Slifer, the impact caused the barrier to burst outwards in a radiant explosion. A thick layer of smoke and dust flew into the air, masking Slifer''s vision.
As the dust faded, he glanced down and couldn''t help but smirk at the lack of any injuries on himself. But then, an annoyed squeak echoed.
Looking up, Slifer saw Val, her cute face covered in soot. "Dat not nice, Mastew," she muttered, her voice carrying a hint of a whine.
Slifers laughed, "Try again, Val. This time, Late Foundation Establishment level."
Her little face contorted in annoyance. Taking a deep breath, she spat out fire just as Slifer completed his third sword movement. The fire seemed stronger, and when it met Slifer''s defense, a larger explosion followed, sending more dust into the air.
A triumphant giggle echoed. "Got Mastew, now Mastew diwty."
As the dust began to clear, Slifer located the source of the voice: Val, sitting proudly on a tree branch.
Yet when she saw Slifer, untouched by smoke or dirt, her joy turned to a pout. "Dis boring," she declared with a hint of frustration. "Take dis!"
To Slifer''s surprise, Val began morphing into her more menacing form. She unleashed a roar, and then, an inferno from her mouth.
"Stop!" Slifer shouted, but Val was too engrossed.
No choice. I won''t waste a card on this. Focusing on the Soul Bond skill, Slifer felt a powerful heat build up within him. The sensation was overwhelming, as if the very core of Val''s essence was melding with his own. He opened his mouth, and to his amazement, a brilliant stream of fire erupted at the Nascent Soul level.
The two fire streams met in the air, clashing and swirling in a tempestuous dance. However, Slifer''s firebreath slowly began to overpower Val''s. The fiery onslaught struck her directly, and her roar of defiance turned into a pained whimper.
She shrank back to her original size, the powerful beast reduced once again to a small, delicate creature.
Slifer hurriedly closed his mouth, dashing towards Val as she gently floated down onto the ground. He hesitated for a moment, seeing her crunched up posture, her face turned away. "Val?" he asked softly, extending a cautious hand to turn her face towards him.
Suddenly, Val turned, letting out a small roar. Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "I twick mastew!" she giggled.
Slifer exhaled deeply, a mixture of relief and exasperation. "You always trying to trick master, Val. But one day, master might get hurt."
She blinked, "But Mastew most powewful," she mumbled.
Shaking his head, Slifer replied, "Master is old, Val. You need to take care of master."
As he watched her, Slifer could see the wheels turning in her head. "Mastew old, Mastew die?" she asked with a touch of fear.
Slifer couldn''t help but laugh at her sincere concern. "If you sneak attack me like that, then maybe one day I die."
Val''s eyes widened, and she quickly nodded, her expression serious. "Val pwomise no sneak attack. Val pwotect old mastew."
Smiling, Slifer gently rubbed her head. "Yes, protect master." But as he gazed into the distance, a sobering thought crossed his mind. No, seriously. If she keeps up with these ''tricks'', she might actually kill me.
His gaze drifted around the courtyard. Morvran had just recently cleaned up the aftermath of the tribulation. Now, due to their playful skirmish, it looked like a mess. Slifer felt a pang of guilt, Poor Morvran. He''ll have to clean this all up. Again.
Taking Val to the sect''s training grounds would have been a safer option, but the last thing Slifer wanted was prying eyes observing their every move. In front of Val, he could maintain an air of mastery, but in front of others... Others are more astute. I can''t risk looking foolish.
Grrrrowl.
Both Slifer and Val snapped their heads towards the origin of the sound. Their eyes met, a hint of embarrassment evident in Slifer''s gaze. Clearing his throat, Slifer quickly said, "Val train hard today. Val deserve snack."
Val''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Val want... umm, fingies? Or tasty eaw? Or, or... tendew toesies?" she babbled, her words not quite hitting the mark.
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Slifer''s face turned a shade paler, realizing she was referring to what a dragon would naturally prefer C human meat. He hastily interrupted her, "Uh, I was thinking maybe some... dumplings?"
Val pondered for a moment, then nodded enthusiastically, "Val wike dumpwings."
Oh, thank the heavens, Slifer thought with a deep sigh of relief. Because I definitely don''t have any pieces of hoomans laying around.
In the easternmost pavilion of the sect, surrounded by majestic silver pine trees, sat a middle-aged man, his stern face framed by a meticulously trimmed goatee. He had sharp cheekbones, a hawk-like nose, and piercing black eyes.
A light knock echoed, and a frail-looking messenger timidly entered the room, bowing deeply. "Honorable Grand Elder Darius," he began hesitantly, "a tribulation has occurred at Supreme Elder Slifers pavilion."
Darius''s eyes narrowed dangerously, and with a flicker of his intent, the messenger began to choke, clutching at his neck desperately. The pressure from the elders aura felt like a noose tightening. "That brat is no Supreme Elder," Darius growled.
The messenger, face turning blue, managed a croak. "Apologies, Grand Elder!"
Ah, Slifer, Darius mused, memories flooding back. Always the Sect Masters pet, his faithful lapdog.
Releasing his aura''s stranglehold, Grand Elder Darius sighed, a hint of annoyance still evident. "To think that a brat from the Sect Masters camp broke through to the Ascendent Realm," he thought aloud, shaking his head.
Failed tribulation, damaged cultivation base, that brief flicker of the soul lamp, and now an attack at the Ascendent Realm? What game is the Sect Master playing? Could it be... He hesitated for a moment, the mere thought sending chills down his spine, Has a demon lord from the Nether Realm taken over that fool''s body?
Coming back to the present, Grand Elder Darius fixed his gaze on the messenger. "Contact Grand Elder Wyatt for a meeting," he ordered.
The messenger hesitated for a moment, seemingly gathering courage, then asked, "W-what about Grand Elder Lydia or Grand Elder Tenzin?"
Darius let out a derisive snort, his face twisted in contempt. "The Medicine Hall doesn''t meddle in politics," he retorted bitterly. "As for that weasel, he has already caved in to the brat''s whims. No spine, as expected."
The messenger nodded quickly, ready to depart, when he heard Darius mutter under his breath, "There''s not enough room in this sect for another Supreme Elder... especially one that isn''t me."
There were four distinct camps that had emerged within the sect over the years: the Sect Masters camp, and the factions of the three Grand Elders. Each wielded power, overseeing various resources that made the sect function. The unexpected emergence of a Supreme Elder threatened this balance, potentially diluting their influence.
If this new Supreme Elder takes root, Darius pondered, the share of resources for my camp will shrink.
Scowling, he rose from his seat, pacing the empty room. "We must suppress this so-called Supreme Elder. And fast."
His fingers grazed a worn amulet lying on the nearby table. As he picked it up, he whispered to himself, "At least for now," while putting on the amulet, "until I breakthrough."
Slifer strolled towards Leah''s quarters, munching on dumplings with little Val perched on his shoulder. Val, though loving the treat, had a knack for accidentally scorching half her share just by breathing a tad too hard. It was both amusing and frustrating. By the time they reached Leahs door, only a few dumplings remained in their containers.
Slifer gave her a sideways glance and mumbled, "Maybe try less fire, more eat."
Val turned her big, innocent eyes toward him, a visible pout forming on her messy mouth, "Val sowwy."
Slifer chuckled, patting her tiny head. "It''s okay. Just remember for next time."
Arriving outside Leahs quarters, Slifer decided to go old-school and knocked. It felt weird. Why knock when you could send a mental memo via spiritual transmission?
After what seemed like forever (but was probably just ten seconds), the door creaked open a smidge, revealing a cautious eye.
"Ah, Leah," Slifer greeted with a smile, "I hope you have reconsidered my offer."
Leah''s face twisted into a scowl, her body tensing for what Slifer guessed was another attempt to spit at him. But suddenly, her eyes widened, and a high-pitched squeal escaped her lips. She flung the door wide open and lunged toward Slifer.
Is this some ploy to attack me? Slifer wondered, tensing up. But he relaxed slightly, remembering the qi-restraining cuffs she wore. Though they looked much like mundane cuffs from Earth, these were especially designed for cultivators. The inscriptions on them made even mountain-shattering cultivators as harmless as toddlers.
SO CUTE!" Leah shrieked,
Slifer backpedaled, pulling Val protectively closer. But Val, unused to being the center of such frenzied attention, toppled from his shoulder.
Leah, quick as a flash, caught the tiny dragon in her arms, hugging her close and cooing, "You''re staying with me."
Slifer shook his head slowly. "Val doesn''t belong to anyone," he began, and silently added, ...except myself.
Leah, seemingly oblivious to his disapproval, pinched Val''s chubby cheeks, cooing, "But she''s just a baby, she needs someone to take care of her."
Slifer watched the scene, a knot of confusion forming in his stomach. This was the same haughty, self-centered girl who had been hurling death threats at him just days ago, and now here she was, fawning over his disciple? It must be true, he nodded, cuteness is indeed a girl''s biggest weakness.
Val, however, didn''t seem to appreciate Leah''s affections. With a scowl, she wriggled out of Leah''s hold and flew to hover beside Slifer. Puffing out her tiny chest, she proclaimed with babyish dignity, "Val big dwagon."
Leah looked down at Val, a chuckle threatening to spill from her lips. Clearly, she found the pint-sized dragon''s bravado endearing.
Val''s eyes flared, and she looked ready to transform into her massive form, but a gentle pat from Slifer calmed her down.
His gaze then shifted to Leah, her playful demeanor melting away as their eyes met. The air grew cold, charged with tension. Ah, there''s the Leah I remember, Slifer thought.
Slifer had been careful over the past few days to ensure Leah''s comfort. Though she was under house arrest and far from the pampered life she''d known at the Black Heart Sect, he''d instructed the servants to cater to her every need. A bit of carrot before the whip, he mused.
His face hardened as he addressed her. "I warned you, girl. If you dont accept my offer, the dungeon awaits you," he said, pausing for effect before adding, And Morvran... He''s expressed a rather keen interest in ''visiting'' you there."
Leah''s face paled as she remembered the bald, fat man who was all too eager to see her suffer. Still, defiance sparked in her eyes as she tried to bargain. "Maybe, if you give me the dragon," she motioned towards Val, "I''ll consider your offer."
Vals orange-scaled face turned a deeper shade of red, indignation clear in her eyes. The audacity of the human before her was incomprehensible.
Slifer''s laugh echoed gently, cutting through the tension. "Like I''ve said, no one owns her." Internally, he sized up Leah. She''s sharp and has had time to understand her predicament, the only thing holding her back is her ego but with just a slight nudge, her stubborn pride will give in.
He turned his attention to Val, offering a suggestion with a gleam in his eyes. "Why not spend some time with Leah?"
Val tilted her head defiantly. "Val no wike cwazy lady."
Slifer couldn''t help but smile at her straightforwardness. Leaning closer to Val, he whispered, "Master needs Val''s help to keep an eye on her. Will you do that for Master?"
The tiny dragon, feeling a surge of responsibility, puffed out her chest proudly. "Val make suwe cwazy lady no escape." With renewed purpose, she darted over to hover near Leah, casting wary glances at her.
Once Val warms her up, all I need is the perfect setup, Slifer schemed internally. The idea was already taking shape: Ill engineer a scenario where I rescue Leah from her old sect, making her feel indebted to me. His plan was forming, and the pieces were slowly coming into place.
| Ding! |
| Task Assigned |
| Task Name: "Dragon Babysitting a Crazy Lady!" |
| Task Description: Ensure Val stays beside Leah for... 7 days! |
| Reward: 70 credits |
Slifer blinked in surprise. 70 credits for such a simple task?
He quickly sent a spiritual transmission directly to Val, "Master needs you to stay with her for seven days."
Just as Val opened her mouth, probably to bombard him with protests, Slifer turned on his heel and disappeared around the corner.
After all, he had more pressing concerns to think about. The Disciple-Selection Ceremony is drawing closer, he remembered. I guess its about time for another master-disciple circle.
Chapter 26: Your Disciple Is Getting Bullied By Demonic Cultivators!
Amelias eyes darted around the circle, settling for a moment on each disciple. The last time Master Slifer had summoned them all was only a few days ago, as for before that it was...she couldnt remember, it had been too long. What could be so urgent? she whispered, leaning towards Caelum.
Caelum merely shrugged, his focus fixed on Bloodthorn, the sword on his lap. The faint red glow of the blade mirrored in his eyes as he tried to deepen the connection between them.
Hughie shifted uneasily in his seat, deliberately positioning himself in such a way that Slifer would have to turn to face him directly. "I really have to find a way to divert Master''s attention from me." The recent attention from Slifer was... unsettling.
Across the circle, Amelia shot Fenlock a venomous glare. You should address me as Senior Sister, she hissed under her breath, her pride wounded. It doesnt matter if hes older or has a higher cultivation realm. Ive been Master''s disciple longer.
Fenlock stiffened, feeling the intensity of Amelias gaze. I hope Junior Sister Lenvari doesnt hear about this, he worriedly thought, She might get the wrong impression. Trying to appear nonchalant, he averted his eyes from Amelia, gazing at the ground instead.
The creaking sound of a door interrupted their individual musings. Every head turned as Slifer emerged from his quarters, he had a blank expression and the disciple noticed a few crumbs clinging to his robes.
Hughie whispered to Amelia, nodding subtly at the crumbs, Master has been...eating?
Amelia stifled a giggle, responding, Seems like thats all he does these days.
Caelum raised an eyebrow but said nothing, silently hoping the crumbs had nothing to do with their urgent summons, he really couldnt afford to waste time bringing his master another meal.
Slifer''s eyes scanned the group, stopping momentarily on Hughie, who swallowed hard and looked away. "I have a pressing announcement," he began.
Each disciple had their own thoughts rush in. Caelum gripped the hilt of Bloodthorn, his eyes reflecting a steely glint. Is the sect on the brink of war?
Amelia felt a pang in her heart. Could Master be telling us he''s nearing his end? she feared.
Hughie''s palms grew clammy. His eyes darted around nervously. Will Master reveal to everyone his... feelings for me?
Slifer, drawing out the suspense a tad longer, finally said, "I will be entering a period of closed-door cultivation."
There was a collective moment of silence, then Amelia broke it, her voice dripping with disbelief, "All this suspense just for that?"
Caelum frowned, "Master, you''ve secluded yourself countless times before. Why the need for this meeting?"
Hughie sighed in relief, his worst fears not coming to pass. Thank goodness, it''s just that.
Fenlock barely reacted, his mind already wandering back to Lenvari, though he noted the peculiar nature of this announcement.
Noting their baffled expressions, Slifer cleared his throat. "That''s not all," he started, trying to regain some authority. "While I''m away, I''ve assigned tasks for each of you. If they remain incomplete upon my return, well..." He left the threat hanging in the air.
Amelia exchanged a glance with Caelum, the same thought crossing their minds. Master has never been this involved in our training. What''s changed?
Hughie, still in a daze from earlier, asked, "Master, what tasks have you prepared for us?"
Slifer''s gaze landed on Amelia. "You need to complete your breakthrough requirements," he began, his tone slightly uneasy. Three souls of Late Core Formation cultivators... He internally sighed. "When I return, I want to see you in the Late Stage of Core Formation. But ensure your... acquisitions are demonic cultivators. Preferably, ones without any substantial backing."
Amelia frowned, her usually feisty nature shining through. "Master, you''ve always told me not to fret over backings."
Slifer pinched the bridge of his nose, regretting that Amelia always took the originals teachings so literally. Why does she always challenge every single instruction?
"Indeed, I did say that," he admitted. "But the dynamics have shifted. With me as an Ascendant cultivator, your actions now reflect upon the entire sect. Killing someone with powerful allies might be interpreted as an act of aggression. Do you wish to drag our sect into a war?"
To his astonishment, Amelia''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes! Wars mean more battles. More battles mean more souls for me to consume!"
Slifer rubbed his temples, mentally chiding himself for posing such a question to Amelia. Of course, a battle maniac like her would relish the idea of inciting a war. Deciding to change tactics, he pressed, "Do you want to achieve your breakthrough or not?"
"Yes, Master, I do," she replied, her tone slightly subdued.
"Then follow my instructions and dont dwell on the reasons," Slifer countered. "And don''t forget, the Medicine Hall still requires your expertise."
Amelia made a sound of protest, but her eyes betrayed her. She probably enjoys her time there more than she''d ever admit, Slifer thought amusedly.
His attention then shifted to Hughie. The younger disciple shrank under the intensity of his master''s gaze. Why does Hughie always act so nervous? He''s got protagonist qualities; he should exude confidence.
"Assist Amelia in her tasks," Slifer instructed. "Protect her."
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| Ding! |
| Task Assigned: Protect Your Senior Sister |
| Reward: 50 Karmic Credits |
| Bonus Requirements: Hidden |
| Bonus Reward: Hidden |
The hidden bonus details caught his attention, causing the edges of his lips to twitch downward. Hidden requirements, huh? Thats never a simple matter, he mused. The System was notorious for its unpredictable demands, and hidden tasks typically spelled complications, often unfolding in the most inconvenient of ways.
Amelia, oblivious to the internal commotion her master was experiencing, stuck her chin out defiantly. I dont need my Junior Brother''s protection," she huffed.
But Hughie was already nodding eagerly, relief evident on his face. The chance to be away from the sect C and Slifer C was like a breath of fresh air. "Understood, Master. I''ll make sure Senior Sister is safe."
Watching their exchange, Slifer held his tongue. Its not about gender or strength. Its all about luck. Amelia''s fiery nature will undoubtedly land them in trouble, but Hughie''s inexplicable good fortune might just pull them through.
Yet, the possible implications of the hidden requirements lingered. Unless Amelia is destined to die a brutal death so that Hughie can unlock some latent power...
Tch, these xianxia tales, they can be so unpredictable at times. Shaking away the ominous thought, he comforted himself, Amelias own luck should be enough to shield her.
Deciding to rely once again on Hughies luck, Slifer put the thought to the back of his mind as his gaze shifted to Caelum, who was eyeing him expectantly, obviously hungry for some profound sword wisdom that he most definitely would not be able to offer.
"Caelum," Slifer began, "you need to hone your sword skills. Go out, kill as many demonic cultivators as you can, but restrain your cultivation. Rely only on your sword techniques."
| Ding! |
| Task Assigned: The Way Of The Sword C Achieve A Breakthrough |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Caelum nodded. His intention had always been to follow his master''s teachings, but the constant tasks had tethered him to the sect.
"Why does Caelum get the fun task?" Amelia piped up, her voice tinged with envy.
Isn''t slaughtering three cultivators thrilling enough? Slifer wondered, perplexed by her insatiability.
Caelum, in his stoic fashion, responded solemnly, "I do not take pleasure in killing, but if it aids my journey to becoming a great swordsman, then it is a path I must walk."
Slifer paused, a thought striking him. I need to copy more of his sword techniques. "One more thing, Caelum," he added quickly, "You are forbidden to use the Shadowstep Strike technique."
"Why not, Master?" Caelum questioned, perplexed.
Clearing his throat, Slifer improvised, "Relying too heavily on one technique will only hinder your comprehensive understanding of the sword."
Caelum''s eyes widened in realization. Master is right! This must be the bottleneck in my training, he thought, committing himself to his master''s words with a firm nod.
Slifer couldn''t help but smile. If only all my disciples were as compliant as Caelum, he mused.
Slifer''s attention shifted to Fenlock just as a System Message materialized before him:
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple is getting bullied by Demonic Cultivators |
| Option 1: Eliminate the tormentors |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
| Option 2: Cultivate your disciple''s resilience, enabling him to confront his adversaries |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Slifer exhaled, slightly exasperated. I''m his mentor, not a guardian angel, he complained. How on earth is Fenlock, a Peak Core Formation cultivator, getting bullied?
It was difficult to fathom. Slifer was certain no Nascent Soul or higher-ranked cultivator would dare harass one of his disciples. A grimace formed on his face as a possibility came to mind. It must be those self-proclaimed ''senior brothers'' that he mentioned.
"Fenlock," Slifer addressed him with a stern look, "it has come to my attention that you''ve been facing some... challenges with your peers." His voice was laced with slight irritation, more at the situation than at his disciple. "It''s time you learned to stand up for yourself. I won''t always be around to fend off your bullies."
"I-I''m not being bullied," Fenlock stammered out in a low voice, but Slifer dismissed his protest.
"Your ''Senior Brothers'' aren''t your friends," he countered sharply. "Imagine what your Junior Sister would feel, seeing you in such a state."
Shame washed over Fenlock as he lowered his head. Could Master be right?
"I want you outside the sect for the foreseeable future, focusing solely on hunting demonic cultivators," Slifer continued.
This will kill two birds with one stone, Slifer thought inwardly. Not only will it get me some much-needed karmic credits, but it''ll also, hopefully, help Fenlock gain some confidence.
Fenlocks heart grew heavy as he wondered if this was another one of his master''s schemes to separate him from his Junior Sister. What has Master got against our love?
Feeling satisfied with how the meeting went, Slifer dismissed them with a wave, "I will emerge once I have made my breakthrough."
The disciples exchanged glances of astonishment. Another breakthrough for Master?
But before they could disperse, Slifer added, "And remember, don''t cause any trouble during my seclusion."
Of course, Master, the disciples replied, leaving to get on with their tasks.
As Slifer retreated to his quarters, multiple notifications popped up:
| Ding! |
| Your disciple Amelias loyalty has increased by 2% |
| Your disciple Caelums loyalty has increased by 3% |
| Your disciple Fenlocks loyalty has increased by 2% |
| Your disciple Hughies loyalty has increased by 1% |
What prompted that? Slifer paused, pondering over the message.
His thoughts then turned to the tasks he had assigned his disciples, he let out a resigned sigh. While he hoped for a peaceful period during his closed-door cultivation, Slifer couldn''t shake the nagging suspicion that things wouldn''t be so simple.
I really hope they dont stir up any unnecessary problems during my closed-door cultivation. But knowing how these xianxia tales unfold, I will probably come out to a catastrophe of their making.
Chapter 27: Reaching The Sword Soul Realm!
Veloria City was a stronghold for the White Tiger sect, with their Grand Elder serving as the City Lord. Despite this, it was also home to two other major powers: The Valdorian Clan and the Eldric Clan. These three titans coexisted in a precarious equilibrium and always seemed as though they were at the brink of war.
Caelum entered through the grand South Gate, taking in the bustling scenes of the marketplace and the shouts of vendors selling exotic treasures. His mind, however, was a whirlwind of thoughts. Eight...I''ve eliminated eight demonic cultivators at the Core Formation realm while restricting my cultivation to the Foundation Establishment.
But Caelum knew that he needed a final battle, a life-and-death confrontation with a Peak Core Formation expert. He could feel it, a breakthrough to the Sword Soul realm was imminent.
The majority of Caelums generation were still struggling in the Sword Qi realm, while a select few had just tasted the early stages of the Sword Aura realm. But Caelum was different. He stood at the cusp of entering the Sword Soul realm.
Achieving the Sword Soul realm within just ten years of cultivation would not only be a personal triumph but would also mark him as one of the most prodigious swordsmen of his generation, a feat he hoped would make his master proud.
I need to find him. Caelums eyes narrowed with determination.
His previous victim waskind enough to give the whereabouts of a suitable target that met his masters requirements. However, whether he would find his target was a different matter, finding one individual in a sprawling city of over a hundred thousand souls was no trivial task.
If only I had his Qi signature, Caelum sighed.
Every cultivator had a unique Qi signature, a distinctive energetic imprint shaped by their cultivation techniques and the elements they harnessed. It was as unique to each person as fingerprints were to mortals.
With a Qi signature and an appropriate treasure to amplify its traces, locating his target would be effortless. But without such aids, Caelum was facing a scenario akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
As Caelum looked around, the familiar structures and sounds brought a wave of nostalgia. His village was only a few miles from here, and memories of visiting this city all those years ago with his parents flooded back.
It all seemed so simple then, he mused.
His trip down memory lane was suddenly interrupted by a frantic shout. "Move! Outta the way!"
Whirling around, Caelum''s gaze landed on a boy, not older than twelve, dashing toward him. The boy''s clothes were tattered, his straw hat perched precariously atop a mop of unruly hair. Clutched in his hands were various food items. Caelum sidestepped smoothly, allowing the child to hurtle past and hide behind a large merchant cart.
Their eyes met for a brief second. The boy, eyes wide with desperation, pressed a finger to his lips.
A street rat, Caelum thought.
As shouts grew louder, Caelum turned to face the oncoming commotion. A group of burly men emerged, muscles rippling beneath their grubby shirts. Halting in front of Caelum, the leader, with a scar running down his cheek, demanded, "Did ya see a brat runnin'' this way with some food?"
Caelum raised an eyebrow but before he could answer, the aggressive man lunged forward, but another man yanked his comrade back by the wrist. "Look at him, you fool!" The second man hissed, nodding toward Caelum.
Caelum wore a green robe but what caught their attention the most was the insignia on his chest a beautifully embroidered Black Rose.
Recognition flashed in the aggressive man''s eyes, and a cold sweat formed on his forehead. "I-immortal!" he stammered, dropping into a deep bow. "Forgive me! I didnt know-"
Caelum, slightly amused, raised a hand, motioning him to stop. "The child you''re looking for went that way." With a nonchalant gesture, he pointed them in the opposite direction.
Gratitude filled the men''s faces. They bowed profusely, "Thank you, Immortal!" they repeated, before hastily retreating in the direction Caelum had indicated.
"You can come out now," Caelum called out a few moments later, his voice steady yet gentle.
After a moment''s hesitation, the boy emerged from his hiding spot, eyes wary but curious. Caelum sighed softly. He understood all too well the life this kid was leading; it wasn''t so long ago he''d been in a similar situation, before his master had found him.
"Thank you, mister," the boy said, bowing quickly before turning to scamper off.
However, just as the boy thought he was free, a blur moved in front of him. Stopping dead in his tracks, he stared wide-eyed at Caelum, who had reappeared with an almost imperceptible swiftness. Falling onto his backside, the boy stammered, "M-mister?" Fear evident in his eyes.
Caelums gaze softened. They often know more than they let on. He thought. He knew the value of information that these city children could provide, often being overlooked by the cultivators who saw them as nothing but ants.
"I''ve helped you," Caelum began, "Now its your turn to help me."
The boy''s eyes darted around warily, his face shadowing with apprehension. He had heard stories from other kids of men with strange requests seeking out street kids.
Reading the fear in the boy''s eyes, Caelum quickly added, "I need your help finding someone."
The boy relaxed ever so slightly, "Who?" he asked, drawing himself up a bit.
"A group of demonic cultivators," Caelum replied.
The boy shrugged dismissively. "Demonic cultivators come and go in Veloria all the time."
Caelum nodded, then described, "These are different. They each bear a specific mark on their face." He traced the shape of the tattoo with his fingers.
Recognition flickered in the kids eyes. "Ive seen ''em," he said, his voice a whisper.
Caelum''s lips curled up into a faint smile. "Help me find them, and Ill reward you." As he spoke, he twirled a golden coin between his fingers. It was unusual for cultivators to carry coins as their currency was spirit stones, but Caelums past made him an exception, so he always kept some coins in his storage ring.
The boy''s eyes fixed on the coin, and a goofy grin spread across his face. He nodded eagerly. "Deal."
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In a cramped corner of a small tavern, a group of four men drank as their crude laughter and banter filled the air. They were a rough-looking bunch, with leathery skin and cold eyes, the kind who a law-abiding citizen would try to stay clear of.
"If he doesn''t want to give up his daughter, he can forfeit his life," one jeered, a wicked gleam in his eyes.
The apparent boss, a burly man with a tattoo tracing down his cheek, laughed heartily and slapped his subordinate on the back. "Either way, she''ll be our plaything by nightfall," he declared.
The tavern owner couldnt help but shoot nervous glances at the group, regretting ever letting them inside.
The door creaked open, revealing Caelum and the young boy. Scanning the room, Caelum''s gaze landed on the boss. The distinctive mark on his face was unmistakable. Without a word, he flipped a few golden coins towards the boy, who caught them with ease.
"Thanks, mister!" the boy grinned, dashing out, knowing better than to stay for what was to come.
Suspicion flitted across the eyes of the four men, especially upon noting Caelums Black Heart Sect insignia. The rat-faced man sneered, "What you looking at?"
But Caelum didn''t respond, his gaze locked onto the boss.
The boss, sensing Caelum''s profound spiritual energy, felt a hint of unease. Though he was at the Peak Core Formation realm, he was acutely aware that sect cultivators were often not to be trifled with. Could this kid be one of those prodigies? he wondered.
"Get out of here, kid, while you still can," the boss growled, trying to mask his uncertainty with bravado.
The tall man laughed boisterously. "You heard the boss!" Rising from his chair, he swaggered towards Caelum, a cruel glint in his eyes. But in a heartbeat, the mans head separated from his body, dropping with a grim thud, his eyes reflecting sheer disbelief.
One of the other men stammered, voice trembling, "I... I didn''t even see him move."
Caelum''s expression remained impassive, his sword sheathed as quickly as it had been drawn. He turned his attention back to the boss. "Face me in a duel," he stated calmly.
The boss cursed his luck under his breath. Had he been alone, he would have fled without a second thought. But with his men watching, he had to maintain a facade of confidence. He gulped down his drink, the jug hitting the table with a thud as he stood up. Wiping his mouth, he sneered, "Next year today will be your death anniversary, kid."
The tavern owner, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead, nervously interjected, "Could you please take this outside?"
A deadly glare from the boss made him regret his words, but Caelum smoothly intervened, "He''s right. Let''s not dirty the tavern floors," he said, already heading for the door.
Scoffing, the boss followed, his remaining two men trailed behind, leaving behind their comrades corpse.
Once outside, under the moon''s ghostly glow, Caelum and the boss faced each other. The boss unleashed his aura, the oppressive might of a Peak Core Formation cultivator pressing down. "I am Dravon," he introduced himself with a wicked grin.
Restraining his power to the Peak Foundation Establishment level, Caelum clapped his hands together in a formal greeting. "I am Caelum," he responded. But as he bowed slightly, Dravon lunged forward, his right hand enveloped in roaring flames.
Sword Aura, Caelum thought, activating the technique. The third realm of sword cultivation, Sword Aura, allowed practitioners to envelop themselves in an invisible aura, enhancing their speed, agility, and reflexes.
With heightened senses, Caelum dodged the fiery strike with ease and counterattacked. Their attacks clashed, but the force from Dravon''s blow drove Caelum back several steps.
This will be a difficult battle, he acknowledged silently, his eyes narrowing.
Dravon laughed maniacally, growing in confidence. "Restricting your cultivation as a training exercise? You''re just guaranteeing your death, kid!" He then sent a wave of fire towards Caelum.
Caelum''s sword, infused with both his sword qi and aura, swung forward, shattering the oncoming inferno and scattering flames into the night. He realized, with his cultivation restricted, Dravon''s attacks were faster and stronger. Even with Sword Aura, he had to be alert at all times and maintain a tight defense to even survive this duel.
One of the followers yelled, "That''s right, boss! Show that brat his place!"
The boss charged forward, his fists engulfed in flames, launching a mixture of martial arts and fiery attacks. Caelum found himself retreating, each clash leaving him with bruises and burns. His back brushed against the cool night air as he narrowly evaded a particularly vicious strike.
Realizing the need for a different approach, Caelum initiated the "Nine Shadows Mirage" technique. In an instant, eight other images of him flickered into existence, each grasping their own version of the Bloodthorn sword.
"A mere mirage technique won''t save you, boy!" the boss scoffed, undeterred.
Yet, to his surprise, all nine Caelums lunged into action, each capable of launching its own attack. The boss found himself fighting off multiple adversaries, grunting as he dispelled one image after another with powerful strikes. However, the effort cost him; he sustained several cuts, his own blood now dripping onto the ground.
When he finally struck the real Caelum, the impact was massive. Caelum went flying, crashing painfully into a tree before slumping to the ground.
"You seem to enjoy taking a beating, boy," the boss remarked, walking toward the fallen Caelum but remaining cautious. He knew better than to underestimate a sect cultivator''s resilience.
Caelum, with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, wondered whether he should release his cultivation''s restrictions to gain an upper hand. No, he quickly chided himself, I have to push my limits. I have to trust in Bloodthorn.
Gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, Caelum poured his emotions, his grievances, his resolve, into Bloodthorn.
In response, a peculiar sensation enveloped him, as though a monumental shift had just occurred within his very being. As he gazed at the advancing bandit, a phrase emerged from the depths of his heart, echoing in his soul; "Awaken the Sanguine Nightmare, Bloodthorn."
Whispering the phrase like a sacred vow, he clutched his sword as it began to glow with a sinister red hue. A low growl, almost inaudible, resonated from the blade.
Without warning, Bloodthorn stretched out, bridging the distance between Caelum and Dravon in an instant. The blade pierced through Dravon''s chest, its tip emerging from his back.
Dravon''s eyes widened in disbelief, blood bubbling from his mouth. He could accept not being able to handle Caelum''s true cultivation, but he never imagined he''d be killed even with the kids self-imposed limitations.
"Impossible," he choked out, his body swaying before toppling over, lifeless.
Upon witnessing the death of their leader, the two remaining followers exchanged a terrified glance. Without hesitation, they activated their respective escape techniques, vanishing into opposite directions, hoping that Caelum would pursue the other.
Lost in thought, Caelum barely registered their escape. He felt a profound connection with Bloodthorn that he''d never experienced before.
I''ve finally reached the Sword Soul Realm
In this realm, his consciousness and Bloodthorn had fused, enabling him to communicate with the weapon on a deeper level and harness some of its abilities.
The technique that had dispatched Dravon so effortlessly was the Thorned Lash, it allowed Bloodthorn to elongate and contort its blade, striking from a distance with deadly precision.
Gently wiping the blade, he mused, Bloodthorn is now an extension of my soul. We''re linked in a manner deeper than ever before. But this bond is a double-edged sword. He knew that the destruction of Bloodthorn would reverberate within his very soul, causing potentially irreparable damage.
We will be together till the endI promise.
Far from the city, in his secluded cultivation quarters, Slifer received a System notification.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations! |
| Your Disciple Caelum has broken through to the Sword Soul Realm |
| Reward: 500 Karmic Credits |
Engrossed in his meditation, the message went unnoticed.
Back in the city, as Caelum walked away from the scene of the battle, an intense pressure heavily weighed down on him. His body instinctively tensed, and he raised his eyes to see a young woman descending gracefully from the heavens. Her robes bore the symbol of the White Tiger, and her pretty face was twisted into an ugly scowl.
"You think you can walk away after causing such a ruckus?" she demanded, her voice as sharp as the blade at Caelum''s waist.
Caelum arched an eyebrow, meeting her gaze. "Who might you be?"
"Typical of demonic scum to wreak havoc and then play ignorant." She shook her head, disgust evident on her face. "You have two choices: accompany me to the dungeons for your crimes, or face your death here and now."
Can we handle a Nascent Soul cultivator, Bloodthorn? Caelum pondered, his gaze dropping to the sword in his hand.
In response, Bloodthorn let out a low growl in agreement.
Chapter 28: Cultivator’s Bane
Caelums aura surged to Late Core Formation as he prepared for what seemed to be the greatest challenge in his life thus far.
In the Peak Foundation Establishment realm, he had managed to kill a cultivator at the Peak Core Formation, but Caelum wasn''t deluded. He knew that the chasm between a Core Formation expert and a Nascent Soul cultivator was vast, immeasurably so.
Perhaps, with Bloodthorns assistance, he might be able to battle to a standstill against this Early Nascent Soul realm girl, but Caelum knew that with one misstep, his life would forfeit.
The girl, sensing his desire to battle, laughed coldly. "You truly dont grasp the difference between the heavens and the earth. I''ll flatten you in a single move." With a wave of her hand, a gargantuan hand, made of densely compacted earth and stones, rose from the ground. Towering over Caelum, it raced towards him with crushing intent.
Caelum''s eyes narrowed, understanding that the girl was dead seriousshe intended to kill him. In a low voice, he invoked, "Awaken the Sanguine Nightmare, Bloodthorn."
The blade was engulfed in a swirling crimson energy and began to expand exponentially in size, rushing to meet the gargantuan hand. This was another ability of Bloodthorn, known as the Crimson Vortex technique, that he had gained access to after reaching the Sword Soul realm.
As the blade clashed with the earthen palm, Caelum and the young woman stood locked in a fierce stalemate, a deafening roar echoed and a whirlwind of dust and debris spiralled around them, stinging their faces. However, as the two techniques continued to strain against each other, a soft yet firm voice echoed through the vicinity.
"Enough!"
Instantly, their respective techniques crumbled, and their bodies locked in place, frozen by an overwhelming force.
From the heavens, a stunning woman, who looked to be in her thirties, descended. She wore azure robes, decorated with the emblem of the White Tiger, that flowed around her like water. Her beauty was breathtaking, with navy-blue eyes that seemed to have the power to soften even the hardest of hearts.
Under the immense pressure, the Nascent Soul cultivators confident demeanor crumbled, her voice quivering, "C-City Lord Alina!"
Liora, The woman smiled gently at the young girl, withdrawing her aura. She then shifted her gaze to Caelum. "The disciple of Supreme Elder Slifer is always welcome here in our city," she spoke gently.
This junior greets the City Lord, Caelum clasped his hands respectfully.
Meeting an Origin Realm cultivator again... if she harbored any ill intent, there''d be no escape for me. Noticing the friendly demeanor of the City Lord, Caelum let out a sigh of relief.
However, the girl, whom Alina addressed as Liora, was not as forgiving. Her eyes flashed with indignation. "He blatantly disregarded our city''s laws," she protested, her voice dripping with disdain. "He not only dared to attack, but he also took a life!"
Alina motioned for Liora to calm down. "I had intended to send a few to deal with the ruckus those lone cultivators were causing. This young man merely addressed the issue before we could." Turning to Caelum, she said, "Thank you for assisting with our city''s troubles."
Hearing this, Lioras expression darkened further. She shot a glare at Caelum. "If not for the treaty between the sects, demonic cultivators like you would be hunted down like stray dogs."
Alinas face turned grave, and her aura sharply focused on Liora. "You might be a prodigy and an elder of our sect, but remember, Liora, this is my domain. I am the City Lord."
The pointed reminder made Liora shiver. A hint of fear reflected in her eyes. She bowed deeply, her tone respectful yet strained. "I will abide by the City Lord''s command."
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However, as she prepared to leave, she shot Caelum a final warning glance. "Just pray to the Heavens that we don''t cross paths outside this city''s walls."
Watching Liora retreat, Caelum sighed inwardly. Why does she have such a vendetta against me?
Alina, observing the retreating figure of the young girl, turned her attention back to Caelum. "Pay her no mind. Youth often blinds one with hatred, especially between the Righteous and Demonic paths. Eventually, she will see there is not much difference."
Caelum clasped his hands and bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you for your understanding, City Lord."
She waved a dismissive hand, a small smile playing on her lips. "There is no need for formalities, I am acquainted with your master. We are... old friends."
Caelum''s eyes widened in genuine surprise. Master knows the City Lord? The revelation was startling, he didnt know his master had anyfriends.
But before he could voice his thoughts, she interrupted. "I''m sure, young one, you have more pressing matters than speaking with an old woman like me."
Thank you for your assistance, Caelum gave another respectful bow.
Just as he was about to leave, he paused for a moment, "The young boy in the city... he has potential. Do look out for him." He had no doubt Alina knew whom he referred to. He suspected she had been watching since he had set foot in the city.
Without waiting for a reply, Caelum vanished from the spot.
Alinas gaze drifted to the aftermath of the battle. The markings on the ground showed subtle signs of the sword technique slowly overpowering the gigantic earthen hand.
"No disciple of an Ascendant cultivator," she murmured to herself, "is simple."
***
Caelum stared at the entrance of Hearthbrook village. It felt like an eternity since he''d last set foot here, he was but a child when his master took him under his wing. It feels like just yesterday, he mused, a sigh escaping his lips. Time, for cultivators, seemed to warp and twist, years passing like fleeting moments.
Would they even recognize me now? He had always yearned to return, but the potential dangers held him back. Cultivators, particularly demonic cultivators, would exploit the weak to get to the strong, and so his master had strictly warned him against visiting. But now, an inexplicable pull tugged at his soul. "Perhaps it''s Heaven''s Will," he whispered, drawing strength from the thought.
Walking inconspicuously, like any other mortal, he traversed the village''s cobblestone paths, relying on distant memories to guide him home. He easily masked his presence, remaining undetected by the unaware villagers. While urban folk held some knowledge about the world of cultivation, these villagers remained blissfully ignorant, unable to differentiate between immortal and demonic cultivators.
Ahead, he noticed an old, worn-down house, its wooden planks showing signs of weathering and its roof made of straw, still holding up despite the evident years it had seen. An elderly man entered the dwelling, and as Caelum extended his spiritual sense, he found an aged woman lying on a bed, her life''s flame dimming, while the man cared for her tenderly.
"Mother," he whispered, emotion constricting his voice. Witnessing the fragility of the parents he once saw as pillars was gut-wrenching.
He hadn''t anticipated this. They should have been healthier, stronger. The life-extending pills that his master had provided should have granted them a century of good health.
Whispering softly, he murmured, "I''m sorry." Hesitantly, he extended his spiritual sense to scan his mother''s fragile form. Such an action was deeply intimate, considered an invasion of one''s privacy. He felt a pang of guilt, even if she remained oblivious to his actions.
I need to find out what is wrong. Caelum thought with resolve.
After a few moments of silent observation, his eyes widened in shock. "H-How is this possible?" Caelum muttered under his breath.
His mother''s body harbored a poison - but this was no ordinary affliction. It was a vicious poison known to cultivators as Cultivators Bane, infamous for its cruelty. This sinister toxin lurked undetected within a victim, sapping their life force gradually until nothing but a husk remained.
For cultivators with extended lifespans and enhanced physiques, the venom''s effects could unfold unnoticed over decades or even centuries. But in his mother''s mortal body, the poison''s devastation had been swift and merciless. It had manifested fully within mere months.
Caelum face twisted into a grimace. Who could have done this to her? he thought, feeling an unfamiliar surge of rage.
Driven by a sudden impulse, he began to approach the house. He wanted to be there, to comfort and protect but he halted mid-step, his heart heavy. Revealing myself now would change nothing, he thought despairingly.
The bitter truth was, he carried no cure. Worse, the Cultivators Bane had a cruel trait: it thrived and intensified its potency when exposed to healing elixirs. Caelum''s face contorted in anguish. The only way to counteract its effects was with the rare antidote known as Essence of Dawn.
The perpetrator could be near, observing their handiwork, he considered. His spiritual sense expanded outward like a ripple, scanning the surroundings for any sign of malicious watchers. After detecting no immediate threats, Caelum felt a pang of relief.
If they used this poison instead of an outright attack, then my family is likely safe... for now.
With one last, lingering look at the place he once called home, Caelum walked away.
He needed the antidote, and he needed it fast.
Chapter 29: Hughies Death?
"Hey, can you hurry things up?" a voice called out lazily.
Amelia easily sidestepped a ferocious punch aimed at her, resulting in a sizeable dent forming on the ground where she once stood. Grinning mischievously, she retorted, "Wheres the fun in that?" her eyes flicking to Hughie, who was nonchalantly lounging on a tree branch, an apple in hand.
Her opponent, a burly middle-aged man at the Late Core Formation stage, sneered, launching a palm strike her way. "You''ll be the one begging for mercy, little girl, when I have my way with you tonight," he leered.
I''d rather face death than let this filthy swine lay a hand on me, Amelia wrinkled her nose in disgust.
Without warning, she executed her Soul Render technique. A razor-sharp blade of soul energy materialized, slashing through the mans spiritual essence. He paused, confusion written across his face as he inspected himself for physical harm. Then his eyes widened in horror, blood spurted from his mouth, and he stumbled backward. "S-soul attack..." he gasped.
Amelia hadnt given the slightest hint of being a soul cultivator throughout the battle.
Feel that? That''s your essence being shredded. Her lips curled into a cruel smirk as she approached the agonized man, who was doubled over in pain. The torment he experienced was not of the flesh but the soul. It felt as if molten lava flowed through his veins, and icy daggers pierced his essence repeatedly.
With a fluid motion, Amelia leapt high into the air before descending rapidly, her fingers dug into the man''s hair as she mercilessly slammed his head against the ground, rendering him unconscious.
"I didn''t kill you because there''s so much fun to look forward to," she whispered, almost tenderly.
Hughie sighed, observing as Amelia knelt beside the unconscious man, her palm covered in a soothing blue qi. This wasn''t new; her last two opponents had endured the same fate. She''d pummel them into unconsciousness, then meticulously use her Essence Mend technique to heal their physical traumas, only to repeat the process once they awoke.
Amelias fingers danced with precision, the blue energy weaving into the mans wounds, stitching flesh, and mending bone. The process was delicate and paradoxically caring, contrasting starkly with the violence that had preceded it and the violence that was to follow
"Boss Morvran would be proud," Hughie murmured, taking another bite of his apple.
In a place not too far away, an old man received a distressing alert. His grandson''s soul lamp flickered perilously close to extinguishment. Rushing to the soul chamber, he watched, heart in throat, as the light bravely battled back to life. He exhaled in relief, a prayer of thanks on his lips, only for his smile to falter as the glow diminished once again to a mere spark.
Just as he was about to leave to seek revenge, the light flared up once again, only to dim down once more. This cycle repeated several times, and with each iteration, the old man''s face grew hotter.
"Enough!" he exclaimed. Unable to stand it any longer, he shot into the sky like a comet, hurtling toward his grandsons location.
"I''ll make the nine generations of my sons tormentor pay," he growled.
Meanwhile, back at the battle site, Hughie yawned, clearly unimpressed. "Can you finish up already? Theres an auction nearby, and I''m itching to get my hands on a sword like Caelums."
Amelia paused, her hands still glowing with healing energy. "Alright," she said with a sigh. With a swift motion, she initiated her cultivation technique C The Voidswallow Incantation.
Hughie involuntarily took a step back, feeling a chill run down his spine. No matter how many times he witnessed it, he found that Amelia''s transformation was nothing short of horrifying. Her once radiant skin grew pale and sallow, her eyes hollowed out, leaving only an eerie blue glow in their wake. Veins turned black, tracing macabre patterns across her skin. The most disturbing change, however, was her mouth. It expanded in a grotesque caricature, revealing a gaping maw lined with sharp, jagged teeth.
It''s like staring into an abyss, Hughie thought, a shudder coursing down his spine.
The horrifying mouth acted like a black hole, and the soul of the unconscious man began to swirl toward it like water down a drain. He awoke with a start, his screams piercing the air as his soul was violently wrenched from his body. Amelias maw snapped shut, the deed done, and as quickly as she had changed, she returned to her normal appearance.
She then turned to Hughie, a twisted grin plastered on her face. "Delicious," she purred, licking her lips.
Hughie barely had time to process her words when a thunderous roar shook the air. "How dare you?!" bellowed the voice, fraught with fury and grief.
Their heads snapped in the direction of the sound, only to see an enraged elder flying toward them, his face a mask of wrath.
Uh-oh. Hughie thought, glancing at Amelia''s nonchalant demeanor, "Boss Morvran would indeed be proud."
A sudden surge of energy erupted from Amelia, its intensity revealing her cultivation level of the Late Core Formation realm. "What did you say, old man?" she quipped, a hint of playful arrogance in her tone. "I was busy eating." She then paused, releasing an exaggerated burp.
The elderly figure''s face darkened, his anger barely contained. With a roar that seemed to shake the very heavens, he violently tore off his robe, unveiling a surprisingly sculpted physique. A potent pressure descended upon them - the intimidating aura of a Mid Nascent Soul cultivator.
Hughie leaned in, whispering to Amelia, "Even with your recent breakthrough, this might be too much."
With a huff, Amelia responded, "Run if you''re scared. I''ll handle this."
"What would I even tell Master?" Hughie countered, his gaze never leaving their formidable adversary. But before more could be said, the elder appeared in front of Hughie in a blur, delivering a resounding slap. Hughie was propelled backward, crashing into a boulder before falling to the ground. His body was a mess of bruises and blood, bones fractured in places he didn''t even know could break. Pain radiated through him, making even the slightest movement feel like torture.
"You''ll regret that, old man!" Amelia unleashed her Soul Render technique, sending a blade of soul qi hurtling towards the elder. But he dodged with ease, his movements a blur.
Amelia''s heart raced. Body cultivators... dangerous up close, she mentally noted, stealing a glance at Hughies state. Can''t let him land a hit.
Despite the excruciating pain, Hughie managed to push himself upright. "You got me good, old man," he croaked, grimacing. The force of the slap had met the requirements to activate the Bloodforge Ascension technique. His form shifted: growing taller, muscles expanding, his skin reddened and veins bulged prominently. Looking down at his newly transformed body, a smirk played on his lips as he noticed the injuries healing rapidly.
However, glancing at his surroundings, a shiver ran down his spine. Being on this mountain edge... one misstep, one heavy blow, and it''s a long fall down.
Meanwhile, the old man had found it increasingly challenging to close the distance between him and Amelia. Her consistent assault of soul blades forced him to remain on the defensive, each strike narrowing his options. Seizing a momentary pause in her onslaught, he mustered his qi, dodging her next blade while simultaneously darting forward. Striking with a palm, the sheer force expelled the air from her lungs, sending her spiraling into a tree, shattering its trunk upon impact.
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Amelia lay amidst the splinters, her clothing torn, revealing dark bruises beneath. Blood trickled from a cut on her forehead, and her breathing came in ragged gasps. As she tried to push herself upright, a shadow loomed above her. The old man, his face twisted with vindictive satisfaction, sneered, "Now you''ll know how my grandson felt."
Before Amelia could react, he gripped her throat, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. The world around her started to blur, air failing to reach her lungs. However, just as darkness threatened to consume her vision, the old man was sent flying off his feet by a powerful blow. Gasping, Amelia crumpled to the ground, her eyes finding Hughie''s enlarged form.
"No one hurts Senior Sister on my watch," Hughie growled, his voice filled with protective rage.
The old man, hardly perturbed, swiftly regained his footing. Brushing the dirt off his exposed torso, a small bruise evident on his temple, he met Hughie''s gaze without a hint of fear.
Realizing the old man''s resilience, Hughie turned urgently to Amelia. "Escape," he barked. "I''ll hold him back." Without waiting for her reply, he charged.
Lying amidst the debris, Amelia''s hand instinctively moved to her injuries. I''m no coward. The thought was steadfast in her mind. How can I let my Junior Brother protect me? It''s my duty as a Senior.
As she watched the ensuing brawl, it became evident that despite Hughie''s size advantage, the old man''s superior martial skill and cultivation began to tilt the fight in his favor. Hughie''s strikes, though mighty, often found only air, while the old man''s blows landed with precise and brutal efficiency. The sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed, with each blow Hughie took leaving a fresh mark, deepening his wounds.
Amelia, watching with a mixture of admiration and concern, murmured, "Hughie..."
She held back a sigh; she wished their master had given them a life-saving treasure but unfortunately Slifer was well-known for being stingy.
As the old man''s foot connected with Hughie''s torso, sending him spiraling through the air, Amelia saw an opening. With a shout, she seized her chance, unleashing her Soul Rendering technique. The blade of pure soul energy sped through the air and lodged into the old man''s back.
He faltered momentarily, taking a staggering step forward, clutching his heart. A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his lips, yet he seemed mostly unscathed. Turning his gaze to Amelia, a smirk crept onto his face. "Had you been at the Nascent Soul realm, that attack might have damaged my Nascent Soul," he remarked coldly.
My soul attacks...they''re useless against him. Amelia remembered that Nascent Soul cultivators held a more profound connection to their souls, granting them resilience against basic soul attacks.
The old man''s foot shifted in the dirt, hinting at his next move towards Amelia. But a thunderous roar interrupted his advance. He, along with Amelia, shifted their gaze towards the source: Hughie. He had undergone a monstrous transformation, growing even larger. His veins threatened to break through his skin, now a sickly shade of purple-red. His eyes, once sharp with intelligence, now glazed over with pure, unadulterated bloodlust.
Die!
An aura equivalent to an Early Nascent Soul cultivator surged from Hughie. The old man''s eyes tightened. "This young one has surprises," he murmured. The rational part of him whispered caution, to consider the background of these formidable Core Formation cultivators. But the seething anger, fueled by the pain of his grandson''s violent death, overpowered his judgment.
As the two giants collided, the very ground beneath them trembled.
Hughie, in his berserk state, launched a series of ferocious punches. The first one aimed straight for the old man''s chest. But with a swift sidestep, the elder dodged, delivering a palm strike to Hughie''s side. Hughie retaliated with a sweeping leg kick, hoping to knock the old man off his feet. But the old man leapt upwards, avoiding the sweep, and descended with a powerful elbow strike. Hughie managed to block it just in time, but the force sent him skidding backward.
The old man, with his superior speed, danced around Hughie, landing jabs and kicks. Yet, for each strike that connected, Hughie, with his newfound strength, would retaliate with a blow of his own.
"Your strength is impressive," the old man commented, ducking a particularly fierce swing and countering with a swift elbow to Hughie''s side. "But raw power won''t best experience!"
Hughie, unyielding, caught the old man''s next punch, his hand closing around the elder''s wrist with crushing force. But the old man was nimble, using his trapped arm as leverage to deliver a kick that sent Hughie crashing sideways.
Just as the old man took a step forward to attack Hughie whilst he was down, another Soul Render sliced through the air, striking the old man on the back. He growled in pain, glaring at Amelia from a distance. Drawing a sleek spear from his storage ring, he poised himself and hurled the weapon with all his might.
Amelias eyes widened as the spear cut through the air with a whistle, closing the distance between them rapidly. It''s too fast, she thought, frozen, realizing escape was impossible given her injuries.
But in that split second, a massive figure interposed itself between Amelia and the incoming spear. Hughie, with clarity restored to his eyes, took the brunt of the attack, his chest pierced by the spear. His eyes, no longer filled with the wildness of his former state, now had a clarity to them, but his voice... it carried a guttural, demonic tone.
"Master told me to protect you," he rasped, blood dribbling from the corner of his lips. "How can I face him if I fail?"
Before Amelia could reply, Hughie swiftly slapped a tag, inscribed with runes, onto her chest. Memories flooded Amelia''s mind; she recalled Hughie discovering the tag and choosing not to share its existence with their master. She remembered him playfully recounting tales of previous treasures he had "loaned" to their master and never seen again.
Hoping to lighten the gravity of the situation, Hughie smirked, his demonic voice making the attempt at humor eerie. "Was hoping for more... action, but guess this''ll have to do," he quipped, hinting at the intimate placement of the tag.
"You... idiot!" Amelia choked out, tears streaming down her face. "I won''t leave you behind!"
But before she could rip the tag from her chest, it began glowing. A brilliant flash of lightning enveloped her, and in the next instant, she vanished. Hughie, left behind, smiled bitterly at the empty space she once occupied.
The grandpa, his eyes blazing with fury at Amelia''s escape, spewed curses at Hughie. "You meddlesome fool!" he roared, appearing before the massive figure in a blink. With a vicious yank, he retrieved the spear from Hughie''s chest, the act exacerbating the wound immensely.
Hughie couldn''t help but let out a deep, guttural growl, the pain searing through every fiber of his being. The old man, bereft of any semblance of mercy, hurled Hughie to the ground with immense force. "You let her go!" he snarled, each word punctuated by a brutal stomp or punch. "You will pay for her actions, for my grandson''s suffering!"
Hughie''s body was nothing more than a canvas for the old man''s rage, each hit painting a bruise or gash. After what felt like an eternity, the assault ceased. The old man glared down at Hughie, his body now barely more than a battered, bloody heap. Slowly, the hulking form that was Hughie shrank back to its original size, his breaths shallow and labored.
So, this is how it ends? Hughie thought, the edges of his vision darkening. I''m sorry, Master, Amelia...
Disgust contorted the old man''s features as he spat on the broken figure before him. "Not even worthy to die by my hand," he sneered.
Gripping Hughie''s neck with a single hand, he dragged him to the edge of the mountain. Is this the end? Hughie wondered, feeling the cold air rush past his face as the mountain''s edge approached.
Looking down at the abyss, the old man hoisted Hughie''s limp body. "A dog''s death for a dog''s intervention," the old man sneered. Without a shred of compassion, he hurled Hughie''s limp body off the edge. The mountain''s precipice swallowed him, and he plummeted downward.
With a huff, the old man turned away, his figure slowly swallowed by the mist.
| Ding! |
| Alert: Critical Condition Detected |
| Disciple Designation: Hughie Status: Fatally Wounded |
| Task: Administer Advanced Healing to Hughie |
| Time Limit: 1 Hour |
| Warning: If Disciple Hughie remains untreated within the specified time frame, it will result in the disciples unfortunate demise |
| Caution: Death of a disciple incurs severe consequences. For specifics: 1) Hidden 2) Hidden 3) Hidden |
However, the Systems plea for immediate action went unseen, as Slifer, deeply immersed in his meditation, remained oblivious to the events of the outside world.
Chapter 30: Is This What People Consider... A Date?
The room was simple, with plain wooden walls, a bed, and a small wooden table beside it. There wasnt much in the way of decoration, only the essentials. A young woman was leaning over the bed, her hands delicately tending to a young man swathed in white bandages.
Father told me that if you dont show signs of waking soon, hell throw you right back into that river, she whispered with a soft chuckle. Brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, she continued, He also mentioned hes not too happy about how much time I''ve been spending with you. Says youre nothing but trouble.
"It''s just... there was something about you, I feel like I cant leave your side."
She paused for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts, before confessing further. I know I shouldnt be saying all this to an unconscious stranger, but... youre a good listener.
A small smile played on her lips. Its weird to think that just a week ago, father fished you out from that lake. Had he not acted so quickly, you would''ve either succumbed to your grave injuries or... she shuddered at the thought, become a meal for one of those monstrous creatures in the lake.
Engrossed in her monologue, she failed to notice the young man''s eyelids flutter open. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room, he found himself staring into the beautiful face of his caretaker. A beauty like this... in the mortal realm? he thought, awestruck.
"Its time to change the bandages on this leg," she mumbled, moving to undo the bandages wrapped around Hughie''s thigh. Suppressing his excitement, Hughie closed his eyes, feigning unconsciousness.
The room''s stillness was broken when the door burst open with a bang. An older man stormed in, his eyes narrowing at the scene before him. Without a word, he marched up to the bed and delivered a resounding slap to Hughies face.
Hughie, caught off-guard, winced from the sharp sting and exclaimed, "What the hell was that for, old man?"
The young woman, her face flushed with surprise and anger, stood up to confront her father. "Father! Why would you do that?"
The old man, unmoved by his daughter''s outburst, glanced disdainfully at Hughie. "I knew he was pretending. Trouble indeed."
But now that the scoundrel''s awake, he can change his own bandages."
Hughie''s eyes darted around, realizing he had given himself away. He hastily closed his eyes again, trying to feign unconsciousness. However, sensing the imminent arrival of the old man''s fist towards his face, he hastily blurted, "Alright, alright, I''m awake."
"Father, he''s still too injured," the young woman, concern evident in her voice, interjected. Hughie nodded fervently in agreement.
The fathers face darkened as he addressed his daughter, "Oliviare, it isnt proper for a young woman like you to be doing this," his gaze then shifted mischievously to Hughie, a somewhat lecherous grin forming on his lips. "I''ll handle this," he declared, grabbing a set of fresh bandages.
Hughie''s eyes widened in alarm. Why do the old geezers always take a liking to me? he thought desperately. Pain flared across his body as he raised his hand in a stopping gesture. "Uncle is right, I can do it myself."
The old man laughed heartily and tossed the bandages at Hughie, who caught them despite the jolt of pain from the sudden movement. Oliviare smiled softly, providing him with a blanket for modesty as he changed his bandages.
"I''m Oliviare, and this stubborn old man is my father, Brom," she introduced them, explaining that they had found him three days ago, washed up by the lake.
Three days? Hughie was taken aback, not just by the time he''d been out, but also by the fact that mere mortals had managed to save him. I was sure I''d be dead unless some heaven-defying treasure intervened.
Noticing his confusion, Oliviare added, "When we found you, there was a healing herb, Starbloom Euphorbia, attached to your body. I guess it must have been carried by the current.
A sigh of relief escaped Hughie. Of course. Another one of those serendipitous occurrences in my life. He thought, trying to recall the moments leading up to the river. He had grown accustomed to these bizarre strokes of luck. In fact, he mused, Id probably be more startled if these strange events stopped happening.
Two days had slipped by in what seemed like moments. Hughie sensed that activating his Bloodforge Ascension technique might now fully heal him. Yet, an unfamiliar feeling settled in his heart, he realized he wasnt quite ready to return to the sect. There was something that urged him to linger in this village, and as he listened to Oliviare animatedly discuss the upcoming Moon Blossom Festival, the reason became clearer.
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"I can''t wait for the Moon Blossom Festival!" she said, her eyes shining with excitement. "The entire village gathers, there''s music, dance, and the best food you can imagine!"
I dont want to leave her yet, he thought wistfully. Hughie''s mind wandered to his past a time before the sect and the comfort it brought. Having been an orphan, he was familiar with loneliness until his master had found him, giving his life purpose. The thought of the sect made him wonder if anyone would truly miss him. While images of his master and senior siblings flitted through his mind, he dismissed them, They would probably be better off without me.
His train of thought was abruptly halted when Oliviare, her cheeks tinted a delicate shade of pink, asked, "Would you... perhaps, like to accompany me to the festival?"
Caught off guard, Hughie scratched the back of his head, a bit flustered, "I''d love to, Oliviare."
The door burst open, and in marched Brom, grumbling, "Dont think I won''t have my eye on you, lad."
Hughie sighed internally. This old man is really something.
As nightfall wrapped the village in its embrace, Hughie found himself alone in his room. Laid out for him were the clothes Oliviare had provided - simple yet elegant village attire. He swapped his cultivator robes for them, noting that the bandages across his chest remained concealed beneath.
Gazing at his reflection, he wondered, Is this what people consider... a date?
He retrieved a small locket from his storage ring. It was an odd treasure he''d stumbled upon years ago, one that suppressed a cultivator''s qi. Why would anyone want to seal off their cultivation? He had often thought, leaving the locket untouched within his ring. Now, he saw its purpose.
Slowly, he placed the locket around his neck. For a brief instant, it emitted a soft purple glow, and Hughie felt his connection to his cultivation cut off, as if severed by an unseen hand. "Hughie the cultivator is dead," he muttered to himself, "Tonight, I am Hughie the mortal."
A gentle knock on the door drew him from his musings. "Enter," he called.
Oliviare stepped in, and Hughie felt his breath catch in his throat. She was dressed in a beautiful gown that accentuated her milky white skin and large brown eyes. She looked radiant and ethereal.
"What do you think?" she asked shyly, her eyes twinkling like the first stars of the evening.
Hughie stammered, momentarily lost for words. "You... you look stunning," he managed finally.
Just as he spoke, Brom appeared at the doorway. His frown deepened as he caught Hughie''s words. "You''d better take good care of her," the father warned sternly.
Oliviare''s face scrunched into a pout, "Father! Don''t be so hard on Hughie."
Brom shook his head, chuckling despite his feigned annoyance. "If I''m not careful, I''ll have to answer to your mother in the next life," he said, a hint of longing in his voice.
At the mention of her mother, Oliviares head dipped, a shadow briefly crossing her face. Hughie, seeing her sudden sadness, found himself at a loss for words. What should I say?
But then, as quickly as it had come, her gloom lifted. She raised her head, a determined spark in her eyes. "Are you ready?" she asked, her voice regaining its earlier excitement.
Hughie nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yes, let''s go."
The festival was a grand affair. Lanterns of every hue illuminated the village square. Musicians played their traditional instruments, filling the air with melodies both haunting and upbeat. Stalls lined the perimeter, offering an array of treats from steamed buns to skewered meats. Children ran around with joyous laughter, while the older villagers danced to the beat of the drums.
Amidst this jubilation walked Hughie and Oliviare, side by side, their arms almost touching but not quite. They moved through the crowd, occasionally stealing glances at each other but quickly looking away whenever their eyes met.
"It''s lovely, isn''t it? The Moon Blossom Festival only comes once a year, but it always feels magical," Oliviare tried to initiate conversation, her voice a mix of cheerfulness and nervous energy.
"Yes, it''s quite different from what I''m used to," Hughie responded, his attention partially on the festivities and partially on her.
Gathering her courage, Oliviare asked the question that had been burning in her mind. "What is it like... being an immortal?"
He sighed, a sound tinged with unexpected sorrow. "Lonely," was all he said.
"And if you had a companion? Would you still feel lonely then?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hughie gave her a sad smile. "Ive not found an immortal who has captured my heart." I always thought I''d build a harem of celestial beauties, he mused internally, then chuckled silently at his own foolishness. But then, plans have a funny way of changing, dont they?
"Hughie, do you think a mortal could...steal your heart?" she asked hesitantly.
Time seemed to slow as he gazed deeply into her eyes, causing a rush of color to her cheeks. "I believe she already has," he confessed softly.
Just as Hughie leaned forward, their lips nearly touching, a loud commotion shattered the moment. They turned to see four cultivators descending from the sky, riding swords of gleaming energy.
Hughie''s expression hardened as he gripped Oliviare''s hand. "Stay behind me," he whispered, a surge of protectiveness overwhelming him.
The cultivators landed with arrogant grace. The leader, brimming with the powerful aura of the Core Formation stage, exuded the haughtiness typical of a young master. His entourage, though only at the Foundation Establishment stage, shared his overbearing demeanor.
"Have any of you villagers seen an injured immortal around here?" one of the lackeys demanded loudly.
A brave villager shook his head, "No, sir, no immortals here."
In a swift, threatening motion, the lackey grabbed the villager by the neck. "You''d best not be lying, old man," he snarled.
Fear took hold, and the poor villager soiled himself, shaking his head frantically in terror.
Things are about to get complicated, Hughie thought, preparing for what might come next.
Chapter 31: What An Ugly Ring...
The leader, his eyes previously closed in concentration, opened them slowly, a hint of frustration evident. "I can''t sense him," he murmured. "Either he''s dead or he never came here."
Another lackey, more composed than his peers, spoke up. "We received word of a body thrown into the river. We''re wondering if it washed up here." He paused, eyeing the villagers, "There''s a reward of 100 gold coins for any information."
Eyes widened among the villagers, a flicker of greed flashing across several faces. They knew of the stranger Oliviare and her father had taken in. One villager, eager for the reward, pointed directly at Hughie. "It''s him!"
The leader''s gaze snapped towards Hughie, trying to probe for any signs of cultivation but finding none. He frowned, puzzled, and gestured to one of his men.
The lackey strode forward, stopping so close to Hughie that his breath brushed against his face. Hughie released Oliviare''s hand, whispering, "Don''t interfere, no matter what."
The lackey scrutinized Hughie, then turned back to his leader, shaking his head. "This one doesnt seem like a cultivator," he said, indicating Hughie''s plain clothes and the absence of any detectable Qi.
"That''s the outsider. Found him half-dead in the river," a villager piped up, eager to share information for the reward.
Hughie, feigning innocence, shrugged. "I''m just a hunter who had an accident. Don''t know anything about these immortals you speak of."
The leader, however, seemed unconvinced. He gestured, and the lackey grabbed Hughie roughly, dragging him forward. "We''ll take him back to grandpa. Even if he isnt the one, Im in need of a new servant."
"No, dont take him!" Oliviares voice cut through the tension.
The leader''s attention diverted to Oliviare as she stood defiantly, her beauty striking him visibly. His eyes gleamed with a different kind of greed now. "Bring the girl," he ordered his men, his voice oily. "But be gentle. She will be... mine."
The second the lackey began his approach toward Oliviare, Hughie acted without hesitation. Tearing off the locket, it vanished seamlessly into his storage ring. With a breath, the Bloodforge Ascension technique surged to life within him, transforming his physique. His skin adopted a fiery hue as his injuries healed at a breath-taking speed. The potent aura of a Late Core Formation cultivator swept the area, causing the approaching lackey to stagger back in surprise.
"Stay away from her!" Hughie''s voice was a growl, barely coherent, saturated with a rage he hadn''t known he possessed. He lunged, driven by a burgeoning bloodlust. In a flash, he was upon the hapless Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The man, caught off guard, didn''t stand a chance.
Hughie''s hand, large and unyielding, clamped onto the man''s face, and with a ferocious slam, he drove the lackey''s head into the ground. The impact was catastrophic, the earth splintering while the man''s skull caved in, brain matter seeping into the cracked soil.
A shrill scream pierced the air. "Demon!" A villager''s voice echoed with terror, setting off a chain reaction of fear. Villagers scattered, seeking shelter.
Oliviare staggered back, her eyes wide with horror.
The sight stabbed him. She''s afraid... of me, Hughie realized, heart sinking. He hadn''t wanted her to witness this side of him, the side that veered closer to demonhood than the immortal cultivator she imagined. A battle began inside him: the beast craving bloodshed against the part of him that yearned to protect Oliviare.
His self-reflection was shattered by the leader''s enraged bellow. "Get him!" he ordered, his command rallying the remaining two Foundation Establishment cultivators to encircle Hughie.
Each step they took, each battle stance they adopted, only fed the beast inside Hughie. But a sliver of his consciousness, fading fast, reminded him to finish it quickly. Oliviare... keep her safe, he struggled to think.
The leader unsheathed his sword, taunting, "You''ve done me a favor by killing my cousin, making me the heir, but" His words ended abruptly when, in a flurry of motion, Hughie was upon him. His fingers, more claw than human, gripped the leader''s throat. The man''s frantic struggles only served to stoke Hughie''s desire for violence.
Gasping, the leader tried wielding his sword. But with a feral snarl, Hughie batted it away. As his bloodlust threatened to consume him entirely, the leader''s desperate pleas filtered through. "Please... you don''t have to..."
But Hughie''s grip only tightened, the rage blinding him to reason. With a sickening crack, the leader''s neck snapped. Hughie tossed the lifeless body aside like it was nothing more than a ragdoll.
The two remaining lackeys, faces pale with horror, turned to flee, but Hughie was faster. In one fluid motion, he seized the leader''s fallen sword, hurling it with deadly precision. It sailed through the air, impaling one lackey through the chest, pinning him to a tree. The man''s eyes went wide as the life slowly left him.
The second lackey didn''t even get a moment to process the scene. As he unleashed a blazing fire arrow attack, Hughie was already upon him. With a swift motion, Hughie brushed the fiery projectile aside, landing a powerful blow on the cultivator. The punch sent the man sprawling to the ground. But Hughie''s wrath didn''t stop there. With a powerful leap, he descended, foot first, onto the cultivator''s skull. There was a wet, sickening sound as the head was pulverized, fragments of bone and gore scattering in all directions.
Chest heaving, he scanned the area. His blood-red eyes landed on Oliviare, standing alone beneath a market stall. A sinister urge prodded him forward. In a heartbeat, he was before her, teeth bared.
Hurt her, hurt her, hurt her, the whispers in his mind chanted.
Yet as he stared deep into her eyes, a hint of clarity pierced the fog of his rage. The weight of what he had nearly done bore down on him. "Am I...am I a monster?" he murmured.
Closing his eyes, he struggled to keep the tears at bay. I am a man. Cultivators don''t shed tears. Not here, not now. Especially not in front of her. But the jovial mask he wore in the sect, the cheerful demeanor that masked his true feelings, was crumbling.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Suddenly, soft, warm arms wrapped around him. He felt Oliviare''s comforting embrace. "You''re not a monster," she whispered into his ear, voice shaking but firm. "You protected the village, you... protected me."
Sh-she doesn''t realise how close I was to... Hughie shook his head, not able to complete the thought.
He tentatively hugged her back as his demonic form slowly receded. "How can you not be afraid of me?" he whispered back.
Her voice, tender, carried a weighty confession, "Father was right, you are trouble... but you''re my trouble now."
Hughie shook his head, a wave of sadness washing over him. "I have to leave this village. Staying will only endanger you, and I... I can''t bear that thought."
Oliviare clung tighter to him, her voice brimming with emotion. "But I don''t want you to go."
"And I dont want to leave," he admitted, his voice breaking.
"Why can''t we stay like this forever?" she murmured, her breath warm against his bare chest.
Hughie remained silent, lost in thought. Just a few days ago, he''d tried a simple qi sensitivity technique on her. All she had to do was sense the qi flow, he recalled. But like many others, she didn''t show any signs of the gift. He wished things were different.
If she could cultivate... he mused, I could bring her to the sect, and perhaps we could have a future. But being with me, as a mortal? Too risky. I can''t be selfish.
"I... I wanted to tell you that... I mean, I think... I... uh..." Words began to tumble from him, a jumbled mess of emotions he tried to shape into a confession. But his tongue seemed to have a mind of its own, tripping over the syllables like a novice on the training field.
She gently placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. "I understand," Oliviare said softly.
From the folds of her clothes, she took out a pitch-black ring. Plain, without any ornate designs, it looked... well, rather unimpressive.
"This has been in my family for generations," she explained, pressing the ring into his hand. "It''s always been with me, close to my heart. And now, it''s yours."
He stared at the ring, his thoughts whirling. Seriously? Who in the world would craft a ring this... bleak? "I can''t take this," he blurted, the words escaping before he could catch them. And not just because of propriety. The ring was... ugly. So very, very ugly.
"Just take it." She smiled, shyly.
His hand closed around the ring, the metal cool against his skin. Ugly or not, I''ll treasure it. Because it''s from her. He couldn''t help but smile back.
She leaned forward, her lips briefly touching his cheek. "Something to remember me by, Mr. Immortal," Oliviare teased. As she slowly moved away, she murmured, "I will always be waiting for you. Always."
Just before she vanished from his line of sight, she hesitated and turned back. Her face was slightly flushed, and her fingers nervously played with the edge of her dress. "And when you come back," she added, mustering the courage, "I expect you to propose with that ring."
Hughie stood there, the warmth of her kiss lingering on his skin, watching her retreating figure until it disappeared. He sighed deeply, sliding the unattractive ring onto his finger. This is going to be an interesting story to tell the guys back at the sect, he mused, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
And then, out of the blue, a disgruntled voice echoed inside his mind. "Insolent youngster! Daring to charm and woo my precious descendent! And you! Oliviare! How could you hand our ancestral ring to this... this stranger?!"
Hughie blinked, trying to comprehend the sudden intrusion. Am I... am I hearing voices now? he thought.
The voice continued to rant. "Back in my days, we valued traditions, not like these unfilial descendants. Gifting away family treasures to the first charming face they see! Bah! To think that our noble immortal lineage would produce such... such mortals."
The voice was old and cranky, and Hughie imagined a grumpy old man shaking his fist at the sky.
Has the ring got some sort of curse that includes a nagging ancestor?
"Hello?" Hughie ventured, hoping he wasn''t going mad.
"What? You can hear me?!" The voice responded with genuine surprise.
Hughie nodded, then realizing that the voice probably couldn''t see him, he verbalized his response. "Yes, I can hear you."
A throaty chuckle emerged from the ring. "Well, then, lad. It seems it''s your lucky day. I am a true immortal. Not one of those half-baked ''I''ve lived for two centuries and now I''m enlightened'' ones. Nope! A genuine, bona fide immortal!"
The voice paused, a sort of smugness emanating through the connection. "You know, if you manage to impress mewhich is no small feat, mind youI might just consider taking you on as a disciple."
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Found A Heaven Rank Treasure |
| Alert: Your Disciples Loyalty Is Being Tested |
|
Special Condition Activated: For every action, there''s a reaction. Should your disciple Hughie prove loyal, you will be rewarded.
However, if his loyalty falters, you will face consequences.
|
|
Reward for Disciples Loyalty:
1000 Karmic Credits
Comprehension Card (Level 1)
|
|
Consequences of losing a Disciple:
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
|
Chapter 32: Immortal Grandpa, Teach Me A Heaven Rank Technique!
Hughie couldnt help but let out a small, incredulous chuckle. "I appreciate the generous offer," he replied with a hint of sarcasm, "but I already have a master, thank you very much."
The old man''s laughter boomed in Hughie''s mind, so loud Hughie wondered if others could hear it. "Fine, fine! No need to be so formal. How about this: I''ll take your master as a disciple too! With my unparalleled wisdom, Im sure they''ll leap at the chance to learn from a true immortal. Who wouldn''t?"
Hughie''s mouth twitched. This ring isnt just ugly, it''s eccentric too! "I''m not quite sure hed go for that," Hughie retorted. "He''s a bit old-fashioned. Doesn''t believe in switching masters willy-nilly, especially for ones living in...uh, jewelry."
The old man harrumphed, the sound vibrating through Hughie''s skull. "Living in jewelry! Ill have you know, this is a highly sophisticated form of existence! Free from the mundane needs of the flesh! And besides, what''s not to love? Im like a wise mentor you can carry in your pocket!"
Hughie''s eyebrows knitted as he glanced at the ring on his finger, "How did you end up in a ring in the first place?"
The old man cleared his throat, an awkwardness seeping into his usually boisterous tone. "Ah, well, you see, there was a minor incident where my body got, er, destroyed."
Hughie raised an eyebrow. "And you couldnt find anything better than a ring to inhabit?"
The old man''s voice bristled with indignation. "Now, young man, I''m sure many respectable elders get trapped in rings! It''s probably quite common in the higher realms, you know!" In his minds eye, Hughie could easily imagine the old man shaking his fist at him, trying to appear intimidating while stuck in an accessory.
Sighing, Hughie asked, "Alright, what''s your name? I dont want to keep calling you ''old man''." I have enough old men in my life, he thought bitterly.
Puffing up with pride, the old man announced, "I am Li Fenghao, the illustrious Sect Leader of the Heavenly Cloud Sect!" He paused for dramatic effect, letting his words hang in the air. "A 9th Stage Greater Immortal, Ill have you know!"
Hughie looked at him, or rather the ring, a little confused. "Never heard of it," he replied dismissively.
Li Fenghao laughed heartily. "It would surprise me more if anyone from such a...backward place like this had heard of it."
Hughie smirked. "You talk big for someone stuck in a ring, former Sect Master." He emphasized the word ''former'', drawing out each syllable.
The old man quieted for a second, then muttered, "If it wasnt for that damned chicken, I" He halted, then cleared his throat. "Never mind that. Just know Ill be out of here soon."
Not entirely convinced, Hughie simply nodded. "Sure."
Li Fenghao, sensing the skepticism, pounced on the opportunity to reassert his prestige. "Arent you the least bit impressed? Me, a Greater Immortal, 9th stage at that! Almost at the"
Hughie waved his hand dismissively, cutting him off. "Listen here, old man. How do I know you''re not just trying to trick me? Anyone can talk a big game. Why dont you prove your grand claims?"
Li Fenghao spluttered, "Prove it? I''m in a ring! How do you suggest I do that?"
Hughie had to bite his lip to keep from smirking. Time to swindle an old monster. Memories of his younger days flitted across his mindthose times he''d scam unsuspecting victims out of their money. Initially, it was to fend off starvation, but eventually, it became a game. A game he was really good at.
With a contemplative expression, Hughie mused aloud, "Hmm, let me think..." He feigned deep thought for a moment before leveling his gaze at the ring. "You say you''re a Greater Immortal at... what was it again?"
Li Fenghao''s voice interrupted with a mixture of pride and impatience, "9th Stage!"
"Yeah, yeah," Hughie waved dismissively. "So, as a Greater Immortal, you must know some Heaven Rank techniques. I mean, any immortal worth their salt would surely possess one."
Li Fenghao burst out laughing, the sound echoing strangely in Hughie''s mind. "Boy, I practically breathe Heaven Rank techniques! Heavens, I even know a few Obsidian Rank techniques."
Hughie''s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Obsidian Rank? He''d never heard of such a thing. Yet he kept his expression neutral. "All I''ve heard so far is a lot of bragging, old man. Where''s the proof? Show me these techniques!"
The old man huffed, sounding somewhat defensive. "Fine! Since you''re so insistent, I''ll teach you the Dimensional Slide. It''s an Obsidian R-," he began, then stopped abruptly. "Wait just a moment! You''re trying to pull one over on this old man, aren''t you?"
Shaking his head with exaggerated innocence, Hughie retorted, "If anyone''s attempting any tricks, it''s you. Why on earth would a ''Greater Immortal'' be desperate to take on someone like me as a disciple? Unless... you''re hoping I might help free you from your... ring-shaped prison?"
Li Fenghao fell silent. How did this seemingly simple-minded brat figure it out? The old man wondered, genuinely taken aback.
Hughie leaned in, a sly smirk on his face. "I think you need to prove your worth to me. In fact," he said with feigned magnanimity, "maybe, just maybe, if you impress me enough, I''ll consider taking you on as a master."
Trapped for millennia, the old man had grown frustrated, even as a Greater Immortal. No matter how powerful he was, life had its limits, and his was inching closer to its end. Not a single one of his descendants, neither cultivator nor mortal, had ever sensed his presence in the ring.
"You know, in my prime," the old man began, sounding irritable, "disciples would climb mountains, cross vast oceans, just for a chance to learn from me. And here you are, demanding a technique like you''re asking for pocket change!"
"You really have some nerve, brat. With a sigh that sounded suspiciously like a defeated groan, he continued, But so be it. You want to learn the technique? I''ll teach you."
Hughie couldn''t help the grin spreading across his face. Another one swindled, he thought gleefully. In truth, he wasn''t entirely sure he could assist the old man, but it seemed his bluff had spectacularly paid off.
Li Fenghao started detailing the technique. "It''s called the Dimensional Slide. It allows the user to momentarily traverse into a pocket dimension, enabling them to instantaneously appear at another location." He paused, seriousness creeping into his voice, "But this dimension is not a sanctuary. It''s a viper''s nest with its own perils. Linger too long, and it might just be the death of you."
Hughie''s eyes widened in awe. This is leagues beyond anything I imagined he''d cough up.
Noticing Hughie''s impressed expression, the old man couldn''t help but chuckle, a sound that seemed to warm him slightly. "With this technique, lad, you''ll be untouchable. No one could catch up to you."
Yet Hughie couldnt resist poking fun. "And yet, it didn''t save you from a chicken."
Li Fenghao''s voice caught in his throat, a mixture of irritation and embarrassment. "That was no ordinary farmyard fowl! That chicken was..."
Hughie interrupted, a playful smirk on his face, "A chicken is still a chicken, old man."
The old man let out an exasperated sigh. "Regardless of your... poultry opinions, know this: With the Dimensional Slide, you''ll be unmatched in speed. Absolutely no one in this realm, will be able to catch you."
"Hmm, let''s test that out," Hughie declared, searching for a suitable spot for training. After wandering for a bit, he found a secluded area distant from the village. Standing at the villages edge, he cast a lingering glance backward, nostalgia briefly touching his eyes. Will I ever return here?
Li Fenghao, seemingly oblivious to Hughie''s introspection, piped up with, "Your talent shines brightly, lad. Quite impressive." He mumbled under his breath, "...at least for this realm." Clearing his throat, he continued, "I believe you''ll grasp the Dimensional Slide without much difficulty."
Awkwardly rubbing the back of his head, Hughie couldn''t help but feel a bit guilty. Yes, breakthroughs in cultivation came somewhat easily to him, but learning new techniques? That was a different story. He''d always envied how his Senior Brother Caelum seemed to master numerous sword techniques effortlessly while he struggled. Hughie decided it was best to keep this bit of information from the old man.
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"Now, listen closely," the old man started, his tone serious. "First, you need to focus your Qi, but don''t rush it. Let it build steadily, feel it flow through your body, ready to burst forth, but under your complete control...
As the old man continued, detailing the intricacies of the Dimensional Slide, Hughie found his teachings surprisingly clear and intuitive. But despite that, his mind stubbornly refused to grasp the concept. It''s like trying to catch fish with your bare hands, he thought in frustration.
Sensing Hughie''s readiness C or at least what he mistook for readiness C the old man asked, "Are you prepared to give it a go?"
Swallowing his apprehension, Hughie nodded. Taking a deep breath, he tried to summon the image the old man had described, focusing on his feet and visualizing... something. But instead of a rift, all he managed was a small puff of dust as his foot stomped the ground.
The old man''s chuckle filled the air. "Well, at least youve managed to master the ''Dusty Foot Stomp.'' Very impressive!"
Hughie grimaced, feeling a pang of embarrassment. "Well, practice makes perfect, right?"
The old man continued to chuckle, clearly enjoying himself. "Indeed, brat. But perhaps let''s start with something simpler... like standing still."
After a few grueling hours of practice, Hughie had nothing to show for his efforts. Not even a hint of a rift had materialized.
Fed up, he flung his hands up, "Are you certain this move isnt exclusive to Nascent Soul cultivators?" He groaned. Nascent Soul practitioners held the ability to create minor rifts in space, albeit only stretching across short distances. The Dimensional Slide, on the other hand, offered access to the vast expanse of the void, a wholly different dimension.
Li Fenghao snorted. "Why, I utilized this technique all the time when I was at the Core Formation stage." He paused, his brows knitting in thought. "Although, now that you mention it, I dont recall anyone else managing it until they''d reached Nascent Soul..."
Hughie''s eye twitched in exasperation. This ring-wearing, rambling old geezer... "So," he mumbled, "the technique''s practically useless then?"
The old man''s voice took on an intrigued tone. "Hmm, hold that thought, I might have a little idea to speed up your progress."
Suspicion flared in Hughie''s eyes. "What sort of idea?"
Li Fenghao responded, "I''ll impart my comprehension of the technique directly to you. An information dump of sorts."
Hughie''s face scrunched in confusion. "If you could do that all along, why waste hours watching me fail repeatedly?"
The old man''s lamenting sigh sounded almost like a deflating balloon. "You youngsters have no patience. Who even is your master? Didn''t he teach you anything about the Dao?" He paused to gather his thoughts. "Imparting comprehension directly can be a double-edged sword. Yes, it can speed up initial learning, but it might hinder your personal understanding of the Dao later on. The Dao isn''t a one-size-fits-all; it needs to be understood and interpreted by each cultivator individually."
Hughie grimaced, clearly unimpressed. "Everyone always goes on and on about the Dao. I just want to get stronger, plain and simple." He paused, tilting his head slightly. "What''s so great about this Dao everyone keeps yammering about anyway?"
Li Fenghao''s voice turned contemplative. "Ah, lad, the Dao is... well, it''s many things. But that''s a lesson for another day. Everyone''s got a different answer, and it''s up to each to find their own."
Then, in a more biting tone, he added, "Now, cease your relentless questions and let me concentrate!
After a few moments, a surge of green qi spiralled out of the ring, it slowly made its way to Hughie''s temple, embedding itself there. It was like a river of knowledge, every twist and turn, every ripple, explaining the intricacies of the Dimensional Slide. For Hughie, it felt like thousands of pages of instruction compacted into mere moments of understanding.
After processing the flood of information, Hughie blinked a couple of times, looking bewildered. "Old man, why didnt you explain it like this from the start? It''s so straightforward!"
Li Fenghao merely huffed, rolling his eyes. "Arguing with a fool is truly a waste of breath." He then nudged Hughie forward, Give it another try. If my comprehension doesnt help you open a rift now, then I''m afraid nothing will."
Ignoring the jab, Hughie took a deep breath and began channeling the technique. The air around him seemed to shimmer, and then, with a tearing sound, a rift appeared. It was like a doorway to another world, the edges glowing with a bluish tint, and the center was pure, endless darkness.
"Do I just... walk in?" Hughie questioned, pointing towards the rift.
Li Fenghao''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "No, you dance your way in. Of course, you walk!"
Hughie scowled. "Hey, I''m just being cautious. What if it leads to the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons or something?"
"If you had been paying attention," Li Fenghao responded with a huff, "you''d remember it leads to the void plane. From there, you can decide where to emerge next."
Hughie mumbled, "Sounds like an unnecessary extra step..."
Taking a tentative step, Hughie entered the rift. The world around him shifted. Everything was in stark black and white, like an old photograph. It was eerily silent. Just as he was about to question the aesthetics of the void plane, a cold shiver ran down his spine.
A massive, ethereal beast hovered in the distance. It was translucent, its body like that of smoke, but its form was clear. The beast possessed twisted, antler-like horns atop its head, long, jagged claws, and piercing eyes that seemed to glow.
Though it was a distance away, Hughie felt ensnared by its gaze, like a rabbit facing a predator.
Li Fenghao''s voice screamed in Hughie''s mind. "Move, you imbecile! MOVE!"
But Hughie felt paralyzed, ensnared by the otherworldly gaze of the phantom beast. All he could think was, Why didn''t the old man mention this?
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Encountered An Otherworldly Being |
| Warning: Your Disciple Is In Mortal Danger |
| Task: Save Hughie |
| Reward:
Disciple Loyalty Increases
10,000 Karmic Credits |
| Failure:
Outcome 1: Death Of Disciple
Outcome 2: Your Disciple Has Been Saved By Another, Disciple Loyalty Will Be Adjusted |
Chapter 33: Congratulations On Your Breakthrough!
"Move, boy, MOVE!" The old man''s urgent voice reverberated in Hughie''s head. Seeing the young man remain rooted to the spot, Li Fenghao released an exasperated sigh. "This is going to set me back decades!"
Suddenly, the ring on Hughie''s finger glowed a soft green. He felt a rush of unfamiliar energy coursing through him, startling him back into action. Without a second thought, he leaped backward into the rift, re-emerging in the training ground.
Catching his breath, he heard the weakened voice of Li Fenghao grumbling. "You truly have dogshit luck! Li Fenghao groaned.
Hughie''s ears reddened. No one had ever accused him of being unlucky before. Everywhere he went, people often envied his fortune.
"What... what was that creature?" his voice trembled. The sheer pressure from the being was unlike anything Hughie had ever experienced before. Not even the Origin Realm expert he had encountered made him feel so insignificant.
Li Fenghao let out a deep sigh. "They are called Voidwalkers, beings that inhabit the void plane. It''s exceedingly rare to come across one, especially for a first-timer like you."
Hughie shuddered at the thought. If the old man had mentioned that these creatures were common in the void, he might''ve sworn off the technique altogether.
The old man continued, "Even Greater Immortals tread lightly around them." Trying to sound comforting, though in a peculiar way, he added, "Given your current cultivation, you''re no more than an ant in its eyes. Had it truly noticed you as a threat, not even I could''ve saved you."
Hughie looked even more pale. "So... every time I use the technique, there''s a chance I''ll run into them?"
The old man chuckled, "Well, technically, yes. But think of it as crossing a busy street. You might get hit by a carriage, but with experience, you''ll know when to walk."
That''s his version of reassurance? Hughie grimaced.
Seeing Hughies reaction, Li Fenghao huffed. "You youngsters need thicker skin. In my time, we faced Voidwalkers with just a twig and some good intentions!"
Hughie raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
The old man sighed, "No, not really. But it sounded good, didn''t it?"
Hughie shook his head at the old mans antics. "Anyways, thanks for saving me back there."
The old man smirked, puffing up his chest. "As your master, it''s my solemn duty to protect my disciples."
"Like I said, I''ve already got a master. And with that little adventure over, I think it''s time for me to head back." Hughie hesitated, his thoughts drifting to Amelia. She probably thinks I''m dead by now.
Trying to reel Hughie back, the old man persisted, "You sure about going back to your so-called master? What stage of the Immortal Realm is he at, anyway?"
Hughie scratched the back of his neck, "Uh, hes in the Ascendant realm."
Li Fenghao paused, his eyes widening in mock shock. And then, out of nowhere, a roaring laughter erupted from him. "Ascendant realm? Hahaha! Your master would kneel and beg for me to take him in as a disciple! Why, back in my prime, Ascendants used to shine my boots!"
Hughie couldn''t help but roll his eyes, trying to change the subject, he asked, "What kind of name is Li Fenghao, anyway?"
The old man''s laughter died down instantly, his face reddening as if he''d been slapped. "In the Immortal Realm, we have names fit for men! As for here... well, you lot have the peculiar names." With a look of distaste, he tried to mimic Hughie''s name with a mocking tone. "Hooo-ghie? Sounds like someone choking on a fish bone!"
Hughie chuckled. "Well, ''Li Fenghao'' sounds like someone sneezing during a poetry reading."
Li Fenghao huffed. "You have no appreciation for the elegance and depth of an Immortals name!"
Hughie laughed heartily. "You really are something, old man."
"I''m just speaking the truth. And remember, brat, it''s ''Master Li'' to you."
Hughie smirked, "In your dreams, Grandpa."
The old man grumbled, muttering something about ''disrespectful youngsters.''
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| You Have Reached Late Foundation Establishment Realm |
| Reward: 200 Karmic Credits |
Slifer emerged from his closed-door cultivation session, rubbing his stomach. The rumbling in his belly was hard to ignore. Ah, the worldly needs of the flesh. Stretching his limbs, he thought with satisfaction, It won''t be long until I enter the Core Formation realm. His confident smile, however, quickly faded when a system notification caught his eye.
| Ding! |
| Alert: Critical Condition Detected |
| Disciple Designation: Hughie Status: Fatally Wounded |
| Task: Administer Advanced Healing to Hughie Time Limit: 1 Hour |
| Warning: If Disciple Hughie remains untreated within the specified time frame, it will result in the disciples unfortunate demise |
| Caution: Death of a disciple incurs severe consequences. For specifics:
|
Slifer''s heart nearly stopped, but the real shock was that the alert had appeared five days ago!
In a frenzy, he quickly checked the status of all his disciples on the system. When he saw that they were all safe and sound, he let out a sigh of relief.
"I told that boy to stay out of trouble!" Slifer exclaimed, exasperated. He shook his head, Of course, this is the kind of drama I should expect when mentoring a protagonist disciple.
I wonder how he managed to wiggle out of this one though,he pondered. Several tropes came to his mind: A sudden power surge? An unexpected ally arriving in the nick of time? Or maybe a hidden legacy awakening within him?
Shaking his head, he decided to scroll through more notifications, it wasnt long before another one caught his eye.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Found A Heaven Rank Treasure |
| Alert: Your Disciples Loyalty Is Being Tested |
| Special Condition Activated: For every action, there''s a reaction. Should your disciple Hughie prove loyal, you will be rewarded. However, if his loyalty falters, you will face consequences. |
Reward for Disciples Loyalty:
- 1000 Karmic Credits
- Comprehension Card (Level 1)
|
|
Consequences of losing a Disciple:
|
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.Slifer frowned, wondering. What kind of Heavenly Treasure could possibly test his loyalty?
He tried to piece together the events. Could the Heavenly Treasure be the reason he survived? But when Slifer compared the timestamps, the events were days apart. Nah, probably not related. But what could that treasure be?
He took one last glance at the notifications, shook his head, and decided to grab a bite. After all, he reasoned, an empty stomach won''t help in deciphering Hughie''s antics.
As Slifer left his courtyard, a sudden tear in space appeared before him. Reflexively, he retreated several steps, ready to defend himself. A woman with raven-black hair and piercing eyes stepped out of the spatial rift. The singular word that flashed in Slifer''s mind to describe the woman was matron. The emblematic Black Rose Sect symbol on her robes made him swallow hard and straighten, feigning nonchalance as though her abrupt appearance hadn''t fazed him in the slightest. Sheesh, you can''t just pop out of nowhere like that, he thought.
"Ah," the woman remarked in a poised tone, "just who I was looking for."
Slifer raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm in his thoughts. Why make it sound like a surprise when you literally appeared outside my courtyard? He was about to address her when he realized he couldn''t recall her name. The original''s memories were fragmented at best. Yet, from the aura she radiated, he figured she was a Grand Elder.
"Grand Elder," Slifer began, clasping his hands together and giving a slight nod, "what brings you here?"
The stern expression on the woman''s face transformed into an awkward smile. "Supreme Elder Slifer is too polite," she said, waving off his formality.
Regaining his composure and recalling his newfound status, Slifer coughed lightly. "While my cultivation may have advanced, in terms of age and wisdom, I remain your junior."
The Grand Elder''s eyebrows raised in surprise. The Slifer she remembered was notoriously arrogant. But his cunning nature also came to mind. This must be one of his games, she deduced.
She then gestured to the rift, and another figure emerged. "Regrettably," she declared, "Amelia will no longer be welcome at the Medicine Hall."
Slifer''s eyes widened as he gazed upon Amelia. The young disciple appeared distant, her normally radiant face now pale, her eyes tinged with redness.
What on earth happened to her? he wondered, his gaze shifting between the Grand Elder and the disheveled Amelia.
Grand Elder Lydia continued, her tone heavy with disappointment. "Amelia has perverted the Essence Mend technique. She''s broken the sacred oath taken by all healers to never bring harm to patients. Instead, she''s used it malevolently to torture disciples who were in desperate need for healing."
Slifer''s eyes darted to the oath''s specific wording. It specifies not to harm patients but says nothing about others. Every demonic sect boasted a division of healers. These disciples, unlike their brethren, weren''t inherently malevolent. If they were, who would dare seek their medical expertise? Yet, these same healers didn''t strictly tread the path of righteousness either. They existed in a gray zone; neutral when you were under their care, but possibly dangerous if you crossed them outside the healing chambers.
While Slifer mulled this over, memories of his recent notifications flooded back. Among them were several notifications of ''Karmic Credit Earned.'' The only act he recalled that granted a single Karmic Credit was... torture.
He let out a weary sigh, not surprised in the least. "I see."
Slifer gestured for Amelia to approach him. She shuffled her feet, her eyes blank, and took her place beside her master. The ensuing silence was palpable as Slifer and Grand Elder Lydia locked eyes, each waiting for the other to break the tension.
Does she expect an apology? Slifer thought. Clearing his throat, he turned to Amelia. "Apologize to the Grand Elder."
Amelia''s voice was hollow, devoid of emotion. "I apologize, Grand Elder Lydia."
The Grand Elder nodded slightly but kept her gaze fixed on Slifer. The air grew thick with expectation. She wants me to apologize too,Slifer surmised, his annoyance flaring. She can wait forever. It wasn''t me who twisted Amelia this way. That blame rests squarely on the original Slifer.
As seconds ticked by, Grand Elder Lydia''s patience waned. Without another word, she stepped back into the spatial rift. Just before she vanished, she muttered, "Seems you truly havent changed, Supreme Elder."
Eh, shell get over it, Slifer thought dismissively, but his gaze softened as he turned to Amelia. He''d never imagined seeing his spirited disciple in such a despondent state. A sudden realization struck him. Could she be blaming herself for Hughie''s ''death''?
"What is troubling you, Amelia?" Slifer inquired gently.
Hidden beneath her cascade of silver hair, Amelia''s voice came out as a whisper, "I''m a terrible Senior Sister."
Slifer, trying to exude patience and understanding, gently prodded, "Why do you believe that?" I feel like some school therapist. Next thing I know, I''ll be asking her about her childhood.
"Because of me... Hughie..." Amelia''s voice cracked, struggling to get the words out, "...died."
Ah, there it was. Slifer had suspected as much. With a gentle smile, he reassured her, "Hughie is not dead."
She shook her head vigorously, a hint of anger in her eyes. "You don''t know, Master! During our mission, a Nascent Soul cultivator attacked us. Hughie... He sacrificed himself for me."
Suppressing a chuckle, Slifer mused, A single Nascent Soul cultivator? Please, it would take an army of them to threaten a protagonist like Hughie. If she had said a horde of them were after him, maybe I would''ve been more convinced.
"Did you check his Soul Lamp?" he asked, eyebrow raised.
"Why would I? He couldn''t possibly have survived that!" she retorted.
"You underestimate our Hughie," Slifer grinned. "He is like a cockroach. Indestructible."
A slow smile spread across Amelia''s face. With a delighted squeal, she leapt into Slifer''s arms. "Hughie''s alive?!"
Slifer''s body stiffened. Oh no, why did I stand so close?
While Amelia''s embrace tightened around Slifer, a sharp chime resonated in his mind. A System Notification floated before his eyes:
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Encountered An Otherworldly Being |
| Warning: Your Disciple Is In Mortal Danger |
| Task: Save Hughie |
Reward:
- Disciple Loyalty Increases
- 10,000 Karmic Credits
|
|
Failure:
Outcome 1: Death Of Disciple
Outcome 2: Your Disciple Has Been Saved By Another, Disciple Loyalty Will Be Adjusted
|
His focus shifted from the clinging Amelia, who, for some reason, was burrowing her face into his neck with a peculiar grin, to the message. Guess I won''t be getting food anytime soon, he sighed internally.
For a brief moment, he contemplated the idea of anchoring Hughie to the sect with some mystical chains. At least then, I wouldnt be on constant rescue missions. However, another thought wormed its way into his consciousness. With rewards like these, perhaps letting him loose and playing the hero isn''t such a bad idea.
The weight of the reward troubled him. 10,000 Karmic Credits? I might need a miracle to save him this time. Like... a Deadly Strike Card.
Slowly, Slifer tried to disentangle himself from Amelia, who gave a reluctant pout. "I need to fetch Hughie," he explained, rubbing the back of his neck. Before some savior swoops in and steals his loyalty.
Amelia''s face fell a little, "Can I come with you?"
Slifer was quick to shake his head. "No. And when I return, we will discuss your ban from the Medicine Hall. You will face consequences."
As he began to move away, his thoughts raced. He would need to get to Hughie as fast as possible.
I guess its time to see Val!
Chapter 34: Warning! You Are Attacking Your Disciple
As Slifer arrived outside the guest quarters, where Leah was currently staying, the scene before him left him momentarily stunned. Val, in her smaller dragon form, was energetically chasing Leah around the courtyard, breathing out mini fireballs that Leah barely evaded.
Of all the things to walk into, Slifer thought, rolling his eyes. However, as Val transformed into her enormous form, Slifer''s amusement turned to alarm. The fireball forming in her mouth was nothing to scoff at.
S-she''s going to kill her! Slifer thought in alarm, knowing that Leah did not have access to her cultivation.
"Val, stop!" Slifer commanded as he took a hasty step back, he did not want to get caught in the blast.
Val froze in mid-air, reverting back to her smaller form. With a wobbling lip and teary eyes, she squeaked, "Mastew shout at Val."
Slifer sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I told you to watch over Leah, not turn her into a roasted duck."
Val, shaking her small head, protested, "Val only playin thow."
Slifers attention shifted to Leah, who appeared rather peeved at him. Upon receiving a quizzical look from Slifer, she grumbled, "Yeah we were having fun. Until someone ruined it."
Val can''t control herself. If I hadn''t intervened, you would''ve been ashes by now, Slifer thought as he remembered the time that Val had gone overboard in their training session. Clearing his throat, he offered diplomatically, "Master didn''t want our guest harmed. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding."
Val''s eyes grew round. "Mastew sowwy?"
Slifer had to stop himself from sighing aloud. Why does everyone expect an apology from me? "Yes," he reluctantly muttered, "Master is sorry." But internally, he added, Well, not really.
Val''s gloomy expression shifted to one of delight. "Val fowgive Mastew."
Smiling gently at the dragon, Slifer tempted, "Since Val forgives Master, would Val like to go on a mission?"
Val''s enthusiastic nodding made it clear she was thrilled at the idea.
Slifer glanced towards Leah, whose posture tightened at his attention. "I trust you enjoyed your stay here?" he said.
She offered a timid nod, her gaze drifting to Val, her reluctance to let the dragon leave apparent. Slifer shook his head inwardly. Yet another heart bewitched by Val.
| Ding! |
| Task Name: Dragon Babysitting a Crazy Lady! |
| Task Description: Ensure Val stays beside Leah for7 days! |
| Status: Complete |
| You Have Received 70 Karmic Credits |
Suppressing a grin, Slifer felt a slight satisfaction. Not only had he earned karmic credits, but Val had indeed softened Leah''s edges. At least she didnt try to spit on me this time.
Val''s voice cut through Slifer''s thoughts. "What our mission, Mastew? Val gettin tweats?"
The mention of ''tweats'' drained the color from Slifers face. A chilling memory surfaced: the original Slifer would take Val hunting for... humans. Hastily, he replied, "No, we''re searching for your Junior Brother."
"Huwie missin?" Val''s vibrant energy dimmed a little.
Slifer nodded solemnly. "Yes, and only Val can rescue him." Val''s dragon pride surged, her chest puffing out in a show of determination. With a majestic transformation, she expanded to her gigantic form.
Without hesitation, Slifer leaped onto her back, signaling her to take off.
"Val save Huwie!" she roared, launching herself into the skies.
A sense of exhilaration washed over Slifer as they soared. He thought, No matter how many times I experience this, the thrill never fades.
Slifer felt Leahs lingering gaze on them as they distanced from the sect.
Hours of flying turned into a rhythmic blur, but Slifer''s patience was running thin. There''s still so much ground to cover, he thought with a sigh.
To assist in the search, he had been using a special treasure - a Soul Compass. The item connected with the fragment of soul inside the Soul Lamp, revealing the whereabouts of a cultivator. Yet, its limitations were glaringly evident. Instead of pinpointing an exact location, it marked a broad region. Not to mention, there was a delay of about 15 minutes, making tracking a moving Core Formation expert like finding a needle in a haystack.
| Ding! |
| Task: Save Hughie |
| Status: Failed |
| Your Disciple Has Been Saved By Another |
| Hughies Loyalty Has Decreased By 30% |
The sudden task notification caused Slifer to sigh, I was too late. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, then shrugged. At least the boy survived. Glancing at Val, he said, "Find a secluded spot, away from any humans."
Val tilted her head, "Huwie here?"
Shaking his head, Slifer responded, "Your Junior Brother is safe for now. I have something else on my mind." He couldnt help but glance at the dwindling timer indicating his remaining lifespan.
| Lifespan Remaining: 23 Days |
The urgency to use one of his Reversal Cards bore down on him. Hed been saving them, hoping to use several together when the right time came. But now, time itself seemed to be running thin.
When will I next leave the sect? he pondered. Its not like I can use it within the sect unless I''m fine with wiping out half the disciples as collateral.
Once Val touched down in a forest clearing, Slifer leapt off her back. "Val," he began, "stay away until I call for you.
With the Soul Bond, he wasnt worried about losing her.
Val''s eyes lit up with mischief. "Val look for food?"
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Slifer hesitated for a moment. He knew her predatory nature all too well. "No humans," he emphasized, "but anything else is fair game."
The idea of Val hunting humans made him uneasy. She''s a dragon, and it''s natural for her, he rationalized. However, the concern that she might go too far and attract unwanted attention was real. Yet the last thing I need is a vengeful protagonist on my doorstep due to Val''s dietary preferences.
Val pouted. "Master mean!" Without waiting for a reply, she flapped her wings and soared away.
After making sure Val had truly left, Slifer chose a spot and sat down. He wondered briefly, is the lifespan given by the Reversal Card always the same fixed amount or does it vary with the amount of life essence it collects?
Well, I guess there is only one way to find out. Taking a deep breath, he activated the Reversal Card.
Instantly, a brilliant white aura emanated from him, pulsating outward like ripples in a pond. As the light touched the plants, they wilted almost instantly. Tall trees, once teeming with life, became gaunt as their leaves crisped away and their bark turned grey and lifeless.
The creatures of the forest weren''t spared either. As the aura reached them, they frantically attempted to escape, but their efforts were in vain. Birds mid-flight dropped from the sky, their life essence sapped. Insects on leaves paused, then stilled forever. Even the small mammals that had been hidden in burrows and underbrush met the same fate, their life force drawn into the white aura.
The further the aura reached, the more desolate the clearing became. What was once a lively and verdant place was now rapidly turning into a barren wasteland, devoid of life.
Slifer felt the surge of life essence flow into him. The sensation was intoxicating, a heady mix of vitality and power. Drawing in a deep breath, he couldn''t help but exclaim, "This... this is true sustenance!"
This... this is far better than any delicacy I''ve ever tasted, he thought, a grin forming on his face. And for someone like him, who was known for his insatiable appetite, that meant something.
Hughie focused intently on the Dimensional Slide technique, silently praying that he wouldnt stumble into another Voidwalker. As the portal to the void realm appeared and he cautiously entered, a sigh of relief escaped him upon realizing that the space was free of those phantom-like beings. If there was one waiting for me, I would seriously question my luck.
Closing his eyes, he envisioned the sect''s entrance and opened another breach. However, when he stepped through the new rift, he found himself amidst towering mountains and thick forests, certainly not at the sect''s entrance.
Before he could fully comprehend his surroundings, Hughie felt a terrifying force attempting to pull the very life essence out of him. "W-what''s happening?" he whispered, clutching his chest.
Li Fenghao''s eyes widened in shock as his ethereal vision locked onto an elderly figure seated cross-legged in a clearing, casually absorbing the life essence around him.
How is this even possible? He pondered.
The Heavens hadn''t merely forbidden the absorption of life essence through strict mandates, but had ensured it was fundamentally unattainable. Heavenly tribulation was the sole genuine method to lengthen one''s lifespan without drawbacks. Over the eons, many cultivators had sought alternate ways to prolong their lives, yet they all had severe, sometimes debilitating repercussions.
Li Fenghaos vision went blurry as he felt a tug on his own life force. "Escape! Use the technique and escape NOW!" he shouted mentally at Hughie as a sliver of his life essence made its way to the mysterious figure.
Without wasting another moment, Hughie created another fissure in space. This time, he reappeared right outside his sect. Panting, he tried to regain his composure.
The old man couldn''t contain his frustration. "Boy! In all my years, I''ve never seen someone with luck as horrid as yours! How can it be that every time you use the technique, you narrowly escape death? Do you have a death wish?"
Hughie''s ears turned a shade of crimson. He felt the sting of the old man''s words, but there was no counter to it. The old man was right, his recent encounters had been nothing short of catastrophic.
Is my luck truly that terrible? he wondered. He then recalled his master''s attempts at holding his hand during past lessons. Did those touches somehow curse me? he shivered.
Li Fenghao continued to grumble, "I''ve taught numerous disciples and traveled countless realms. But never... NEVER have I seen a lad attract disaster like a moth to flame! Is this some special talent of yours?"
"I...I don''t know," Hughie mumbled.
| Ding! |
| Warning! |
| You Are Attacking Your Disciple Hughie |
Hughie? Slifer''s eyes snapped open in surprise. Of course, it''s Hughie. Where did that boy suddenly pop up from? Despite extending his spiritual sense, he couldnt find any traces of the young cultivator.
While the delicious stream of life essence continued to flow into him, he kept an eye out for Hughie. I mean, if he could dodge some strange being from another dimension, a tiny life essence tug should be like a gentle pat on the back...right?
| Ding! |
| Cease Your Attack |
| The Death Of A Disciple By Your Own Hand Will Have Severe Repercussions |
The message from the System felt like a slap on the face. As per the Systems design, the Reversal Card, or any other card, once activated, could not be stopped midway.
Oh, come on, System! You''re the one who gave me these cards! He grumbled internally. Why couldn''t you add a "pause" button for those things?
Slifer began to feel a hint of anxiety, he genuinely wasnt sure if even a protagonist, however lucky, could escape the Systems grip entirely.
He better be okay... For both our sakes.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| You Have Absorbed 0.000001% Life Essence Of A Greater Immortal |
Chapter 35: Val, Who Did You... Eat?
A rush of pure life essence unlike any other Slifer had ever felt surged through him, leaving him gasping, "G-greater Immortal?" The intensity of the energy sent him into a state of euphoria so potent that focusing on anything else became a Herculean task.
But survival instincts kicked in, forcing his eyes wide open as he scanned his surroundings fearfully. A Greater Immortal... here? The thought was as terrifying as it was perplexing. Aren''t they supposed to be in the Higher Realms, not meddling in the affairs of ants like me?
He half-expected the offended Immortal to materialize from the ether, delivering a slap potent enough to end his existence for the audacity of stealing even a sliver of their precious life essence.
Slifer knew all too well that none of his cards could save him from a Greater Immortal''s wrath, Deadly Strike Card against a Greater Immortal? Might as well throw pebbles at a mountain.
Fight or flight? Both seem equally futile before such a being, he pondered grimly.
But as moments ticked by and no divine retribution descended upon him, Slifer''s tense muscles began to relax. That''s odd... he mused, his thoughts drifting back to Hughie. Could there be a connection?
Shaking his head, he decided to find out how much lifespan he gained.
Status!
| Name: Slifer |
| Race: Human |
| Alignment: Demonic |
| Cultivation: Late Foundation Establishment |
| Lifespan Remaining: 10 Years |
| Karmic Credits: 5700 |
| Skills: Insight (Basic) |
| Items: Reversal Card, Peak Slifer Card, Whimsical Wind Card |
| Abilities: Mirror Mastery: Level 1 |
| Techniques: Sunrise Slash: Level 2, Stellar Nova Strike: Level 1 |
| Weapon Mastery: Sword: 5% |
0.000001% gave me a whole decade? Good heavens, what kind of monstrous longevity do these Greater Immortals have? Slifer mused, his eyes widening in disbelief. Man, if only that Greater Immortal had been feeling a tad more generous. A tiny bit more and I could''ve seen the next ice age!
His train of thought was cut short by a sharp pain that pierced through his chest. He quickly extended his spiritual sense inward, examining his body. There, he saw the chaotic swirl of Pseudo Origin Realm energy battering against the Qi Condensation Seal, which now showed alarming signs of fracturing.
Dammit, is this the backlash of clashing with Hughie''s luck? He wondered, his thoughts punctuated by pain.
A barrage of System notifications popped up, but Slifer dismissed them with a flick of his mind. Doubled over in agony, he hurriedly opened the System Shop, seeking somethinganythingthat could stabilize the situation.
The following cards appeared before his eyes:
| Qi Purge Seal: When activated, this seal creates a temporary pathway for the excess qi to flow out of the body. Cost: 500 Karmic Credits |
| Qi Storm Dispersion Array: When activated, this array disperses the excess qi in the form of controlled energy storms. Cost: 700 Karmic Credits |
| Qi Conversion Meditation: Convert the unstable qi into pure spiritual energy, accelerating cultivation progress. Cost: 1,000 Karmic Credits |
| Qi Armor Manifestation: Gain the ability to manifest a protective qi armor around the body to enhance defense, strength and agility. Cost: 1,500 Karmic Credits |
"Purging the Pseudo-Origin Realm Qi would be a waste," Slifer muttered under his breath. With risk comes reward, after all. The options to absorb the qi were tempting, promising an immediate breakthrough, but he knew it was an unnecessary shortcut with his Heaven Rank cultivation method and pills. If only it promised a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm...
Without any hesitation, he purchased the Qi Armor Manifestation. Without any Critical Block cards left, a reliable defense was paramount.
Stellar Nova Strike probably isnt enough, he mused.
Activating the card, he felt the rampaging qi within him quell, transforming into a smoke-like Qi Armor. It enveloped him, creating a defensive shell at the Peak Nascent Soul level. The minute traces of Origin Realm energy, overwhelmed by the conversion, was lost in the process.
With his body only at the Body Tempering realm, the armors effect was clearly evident, he could already feel it enhancing his physical abilities. "With this, Core Formation cultivators shouldn''t pose much of a threat," he muttered, a smirk forming on his lips. But as he moved, the armor fractured, fissures spreading across its smoky form until it dissipated into nothingness.
Slifer sighed, a touch of frustration in his voice. "Seems my body can''t handle this armor for more than ten seconds." He shook his head, it seemed he would need to focus on body cultivation.
Slifer thought about the difference between body cultivators and their spiritual counterparts. Body cultivators tempered their flesh, bones, and blood through arduous and, more often than not, torturous training, transforming their very bodies into weapons.
As for spiritual cultivators, they sought internal harmony, meditating to refine their spiritual energy and Qi.
One path is like forging iron under relentless hammer blows, while the other is like nurturing a delicate flower, he mused.
He shuddered at the thought of undertaking the brutal regimen body cultivators endured.
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But if I want to extend the Qi Armor''s duration, I have no choice but to strengthen my physique, he concluded. With a shake of his head, dismissing the unpleasant thoughts, he decided it was time to return to the sect. He reached out with his Soul Bond, calling for Val.
Within moments, he noticed the silhouette of the little dragon in the distance, flying quickly toward him. But something was amiss. Val''s posture was slouched, her head lowered, wings drooping slightly C she had the look of a child who knew she''d done something wrong.
Whats wrong, Val? Slifer asked, though part of him wasnt sure he wanted to know.
Val covered her face shyly with her wings, her body language screaming guilt.
Time to check the notifications, Slifer thought with a growing sense of dread. As he feared, he was met with multiple identical messages.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Has Attacked A Righteous Cultivator |
| 120 Karmic Credits Have Been Deducted |
Had it been one message, perhaps Slifer wouldnt need to worry but attacking three righteous cultivators would definitely spell trouble.
"Val," Slifer sighed, rubbing his temples. "What did you do?"
Val peeked through her wings, her eyes big and round. "Pwomise Mastew won''t be mad?"
Heaving another sigh, Slifer said, "Alright, I promise. What happened?"
Val looked up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Val made wickle miswake. Now bad men chase Val."
Slifer''s heart sank. Just what I needed. More trouble. However, seeing Val''s earnest eyes, he couldn''t find it in himself to scold her. "Alright, Master will deal with it," he said, forcing a smile.
I really hope it''s something minor. It would be quite the scene if an Ascendant cultivator had to flee from ''lesser'' cultivators.
His thoughts were interrupted by a distant shout. Looking up, Slifer saw a group of five Nascent Soul cultivators flying towards him, led by an old man whose aura suggested he was at the Origin Realm. Oh, Val, youre going to be the death of me, Slifer internally groaned.
One of the Nascent Soul cultivators laughed derisively. "You finally gave up running," he taunted.
Another nodded in agreement, sneering, "Your master will pay for your sins, beast."
"You dare devour my grandson," a third accused, his voice thick with grief.
Realising that not even the last Peak Slifer card could save him from the situation, Slifer felt a tremor of fear threaten to shake his legs, but he held his ground, he knew that he had to give off the aura of an expert if he wanted to bluff his way out of the situation.
Behind him, Val cowered, peeking out from her hiding spot. "Mastew, mean men," she whispered, pointing a small talon at them.
The Nascent Soul cultivators paused as their leader raised his hand, he squinted at Slifer, sensing something familiar. As recognition dawned, his complexion turned ashen, and he plummeted to the ground, bowing his head in a submissive posture. "Forgive me! Forgive me!" he cried out in horror.
What just happened? Slifer''s brow arched in surprise at the sudden turn of events.
Two hundred years ago, the old man remembered with a pang of fear. He had been ambushed by none other than Slifer. The attack was swift, merciless, and almost took his life. By a twist of fate and sheer luck, he managed to escape with his life, but his treasured Luminance Blade was left behind. That cherished heirloom, passed down through generations, was taken by Slifer, who then corrupted its pure nature and left it to gather dust for years before bestowing it upon one of his disciples as a casual gift.
Foolish! The old cultivator chastised himself. He had always intended to retrieve his family''s blade and seek revenge on Slifer. But news that Slifer had advanced to the Ascendant realm changed everything. It''s certain death to provoke an Ascendant, especially one as ruthless as Slifer, he agonized.
Seeing the old man''s reaction, the Nascent Soul cultivators exchanged confused glances. Their leader, on his knees and begging for mercy? This was a sight none of them had expected.
"W-what are you doing, Sect Master?"
The old man, his forehead still pressed against the ground, motioned with his hand, urging his followers to mimic his actions. Taking a deep, shaky breath, he addressed Slifer, "Had I known the dragon was under the protection of Ascendant Slifer, I would have gladly sacrificed a few more disciples to appease her."
The surrounding cultivators began quaking in fear. They looked at each other with wide eyes, realization dawning on them. This is Master Slifer, the rumored new Ascendant cultivator? They thought collectively, cursing their rotten luck as they quickly followed their Sect Master''s lead, dropping to the ground. As a smaller righteous sect, lacking an Ascendant cultivator of their own, they had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill of humiliation.
And who said I had dogshit luck? Slifer cleared his throat, giving them a displeased look that sent shivers down their spines. "My disciple informed me you were bullying her," he said slowly.
Their eyes widened at the mention of ''disciple.'' It was truly unheard of for a beast to be considered a disciple, but given the unpredictable behavior of Ascendant cultivators, they dared not question his choice. In their desperation to appease, they began kowtowing fervently, their heads thudding against the hard ground with each bow, leaving red marks on their foreheads.
Feeling emboldened by the turn in events, Val puffed out her tiny chest proudly as she stood on Slifers shoulder.
"You bully Val!" she accused, trying to sound as righteous as possible.
The cultivators exchanged anxious glances. Bully? They thought incredulously. She was the one who attacked unprovoked!
They remembered how she''d ambushed a disciple in the forest, and when reinforcements arrived, she''d gobbled them up without hesitation. She had even made a snack out of an elder at the Nascent Soul realm! But they held their tongues, not daring to argue with the stubborn creature. With lowered heads, they mumbled, "Yes, we bullied you."
Slifer, suppressing a smile, turned to Val. "How do you think they should be punished?" he asked.
Val''s face scrunched up in thought. After a moment, she responded with an innocent pout, "Val weally hungwy."
Chapter 36: Grandpa In A Ring Trying To Poach MY Disciple?!
The men''s faces went ashen at Vals innocent declaration. Slifer quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind. If I let her try to eat them, they''ll fight back... and they will realize I''m not the Ascendant cultivator they believe me to be, he mulled over cautiously. "Beside that," he suggested to the baby dragon, trying to steer the conversation away from something that could end badly for him.
Val scrunched up her face in thought. "Val wike tweasures," she finally declared with a nod.
That might actually work, he pondered. If I let them go without any action on my part, it would seem out of character for the original Slifer they know. But demanding treasures... it''s a middle ground. Not too aggressive to provoke retaliation, yet assertive enough to fit my perceived image.
Slifer''s expectant gaze settled on the men, who hesitated only for a moment before they started to empty out their storage rings. A plethora of items soon littered the ground: jade pendants glowing with soft light, orbs infused with condensed elemental energy, and pills sealed in exquisite vials.
"P-Please, find it in your mercy to accept these humble offerings," stammered one of the Nascent Soul cultivators, sweat beading on his forehead.
The Nascent Soul elder, whose grandson had been devoured, stepped forward with a forced smile, his body quivering like a leaf in the wind. "May the Heavens bless me with more grandchildren," he said through gritted teeth, "so that Master Slifer''s esteemed disciple can partake in more... gourmet feasts." The words tasted like poison on his tongue, but he knew that his survival depended on it.
The leader, with a resigned sigh, unhinged a splendid sword with an emerald handle from his waist, laying it beside the rest. He had once lost an invaluable heirloom to Slifer, and now, history was mocking him with its repetition. He then performed one last kowtow, his forehead lightly thudding against the ground. "Master Slifer, I will never forget this graciousness."
That sounded more like a veiled threat than a sign of gratitude. Lucky for him, I''m not an Ascendant cultivator; otherwise, a slap would''ve been the least of his worries, Slifer thought wryly as he dismissed them with a casual wave of his hand, the trembling men scampered away without a backward glance.
Tweasures! Val squeaked as she transformed, her form expanding enormously. The change in form seemed to have sped up the digestion of the cultivators she devoured because a Mid Nascent Soul aura came off her in waves, making Slifer flinch at the intensity.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Val Has Broken Through |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
100 Karmic Credits, not enough to make up for the loss but its a start.
Vals! Vals! All Vals! She began to gobble up the treasures, each item disappearing with a satisfied gulp.
"Spit it out!" Slifer commanded, his expression stern. He realized that despite Val''s current loyalty, she was still a wild beast at her core. Even though, he saw her more as a child than a pet, she was still a higher level being, albeit a baby version. A dragon''s pride was tremendous, and he needed to show her that he was in charge, an out-of-control adult Val would not be something he would be able to handle.
I cant only blame her, she doesnt know any better, I need to do a better job as a parent figure.
Val''s ears cowered back, and she reluctantly spat out the treasures she had eagerly consumed.
"Master told you to stay out of trouble."
"Val sowwy."
Slifer shook his head. "Sorry isnt enough," he said, pausing for emphasis, "You''ll need to make up for the trouble you caused. You are to complete 10 missions for me. And no humans as a meal unless I allow it, understood?"
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Vals Loyalty Has Increased By 5% |
| Ding! |
| You Have Received 20 Karmic Credits For Discipling Your Disciple |
Hmm, seems like I made the right choice.
"Val will be good this time."
A full sentence from the dragon surprised Slifer.
Has the breakthrough to the Mid-Nascent Soul stage affected her mental age? If before Val was equivalent to a five-year-old, she now seemed more similar to an eight-year-old, this was all guesswork from Slifer, he didnt really know enough about kids to be certain. When she breaks through to the Origin Realm, would she be in her teens?
The relationship between Vals cultivation and her mental age was comforting, Slifer didnt know the first thing when it came to taking care of a kid.
As for a teenager? Slifer mused, a smirk playing on his lips. First, there''s the angst phase, where everything is the worst thing ever. Then, the obsession with the opposite sex C or the same. Ah, and can''t forget the rebellion stage. ''You''re not my real master!'' That''ll be a fun one.
Shaking his head, Slifer turned his attention to the spoils.
Im rich!
For a Supreme Elder; he was, in fact, living in poverty but his true cultivation was at the Foundation Establishment realm so in reality he was drowning in riches.
As the treasures flowed into his storage ring, he felt a strange connection to one of the items. It was the sword the Origin Realm expert wielded. On closer inspection, Slifers eyes widened.
Activating his insight skill on the sword, the information presented stunned him.
| Name: Skyfade Emerald Blade |
| Rank: Heaven Rank Treasure |
| Realm: Adaptable to user''s cultivation base |
| Condition: Perfect |
Now, this is a pleasant surprise, he thought, his fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the sword.
Unlike the sword Elder Olakin had given him, which demanded an Origin Realm cultivation to even handle, this Skyfade Emerald Blade was perfect for him. It was adaptable, a treasure that grew with its master. Slifer couldn''t help but murmur, "I should probably pay that old man another visit sometime. Who knows, he might have another treasure tucked away."
Just as the thought crossed his mind, Val shrank down to her petite form. Hovering over to Slifer, her face displayed a mix of confusion and embarrassment. "Master... why was Val scawed? Dwagons are never scawed," she mumbled, her voice tinged with a hint of shame.
Slifer put two and two together, realizing she''d been overwhelmed by the emotions transmitted through their Soul Bond. Ah, she felt my fear and assumed it was her own.
Gently patting her head, he reassured her, "Val is just a baby dragon. It''s okay to be scared sometimes. But remember, Master will be here to protect you and then when youre big enough, you will protect Master."
"Master is Val''s favowite," she looked up at him with teary eyes.
Slifer chuckled, ruffling her scales affectionately. "Then you should stop causing so much trouble for your favorite master."
Val puffed her cheeks out, nodding vigorously.
"When Val is big, Val will protect Mastew!"
Hughie was waiting in Slifers courtyard, he had finally gotten the hang of the Dimensional Slide technique, landing him in the sect rather than in another near-death experience. He didnt know if his luck could save him a third time.
Beside him, Li Fenghao, trapped within a spiritual ring, was mid-rant, boasting about how he''d make Hughie''s master bow before him.
"And then," Li Fenghao''s voice crackled from the ring, "your master will be so impressed he''ll happily hand you over to me."
"I''m not some ornamental pot to be handed around," Hughie retorted, though a part of him felt oddly flattered. He''d always imagined being fought over by jade beauties, not crotchety old men.
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Suddenly, the silhouette of a dragon appeared on the horizon, winging its way towards them. It was Val!
Li Fenghao began to laugh, "Watch and learn, brat," but his voice faltered as his eyes narrowed on the figure riding the dragon. The old man''s voice turned to a strangled wheeze. "H-how is this possible?"
Hughie, surprised by the old man''s reaction, asked, "What''s got your beard in a twist?"
"Keep my existence a secret," Li Fenghao managed to croak out, his earlier bravado evaporating like morning mist.
Hughie raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going to ''show my master who''s boss''? Why is the Great Immortal so scared all of a sudden?"
"This is no time for jokes, you brat!" Li Fenghao snapped, his aura retreating into the ring, shrinking smaller and smaller until it was imperceptible. Humph, Ill explain later.
Hughie sighed in exasperation. "Great," he mumbled to himself, Even this old geezer doesn''t want to be anywhere near my master.
Slifer and Val descended into Slifers courtyard, where Hughie was already waiting with an uneasy expression. How did he get here before us? Slifer wondered.
Dismissing Val, Slifer walked up to his disciple.
Hughie, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, snapped back to reality and hastily greeted Slifer with a bow and clasped hands.
"Rise," Slifer said, noticing Hughie''s discomfort. "Your Senior Sister was quite worried about you."
Hughie, feeling a twinge of guilt, awkwardly scratched his head. "I... um..."
Slifer waved off his concerns. "You have done well," he said, referring to Hughie''s efforts in protecting Amelia.
Hughie shifted uncomfortably. He knew that when his master acted nice, he generally wanted something.
Slifer, curious about the Heaven Rank treasure Hughie found, probed further. "Did anything interesting happen while you were away? Perhaps you found a treasure?"
Hughie stifled a nervous gulp. "If I had found one, I''d offer it to you, Master." But internally, he grumbled, I''m tired of ''lending'' my stuff to Master.
Knowing that Hughie was lying to him, Slifer glanced at the loyalty stats of his disciples. Hughie''s number flickered, settling at a disheartening 35%.
I guess the loyalty stat isn''t just a useless number after all, Slifer mused with a frown. This sparked a troubling thought. Is someone trying to poach my disciple? He felt a twinge of unease. Could it be the handiwork of that Greater Immortal?
To clear his suspicions, Slifer started scrutinizing Hughie for any trace of the Greater Immortal, with his cultivation, he would be a fool to believe he would be able to spot anything, that is where the Insight skill came in handy, he doubted even a Greater Immortal could hide itself from the System.
Meanwhile, Hughies face flushed. Why is Master looking at me like that?His master''s gaze felt uncomfortably intense, and when a strange look appeared on Slifers eyes, Hughie felt a shiver down his spine. I need to say something. I can''t let Master think he can just... ogle me like this.
Just as Hughie mustered the courage to voice his thoughts, Slifer''s eyes narrowed, causing Hughie to swallow his words. Can Master read my mind?Hughie pondered, feeling more self-conscious.
Clearing his throat loudly, Hughie asked, "Master, is there... something on my face?"
But Slifer''s attention was firmly on the system message that had just popped up:
| Name: Soul Bearing Ring (occupied) |
| Rank: Heaven |
| Condition: Poor |
Occupied? A grim realization dawned on himsomeone was trying to poach his disciple, and it was an old man trapped in a ring!
Focusing on the ring, Slifer once again activated Insight.
| Name: N/A |
| Realm: Greater Immortal |
| Known Techniques: N/A |
| Disposition: N/A |
Of all the clichs, Slifer thought with a silent groan. Is this one of the benevolent types, or the evil kind who''ll devour Hughie''s soul?Either way, Slifer was determined not to let anyone, especially a grandpa-in-a-ring, snatch away a protagonist under his watch.
Maybe the Greater Immortal provided Hughie with a technique, Slifer wondered. That would be a cunning way to poach his disciple.
Mirror Mastery!
| Name: Dimensional Slide |
| Rank: Obsidian |
| Description: Allows the user to transverse through the Void Realm. |
Obsidian Rank? Slifer pondered with a furrowed brow. What on earth is an Obsidian Rank technique? The highest rank he was familiar with was Heaven. His mind raced as he tried to fathom how a Core Formation realm cultivator like Hughie could use such an overpowered technique. That explains his sudden appearances. Protagonists really don''t play by the rules.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Slifer thought, Well, if it''s up for grabs... Without hesitation, he activated the Mirror Mastery Skill, and the technique''s knowledge began to imprint itself onto his mind.
| -500 Karmic Credits |
| Mirror Mastery Skill: Technique Copied - Dimensional Slide |
As expected, no credit conversion needed for righteous techniques. Nice. Slifer''s lips curled into a satisfied smile.
Almost immediately, another system notification chimed in:
| Mirror Mastery Level Up! |
| Mirror Mastery Level 2: Copying A Disciples Technique Will Be 20% Cheaper |
| You Have Gained 100 Karmic Credits! |
Slifer mentally gave himself a pat on the back. This is exactly why having protagonist disciples pays off. They do all the heavy lifting, and I get the spoils.
Slifers restrained his excitement, the old man likely still had access to his cultivation even if it was limited, Slifer knew he had to mask his discovery. The last thing I need is for him to recognize me. If he recognises me from the little life essence incident, I''m toast
"Hughie, you were saying?" Slifer coughed, feigning ignorance, his tone as casual as he could manage.
Master, I asked if there was... something on my face?" Hughie shifted uncomfortably, his master had been silently staring at him for the past minute, that coupled with the strange expressions on his face only worried Hughie further.
Slifer blinked, abruptly realizing how his actions must look. "Ah, no. Just... checking for... injuries," he replied, waving his hand vaguely.
Hughie, rattled by his master''s lecherous behaviour, vowed inwardly, I need to get stronger so I can fend off... whatever this is.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughies Loyalty Has Fallen To 30% |
| Warning: If a disciple''s loyalty falls below 30%, there is a high risk of betrayal |
Chapter 37: Cant Learn A Technique? Dont Worry, Just Buy An Upgrade!
Shit, Slifer thought.
He desperately needed to find a way to increase Hughies loyalty. The most straightforward approach would be to get rid of that pesky ring and ensure Hughie remained close. However, he knew that couldnt be done. One, he was certain the Greater Immortal would smite him, and two, the ring would undoubtedly find its way back to Hughie C possibly due to some ''Heaven''s Will'' or other such nonsense.
Suppressing a sigh, Slifer mentally lamented. He didn''t possess any technique or hidden treasure to win over Hughie. If only he had an abundance of Karmic Credits, then he could buy his disciple''s loyalty. Dammit, I really dont have anything to give...
Suddenly, an idea sparked. Val! Perhaps, letting Val spend some time with Hughie might stabilize his loyalty. While it might not significantly elevate it, at least it could hover above that risky 30%.
Hughie, who had been waiting for his master to dismiss him, couldnt help but think, What''s with Master these days? Ever since his breakthrough, it''s either he''s been getting distracted mid-conversation, leering at me oddly or staring into space... He couldnt help but think of the grandpa in the ring and his strange behaviours, and sighed. Cultivation sure does a number on one''s brain. Hmm, I wonder if anyone thinks the same about menah Im sure that only happens once you reach the Nascent Soul realm.
Slifer coughed, breaking the silence. "As the Disciple Selection Ceremony is approaching, I want you to remain within the sect," he instructed.
Hughie opened his mouth to protest, but Slifer continued, "Since I will be choosing a disciple, I expect all current disciples to be present."
Hughie''s protest died in his throat, and he lowered his head.
"Also, Val has been... getting into trouble recently. And as her Juni-" Hughie shot him a skeptical look, and Slifer quickly corrected himself. "As her Senior Brother, it''s your duty to discipline her."
Hughie couldn''t help but roll his eyes. Yeah, right. that''s ''my'' job. But all he said was, "Of course, Master. I''ll look after Val."
Slifer opened his mouth to offer further guidance, but Hughie was already racing off, calling over his shoulder, "Actually, I''ll do that right now!" Watching Hughie''s retreating figure, Slifer couldn''t help but scoff. "Low loyalty indeed," he muttered under his breath.
Now alone in the courtyard, Slifer decided it was the perfect time to experiment with his new technique. He closed his eyes and focused, recalling the information about the Dimensional Slide technique. It required him to channel qi to the ends of his fingers or feet. He would need to manifest the qi, then transmute it into space qi, and finally use it to tear open a rift in space.
Slifer opted for the finger method, because, well, fingers seemed less embarrassing if this goes south. Following the instructions, he successfully focused his Anima Qithe life force within every cultivatorto his fingertips. But the next step was trickier.
Anima Qi could be converted into elemental qi, like fire, water, or wind. However, transitioning it into something as complex as space or time qi was on a whole other level. It was akin to turning water into wine; you needed a certain divine touch.
It probably sounds harder than it is, he consoled himself, recalling Hughie''s dismal comprehension stat of 2.
As he tried to convert it into space qi, he was met with resistance.
Slifer grunted with the effort, sweat beading on his brow. "Youre a stubborn fella, he muttered. The only reason he had managed to handle light qi was because he had glimpsed its essence during an enlightenment experience. But space qi was proving to be an entirely different beast.
"Come on, space qi... Be a good little qi and transform," Slifer coaxed, waving his finger as if trying to lure a stubborn cat.
But, like a cat, the qi seemed to have a mind of its own, completely ignoring Slifer''s attempts at persuasion.
He concentrated harder but no matter how much he tried, it remained stubbornly Anima Qi. "Maybe if I just..." he murmured, flicking his finger in what he hoped was a space-tearing motion. Instead of a rift, all he managed was to flick a pebble across the courtyard.
Slifer gazed at the space in front of him, utterly flabbergasted. "Hughie, with a comprehension of 2, mastered this in a day?" He muttered, raking his fingers through his hair. "If thats the case, then is my comprehension stat 1?
He pondered momentarily. A zero would likely mean one''s brain was akin to a potato. That unsettling realization made Slifer groan. "Great, I''m nearly a sentient vegetable. Just what the realm needed."
He tried to shake off the disheartening thought. Until the System reveals my stats, there''s no point getting worked up. Maybe space qi just... isnt my thing, Slifer reasoned, though not entirely convinced.
With a resigned sigh, he decided it was time to check the cost of leveling up the technique through the System. He had avoided this path before, as the System had a penchant for exorbitant charges. Last time I checked the prices, I nearly had an aneurysm...
He shook his head, trying to clear it of negative thoughts. "The Dimensional Slide is crucial. It''s my get-out-of-jail-free card, and with my luck, I''ll need it sooner rather than later. And let''s be honest, who else in the human realm can boast about wielding an Obsidian Rank technique? It could be my best shot at escaping a dire situation before I reach the Immortal Realm."
Teleporting... he thought wistfully, recalling the movies and comics that had fueled his childhood fantasies. Just like in Jumper, or Nightcrawler from the X-Men...
A soft chuckle escaped him, "I mean, who wouldn''t want the convenience? Get to the fridge without moving an inch. Perfect for a former couch potato... or a nearly sentient vegetable."
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. "Okay, let''s rip off this band-aid," he whispered, ready to see the cost of upgrading the technique.
Focusing intently on the Dimensional Slide technique, he was presented with three distinct options in bold:
"Let''s see the damage," he sighed heavily, hesitating just a moment before selecting Upgrade. The anticipation was killing him; he half-expected to see a price that would make his heart stop.
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"Please don''t make me regret this, System," he mumbled, fingers crossed for good measure.
He gritted his teeth; it was as he expected. No matter the technique, upgrading from level 0 to level 1 always cost 500 Karmic Credits. This might not seem like much, but each subsequent upgrade only got more ridiculous, doubling each time. Normally, Slifer would rather spend a few days practicing a technique to reach level 1; after all, it wasnt like he did much else. His disciples were usually the ones farming the credits.
Months could go by, and I still might not get it, Slifer thought with a heavy sigh.
Resigned, he clicked "Buy."
He felt a strange sensation, akin to the enlightenment phase but more like a mini-enlightenment period, as his understanding of space and the technique improved. Ah, that makes more sense! He laughed as he finally understood why he wasn''t able to convert his qi into space qi before.
| Ding! |
| Dimensional Slide Technique Level Up |
Closing his eyes, he focused on the instructions of the Dimensional Slide technique. His qi flowed to his fingertips and transformed into space qi. With a swift tearing motion, a small portal materialized before him.
"Now that is awesome," he exclaimed with a chuckle.
| Ding! |
| New Affinity Unlocked |
| Light (20%) |
| Fire (5%) |
| Space (2%) |
So, the System wanted me to begin learning three elements before deciding to add it to my stats? Slifer shook his head at the System''s strange and seemingly arbitrary requirements.
Just as he was about to step into the portal, he hesitated. Better safe than sorry. Who knows what''s waiting for me in the Void Realm? Activating the Nascent Soul Armor, smoky black armor enveloped his body. He took a deep breath and stepped through the portal, which snapped shut behind him.
Moments later, Caelum appeared in the courtyard with a flash of qi, his expression fraught with distress. "Master, this useless disciple needs your h" He cut off abruptly, realizing that Slifer was nowhere to be seen. Frowning, he muttered to himself, "I swear I sensed Master here a moment ago..."
"It''s over, it''s over, I''m finished," Li Fenghao rambled, pacing in the ring like a caged beast. High above him, Hughie, perched on his flying sword while scanning the skies for Val, sighed heavily. "What are you grumbling about now?" he called down.
Li Fenghao pointed a shaky finger to the sky, mumbling, "Life essence, you can''t just absorb it! There are heavenly rules!" His eyes widened as he added, "But your master''s technique... It doesnt care about such rules!"
Hughie chuckled. "So what? That just means my master is more awesome than we thought... which is honestly a sentence I never imagined saying."
Li Fenghao shook his head wildly. "No, no, no! Any cultivator who can ignore the laws set by the Heavens is not simple. They go on to do great thingsscary things. Ascendant cultivator? Your master is no Ascendant cultivator!"
Hughie''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, are you saying Master''s been hiding his cultivation? He hasnt truly reached the Ascendant realm?"
"No, you fool," Li Fenghao said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Your master is not a mortal. He''s at least an immortal, but most likely a Greater Immortal." He fell silent, his eyes darting around as if expecting Slifer to pop out of thin air.
"Master... an immortal?" Hughie blinked in disbelief. "That can''t be possible. Are you sure you haven''t had too much spirit wine, old man?"
Li Fenghao glared at him, suddenly looking deadly serious. "He sensed me. I felt him stare right into my soul. Do you think a mere mortal has that kind of power?"
Hughie, taken aback by the outburst, raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Easy there, old man. Take a deep breath."
Li Fenghao heaved a sigh, his shoulders slumping. "It doesn''t make sense," he mumbled. "Why would your master let me live? If he used that technique at the Immortal level, he could have drained me dry of life essence."
Chuckling, Hughie teased, "Sounds like the ''mighty'' Greater Immortal is a bit rattled."
With a scowl, the erratic elder retorted, "In my prime, I could''ve slapped your master into the next realm! But..." He paused, glancing around nervously. "For now, let''s be a tad wary of him, alright?"
"Be wary of Master?" Hughie questioned, raising an eyebrow. The idea was absurd to him. Sure, there were those recent instances where his master showed a bit too much interest in his disciples, particularly in Hughie. That had led Hughie to speculate, with a shudder, that maybe Master had... different tastes. But despite tales of his master''s ruthlessness, he had never harmed his own disciples, at least not intentionally. Neglect, maybe, but not harm.
"Why should I trust a grandpa trapped in a ring over my own master?" Hughie shot back
"Your master is definitely hiding some secrets, brat!" Li Fenghao retorted.
Hughie snorted. "Which cultivator doesn''t have a closet full of secrets?"
Li Fenghao shook his head vigorously. "No immortal being would willingly hide in the mortal realm unless they''re planning something major. Either that or they''ve lost their marbles. But your master seems to have all his faculties intact."
Seeing that Hughie wasn''t convinced, Li Fenghao whispered. "I sensed great desire from your master when he stared at you."
Hughie''s face paled, and he gulped audibly. So, he wasn''t just imagining things. "I guess... being careful can''t hurt," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Li Fenghao nodded, he was reluctant to deplete the qi he had painstakingly restored over countless millenniums of confinement. However, he recognized the gravity of facing a Greater Immortal, particularly one that followed the demonic path.
I would rather blow us all up than fall into the hands of one of ''them''.
Slifer appeared in the Void Realm with a disoriented blink. "This looks like a black and white movie," he commented, surveying the eerie landscape that made him slightly uncomfortable. It was a deadlandno trees, no living beings, nothing. Just a barren, desolate expanse. "It''s depressing," he muttered to himself, feeling a shiver run down his spine.
Shrugging, he decided it was time to leave, the technique was a great way to move around unhindered but this place was too...creepy.
With a casual flick of his wrist, Slifer expected the familiar swirl of the Dimensional Slide technique to materialize instantly. But instead of the usual portal opening, there was nothingjust the empty air where a gateway should have appeared. His confident expression faltered, turning into a mix of surprise and disbelief as he stared at the empty space.
"That was...unexpected."
Shaking his head, he repeated the gesture once more, then again, and yet again.
"Why isn''t it working?" Slifer frowned, a twinge of panic creeping into his voice. He paused, his eyes widening in horror. "Don''t tell me I''m stuck here..."
The very thought of being trapped in this lifeless realm sent shivers of dread through him. Being alone here would drive him mad, and if he wasn''t alonewell, that was an even worse prospect. Only beings that would reside here are beings that could squash me like an ant, killing me without even realizing they stepped on something, he thought, his face paling.
Slifer let out an awkward laugh, which quickly turned into an ugly grimace. "Don''t tell me this is karmic retribution for copying a protagonist''s technique..."
His musings were abruptly interrupted by a roar. But this wasn''t any ordinary roarit was a ghastly sound that made his skin prickle with fear. Instinctively, he turned towards the sound, his eyes widening at the sight of two behemoth-sized, dementor-like figures in the air having a standoff.
"Holy spirit stones..." Slifer whispered, his breath caught in his throat, he felt very small and out of place.
How can they be so far away yet look so...big?
Slowly, Slifer began to edge backward, every muscle in his body tensed. I need to get out of here and hide, he thought, tiptoeing as quietly as possible in the opposite direction.
Suddenly, the ghastly roar escalated into ear-piercing screeches as the two dementor-like beings clashed. The shockwave from their collision sent Slifer flying forward, tumbling through the air. As he sailed uncontrollably away from the battle, a begrudging sense of gratitude washed over him.
At least it''s pushing me away from those two, Slifer thought grumpily. No wonder no one wants to live here...
Chapter 38: Fenlock Vs Senior Brother Zonrak!
Fenlock felt like it was time to return, killing 10 demonic cultivators should be enough to meet his master''s expectations. A sigh slipped from his lips as he stepped onto the sect grounds. Unlike many others in the sect, he never found joy in tormenting the weak. Engaging with cultivators at the same cultivation had always been a walk in the park for him, particularly since his specialization in sound cultivation often gave him an unexpected edge.
His master had sent him on this mission, perhaps hoping it would steel his resolve against his senior brothers'' so-called ''bullying''a term Fenlock found exaggerated. In his view, restraint was a virtue; sharp words were something he could bear with without lashing back.
Senior brothers aren''t bullying; they''re just... giving advice, he rationalized.
Shaking his head, he admitted to himself that his nature had always been to sidestep conflicta trait that had put him at the receiving end of many beatings from his former master, Elder Fron.
Lost in thought, Fenlock was suddenly jolted from his reverie by a sudden appearance. A silver-haired girl appeared before him, her abrupt presence making him tense instinctively.
Oh, what does she want now? he thought, barely suppressing a sigh.
"Junior Brother, you''re back!" she exclaimed, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
Fenlock nodded slowly, opting for silence. He had learned the hard way that his Junior Sister, Amelia, had a knack of looking for a petty excuse to instigate a fight. Less talk, less trouble with her.
"Master is out. He went to fetch Hughie," she said, her excitement palpable at the mention of their Junior Brother.
Fenlock found her enthusiasm strange. Why is she so excited about Hughie? he wondered, but then shrugged it off, it was not his problem to worry about. Perhaps Hughie''s her next target.
He realized that his master had been right; he was being bullied. But it wasn''t by his senior brothers. No, the real bully was the little silver-haired tornado standing in front of him. Yet, confronting her seemed more trouble than it was worth. Ignoring the girl was, after all, the path of least resistance.
Amelia''s chatter blended into the background as Fenlock''s mind drifted away. However, a few moments later, a voice snapped him back to the present, breaking through his haze. "Hey, Fenlock, where have you been hiding? It''s been a while since we''ve seen you."
Both Amelia and Fenlock turned, spotting three male cultivators approaching them. The leader, a tall man with black hair streaked with silver, was flanked by two othersone slender with a quick, darting gaze, the other more muscular and carrying a large halberd.
"Senior Brother Zonrak," Fenlock greeted with a bow, clasping his hands together in respect. Zonrak was more than just a fellow cultivator; he was Fenlock''s unofficial relationship guru. Without his advice, I''d have never mustered the courage to ask out Junior Sister Lenvari.
Zonrak chuckled heartily, patting Fenlock so hard on the shoulder it almost made him stumble. "Ah, Fenlock, still as stiff as ever!" he laughed.
Amelia''s brows furrowed slightly at this interaction, but she remained silent.
Zonrak''s teasing then took on a sharper edge. "Still meddling with that sound cultivation, huh? That''s hardly a man''s art."
The slender cultivator chimed in, "Yes, it''s rather... enchanting, in a way." He giggled.
The larger cultivator added, "A method more suited to serenading ladies than real combat, I''d say."
Fenlock, ever-oblivious, mistook the jibes as genuine advice, nodding in appreciation. "True, I always look for ways to enhance it."
Amelia''s face twisted into a scowl, her short temper getting the better of her. With a sudden push, she sent Zonrak stumbling back. "Do you think I''ll just stand here and let you bully my Junior Brother like that?" she spat out.
Fenlock waved his hands in a placating gesture. "Senior Brothers are only offering their guidance," he tried to explain.
Amelia scoffed. "If you think that''s advice, then you''re more naive than I thought."
Zonrak, red-faced from the unexpected shove, retorted, "Mind your place, little girl!"
Amelia''s laughter chilled the air. "You won''t find me ''little'' when I stand over your corpse," she sneered. With each word, her appearance shifted horrifically. Her skin paled as her eyes hollowed out leaving a blue glow. Black veins snaked across her face and neck. Her mouth opened grotesquely, revealing a maw filled with jagged, menacing teeth. "I bet," she whispered, her voice echoing as if from a deep cavern, "your soul tastes delicious."
Zonrak''s stance shifted subtly, betraying a hint of unease. Not because of Amelia''s grotesque transformation, but due to her notorious reputation. The girl was infamous for her random assaults on disciples. Lately though, she had been suspiciously quiet, but Zonrak couldn''t shake off the unsettling feeling that he might be her next target.
In the meantime, Fenlock stepped in, the peacemaker between two rising storms. "Senior Brother, Junior Sister, please, this is unnecessary," he urged, hoping to diffuse the tension.
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Amelia released a resigned sigh as she let her ghastly features revert to her usual delicate appearance, the last thing she wanted was for her master to catch her attacking another innocent disciple. Her master''s prohibition against bullying had been a thorn in her side so she had hoped to goad Zonrak into a fight, giving her the perfect pretext to claim his soul. But unfortunately, her plan had failed.
Seeing Amelia back down, Fenlock''s shoulders sagged in relief, he wasnt entirely confident in restraining his junior sister, she did have a tendency tolose control.
However, Zonrak''s pride had taken a blow, and seeing Amelia stand down only boosted his confidence. "Look at the mighty predator," he sneered, eyeing her small stature, "barely taller than a child."
Fenlock''s heart raced, well aware that height was Amelia''s sensitive spot. He quickly spun around, confronting Zonrak. "Senior Brother, she stepped back. Let''s leave it at that."
Zonrak scoffed dismissively. "Perhaps you''re accustomed to being spoken to like that by a woman, but I am a real man."
Fenlock''s brow furrowed in confusion. What does being a man have to do with this petty squabble? He suspected Zonrak''s pride was clouding his judgment.
Unsatisfied with Fenlock''s lack of response, Zonrak pushed further, a wicked grin on his face. "Perhaps a real man should keep Junior Sister Lenvari company tonight, instead of a mere sound cultivator like you, hmm?"
The color drained from Fenlock''s face, replaced by a deep blush. His threshold for personal insults was high, but dragging Lenvari into this that was a different matter entirely. The fire in his eyes revealed a rare anger.
A slight smirk curled the corners of Amelia''s lips, which went by unnoticed as Fenlock''s mouth opened and an ear-piercing sound erupted forth. The waves of sonic energy caused Zonrak and his cohorts to clamp their hands over their ears, their faces contorting in agony.
Fenlock honed the sound on Zonrak, amplifying its intensity. The senior brother crumpled to his knees, blood trickling from his ears as his screams punctured the air. The pained cry snapped Fenlock out of his blind rage, and he quickly closed his lips, his expression morphing into one of shock.
Zonrak lay slumped on the ground, whimpering in pain, as Amelia delivered a hearty slap on Fenlock''s back. "Master would be proud," she exclaimed with a wide grin.
Fenlock shook his head, a look of regret washing over him. "Thisthis isn''t me," he whispered.
They were interrupted by a soft thud. A bald man, Boss Morvran, glided down gracefully from his sword. Amelia''s face lit up at his sight. "Boss Morvran!" she greeted.
Morvran''s sharp eyes darted between Amelia, the fallen trio, and Fenlock, his expression serious. "Your master won''t be pleased when he hears about this," he warned as his gaze returned on Amelia.
Amelia, always one to relish in mischief, declared, "Oh, this wasn''t my doing." She pointed at Fenlock. "It was all him."
Attacking fellow sect members... Fenlock''s thoughts churned, he had always felt a sense of loyalty to his sect, but for what reason, he could not explain. Cultivators outside the sect are one thing, but this...
Morvran''s eyes widened ever so slightly. "Didn''t peg you for the type, kid. Always thought you were too... gentle," he remarked.
Fenlock''s gaze fell to the ground, the afterimage of his actions etching themselves into his conscience. This isn''t the path I wanted to walk...
Morvran remembered Slifers instructions to Fenlock on how the boy needed to learn to stand up for himself. Approaching the conflicted disciple, he offered what he felt was encouragement, "You''ve showed spine for once, but it isn''t over yet."
Fenlock looked apprehensively at Morvran. I''ve already done too much! he thought.
Unperturbed by Fenlocks silence, Morvran pressed on. "I wasnt too pleased with your performance in our last lesson. I expect more from you this time." He paused, eyeing Zonrak''s bloodied ears. "Sound attacks seem even better than breaking bones," he muttered to himself. Turning to Fenlock, he commanded, "Well? Don''t stop now!"
Fenlock''s head shook vehemently. No. I won''t be pressured into torturing my own sect members. Not again.
Morvran''s frown deepened at Fenlock''s reluctance. It was then that Amelia stepped in, her smile beaming with mischief. "I''ll heal Zonrak, so Junior Brother doesn''t have to worry about accidentally killing him," she volunteered cheerily.
Without waiting for a reply, she positioned herself beside Zonrak, her hands radiating a green hue as she channeled the Essence Mend technique. Typically, the technique would soothe and heal, but as Amelia applied it, Zonrak''s screams of pain pierced the air as he regained consciousness.
Amelia''s smile only widened at the sight, it was no fun when they werent awake to feel the pain.
Morvran, observing the scene, couldn''t help but nod in approval. "Healing to inflict pain... The juniors these days are indeed creative in their methods of torture," he remarked.
Amelia beamed at the compliment, her mind wandering. Perhaps Master made me learn healing arts for this very reason? she pondered, she always found it strange that her master wanted her, a demonic soul cultivator, to learn healing.
During this exchange, the other two disciples, sensing an opportunity, began to slink away discreetly. Although Morvran noticed their exit, he made no move to stop them, his attention focused on Amelia''s unique application of her skills.
Nodding his head a few times, Morvran then turned to Fenlock and studied him intently before speaking. "To survive in a demonic sect, or even in the vast immortal world, one can''t avoid the darker aspects." He sighed, attempting to be encouraging, "At least today marked progress for you."
Fenlock remained silent, he had accepted that it was useless to argue with crazy people.
"Oh yes, the real reason for my visit," Morvran suddenly recalled. "Your master has yet to return to the sect. As his disciples, you''re required to attend the Disciple Selection Ceremony in his stead. Follow me."
Amelia''s eyes lit up, thinking about the possibilities of a new junior brother to toy with. She leaned down to Zonrak''s semi-conscious form and whispered menacingly in his ear, "Ill be back for you, big boy."
Pulling back slightly, her lips brushed against his in a mockingly tender kiss. She hummed appreciatively, "Mmm... delicious," tasting the lingering fear and pain that clung to him.
A feeble groan escaped Zonrak as he trembled under her soft touch, his vision dimmed as he once again lost consciousness.
Fenlock, trailing behind, couldn''t help but shudder at the sight. His head hung low, a thought crept into his mind. Would life have been easier if an immortal cultivator had discovered me instead?
In the desolate expanse of the Void Realm, Slifer''s expression darkened as an unexpected system notification appeared before him.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Fenlocks Loyalty Has Decreased By 10% |
10%? What the devil did I do? Slifer nearly let a curse slip. He was baffled at the drop in loyalty when he hadn''t even interacted with Fenlock.
Chapter 39: Disciple Selection Ceremony Begins! Where Is The Supreme Elder?!
The Verdant Serenity Valley was a sight to behold, lush and vibrant, cradled within towering mountains. It was here that the Black Rose Sect''s Disciple Selection Ceremony took place.
After the ceremony, the Sect Master would traditionally claim the privilege of first pick among the new disciples, followed by the five Grand Elders and then the Nascent Soul Elders. Those not chosen but talented enough might be taken in as outer sect disciples, where they would serve as servants with dreams of one day ascending into the inner sectthe only true disciples of the Black Rose Sect.
At the heart of the valley stood a large pagoda in which the Grand Elders were seated. The main seat, however remained empty as it was reserved for the Sect Master, who had yet to exit closed-door cultivation.
Grand Elder Darius, who sat at the right-hand side of the seat of authority, scoffed. "Where is that brat? Just because he has broken through to the Ascendant realm doesn''t give him the right to show us such disrespect."
Grand Elder Tenzin, attempting to soothe the situation, replied, "Perhaps there''s something holding the Supreme Elder up. I believe he''ll be here shortly." His eyes shifted, betraying a slight hint of anxiety.
Grand Elder Lydia remained silent amidst the bickering. Arguing as always, like hatchlings in a nest, she mused. Her gaze was fixed on the sea of participants below, searching for a successor to the Medicine Hall. Amelia had promise, yet her violent streak was more suited for the battleground than the healing gardens. The Medicine Hall demanded cultivators who could temper their inner demons, a trait Amelia sadly lacked.
Grand Elder Wyatt, a bald man with a long white goatee who had the frail appearance of a scholar but the shrewd gaze of a seasoned manipulator, let out a weary sigh. "If the Supreme Elder doesnt arrive within the next fifteen minutes, we shall commence the ceremony without him. Unfortunately, we simply cannot delay any longer."
Grand Elder Tenzin frowned. He had emphasized the importance of the ceremony to Slifer, but the Supreme Elder remained absent. Even Slifers servant, the bald fellow, seemed to have vanished without a trace after being dispatched to fetch him. Just where did he disappear to? he wondered.
Breaking the mounting tension, Grand Elder Lydia finally spoke. "Grand Elder Wyatt, may I have a look at the jade slips?"
"Of course," Wyatt replied, handing over the jade slips to her. Jade slips were crucial at such events. There were over a thousand participants, and each had a jade slip detailing their background and character. It was vital that their character was suited to become a demonic cultivator, or they showed signs that they could be moulded into one. The Black Rose Sect couldnt afford to nurture a disciple who might later spew righteousness at every turn.
The participants looked around nervously, exchanging whispers and speculative glances as they awaited the commencement of the selection ceremony. Over a thousand hopefuls from cities under the Black Rose Sect''s dominion were present.
I heard the Jexlarin Clan sent their top three talents this year," murmured a tall youth with striking silver hair.
Pfft, they''re nothing compared to the Vexorin Clan from Wick City, sneered a girl with piercing green eyes.
While major cities like Wick, Kaizer, and Rizarian were well-represented, there were also participants from smaller villages and towns within the Black Rose Sect''s territory. Just my luck to stand out like a sore thumb, thought a young man in white robes. His attire was a far cry from the extravagant silks donned by those from the major cities. But while his clothes spoke of simplicity, his eyes held a sharpness that belied his humble origins.
Every so often, a collective gasp or murmur would rise from the crowd. "Look, that''s Ivor from the Zyrklon Clan. They say that he is descended from a Thunder Eagle."
Amidst the murmurs, the shared dream was palpable. To be chosen by the Sect Master was a rare opportunity. Yet, the name on everyone''s lips was not the Sect Master but Elder Slifer. Rumours had spread like wildfire about his cultivation level.
Do you really believe that Elder Slifer has reached the Ascendant realm? a young woman from Kaizer City whispered.
It''s more than just a rumour, said another, looking around cautiously before leaning in. My cousin in the Wizeron Clan said it''s true. Can you imagine training under him?
A third chimed in, Sure, hes known to be ruthless, but the chance to study under an Ascendant cultivator? Who wouldnt risk it?
William Wick stood tall amidst the crowd, his robes of deep blue embroidered with threads of gold that showed off his status as a spoilt young master. His youthful face, framed by raven-black hair, was alive with laughter as he chatted with the scions of the Vexorin and Zyrklon Clans.
Suddenly, his laughter was cut short as a boy bumped into him. William stumbled, catching himself just in time. His face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. The eyes of his peers were upon him, waiting to see how he would react.
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Straightening his robes, William turned sharply to face the clumsy offender. Before him stood a plump boy, his eyes wide with alarm. "I-I''m so sorry, I didn''t mean to" the boy stuttered, bowing apologetically.
The cheap fabric of the boy''s attire was enough for William to grasp the full picture. With a disdainful sneer, he reached out and slapped the boy, causing him to lose balance and fall onto the muddy ground. How dare a mere village bumpkin touch me, he sneered, brushing off his robes with exaggerated disgust.
Laughter erupted around them. "Look at the fatty!" one of the Zyrklon Clan members jested.
Tears welled up in the village boy''s eyes as he touched his reddening cheek. I didnt do anything wrong. Dusty thought bitterly. The weight of his oversized robe had been his downfall. His mother, in her eagerness to send him off looking presentable, hadn''t considered the practicalities of such attire.
"I-I was just looking for my friend," Dusty muttered, his voice barely audible over the mockery.
The onlookers whispered and chuckled, enjoying the spectacle. William stood tall, a smug smile playing on his lips. Let this be a lesson, he said loudly. In the world of cultivators, your place is beneath our feet.
Dusty was aware of his ignorance. The city boys around him spoke of realms and cultivation as if they were common knowledge, while he knew next to nothing. And now he found himself face-down in the dirt, humiliated. I-I thought this was a ceremony for an immortal sect, his mind raced. The realization that he was in a demonic sect filled him with dread. Butits too late to back out now.
The young man in plain robes hesitated, his foot hovering mid-step. He was about to intervene when a voice cut through the tension. "Hey, leave him alone," a new figure declared, stepping protectively in front of Dusty.
William''s gaze slid from Dusty to the newcomer. He was tall, with broad shoulders that spoke of hard physical labour. Despite having an imposing presence, William sensed no spiritual energy from him. Oh, and who might you be?"
"I''m Nomed," the tall boy stated simply, extending a hand to Dusty, who gratefully accepted it and scrambled to his feet. "And I''m this ones friend," Nomed added.
William, feeling the eyes of his companions on him, forced a sneer. "I thought the Black Rose Sect had standards. But it seems they let any village riffraff sully these grounds," he spat out the last word with contempt.
Nomed''s eyes narrowed at the insult, but he held his tongue. "Let''s go," he said to Dusty, and the two of them began walking away to find a different spot.
William''s group burst into fits of laughter, taking jabs at the retreating duo. "Look at those rags!" one jeered. "Probably never seen a silver coin in their lives!" another chuckled.
Yet, deep within, William felt a pang of unease. That gaze... he reflected, remembering Nomed''s cold stare. Did I make a mistake? But he quickly pushed the thought away, reassuring himself, I''m the young master of the Wick Clan. Why should I worry about a village bumpkin?
As they walked, Dusty whispered, "I didnt think you''d make it in time. The village elder was so worried when he couldn''t find you."
Nomed gave Dusty a warm, reassuring smile. "I wouldn''t miss this for the world," he declared, pausing briefly before clapping a hand on Dusty''s shoulder. "This ceremony... it''s our ticket to a better life."
Dusty nodded with enthusiasm. If anyone from our village could impress the sect, it''d be Nomed. He''s always been exceptional at everything he tried.
After the 15 minutes had passed, Grand Elder Wyatt cleared his throat, drawing attention as he stood up. "We can''t wait any longer," he declared.
Grand Elder Tenzin released a resigned sigh, "I agree."
Turning towards the crowd of participants, Grand Elder Wyatt greeted them. His voice wasn''t loud, yet it carried effortlessly, reaching every ear with crystal clarity. The participants fell silent instantly, their eyes drawn to the imposing figure atop the pagoda.
"Examinees," Grand Elder Wyatt began, "you have already passed an initial evaluation to stand here today, which deems you qualified to attempt the Black Rose Sect try-outs." The participants listened intently, hanging on his every word.
"The first of your trials will be the trial of will." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "A formation will transport your souls to an illusory plane. There, you must ascend a mountain. Only those who reach the summit shall pass. Should you fail to do so within six hours, you will be eliminated."
"Oh and eight out of ten participants fail this test."
A wave of murmurs, a blend of shock and awe, rippled through the crowd. Eighty percent fail? some thought, their confidence wavering.
Sensing the rising anxiety, Grand Elder Wyatt raised his hand for silence. "However," he continued, his voice stern, "those who surmount this trial will be guaranteed entry into the Black Rose Sect." He paused, then added almost as an afterthought, "Even if it is as a mere outer disciple."
This time, the murmurs were differenttinged with excitement and determination. I will be one of those who succeed, many thought, their spirits reignited.
"Silence," Grand Elder Wyatt commanded, quelling the rising chatter. "As for the subsequent trials, I will not waste words explaining them now. Only those who pass the first will need to know." His tone left no room for questions.
Nomed, staring up at the Grand Elder, thought resolutely, As long as I pass this, nothing else matters. He didn''t care about being taken in as an elder''s disciple; he just needed to enter the sect.
Beside him, Dusty shivered. "If I knew it''d be this scary, I''d have stayed in the village herding goats," he whispered to Nomed, trying to lighten the mood. "At least goats don''t judge you if you can''t climb a mountain in your mind."
Meanwhile, the young man wearing white robes narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixated on the Grand Elder. Will is not something I lack, he thought confidently, looking down at the sword at his waist. Only the strongest of wills are qualified to wield a sword.
William snorted dismissively at the first trial. Just as I was told. A test of will. He mused further, If my source is correct, then talent will be next, followed by comprehension. He wasn''t content with mere entry into the sect; his ambitions soared higher.
His gaze flickered across the Grand Elders, searching for a specific figure. For this to work, you need to be here, William muttered under his breath, feeling a twinge of annoyance.
"Just where are you, Supreme Elder?"
Chapter 40: Attacked By An Ascendant Realm Being!
Exhausted, Slifer found a cave that seemed safe enough to catch his breath. It was a simple cave, adorned with a few vines clinging to its walls, but nothing else of note.
Unlike the other caves that looked like they spelled trouble, this one felt warm, almost inviting.
But Slifer knew you could never trust a cave, even an innocent-looking one.
After a thorough check to ensure no monsters were lurking inside, he allowed himself to slump down against the cold wall.
Slifer realized that no matter how far he ran, the dementor-like beings remained in view, never seeming to diminish in size. His earlier comparison of being an ant was disturbingly accurate.
Trying to steady his racing heart, he couldn''t shake off the overwhelming sense of dread. It was an intrinsic fear, the kind one feels when facing a superior predator. He had watched in horror as one of the dementor-like beings devoured the other. To his astonishment, the victor seemed to grow larger.
Just how much bigger can these things get!
Slifer gulped, consoling himself with the thought that he was too insignificant to even be considered a snack for such monstrous entities. Id be lucky to even get stuck between their teeth, he thought grimly.
What to do now
After some contemplation, Slifer realized he had three potential ways to escape the Void Realm. The first was to keep trying the Dimensional Slide technique, hoping a portal would form. The second option was to use credits to upgrade the technique and then attempt to open a portal. The last was to gamble and pray the system granted him a teleportation card or something similar.
Using the Dimensional Slide technique repeatedly could draw unwanted attention, Slifer thought. Upgrading it seems sensible, but what if its only marginally more effective? That would be a waste of 1000 Karmic Credits that could have been used to potentially get a useful card.
A part of him was tempted to stay, lured by the possibility of acquiring something powerful in this bizarre realm. This is where protagonists in the stories find their cheats, he mused.
Even though he already had the System, he would prefer something morereliable.
In the end, Slifer decided the best course of action would be to find a cave to hide in and gamble with the System.
That''s enough excitement for this trip. I''d rather play it safe and maybe win something useful, than risk wandering around this unpredictable realm, thats practically suicide!
Lets see how many credits I have, status.
| Name |
Slifer |
| Race |
Human |
| Alignment |
Demonic |
| Cultivation |
Late Foundation Establishment |
| Lifespan Remaining |
10 Years |
| Credits |
3060 |
| Skills |
Insight (Basic), Nascent Soul Armor: Level 1 |
| Items |
Reversal Card, Peak Slifer Card, Whimsical Wind Card |
| Affinities |
Light (20%), Fire (5%), Space (2%) |
| Abilities |
Mirror Mastery: Level 2 |
| Techniques |
Sunrise Slash: Level 2, Stellar Nova Strike: Level 1, Dimensional Slide: Level 1 |
| Weapon Mastery |
Sword: 5% |
"I have enough Karmic Credits to gamble first. If that doesn''t work, I''ll just upgrade the technique."
| Ding! |
| Random Card Acquired |
| Activate Now? |
| (Yes/No) |
Yes!
| Ding! |
| Unsuccessful |
| Better Luck Next Time! |
After over a dozen unsuccessful attempts, Slifer finally acquired a useful card C the staple Critical Block Card. It then only took him several more tries before the familiar ding of success echoed again.
| Ding! |
| Successful |
| Name: Soul Fire |
| Description: Conjure ethereal flames that burn not the flesh, but the very essence of the soul. |
| Warning: Can only affect those below the Immortal Realm |
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Burning the soul? Sounds like something straight out of a demonic cultivator''s handbook, Slifer mused, surprised by the nature of the technique. Didnt the System have some sort of agenda against the demonic path?
After checking its price in the shop, Slifer found it was worth a staggering 15,000 Karmic Credits. This single card alone made his gambling efforts worthwhile.
Yet, Slifer wasn''t comfortable with the idea of using such a technique. Torturing the soul seems too cruel. If I have to kill, I prefer it to be swift and clean, not drawn out like a certain someones methods.
Shaking his head, Slifer decided to continue his gambling spree, it was only after another few dozen attempts when he finally won a decent card.
| Ding! |
| Successful |
| Name: Reflection Card |
| Description: Creates an energy barrier that reflects attacks back at the attacker for 20 seconds |
While Slifer could see its usefulness in battles with other cultivators, he doubted its efficacy against the gargantuan Void Beasts. Reflecting their attack is pointless if they just swallow me whole, he thought. Nevertheless, he welcomed the addition of the Reflection Card to his arsenal.
Something was wrapping around his body.
Thisthis can''t be. I checked this cave thoroughly, there were no creatures here!
Slowly looking down, Slifer''s eyes widened in shock as he saw the seemingly innocent vines that had been clinging to the cave walls now crawling over his body.
Vines... attacking me? His mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.
The vines, which had appeared so harmless at first glance, were now tightening around his body, slowly squeezing the life out of him.
I was just thinking I would prefer not to use this on anyone, but you left me with no choice!
Soul Fire Cardactivate!
Instantly, the vines fell to the ground and began to thrash violently. Although there was no visible fire, their reaction was akin to being scorched by intense flames as they let out a strange sizzing sound before falling still.
It must be one enormous vine, Slifer realized when he saw that not a single vine in the cave was left alive. A regular fire technique would have harmed only a part of it, but a soul attack like this affects the entire being.
| Ding! |
| You Have Gained 1000 Karmic Credits |
1000 Karmic Credits? Just what was its cultivation level?
Insight!
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| You Have Discovered An Otherworldly Being |
| You Have Gained 100 Karmic Credits |
|
Name
|
N/A
|
| Species |
Void Plant |
| Realm |
Early Ascendant Realm |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
N/A |
| Disposition |
N/A |
Early Ascendant Realm? Slifer was astounded. Even a simple-looking vine here is ridiculously powerful. If it wasn''t for its... overly affectionate nature, Slifer joked to himself, I would have been dead without even realizing what killed me. Sure, the Critical Block Card would have kicked in, and then I''d have used the Soul Fire Card, but any normal cultivator would''ve ended up as vine food!
Remembering that this cave seemed the safest, Slifer shuddered as he wondered what beings were lurking in the others.
Shaking off the unsettling thoughts, Slifer made sure to use insight on every nook and cranny in the cave, even the pebbles werent let off the hook.
After completing his thorough examination, Slifer let out a long sigh of relief. "Finally," he muttered, a hint of fatigue in his voice. As he stretched his arms high above his head, his exhaustion seemed to vanish, replaced by a gleam of anticipation in his eyes.
"Now, onto the truly crucial and, coincidentally, vastly more entertaining task at hand, gambling!"
| Ding! |
| Random Card Acquired |
| Activate Now? |
| (Yes/No) |
Yes!
Again, the cards Slifer was getting were all duds but after a while, a smirk appeared on his face.
| Ding! |
| Successful |
| Name: Avatar |
| Description: Creates a complete clone of the user that can independently cultivate |
| Warning: The avatar cannot access the System or its cards |
"My own Kage Bunshin!"
Chapter 41: The Trial Of Will
The trial will now begin!
With that, the formations on the ground came to life, releasing a blue hue. The participants felt a wave of exhaustion sweep over them, causing their limbs to feel like jelly and their eyelids to droop as they slowly succumbed to unconsciousness.
Within the illusionary realm, a lone mountain rose from the ground, its peak, covered in mist, reached the heavens. As the mist cleared, figures began appearing at the foot of the mountain, each disoriented and surveying their surroundings.
William blinked rapidly, adjusting to the sudden change. He looked down at himself, flexing his fingers and moving his limbs. "It feels so... real. Almost like my very body has been transported here," he murmured. Lifting his gaze, he assessed the mountain ahead and the participants materializing next to him. Not wanting to lag behind, and seeing a few already starting, he took a step forward.
With every step, an increasing weight pressed down on him. Observing those around him, William noticed some participants collapsing, unable to withstand the pressure. He sneered, "Weaklings."
As Dusty appeared in the illusionary realm, he took one glance at the towering mountain and felt his knees buckle. "They can''t expect us to scale that monstrosity," he stuttered, his hand self-consciously patting the rolls of fat on his belly. "Look at me! I''ll drop dead before I even get halfway."
Nomed, who appeared beside him, laughed, clapping Dusty on the back. "My friend, you could weigh as much as ten oxen, but that won''t affect your climb," he said, grinning. "Remember, it''s not the flesh that''s tested hereit''s the spirit, the willpower."
Dusty grumbled, "Well, if they wanted to test my willpower, they should have just checked how many pies I could eat in one sitting. Sounds a lot safer to me. I mean, a pie never hurt anyone."
Meanwhile, in the void realm, Slifer, ever vigilant for lurking void beasts, sneezed unexpectedly. He instantly froze, his senses alert for any movement. When none came, he relaxed slightly but couldn''t help but think, Why would I sneeze? It''s not like cultivators catch colds.
Back in the illusionary realm, Nomed shook his head. "Get moving, or you''ll have to explain yourself to Grandma Sully if you''re sent back." Dusty visibly paled; Grandma Sully''s idea of punishment was a strict regimen of fasting, which to him was crueler than any physical torment.
Nomed took a step forward, immediately feeling a whisper of pressure, like the touch of a feather. He would have missed it if he hadn''t been braced for some form of resistance.
Dusty, however, instantly turned red as his breaths came in short bursts. "It feels like I''m lugging Grandma Sully on my back again!"
He cast a sideways glance at Nomed and the other slender participants who moved with ease, catching his breath, he continued. "I tell ya, this is unfair. Clearly, this blasted mountain has something against us... us heavyweights!" Dusty huffed.
Back in the pagoda, Grand Elder Wyatt causally waved his hand causing water to coalesce out of thin air, swirling until it formed into a thousand distinct screens that hovered in the air before them. Each one captured the image of a different participant as they faced the mountain''s challenge.
As a cultivator''s power grew, so too does their ability to multitask. For those in the Core Formation realm, watching over thousands of such screens with their spiritual sense was a trivial matter. But for these Grand Elders, who had entered the Origin Realm, such a feat was not even worth mentioning.
"The clans have indeed sent their finest," Wyatt commented. His eyes paused on one particular screen, where a young man progressed steadily. "Raze of the Rizarian Clannot only defeated the heirs of both Quorvex and Zion in a single battle but crippled them."
Elder Tenzin, standing beside him, watched the screen with interest. "He has certainly earned his place as the prime seed."
When recruiting disciples, the sect relied on a seed system that ranked potential disciples based on talent and background. Though the brief screening was not infallible, years of refinement had honed the system to a point where its estimations were not too far off the mark.
Grand Elder Darius watched the images before him, a glint of approval in his eyes. "This Rizarian boy would serve well within my Disciplinary Hall," he remarked with a confident nod, eyeing his fellow elders for any sign of contest but seeing none, a smug smile appeared on his face.
"The next three seeds hail from the Jexlarin Clan," Grand Elder Wyatt''s voice cut through the silence, drawing attention once again to the screens. "Bryce, Caelin, and Dara.
Grand Elder Lydia''s expression tightened slightly. "And what of the other clans within Kaizer city?" she asked.
"It''s the Jexlarin Clan," Grand Elder Tenzin interjected smoothly. "They''ve been expanding, pouring resources into their youth. They have ambition, the other clans have not been able to keep up."
Wyatt gave a nod of acknowledgment. In a few generations, we may well speak of Jexlarin City, not Kaizer."
Lydia''s frown deepened at this. The Wizeron Clan''s talents in healing was unmatched. It is unsettling that we see no new talents from them of late.
As they discussed, Grand Elder Wyatt''s gaze drifted to another screen. The image of a topless muscular young man appeared on it, his eyes sparked with occasional flashes of bright yellow. "Ivor of the Zyrklon Clan," he muttered.
Grand Elder Darius leaned forward, interest piqued. "Is he the one descended from the Thunder Eagle?"
"Indeed," Wyatt confirmed. The Zyrklon Clan''s bloodline usually runs thin, but this... "Every few centuries, a Zyrklon with a decent bloodline emerges. Ivor''s soul shows signs of the Thunder Eaglesigns that are far stronger than any we''ve seen in a millennium."
Grand Elder Darius eyed the image of Ivor keenly. "Hmm, this scion of Zyrklon also seems a worthy candidate for my Disciplinary Hall," he declared. The other Grand Elders said nothing, their silence an accustomed response to Darius'' assertive nature.
With a deliberate cough, Grand Elder Wyatt shifted the attention to another screen. A young man appeared, radiating arrogance as he walked up the mountain, the youth frequently glanced back with a smirk plastered across his face, as if to mock those behind him. "This is the young master of the Wick Clan, William," Wyatt announced in a neutral tone.
The gathered elders remained unimpressed, having seen too many like himproud due to their lineage, yet insignificant without it. Young masters like him often crumble without the support of their clans, they thought collectively, their eyes scanning past William''s image indifferently.
"It appears the trial has truly begun," Grand Elder Tenzin observed, gesturing towards the screens. The images now showed several participants brought to their knees, others sprawled on the ground, their wills broken by the mountain''s base. As their souls flickered back to the physical realm, a scornful scoff escaped Darius.
"What weaklings," he sneered with a dismissive wave of his hand. "What has our Demonic Sect become? Afraid of a few casualties?" He shook his head in disdain at the use of an illusionary realm. In my days, hundreds such as these would be crushed by the trialboulders would smash them, falls would claim them. They wouldn''t return, at least not whole.
Grand Elder Wyatt shook his head slightly, his beliefs aligning more with the Sect Master''s progressive vision. "A sect without rules, even a demonic one, is doomed to implode," he muttered quietly to himself.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.William was already halfway up the mountain, he was breathing heavily, more from the exertion than he would care to admit. This is more challenging than I expected, he acknowledged internally, wiping sweat from his brow. It was crucial that he not only avoid falling behind but also that he do so with the grace expected of a Wick.
He sneered as he glanced back and saw the bulky figure who had stumbled into him at the start of the trial. The overweight man was panting, his hands on his knees in a pitiful attempt to catch his breath. Struggling so soon? Pathetic, William thought in contempt.
His gaze then shifted to the other villager, the companion of the stout man. To his surprise, the villager was making decent progress, closer to the middle than the base of the mountain. Impressive for a commoner, I suppose, William mused, but still laughable compared to a noble like myself.
William then scanned the path ahead, as expected, the young master of the Rizarian Clan, Raze, was at the forefront with the three prodigies of the Jexlarin Clan at his heels. Yet, William''s expression turned to one of disbelief as he witnessed a white-robed youth overtake them like he was taking a stroll in the park. T-this cant be, is he somehow cheating? William pondered with a scowl. How could an unknown possibly surpass the young masters?
The white-robed male known as Kalin had no interest in the Black Rose Sect under normal circumstances; he was not a demonic cultivator, and the sect offered nothing he could not obtain from his own clan. His sole motivation for infiltrating this event was the chance to observe a sword cultivator rumored to have reached the Sword Will stagean achievement exceedingly rare in the mortal world. Even immortals struggle to grasp such a state, he thought, his curiosity piqued. Perhaps there is something I can learn from a mortal realm cultivator.
As Kalin continued walking, he overheard the grumblings of a participant behind him but paid them no mind.
"That white-robed guy... He just overtook Raze. Who is he?" the puzzled voice questioned.
"He''s not even sweating," another murmured to a fellow participant nearby. "You don''t think he''s..."
The other shook his head, "Who can say? But if he''s cheating, the elders will surely catch him."
Every now and then, Kalin''s hand occasionally brushed against the hilt of his sword and his eyes narrowed. Let''s see if this Sword Will stage cultivator is worth my time.
"Who is that boy?" Grand Elder Lydia''s voice cut through the silence, her finger pointing to a screen showcasing a white-robed youth overtaking the supposed first seed.
Wyatt''s brow creased as he extended his spiritual sense to sift through countless jade slips, murmuring, "I do not know him." His eyes narrowedsomehow, the young man had bypassed their meticulous screening.
"How dare this boy infiltrate our sect!" Grand Elder Darius boomed, his face flushing with anger as he rose from his seat, his hands clenched.
"No, let him be," Wyatt interjected firmly, gesturing for Darius to sit. "Let''s watch how this unfolds."
An imposter would be revealed by the formations, he reasoned. Unless this boy is an immortal, he cannot hide his true soul from us.
Though displeased, Darius resumed his seat, acknowledging Wyatt''s crafty mind with a begrudging nod. Discipline and punishment are my realms, Wyatt knows the subtler arts of control.
Tenzin''s gaze, meanwhile, narrowed on the young man''s weapon. "A sword cultivator," he whispered. In the illusionary realm, personal weapons did not manifest, but a sword cultivator''s blade in the higher realms was an extension of their very soul, inseparable even in illusion.
Grand Elder Darius'' frown deepened at the sight of the sword. Sword cultivators... too stern, too inflexible, he thought distastefully. And demonic sword cultivators were even worse in his eyesoften they would lose their minds to the very blades they wielded. Both types did little more than sour his mood.
While the attention of the Grand Elders was split between the young masters and the white-robed male, a humble-looking figure and his pudgy companion were largely ignored. Among the sea of participants that were struggling up the mountain, they were just two more faces.
Nomed slowly trudged up the mountain, a sigh escaping him. The trial before him was laughably simple; he could hardly believe it was designed to test one''s willpower. Is there a flaw in the formation? He wondered, his gaze sweeping over his fellow participants. They were drenched in sweat, their breaths coming in ragged gasps, while he felt as if he were out for a leisurely stroll.
Stand out too much, and you invite trouble. Fade too much into the background, and you become prey. He reminded himself, feigning a pained expression as he pretended to labor over the next step.
Being average is an art in itself. Nomed found this performancethe act of pretending to be an ordinary cultivator amidst the sea of struggling bodiesfar more taxing than the trial itself.
His gaze swept the mountain path, taking note of those who were ahead and those who trailed behind, calculating his pace to fall squarely in the middle. The idea of catching an elder''s attention was the last thing he wanted. Keep it average, keep it safe, he thought.
Glancing back, he caught sight of Dusty, his friend''s legs wobbling, his resolve clearly faltering as he paused for another break. Come on, Dusty. You can''t stop now. He couldn''t help but want Dusty to succeed.
"Oi, Dusty!" Nomed called out. "If you linger any longer, the mountain might mistake you for a new peak!"
A ripple of laughter spread through the nearby climbers, and Dusty''s face broke into a weary grin. With a renewed spark, he pushed off his knees and resumed his climb, Nomed giving him the nudge he needed.
"Huh, dont underestimate me, I''ll race you to the top, and the last one there owes the other a meal!" Dusty hollered back.
Of course, itd be a meal, Nomed let out a genuine smile, even as he continued his charade. Just make sure you''re not last, my friend.
Grand Elder Wyatt''s fingers ran through his long goatee, his gaze fixed on the white-robed youth on the screen. Impressive... to enter undetected is no small feat, he thought, his curiosity piqued more by the boy''s cunning than his leading position.
Next to him, Grand Elder Darius had his eyes shut, a picture of disinterest. He only occasionally sent out his spiritual sense, sweeping the mountain for a certain presence. Where is Slifer hiding? he pondered, itching for the moment he could overshadow the so-called Supreme Elder.
On another side, Grand Elder Tenzin''s eyes moved meticulously, tracking the three talents from the Jexlarin Clan. He nodded slightly, acknowledging their prowess. The clan patriarch''s ''donation'' might have been unnecessary after all, he mused.
Grand Elder Lydia, on the other hand, barely concealed her lack of interest. Healers... only they are the true jewels in this mundane lot. Her mind was already leaping ahead to the Trial of Comprehension, eager to find those that were worthy of her guidance.
Their silent assessments were abruptly disturbed by the unexpected arrival of Morvran and his entourage. The cultivators on their swords landed with an inelegant thud on the pagoda.
Morvran lowered his head. "Esteemed Grand Elders," he greeted respectfully, followed by the nods of Amelia, Fenlock, and Hughie. Even little Val tried mimicking the gesture.
Seeing Slifers disciples arrive without their master, Darius'' features contorted into a scowl, his aura flaring like a storm cloud on the horizon. The pressure it exerted was palpable, heavy as the weight of the very earth.
"Where. Is. Your. Master?" he growled.
Chapter 42: I Forgot How Poor The Talent In This Backward Realm Is
Feeling the oppressive force of Grand Elder Darius''s aura bear down on them, Amelia''s face twisted into an angry scowl. "You won''t be acting like this when my master arrives," she snapped back. "Then you''ll be on your knees begging for mercy."
Perched on Morvran''s bald head, Val puffed out her tiny chest and hissed, "Master slap bad man, Val den eat bad man!" Her baby teeth, more adorable than intimidating, flashed in a display of dragonet bravado.
Watching the scene unfold, Fenlock held back a sigh. Val''s behavior was excusableshe was just a baby, and a dragon at that; her pride was as vast as the heavens. But Amelia... why must she always provoke those stronger than us? He pondered the idea of giving her the title of Senior, just to avoid these headaches. Maybe as a senior, she will learn to hold her tongueactually, come to think of it, she would just drag us down with her.
Hughie shifted uncomfortably at the prospect of the old man attacking them, with everything that has happened recently, it wouldnt surprise him. He felt Li Fenghao stir within the ring. The ancient spirit''s voice grumbled, "If that insect doesn''t stop yapping, I will come out and slap him to death."
Hughie couldn''t help but mentally question, "Do you still have the power to do that?"
Li Fenghao muttered begrudgingly, I''ve got enough left for a few life-threatening situations. Then, as an afterthought, he added, But for that buffoon, I might just make an exception.
You''d think someone who''s lived for hundreds of thousands of years would be more patient, Hughie thought with a shake of his head.
Grand Elder Wyatt observed Darius'' increasingly erratic behaviour with a hint of disapproval. This isn''t what we agreed on. We can''t allow him to simply bully the Supreme Elder''s disciples; the other Grand Elders will not ignore such conduct... And neither can I, reputation is still a thing to maintain after all.
With a discreet cough to regain control of the situation, Wyatt''s face blossomed into a practiced smile, full of apologies. Please excuse Grand Elder Darius'' impatience."
Turning to Darius, Wyatts smile remained plastered as he counseled, "I''m sure the Supreme Elder will have a good explanation when he arrives."
Darius let out a derisive snort and flopped back into his seat. "If the Supreme Elder even bothers to turn up," he muttered.
Morvran''s lips curled into a smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes. As if I would confront an Origin Realm Elder without a plan, he mused, already considering which of his underhanded schemes would best inconvenience Grand Elder Darius. Perhaps it''s time to unleash that wily Dentos on him.
Dong!
The sound of the bell indicated the end of the first trial, all eyes both the Elders'' and the disciples'' shifted to the water screens. The images revealed that 250 participants had managed to reach the mountain''s summit. At the forefront was the mysterious, white-robed figure, followed by the Rizarian young master. The Jexlarin trio secured the next three spots, with Ivor from the Zyrklon Clan taking the sixth.
"250... That''s a bit higher than the last time," Grand Elder Tenzin remarked, his eyes skimming over the screens.
Grand Elder Wyatt gave a contemplative nod. "Indeed, but the real question remains how many among them possess true talent?"
In the illusionary world, Nomed offered a hand to Dusty, whose large frame was splayed awkwardly on the ground. "I... told... you... I''d... make... it," Dusty panted out, his hand clenching Nomed''s as he was hauled to his feet. His face glowed red, more from anger than the exertion. All that work and not a pound lighter, he lamented silently.
Nomed couldn''t help but laugh. "Taking last place is a feat in itself; you''ve got everyone''s attention," he joked, helping Dusty to his feet.
Dusty responded with a scowl, "Who''d have thought you, of all people, would barely make the cut. 125th place? I expected more."
Nomed''s smile was one of someone who had everything going according to plan. Exactly in the middle, he mused silently. Aloud, he simply said, "What matters is we both passed."
Dusty nodded, catching his breath. "And I wont have to face Grandma Sully again," he added with a shudder that was only half-feigned.
Nomed couldn''t help but laugh at his friend''s simple joys. If only life were as simple as escaping a scolding, he thought wistfully.
William expression darkened when he overheard the banter between the last-placed Dusty and the middle-ranker Nomed. To be content with such mediocrity... he thought disdainfully. I suppose village life dulls ones ambitions.
His mind wandered to his own performance. Tenth place wasnt shameful among the lot, but it wasn''t first either. He felt a pang of anxiety at the thought of facing his clan after such a result. Being bested by other young masters is one thing, but that unknown swordsman...
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As he was lost in thought, the sensation of his body dissolving jolted him back to reality. Panic briefly flickered across his face before settling into understanding; the trial was over, and they were returning to the real world. He materialized back in the valley, noting other participants materialising around him.
The Grand Elder''s voice cut through the chatter and confusion, "Congratulations on passing the first trial," Grand Elder Wyatt announced. "You have all earned the right to join the outer sect of our Black Rose Sect."
A murmur of relief and triumph washed over the crowd, cut short by the Grand Elder''s next statement.
"The next trial," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the young faces, "will decide whether you remain in the Outer Sect or advance to the Inner Sect."
The disciples straightened up at the mention of the Inner Sect. It was well known that the true privileges and resources of the Black Rose Sect were reserved for the inner disciples. Each of the four halls the Disciplinary Hall led by Grand Elder Darius, the meticulous Medicine Hall under Grand Elder Lydia, the Martial Arts & Spiritual Hall that was Grand Elder Tenzin''s domain, and the Treasure Pavilion, filled with artifacts and managed by Grand Elder Wyatt represented a different path in cultivation.
And as for those that perform exceptionally well, the Grand Elders may take you in as their personal disciple.
As the Grand Elders words sank in, murmurs of excitement spread through the crowd, the notion of being a Grand Elders disciple was too great to ignore.
"I''d rather be Grand Elder Darius'' disciple," one participant whispered ambitiously, only to be countered by another, "Are you mad? Grand Elder Lydia is far more composed. Grand Elder Darius is... well, too intense."
Laughter broke out among a small group. "Intense? We''re in a demonic sect, friend. ''Intense'' is a mild way of putting it."
A more wistful voice joined the conversation. "You all can squabble over the Grand Elders. My sights are set on the Supreme Elder."
"Yeah," someone scoffed, "like he''d notice any of us. He didn''t even show up today."
Grand Elder Wyatt raised his hand hushing the crowd, the very earth itself rose as though obeying his command. Five pillars surrounded a large stone that pulsed with a green light appeared in the centre of the valley.
"This stone," Grand Elder Wyatt began, "is a Luminaresce Quartz. Its glow will vary with the potential qi each of you can channel."
The Grand Elder continued to explain that the stone was tied to a formation that linked it to the five pillars. Those that lacked talent would not be able to light up a single pillar, whilst those that were destined to remain in the Outer Sect would only be able to light up one pillar. Being able to light up two pillars would ensure that the participant would be able to enter the inner sect.
Yet, it is only by lighting up three pillars would one be able to catch the eye of a Grand Elder and attain the title of Core Disciple. If a disciple was talented enough to light up four pillars, then that would be sufficient to draw the attention of an Ascendant cultivator.
Seeing the Grand Elder grow silent, one of the disciples from the village mustered the courage to ask, W-what about five pillars?
Huh, if anyone of you were able to light up five pillars, then an Immortal from the higher realms will descend and whisk you away, Grand Elder Wyatt let out a dismissive laugh, in the history of the Black Rose Sect, not a single disciple was able to light up five pillars simultaneously, Wyatt didnt believe such a thing was possible.
The aspiring disciples exchanged glances. Some wore expressions of confidence, while doubt shadowed others'' faces.
I forgot just how poor the talent in this backward realm is. A small frown appeared on Kalins face.
Not too far away from him, Nomeds eyes narrowed. Three pillars? It seems a bit too much, I should aim for two.
Sensing the shift in the crowd, Wyatt continued. "Each of you has passed our pre-selection process, it is more likely one of you will light up four pillars than fail to light up one."
A collective breath of relief swept through those that were worried they would embarrass themselves by not being able to light up a single pillar.
However, his words did little to console William, who had never considered the possibility that he, the young master of the Wick Clan, would do worse than a village bumpkin. No, he had his sights on something greater, something that even he was unsure of.
That man said it should trick the stone but...would it be enough to light up four pillars? William felt his mouth dry up as the pill under his tongue grew heavy, the future of the Wick Clan depended on him. If I cant catch the Supreme Elders eyes, then...the Wick Clanwill be
The trial of talent will now commence.
Chapter 43: “F-Five Pillars! How Is This Possible?!”
One by one, the participants nervously stepped forward when called, however, after placing their hands upon the Luminaresce Quartz, one after another, they walked away with their spirits dampened, having lit only a single pillar.
"Circa," came the next call. A young girl, no older than fourteen summers, her legs shaking, approached the stone. The crowd held their breath as she reached out. The first pillar lit up, and a tentative smile touched her lips, she expected no more than this an outer disciple at best.
But then, a gasp rippled through the crowd as a second pillar burst into light. Circa''s heart leapt into her throat. Maybe... just maybe...
As the light crept up the third pillar, the Grand Elders leaned forward in their seats with budding interest. Yet, when it became clear the third pillar would not fully ignite, halting midway, they relaxed, disappointment etched into their features.
Circa, however, couldn''t contain her joy. "I did it!" she whispered to herself, a grin spreading across her face. She was going to be an Inner Sect disciple!
"After the completion of the final trial, you will choose your path within the sect," Grand Elder Wyatt stated, a hint of warmth in his otherwise stern voice. Circa nodded, her enthusiasm uncurbed, as she skipped back to her place among the crowd.
For most of the participants, passing the second trial was sufficient, a guarantee of entry into the inner sect. The trial of comprehension that followed was more a matter for the elders a chance to spot a disciple tailored for their unique cultivation methods.
As participant after participant stepped up to the Luminaresce Quartz, it became a familiar scene a single pillar lighting up, sometimes bright, sometimes dim, but rarely more than that. The few who managed to illuminate a second were met with nods of approval from the onlookers, mostly young masters and mistresses from the local clans who held their heads a little higher with the acknowledgment.
"Dusty," Grand Elder Wyatt called out for the next participant to come forward.
Dusty, hearing his name, felt his clothes cling to his ample frame like a second skin as he began to trudge forward.
Nomed, seeing his friend uncharacteristically anxious, gave Dusty an encouraging slap on the back, grimacing at the slick of sweat his hand came away with. Like patting a wet whale, he thought wryly, trying to hide his disgust.
Reaching the stone, Dusty hesitated, his hand trembling as he placed it on the cool surface. A hush fell over the crowd, the kind of silence that seemed to amplify the slightest noise. The stone remained dark for a torturously long moment, and whispers began to spread among the other participants.
Seeing no change in the pillars, Dusty''s face burned with embarrassment. He said everyone had talent, he seethed internally, what kind of sick joke is this?
Finally, a weak light emerged, barely illuminating the first pillar. It flickered as though it was the last ember of a dying fire.
"Outer Sect," Grand Elder Wyatt announced, his voice tinged with clear disappointment.
Head bowed, Dusty made his way back to Nomed, who enveloped him in a sweaty hug, "Think of all the amazing food you''ll find in the Outer Sect," Nomed consoled, trying to keep the hug brief. "Better than anything we had back in the village."
"I guess, but make sure you sneak out some of those fancy Inner Sect snacks for me, okay?" Dusty managed a small wistful grin.
Their moment was cut short by a sneer from William. "Looks like I''ll have new servants soon enough. Dont worry, I can take both of you on."
Nomed''s face darkened at the comment, yet he held his tongue. There''s a time and place for everything, he reminded himself, and this isn''t it.
As the trial progressed, the few notable participants worthy of mention were the three youths from the Jexlarin Clan. Two of which managed to light up two pillars, securing their place in the Inner Sect. As for the third of the Jexlarin Clan, Bryce, he was able to illuminate two and a half pillars, with Grand Elder Tenzins intervention he may be able to gain the title of Core Disciple.
Nomed!
Nomed straightened as his name was called, it was finally his turn. However, before he could make his way forward, he noticed, from the corner of his eye, Dustys sweaty palm approaching him. With a nimble dodge to the side, he avoided the blow leaving his pudgy friend grappling with the air. Unbalanced, Dusty stumbled and tumbled to the ground. Nomed couldn''t hold back his laughter; it was more the sweat than his sidestep that was to blame.
"Very funny," Dusty grumbled from the ground, shaking his fist at Nomed''s retreating back. Nomed just shook his head with a chuckle, walking towards the stone that would judge his talent.
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He took a deep breath, feeling the hidden mark on his chesta claw-like scar concealed under his simple village attirepulse with a faint red light. It was so fleeting that not even the keen eyes of the Grand Elders caught the glimmer. Lucky for me they have no interest in a nobody like me, Nomed thought.
Placing his hand on the stone, he watched as the first pillar light up, followed swiftly by the second. As the third began to glow, the Grand Elders leaned forward, their expressions taut with interest. But then, abruptly, the light from the third pillar snuffed out, leaving only two pillars aglow.
The Grand Elders exchanged puzzled glances. Has the stone malfunctioned? they wondered.
For Nomed, that brief moment when the third pillar fully lit up was heart-stopping. Only when it faded did he allow himself a measured breath of relief. Two pillars is a safe middle ground, he consoled himself.
"Inner Sect," Grand Elder Wyatt announced, his voice tinged with a hint of confusion that Nomed was quick to ignore.
A modest smile played on Nomed''s lips as he returned to Dusty, who erupted in cheers. "I knew you had it in you!"
"A shame about that third pillar, though. Dusty patted his stomach thoughtfully. Core Disciples probably feast like kings."
Nomed nodded, playing along. "Inner Sect will do just fine," he agreed, while inwardly he repeated, That was far too close for comfort.
Finding no issues with the stone, the Grand Elder called out the next name, "William Wick."
With a haughty smirk plastered on his face, William approached the stone. Let this pill work, he silently prayed, not feeling a tenth confident as he portrayed. He felt the capsule dissolve beneath his tongue. The pill was a rare treasure known as the Celestial Qi Amplifier, a concoction that could temporarily heighten one''s affinity with qi.
Just don''t scan me too closely, William thought, hoping the Grand Elders would refrain from scrutinizing him with their spiritual sense.
As the pill took effect, William felt a profound connection to the energy around him. His pores seemed to open as if thirsty for the qi that permeated the air. He quickly placed his hand on the stone, absorbing its energy.
Instantly, the first pillar lit up, followed swiftly by the second. A half-hearted glow began to creep up the third pillar, hesitating momentarily before ascending to the full height.
Up in the pagoda, the Grand Elders watched with rapt attention. "We may have underestimated the young Wick," Grand Elder Tenzin remarked, his eyebrows lifting in mild surprise.
"This one might just be cut out for the Disciplinary Hall." Grand Elder Darius grunted in agreement.
Grand Elder Wyatt beamed at William. "You will be considered for a Core Disciple position," he declared. "Should you have a preference for a particular hall, inform us. The Grand Elders will take your wishes into account during the selection process."
"I would like to study under the Supreme Elder," William declared proudly, his voice filled with the hunger of ambition and a tinge of desperation.
Grand Elder Darius'' expression soured as a disciple dared to choose the Supreme Elder over him, he unconsciously crushed the armrest of his throne, the wood splintering beneath his grip.
Grand Elder Wyatt, however, maintained his composure, offering a smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes. "The Supreme Elder is presently... indisposed," he remarked diplomatically. "However, we shall convey your preference and see what arrangements can be made."
With a nod, William headed back to his original position, letting out a sigh of relief once out of the Grand Elders'' immediate scrutiny. If only they knew how close I was to not even lighting up three pillars, A bead of sweat rolled down his temple at the memory, death would be his last concern if a demonic sect such as the Black Rose Sect discovered any cheating.
His thoughts then turned towards the pill causing a frown to appear on his face. Father will have to go through great lengths to repay that debt but if it catches the Supreme Elders interest, it will be worth it.
Passing by the lesser beings, Dusty and Nomed, William felt his mood lift and he couldnt resist falling back into his arrogant young master persona. "Perhaps a servant from the Inner Sect would be more fitting than one from the outer, wouldn''t you agree?" he asked Nomed.
Nomeds jaw tightened, What exactly are the sect''s rules on inner conflicts? he pondered, the thought quickly dismissed as an unsettling presence descended from the pagoda.
All heads turned, eyes widening as Grand Elder Wyatt landed gracefully to the valley floor. Whispers rippled through the crowd. What could bring a Grand Elder down among us?
The Grand Elder stopped before the young man draped in white. "Impressive indeed, for one to slip into our sect unnoticed. But what is to stop me right now from extinguishing your life?"
Unfazed, Kalin met the Grand Elders gaze head on, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint, assured smile. "Grand Elder, there isn''t a soul in this sect capable of that feat."
From within the pagoda, Grand Elder Darius'' fury erupted like a volcano. "I shall sever your head myself, you insolent pup!" he bellowed, ready to leap into action.
Yet Kalin remained undisturbed as he leaned close to Wyatt and whispered, "Even the Venerable Black Tree Sect would think twice before raising a hand against me."
The color drained from Wyatt''s face as the gravity of Kalin''s words settled in. The Venerable Black Tree Sect, a demonic sect situated in the immortal realms, was the backbone of their own Black Rose Sect. T-this youth is no ordinary cultivator, Wyatt realized, a flicker of unease passing through his eyes.
Darius found himself sinking back into his seat. Even he knew, to provoke one with ties that made even the parent sect of the Black Rose Sect hesitate was to court death.
With a forced chuckle, Wyatt smoothed over the tension. "Well, I suppose our sect can always make room for one more, especially one as... unique as yourself." He gestured grandly towards the stone.
Kalin approached the stone, debating internally whether he should conceal his true capabilities. No, subtlety won''t serve my purpose here, he concluded, dismissing the thought with a mental wave. To garner the Supreme Elder''s attention, he needed to be bold.
The moment his skin grazed the stone, three pillars erupted in a radiant glow, drawing gasps from the other disciples. Without pause, the fourth and then the fifth pillars ignited, bathing the valley with a sight it had never witnessed before.
F-five pillars! H-how is this possible?!
Chapter 44: Ill give it five stars, just let me out of here!
The Grand Elders in the pagoda exchanged worried glances, each one unsettled by the white-robed youth. "We can''t possibly admit him into our sect," Elder Tenzin whispered.
Grand Elder Darius, known for his impulsive decisions, nodded in rare agreement. A disciple of such extraordinary talent was more a harbinger of doom than a boon. Assassination attempts from rival mortal sects were manageable, but the pressure from the Venerable sects of the immortal realms was an entirely different matter.
Grand Elder Lydia rose to her feet, "We must inform the sect master immediately," she declared, but Tenzin quickly interjected.
"No, we cannot afford to disturb him during his ascension to the Immortal realm," he countered urgently. Lydia''s expression soured, but she reluctantly sat down, recalling the sect master''s strict orders not to be disturbed unless the sect faced imminent destruction.
Down in the valley, William''s gaze lingered on Kalin, his envy palpable. Any previous thoughts of the white-robed youth being an unremarkable figure had evaporated. Could he be from the same realm as ''him''? The thought sent a chill down his spine.
Dusty, standing nearby, grumbled light-heartedly, "Bet that guy''s gonna get the tastiest grub now. Probably never even heard of a potato."
"Maybe he''ll share some with you, Nomed chuckled at his friend''s comment. But you''ll probably eat it all before it even reaches us.
Kalin, observing the reactions of those around him, second-guessed his decision momentarily. Did I push it too far? He quickly dismissed the doubt. No, this should definitely draw out the Supreme Elder.
Grand Elder Wyatt held back a sigh, already having anticipated the outcome the moment the Venerable sect was mentioned. In any other circumstance, the sect would have eagerly concealed the fact that a disciple lit up all five pillars and groomed him in secret, potentially shaping him into the next sect master. But, with the youths ties with the Immortal Realm, that plan was off the table. Rejecting him outright wasn''t an option either; they had to let things unfold as they would.
Clearing his throat, Grand Elder Wyatt addressed the still-stunned crowd, his voice firm yet diplomatic. "Congratulations, young man," he said, pausing for a moment as he waited for the youth to reveal his name.
"Kalin," the white-robed youth responded.
"Very well, Kalin," Wyatt continued, "when the Supreme Elder returns, you will be under his tutelage."
A faint smile appeared on Kalins face as he nodded and made his way back to his place among the other participants, he had received the exact outcome he had hoped for.
With a flick of his sleeve, Grand Elder Wyatt flew back up to the pagoda, and with another gesture, thousands of scrolls cascaded down into the valley.
"Next is the trial of comprehension," Wyatt explained. "You''ll find scrolls of different types: blue for healing techniques, red for spiritual techniques, black for formations, and brown for martial arts. Choose the one you feel most drawn to. But be warned," he added with a stern look, "each scroll is marked with a unique formation. Attempting to steal them would be... unwise."
The warning caused a few shifty eyes to dart away, their plans of making some quick coin thwarted.
The trial of comprehension will now begin, you have six hours.
The clan youths confidently stepped forward, selecting scrolls that complemented their cultivation paths. But the villagers hesitated, their expressions a mix of confusion and awe. They had never cultivated before and were clueless about which scrolls might suit them. Before, they were brought to the sect, they were given a scroll to learn how to temper their body but the Body Tempering realm wasnt included in the realms of cultivation.
Dusty, standing awkwardly at the back with Nomed, whispered, "Which one should we take? I don''t even know what I''m good at."
"Maybe something that feels right? Nomed scanned the scrolls with a thoughtful expression. I heard that''s how some cultivators choose their paths."
"Feels right? Dusty looked skeptical. Like how a pie calls to me from across a room?"
"Yeah, something like that. Nomed couldn''t help but chuckle at his friend''s analogy. But maybe with less pie."
With a resigned sigh, Dusty joined the other disciples. After aimlessly scanning various scrolls, his attention was unexpectedly drawn to a neglected one lying apart from the others. It''s calling to me... just like pie, he mused with a hint of amusement.
Picking up the scroll titled "The Path of the Gluttonous Titan," Dustys eyes widened. The technique described would cause him to grow larger the more he cultivated it. Well, I hadn''t made much progress on losing weight anyway, he shrugged as he sat down to absorb its contents, already picturing himself as a formidable, if large, cultivator.
Nomed watched his friend with a fond smile before turning his attention to a black scroll. Intrigued, he unrolled it to reveal a formation cultivation method, named "Intricate Matrix of the Guarding Spirits." He skimmed through the details which explained how to enter the Qi Refining realm. The first realm of cultivation, he thought. I could get a better one from ''him,'' but for now, this will do.
Meanwhile, William chose a wind spiritual technique, Zephyr''s Whisper. It was a natural choice, given the Wick clan''s renowned talent with the wind element. This should be quick and easy to learn, he thought.
Kalin, on the other hand, picked up a spiritual technique, Blade of the Dawn. His expression soured slightly upon realizing its quality. A mortal rank technique? he thought disdainfully. In the Immortal Realm, even the most basic techniques handed to potential disciples were of a much higher rank. Suppressing his disappointment, he began studying the scroll. At least this won''t take long to master, he reasoned.
Huddled in a small cave within the void realm, Slifer estimated that he had been trapped for approximately a week. The frequent, ghastly roars outside caused him to press himself against the cold cave wall, attempting to become as inconspicuous as possible.
These ghostly creatures seemed to perpetually roam the realm, engaging in fierce battles whenever they encountered one another. I guess they have nothing better to do.
Slifer had managed to observe a pattern in their behaviour; for approximately one hour each day, they would disappear, giving him a brief window to explore and attempt to use the Dimensional Slide technique to escape. But, frustratingly, every attempt to open a portal back to his world ended in failure.
His thoughts drifted to the whooping 1000 Karmic Credits he had squandered on gambling, cursing the stingy system for not providing anything useful to escape this predicament. Would a simple teleportation card have been too much to ask for? he lamented internally.
Sighing, he looked up at the new cards in his arsenal:
| Name |
Critical Block Card |
| Description |
Block a critical strike |
| Name |
Reflection Card |
| Description |
Creates an energy barrier that reflects attacks back at the attacker for 20 seconds |
| Name |
Slifer Aura |
| Description |
Releases an aura mimicking the original Slifer at his peak |
| Name |
Another Face |
| Description |
Allows the user to change appearance for up to 6 months |
| Name |
Avatar |
| Description |
Creates a complete clone of the user that can independently cultivate. Warning: The avatar cannot access the System or its cards |
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.Slifer couldn''t help but scoff at the Peak Slifer Aura card. Now that I''m supposedly an Ascendant cultivator, this card is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine, he thought with a hint of irony. What am I supposed to do? Scare off Voidwalkers with a Nascent Soul aura?
The Another Face and Avatar cards, while intriguing, did little to alleviate his current dilemma. The idea of creating an avatar that could cultivate on its own was fascinating and he would make sure to play around with it later, but it wouldnt help him escape this desolate realm.
"Great," Slifer muttered to himself, "a clone in the void realm would just be a bonus snack for those Voidwalkers. Two for the price of one, how generous of me."
Slifer released a heavy sigh as he called up the system panel and focused on the Dimensional Slide technique.
| Name |
Dimensional Slide C Level 1 |
| Rank |
Obsidian |
| Description |
Allows the user to traverse through the Void Realm |
| Upgrade Cost |
1000 Karmic Credits |
This was his last shot; he had hesitated to upgrade the technique before, doubtful that Level 2 would make much of a difference.
But now, he had no other choice.
With a mix of reluctance and hope, Slifer selected the upgrade.
A serene wave washed over him as knowledge about the Dimensional Slide technique poured into his mind.
At least this feels somewhat enlightening, he mused.
Once the influx of information ended, Slifer realised that the description for the Level 1 technique had updated. His face turned an unhealthy shade of red as he read about the 97% failure rate in the void realm due to spatial instability.
Why wasn''t this mentioned before? he thought, his fist clenching in frustration. I wouldn''t have dared to jump into this forsaken place with those odds!
Turning his attention to the Level 2 description, Slifer''s expression softened slightly.
| Name |
Dimensional Slide C Level 2 |
| Rank |
Obsidian |
| Description |
Allows the user to transverse through the Void Realm |
| Success Rate in Void Realm |
60% |
| Upgrade Cost |
2000 Karmic Credits |
60%... Not great, not terrible, Slifer contemplated with a half-smile. Even with my luck, I should be able to make it work if I keep trying.
He settled down to wait, planning his escape during that one quiet hour when the void beasts took their daily smoke break.
After an agonizing few hours that seemed like days, Slifer couldnt hear any more noises from outside the cave. Slowly, he stood up and tiptoed to the entrance. He kept his spiritual sense reined in, knowing it would be akin to holding up a sign saying, ''Free buffet, all you can eat!'' in the presence of the phantom beings. His eyes swept the desolate landscape, alert for any hint of danger. Seeing nothing amiss, he let out a relieved breath.
Time to get to work.
Focusing qi to his fingertips, he made a carving motion as he attempted to rip open a portal through space. A small tear began to form, and a smile started to spread across his face. But just as quickly, the space quivered, and the portal snapped shut.
"I knew it was too good to be true to work on the first try," he grumbled under his breath.
For the next hour, Slifer persisted. Time and again, he tried to create a stable portal, but each attempt ended in failure. At one point, a portal did form, but it vanished before he could leap through.
Slifer knew all too well that probability could be a fickle thing. It''s like flipping a coin. Even with a 50% chance, there''s no guarantee of an even split between heads and tailsor getting the side you want even once, he thought, trying to rationalize his string of bad luck. It''s all about chance, and right now, mine seems pretty rotten.
"Come on, come on," Slifer urged himself, his attempts growing more frantic. He was running out of time; the phantom beasts would soon return. Failure was not an option, as opening a portal with those creatures nearby would be tantamount to suicide.
Then, after numerous attempts, a portal began to form again. This time it looked stable. As it fully materialized, Slifer couldn''t help but let out a triumphant cheer.
This place is definitely getting a bad review! With that, he leaped towards the portal, but mid-jump, something caught his eye C a phantom beast materialized out of thin air, its gaping maw opened wide ready to swallow him whole.
Slifer''s heart skipped a beat, and in that moment of sheer panic, he took back his previous statement.
I''ll give it five stars, just let me out of here!
Chapter 45: Escaping The Void Realm With A...Snack?
Slifer barely made it through the portal, feeling the phantom beast''s ghastly roar vibrating behind him as part of it got severed by the closing portal. Landing clumsily in his courtyard, he looked dishevelled and far from the composed master he usually was.
"Master!" Caelum exclaimed, getting to his feet in a hurry. The Disciple Selection Ceremony has already begun.
Slifer quickly adjusted his robe and cleared his throat, trying to regain his usual air of mystery. "Ah, yes, I had almost forgotten about the Disciple Selection Ceremony," he replied nonchalantly, waving his sleeve to summon his sword from the storage ring.
Lets get going then.
But before Slifer could jump on his sword, Caelum hesitantly interjected, "Master, II need your help."
Slifer gave him a questioning look, this was the first time any of his disciples had directly asked for his assistance, normally they would do anything they could to keep him out of their business.
Looking visibly uncomfortable, Caelum continued, "Someone has poisoned my mother, and I''ve had no luck finding the antidote."
Slifer''s eyes narrowed at this. Was someone targeting Caelum''s mother to get to him... and ultimately to me? He pondered the possibility, compared to original Slifer, Caelum had no enemies.
Now he faced a crucial decision: ignore his disciple and go to the Disciple Selection Ceremony to fulfill the Systems mission or aid his disciple, potentially failing the mission. Slifer wrestled with his thoughts. What would the System do if I fail the mission? he wondered.
No, I won''t be like their original master. If Caelum''s mother dies because I didn''t help, I''ll never forgive myself, Slifer nodded to himself, making up his mind.
"What is the poison, and what is the antidote?" Slifer finally asked.
Caelum''s face lit up with a flicker of hope, he hadnt been sure if his master would care to help him. "The poison is called Cultivator''s Bane, and the antidote... it''s the Essence of Dawn," he replied.
Essence of Dawn? Lets hope the System has itat a cheap price. Slifer quickly opened the system panel.
| Shop |
| Cards |
| Cultivation Methods |
| Treasures |
| Pills & Elixirs |
| Mystic Techniques |
| Martial Techniques |
| Bloodlines & Ancestries |
| Constitutions |
| Spirit Roots |
| Beasts & Familiars |
| Create |
Slifer picked the Pills & Elixirs option and began scrolling through the list of items, each sounding more extravagant than the last. If only this System had a search feature.
After a few moments, he finally stumbled upon the Essence of Dawn elixir.
| Name |
Essence Of Dawn |
| Type |
Elixir |
| Rank |
Heaven |
| Description |
Able to counteract Heaven Rank poisons, restoring vitality and purging toxins. Widely known as the antidote for the Cultivator''s Bane |
| Cost |
2000 Karmic Credits |
Two thousand karmic credits? That''s daylight robbery! Slifer''s heart sank at the sight of the price, but he couldn''t let Caelum down. He wasnt dumb enough to buy the elixir, at least, not until he confirmed the poison himself. Not wasting two thousand credits only to find out she needs a good nap!
Meanwhile, Caelum watched his master, slightly puzzled by Slifer''s strange behaviour. He often caught his master spacing out, followed by random nods or shakes of the head, sometimes accompanied by strange expressions.
"Cough... We''ll get going as soon as Val arrives," Slifer announced suddenly, snapping Caelum out of his thoughts.
Caelum nodded, feeling a wave of relief. Maybe there''s hope for Mother after all, he thought, watching his master expectantly.
But then, something unexpected caught Caelum''s eye. "Master, what is that?" he asked, pointing behind Slifer.
Slifer turned to look over his shoulder and his face drained of colour. Clinging to him was a miniature version of the phantom beast he had encountered in the void realm. Its form was smoky, almost ethereal.
Every instinct in Slifer screamed for him to run, but he held his ground. The Critical Block card had yet to activate. If I startle it... He remained as still as possible, wishing that he had already entered the Nascent Soul realm so he wouldnt need to breathe.
"Just... stay calm, Caelum," Slifer whispered, his voice barely concealing his own unease. How did this thing even attach itself to me? And more importantly, how do I get rid of it without getting us both killed?
The little phantom beast cooed innocently, its eyes wide with curiosity as it gazed at Slifer. The unexpected child-like behaviour of the creature caused Slifer to ponder. Could this be a youngling of the phantom beasts? A memory flashed through his mind - the moment he had escaped through the portal, a part of the large phantom beast was cut off. Could that be how they reproduce? he wondered, intrigued by the possibility.
Insight!
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| You Have Discovered A Higher Being |
| You Have Gained 10 Karmic Credits |
| Increase Your Relationship With The Being To Take It As A Disciple |
| Minimum Requirement: 80% |
| Current Progress: 10% |
Interesting. It has a relationship requirement for discipleship. Slifer recalled that Val had no such requirement, but that could perhaps be due to Val already meeting the requirement. He then turned his attention to its cultivation realm.
| Name |
N/A |
| Species |
Void Being |
| Realm |
Late Core Formation Realm |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
N/A |
| Disposition |
N/A |
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.The little being''s cultivation level stunned him C Late Core Formation Realm from birth? That''s higher than Val''s initial level, he mused, impressed. Good thing I didn''t startle it. A Core Formation attack would have definitely triggered the Critical Block card.
Noticing Caelum''s bewildered gaze, Slifer composed himself and casually remarked, "Oh, this little fellow? Just a friend I thought Val might like."
Caelum nodded, though clearly unsure about his masters unexpected companion.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of Val''s familiar roar.
Master! Master is back!
The dragon called out as it descended from the sky, landing with a heavy thud, her gaze immediately focusing on the little phantom being.
The creature, sensing the dragons Nascent Soul aura, hid behind Slifer, its body trembling in fear. Slifer, with a gentle smile, carefully picked up the phantom beast, its form phasing in and out of tangibility. "Look, Val, what your master has brought you," he said, extending his hand towards her.
| Ding! |
| Void Beings have a high mental defence making them almost impossible to tame |
| Warning: You are at risk of being enslaved |
| Hint: Eliminate the threat |
"..."
Enslaved? Slifer made sure to stay still, worried any sudden movement would trigger the ticking time bomb.
"Val love gifts."
Val sniffed the beast with her enormous snout.
Gift smell nice.
The creature let out a whimper of fear, shaking uncontrollably, its instincts screaming at it to escape.
Don''t explode, don''t explode, Slifer prayed.
Just when he thought the phantom being was going to retaliate with a mind attack, Val opened her mouth wide and, in one swift motion, swallowed the little beast whole.
Slifer stood there, mouth agape, a mix of shock and disbelief on his face. Well, that was unexpected... he thought, slightly taken aback by Val''s straightforwardness. He remembered the phantom beasts had a phasing ability, he didn''t think Val would deal with it so...easily.
Caelum, too, looked startled, his eyes wide as he processed what just happened. I guess that''s one type of gift to get... his thoughts trailed off, he had thought his master had brought Val a friend, not a snack, however, this did fit more with his masters character.
Slifer continued to watch as Val finished consuming the phantom beast, she then turned to him and thanked him for the "gift."
"I''m glad you liked it, Val."
So much for having a Void Realm disciple, Slifer thought, feeling slightly deflated even though he knew that his little dragon just saved his life.
I should probably give her an actual reward...
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| Your Soul Bond Creature Has Devoured A Unique Being |
| Gaining Trait From Being |
| Randomizing... |
| Trait Acquired: Phase Ability - Allows the user to phase for 30 seconds with a cooldown of 60 seconds. |
| Current Progress: 10% |
Slifer''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Phase ability, huh? he mused, feeling better already. Just like the flash.
His attention shifted to his status as more notifications popped up.
| Ding! |
| New Passive Skill Acquired: Void Being Aura |
- Decreases likelihood of detection in the Void Realm.
- Imposes a 5% debuff on lower realm beings.
- Provides 50% protection against Mind Control below the level of the Immortal Realm.
|
Slifer''s eyes brightened as he read the description of his new passive skill. Void Being Aura, huh? That''s actually quite handy. The thought of returning to the Void Realm was still unappealing, but with this new ability, it seemed a bit less daunting.
And that mind control protection could come in handy too. A chill ran down his spine as he kicked himself for not buying some protection earlier. Credits be damned, skimping on protection never ends wellwow I sound just like my dad.
Shaking his head, he focused on the few options he had. The plan was to get Val to fly us to the village but Slifer decided that using the improved Dimensional Slide technique to teleport directly to Caelum''s village was the best course of action. I can save Caelums mother and still make it to the Disciple Selection Ceremony in time.
"Val, head back to the ceremony and tell them I''ll be there soon," he instructed.
"But why Master call Val then tell Val leave?" Val looked down at him with big, sad eyes.
"I wanted to give you that... snack."
A friend, a snack. To a beast, what''s the difference? Slifer shook his head.
Val''s gaze didn''t waver. "Can Val come too?" she asked, her attempt at persuasion sounding more like a threat due to her enormous, intimidating presence.
"Your mission is just as important, if not more," Slifer replied, tying to appease the little dragons big pride. However, seeing her still pouting, he added, "I promise, Val. Ill be back soon, and then we can go on trips together, alright?"
Reluctantly, Val nodded, her massive wings beginning to flap. "Okay, but Val miss Master," she said before soaring into the sky.
Caelum couldnt help but feel a bit awkward watching the exchange. His master''s soft spot for Val was no secret among the disciples, but he had never seen Slifer so openly affectionate with the baby dragon. It was a side of his master that rarely anyone saw.
Slifer turned to Caelum, no sign of the gentleness present on his face. "Alright, let''s save your mother and then find you a new junior brother or sister."
"But Master, how will we get there in time?" Caelum asked, he wasnt sure how fast Ascendant cultivators could travel but crossing such a large distance in such a short time and back seemed quite optimistic.
Leave that to me.
I didnt think Id be doing this againespecially so soon. With a frown, Slifer executed a tearing motion with his hand, opening a portal.
Caelum''s eyes widened in surprise. I had no idea Master had such an ability. He realized how little he actually knew about his own master.
"Get in," Slifer instructed, gesturing towards the portal.
Slifer exhaled a sigh of relief as they arrived outside Caelum''s village home. The journey had been smooth, thankfully. If we got stuck in that void realm again, I''d probably lose my mind... or worse, end up playing a never-ending game of hide-and-seek with those phantom beasts, he thought wryly.
Using his spiritual sense, Caelum had provided a mental image of his home, it was similar to sending a photo via a phone. The image was clear enough for Slifer to successfully open a portal directly to their destination.
As they approached the familiar door of his childhood home, Caelum felt his heart rate increase. With a trembling hand, he knocked on the weathered wood. The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man whose face showed signed of fatigue and sadness.
For a moment, the man stared blankly, but recognition soon dawned in his eyes. "Caelum!" he exclaimed, his voice broke. As he stepped forward, tears began to spill down his cheeks, and he pulled Caelum into a hug, clutching onto him as if he were a lifeline.
Caelums eyes misted over and he held back a sob as he wrapped his arms around his father.
"Your mother... she''s..." Caelum''s father pulled back slightly, his body shook as he looked into his son''s eyes.
"I know, father. I am here now. Everything will be alright." Caelum gently placed his hands on his father''s shoulders, offering a reassuring squeeze.
Turning slightly, he gestured towards Slifer. "Father, remember my master? He''s come to help us with mother''s situation."
Upon recognising Slifer, the middle-aged man immediately dropped to his knees, pleading. "Oh Lord Immortal, please save my wife."
Slifer, caught off guard by the man''s actions, quickly helped him to his feet. "It is not appropriate for the father of my disciple to bow to me like this," Slifer said, feeling a bit awkward in the situation.
But Caelum''s father shook his head, his eyes filled with desperation. "I would do anything to save her, immortal."
Feeling uneasy under the weight of the mans expectations, Slifers gaze wandered around the room, that was when he noticed a portrait hanging on the wall C an older man who bore a striking resemblance to Caelum and his father.
A sharp pang of memory hit Slifer, and he clutched his head, momentarily disoriented.
M-master, is everything okay? Caelum stepped forward.
Slifer forced a chuckle, waving his hand nonchalantly. "Oh, it''s just a small headache, nothing to worry about," he said, brushing off his disciples concern.
I''ve seen this portrait before... must be from when the original Slifer took Caelum as his disciple, Slifer reasoned, trying to shake off the sinking feeling in his gut.
Chapter 46: The End Of The Trial But No Slifer?
Inside the house, Slifer looked at the frail woman lying on the bed. Despite being only slightly younger than her husband, she appeared old enough to be his mother.
The pills the original gave them should have kept them looking much younger and extended their lifespan, Slifer mused, wondering if the original had given them defective pills. I wouldnt put it pass the old miser.
He ignored the father''s continuous pleas for help as he approached the woman''s bedside. Gently taking her hand, he channeled a sliver of his qi into her body. With his spiritual sense, he watched as the poison aggressively consumed the qi, exacerbating her condition.
Definitely Cultivator''s Bane, he concluded, letting go of her hand. The originals memories of the poison were clear...perhaps a little too clear.
There goes 2000 Karmic Credits, Slifer thought as he purchased the elixir.
In truth, Slifer didnt feel like he lost anything, Caelum had earned him more than 2000 Karmic Credits already and he would continue to earn more.
The System conveniently deposited it into his spirit ring, sparing him the awkwardness of explaining a sudden, miraculous appearance, which would be easy to explain to a mortal, they would just attribute it to fancy immortal shenanigans. However, his more astute disciple might feel suspicious, if not now then definitely the day he becomes an Ascendant cultivator himself.
Retrieving the elixir, Slifer handed it to Caelum, whose eyes widened in disbelief. "Administer this to your mother."
Caelum, his hands trembling slightly as he gently tipped the elixir into his mother''s mouth. The liquid seemed to invigorate her almost immediately. Her frail form began to regain some semblance of vitality. Though her muscles remained weak, there was a noticeable change; she no longer appeared as a woman on the brink of death but more like someone in her forties, albeit severely undernourished.
Caelum''s father watched in awe, his eyes moist with unshed tears. "Thank you, immortal," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Slifer nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "She needs rest and nourishment now. Her body will recover in time," he advised.
Overcome with relief, Caelum turned to Slifer. "Master, how can I ever repay you for this?"
Slifer shook his head, dismissing the notion. "Seeing you fulfil your potential as a cultivator is repayment enough.
The higher your cultivation, the more credits you can get for this old man.
Unable to hold it back any longer, tears streamed down Caelum''s face as he turned towards his mother, "M-mother." He enveloped her in a tight hug, and soon, his father joined them, wrapping his arms around the family. Slifer stood by, watching the emotional reunion with an awkward air.
Caelum''s father, noticing Slifer''s discomfort, gestured for him to join the hug.
Ive never been a touchy personSlifer hesitantly stepped forward and joined in, feeling out of place amidst the family''s heartfelt moment.
Suddenly, a series of System messages popped up:
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| Your Disciple Caelums Loyalty Has Reached 100% |
| New Option Available: Convert Caelum to a Righteous cultivator |
| Reward: A Righteous Disciple Will Earn x3 Credit |
Slifers mind whirred upon reading the messages. Finally, a clue on how to convert my own disciples, he thought. But the randomness of the loyalty fluctuations lately made him sceptical about the feasibility of reaching 100% loyalty with his other disciples.
Why couldn''t all my disciples'' family members be poisoned so I could play the hero? he sighed but then immediately shook off the thought. No, that would make me paranoid about being the real target orbeing the cause.
| Ding! |
| New Mission: One Righteous Disciple Is Worth More Than A Thousand Demonic Trash |
| Description: Your Disciple Is Ready To Join The Righteous Path. Give Him A Sermon And Ask Him To Join. |
Guess I know what Im doing after work tonight.
The hug became awkward as Slifer, lost in his thoughts, forgot to let go. Caelum, realising that his masters thoughts had wandered again, coughed gently, "Master?"
Startled, Slifer quickly composed himself and stepped back. "Ah, yes, of course."
Caelum''s mother, now sitting up and looking healthier, turned to Slifer with a grateful look in her eyes. "The heavens truly blessed our family the day you took my son into your sect, Immortal Master."
Slifer offered a strained smile, thinking, To mortals, what difference does it make if it''s an immortal or demonic sect? They''re all the same.
Turning to his mother, Caelum''s eyes still red from tears, made a solemn vow. "I promise you, mother, I will find out who did this to you and make them pay."
Slifers face darkened as he nodded in agreement. "An attack on a disciple''s family is an attack on myself," he affirmed. If this was indeed directed at me, I must find out who did this.
"Please, for my sake, do not seek vengeance," The kind-hearted woman pleaded softly, not understanding the harsh reality of the cultivation world.
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"I''m sorry, Mother, but I cannot obey you in this matter," Caelum stated, he knew that whoever did this would not stop until they succeeded or were killed.
His father, standing beside him, placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. "Get justice for your mother, son."
Caelum nodded before glancing up, his gaze landed on the portrait of his grandfather. "Why is Grandfather''s portrait up?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"Hehe passed away three months ago. I had a painter from the nearby city, Master Leo, come two months ago to draw this portrait. We wanted something to remember him by." His father let out a weary sigh.
The lives of mortals seem so fleeting, Caelum sighed.
Overhearing this, Slifer felt a jolt of realization. If the portrait was drawn only two months ago, how come it''s in the original''s memories? The sinking feeling in his gut continued to grow as he connected the dots - the poisoning, the visit from the original Slifer, and the timing of the portrait''s creation.
Attempting to mask his thoughts, Slifer cleared his throat and casually mentioned, "It has been over a decade since my last visit. Apart from the... recent mishap, it seems your family is faring well."
The parents exchanged a puzzled glance, clearly wondering what signs of wellbeing Slifer was referring to. Their lives had been anything but prosperous recently: their crops had failed last season, bandits had raided their village, and now the poisoning.
The mother, however, managed a strained smile, playing along with Slifer''s comment. "Lord Immortal is right, the family is doing... well," she agreed, though her eyes betrayed her words. "We would be even more grateful if Lord Immortal visited more often."
They are not aware of the original''s recent visit...that old bastard, he really tried to poison his own disciples mother!
Looking at the woman, who gazed up at him with expectant eyes, he almost shook his head. They should consider themselves fortunate that the original Slifer isn''t in control anymore, he thought grimly. Another visit from him, and the husband would have joined his wife in an early death!
Outwardly though, Slifer maintained his composure and nodded to the family, giving them a promise that he knew he wouldnt remember to keep. "I assure you; I will make an effort to visit more often."
Thank you, Lord Immortal.
As the family conversed among themselves, Slifer stood to the side, deep in thought. Why would the original Slifer target his own disciple''s family? What could possibly be gained from harming Caelum''s mother?
He glanced at Caelum, observing his disciple''s upright character and demeanor, and quickly dismissed the thought of any hidden animosity between them. More likely, the original Slifer was scheming against all his disciples, Slifer pondered. I need to uncover any other messes he''s left before they come back to kill me.
With a strategic cough, Slifer caught Caelum''s attention. "I will look into this matter," he assured him, adopting a stern tone. "As a sword cultivator, you must remain focused on your path. Distractions will only impede your progress. Leave this to your master."
"Are you sure, Master? I don''t want to add to your burdens. You always seem so occupied," Caelum replied.
"Do not worry about me, Caelum. Trust that your master will handle this matter appropriately." Slifer tried his best to offer a reassuring smile.
Caelum nodded, though he still seemed uneasy about the situation.
This is how they do it, right?
Dusty sat cross-legged, emulating the posture of the city boys around him. He took deep breaths, his attention on the first step of the Path of the Gluttonous Titan technique C opening up his pores to sense the qi around him.
After a few hours, he was able to sense what he assumed was the ambient qi, Haha, and they said it takes weeks, he grinned.
But then, abruptly, a sharp pang of hunger struck him. His eyes bulged, and his face reddened as he panted, "Food... I need food!"
Out of nowhere, a piece of beast meat, known as the Celestial Boar Steak, fell from the large pagoda above. Without a moment''s hesitation, Dusty lunged for it, catching it mid-air. His eyes glinted with a hint of madness as he tore into the meat in a most uncivilized manner, devouring it with a ferocity that left onlookers in shock.
"As expected from a peasant," William, watching from a distance, couldn''t help but sneer.
Dusty''s technique involved more than just eating; as he chewed the meat, he actively channeled the technique from the scroll, focusing on digesting and absorbing the qi within the meat. His method was unorthodox C rather than absorbing qi from the environment, he was directly assimilating it from the beast meat.
Finishing his feast with a loud burp, a faint wave of qi radiated from Dusty.
"Qi Refining!" someone in the crowd exclaimed, surprised at this unexpected breakthrough.
Dusty laughed heartily, patting his now slightly larger belly. "Outer sect?" he scoffed mockingly. "You lot can''t even begin to understand your father''s immense talent!" he boasted.
I-impossible! His talent is awful, how could an Outer Disciples comprehension exceed mine?! William grit his teeth in envy. Even though he was already a 7th Stage Qi Refining cultivator, he had never entered the Qi Refining realm so effortlessly.
Yeah, stare at my awesomeness, Dusty strutted around like a proud peacock.
Nomed shook his head at his friends antics, he had already broken through to the first stage of Qi Refining but he decided to keep it a secret for now, not wanting to put Dusty down.
Up in the pagoda, Grand Elder Tenzin turned to Grand Elder Darius, who was leaning forward with evident interest. "It''s rare for you to share one of your prized food items," Tenzin commented, referring to the spiritual beast steak that Dusty had just devoured, the steak contained the qi equivalent of a 3rd Stage Qi Refining expert.
"This lad''s like a well-fed caterpillar that''s about to become an over-fed butterfly!" Darius chuckled.
"Seems you have your eye on quite a few disciples this cycle." Tenzin said with a bitter smile on his face.
"Can I help it if they''re all naturally suited for the Disciplinary Hall?" Darius snorted dismissively.
With the disparity in their cultivation, Tenzin knew that he would only be making a fool of himself if he were to challenge Darius over a disciple. If only the sect master was here
"That boy has a talent that''s otherworldly, quite literally," Grand Elder Wyatts comment cut through Tenzins thoughts.
They turned their attention to Kalin who, having already mastered the sword skill in mere minutes, was now casually observing the other disciples.
Grand Elder Darius couldn''t help but scoff at the situation. "Let the ''Supreme Elder'' handle that headache," he said dismissively, not particularly concerned about the implications of Kalin''s presence.
Wyatt, however, shook his head in subtle disapproval. He understood that any issue involving the higher realms could potentially affect the entire sect, not just the one who took the boy in.
"The trial of comprehension is now concluded." Grand Elder Wyatt announced as the six-hour mark was met.
A wave of mixed reactions rippled through the crowd of disciples. Those who had struggled in vain with their scrolls let out sighs of frustration, their shoulders slumping in defeat. "I just couldn''t understand a thing," one muttered dejectedly.
"I was so close..." another disciple lamented; his voice tinged with frustration.
In contrast, others wore smiles of relief. "Finally, it''s over," a disciple exclaimed, stretching his arms above his head, "I thought it would never end!"
Suddenly, a rip in space appeared before the Grand Elders'' pavilion, drawing everyone''s attention. Hughie, recognizing the technique, mentally reached out to Li Fenghao in the ring. "Hey, old man, didn''t you say this technique was special? Why does someone else know it?"
Li Fenghao remained silent for a moment, his mind racing. How is this possible? he wondered. When the figure emerged from the portal, Li Fenghao''s eyes widened in shock. This guy again! Who is he really? Hehe must be from the immortal realm! He nodded to himself, trying to make sense of the situation.
The figure was none other than Slifer.
As he stepped out of the portal, the Grand Elders all rose to their feet, offering a respectful nod, all except Grand Elder Darius. He stood up abruptly, Slifer! His voice boomed across the valley.
"Darius, not yet!" Grand Elder Wyatt hissed under his breath.
But Darius, disregarding the warning, released an aura that made even the other Grand Elders pale, the aura of the Ascendant Realm.
Chapter 47: Slifer Vs Ascendant Realm Cultivator!
Slifers head popped out of the portal, he held back a sigh of relief, he had managed to arrive at the correct location, levelling the Dimensional Slide technique seemed like a good investment after all.
But before the rest of his body could exit the portal, a booming voice caught him off guard, the force of the shout nearly knocking him off balance.
"Slifer!"
Turning his gaze, Slifer saw a middle-aged man, his robes struggling in vain to hide a muscular physique reminiscent of a character from a video game.
Eh, why is this Tekken-like character shouting at me? Slifer couldn''t help but wonder.
Slifer recognized him from the original''s memories. The man was Grand Elder Darius, an Origin Realm expert, well, now apparently an Ascendant Realm cultivator, he was supposedly the most formidable cultivator in the Black Rose Sect after the Sect Master.
A heavy pressure descended upon him, and Slifer fought to keep his body from tensing up under the gaze of his disciples and the Grand Elders. It would be more than a little strange for the supposed Supreme Elder to soil himself in front of an equal, or to even soil himself in general.
Im certain Nascent Soul cultivators and above dont have these kinds of...bodily functions, well I guess wetting myself would be an interesting way to expose myself.
"Haha, now that Master is here, he''ll teach you a lesson."
Slifer didn''t need to turn around to know who that voice belonged to. This girl... he thought, frustrated.
He had repeatedly warned Amelia about provoking stronger cultivators but clearly it was useless, he would need to hurry up and increase his cultivation, so he doesnt need to worry about what problem she was going to create for him next.
With these disciples, in this world, a pie is the least of my concerns.
Forcing a cough to mask his discomfort, Slifer addressed the enraged elder, who was kind enough to wait for him to finish his internal monologue.
"Junior Darius, what did my disciple do this time," Slifer asked as his mind wandered to the potential punishments that would make the troublesome girl finally listen to him.
It has to be something embarrassing, so she knows Im serious but at the same time not too embarrassing where she adds me to her hit-list. Slifer knew that cultivators had the tendency to jump to slaughtering a whole generation for the tiniest slight, as for Ameliahe knew she would go the whole nine generations.
The Grand Elders face flushed with anger at Slifer''s audacity to address him as ''junior.'' Despite his middle-aged appearance, he was a millennium older than the so-called Supreme Elder standing before him.
Darius'' mind reeled with thoughts of his contributions and sacrifices for the sect. He had been a key figure in fighting back the demons during the demonic invasion, unlike many others who felt that as demonic cultivators their loyalty should be towards the Nether Realm.
The Sect Master had hinted many times in the past at Grand Elder Darius being the next in line to lead the sect, but Slifer''s sudden rise in cultivation rank posed a threat to his aspirations. While he would never openly admit it, Darius did in fact feel threatened by the recent rapid advancement of the Sect Masters lapdog.
Taking a deliberate step forward, Darius intensified the pressure bearing down on Slifer. "Now that we''re both Ascendant cultivators, I''m not your junior," he declared as he began to channel qi into his right arm.
Both he and Grand Elder Wyatt had harboured doubts about Slifer''s claim to the Ascendant Realm. How could someone they had watched fail the Origin Realm tribulation suddenly emerge as an Ascendant? It had to be a trick, a treasure, something other than genuine cultivation.
Sensing Darius'' intention to attack, Slifers eyes widened in alarm.
Darius right arm transformed into a stony appendage with jagged edges and in a blur, he closed the distance between them, his fist aimed squarely at Slifer''s head.
In the background, Slifer could hear Amelia''s enthusiastic cheers, but his focus was entirely on the incoming attack, an attack that was too fast for him to even see, let alone defend against. Before he could blink, Darius fist collided with his head.
| Ding! |
| Critical Block Card Activated |
An invisible barrier sprang up around Slifer, effortlessly blocking the attack and sending a shockwave that repelled Darius several feet backward. The force of their clash sent cracks spider-webbing across the pavilion''s floor.
What technique was that? Darius looked down at his fist in disbelief. It wasn''t a wind technique; he hadn''t felt any wind aura. A barrier technique, perhaps? But his knowledge of formations was limited, that was more in Grand Elder Wyatt''s domain.
Grand Elder Wyatt was astonished, a space-time and barrier technique combined? Such a feat was beyond even his considerable expertise in formations, it required an intricate understanding of essences. Essences were rumoured to be the domain of the Immortals, and even then, space and time were known to be of the most difficult to comprehend.
Could the Supreme Elder have entered the Immortal Realm?
Wyatt''s original plan had been to carefully prod Slifer into revealing his cultivation level, to confirm whether he truly belonged to the Ascendant Realm or was relying on an artifact. But Darius, unable to be patient even for a few moments, had ruined that plan.
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Darius has dug his own grave; he can get himself out of it. He shook his head, deciding to distance himself from the impulsive fool.
At that moment, Grand Elder Tenzin, sensing that things were getting out of hand, quickly flew into the air, ushering Caelum and the other disciples to follow him. "Come, Darius isnt known for restraint.
Once they were out of the way, the pavilion was left with only Grand Elder Darius and Slifer who were locked in a silent standoff.
If not for those nightmarish days in the Void realm, I might have been at this madman''s mercy, Slifer thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. It was clear to him now that Darius had been itching for an opportunity to challenge him.
Slifers eyes narrowed as he noticed a red glow emanating from the Grand Elders chest, it was in the shape of a crystal. An Ascendant Crystal... he thought, recognizing the symbol of a cultivator''s breakthrough to the Ascendant Realm.
The glow from the crystal caused the air to shift as a realm of stone expanded from the core, it engulfed the pagoda. Slifer, being close to the centre, felt the weight of the pressure paralyse him, his body feeling heavier with each passing second.
From his vantage point in the sky, Grand Elder Wyatt released a resigned sigh. His spiritual sense was unable to penetrate the solid Domain that now enveloped the pagoda. Without breaking through to the Ascendant Realm, I''m as blind as an Ozarion Beast here. All he could do was hope that Darius didnt make a fool of himself.
Meanwhile, the man in question let out a triumphant laugh as he taunted Slifer. "If you don''t reveal your Domain, you might as well be dead," Darius jeered, watching as Slifer''s form began to crystallize.
"Do you even possess a Domain?"
Slifer remained silent, focusing inwardly. His body was slowly turning to stone under the effect of the Domain, but he knew he had only one shot at turning the tables. Come on... just a little longer, he urged himself, waiting for the right moment.
Misinterpreting Slifer''s silence as an admission of defeat, Darius sneered. "So, you''re just a fraud after all."
He raised his hand, and a hundred rock spikes began to rise, their sharp points gleamed menacingly as they made eye contact with Slifer. With a flick of his wrist, Darius sent them hurtling towards Slifer, intending to end the charade once and for all.
The rock spikes cut through the air as Slifer braced for impact, his mind racing. This has to work... it''s now or never.
Activate Reflection Card.
| Ding! |
| Reflection Card Activated |
The rock spikes, which were mere inches from impaling him, halted abruptly in their tracks before reversing direction, now hurtling towards Grand Elder Darius.
As Slifer''s body reverted from its stony state, Darius gazed in horror at his own foot, which was rapidly turning to stone. Panicked, he channeled his qi throughout his body, struggling against the petrification. His attention, however, was violently drawn upwards as he saw the hundred rock spikes he had summoned now barreling towards him.
"H-how..." he gasped, moments before the spikes impaled him. Blood splattered as he fell to his knees, the spikes protruding grotesquely from his body. His Domain dissipated, retracting back into him as he coughed up blood.
From everyones perspective, it only took a few moments for Slifer to force an Ascendant cultivator to his knees.
Wyatt had anticipated an evenly matched duel, not this one-sided display of dominance. The Supreme Elder must be on the cusp of the Immortal Realm... if not already within it, he thought, recalibrating his understanding of Slifer''s true power.
Amelia''s taunting laughter rang out, her voice filled with smug satisfaction. "You should have listened to me, old man," she called out gleefully.
The crowd of disciples and onlookers began murmuring among themselves, their voices a mix of awe and speculation about the Supreme Elder''s strength.
"How is he that powerful?"
"What was that technique?"
"The Supreme Elder... could probably beat the Sect Master..."
Slifer, meanwhile, ignored the comments as he approached the figure kneeling before him, only pausing when a System notification appeared before him.
| Ding! |
| Kill for 1000 Karmic Credits or Spare for 2000 Karmic Credits |
Slifer weighed out the options and despite being attacked out of the blue, he was not inclined to kill the man. Who knew what life-saving treasures the Grand Elder possessed, Slifer only had a single Critical Block Card left in his arsenal, the risk was not worth it.
It''s probably Amelia''s fault anyways... or something to do with the Original Slifer, he reasoned.
Choosing to spare Darius, he thought, Maybe one day, I''ll turn him into a righteous cultivator. It might seem far-fetched, but I just can''t write him off.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed a weak purple hue emanating from Darius hand, wait, what is that?
His thoughts were interrupted by a searing pain that tore through his head; his vision blurred as he clutched his temple in agony.
Icantthink
Chapter 48: Am I Zack Or Slifer?
Sleep
Slifer''s vision darkened as a voice, soft and gentle like a whisper, echoed seductively in his mind. You''ve endured so much these past weeks, my love. It''s... it''s okay to close your eyes...just for a little while.
I can''t... not now, Slifer resisted, his thoughts cloudy. I''mtrappedinsi-noIm in battle
But aren''t you tired? the voice cooed. Just a moment of peace, my dear. Let go of your burdens, even heroes need to rest.
Just a brief rest, then.... Slifer finally gave in. His eyelids grew heavy, and the world around him seemed to fade into the background, the voice becoming his entire focus.
Yessssleeeep
Zack didnt know what was going on, his mind was a mess.
One moment, he was vaguely aware of standing within a pagoda, doing something important, what it was, he had no clue, but what he did know, was that his life depended on it.
But now, he found himself back on his couch, a half-eaten pie in his hands, preparing for the upcoming pie-eating competition.
What is going on? he wondered, trying to make sense of the strange sensation of being somewhere else. After a few moments of confusion, he shrugged it off as just another one of his vivid daydreams, he was certain if his life depended on something then he would definitely remember. And when did I even last go outside? he laughed at the absurdity of it, after all, it wasnt easy for a man of hislarge stature to strut around just for the fun of it.
His focus shifted back to the present, to the more pressing matter at hand - the pie-eating competition.
The competition was no small feat, even for someone like him who had a natural affinity for pies. Last year''s top five competitors had all managed around thirty pies in ten minutes, with the champion devouring an astounding thirty-nine. Who knew that there were others who not only shared the same hobby as him, but excelled in it!
Only in America, Zack thought with a bitter smile.
He glanced down at the pie in his hand. This is number twenty-nine, not bad, but not enough. If he was going to win and prove to his parents that he wasnt the failure that everyone accused him of being, he needed at least forty.
The competition was only a week away, he didnt have time to waste and sit around like this. With narrowed eyes, Zack raised the half-eaten pie and shoved it into his mouth, chewing furiously.
I''ll show them all. I''ll win, even if it kills me... well, maybe not literally. I do want to enjoy that $50,000 prize money.
Caught up in his daydream of showing his parents that they were all wrong about him, Zack carelessly swallowed a chunk of pie that definitely required more chewing. His face turned a frightening shade of red as his eyes bulged, he desperately clawed at his throat, struggling for air. His vision blurred as oxygen deprivation took its toll.
In a frantic attempt to get help, he tried to stand, aiming for the door, but his pudgy feet betrayed him, and he slipped backwards, his flabby back hitting the wall with a thud.
Ptui
A loud spit echoed in the room as the offending piece of pie flew out of his mouth. The colour of his face slowly returned to normal, and he exhaled a heavy sigh of relief.
Who knew a pie could kill a man!
| Ding! |
| Mental Attack Detected |
| Attack At The Immortal Level |
| Passive Skill Void Being Aura Activated |
| Attack Potency Decreased By 33% |
Slifer''s mind snapped back to reality, his vision sharpening as he found himself a few feet away from Grand Elder Darius. It didnt take him a second to realise what had transpired.
This guy just tried to fuck with my mind! Slifer''s face darkened with anger. He had been willing to spare Darius before, but a mind attack was a different story. He was lucky that his willpower stat was sufficient to defend against the remainder of the attack, otherwise, he would have ended up as a puppet, or whatever it was the amulet was aiming to do. Unforgivable.
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Darius face contorted in shock seeing Slifer effortlessly shrug off the mental attack. The amulet should have worked! How could he...? His thought was cut short as Slifer opened his mouth, forming a ball of fire.
Firebreath!
Even if it is only at the Nascent Soul stage, this will end him, Slifer thought, eyeing the severely wounded Grand Elder. The body of an Ascendant Realm expert was just like any other below the Immortal Realm, only at the peak of the Body Tempering stage.
"No, don-" Darius began, but his plea was drowned out by the growing intensity of the fire in Slifer''s mouth. Desperation painted Darius'' face. Unlike his disciples who could rely on him to give them life-saving treasures, he didnt have anyone, all he had was his halberd, a weapon as much a part of him as his own soul.
"Come forth, Ignispike!" Darius bellowed with great difficulty.
The halberd, which he had won in his youth in a trial left behind by an Immortal senior, materialized beside him. It was a majestic weapon, its shaft decorated with intricate patterns and its blade shimmering with a deadly gleam.
Like those sword cultivators he so detested, Darius had bonded with his weapon. The path of the halberd was less glorified, but no less powerful, and he would kill anyone who dared say otherwise.
Darius would never admit it but every encounter with a sword cultivator left him feeling inadequate, there was something about them, the air they carried around them, as though they were superior due to their use of the sword. The sword strike from Slifer a few weeks ago had only reignited those insecurities.
I will never lose to a sword cultivator! Darius channeled the last remnants of his qi into the halberd, causing fire to dance along its edge.
A last stand, huh? Slifer''s expression remained cold and unmoved. Well, it won''t change your fate.
Tightening his grip on the halberd, Darius swung his right arm. It wasn''t his strongest blowfar from it, given his current state, impaled by spikes. This is all I can manage, he thought grimly. As the halberd moved, his arm tore painfully at the wounds caused by the spikes, sending jolts of agony through his body.
The fiery halberd clashed against Slifer, who didnt seem the least concerned, his focus fully on the fireball in his mouth which only continued to grow larger.
Darius let out a slight smirk when he felt the strike land, however, the smirk turned into a grimace when he noticed that annoying barrier technique spring to life.
Damn it! Darius hadnt expected Slifer to be capable of simultaneously using that blasted formation technique along with the fireball.
Aaah. The force of the impact, coupled with Darius'' weakened state, was too much for him to handle, his grip faltered, and the halberd slipped from his hands, clattering to the ground.
In that same moment, Slifer spat out the fireball, engulfing the Grand Elder in flames.
A fleeting look of regret crossed Darius'' face as he burned. I didn''t plan to kill him... just to humble him. If Slifer had died in the process, well, then Darius couldnt be blamed. It is not my fault if he is too weak... But now, it was clear he had miscalculated. Or perhaps, been manipulated.
"Wyatt!" he screamed, realizing too late the true orchestrator of his death.
In a final, desperate act, he shattered his Ascendant Crystal. The crystal, the very core of his cultivation, cracked with a resounding echo. The impending explosion was a last-ditch effort, a vengeful attempt to drag the others down with him.
Seeing the suicidal attack by the madman in front of him, a single thought raced through Slifers mind: Shit.
He didnt have any Critical Block cards left, a situation like this was the very reason he had initially planned to spare the Grand Elder, but then the fool had to try and fuck with his mind.
The explosion erupted with a deafening roar, an immense force that tore through the pagoda, reducing it to rubble. The ground shook violently, and a wave of heat and light engulfed everything in its vicinity.
Up above, Grand Elder Wyatt, seeing the explosion heading towards him, swiftly activated a formation.
A shimmering barrier sprang up around him and the disciples, protecting them from the remnants of the explosion. The shield glowed with a faint blue hue, vibrating as the shockwaves battered against it, however, each shockwave made the barrier falter, it seemed it would give out any second.
"Hold on!" Wyatt yelled, his voice barely audible over the din.
The disciples below, wide-eyed and terrified, huddled together, feeling the heat and shockwaves around them.
"Thank heavens for the barrier..." one of them muttered, awe-struck at the devastation before them. Even the remnants of the explosion were sufficient to snuff out their fragile lives.
When the shockwaves stopped, they let out a collective sigh of relief.
"W-what happened to the Supreme Elder?"
Chapter 49: Which One Of You Is The Protagonist?
He didn''t even move an inch!
Not a single scratch on him!
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Amelias Loyalty Has Increased By 5% |
| Your Disciple Young Fenlocks Loyalty Has Increased By 10% |
| Your Disciple Hughies Loyalty Has Increased By 15% |
Their loyalties better go up, if there was no change in loyalty after that, I might as well give up now, Slifer thought, he then exhaled a deep breath of relief, thankful that his quick thinking to use the phase ability had paid off without any System hiccups.
Reminds me of that Obito and Konan scene...
| Ding! |
| You Have Killed An Ascendant Realm Cultivator |
| You Have Gained 1000 Karmic Credits |
Glancing at the spot where Grand Elder Darius once stood, he noticed that only an amulet remained.
Hmm, lets see how this little thing could mess with my head like that.
Insight!
| Treasure: Sirens Call |
| Grade: Immortal Realm |
| Type: Amulet |
| Condition: Perfect |
| Description: Contains the whisper of a Siren, can put the target in a passive state |
Sirens, huh? They sound like nothing but trouble. Slifer made a beckon motion with his hand, the amulet flew towards him and disappeared into his storage ring, he did not want to touch anything that could get into his head, at least, not yet. I need to find ways to increase my mental defence.
Meanwhile, Grand Elder Wyatt watched with a barely concealed frown as Slifer pocketed the amulet. That fool Darius, he thought, Not only did he fail, but he also lost my amulet.
As the Grand Elders, Tenzin and Lydia, descended next to Slifer, Wyatt hastily followed, ready to do some damage control. However, when he opened his mouth, he was immediately cut off by a silver-haired girl.
Wow, and I thought you were getting soft, she commented, standing uncomfortably close to Slifer.
She''d probably be the perfect candidate for the Siren''s Call. Her natural inclination towards Soul techniques... Slifer shook his head subtly, dismissing the thought almost as quickly as it came. No, giving Amelia such a treasure would only spell more trouble for me in the long run.
"Hmm, and thats why you dared to go against my words," Slifer replied to Amelia, his voice hardening.
"But... but the old man started it, Amelia shrank back, he was bullying us!"
Slifer shook his head, knowing that the girl could come up with a thousand excuses, but then Fenlock spoke up, "Master, she''s telling the truth. It seemed the Grand... the former Grand Elder had a problem with you..."
Unlike his Junior Sister, Fenlock had a softer character, Slifer felt that he was a trustworthy guy.
Not to mention, Slifer had already narrowed it down to two options: Amelia or the original. It was only those two who could aggravate an Ascendant Realm cultivatormaybe Val too, Slifer added as an afterthought.
"Hmm, youre lucky your Senior Brother vouched for you," Slifer said, turning his gaze back to the mischievous girl, who immediately began to mutter, "Hes not my Seni" but cut herself off when Slifers eyes narrowed.
Teenagers, Slifer thought with a mental sigh.
"Master left no body for Val," Val pouted as she fluttered around Slifer''s head.
I was nearly the one without a body, Slifer shivered as he recalled the explosive ordeal. "When we go on our little trip, you can have as many bodies as you want," he said, trying to appease her.
"Master promise?" Val''s big eyes gazed up at him earnestly.
"Yes..." Slifer replied, though a nagging feeling told him he might regret this promise. The glint in the baby dragons eyes seemed to suggest her appetite was far from modest.
Slifers attention then shifted to Grand Elder Tenzin, who was beaming at him. Slifer nodded in appreciation. "Thank you for keeping my disciples safe."
"Of course, Supreme Elder, it was the least I could do," Tenzin replied, whilst he mentally gave himself a pat on the back. Aligning with the Supreme Elder was the right move.
Even Grand Elder Lydia, who was usually so stoic and maybe even had a slight dislike for the original, gave Slifer a slight bow of her head. Killing an Ascendant cultivator unscathed was no small feat, after all.
"Supreme Elder, I am glad youre okay," Grand Elder Wyatt''s voice cut through the air.
Slifer''s eyes narrowed as he assessed the suspicious-looking elder in front of him.
Weasel, he thought instantly, reminded of untrustworthy mechanics who''d fix one problem and create ten more. Definitely wouldn''t trust him with my car, let alone the sect.
"Grand Elder Wyatt," Slifer greeted, his voice carried a frosty edge but internally he was on edge, remembering how the madman had screamed Wyatt''s name as he self-destructed. Is this one going to attack me too? he wondered apprehensively.
That fool Darius had to drag me into his mess, Grand Elder Wyatt was seething but he maintained his polite demeanour. "Since you are here, Supreme Elder, it would be most fitting for you to lead the Selection Ceremony."
Then through his spiritual sense, Wyatt sent a quick summary of the trials and their notable participants to Slifer. It took Slifer a moment to process the influx of information.
I need to upgrade Insight, Slifer realized, looking up the system status.
| Upgrade Insight to Intermediate Skill for 1000 Karmic Credits |
With a resigned sigh, he confirmed the purchase.
| Skill: Insight |
| Basic Description: Grants information about an object or person upon focus |
| Intermediate Description: Grants the ability to view the stats of the target |
Useful, yet the System''s timing is suspiciously perfect,he thought with a tinge of bitterness. He wondered if he upgraded the skill earlier, would it have given the same result or would it have given him something useless.
The surrounding Grand Elders and disciples exchanged puzzled looks as Slifer stood motionless, seemingly lost in thought. Amelia''s cough broke the silence. "Master, you''re spacing out again," she remarked.
Slifer scowled, slightly embarrassed. "Rude girl," he muttered under his breath. Then, turning to face the crowd of disciples, he declared, "I will now choose a disciple."
The disciples straightened up, their eyes filled with anticipation and nervous excitement. The prospect of being selected by the Supreme Elder, who had just demonstrated his overwhelming power, was both a daunting and thrilling possibility.
As Slifer walked up to each disciple, he activated the upgraded Insight skill, scrutinizing them closely. One after another, he examined dozens of disciples, each time shaking his head due to their stats being insufficient to gain the System''s attention.
The disciples felt increasingly uneasy under his intense gaze, especially when he walked away muttering to himself.
Finally, Slifer stood before a white-robed youth, Kalin. This one''s different, Slifer noted, recalling the information provided by Grand Elder Wyatt. Mysterious background, possibly from the Immortal Realm, and here for training... he seems more like a villain destined for humiliation by the protagonist.
Insight!
| Name |
Kalin |
| Realm |
9th Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
9 |
| Luck |
6 |
| Talent |
9 |
| Will |
6 |
Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.Two stats at nine? This isn''t just any character; he''s likely a protagonist from his own story in the Immortal Realm.
Clearing his throat and adopting an air of authority, Slifer addressed the youth, "Boy, would you like to be my disciple?"
"YesMaster," Kalin replied with a hint of condescension, it seemed almost as if he was doing Slifer a favour.
From the sidelines, Grand Elder Wyatt suppressed a sigh. He was supposed to be cautious with this one.
| Ding! |
| Disciple slot only available for the target of the mission |
| Taking another disciple without a slot will lead to consequences |
Damn, I forgot about Leah, Slifer realized, mentally kicking himself. I need to convert her fast to free up a slot.
Noticing the pause, Kalin raised an eyebrow questioningly.
Slifer didnt want to let go of a disciple with such high stats even if he was on the arrogant side, however, not willing to deal with the consequences that the System could come up with, he coughed awkwardly, scrambling for a plausible excuse to retract his offer.
Due to your background, I cannot take you as a disciple, but I can offer you some pointers."
The sudden retraction felt like a slap to Kalins dignity, he felt his ears begin to burn. If father were he- no! Kalin forcibly calmed himself, looking down at his sword. Serenity is key, he reminded himself, suppressing his pride. Bending slightly, he respectfully said, "I would be honoured to receive your guidance."
| Name |
Kalin |
| Realm |
9th Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
9 |
| Luck |
6 |
| Talent |
9 |
| Will |
6 -> 7 |
I was right, the Will stat can be changed, Slifer nodded to himself as he watched Kalin, who was on the brink of becoming an arrogant young master, use the path of the sword to reshape himself. A protagonist, but not my protagonist, he sighed internally as he turned away.
Nearby, William Wick straightened his posture, sensing Slifer''s gaze shifting towards him. His heart pounded with anticipation and anxiety. This is my moment. I need to impress the Supreme Elder, not just for me, but for my clan''s future, he thought, bracing himself.
Grand Elder Tenzin, noticing the Supreme Elders gaze on the heir of the Wick Clan, piped up, "At just 15 years of age, young William has already reached the 7th stage of the Qi Refining Realm. A rare genius, indeed."
Pride swelled in William''s chest as he heard this praise. He couldn''t help but smile, believing he had caught the Supreme Elder''s attention but soon his smile faltered when he heard the silver-hair girl mumble.
You call this a rare genius? When I was 12 years old, I broke into the Qi Refining realm, then at 14, I broke into the Foundation Establishment realm, and Im 18 years old this year, but I have already stepped into the Mid Core Formation Realm...
Grand Elder Tenzin,
Is she trying to belittle me? William thought, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and embarrassment. He felt a hot surge of blood rise to his throat, almost coughing it out, but he held it in, forcing a fake smile, he knew he couldnt offend a disciple of the Supreme Elder. But I cant afford to lose face here.
"Every cultivator''s path is unique," William managed to cough out, his voice strained. "I am still learning and growing."
Yeah, but you should grow faster, Amelia responded as she looked down at her sharp nails, already losing interest in the young master.
How can she be so dismissive? William clenched his fists, trying to control his boiling emotions. I am the heir of the Wick Clan!
"Cultivation is not a race but a journey, some will begin with a gentle pace, steadily ascending to impressive heights, while others resemble shooting stars, blazing brilliantly but fading away in an instant. Slifer spoke up, an air of wisdom surrounding him.
Amelia rolled her eyes but stayed silent, knowing better than to argue with her master.
William''s heart calmed a bit, grateful for the Supreme Elder''s words. He bowed slightly, "Thank you for your wisdom, Supreme Elder."
It''s good to inspire confidence in the younger generation, Slifer nodded to himself as he activated Insight.
| Name |
William Wick |
| Realm |
7th Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
4 |
| Luck |
4 |
| Talent |
4 |
| Will |
3 |
Not even a single five? Slifer shook his head in disappointment, he couldn''t believe the kid was able to light up three pillars. His talent clearly wasnt high enough, he could get away with using his clans resources to breakthrough the stages of the Qi Refining Realm but to trick the Luminaresce Quartz? That was no small feat, it would likely take an Immortal Rank treasure to accomplish.
This one probably has a few secrets, Slifer mused. Since the System didnt require him to take the youngster as a disciple then Slifer would rather pass on him, secrets in the xianxia world could mean opportunity but they for sure entailed death, and usually a lot of it.
"Nothing special," Slifer muttered to himself as he moved on.
The words stung, crushing the fragile pride that William had managed to rebuild.
Am I really just ordinary? The thought was like a cold blade slicing through his heart. He had worked so hard, pushed his clans resources to the limits, and yet, in the eyes of someone truly powerful, he was just... average.
Unaware of the effect his offhand remark had caused, Slifer''s focus shifted to two young village boys, who, when standing side by side, reminded him of the number 10.
| Ding! |
| Target Located |
| Take The Youth As A Disciple |
Announcement
Hello everyone!
As tomorrow is the 25th, I will be spending time with my family. I won''t be taking a week break or anything like that. The schedule for this week is Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
The next chapter has 2 versions, an uncensored version that has cock jokes (a lot of them) and then the more tame version.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
I will be posting both versions on Tuesday one minute apart. Most of my patrons preferred the uncensored version but there is no significant difference in the story, so read whichever you feel comfortable with.
If you want to binge read, you can ready 14 chapters on Patreon for $10, it''s the holiday, you all deserve it!
Hope you all enjoy the holidays!
If you''re in the festive mood, a review is always appreciated, it would be a nice gift ;)
Chapter 50: The Colossal Cock (Tame Version)
Seeing the Supreme Elder''s gaze turn their way, Dusty puffed out his chest, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He nudged Nomed, his voice barely a whisper. "The Grand Elders thought I had no talent, but it was them who had no eyes," he bragged. Dusty was sure that word had gone around concerning his rapid comprehension of the Gluttonous Titan technique and now the Supreme Elder himself was impressed.
Shaking his head at his friends antics, Nomed remained silent, he felt a strange feeling in his belly as though something bad was about to occur.
As the Supreme Elder approached, Dusty''s grin stretched wider. Looking down at his round belly, he murmured to it, "Stay patient, my friend. Being the disciple of the Supreme Elder means you can feast to your heart''s content."
Ever since he could remember, Dusty had a special place in his heart C and stomach C for chicken. It was his ultimate comfort food, the one thing that could bring joy to his big-boned frame. Nomed often joked that nothing fueled Dusty quite like a well-fed chicken.
Dusty remembered that one particularly incident when he snuck into Grandma Sully''s henhouse. The plump hens clucked obliviously, unaware of just how delicious they looked. He was so close to grabbing one when he heard that old crones voice, "You naughty boy, you''re going to end up just like your father, gobbling your way to the grave! Havent you got a lick of sense?"
Caught red-handed, Dusty panicked. With a half-caught chicken in his grip, he did the only thing he could think of C he bit into the chicken, feathers and all. One bite was all that he needed to realise it was a terrible idea, quickly he spat out the feathers and gave Grandma Sully his most innocent face.
Grandma Sully was not fooled.
Shaking his head to dispel the memory, Dusty rubbed his healthy-sized belly and whispered, "No more sneaking around after today."
But as Slifer walked past him, Dustys smile faltered, and he watched baffled as the Supreme Elder stopped in front of his best friend.
A smile appeared on Slifer''s face as he looked at the status window.
| Name |
Nomed |
| Realm |
1st Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
6 |
| Luck |
7 |
| Talent |
8 |
| Will |
8 |
These stats... the boys average performance doesn''t match his stats at all. A hidden gem or is this perhaps the storyline where the protagonist hides his true talent to infiltrate a sect for some secret mission, he mused silently, a knowing glint in his eyes.
If stats were all it took to gain the Systems interest then the System would have identified Kalin as a potential disciple. Slifer suspected that there were more requirements, he just couldnt figure out what they were, and the System was more than happy to not help him.
Nomed, feeling the Supreme Elders unsettling smile linger on him, tried not to fidget. I did everything I could to remain unnoticeable, but this old man still noticed me!
Looking at the young man''s innocent, simple face, Slifer couldnt help but assume, this kid probably entered the demonic sect hoping to turn it into a righteous one from the inside, much like how some girls think they can transform their leather-jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding boyfriends into card-carrying members of the "Pajama Party Posse."
Eh, it doesnt matter if he hid his talent intentionally or there were some other reasons why he performed terribly, what I need to do now is make a good first impression and complete this mission.
Standing tall with his hands clasped behind his back, Slifer raised his chin slightly. With his eyes half-closed as if peering into the depths of the universe, he subtly activated the Whimsical Wind Card, a card he had previously thought was useless.
A gentle breeze began to swirl around him, causing his robes to flutter dramatically. For teens who had almost no experience with cultivation, the effect was striking, the na?ve disciples began to gasp in awe.
"Look at the Supreme Elder''s aura."
"Hehe looks like an Immortal!"
II want him!
Pretending as though he didnt hear the last comment, Slifer coughed as he focused his attention back on the protagonist before him. "Young man, would youwould you like to be this old mans disciple?" he asked.
The surrounding disciples'' awe turned into shock.
"This nobody has caught the Supreme Elder''s eye?"
How lucky!
ThisI refuse to believe this! One of the city boys even began to repeatedly rub his eyes in disbelief.
As for the Grand Elders, they exchanged confused glances. They couldnt fathom the thoughts of the Supreme Elder; Nomed was so... average. However, recalling how Slifer had effortlessly killed Grand Elder Darius, they wondered if there was something in the boy that they couldn''t see.
Nomed, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden attention, was frantically trying to think of a way to reject the Supreme Elder''s offer. He realized, with a sinking heart, that there was no logical reason he could give that would be accepted without drawing more attention to himself.
Why is it so hard to stay low-key? he lamented inwardly.
Forcing a smile, he tried his best to appear excited and bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, Master."
Slifer, observing his new disciple''s enthusiasm, stroked his beard in satisfaction. It''s always good to have loyal disciples, he thought. From the simple look of the kid, Slifer could tell he would be a loyal one.
| Ding! |
| New Task |
| Complete Master-Disciple Ceremony |
Success!
All Slifer had to do was complete this annoying ceremony and then he would gain the mystery reward for completing the mission. The task had been far easier than Slifer expected. He had initially worried the System would pick someone with typical xianxia protagonist problems: tragic pasts, vengeful enemies, or cursed bloodlines that attracted calamity. Thankfully, so far Nomed seemed refreshingly normal, just a village boy whose family had yet to be wiped out.
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"Grandma Sully was right, I will die a miserable death, death by starvation," the whisper from the fatty beside his new disciple brought Slifer out of his thoughts. W-why does he remind me of myself?
"Master, would it be possible for you to also take Dusty as your disciple?" Nomed asked, not being able to bear the look on his friends face.
Slifer frowned slightly. He knew that the System wouldn''t allow him to take in more disciples; if it did, he would have chosen Kalin. But he didn''t want to upset his new disciple so soon, that would happen later when Nomed realised that he was being worked like the sla-, disciple he was.
Turning to look at Dusty, Slifer activated Insight.
| Name |
Dusty |
| Realm |
1st Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
3 (8) |
| Luck |
8 |
| Talent |
2 |
| Will |
2 |
Eight in bracket? Hmm, his normal comprehension must be pretty low but if he has affinity with the technique then his comprehension shoots up to eight? Sounds about right. Slifer stroked his beard as he looked at the meatball-shaped human pouting at him.
But he is a lucky one, it couldnt hurt to have him on my side
"I have someone else in mind for him," Slifer mumbled as he sent out a spiritual transmission.
As if on cue, the disciples heard a grunt from above, they looked up to see a fat, bald man jumping down from a sword. Landing with a heavy thud next to the Supreme Elder, the man bowed deeply and said, "Master."
"Morvran," Slifer acknowledged with a nod. He then pointed to Dusty and instructed, "I want you to take this one as your disciple."
Morvran''s eyes narrowed as he surveyed Dusty. "This one looks like he needs a lot of work, Master, but I will try my best."
Dusty, feeling slighted, shook his chubby hand at Morvran. "Dont imply Im fat, I''m only big-boned," he protested.
Morvran shook his head, his expression serious as ever. "Youre not worthy of being called fat, boy," he replied as he puffed out his belly to demonstrate his own impressive girth. "You have much more growing to do."
Dusty''s eyes widened in awe. "Wow, you look like you have a Grandma who actually loves you," he exclaimed.
A rare sense of pride appeared on Morvran''s face. "I have no need of a Grandma, if you follow the Way of the Cock then you can attain this physique one day!
Morvran''s statement seemed to ignite a new fire in Dusty. He looked at Nomed, his eyes once again shining. "Nomed, I''m gonna be just like this fat guy!"
The Way of the CockSlifer thought, a smirk threatening to break his wise master facade. However, he knew that Morvran was deadly serious.
Cocks, in the cultivation world, were reputed to be greatly beneficial, especially for those who cultivated their bodies. He recalled a tale from the Immortal Realm about a colossal cock, a creature so formidable that even immortals would flee at its sight. Legend had it that this immense cock had sired numerous offspring, and consuming the meat of these various descendants could potentially unlock the rare bloodline of the Great Cock.
From the vague memories he inherited, Slifer remembered that the original had given Morvran a cock-related cultivation method. The old man must have wanted Morvran to unlock the Great Cock bloodline, Slifer deduced, why that was, Slifer didnt know, but knowing his predecessor, it wouldnt have been out of goodwill.
Shaking his head, Slifer decided not to question Morvran''s teaching methods. If Morvran wants to teach his disciple the Way of the Cock, who am I to disapprove?
The Disciple Selection Ceremony continued, with the other Grand Elders making their selections. Grand Elder Lydia found two suitable disciples for the Medicine Hall. Although they lacked the innate talent of the Wizeron Clan''s usual recruits, they held enough potential for her to invest her time in.
Grand Elder Wyatt chose William as his disciple. Slifer, only half-paying attention, noted that Grand Elder Tenzin selected a boy from the Jexlarin Clan, but he couldn''t recall the boy''s name. They all look the same, Slifer thought, grateful for the Insight skill. Without it, I might have walked away with some random kid thinking it was Nomed.
William clenched his fists as he watched the Supreme Elder depart with his new disciples. How could he overlook me for a mere village boy? A boy who is only fit to be my servant! Despite his rage, William forced himself to focus on the bigger picture. He had successfully entered the sect, fulfilling the ''mans'' orders. As long as I follow his instructions, my clan will remain safe.
"I hope you dont regret your choice, Supreme Elder."
In a dark cave, void of any natural light, five spiritual figures stood in a circle. Each figure was cloaked in a hooded robe, their identities obscured by the shadows that clung to them like a second skin.
"The plan was successful," one member announced, their voice echoing off the walls, "the agent has entered the Black Rose Sect."
Another member, their voice tinged with a hint of arrogance, retorted, "Like I said before, the Luminaresce Quartz is not difficult to trick. If those old fools in the sect had listened to me, there wouldnt be such glaring holes in their defense."
The first figure hesitated before speaking again. "Even though the Luminaresce Quartz was tricked, the outcome was not what we were hoping for."
A third figure shook its head. "No matter, as long as the disciple entered the sect, that is what''s important."
The fourth one, agreeing with a nod, added, "You need to make sure they secure one of the spots for the Sealed Realm."
Then, the fifth figure, who had been sitting quietly, stood up. "Once the Awakening is successful, war will follow." The figures voice caused the spiritual forms of the others to tremble instinctively as though they were in the presence of a higher being.
The figure paused and took its time to look at each of the other figures, its gaze piercing through their blurred forms. "Prepare for war," it commanded.
One by one, the spiritual figures nodded. Then, as if they were mere mirages, their figures slowly dissipated into the air.
As the last of the figures vanished, a strange mark appeared on the cave floor. It was a tree, its branches twisted and gnarled. In the centre of the trunk was an eye, unblinking and unsettling, as if it were watching everything.
The eye bled a crimson tear before it too disappeared.
Chapter 50: The Colossal Cock (Uncensored)
Seeing the Supreme Elder''s gaze turn their way, Dusty puffed out his chest, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He nudged Nomed, his voice barely a whisper. "The Grand Elders thought I had no talent, but it was them who had no eyes," he bragged. Dusty was sure that word had gone around concerning his rapid comprehension of the Gluttonous Titan technique and now the Supreme Elder himself was impressed.
Shaking his head at his friends antics, Nomed remained silent, he felt a strange feeling in his belly as though something bad was about to occur.
As the Supreme Elder approached, Dusty''s grin stretched wider. Looking down at his round belly, he murmured to it, "Stay patient, my friend. Being the disciple of the Supreme Elder means you can feast to your heart''s content."
His mind wandered to memories of Grandma Sully catching him stealing chickens from the hen house. "Dusty, you gluttonous child, those chickens aren''t for you to gobble up whenever you please!"
Shaking his head to dispel the memory, Dusty rubbed his healthy-sized belly and whispered, "No cock will be safe after today."
Dusty didnt know what it was but since he could remember, he always had a fascination of cocks, nothing felt better than when he had a cock inside him. And now that he would soon become the Supreme Elders disciple, no one would dare stop him. After all, who could complain if the disciple of the Supreme Elder wanted a cock or two?
But as Slifer walked past him, Dustys smile faltered, and he watched baffled as the Supreme Elder stopped in front of his best friend.
A smile appeared on Slifer''s face as he looked at the status window.
| Name |
Nomed |
| Realm |
1st Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
6 |
| Luck |
7 |
| Talent |
8 |
| Will |
8 |
These stats... the boys average performance doesn''t match his stats at all. A hidden gem or is this perhaps the storyline where the protagonist hides his true talent to infiltrate a sect for some secret mission, he mused silently, a knowing glint in his eyes.
If stats were all it took to gain the Systems interest then the System would have identified Kalin as a potential disciple. Slifer suspected that there were more requirements, he just couldnt figure out what they were, and the System was more than happy to not help him.
Nomed, feeling the Supreme Elders unsettling smile linger on him, tried not to fidget. I did everything I could to remain unnoticeable, but this old man still noticed me!
Looking at the young man''s innocent, simple face, Slifer couldnt help but assume, this kid probably entered the demonic sect hoping to turn it into a righteous one from the inside, much like how some girls think they can transform their leather-jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding boyfriends into card-carrying members of the "Pajama Party Posse."
Eh, it doesnt matter if he hid his talent intentionally or there were some other reasons why he performed terribly, what I need to do now is make a good first impression and complete this mission.
Standing tall with his hands clasped behind his back, Slifer raised his chin slightly. With his eyes half-closed as if peering into the depths of the universe, he subtly activated the Whimsical Wind Card, a card he had previously thought was useless.
A gentle breeze began to swirl around him, causing his robes to flutter dramatically. For teens who had almost no experience with cultivation, the effect was striking, the na?ve disciples began to gasp in awe.
"Look at the Supreme Elder''s aura."
"Hehe looks like an Immortal!"
II want him!
Pretending as though he didnt hear the last comment, Slifer coughed as he focused his attention back on the protagonist before him. "Young man, would youwould you like to be this old mans disciple?" he asked.
The surrounding disciples'' awe turned into shock.
"This nobody has caught the Supreme Elder''s eye?"
How lucky!
ThisI refuse to believe this! One of the city boys even began to repeatedly rub his eyes in disbelief.
As for the Grand Elders, they exchanged confused glances. They couldnt fathom the thoughts of the Supreme Elder; Nomed was so... average. However, recalling how Slifer had effortlessly killed Grand Elder Darius, they wondered if there was something in the boy that they couldn''t see.
Nomed, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden attention, was frantically trying to think of a way to reject the Supreme Elder''s offer. He realized, with a sinking heart, that there was no logical reason he could give that would be accepted without drawing more attention to himself.
Why is it so hard to stay low-key? he lamented inwardly.
Forcing a smile, he tried his best to appear excited and bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, Master."
Slifer, observing his new disciple''s enthusiasm, stroked his beard in satisfaction. It''s always good to have loyal disciples, he thought. From the simple look of the kid, Slifer could tell he would be a loyal one.
| Ding! |
| New Task |
| Complete Master-Disciple Ceremony |
Success!
All Slifer had to do was complete this annoying ceremony and then he would gain the mystery reward for completing the mission. The task had been far easier than Slifer expected. He had initially worried the System would pick someone with typical xianxia protagonist problems: tragic pasts, vengeful enemies, or cursed bloodlines that attracted calamity. Thankfully, so far Nomed seemed refreshingly normal, just a village boy whose family had yet to be wiped out.
"Grandma Sully was right, I dont deserve any cock," the whisper from the fatty beside his new disciple brought Slifer out of his thoughts. W-why are the words grandma and cock being used in the same sentence?
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"Master, would it be possible for you to also take Dusty as your disciple?" Nomed asked, not being able to bear the look on his friends face.
Slifer frowned slightly. He knew that the System wouldn''t allow him to take in more disciples; if it did, he would have chosen Kalin. But he didn''t want to upset his new disciple so soon, that would happen later when Nomed realised that he was being worked like the sla-, disciple he was.
Turning to look at Dusty, Slifer activated Insight.
| Name |
Dusty |
| Realm |
1st Stage Qi Refining |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
3 (8) |
| Luck |
8 |
| Talent |
2 |
| Will |
2 |
Eight in bracket? Hmm, his normal comprehension must be pretty low but if he has affinity with the technique then his comprehension shoots up to eight? Sounds about right. Slifer stroked his beard as he looked at the meatball-shaped human pouting at him.
But he is a lucky one, it couldnt hurt to have him on my side
"I have someone else in mind for him," Slifer mumbled as he sent out a spiritual transmission.
As if on cue, the disciples heard a grunt from above, they looked up to see a fat, bald man jumping down from a sword. Landing with a heavy thud next to the Supreme Elder, the man bowed deeply and said, "Master."
"Morvran," Slifer acknowledged with a nod. He then pointed to Dusty and instructed, "I want you to take this one as your disciple."
Morvran''s eyes narrowed as he surveyed Dusty. "This one looks like he needs a lot of work, Master, but I will try my best."
Dusty, feeling slighted, shook his chubby hand at Morvran. "Dont imply Im fat, I''m only big-boned," he protested.
Morvran shook his head, his expression serious as ever. "Youre not worthy of being called fat, boy," he replied as he puffed out his belly to demonstrate his own impressive girth. "You have much more growing to do."
Dusty''s eyes widened in awe. "Wow, you must have had a lot of big cocks," he exclaimed.
A rare sense of pride appeared on Morvran''s face. "No one in the mortal realm has had more cocks than me," he boasted.
Morvran''s statement seemed to ignite a new fire in Dusty. He looked at Nomed, his eyes once again shining. "Nomed, I''m gonna be just like this fat guy!"
I never thought I''d witness a competition of... cock consumption, Slifer thought, a smirk threatening to break his wise master facade. However, he knew that the two were deadly serious.
Cocks, in the cultivation world, were reputed to be greatly beneficial, especially for those who cultivated their bodies. He recalled a tale from the Immortal Realm about a colossal cock, a creature so formidable that even immortals would flee at its sight. Legend had it that this immense cock had sired numerous offspring, and consuming the meat of these various descendants could potentially unlock the rare bloodline of the Great Cock.
From the vague memories he inherited, Slifer remembered that the original had given Morvran a cock-related cultivation method. The old man must have wanted Morvran to unlock the Great Cock bloodline, Slifer deduced, why that was, Slifer didnt know, but knowing his predecessor, it wouldnt have been out of goodwill.
Shaking his head, Slifer decided not to question Morvran''s teaching methods. If Morvran wants to teach his disciple the Way of the Cock, who am I to disapprove?
The Disciple Selection Ceremony continued, with the other Grand Elders making their selections. Grand Elder Lydia found two suitable disciples for the Medicine Hall. Although they lacked the innate talent of the Wizeron Clan''s usual recruits, they held enough potential for her to invest her time in.
Grand Elder Wyatt chose William as his disciple. Slifer, only half-paying attention, noted that Grand Elder Tenzin selected a boy from the Jexlarin Clan, but he couldn''t recall the boy''s name. They all look the same, Slifer thought, grateful for the Insight skill. Without it, I might have walked away with some random kid thinking it was Nomed.
William clenched his fists as he watched the Supreme Elder depart with his new disciples. How could he overlook me for a mere village boy? A boy who is only fit to be my servant! Despite his rage, William forced himself to focus on the bigger picture. He had successfully entered the sect, fulfilling the ''mans'' orders. As long as I follow his instructions, my clan will remain safe.
"I hope you dont regret your choice, Supreme Elder."
In a dark cave, void of any natural light, five spiritual figures stood in a circle. Each figure was cloaked in a hooded robe, their identities obscured by the shadows that clung to them like a second skin.
"The plan was successful," one member announced, their voice echoing off the walls, "the agent has entered the Black Rose Sect."
Another member, their voice tinged with a hint of arrogance, retorted, "Like I said before, the Luminaresce Quartz is not difficult to trick. If those old fools in the sect had listened to me, there wouldnt be such glaring holes in their defense."
The first figure hesitated before speaking again. "Even though the Luminaresce Quartz was tricked, the outcome was not what we were hoping for."
A third figure shook its head. "No matter, as long as the disciple entered the sect, that is what''s important."
The fourth one, agreeing with a nod, added, "You need to make sure they secure one of the spots for the Sealed Realm."
Then, the fifth figure, who had been sitting quietly, stood up. "Once the Awakening is successful, war will follow." The figures voice caused the spiritual forms of the others to tremble instinctively as though they were in the presence of a higher being.
The figure paused and took its time to look at each of the other figures, its gaze piercing through their blurred forms. "Prepare for war," it commanded.
One by one, the spiritual figures nodded. Then, as if they were mere mirages, their figures slowly dissipated into the air.
As the last of the figures vanished, a strange mark appeared on the cave floor. It was a tree, its branches twisted and gnarled. In the centre of the trunk was an eye, unblinking and unsettling, as if it were watching everything.
The eye bled a crimson tear before it too disappeared.
Chapter 51: Disciplinary Hall
One day later.
"Remember, Caelum, the path of righteousness is not just a choice, but a commitment to uphold justice and virtue in all your actions."
Caelum listened intently, his eyes fixed on Slifer, absorbing every word like a sponge. He had never expected to hear those words from his Master. Recently, his Master''s actions didn''t make sense, the change in character, the Ascendant level cultivation, just who was the real Slifer?
"The righteous path values harmony and order. It''s about making sacrifices for the greater good, even when it''s hard."
At this rate, I''ll have my own church in a few years, Slifer thought, barely holding back a sigh. The idea of guiding more followers along a path he didnt believe sounded exhausting but what was a poor man supposed to do? He needed the credits.
"But, Master," Caelum interjected, "what truly separates the righteous from the demonic?"
This time Slifer was unable to hold back the sigh.
How do I explain that the lines are not always so clear? Everyone has a different idea on what differentiates a righteous cultivator from a demonic cultivator.
"In truth, Caelum, the cultivation world is complex. There are demonic cultivators who act more righteously than those so-called righteous cultivators. Many of them will do anything in their quest for immortality, whilst other demonic cultivators have limits that they will not cross, the same applies to righteous cultivators but they like to justify their actions with their self-righteousness."
The System''s view is too simplistic, Slifer thought. It sees the world in black and white, but reality is a spectrum of greys. Even Caelum and Fenlock, labelled as demonic, have shown more righteousness than many of those hypocrites. This System needs an update.
The world isn''t just black and white. Slifer continued. Remember, righteous cultivators aren''t always righteous, and demonic cultivators aren''t always demonic."
"So, how do I know who to trust?" Caelums eyebrows scrunched up, his masters sermon continued to get more complicated the longer it went on, he felt like they were going in circles.
Slifer shook his head. "Don''t worry too much about the labels. Use your own judgment and don''t trust anyone blindly." He paused, then added with a slight smirk, "Except for me, of course."
"So are you ready to embrace the righteous path?"
The decision wasnt too difficult for Caelum, his Master had changed his life but more importantly saved his mother''s life. As long as his master didn''t instruct him to do something that would violate his Sword Heart then he would follow him, even if it led to his death.
Caelum glanced down at Bloodthorn, they were partners, he couldn''t make the decision for the both of them.
Grrrrr, Bloodthorn surprisingly agreed.
Looking back up at Slifer, Caelum nodded firmly. "Yes, Master. I will follow the righteous path."
| Name: Caelum Card |
| Description: Once a day, you can activate any of your loyal disciples techniques |
| Warning: If your disciples loyalty goes below 100%, you will lose access to this card |
Sweet, its a better version of the ability from the Soul Bond.
| Ding! |
| Would You Like To Promote Caelum to Core Disciple? |
Ermsure
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Caelum Is Now A Core Disciple! |
| Core Disciples Can Allocate Tasks To Inner And Outer Disciples |
Is the System glitching? Why is it being so nice of all a sudden?
He didn''t expect the change in a disciple''s status to have much of an effect, the System was making it too easy for him recently to accumulate credits.
"Its been a long time since I have promoted any of my disciples, but I believe you are ready to be promoted to Core Disciple."
T-thank you, Master. Caelum didnt expect this from his Master. Ever since issues began between Master and Senior Brother, Master stopped promoting us. We didnt think he would anymore, especially so soon
Seeing the look Caelum was giving him, Slifer assumed the boy was expecting something. Oh, right. Core Disciples usually get a technique from their master.
He coughed awkwardly, trying to buy time. "When you activate your Sword Domain, only then will I gift you a personal technique," Slifer stated, hoping to make it sound like that was his plan all along.
No big deal. I can just purchase a technique from the System for him later, Slifer thought, once Caelum worked the other disciples, Slifer would feel more comfortable spending some credits for a gift. But not now. He''ll value it more as a reward for a significant breakthrough.
"I understand, Master. Comprehending the Sword Domain will be my priority."
"As a Core Disciple, you now have new responsibilities," Slifer continued, seizing the chance to recruit Caelum to his pyramid scheme. "You will assign tasks to your juniors, but remember," he paused for emphasis, "they must be righteous tasks. If you must trick them into righteousness, then do so."
Caelum''s expression hardened slightly at the mention of his juniors. Amelia, in particular, doesnt like taking orders, let alone righteous ones. But I will do what is necessary, Ill make Master proud.
"I will keep that in mind, Master," Caelum responded dutifully. "Righteousness will guide my actions and decisions."
"Good, good." Slifer waved him away.
Caelum bowed deeply and then turned to leave. A Sword Domain... a significant step indeed. But with Master''s guidance, I will achieve it and earn my technique. A technique from an Ascendant Realm cultivator
As Caelum''s figure disappeared, Slifer let out a breath he hadn''t realized he''d been holding. That went well enough.
Slifers thoughts turned to his new disciple. He had hoped to complete the Master-Disciple Ceremony quickly, but Nomed had ran off as soon as they left the valley. He wants his grandmother''s blessing first. A superstitious lot, these people.
As for Kalin, the white-robed youth who lingered like a shadow, Slifer had managed to keep him at bay. "I will offer you some pointers," Slifer had told him, "but only after I''ve sorted the sect''s affairs."
Slifer didnt have any sword techniques that could impress the youth or even the credits to buy one, luckily for him, the death of a Grand Elder left issues that would take a while to deal with.
Wyatt should be here any moment with the other Grand Elders.
When a disciple was called to the Disciplinary Hall, it was a foregone conclusion that they would spend a few sleepless nights within the sects prison. If they were lucky, they would only have to undergo three rounds of torture before being let go, and that was only if someone remembered to release them.
The chamber itself was grand and imposing, at the far end stood a large throne, this was where Darius, the now-deceased Grand Elder, used to laze around.
He really enjoyed feeling important, Slifer thought as he reluctantly took his place on the throne.
The leader of the Disciplinary Hall had to deal with those who broke the sects rules, they were the judge, jury, and executioner, a lot of responsibility to place on one mans shoulders.
Now that responsibility had fallen to Slifer. He wasnt exactly thrilled about it.
This is just taking time away from cultivating and learning new techniques, he thought, a hint of annoyance in his mind.
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The role of a Supreme Elder, which Slifer held, was typically that of the sect''s protector, free from the day-to-day responsibilities of sect management. I was hoping to avoid any real work, especially since there hasnt been a battle since the demon invasion centuries ago, he mused.
Yet, here he was, forced into this position because of Wyatts cunning suggestion in front of the other Grand Elders. Sneaky weasel. I couldnt really say no in front of them all without raising suspicion. And I do feel a bit guilty... Darius had it coming, but still.
Shaking his head, Slifer focused on his plan. I''ll be the leader in name only. I''ll let the old guy handle the actual work.
The ''old guy'' was a Peak Nascent Soul Elder named Fred, currently briefing Slifer, who was half-listening at best. Fred, of all the powerful names... Fred. Its almost laughable. A man capable of levelling countries on Earth, and hes named Fred.
"Due to the actions of the late Grand Elder, the disciples of the Disciplinary Hall have a reputation of bullying the weak, if this were to continue, I am not sure if there will be any disciples left to discipline.
"I made numerous suggestions, but the Grand Elder refused to listen, I was wondering what you think of the following" Fred continued listing off one recommendation after another, clearly he had been waiting a long time for such a moment.
The sound of the system notification brought a smile to Slifer''s face.
The old mans face darkened, mistaking Slifers reaction as a dismissal of his recommendations. It seems the Disciplinary Hall will remain unchanged, continuing to cause the very problem it was meant to solve, he thought bitterly.
Meanwhile, Slifer, oblivious to the elder''s thoughts, beamed even brighter.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations On Becoming The Leader Of The Disciplinary Hall |
| Disciplinary Hall Panel Unlocked |
| You Have Gained 250 Karmic Credits |
A management feature for the Disciplinary Hallinteresting.
| Disciplinary Hall Panel |
Number of Members
| Nascent Soul |
3 |
| Core Formation |
11 |
| Foundation Establishment |
65 |
| Qi Refining |
55 |
|
|
| Current Tasks |
0 |
| Credits Gained |
0 |
| Credits Lost |
0 |
|
As Slifer read the Systems message, the smile turned into full-blown laughter. The new feature allowed him to use disciples of the hall to farm Karmic Credits on a larger scale. Each task completed by them earned him between 3-9 Karmic Credits, but with over a hundred disciples in the hall, the credits would quickly accumulate.
If I become the Sect Master, will I be able to farm the entirety of the Black Rose Sect?
Noticing that the panel recorded the credits lost, Slifer frowned. Credits are lost when members abuse their authority? Slifer shook his head. Demonic disciples are all bullies, praying on the weak is how these sects are run.
Trying to stop his own disciples from bullying others was difficult enough, just how hard would it be to enforce that on such a large scale?
Guess Ill have to take a more direct role after all.
"Fred, from this day forth, if any member of the Disciplinary Hall abuses their power, they will be punished severely. Send them to the Shattered Chasm, Slifer declared firmly.
The Shattered Chasm was a notorious place within the sect, a deep, dark pit where those sent there were subjected to the constant pressure of spiritual energy, crushing their will and breaking their spirit. The deeper one went into the pit, the greater the pressure.
A few decades ago, a Nascent Soul Elder was condemned to the depths of the Shattered Chasm. When he emerged, his mind was no longer his own. It was said that the elder could often be seen wandering around the sect''s grounds, talking to rocks and plants as if they were his old comrades. He would meticulously organize pebbles, believing he was rearranging the stars in the sky.
On one occasion, he burst into fits of laughter after seeing his own shadow, the old man then challenged it a duel only to end up losing.
"With these changes, there will be peace in the sect, and we will be able to use each other to grow stronger, not devour each other," Slifer continued.
Fred nearly choked, his heart clenching in frustration. This is what I''ve been suggesting all along, and now he claims it as his own idea! He sighed inwardly, realizing the higher one''s cultivation, the more shameless one became.
Whilst Fred was stewing over the unfairness of the situation, Slifer was deep in thought, devising a new system to acquire as many credits as possible.
I''ll create a system where they can complete righteous tasks. For each task, I''ll set aside a third of the Karmic Credits I get, Slifer planned. Hmm, I can call them points.
Even though they would only earn a single credit or point from the tasks that gave Slifer 3 Karmic Credits, these tasks were quick and easy to complete so they would accumulate. Anything more than a third was too much for the stingy Slifer but if he didnt offer them anything then they wouldnt be motivated to complete the tasks.
Using the stick by itself is not sufficient, you must dangle that carrot.
Slifer decided to put up a list of treasures, techniques, and more from the system, he would claim it was from his own collection. The disciples could use their earned credits to purchase these items.
"Fred, I need you to create a leaderboard tablet," Slifer instructed, detailing his idea. "It will record the points each disciple has earned."
Fred nodded, understanding the strategy. "I''ll have it set up, Supreme Elder. What shall we call this tablet?"
"The Karmic Ledger," Slifer replied immediately, he felt the name was appropriate. "I''ll send over a list of items that can be bought with the points."
As Fred left to execute the orders, Slifer pondered over possible suspicions from the Grand Elders. They won''t question the number of items I have. It''s normal for an Ascendant cultivator to possess riches equal to a mid-level sect. But the tasks... their righteous nature could raise eyebrows.
After a moment, he came up with a solution. "The tasks are related to my new Cultivation Method."
That''s close enough to the truth, its not like they know what it takes to reach the Immortal Realm.
There was a lingering concern about the Sect Master, currently in closed door cultivation. Once he''s out, he might get suspicious. But by then, I''ll have enough credits to deal with that demon.
Slifer''s thoughts briefly flashed back to the humiliation he suffered at the hands of the Sect Master. I haven''t forgotten that day, we will see who bows to whom the next time we meet.
Chapter 52: Headless Training Dummies
Sitting cross-legged in his courtyard next to a serene pond, Slifer was deep in thought, his brow furrowed in concentration. He had set the plans for the Disciplinary Hall into motion, as for the daily matters, they could be handled by Fred, Slifer had a more pressing concern on his mind.
Either the System can see the future, or its great at manipulating events. More likely, its both.
Ever since he entered this world, Slifer had felt like a puppet, its strings pulled by the System. He had learned a few techniques to decrease his reliance on the System and focused on increasing his cultivation, but he felt that wasnt enough. He felt confident facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator without any assistance from the System, but that confidence didnt extend to Core Formation cultivators.
The Dimensional Slide technique is useful if I need to escape, but I cant rely on it too much, he muttered, his gaze drifting across the tranquil water of the pond.
Escaping could only be a last resort; such an action would break the Supreme Elder fa?ade he had...accidentally created. More importantly, techniques that have a chance of failing couldnt be depended on, it honestly wouldnt surprise him if it failed him when he most needed it.
Skillstechniques.
Slifer had long since noticed that the System categorised some abilities as skills and others as techniques. Initially, he didnt pay much attention to it but after some experimentation, he was able to figure out the difference between the two.
Skills, like cards, did not rely on Slifer at all, whether that be his qi capacity or comprehension of the skill, it had total reliance on the System. On the other hand, techniques relied wholly on Slifer, if his understanding or qi capacity were lacking, he would be unable to perform the technique.
Even if I use the System to level up a technique, I gain the knowledge to use it without its help.
Each time Slifer activated a skill, he felt his body following the will of the System allowing him to perform the skill. I could use this experience as a guide to comprehend the skill until the System recognised it as a technique, he thought. Its like learning to ride a bike with training wheels and then without them.
Lets see which skill to test this out on.
Status!
| Name |
Slifer |
| Race |
Human |
| Alignment |
Demonic |
| Cultivation |
Late Foundation Establishment |
| Lifespan Remaining |
100 Years |
| Karmic Credits |
4300 |
| Skills |
Firebreath, Insight (Intermediate), Mirror Mastery (Level 2), Nascent Soul Armour (Level 1), Phase Ability (Level 1) |
| Items |
Reversal Cards, Peak Slifer Card, Peak Slifer Aura Card, Another Face Card, Avatar Card, Caelum Card |
| Affinities |
Light: 20% Fire: 5% Space: 5% |
| Techniques |
Sunrise Slash (Level 2), Stellar Nova Strike (Level 1), Dimensional Slide (Level 2) |
| Weapon Mastery |
Sword: 5% |
The phase ability was an extremely useful defensive skill that he would need to convert into a technique one day, however, with his comprehension of space being only at 5%, that day was far away.
One skill stood out to him C the Nascent Soul Armour card. Though it only lasts ten seconds, it would be enough to kill any Core Formation cultivator, maybe even an Early Nascent Soul cultivator if I caught them off guard.
For higher-level cultivators, he had to be more cautious. For now, Ill rely on the Systems cards and make smarter choices to avoid trouble. He shook his head, smiling ruefully. It seems Im often cleaning up after my disciples'' messes or dealing with issues left by the original Slifer.
Just as he was about to dismiss the blue box, he remembered the new card he had acquired, the Caelum Card.
Wait a minute, my theory should apply to cards too, especially one that imitates a Core Formation cultivators technique.
Slifer decided to activate the Caelum Card, the ability to use any of his disciples techniques intrigued him, it could come in handy, especially when his disciples grew more powerful.
| Name |
Caelum |
| Realm |
Late Core Formation |
| Known Techniques |
Serenitys Embrace, Nine Celestial Phantoms, Sunrise Slash, Thorned Lash, Valor''s Crimson Surge |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
Well, Im glad the System automatically converted Caelums demonic techniques into their righteous version. Slifer had been worried that using his disciples techniques would result in the System penalising him, in that case, he would only use it as a last resort and not for training.
But many of Caelums techniques rely on his swords abilities, would the technique work without a weapon? Even though Slifer rarely needed a weapon, he did have one, the Skyfade Emerald Blade. However, since his blade was usually in his storage ring, activating the technique without it would reduce a step, and a single second could be the difference between life and death.
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Lets try a technique he received after breaking through to the Sword Soul realm, Slifer was hoping using such a technique would give him an insight into the sword realm three ranks higher than his own. Who knows, he might even experience a breakthrough.
Valor''s Crimson Surge.
Slifer closed his eyes, feeling the Card activate. Sword qi coursed through his meridians, and with a slashing motion, a small stream of white qi burst forward. The qi grew rapidly as it travelled, swelling to the size of a house by the time it reached the training dummy. In an instant, the massive wave of qi obliterated the dummy.
Training dummies were enchanted with runes, depending on the option selected, they would simulate cultivators. Better yet, unlike cultivators, these dummies were able to regenerate. This particular dummy was set to the level of a Peak Core Formation cultivator; however, the overwhelming power of the attack left no room for regeneration.
Slifer''s eyes widened in awe at the sheer destructive power of the technique. The fact that one of Caelums techniques could surpass an Early Nascent Soul attack shocked him. In the novels he had read, fighting across a major realm seemed as easy as a seasoned warrior swatting away a bothersome fly, but reality was far different. Only with exceptional advantages, such as the Sword Soul realm, could such a feat be feasible.
Focus on how it felt.
Once again, Slifer closed his eyes, he recalled the surge of sword qi appearing within him. He focused on how the qi was compressed within his meridians, building pressure like water in a tightly sealed pipe. The intensity continued to increase until it was near bursting point. Then, once released, it rushed out with immense force, expanding rapidly as it left the confines of his body. The qi then ballooned in size as it moved, like water gushing from a burst pipe, gaining momentum and power, until it reached the Nascent Soul realm.
This mental exercise helped Slifer understand the technique''s nature - controlling the buildup of energy and then skilfully releasing it for maximum impact by the time it reached its target.
| Ding! |
| Sword Mastery Increased By 10% |
10%? Slifer knew that progress would only be slower as he continued to use the same method, but it would be many times faster than learning it the normal way.
| Ding! |
| Caelum Card Locked For 24 Hours |
If there was no limit, I could probably breakthrough to Sword Soul Realm in a day or two, Slifer sighed.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations On Your Breakthrough To Sword Qi Realm |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Sword Qi Realm?
The Sword Qi Realm was the second stage of sword cultivation.
Once a practitioner refined their Sword Intent up to a certain level, they were able to condense it into tangible Sword Qi. This energy could then be channelled through a sword to enhance techniques. Previously, Slifer had used Light Qi, as a substitute for Sword Qi, for his Nova Strike technique but now he had the real deal.
With a wave of his hand, a blade materialised from the storage ring, Slifer extended his hand and caught it effortlessly mid-air. Gripping the hilt firmly, he channelled his qi into the blade, the Skyfade Emerald Blade hummed happily in response.
Slifer turned his attention to a training dummy positioned around twenty feet away and made a casual slashing motion. The sword qi burst forth, a visible streak of energy slicing through the air. It moved with such speed and precision that it seemed to blur the space between Slifer and the dummy. In a blink, the dummy''s head was cleanly severed, falling to the ground with a dull thud, while the body remained upright for a moment before toppling over.
With Sword Qi enhancing my strike, I can take down an Early Core Formation cultivator, Slifer nodded in approval. And that''s all without relying on the System!
His gaze shifted to the decapitated training dummy as it regenerated before his eyes.
A perfect training partner, Slifer mused.
Shaking his head, Slifer focused on a skill that could enhance his offence, defence, and agility!
Nascent Soul Armour.
A smoky armour wrapped around him like a protective cloak.
Closing his eyes, Slifer tuned into his spiritual sense. He could feel the qi coursing through his body, weaving an intricate pattern that formed the armour around him. But as the armour began to fracture and weaken, Slifers eyes snapped open.
In a blur, he moved, appearing in front of a training dummy. With a swift, powerful punch aimed at its head, the dummy''s head shattered, wooden shards flying in all directions.
Watching the remnants of the armour dissipate, Slifer nodded in approval. "Impressive."
| Ding! |
| Nascent Soul Armour Skill Locked For 24 Hours |
Closing his eyes again, Slifer tried to recall the sensation of the qi moving through his body. He attempted to mimic it, envisioning the Nascent Soul Armour forming around him. Hints of the armour started to appear, bringing a smile to his face. But his smile quickly faltered as the armour disintegrated almost immediately.
A wave of fatigue washed over him. I was right. My body isnt strong enough to sustain the technique without the System''s aid. When activated through the System, it offers protection, but only for a limited time.
"I need to strengthen my body further."
| Ding! |
| Nascent Soul Armour Technique Level 0 (10%) |
Hmm, 10% after one attempt, not too bad. Slifer nodded. He was right, the System now recognised it as a technique. Once the technique reached level 1, he would be able to use it for 10 seconds before it strained his body.
Forget about level 1, I want to go straight to level 2, Slifer thought. The difference between the two levels was not the power of the technique but the duration. All he had to do was make a few breakthroughs in Body Cultivation and practice, shouldnt be too difficult, right?
"Time to put the title of Supreme Elder to use!" Slifer grinned as his thoughts turned to the sects resources.
Chapter 53: Predator’s Vigour
Ah, Supreme Elder, what brings you here.
Slifer eyed the weasel-looking man in front of him with mild distaste.
Just my luck to see this guy three times in the span of a few days! Slifer would rather avoid this particular Elder, but unfortunately, he needed access to the sect''s resources, and this man, Wyatt, held the keys.
"Grand Elder, I was just nearby and thought I might relieve you of some items," Slifer said, trying to sound casual. The less he spoke to the man the better, if any of the Grand Elders were to see through his fa?ade, it would be the shrewd man before him.
"And what did you have in mind?" Wyatt asked, his tone carefully neutral.
It wasnt like the Supreme Elder to visit the Treasury, Wyatt couldnt help but feel curious, well that and he didnt like Slifer lingering around his turf. As the Treasurer, Wyatt had the privilege of using the treasures in times of crisis, and who else but him decided what counted as a crisis. But now, if the Supreme Elder were to take a Heaven Ranked treasure, that was one Heaven Rank treasure less that Wyatt could borrow.
"Anything related to Body Cultivation."
Wyatt looked at him strangely, he didnt know that the Supreme Elder delved in Body Cultivation. It was rare for a cultivator to choose that path, especially so late in their cultivation.
Unless he plans to cultivate to the Ascendant Realm, it would be pointless to waste time on cultivating the body. Wyatt thought, scepticism evident in his mind. What is it that he is hiding?
"I''ll see what we have that might suit your needs," Wyatt said, leading Slifer into the depths of the treasury.
Despite his thoughts, Wyatt knew he couldn''t deny Slifer''s request. As a Supreme Elder, Slifer had rights to the Treasury that even Wyatt couldn''t oppose.
The vast hall of the Treasury was lined with shelves of numerous artifacts and scrolls, too many for Slifer to count. After a few minutes of silence, they finally stopped at a small room set aside from the main treasury. Inside, the room was packed with items dedicated to Body Cultivation C vials of pills, aged scrolls, and various other tools and elixirs.
"Is this all there is?" Slifer frowned as he surveyed the room.
Wyatt nodded. "The Black Rose Sect isnt known for Body Cultivation. Thats more the Black Heart Sects specialty," he explained.
Activating his Insight skill, Slifer scanned the items:
| Ding! |
| Name: Vitality Surge Pill |
| Rank: Low Earth |
| Description: Enhances physical strength temporarily |
| Ding! |
| Name: Essence Rejuvenation Elixir |
| Rank: Low Earth |
| Description: Accelerates body recovery |
| Ding! |
| Name: Iron Body Technique Scroll |
| Rank: High Earth |
| Description: Strengthen physical resilience |
| Ding! |
| Name: Gravity Seal |
| Rank: High Earth |
| Description: Apply to the body to increase weight for training. Contains nine levels |
| Ding! |
| Name: Qi Lock Seal |
| Rank: High Earth |
| Description: Restricts Qi flow in Nascent Soul cultivators and below |
They were all Earth Rank items, useful but not exceptional. With a wave of his hand, Slifer sent everything flying into his storage ring.
Wyatt''s eyes widened in shock. "Supreme Elder, you can''t just" he stammered.
Slifer waved him off. "From the dust here, it''s clear these aren''t being used. They''ll be of better use with me." He could feel Wyatt''s hesitation but knew the man wouldn''t dare to object.
Wyatt closed his mouth, unable to argue.
Slifer left the treasury, his mind already considering how best to use these new resources.
I thought the sect would have better resources; I guess Ill just have to buy a Heaven Rank Body Cultivation method from the Shop.
Slifer sat on his cultivation pillow in his quarters, scrolling through the System''s list of cultivation methods. He focused exclusively on Body Cultivation Methods, dismissing the sect''s collection as too low-level.
Why bother with anything less than a Heaven Rank method? he thought, clearly having been spoiled by the System. And demonic methods aren''t of any use to me.
As for the mysterious Obsidian Rank methods, he likely needed to upgrade the System to Version 2, but for now, he settled on finding the best Heaven Rank option available.
Slifer noticed that Heaven Rank Body Cultivation methods were more expensive than their spiritual counterparts, he attributed that to the rarity of Body Cultivation methods.
After some time, he found three that caught his eye.
| Name: Agony''s Embrace |
| Rank: Medium Heaven Rank |
| Description: Inflict pain to yourself, the greater the pain, the greater the foundation you can create |
| Cost: 1400 Karmic Credits |
Slifer quickly dismissed it. I''m no masochist. Why endure unnecessary pain?
| Name: Beast Feast Cultivation |
| Rank: Low Heaven Rank |
| Description: Consume beast meat, the higher the quality of the meat, the more qi can be absorbed to strengthen the body. |
| Cost: 1000 Karmic Credits |
This one sounds ideal, especially for someone like me who appreciates a good meal, Slifer mused. Unfortunately, its lower rank made him hesitant. If only it were a High Heaven Rank.
| Name: Predator''s Vigour |
| Rank: High Heaven Rank |
| Description: Consume beast meat, the higher the quality of the meat, the more qi can be stored. Then through rigorous exercise, absorb the qi to transform the body. |
| Cost: 1500 Karmic Credits |
Predators Vigour It''s a mix... Consume and then exercise. Not as easy as the second, but still doable.
"Looks like I have to decide between ease and efficiency," Slifer muttered to himself. He weighed his options, considering the pros and cons of each method.
The first is too painful, the second too weak, and the third... well, it''s a balance of both. He knew he had to choose wisely, as the right method could significantly accelerate his progress.
"I''ll go with ''Predator''s Vigour.'' It''s the best choice for advancing my cultivation without unnecessary suffering." Slifer nodded to himself, satisfied with his decision.
| Ding! |
| You Have Bought Predators Vigour |
| -1500 Karmic Credits |
My first High Heaven Rank method. Slifers spiritual cultivation method was only a Low Heaven Rank method, back then it hurt to even look at Heaven Rank methods.
Hmm, a list of exercises, Slifer mumbled as a barrage of information relating to the technique entered his mind.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
I feel exhausted just reading them, Slifer shuddered.
One particular exercise involved carrying large boulders under a waterfall, all without using qi. A middle-sized boulder is manageable, but a large one under a waterfall? Thats pushing it, he thought, shaking his head.
No, if I give in to the laziness, I''m only signing my death warrant, he scolded himself. He knew that to keep up in this ruthless, dog-eat-dog world, he couldn''t just be Zack, the couch potato who binge-watched anime all day.
Well, at least I can enjoy the fun part! Slifer laughed as he sent a spiritual transmission to Morvran for the highest rank beast meat the sect had.
| Ding! |
| Due To The Actions Of The Disciplinary Hall Member Alphie |
| You Have Gained 3 Karmic Credits |
Seems like my plan with the Disciplinary Hall members is paying off, Slifer thought, pleased. He had been receiving similar notification the whole day.
"Master, I have brought the delicacies," Morvran called from outside Slifer''s quarters.
That was quick, Slifer thought, surprised. "Come in, Morvran," he said aloud.
Morvran entered and waved his hand, and suddenly, ten different cooked meat dishes appeared before Slifer.
Slifers eyes widened in delight. "How were these prepared so quickly?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"After youdisposed of the Grand Elder Darius, I took the liberty to retrieve his possessions," Morvran explained.
Slifer had not thought much about Darius''s belongings after the Grand Elder''s storage ring was destroyed in the blast. I was too caught up in the aftermath to consider what he might have hidden away.
You did a good job, Slifer nodded at Morvran, it was good to have lackeys who could think for themselves.
Thank you, Master.
Hmm, did you acquire anything else?
Slifer was hoping the Grand Elder had some treasures or pills that could be useful or maybe something similar to that strange amulet, a man that could enter the Ascendant Realm couldnt be simple.
I did find something. Its a letter, Morvran handed over a worn piece of paper.
Darius? Letter?
Slifer unfolded the paper and began to read:
"Dear Sweetest Flame,
Your eyes are like stars in the darkest night, guiding my soul. My heart beats only for you, as fierce as a dragon, yet as tender as a morning dew. Your voice is a melody that intoxicates me more than the finest wine. I long for the day we can unite under the eternal sky.
Yours forever, Darius"
This this is just embarrassing to read, Slifers face twisted in discomfort.
From the little Slifer knew of the Tekken-like cultivator, he seemed more like a battle-crazy maniac than a romantic.
Is this an attempt at humour, Morvran? Slifer asked, looking up at the bald man with disbelief.
I assure you, Master, it is not, Morvran replied, stoic as usual.
I knew it was impossible for someone with a physique like Darius to be single!
Slifer''s mind raced as he considered the implications. Could this woman be the voice I heard, the Siren? He paled at the thought. If Darius had a lover in the Immortal Realm and she finds out what happened to him... Im a dead man.
But for now, theres nothing I can do. If shes going to come after me, shell come. I just need to be prepared. I need more credits! Slifer hated relying on the System but against Immortal level threats, thats all he could do, at least for the time being.
Master, should we investigate this... Sweetest Flame?
No, Slifer replied quickly, then added, Not yet. Lets keep this between us for now.
Slifer lacked the means to investigate a potential Immortal, and given his precarious status within the sect, he couldnt use the sects intelligence. If someone like Wyatt were to discover the existence of the ''Sweetest Flame,'' they would only lure the danger towards him.
I still havent forgotten the last words Darius said, Wyatt.
"You can leave, Morvran."
Slifer was certain Morvran would be relieved to avoid what was about to unfold. Indulging in a good meal was the ultimate way to lift one''s spirits and Slifer needed his lifting.
Just as the door closed behind Morvran, Slifer attacked the first dish C a succulent roast of Fiery Phoenix thigh, glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce that tantalized his taste buds. He devoured it with the ferocity of a homeless man who hadnt eaten in weeks, tearing into the tender, juicy meat as if it were his last meal. The flavours exploded in his mouth, a perfect blend of heat and sweetness that made him reach for the next piece without a second thought.
This is incredible. If this was all there was to cultivation, I would have surpassed the Greater Immortal Realm by now.
With a hearty burp, Slifer patted his now swollen belly, feeling like he was on the verge of bursting. He had completed the first part of the cultivation method - eating an enormous amount of food. Now came the part he dreaded the most: exercise.
Retrieving his sword from his storage ring, he groaned as he jumped onto it, the recent meal making the movement uncomfortable. He flew off in search of a waterfall.
After a few minutes, he found a suitable waterfall and landed nearby. He scanned the area for a large boulder, the kind the method described as weighing around 5,000 kilograms C a weight impossible for even a Body Tempering cultivator to lift.
He finally found one that met the requirements, it was as big as a shed
Approaching it, Slifer placed his hands on the massive rock, straining to lift it. His wiry muscles tensed and trembled under the effort, but the boulder didn''t budge.
This is crazy. How is anyone supposed to lift this? he thought, frustrated.
Letting go of the rock, Slifer shook his head. Maybe a little ''cheating'' won''t hurt. He wrapped his qi around the boulder, levitating it effortlessly. It''s like having a spotter in the gym, not that I would know. Gyms and I were never on good terms.
He positioned himself under the waterfall, feeling the water pelt him with relentless force. He sighed, levitating the boulder above him. Following the cultivation method''s instructions, he manipulated his qi in a spiralling pattern around his body, preparing to absorb the pressure.
"Here goes nothing," Slifer muttered, his voice laced with resignation. Activating the qi lock seal, he suddenly lost access to his qi. The method didnt require him locking away his qi but it did mention it would increase the efficiency.
The boulder came crashing down. With a grunt, Slifer caught it, holding it above his head and back. The weight was immense, pressing down on him like a mountain, making his knees buckle. Water from the waterfall hammered down on him, only making things worse.
I really hate exercise. But if it makes me stronger...Slifer thought, gritting his teeth as his face turned an unhealthy shade of red.
Caelum was flying on his sword, lost in thought. Master wants me to be a righteous cultivator, but he hasn''t taught me any righteous techniques. How can I call myself a righteous cultivator if I only know demonic ones? He was also puzzled by Slifer''s instructions to keep his conversion to the enemy''s side a secret. Perhaps Master''s grand plan is to turn the demonic disciples into righteous ones, but why?
He remembered his masters words from years ago, insisting that all righteous cultivators were hypocrites and not to trust a single one. Why the sudden change? Caelum wondered, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.
Flying through the trees, Caelum suddenly spotted a topless old man under a waterfall, holding a massive boulder above his head. The man''s arms were thin, his body frail-looking, but with an oddly huge belly.
Landing near him, Caelum hesitantly greeted, "Master?"
The man''s eyes met his, and before Slifer could reply, his belly shrank dramatically. The fat transformed into muscle, redistributing across his body. In moments, Slifer no longer looked frail but lean and fit.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| You Have Broken Through To Foundation Establishment Realm |
| Reward: 200 Karmic Credits |
Slifer smirked, now at the Foundation Establishment realm for both spiritual and body cultivation. He released the Qi Seal and casually hurled the boulder away, sending it flying through the air with ease.
"What brought you here?" Slifer asked, turning to Caelum with a smile.
Caelum coughed, composing himself before bowing. "Master, all my techniques are demonic. I require righteous techniques."
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Caelum Has Come Looking For Guidance |
| Teach Him The Righteous Versions Of His Techniques |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits Per Technique |
My bad... I probably should have taught him some righteous techniques last time. Slifer''s eyes narrowed in contemplation. But then, would the System have rewarded me for it?
"Ah yes," Slifer responded to Caelum''s request. "I''ll teach you a righteous version of each of your techniques." He paused, then added, "But I will only show you the technique once a day."
Caelum looked at him, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Slifer quickly explained, "With your level of comprehension, I believe once should be sufficient."
"Very well, Master, I am ready to learn," Caelum bowed. I like it when Master is strict. It shows he cares about my progress.
Slifer, noticing Caelum''s positive response, barely held back a sigh of relief. Thank goodness. The System only lets me use the Caelum Card once a day. Even if his comprehension was dog shit, that''s all he would get.
"Good. We''ll start n-
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Fenlock Is Breaking Through To The Nascent Soul Realm |
| New Task: Act As A Dharma Protecter |
Nascent Soul Realm! Well, I guess Caelum will have to wait a little longer
Chapter 54: A Nascent Soul Tribulation?!
Why didn''t that boy inform me he was attempting a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul realm? Slifer thought as he soared through the air.
Fenlocks hasty actions irked him. Tribulations at the level of the Nascent Soul Realm were serious matters, and Fenlock had only recently reached the Peak Core Formation realm.
"Remember to let your master know whenever you are planning to face a tribulation," Slifer turned, reminding his now favourite disciple, Caelum. "As your master, it is my job to act as your Dharma Protector."
"Yes, Master," Caelum nodded respectfully.
Caelum knew that Slifer, despite not being the best teacher in traditional terms, always pushed them hard in their cultivation. He does take our breakthroughs seriously, even if he overdoes it sometimes, Caelum reflected.
As Slifer continued his flight, he couldn''t help but be sceptical. Acting as a Dharma Protector, huh? Does the System really think I''d fall for that? Fenlock''s rash decision is likely to backfire, and I''ll have to step in.
He remembered his last tribulation vividly, how the System had locked the shop at a crucial moment. I guess it''s time to stock up on some life-saving cards, Slifer decided. He preferred to waste his credits on cards he might not use than risk his life C or his disciple''s C in an unprepared tribulation.
Slifer had 3130 Karmic Credits and he knew exactly what to spend them on!
| Critical Block Card |
| Cost: 900 Karmic Credits |
| Description: Protects User From A Critical strike |
Considering he already possessed the phase ability, offering thirty seconds of attack immunity, other options like the Impeccable Card seemed redundant.
Why waste 1200 credits for mere ten seconds of protection when I can get thirty for nothing? he reasoned.
So, the only useful card left was the Critical Block Card.
Purchasing three Critical Block Cards would provide ample security for most situations.
Unless Fenlock somehow triggers a Celestial Prism Tribulation, these should suffice.
| Ding! |
| You Have Bought 3 Critical Block Cards |
| -2700 Karmic Credits |
Now, to play the hero, Slifer thought, ready for action.
But then, another notification startled him:
| Ding! |
| Warning: Your Disciple Young Fenlock Is In Mortal Danger |
| Task: Save Young Fenlock |
| Reward: |
| Disciple Loyalty Increases |
| 5,000 Karmic Credits |
Mortal danger? It better not be the Celestial Prism Tribulation
Fenlock let out a deep sigh as the blue sky slowly transformed into a golden hue.
"Golden Crown Tribulation."
During his breakthroughs to the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation realms, Fenlock had faced the Crimson Wave Tribulation. Those had been challenging, and the thought of facing the more formidable Golden Crown Tribulation, with lightning strikes at the Nascent Soul realm stage, filled him with apprehension.
However, he knew with the added risk came a greater reward, the opportunity to enter the state of Enlightenment and create his own sound technique. Due to the lack of popularity, sound techniques were few and far between, especially those that were at the Earth rank or higher.
As a devoted sound cultivator, the chance to become a pioneer for the obscure path filled him with excitement. Yet, for Fenlock, there was an even deeper motivation driving him to overcome the tribulation.
For Junior Sister Lenvari, I must succeed, he muttered, his fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles whitened.
Lenvari''s hesitation about advancing their relationship to a more serious level had left Fenlock in a dilemma. She believed that twenty was far too young for immortals to contemplate marriage.
But how can I face my parents and tell them I''m with a girl, and we''re not even betrothed? he thought. The mere idea of admitting that to his traditional parents was horrifying.
And the idea of waiting, of not being bound to her immediately, was unbearable.
Breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm, that will surely sway her, Fenlock convinced himself. Once I achieve that, she''ll see. She''ll understand. And then I can finally bring her to meet Mother.
Driven by this belief, Fenlock had hastened his breakthrough, accelerating the onset of a tribulation that he was ill-equipped to deal with.
Fenlock closed his eyes, focusing on the intense feelings he had for his Junior Sister, he brought the flute to his lips.
As he played, a melody rich with emotion flowed forth, each note tinged with a hint of sadness and longing. The sound resonated in the air, weaving an intricate tapestry of qi which quickly coalesced into a protective bubble that enveloped him.
The Heavens roared as three azure lightning strikes formed, their electric arcs crackling with intense energy. The lightning bolts zigzagged through the air, heading straight towards Fenlock. They struck his qi barrier with a resounding clash. The bubble shook violently under the impact, but surprisingly, it held firm.
Sweat poured down Fenlocks forehead but he played on, reinforcing the barrier with more qi.
Then, the clouds churned again, this time releasing three crimson lightning strikes. They came down one after another. As they collided with the bubble, each strike felt like a hammer blow against the barrier. Fenlock could feel the force of each impact, his qi shield quivering under the relentless assault but the force of the crimson strikes was too much for the barrier to handle.
The barrier shattered and Fenlock was sent hurtling backward, flying through the air like a leaf caught in a storm.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
II can''t fail already, he thought desperately.
With great effort, Fenlock managed to twist his body mid-air, reorienting himself to land on his feet. He stumbled slightly upon landing but quickly regained his balance.
Looking up at the Heavens, a hint of fear appeared in young Fenlocks eyes.
The final three strikes of the tribulation were approaching, and they were at the Late Nascent Soul level.
Can I really withstand such power?
The sound barrier, his most potent defense, had just barely held against a Mid Nascent Soul attack. The probability of succeeding the tribulation was slim.
Failing a tribulation didn''t always mean death for the cultivator, but it almost always involved severe injuries. Such a setback could lead to the creation of a Dao Demon, especially in those with weaker willpower, potentially stagnating their cultivation forever.
But I have to try. For my future, for Lenvari,Fenlock grit his teeth, bringing the flute back to his lips.
The Heavens let out another roar, forming another three crimson lightning bolts which quickly merged into a single, formidable bolt. The crimson lightning bolt turned golden and like a spear hurled by the gods, it pierced the sky, heading straight for Fenlock.
II cant survive this
Just as Fenlock lost hope, an old man in orange robes appeared out of nowhere. With a swift, powerful slap, the old man deflected the bolt. The bolt shot back towards the heavens.
With his back facing Fenlock, the old man stood tall and imposing, his gaze fixed firmly on the Heavens as he exuded an aura of unshakable confidence.
M-master
Slifer released a sigh as he looked down at his scorched hand, which was already rapidly healing. The Peak Slifer Card had elevated his cultivation to the Half-Step Origin Realm, but that was in terms of spiritual cultivation, not bodily.
If not for my superior quality of qi, that slap would have cost me my hand, he thought.
He hadn''t wanted to use his last remaining Peak Slifer Card, but upon arriving with Caelum and witnessing the final lightning bolt descending on Fenlock, he had no choice. With only a Foundation Establishment cultivation, reaching Fenlock in time was impossible. Crushing the card was the only option.
Turning to Fenlock, Slifer asked sternly, "Why would you face the tribulation without informing me?"
Fenlock''s head drooped, his voice soft with regret. "I''m sorry, Master. Forgive me."
His previous master, Elder Fron had never shown any interest in acting as a Dharma Protecter for his disciples, Fenlock had assumed the same for his new master, and his desire to breakthrough further clouded his judgment.
Slifer shook his head. "You''ll make it up to me later," he said, then softened, placing a reassuring hand on Fenlock''s shoulder. "But let Master handle this now."
| Ding! |
| You Have Interfered In A Heavenly Tribulation |
| Warning: You Are Facing Heavens Wrath |
| Task: Survive |
| Reward: 2000 Karmic Credits |
| Note: Shop Locked |
Survive? Oh, I plan to.
Slifer turned back to face the Heavens just as the golden clouds swirled into the shape of an old face, its expression one of wrathful fury. The face roared down at them, and a golden lightning bolt began to form in its mouth, clearly at the Peak Nascent Soul stage.
I don''t want to waste a Critical Block Card on this,Slifer thought. His own techniques, even if powered by his Half-Step Origin Realm qi, couldn''t match a technique comprehended to the Nascent Soul realm.
Multiple demonic techniques would only cost me 25 Karmic Credits. That''s far cheaper than wasting a card. He prepared himself, channeling his qi and readying the Original Slifers techniques to counter the attack.
As the golden lightning bolt surged towards Slifer, black flames erupted around him, forming a protective barrier.
"Darkflame Ward, it''s been a while," Slifer sighed, feeling the force of the lightning bolt clashing against the barrier.
The flames held out against the attack until the lightning deteriorated into harmless sparks. Seeing the attack fail, Slifer let the barrier fade away, it would be of no use against the following attacks.
Slifer''s eyes hardened as he sensed an Origin Realm attack forming in the Heavens. None of the Original''s techniques could save him from such a strike.
Laughing, he stretched out his hands, challenging the Heavens. "Do your worst," he taunted.
Another roar echoed from the Heavens, and a golden lightning bolt with specks of black shot down towards him. The strike hit, enveloping the area in a cloud of dust. When the dust settled, Slifer was standing unharmed, his form flickering in and out of existence.
Twenty-five seconds left of the Phase Ability, Slifer noted, glancing at the timer.
Multiple Origin Realm attacks rained down on him, but he stood calmly, the Phase Ability shielding him. Luckily for him, before the time-limit was up, the attacks from the Heavens paused, gearing up for another round.
Slifer eyed the cooldown timer for the Phase Ability.
Sixty seconds... I hope three Critical Block cards are enough. He swallowed the lump in his throat, observing the size and intensity of the lightning bolts forming in the Heavenly Faces mouth.
T-these next attacks are at the Ascendant level!
"Leave, now!" he shouted to Caelum and Fenlock. "The barriers will protect you outside the quarters. I don''t want you caught in this."
Caelum and a guilt-ridden Fenlock nodded, vanishing in a flash.
Slifer turned around in time to come face to face with a black lightning bolt.
Before the lightning bolt could pierce through his head, a shimmering barrier materialized around him. The impact was colossal, devastating the entire courtyard and quarters. Trees were uprooted, walls crumbled, and debris flew in all directions, the scene resembling the aftermath of an explosion.
Only two cards left, Slifer thought, steeling himself for the next wave of attacks.
As the Heavens unleashed two more attacks, Slifer was shielded by the remaining Critical Block cards. But with his last card used up, a bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as he gazed upward.
The celestial face transformed dramatically, morphing into a colossal golden dragon made of lightning. Its details were intricate and majestic, with scales shimmering like molten gold and eyes blazing with ethereal fire.
This dragon makes big Val look like a hatchling, Slifer thought, awestruck.
The dragon roared, a sound so powerful it pushed Slifer back several feet, then it dove down towards him.
Slifer glanced at the timer; only one second remained before he could activate the Phase Ability.
As the dragon drew closer, its massive form filled his entire field of view, its maw opened wide, ready to swallow him whole.
T-this is too close...
Chapter 55: Nascent Soul Realm Breakthrough
The golden dragon, a manifestation of Heaven''s Wrath, swallowed Slifer whole as it crashed into the ground, exploding into a shower of lightning sparks. The explosion was catastrophic, decimating the surrounding areas.
Caelum and Fenlock, who had been watching from a distance in the air, were caught off guard by the sheer magnitude of the blast, the shockwave almost knocked them out of the sky!
"M-master!" Fenlock cried, not knowing how their master fared against the attack due to the thick heavenly qi-laden dust obscuring their vision.
He had witnessed Slifer''s nonchalance in the face of danger before, but this was unlike any other threat they had faced. This is Heaven''s Wrath, not just some Early Ascendant attack like that Grand Elder,Fenlock thought, fear gripping his heart.
Caelum, seeing the regret and worry on his Senior Brothers face, placed a hand on Fenlock''s shoulder. "Trust in Master."
Fenlock nodded, trying to calm his racing heart. Moments later, he let out a sigh of relief. There, amidst the rubble and within a newly formed crater, stood their master. His robes were slightly singed, but he was otherwise unharmed.
Either Master has an indestructible body or he''s a master of space techniques. Either way, it''s incredible, Fenlock thought in awe.
Seeing his master risk his immortal life to intervene in a heavenly tribulation changed his perspective; the regret he had felt earlier, about being a disciple in a demonic sect, began to fade.
"Not many masters would do what he just did," Fenlock mumbled in disbelief, his previous complaints seeming trivial now. He realized that while the righteous sects often preached about self-sacrifice and duty, very few actually lived up to those ideals.
| Ding! |
| You Saved Your Disciples Life |
| Reward: 5000 Karmic Credit, Fenlock Card (3x) |
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Fenlock''s Loyalty Has Reached 90% |
| Ding! |
| What Hinders Complete Trust In Young Fenlock? |
| Task: Discover the key to gaining Fenlocks utmost trust |
| Reward: Unlock Convert Option |
| Ding! |
| You Have Survived Heavens Wrath |
| Reward: 2000 Karmic Credits |
Slifer ignored the Systems notification as he stood frozen, the fabric of his robes clinging to his skin. The dragon''s mouth had closed around him just as he activated his phase ability, he could still feel its hot breath breathing down on him.
That was too close. If it renewed even a fraction of a second later, I would''ve been toast, he thought, the realization of his narrow escape sending a shiver down his spine.
Suddenly, the residual golden lightning coursed towards him, it entered his body and merged seamlessly with his cultivation, expanding his qi capacity and increasing its potency.
| Ding! |
| Congratulation On Your Breakthrough |
| Reward: 250 Karmic Credits |
Peak Foundation Establishment realm, Slifer sighed, he hadnt expected a breakthrough so soon.
Turning to his disciples, he watched as the lightning poured into Fenlock like a torrential stream, elevating him into the air, his body surrounded by a luminous golden glow.
A tiny Nascent Soul, resembling a miniature version of Fenlock himself, appeared above his head. It had its eyes closed and seemed to be in a deep, peaceful slumber.
Slowly, the tiny soul began to merge into Fenlock''s body causing Fenlock''s eyes to snap open as the aura of the Nascent Soul realm pulsed around him in waves.
"I... I did it," Fenlock whispered as he landed on the ground.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| Your Disciple Fenlock Has Broken Through To The Nascent Soul Realm |
| Reward: 500 Karmic Credits |
"Thank you, Ma" Fenlock''s words were cut short as his eyes took on a glazed, distant look.
Fenlock? Just as Slifer was about to inquire about the sudden change in his disciple, an overwhelming wave of dizziness hit him.
Clutching his head, Slifer struggled to maintain his balance. A few seconds later, his vision cleared and he found himself in an endless expanse of white. He recognized the place C he was in the state of Enlightenment!
Noticing his master and senior brother''s blank stares, Caelum immediately realised what was going on. He quickly sent a spiritual transmission to Morvran, requesting the death warriors to surround the remnants of Fenlock''s quarters.
It was rare for a cultivator to enter Enlightenment even once in their immortal life, Caelum had never met someone like his master, for whom Enlightenment seemed like a daily routine. Gripping the hilt of Bloodthorn, Caelum whispered, "Stay vigilant, my friend." The sword growled in response.
Back in the endless expanse, a flood of information poured in Slifers mind, but it was less overwhelming than his previous experience. He quickly assumed a meditative position, focusing intently.
I know exactly what to do with this enlightenment, he thought determinedly. A space technique!
The essence of space was notoriously difficult to comprehend but that didnt put Slifer off, in the state of Enlightenment, it was very much possible. If I can increase my understanding of space and integrate it into my techniques, it will give me a significant edge.
He knew this was his chance to be like those protagonists that could defeat enemies across multiple realms.
I need an offensive sword technique that incorporates the concept of space, Slifer thought, closing his eyes to better concentrate.
He sifted through the influx of information, searching for anything related to space. As he delved deeper, he began to grasp the essence of space C its vastness, its fluidity, and its potential to alter the very fabric of reality.
Even in the state of Enlightenment, the essence of space was too profound for him to comprehend fully but he was able to derive one concept.
Space is not just an empty void; it''s a canvas where distances can be manipulated, and reality can be bent.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.Now I get why those xianxia protagonists have those ''Aha!'' moments over simple things like fire. Here I am, geeking out over space and its actually working!
With this newfound understanding, Slifer started to craft a unique sword technique. He envisioned a sword strike that could transcend the limitations of physical space.
If the sword attack could vanish from one point and reappear within an opponent''s body, no one would expect that, it would be unstoppable!
He imagined the attacks trajectory, not as a straight line, but as a path that could fold space itself. The sword attack would slip into a spatial rift at one end and emerge from another, directly inside the target.
It''s like threading a needle with the sword, except the needle''s eye is a momentary gap in the fabric of space.
This technique would require precise control and a deep understanding of spatial dynamics. Slifer visualized the flow of qi in his body, redirecting it to align with his sword. He saw the qi wrapping around the blade, forming a cocoon that could pierce through the spatial layers.
The strike wouldn''t just be fast; it would be instantaneous. From the perspective of the opponent, it would appear as if the sword materialized within them out of thin air.
Excitement coursed through Slifer as the technique took shape in his mind. He named it the "Void Piercer" C a sword technique that utilized the essence of space to deliver a strike that defied conventional defences.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations On Creating A New Technique |
| Reward: 1000 Karmic Credits |
| Technique Name: Void Piercer |
| Rank: High Heaven |
| Description: Manipulates space to allow sword strikes to phase and hit targets from inside |
Feeling a tugging sensation at the back of his mind, Slifer realised that the Enlightenment period was ending, he sighed as he returned to reality.
He found himself surrounded by his disciples and numerous masked figures. The sight of the masked figures made him tense before he realised who they were.
Death warriors.
"Congrat" Slifer started to speak, but he was abruptly interrupted as Fenlock dropped to his knees and clung onto Slifer''s leg.
"Thank you, Master, for saving me!" Fenlock cried out, tears streaming down his face. "I''m so sorry, please forgive me."
Slifer looked down at Fenlock, who was gripping his leg tightly. He tried to gently shake his leg free, but the newly-minted Nascent Soul cultivators hold only tightened as he continued to weep.
Slifer let out a resigned sigh. "Fine, I forgive you. But don''t think you''re off the hook," he said, shaking his head.
I haven''t thought of a suitable punishment yet... I''ll decide on that later, Slifer mused. He knew he had to discourage such simp-like behaviour.
Fenlock, still clinging to Slifer''s leg, nodded as he wiped his eyes. "I understand, Master. I deserve punishment."
"Exactly how long have I been in Enlightenment?" Slifer asked, trying to change the subject and regain some normalcy.
"It''s been six hours, Master," Fenlock replied, finally releasing Slifer''s leg and stepping back, his eyes still red from crying.
"Six hours?" Slifer echoed, genuinely surprised.
It had felt like mere minutes to him.
Suddenly, a wave of fatigue washed over him. I need a snack... no, a feast... maybe those spicy noodles, or that grilled fish I love so much. Oh, and dumplings. Definitely dumplings.
Whilst Slifer was almost salivating at the thought of the delicacies waiting for him, Caelum looked at his master in amazement.
Six hours in Enlightenment? Caelum thought in awe. Fenlocks Enlightenment only lasted two hours, which was similar in length to his own experience, the longer the state lasted, the more taxing it was on the mind and body. But then, it''s Master. I shouldn''t be surprised anymore.
Slifers belly grumbled in hunger bringing Caelum out of his musing.
Coughing awkwardly, Slifer waved his hand, signalling everyone to disperse, they didnt need to be traumatised by the ravenous side of their master.
This is, well used to be, my quarters, and Master is dismissing me from it. Fenlock hesitated, wondering if he should actually step away.
Slifer chuckled, realizing his mistake. "Right, I should be the one leaving," he said and then jumped onto his sword.
Fenlock watched as his master soared off, a smile tugging at his lips. Even though Master doesnt need a sword to fly, he still uses one. Such humility is rare. He reminisced about his initial impressions of Slifer. I never expected the notorious demonic elder to be like this when I first became his disciple.
Slifer sat comfortably in his quarters, leisurely munching on a dumpling. He had already indulged in a lavish feast, but he felt a few extra dumplings wouldnt hurt. He took a bite, savouring the juicy filling and the soft, chewy texture of the dough, nodding in satisfaction.
Nothing beats the simple pleasure of eating dumplings, he thought, relishing the moment of peace. This is the easy life I enjoy.
Slifer took a pause to address his disciple. "Now that your Senior Brother is still breathing, we can continue where we left off. So, where were we?"
"Master, you were going to teach me a righteous sword technique," Caelum replied eagerly.
"Ah, yes. Let''s start with your signature move, Shadow Slash," Slifer said, wiping his hands. "After having a glance at your technique a few weeks back, I''ve developed an alternative. I call it Sunrise Slash. I''ll bring it down to the Foundation Establishment level to make it easier for you to grasp."
Slifer had only managed to comprehend the Sunrise Slash technique to Level 2, which was equivalent to the Foundation Establishment realm. Teaching Caelum a Core Formation version would require using a Caelum Card, something he couldn''t afford at the moment, given the card''s renewal time was still a few hours away.
Caelum nodded, remembering the time he saw Slifer use the technique. Master saw my technique once and created an improved version. His swordsmanship is truly on another level.
"This technique harnesses the essence of light to enhance the speed and precision of the strike," Slifer explained. "The key is to channel your qi in a way that it resonates with the natural light around you, creating a burst of speed and power."
Slifer didnt know how helpful his explanation was, he didnt really understand the intricacies behind it, activating the technique was almost instinctive and didnt require any mental effort.
Caelum listened intently, his eyes widening with each detail. Master''s ability to simplify and explain such a complex technique... It''s incredible. He truly is an exceptional teacher, Caelum thought, impressed by Slifer''s profound understanding.
"Okay, now I''m going to demonstrate. Pay close attention."
Slifer closed his eyes and activated the technique. In a flash of light, he appeared behind a training dummy. With a swift, fluid motion, he sheathed his sword. As if delayed by magic, the dummy''s head then fell off.
He managed to hold back a smirk. I always loved that moment in anime, where the swordsman sheathes his blade, and then the enemy falls after a slight pause. Classic.
Composing himself, Slifer turned to Caelum with a serious expression. "Was that rusty demonstration enough for you?"
Caelum nodded vigorously. "It was perfect, Master," he replied, his voice filled with awe.
Master calls that ''rusty''? His standards are incredibly high. Even perfection isn''t enough for him, Caelum thought, marvelling at Slifer''s skill and modesty.
Slifer nodded in response before his eyes briefly lost focus.
A few seconds later, he turned back to Caelum. "Good. Now you practice. I have some... matters to handle."
As Slifer jumped on his sword, his eyes narrowed in annoyance.
Some Bart fellow dares to stir up trouble!
Chapter 56: A Not So Friendly Spar
| Ding! |
| A Disciplinary Hall Member, Bart, Has Abused His Authority |
| Credit Deduction: 3 Karmic Credit |
| |
| Ding! |
| Task: Discipline The Member & Make An Example Of Him! |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Slifer sat on his throne in the Disciplinary Hall, his head resting on his hand. The hall''s member, Bart, had dared to violate the rules Slifer had laid down. The disciple probably thought he could escape notice, not realizing the System would notify Slifer of his actions.
"Master, we should flay him alive," Amelia suggested. "Peel his skin inch by inch, ensuring he feels every shred of pain but remains conscious throughout the ordeal. The conscious part is really important!"
Slifer raised an eyebrow at her suggestion. "Maybe I should consider such a punishment for you when you disobey me," he retorted dryly.
Amelia visibly recoiled at Slifer''s words, retreating into the shadows and trying to blend into the background.
Minutes ticked by until a young man entered the hall. He had black hair, wore black robes, and his face carried an annoyingly smug expression.
Supreme Elder, you summoned me, Bart bowed, barely concealing a smirk. He had recently entered the Core Formation realm and assumed the news had caught the Supreme Elders ear. He must want to recruit me, no doubt impressed by my talent.
Slifer scoffed at the disciple''s demeanour. Since taking over, I implemented a new system for you, the members of the Disciplinary Hall, to win cultivation resources from my personal collection at a more than reasonable price. But there are rules, Slifer paused, fixing his gaze on Bart, whose face drained of colour when he realised, he was in fact not summoned to be recruited.
What was the rule I commanded all of you to follow? Slifer asked.
Swallowing hard, Bart managed to reply, Not to abuse our authority, Supreme Elder.
And yet, you felt emboldened to break this rule. Why? Slifers tone turned icy.
Sweat beaded on Barts forehead as he began to falter, I havent done anything, I
You dare lie to my master! Amelia''s voice cut through the hall as she emerged from the shadows, her face flushed with anger.
Slifer was baffled at the blatant act of hypocrisy taking place before him, Amelia had no qualms about disobeying and deceiving him, yet she seemed personally affronted when another disciple did the same?
Bart glanced at the silver-haired girl, his legs trembling slightly. He knew her by reputation - the ''demon girl'', as others called her.
"Senior Sister, I" Bart stammered, but Amelia sharply cut him off.
"For the blatant disrespect you showed my master, I should rip out your tongue and feed it to you," she snarled as she advanced, her face twisting into a more ghoulish visage with each step.
Bart''s eyes widened in terror, taking a step back. He knew it wasnt an empty threat, the innocent-looking girl had once done that to a Core Formation expert when he spoke ill of Amelias master.
"Or perhaps I should flay your skin slowly, layer by layer, letting you feel every excruciating moment.
Standing right in front of him, her face now fully transformed, and her long tongue extended, she whispered, "Let me just taste your soul, just a little lick. It wont hurt muchI promise."
Bart, almost crying in fear, blurted out, "I did it, I''m sorry!" He turned desperately to Slifer, "Please, Supreme Elder, protect me!"
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Amelia Disciplined Bart |
| Reward: 3 Karmic Credits |
Slifer, nonchalantly waving his hand, signalled for Amelia to retreat. She backed off, her appearance reverting to normal.
At that moment, a white-robed youth entered the hall - Kalin. Slifer had summoned him, he had delayed the youths request for too long, it was time to throw him a bone.
Two birds with one stone, Slifer thought, his flickering between Kalin and Bart.
Releasing his Peak Foundation Establishment aura, Slifer stood up from his throne. The disciples exchanged confused glances but remained silent. They knew better than to be fooled by the old man''s aura; after all, they had recently witnessed him effortlessly defeat an Early Ascendant Realm cultivator.
"Kalin, you wanted to see my sword skills. Today, you''ll witness them," Slifer announced, his voice echoing through the hall. "And as for you, Bart, you''ll serve as an example of what happens to those who break my rules."
Kalin''s eyes lit up with anticipation, a move by a sword cultivator at the Sword Will realm? He couldnt afford to blink.
"I will not use my higher cultivation realm to bully you as you did to that disciple," Slifer continued. He didnt know exactly what Bart did, but the disciple''s demeanour suggested typical cultivation world nonsense like ------bullying someone weaker. "In fact, I''ll limit myself to the Foundation Establishment realm and still defeat you... in one blow."
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
"Master, allow me to handle this!" Amelia interjected, a twisted smile playing on her lips. Her silver hair writhed around her like sinister tendrils.
Slifer shook his head, this was a great opportunity to test out his new technique, Void Piercer. But more importantly, he wanted to make a statement.
He thinks he can defeat me in one blow? Bart thought incredulously. He felt the Supreme Elder was underestimating him, he wasn''t just any cultivator with subpar techniques; he was one of the Black Rose Sect''s most talented youths.
He only respected the Supreme Elder due to the vast gap in their cultivation realms. But now, with Slifer lowering his power below Bart''s own level, he saw an opportunity to outshine the elder, if it meant humiliating the Supreme Elder in the process, then so be it.
"It would be an honour to spar against the Supreme Elder," Bart said, bowing respectfully while concealing his true thoughts. Today, I, Bart, will make a name for myself by defeating the Supreme Elder.
Slifer merely nodded in acknowledgment. He turned to Kalin. "Watch closely, Kalin. I''ll demonstrate this technique only once."
Unlike Bart, Kalin had no illusions regarding an Ascendant cultivator''s prowess. He already knew the outcome; he was more interested in witnessing the Supreme Elders sword skills.
A sword materialized in the air, and Slifer caught it effortlessly with one hand. Turning towards Bart, he commanded, "Begin."
Bart''s face contorted into a menacing smirk, his left arm enveloped in qi, transforming into a demonic, enlarged red limb that rushed towards Slifer with alarming speed.
In a swift, almost imperceptible motion, Slifer slashed with his sword and then sheathed it back.
The very moment Bart''s mutated hand was about to collide with Slifer, the disciple''s eyes shot open in shock. Blood spurted from his mouth as his hand reverted to normal. He collapsed to his knees, clutching his stomach in pain. He had no visible wound, yet he couldnt stop spewing blood.
As Slifer had predicted, it only took one move.
| Ding! |
| You Punished A Demonic Cultivator |
| Reward: 1 Karmic Credit |
| Ding! |
| Completed Task: Discipline The Member & Make An Example Of Him! |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Not bothering to spare his fallen opponent a glance, Slifer turned to Kalin. "Did you catch that?" he asked.
Kalins face paled. He had expected a display of Sword Will, but never had he thought to witness a technique infused with the space element, at least not in the mortal realm.
The fact that Slifer, a mere Ascendant cultivator, had demonstrated such mastery over both Sword Will and space manipulation was beyond extraordinary. Such cultivators tended to break past even the Greater Immortal Realm!
A genius like thiseven the Venerables would fight over such a talent! Kalin thought in awe.
Slifer''s gaze rested thoughtfully on the white-robed youth.
Once Val manages to soften Leah up a bit, I should be ready to attempt converting her to the righteous path. Then, Ill have a spare disciple slot to take this one in.
Slifer turned his gaze towards Amelia. He thought back to the three Karmic Credits gained when she intimidated Bart and realised that he had been dealing with her wrong the entire time. Instead of constantly trying to rein in her sadistic tendencies, why not channel it for a moreconstructive purpose?
"Amelia, from now on, you''ll be in charge of dealing with rule-breakers in the Hall," Slifer announced, watching her reaction closely.
A wickedly bright smile lit up Amelia''s face, and she produced a dagger from seemingly nowhere, already sharpening it with eager anticipation.
"But remember," Slifer added with emphasis, "you can only punish those whom I have judged guilty."
Amelia let out a small sigh, obviously disappointed by the limitation, but she nodded. Her master had a knack for knowing when people lied to him, she decided it was better to obey him. At least with this new role, she could have a little fun with some poor disciple once in a while.
As Slifer settled back into his throne, he dismissed the group with a wave of his hand. Kalin and Amelia gave respectful nods before vanishing from the hall. But Bart, who was still severely injured, struggled to stand and eventually had to resort to crawling away, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
Slifer made no move to assist him; in the world of demonic cultivators, mercy was seen as weakness. Power was what commanded respect and today''s actions would serve as a warning to anyone foolish enough to think they could slip under his or, more precisely, the Systems radar.
Resting his head back, Slifer closed his eyes, pondering the future of the Disciplinary Hall. When will the first member accumulate enough credits to redeem a treasure? he mused. The carrot and the stick... that''s how you manage people.
Master, I have returned.
Slifers eyes snapped open, focusing on the figure before him.
Chapter 57: Being A Good Master
The figure was Nomed, who had returned from the village after gaining the blessing of his parents.
Great, I can put this one to work sooner than expected, Slifer thought, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"I''m here too!" Dusty wheezed, panting heavily as he entered the hall. His eyes widened at the sight of the leftover delicacies. He rushed forward, almost knocking over his best friend in the process.
S-Supreme Elder, can I have some, just a little? Dustys mouth watered at the delicious aroma.
Slifer observed the hungry boy with a raised eyebrow. Though he was reluctant to share his meal, he didnt want to ruin Nomeds impression of him, at least not yet. Slifer waved his hand dismissively and the fat boy wasted no time, diving headfirst towards the dishes.
Slifer couldn''t help but show a disgusted expression at the messy display. Turning his attention back to Nomed, Slifer asked, "Have you prepared the Master-Disciple Ceremony?"
Nomed, recovering from the embarrassment caused by Dusty''s behaviour, nodded and swiftly retrieved teacups from his storage ring. Pouring tea into a cup, he offered it to Slifer with both hands.
Slifer accepted the tea and took a small sip. After a moment, he nodded and declared, "From today onwards, you are my disciple."
"Thank you, Master," Nomed bowed.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| Nomed Is Officially Your Disciple |
| Reward: 250 Karmic Credits |
| Ding! |
| Reward: Time Reversal Card |
| Description: Sends the user through the river of time, the user will retain their cultivation |
| Warning: The user will exit the river of time at a random point |
| Warning: Use of the card will render the System locked, this effect is temporary |
Time travel!
Slifer was elated. Even though it would send him to a random point in the past, the card was invaluable. It basically gave him a second chance at life!
But for the system to gift me this card...Slifer''s eyes narrowed in suspicion.
He knew how the system was, for it to hand him such an OP card for such an easy task, it meant he would definitely need it, and likely soon.
I need to keep an eye out and note down any significant events, Slifer nodded to himself, preparation was key for a regressor.
Dusty, not even half-way done with his impromptu feast, belched loudly, startling Slifer out of his musing.
Is this what I look like to others? Slifer thought with a disapproving expression.
He was glad he dismissed his disciples before spending some alone time, the last thing he wanted was for them to think of him as a savage.
Shaking off a shiver of disgust, Slifer got ready to send Nomed off to complete some righteous tasks and take his fat friend with him, when he suddenly remembered Grand Elder Tenzin''s words.
The Intersect Competition was approaching, and with it, the chance to enter the Sealed Realm.
The Black Rose Sect had two slots for the Sealed Realm, one of which Slifer could allocate as he wished. The other slot would be decided by the Grand Elders, however, Slifer knew that the Grand Elders would most likely give the slot to the Sect Master''s disciple, Zhen.
Zhen was a genius, there was no doubt about that. The boy had reached the Peak of the Core Formation Realm at the age of 16 and was only one step away from the Nascent Soul Realm. He had deliberately suppressed his cultivation, waiting for the opportunity to enter the Sealed Realm.
Slifer looked at Nomed, who was still bowing. Nomed was only at the Qi Refining Realm, and he had only a few months to enter the Foundation Establishment Realm if he wanted to have a chance at entering the Sealed Realm. Even if Nomed was a prodigy, Slifer wasn''t sure if the kid could do that without his help.
It''s time to act like the master I''m pretending to be.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Nomeds Loyalty Is At 20% |
| Warning: If a disciples loyalty falls below 30%, there is a high chance of betrayal |
Oh yeah, since he''s a new disciple, I have to work on increasing his loyalty. Hmm, what better way to solve both of my problems than gifting him a Heaven Rank cultivation method!
"Nomed, as your master, I have a responsibility to guide you on the path of cultivation, Slifer cleared his throat. You have a good aptitude and a pure heart, but you lack a suitable cultivation method. The one you are using now is too low-grade and slow. It will only hinder your progress and limit your potential. So, do you have any preference on the type of cultivation method?
It would be counterproductive for Slifer to just hand Nomed a random Heaven Rank cultivation method and expect results as cultivators had varying talents for the elements, those with a particular high talent would feel some comfort or familiarity when they were around their element.
"Master, might there be a Light element cultivation method suitable for me?"
Light element? Slifer''s eyes narrowed. A demonic disciple requesting a righteous cultivation method - how strange!
But Slifer then remembered these boys were mere villagers. Categorizing them as righteous or demonic was meaningless when they were blank slates ready to be moulded. This was, after all, why the System wanted Slifer to take in a disciple in the first place.
But why does the System still label him as a demonic cultivator? Slifer shook his head, it was useless trying to understand the logic behind the Systems criteria in differentiating between righteous and demonic cultivators.
Hmm, Ill see what Light cultivation methods I have, Slifer replied as he opened the System panel.
After a minute of awkward silence, Slifer found three methods that could suit his new disciple.
| Solemn Sunfire Sutra: |
By assimilating the essence of solar qi, this method generates a sequence of nine miniature suns within the cultivator''s dantian. The initial three signify the early stage, followed by the middle stage represented by the subsequent trio, and the ultimate three suns mark the late stage of cultivation |
| Candlelight Meditation Scripture |
Absorb light qi from celestial bodies to create a flame within the dantian, cultivate the flame to increase breakthrough. |
| Cathedral of Celestial Radiance Scripture |
Build a cathedral within the dantian where divine light converges. |
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.Slifer gave a basic explanation of each method and then asked, "So, which one would you prefer?"
"Ah, they all seem incredible, Master! Maybe I could cultivate all three?" Nomed asked, scratching the back of his head.
All three Heaven Rank methods? Slifer almost rolled his eyes. This boy should be grateful for even one!
Outwardly, he adopted a sagely demeanour.
"It is not a good idea for a new cultivator like yourself to experiment like this," Slifer quickly made up an excuse, hoping it sounded believable. "Mixing cultivation methods can disturb the foundations.
"Oh, I seethen the third method suits me best.
A holy method? Thatssurprising. Slifer was wary with any method related to gods, which were most likely just higher ranked cultivators loaning out their qi to those in the lower realms, and like most loans, it probably came with interest!
Slifer did not fancy handling an incensed deity chasing interest payments.
Eh, maybe Im wrong, Nomed is a protagonist-like figure, hell be okayIm sure of it.
| Name: Cathedral of Celestial Radiance Scripture |
| Rank: Mid Heaven |
| Description: Build a cathedral within the dantian where divine light converges. |
| Cost: 1500 Karmic Credits |
1500? Slifers eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. It was more expensive than his own cultivation method!
No matter, no matter, its an investment, Slifer consoled himself as he reluctantly purchased it.
Details relating to the method flooded his mind causing Slifer to close his eyes as he began to process it. After a few moments, Slifer opened his eyes and retrieved a scroll from his storage ring.
To Nomed''s surprise, the Supreme Elder began writing down the entirety of the holy cultivation method!
Cultivators were known to have amazing memories, and the higher one''s cultivation, the stronger the memory. However, cultivation methods were notoriously difficult to memorize fully and only someone who had mastered a method could transcribe it.
Remembering that his master had not only given him three options to choose from but also the choice of the element itself, made Nomed look at his master in a different light. Just how many methods has the Supreme Elder mastered?
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Nomeds Loyalty Has Increased By 2% |
Slifer ignored the message as he handed the scroll over to Nomed, who bowed in thanks.
"If you require any guidance on comprehending this method, you need only ask me," Slifer stated as he realised it could be daunting for Nomed to ask him for help, the title of Supreme Elder could be intimidating to new disciples.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Nomeds Loyalty Has Increased By 8% |
Only eight percent? I feel like it should have increased a bit more, maybe like thirty percent, Slifer held back a frown. Kids these days really are ungrateful.
Of course, Master. Nomed then turned to leave before pausing. He coughed lightly to get Dusty''s attention. The plump boy was still busily stuffing his face.
"We''re leaving," Nomed said pointedly.
Dusty pouted, giving the food a longing look. But under Nomed''s expectant gaze, he reluctantly got to his feet and trudged after Nomed out the door.
Good riddance, no more of that annoying whale to disturb me, Slifer thought, gazing at the remaining delicacies.
He frowned when he saw that there was barely anything left!
Muttering curses under his breath, Slifer picked up a half-eaten roasted chicken leg and bit into it with gusto, savouring the juicy meat and crispy skin. The Predators Vigour activated absorbing the spiritual essence of the chicken into his body and using it to nourish his meridians.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Broken Through To Peak Core Formation |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Faster than I expected, Slifer raised his eyebrows at the notification. Is it related to the grandpa?
| Ding! |
| Warning Your Disciple Hughies Loyalty Has Decreased To 20% |
Well, that answers my question
| Ding! |
| You Can Purchase A Hint On How To Increase Hughies Loyalty |
| Cost: 500 Karmic Credits |
500 credits just for a hint? Slifer shook his head at the Systems shamelessness, but knowing he had no choice, he purchased the hint.
| Ding! |
| Hint: Your Disciple Hughie Has A Mortal Lover That Lacks Aptitude |
"A mortal lover? Hughie?" Slifer scratched his head, puzzled.
That was not the hint Slifer was expecting; he had always assumed that Hughie was the type of protagonist to end up with a harem of jade beauties.
She lacks aptitude, so I guess all I have to do is buy a treasure from the Shop that can make her a cultivator?
Slifer imagined Hughie''s immortal grandpa imparting him techniques, seeking to undermine Slifer''s authority. But the joke would be on him - Slifer would gain a devoted disciple and more Obsidian techniques for his troubles.
Chuckling, he began browsing through the Shop''s inventory for a suitable treasure.
Chapter 58: Ascendant Meet?
After a few minutes of browsing, Slifer found a few treasures that caught his eye.
The first was the Celestial Awakening Pill, it gave a mortal a talent of one, which was the bare-bone requirement to cultivate.
Next was the Divine Blood Essence, a vial of thick crimson liquid that could ignite the mortal physique and bestow spirit roots that gave a talent of two.
1000 and 1200 Karmic Credits? Not too bad, Slifer nodded, pleased that the System was finally giving reasonable prices.
However, one item gave him pause - the Wheel of Fate, a talisman that was worth 2,000 credits. When activated, it would give an entirely random cultivation talent to the mortal.
Since the girl has strong karmic ties with Hughie, her luck should be quite good, Slifer reasoned.
Decision made; he purchased the talisman. It materialized inside his storage ring.
Slifer then sent a spiritual transmission to Morvran. "Come see me at once."
After a few seconds, the bald man appeared and bowed. "Greetings, Master."
"I have a task for you. It seems Hughie has found himself a mortal lover."
Morvran''s eyes widened in surprise. "A lover? I would not have imagined Young Master Hughie distracted by such things." He shook his head in disappointment. "I hope he does not end up obsessed like that other one."
"I was surprised too. I did not think one girl could steal the young lad''s heart. Anyways, I would like you to find her."
"Of course, Master. I will dispose of her quickly." Morvran cracked his knuckles menacingly.
Slifer was taken aback. He quickly clarified, No, no, dont kill her!
Morvran looked puzzled. "My apologies Master, I think I may have misheard. You wish for me to... not kill her?"
Slifer rubbed his temples, wondering how many hapless souls had met their end due to Morvran''s hearing issues. "That''s right, no killing. Just find her and do not make contact."
I see, I willlocate the girl. The words felt strange coming out of Morvrans mouth.
Morvran bowed, though his expression remained conflicted. No matter, I shall carry out Master''s will. If he wishes to have that wench join, then I will find her for him.
Slifer had given Morvran quite a few talks about how violence wasnt the only option, but it seemed it still hadnt gotten through to the bald man.
The original had truly done a tremendous job at brainwashing his followers.
"Good. You are dismissed." Slifer leaned back in his seat, steepling his fingers together as his thoughts turned to Hughies mysterious lover.
Who was this mortal girl who managed to capture his disciples affection? Did she possess some alluring charm that the jade beauties in the sect lacked?
No matter - he would find out soon enough once Morvran located her. Then her path of cultivation would begin and Hughie would once again be in his clutches.
Thatll teach that grandpa for trying to steal my disciple!
"Are you sure this is safe?" Slifer asked, glancing down at the strange concoction before him.
The bath water had an odd, murky green colour, looking more like a cursed swamp than any therapeutic soak. Tendrils of steam curled up in wispy trails, carrying a pungent, herbal scent.
Slifer never liked the smell of medicine, his previous health problems ensured that he had anintimate relationship with hospitals.
"Yes, yes, Supreme Elder!" The alchemist, an elderly man named Lorgren, waved a hand in dismissal. "I have been perfecting the art of bath cultivation for over three centuries. This mixture of herbs and ores will increase your Qi absorption tremendously."
Lorgren''s back was hunched from decades of leaning over mixing potions and reading scrolls. His bald head and liver-spotted scalp gave him a rather vulture-like look. But his eyes still shone with youthful enthusiasm, especially when babbling on about alchemy.
Despite the assurances, Slifer still felt sceptical. Blindly mixing various mysterious concoctions didn''t seem the most scientific approach. But then again, the workings of this world differed greatly from Earth. If the alchemist swore that it was safe, who was he to argue? After all, such "cultivation baths" were common tropes in fantasy stories.
"Now, I must warn you - the temperature is quite hot initially," Lorgren cautioned. "But the body adjusts quickly. Simply relax and allow the elixir infusion to work its magic!"
Lorgren was surprised that the Supreme Elder had never bathed in a cultivation tub before, but then he remembered hearing how some geniuses didnt require cultivation resources and could reach great heights through meditation.
The Supreme Elder must be one of those, come to think of it, he never really went out much, Lorgren nodded to himself.
"Very well. You may take your leave," Slifer dismissed the alchemist with a wave of his hand.
Alone in the steam-filled room, Slifer activated Insight.
| Name: Jade Cleansing Bath |
| Rank: Mortal (Upper) |
| Effect: Cleanses impurities, boosts physique, increases qi absorption rate by 23% |
Useful but nothing impressive, Slifer mused. He planned to use credits to purchase better spiritual herbs and medicines to concoct an even more potent bath in the future. But for now, the resources he had taken from Grand Elder Wyatt would do.
"Let''s test this out," he murmured, taking off his lower garment and stepping gingerly into the tub.
Immediately, the scalding water stung his skin, practically boiling him alive.
This is insane! He wanted to leap out instantly, but Lorgren''s warning rang in his mind. Gritting his teeth, Slifer forced himself to remain stay put.
Gradually, his body numbed to the extreme temperature. As the minutes passed, a soothing warmth penetrated his muscles making him feel drowsy.
I''ll just rest a little bit, he thought as he leaned back and closed his eyes.
Supreme Elder, a disciple has accrued enough points to redeem a treasure, the spiritual transmission from Elder Fred caused Slifer''s eyes to shoot open, bringing him out of his slumber.
Finally!
Slifer had been waiting for this moment ever since implementing the credit reward system.
Unfortunately, the original wasnt known for his honesty, so some members were hesitant to carry out tasks that didnt involve killing or maiming innocents.
Slifer hoped that after the first member successfully retrieved a treasure, word would spread that he wasnt handing out false promises, which would encourage the other members to complete more tasks, resulting in more credits for himself.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations On Breaking Through To Mid Foundation Establishment Realm |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
Nice, I''m catching up to my spiritual cultivation, Slifer wondered if having both spiritual and body cultivation at the same level would give him some sort of reward.
Glancing down through the now lukewarm water, he noticed that his swollen belly had receded and been replaced by another layer of muscle.
As much as he liked the original physique he had back on Earth, it did tend to be a bit of a hindrance from time to time, an example being the repeated trips to the hospital
I could get used to this, Slifer smirked, flexing his biceps as he stepped out of the tub.
A fresh set of robes and slippers greeted him outside the room. Inhaling deeply, he caught traces of a delicious aroma. Following it led him to a tray stacked with expertly cooked meal waiting just outside his chamber. Heavily seasoned chicken and lamb, cream sauces, and even dumplings!
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About time those lazy servants figured out my preferences! Slifers mouth watered at the sight.
He wasted no time digging in, his hands reaching for the chicken leg, wasting time looking for utensils for a meal like this would be criminal.
Ohhh, so delicious!
Between mouthfuls, Slifer made a mental note to reward the chef.
Just as he licked his lips and went in for a final bite, his eyes caught an unexpected movement from the corner of the room. There, hidden beneath his bed frame, was a familiar face peeking out at him.
Slifer''s hand paused mid-air, mouth still agape. Before he could react further, the intruder spoke.
"Master!" the young man greeted cheerily, as though appearing under the Supreme Elder''s bed was perfectly normal.
It was none other than Dentos, the overly eager disciple who had previously begged to be taken as a student.
Slifer quickly masked his surprise, dabbing his mouth casually with a cloth. "Ah, Dentos. I was wondering how long you would hide under there." He kept his tone nonchalant, as though he knew the brat was hiding under his bed all along.
Dentos blushed, surprised that the Supreme Elder remembered his name.
Though Slifer maintained an impassive facade, inwardly he was reevaluating his impression of this gangly teen. Successfully sneaking into the Supreme Elder''s forbidden quarters, which was heavily guarded by death warriors, was no small feat.
I cant sense him with my spiritual sense! Slifer wondered if his eyes were fooling him and had conjured the image of the young man.
Slifer quickly dismissed the thought, if he were to conjure anyone to his chamber, it would be one of those jade beauties who can''t resist giving him the googly eyes!
There must be more to this Dentos than meets the eye
Insight!
| Name |
Dentos |
| Realm |
Peak Core Formation |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
Black Rose Sect |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
3 |
| Luck |
9 |
| Talent |
4 |
| Will |
9 |
Two nines and he still got rejected by the System! Slifer shook his head, he had assumed Hughie was the main character, but it was this dumb-looking kid. Shame I cant take him as a discipleyet.
You clearly have some abilities," Slifer remarked. "But tell me, to what end? Why risk such a stunt?"
Dentos'' face lit up. "For the chance to be your disciple of course!" Noticing Slifer''s frown, he quickly added, "But also, I wanted to see if you enjoyed the meal I prepared!"
"You cooked this?" Slifer''s eyebrows shot up in surprise.
Dentos rubbed his neck bashfully. "Yes, Master. Boss Morvran finished the last meal I cooked so I had to make sure it actually reached you this time!"
A betrayal of this magnitude by Morvranthat was not expected, Slifer couldn''t wrap his head around the fact that his loyal lackey had attempted to stop him from experiencing this culinary masterpiece firsthand!
I hope it was to your liking
Slifer waved a hand, feigning nonchalance. "Barely acceptable," he muttered, but internally he was shocked - this kid could rival the 600-year-old head chef!
Seeing Dentos'' crestfallen look, Slifer sighed. Perhaps a minor compliment would avoid crushing the boy''s spirit. "The flavours were...adequate," he conceded. "You may have some natural talent."
At even this faint praise, the youth instantly perked up, beaming from ear to ear. "Thank you, Master! Your words are worth more than ten thousand compliments!"
Slifer shook his head at the dramatic reaction. Clearly, this kid was obsessed with gaining his favour. Still, better to have a loyal fanatic than an enemy lurking in the shadows, especially with Luck and Will stats both being at nine, a dangerous combination.
"Enough idle chatter," Slifer said. "I trust you did not sneak in solely to cook me dinner?"
"Haha, nothing escapes Master, I''ve come to redeem the reward."
Reward? Dentos is a Disciplinary Hall member? Slifer glanced at the Disciplinary Hall Panel.
It was true, the boy really was a Disciplinary Hall member, he had joined recently.
1000 points in ten days? Slifer was shocked at the number of tasks the kid had completed, it was worth 3000 karmic credits. The System thankfully had a mute function so he didnt have to see a notification every time one of the members completed a task.
Sowhich reward would you like?
"To become your disciple!" Dentos exclaimed. Seeing Slifer''s eyebrow raise, the boy quickly amended, "But the Wings of the Roc will do for now.
Slifer''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Cultivators below the Nascent Soul realm were unable to fly without the assistance of treasures. The Wings of the Roc would remain useful until the Origin Realm.
Paired with Dentos strange ability to escape spiritual sense, the boy could become exceedingly troublesome to deal with for anyone below the Origin Realm should his motivations ever shift.
But on the other hand, if Slifer were to hang the title of disciple, he could turn this boy into a credit generating machine
If I cant have him as a disciple then a walking ATM sounds good to me, Slifer spent the 1000 Karmic Credit to purchase the Wings of the Roc.
Retrieving the item from his storage ring, Slifer handed over the talisman paper to Dentos, explaining how to activate it. The talisman paper would melt into his back, inscribing a rune in the shape of wings which would expand into genuine wings on activation.
Thank you, Master! Ill see you...soon."
As Dentos turned to leave, Slifer raised a hand to stop him. "Oh, if you ever sneak into my quarters again, then you will never get the opportunity to be my disciple."
Dentos paled, stammering out hasty apologies and assurances it would not happen again. As much as the warning terrified him, it also kindled a fragile hope. For the Supreme Elder to even suggest he might accept him one day filled his heart with joy.
How do I attract suchcharacters? Slifer shook his head. Keeping these unpredictable followers in line would be no easy task.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Is Ready To Breakthrough |
| Bring Your Disciple 3 Peak Core Formation Souls |
| Reminder: Righteous Souls Will Result In Credit Deduction |
| Reward: 200 Karmic Credits |
I guess its time to pay Amelia a visitSlifer sighed.
The dungeons of the Black Rose Sect were not designed for comfort. Rough stone walls enclosed windowless chambers lit only by flickering candlelight. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood.
In the centre of the largest chamber knelt a boy no older than sixteen. His face was swollen and bruised almost beyond recognition as he whimpered for mercy.
Standing before him was young silver-haired girl. A cruel smile twisted her lips as she leaned in and whispered, "Don''t worry sweetie, we''re almost finished here."
The boy shrieked as she pressed a glowing brand to his skin.
Amelia.
Hearing the familiar voice, the innocent-looking girls bloody hands paused their work.
"Master! Amelia greeted Slifer as she turned around. What brings you here?"
Slifer suppressed a shiver at her nonchalance towards the tortured, sobbing boy. "Amelia, you are close to another breakthrough. I will allow one week''s leave from the sect so you can fulfil the requirements."
What he chose to keep to himself was the contingent of Nascent Soul elders who would secretly shadow her every move, ten should be enough to guarantee her safety. He would have sent more but Nascent Soul cultivators were the backbone of the sect, some needed to remain behind in case the sect was attacked.
After the mess caused during his closed-door cultivation, he had prohibited any of his disciples from leaving the sect without his permission. But, for his disciples to grow as cultivators, they would need to leave the sect and get more life experience, he couldnt just keep them locked up within the sect their whole lives, that would not only make them incompetent but also breed resentment.
And the last thing he needed was a protagonist after his head.
"A whole week? Thank you, Master!" Amelia''s eyes shone as she rushed forward to give him a hug.
Slifer quickly raised his hand, stopping her in her tracks, he literally came out of a bath, he didnt need Amelia to bathe him in blood.
"Just remember to follow the rules."
"I will!
After Amelia skipped off, Slifer took a deep breath of the slightly less oppressive air of the hallway. Dealing with that unpredictable girl always left him feeling drained.
Well, it looks like her new job is keeping her satisfied and obedient.
Shaking off the lingering unease her presence evoked, Slifer began to walk up the winding staircase, but he only made it halfway when a spiritual transmission caused his face to darken.
"Supreme Elder, the Ascendant Meet is in three days. Since the Sect Master remains in secluded cultivation, the duty to represent Black Rose falls unto you."
Wyatt waits till now to inform meSlifers eyes narrowed at the dangerous game the Grand Elder was playing.
From the memories of the original, Slifer learned that the Ascendant Meet was a gathering of the Ascendant cultivators of each sect before a grand event such as the Intersect Tournament. Attendance was non-negotiable. Failure to attend would be seen as forfeiting their sect''s slots to the Sealed Realm.
For a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like himself to attend was like a newborn lamb strolling into a den of starving wolves. He would be shredded to pieces if the Ascendant beings even sensed a whiff of weakness.
Heart pounding, Slifer wracked his brain for a solution. But the more he pondered, the clearer it became C he was trapped and defenceless against such beingsC he would need to rely on the System!
| Ding! |
| Task: Awe The Ascendant Cultivators! |
| Reward: 1000 Karmic Credit For Each Ascendant Cultivator Awed |
| Failure To Hide Your True Identity: Death |
Most likely a long, gruesome death
This mission would require luck, wits, and an insane amount of bluffing.
Slifer had barely survived a few encounters with Origin Realm cultivators by pretending to be the old eccentric but would that enough to fool demi-immortals?
I guess Ill find out soon
Gripping the stone railing for support, Slifer took a deep breath and steeled himself.
Ready or not, he had a role to play.
The show must go on.
Okay System, lets see what you got!
Chapter 59: What Is The Son Of Heaven Doing Here?!
Slifer shook his head in frustration as he scrolled through the System Shop. The treasures and cards that could actually rival an Ascendant cultivators power cost upwards of 50,000 credits! If the meeting was in a few weeks, perhaps the work of the Disciplinary Hall members would have been enough to buy something worthwhile.
Couldnt you throw a starving cultivator a bone? Slifer grumbled under his breath.
The Shop interface flickered mockingly before disappearing.
Slifer sighed, forcing himself to look on the bright side. At the very least, he was able to purchase the means to physically get to the Ascendant Meet itself. An Obsidian Rank item!
After not finding any mention of Obsidian Rank cultivation manuals, he had assumed that the System wouldn''t give him access to the Obsidian Rank until it levelled up, but surprisingly it was there for treasures. As for why that was, Slifer had no idea and he doubted he would find out anytime soon.
Version 2 better come with a search function!
At least I''ve finally got myself a boat.
| Name: Divine Azerion Ark |
| Rank: Obsidian |
| Condition: Critical |
| Cost: 5000 Karmic Credits |
| Description: Crafted by an immortal, the Ark now limps through the heavens. Its body, marked by old fights, is barely able to hang on. |
| Warning: Some functions may be unavailable due to critical condition |
For an Obsidian Rank treasure, it wasnt even that expensive!
Sure, it is in critical shape but that is a critical shape for an Obsidian Rank item, Slifer consoled himself.
The ship would do the jobhe hoped.
The Ascendant Meet was always held in the clouds of the seventh heaven, far beyond the reach of those below the Ascendant Realm. From what Slifer gathered, the Mortal Realm had nine heavens, it was said that breaking through the ninth heaven would lead to the Immortal Realm.
As for the seventh heaven, the air pressure and elemental forces present at such altitudes would crush anyone under the Ascendant Realm, unless they had access to a vessel or artifact that could protect them.
And apart from the ship, there was nothing else Slifer could afford that could take him there.
But having the physical means to reach the Meet was the easy part.
Actually surviving the gathering of powerful Ascendant Realm cultivators was another matter entirely.
Slifer didn''t really know what to expect. The original, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, had never qualified to attend such a gathering before. But Slifer knew how these things went - as the new guy, he fully expected the other Ascendant cultivators to try him.
He had no illusions about his chances without the System, just a sneeze from an Ascendant Realm cultivator could turn him to dust. After all, he was like an ant arriving at a convention of giant boot-wearing humans.
And he couldn''t even bring along bodyguards, even if the Grand Elders were loyal C which they were far from - they wouldnt even qualify as meat-shields!
But with these cards, Im not totally helpless, Slifer smiled, looking at the few Critical Block cards and the single Reflection Barrier card he had bought.
Are they enough though? I should probably try my luck at gambling, who knows I might just get luckySlifer nodded to himself, he would rather use his credits now than get one-shotted later, those thousands of credits will be useless then.
| Ding! |
| Random Card Acquired |
| Activate Now? |
| Yes! |
Three days later
The streets of Riarn bustled with life, flooded by crowds going about their daily business. Vendors called out from stalls lining the roads, advertising various goods from exotic places. The smells of roasted nuts, fresh bread, and fragrant spices melded together, saturating the air. Children laughed and played, ducking around grumbling labourers.
Two boys chased each other when one suddenly tripped, tumbling forward. His knee scraped painfully against the ground, and he yelped, clutching his leg as tears welled up in his eyes.
Before the boy could cry out, a hand gripped his shoulder.
Are you alright, lad?
The boy looked up into warm brown eyes set in a gentle face. The man had short chestnut hair and appeared to be in his late twenties, he wore simple but well-made clothes.
The boy sniffed loudly and shook his head as he struggled to hold back tears.
"Let me see, little one.
The boy tentatively showed his injured leg, a tiny amount of blood trickled down the scrape.
The man placed a hand above the wound and soft red glow emanated from his palm, easing away the stinging pain.
See there, good as new!
The boy stared wide-eyed. "Y-youre an immortal?" he whispered in awe.
The man smiled. "Haha, not yet butIm getting there."
He ruffled the boy''s hair affectionately. As he did so, a faint, intricate pattern momentarily appeared on the boy''s head. It quickly faded away without leaving a trace.
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"What do we say?" the man prompted gently.
T-thank you, sir.
Youre quite welcome, lad. Now, do be more careful in the future.
As the man turned to continue on his way, the boy stared after him, dumbfounded.
Nearby pedestrians who had saw the exchange smiled and whispered to one another.
"That was Lord Ulric, wasn''t it?"
"Yes, he is so compassionate and humble. If only more nobles were like him."
One figure lurked in the shadows of a nearby alley, face hidden by a hooded cloak. They watched the encounter closely, lingering even as Lord Ulric disappeared into the crowds. After several long moments, the mysterious observer faded away into the darkness.
A few hours later as the sun dipped low over the city''s rooftops, the boy from the market wandered alone down an empty alley. His eyes lacked the usual spark of life and curiosity that one would expect in a child. His footsteps dragged as he shuffled forward until he reached the end of a dark alley.
Rotting wooden boards blocked the windows of the last building, the boy paused before its door, swaying slightly as though he was in a trance. As he stared blankly ahead, the door creaked open.
The kind stranger from the market stood in the doorway, though there was nothing kind about the smile that stretched across his face.
"There you are. Come in, come in, the others have been waiting for a while already."
As the boy stepped forward, the door slammed shut behind him.
In centre of the room sat eight other children arranged in a circle. Though they faced one another, their blank eyes stared right through each other. Their new addition joined the circle. He did not speak or even glance around. None of the children so much as blinked.
Ulric clasped his hands together. "Perfect, perfect! Nine souls, ripe for the taking!"
He scurried to the centre of the circle, nudging the children''s limbs as he positioned them to his liking.
"The book said nine boys, and here you are!" Ulric continued muttering to himself as he drew intricate patterns on the children''s foreheads using a vial of ink. "Following its guidance, I should have no trouble forming a Nascent Soul. Yes, no trouble at all!"
He retrieved a scroll from his robes, "Now let''s see, first I must corrupt their souls."
Closing his eyes in concentration, a red glow emanated from his palms, coalescing into pulsating tendrils of energy. They snaked towards each child before boring into their chests in a misty haze.
The children convulsed, faces contorting in silent agony as the purity was leeched from their souls.
After a few sickening seconds, their bodies slumped to the floor.
"Excellent, that should sufficiently corrupt and weaken them," Ulric opened his eyes. "Now to extract their souls. If I can harness the souls of nine innocent boys, I''ll finally breakthrough to the Nascent Soul. Oh, I can almost taste it!"
Looking down at the young boy from earlier, Ulric laughed. And Ill be one step closer to being an immortal!
He then retrieved a wicked curved dagger and poised it above the first child''s heart.
Just as Ulric was about to plunge the dagger down, the sound of splintering bones and tearing flesh filled the air.
Ulric froze, dagger slipping from his fingers. Looking down in horror, he saw a claw-like hand emerge from the centre of his chest, staining the floorboard with blood.
"You didnt think youd be the only one having fun, did you?" a ghastly voice hissed by his ear. A foul breath tickled the back of his neck, sending an icy chill down his spine.
Ulric whipped his head around, mouth opening to scream, but only a strangled gurgle escaped his lips.
Before him stood a girl, perhaps sixteen, with skin so pale it appeared translucent. Dark veins spiderwebbed across her face. Her eye sockets were hollow, and they let off an otherworldly blue glow.
As her mouth opened impossibly wide, the woman inhaled deeply. An unseen force, like an invisible hand, seized the demonic cultivators soul, pulling it from his body and guiding it toward her gaping maw.
Ulric convulsed weakly, his eyes rolling back in their sockets.
With a wet squelch, the girl withdrew her hand from Ulric''s back, examining the blood staining her pale fingers.
The lifeless corpse slumped to the floor.
Dragging her thumb across her lower lip, the girl purred, "Delicious," smacking her lips together in satisfaction.
As the woman turned her attention to the unconscious children, the dark veins receded, and colour returned to her cheeks.
"As much as I''d love to claim your little souls as well, master would be really mad if I did that," Amelia murmured. With a resigned sigh, she took a step towards them, intending to return them to their homes.
No sooner had her foot touched the ground than the wall behind her exploded in a shower of dust and splintered wood. She leapt back as a crescent blade of solidified air whistled through the space her head had just occupied.
Whirling around, Amelias eyes narrowed at the figure now stepping through the new hole in the wall.
He was a young man who looked to be in his early twenties, with a strong, muscular build and shoulder-length raven hair. His handsome features were twisted into a vicious scowl, and his emerald eyes glinted with a predatory light.
"Just who do you think you are, barging in here?" Amelia growled.
The corner of the man''s lip curved up mockingly.
"Ziven."
| Ding! |
| Alert: Your Disciple Amelia Is In Battle Against A Son Of Heaven |
|
Win Reward:
If your disciple defeats the Son of Heaven, your luck will be restored to its normal state
If she manages to kill the Son of Heaven, your luck will be significantly enhanced and you will gain a random bonus reward
|
|
Loss Consequences:
If your disciple is defeated but survives the encounter, your luck will decrease
If she dies, you will suffer the consequences of a disciple death
|
Chapter 60: Arriving At The Ascendant Meet...Late
The moon hung low in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow on the sleeping city below.
Ziven stared down the young girl before him. He had spent months on the run worried her master would send cultivators after him. He finally got some news that one of the old mans disciples were in the city, he couldnt pass up on such an opportunity.
Ill send him her head, Ziven sneered, releasing his Peak Core Formation cultivation base.
Amelia met his gaze unflinchingly, completely unintimidated. She let out an unladylike burp as a similar aura of Peak Core Formation erupted from her slender body, pushing back Zivens oppressive aura.
Amelia wasn''t sure why this handsome stranger had decided to attack her, but if he wished to offer up his soul, who was she to refuse such a gift?
After all, master had made it clear that self-defence was fair game. And anyone stupid enough to pick a fight with me deserved what they got.
Amelia''s lips curved into a wicked smirk as her beautiful features morphed into an inhuman, ghoul-like countenance - skin growing paler, dark veins surfacing across her face, eyes hollowing into glowing blue sockets.
Ziven''s scowl deepened at the sight of the girl''s transformation, she was a monster, just like her master.
"You have your master to thank for your death today, demon," Ziven spat, his emerald eyes flashing blood-red. "Did you think I would ever forget how he cut down my brother Xander?"
The image of his best friend Xander''s vacant eyes staring lifelessly up at the sky flashed through Ziven''s mind. His hands curled into fists, nails biting into his palms.
"We were like brothers. He was the only family I had left in this world after bandits slaughtered my parents. Even if he joined the bandits, I could have made him understand! I could have saved him!"
The young man''s speech was cut off abruptly as a blade of soul energy came slicing through the air towards his head, forcing him to jerk to the side.
The attack left a burning gash across his cheek.
A Soul cultivator! Ziven''s spat as he felt his soul recoil in pain.
The one thing Ziven hated more than demonic cultivators were demonic cultivators who messed with souls. That was unforgiveable.
Amelia let out an exaggerated yawn, clearly unimpressed by the young man''s tragic backstory.
"I don''t really care why you''re so eager to let me have your soul," she drawled, idly examining her nails. "Now are you going to keep whining, or are we going to have some fun?"
To emphasize her point, Amelia launched two more blades of condensed soul energy toward Ziven.
Ziven dove and rolled, avoiding the attacks by a hair''s breadth. He came up in a crouch, lips peeled back in a disgusted sneer. How dare this monster interrupt his righteous quest for vengeance against her master? She would pay for such insolence.
Directing the wind qi to his hands, Ziven sent a volley of wind blades slicing through the air towards Amelia.
But the pale girl merely threw back her head and laughed, purple wings unfurling from her back. With a powerful flap, she took to the air, evading the wind strikes with ease.
Hovering midair, Amelia peered down at Ziven''s dumbfounded expression with a smug grin. After her close call with the Nascent Soul cultivator, she had worked tirelessly to develop this Soul Wing technique.
Now nothing could touch her!
Craning his neck to glare up at the hovering girl, Ziven grit his teeth in frustration. Fighting an aerial battle was not his forte - his mastery over the wind element was not yet advanced enough to engage her at range. He would need to get creative to bring her back down to his level.
That is a weakness I need to fix after dealing with this wretch, Ziven thought as he gathered his qi towards his palms and then thrust them upwards.
A spiralling column of wind erupted towards Amelia, catching her off-guard and slamming her violently back down to earth. She crashed into an old oak, the trunk splintering under the impact.
Not wasting a second, Ziven appeared before Amelia, a claw of wind wrapped around his hand as he stabbed down towards her chest.
At the last instant, Amelia managed to twist aside. The wind claw only grazed her left shoulder instead of piercing through her heart.
Hissing in pain, Amelia stumbled back, clutching the injury.
To Ziven''s disgust, rather than show any distress, a look of pleasure crossed her face as she lifted her bloodied hand to her lips and took a long, slow lick.
"Mmmm, now this is starting to get fun," she purred, flashing her blood-stained teeth in a wicked grin.
Ziven tensed, a chill running down his spine at the sight of the unhinged glee in her eyes. He had to end this, fast.
But before Ziven could make another move, Amelia''s blue eyes flashed brightly. An overwhelming pressure seized Ziven''s mind, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Capitalizing on her opponent''s confusion, Amelia shot forward with incredible speed.
Move! Ziven mentally screamed but his body refused to obey him.
In the blink of an eye, she closed the distance and grasped him by the throat and, with terrifying strength, slammed Ziven''s head viciously against the pavement. The cobblestones cracked under the impact, pain exploding through Ziven''s skull.
Standing over Ziven, Amelia grinned down at him, revealing a long, snakelike tongue that flicked excitedly.
"I bet you have a delicious soul, handsome. She purred, taking a deep breath. The self-righteous ones always do.
An irresistible pull tugged at Ziven''s spiritual core, slowly extracting his soul from his body. Mind still reeling from the pain and disorientation of Amelia''s attack, Ziven struggled to resist the soul-draining force. As his soul slipped further away, panic threatened to overwhelm him.
N-no! It cant end here, not before I get my revenge!
Just before his soul detached fully from his body, a black marble shot out from within Ziven''s chest. It slammed into Amelia with an explosive burst of energy, sending her flying into the air. Her body reverted to its normal delicate appearance as she crashed to the ground dozens of feet away.
Dazed, she pushed herself up from the rubble and debris. Blinking in confusion, Amelia scanned the street only to find no trace of the righteous fool.
That coward talked so boldly of vengeance but fled like a dog with his tail between his legs at the first sign of real danger, Amelia punched the ground in frustration.
Why did they always run away?
Unbeknownst to the seething girl, ten figures hid in the shadows, watching the entire exchange unfold. These were the Nascent Soul elders, assigned by the Slifer to keep an eye on Amelia during her mission. They had been ordered not to interfere unless her life was in imminent danger.
When it became clear the black pearl would be whisking Ziven away to safety, the elders had briefly considered moving to prevent his escape. But before they could act, Ziven had vanished.
One elder shook his head in amazement. "Those two are really only at the Core Formation Realm? Their battle seemed more appropriate for those at the Nascent Soul realm like ourselves."
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His companion nodded in agreement. "The youngest generation always seems to eclipse us. It won''t be long before this pair leave us completely in the dust."
The Seventh Heaven stretched as far as the eye could see, an endless expanse of wispy white clouds.
Astrid tapped her foot impatiently, arms crossed as she sat on a thick, golden-hued cloud. The black and white stripes of a tigress adorned her robes, she was the Supreme Elder of the White Tiger Sect. With her stern face framed by two tight buns, she looked ready to discipline any fool who dared to test her patience.
"That oaf Malachar is late yet again," Astrid grumbled. "Have they no concept of punctuality in the Black Rose Sect?"
Beside her, Leontius, the Supreme Elder of the Pure Soul Sect gave a sympathetic smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
"It appears the Black Rose Sect Master has secluded himself in closed-door cultivation. He said gently. The newly ascended Supreme Elder will be attending in his stead."
Astrid harrumphed. "More likely lazing about. In my sect, such disregard for others'' time would be met with ten nights in the pits of Azaras."
"You''re too harsh," Leontius clasped his hands together. "We all journey at our own pace."
On a nearby red cloud, Zofia, the Supreme Elder of the Heavens Light Sect, let out a derisive laugh. With her ornate blue and gold robes, she appeared almost delicate, but the enormous broadsword across her knees dispelled that notion immediately.
"You''re too soft as always, Leontius," Zofia said, not pausing as she sharpened her sword. "When that demonic scum finally shows up, I''ll be sure to give him an appropriatereward." A vicious gleam entered her eyes at the thought.
Leontius frowned. "There is no need for conflict. We are all cultivators seeking the same destination, though our paths may differ."
"Hah!" Astrid barked. "Don''t waste your breath on sentimentality, old man. The strong flourish, and the weak perish. That is the way of cultivation." She gave an approving nod at Zofia.
The Black Heart Sect Master, half-hidden in the shadows of a dark cloud, watched the exchange between the righteous sects in silence. A cruel smile played at his lips as he imagined the humiliation awaiting the Black Rose Sect''s Supreme Elder. That fool Slifer had killed an Origin Realm elder and multiple Nascent Soul cultivators from his sect!
Let him suffer at the hands of the righteous hypocrites.
As a demonic cultivator himself, Kaelius knew Zofia''s self-righteousness hid the same lust for power that drove him, she just hid it better.
Leontius means well, but his naivety will be his undoing. As for Astrid...Kaelius mentally acknowledged her uncompromising strength and felt a touch of kinship with the other Supreme Elder. In another life, perhaps they could have been allies.
A pulsating aura interrupted his thoughts as all four Ascendant beings sensed a foreign presence approaching. Their heads turned, following the qi signature.
In the distance, an arc-shaped vessel limped through the clouds, pieces breaking off and falling into the open sky below. It looked as if it had been pieced together from the scraps of a dozen other ships, metallic patches of varying sizes haphazardly welded over gaping holes in the hull. One of its three sails hung in tatters, barely clinging to the mast.
As it drew closer, the elders could make out the name engraved along its side: Divine Azerion Arc.
Zofia threw her head back and laughed. "This is humiliating enough! Is this wreck even capable of flight?"
"It seems not even the Heavens favour the Black Rose today," Kaelius sniggered.
Astrid wore a look of disgust. "Only a fool would rely on such garbage. I''d turn right back if I came in that heap."
Leontius furrowed his brow at the comments. "Come now, friends, let us reserve judgement until we meet them. Power lies also in perseverance."
The Arc suddenly veered left as a mangled engine on its right side sputtered, leaking smoke. The movement caused its broken left wing to finally tear free completely. The now useless slab of metal spun toward the clouds below.
As the elders watched the crippled ship desperately try to stay aloft, an ear-splitting roar resonated across the Seventh Heaven.
Their heads swivelled toward the sound.
Approaching rapidly from the north was a massive, winged beast covered in crackling electricity. Spanning over fifty meters from its three savage heads to the tip of its scorpion-like tail, the Ascendant-level lightning chimera emitted a crazed bloodlust. Each of its three heads sported a thick mane that flickered from white to blue to purple.
Leontius'' eyes widened. "A Heavenly Beast? Here?"
Heavenly Beasts were creatures forged out of the natural elemental qi that accumulated in certain areas of the upper heavens.
Based on the chimera''s aura, Leontius estimated it to be at the Late Ascendant Realm. A difficult opponent for any of the present cultivators to handle alone.
Yet the chimera ignored the elders, its gaze fixed on the damaged Arc sputtering through the clouds. Opening all three of its fanged maws, the beast released an earth-shaking roar and shot towards the ship like a bolt of lightning.
"It appears this will be over quickly," Astrid raised an eyebrow.
"That wreck is done for," Zofia grinned wildly.
Kaelius and Leontius remained silent as they watched the chimera rapidly close in on the crippled Arc.
Nothing good ever came from angering a Heavenly Beast. This chimera would never stop hunting the Arc until it or the cultivator was dead.
On the Arc''s crumbling deck, Slifer''s eyes widened at the sight of the monstrous chimera barrelling toward him, electricity cackling around its three sets of gnashing teeth.
"You have got to be kidding me," he groaned, staggering as the ship listed to one side.
He had spent almost all his credits on preparing to face the Ascendant beings, and now a crazed beast wanted him dead before he could even make it to the Meet?
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Amelia Has Defeated The Son Of Heaven |
| Your Luck Has Returned To Its Normal State |
| Reward: 500 Karmic Credits |
With my luck no longer being dog-shit, I can see if this card works!
It was time to show the overgrown kitten what true lightning was.
A 99% chance of failure, what could possibly go wrong? Slifer laughed as he crushed the card.
Chapter 61: I Only Need One Strike To Defeat An Ascendant
Have a taste of Heavenly Tribulation! Slifer roared.
A blinding pillar of white lightning tore through the clouds, hitting the beast in the chest. The impact sent the chimera tumbling away with a pained screech, but the beast righted itself quickly, shaking off the daze with a vengeful glare.
The Heavenly Tribulation Strike Card had failed to do any real damage.
Of course it wasnt the Ascendant level bolt I needed - just my crap luck at work as usual, Slifer grimaced.
That had been a measly Origin Realm strike at best. Still, it had stalled the beast for the moment.
Time to put the real plan into motion.
Slifer scrambled into the hold of the Ark, nearly tripping over his robes. He slid into the control seat of the main cannon, glancing at the mess of levers and buttons that controlled the ancient weapon.
Now where was that blasted firing manual? Ah never mind, no time to figure this thing out properly.
Slifer closed his eyes, channelling his qi into the cannon. With a lurch, a building hum filled the chamber as energy gathered within the enormous barrel.
Come on, it just needs enough power to roast the overgrown pigeon...there!
BOOM!
The deafening blast nearly burst Slifer''s eardrums, but he grinned as the cannon fired an orb of condensed qi out into the open sky. His smile quickly disappeared though as the blast sailed clean over the chimera, continuing towards the gathering of Ascendants.
"Whoops..." Slifer muttered, wincing as the blast closed in on the female elder.
To her credit, Zofia reacted quickly to the surprise attack. With an elegant spin, she swung her broadsword in a wide arc, deflecting the cannon blast skyward where it burst harmlessly amongst the clouds.
"My apologies for the friendly fire!" Slifer called out as he returned to the Ark''s deck, but Zofia''s only response was an icy glare. Clearly he owed her one now - wonderful.
Well, no time to worry about that at the moment.
The chimera had recovered and now dove towards the Ark with renewed fury, jaws crackling with electricity. Two of its heads snapped at the ship''s hull, tearing off large chunks of metal plating as if paper. The other head targeted him.
Slifer again channelled his qi, steadying his aim before launching another cannon blast towards the chimera. The chimera tried to twist out of the path of the beam, but it was too late! The orb exploded against it, blasting off one of the heads into a cloud of gore. Direct hit!
"Ha! Not so confident now, eh?"
But despite the missing head, the chimera refused to give up. With an enraged howl it lunged towards Slifer once more.
"Just die already!" Slifer yelled, infusing the cannon with all the power he could muster.
Too slow - the chimera was nearly on him!
At the last possible second the cannon discharged, catching the chimera mid-roar with a massive orb of qi directly down its throat.
This time the damage was beyond recovery. The chimera seized up as electricity discharged randomly from its spasming body. Then all at once the light left its eyes and the massive beast began to plummet from the sky.
| Ding! |
| You Have Gained 1500 Karmic Credits |
Youre mine!
Slifer flew the limping Ark beneath the falling chimera, he wouldnt let anyone take his hard-earned spoils. With a heavy thud, the metal deck dented under the weight of the beast.
There we go, all in a days work, Slifer grinned, quickly storing the corpse into his spatial ring.
The materials harvested from a Heavenly Beast would fetch a hefty profit, not to mention the beast core. This lucky break almost made up for his unlucky encounter with the chimera in the first place. Almost.
Now to deal with the peanut gallery watching his display. Slifer turned to face the Supreme Elders, noticing the looks of approval. Power spoke loudly in the cultivation world after all.
Leontius smiled, clearly impressed that Slifer had eliminated such a dangerous threat on his own.
Astrid gave a thoughtful nod, she acknowledged that she had underestimated Slifer and his damaged ship.
Kaelius'' expression remained neutral, but a hint of greed crept into his dark eyes. That ship, as broken as it was, seemed interestingthough it would probably be more useful in my hands.
But Zofia...Slifer noted nervously that her beautiful face had twisted into a scowl. He swallowed hard. That did not bode well.
"Hmph! So you got in a lucky shot while hiding away on your junk pile," Zofia snapped, crossing her arms. "If I had an Ascendant weapon like that, I could have roasted that beast just as easily!
The other Ascendant cultivators looked at each other awkwardly, then Leontius spoke up, trying to steer past the hot-headed girls comment.
Come, let us get the meeting started, Leontius gestured to an open cloud where Slifer could join the others.
But Slifer shook his head, remaining aboard the battered Ark. I appreciate the offer, but I need to stay on the ship to maintain its functions.
A half-truth at best, since he lacked the protective qi to withstand the Seventh Heaven''s pressure, if he even took one step off the ship, he would be flattened to a pulp.
But the elders didnt need to know that little detail.
I wasnt finished talking! Zofia rose swiftly into the air, landing gracefully upon the deck across from him. Up close, the intensity of her presence was even more apparent. This woman was not one to let grievances go unaddressed.
What do you want? Slifers eyes narrowed, not pleased that she had entered his personal space.
Humph, let us get to the point then. Your handling of the beast was adequate, Ill grant you that much. Zofia''s razor tone left no room for argument. Yet something puzzles me. For a supposed Ascendant cultivator, your aura seems awfully...limited.
She tilted her head as if puzzling over a complex problem. An esteemed Supreme Elder such as yourself should have no trouble proving your cultivation. Solet us see it.
The challenge was clear - prove that youre an Ascendant cultivator or get the hell out of here.
Leontius interjected gently. "Now, let''s not fight among ourselves. I''m sure Supreme Elder Slifer has his reasons." But Zofia ignored him, continuing her tirade as she levelled her sword at the ark.
"You hide behind your ships and treasures like a coward. I say you have no right to be here unless you can prove your cultivation level, fight me!"
Slifer shrugged, keeping his carefree mask in place while silently cursing. Zofia clearly suspected him of hiding his low cultivation. He would have to handle this carefully to avoid exposing himself.
"Bold words," he replied lightly. "But I''m not one for pointless fights. Our sects are here to cooperate, after all."
Astrid found herself agreeing with Zofia. If Slifer was in fact not an Ascendant cultivator, then that would free up another spot for the Sealed Realm, a spot that the White Tiger sect disciples would happily take.
"Enough talk," Astrid interrupted the duo. "If you both believe so strongly, then let us settle this simply. An exchange of three strikes to test your skills should suffice."
I wont even need three strikes to expose this fool! Zofia scoffed.
"I''ll try not to embarrass you too badly," Slifer yawned.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
If this arrogant woman wished to be humiliated, who was he to deny her the privilege?
Zofia bristled at the dismissal, cheeks flaming.
"Hmph, since you''re so confident, let''s make this interesting," she retorted, eying the Ark''s cannon. "When I win, I''ll be taking this scrap heap off your hands!"
Slifer raised an eyebrow at the bold wager. "And what do I receive when you lose?"
Zofia let out a derisive laugh. "As if that would happen! But sure, if by some miracle you win, you can have this." She retrieved a glowing red cube from her robe - an Essence of Fire!
The other Elders stared in disbelief. Essence Cubes were exceptionally rare, containing the very mysteries of a specific element. They proved invaluable when comprehending an element, which was crucial for Immortal Ascension. And this arrogant woman gambled one so casually?
Though Slifer kept his face an impassive mask, inwardly he trembled with excitement. His comprehension of fire was only at 5%, using an essence cube so early in his cultivation would give him a chance to comprehend a fire domain before even reaching the Origin Realm!
"Ladies first," Slifer said with a mock bow.
Zofia''s eyes narrowed, storing away the cube. She channelled her qi into the sword, causing crimson flames to cover the blade. In a blur, she appeared before Slifer, slashing directly at his head with unbelievable speed.
Yet Slifer didn''t even twitch, standing calmly as death whirled towards him.
When the strike was a mere inch from his face, a translucent barrier materialized and blocked the blow.
| Ding! |
| Critical Block Card Activated |
The backlash knocked Zofia backwards several steps.
You...you''re a Space cultivator!" she spat accusingly. If she had known his affinity, Zofia would never have challenged him, space cultivators were known to be tricky to deal with. Damn those slippery rogues!
Kaelius and Astrid gave each other looks of astonishment. Leontius merely nodded, having already suspected there was more to the new Ascendant. Controlling Space itself was no meagre feat.
"One strike down, two to go," Slifer reminded her cheekily.
Face still burning with embarrassment and rage, Zofia took a deep breath to calm herself. She would need absolute focus now - this opponent was far trickier than she anticipated.
Activating Sword Heart increased her perception. Now his tricks would prove useless before her foresight.
Her qi came off her in waves, trapping Slifer in her Sword Domain. A thousand gleaming swords materialized around her, ready to attack.
With a decisive slash of her blade, the endless sword rain descended upon Slifer from all directions. But before they found their mark, his spherical barrier flashed into existence once more. The wild tempest of blades glanced off harmlessly.
| Ding! |
| Critical Block Card Activated |
"One strike left. Make it count," Slifer said, examining his nails in feigned boredom.
Gripping her sword with white knuckles, Zofia uttered an invocation. The blade ignited into a massive conflagration, scorching the very air. "Burn all things...Zelihima!"
She slashed with all her might, unleashing the enormous firestorm point-blank toward Slifer, vaporizing metal and cooking the clouds beneath their feet. If he wished to play with fire, she would grant his wish!
But instead of incinerating Slifer, the raging inferno simply vanished, absorbed into his barrier. Zofia''s eyes widened in disbelief. How had he nullified her ultimate technique?
| Ding! |
| Reflection Barrier Card Activated |
Slifer dusted off his robe casually. "Now then, I believe that concludes your three strikes. Allow me to demonstrate how it''s donein one strike."
Zofia shook her head in denial. "Impossible! No one except the Sect Master could..."
Her objection died on her lips as Slifer waved his hand, splitting open reality itself. From the yawning rift emerged Zofia''s own firestorm, redirected right back at her!
N-nohow is this possible?
Raising her sword defensively, Zofia poured every ounce of power she had into resisting the hellish flames. But her defence paled before her most powerful technique, the raging firestorm easily overpowered it, slamming into the woman with the force of a collapsing mountain.
By the time the blaze cleared, Zofia remained standing through sheer force of will alone, swaying and half-naked amidst the ruins of cloth and armour. Her flawless skin now appeared cracked and blackened. Through the haze of pain, one thought dominated her mind: How? How could she have lost to this nobody?
Hmm, I expectedmore.
Silence descended on the Seventh Heaven as Slifers words sunk in. This unknown newcomer had just casually trounced one of the most powerful women alive. With her own attack, no less.
| Ding! |
| Task Complete: Awe The Ascendant Cultivators! |
| Reward: 1000 Karmic Credit For Each Ascendant Cultivator Awed |
| Credits Gained: 4000 Karmic Credits |
"I''ll be taking the cube now," Slifer declared, extending his hand towards Zofia.
Despite the agony, Zofia lifted her head and glared at Slifer with eyes burning nearly as hot as the flames. With a pained grunt, she retrieved the promised essence cube from her storage ring and tossed it towards Slifer''s outstretched hand.
Catching the pulsing cube, the Black Rose Supreme Elder graced Zofia with a small nod. "You have my thanks for the generous gift."
In response, Zofia spat a glob of red phlegm to the deck before limping back to her cloud. Only once settled upon its surface did she retrieve a medicinal pill and consume it. Slowly, muscle and skin began to regrow across her ruined body as the medicine worked its magic.
Ignoring her seething glare, Slifer addressed the remaining Ascendants. "Now then, are we done here?" His tone carried an unspoken warning - no more games. Any other challengers would face similar consequences.
But inwardly, Slifer was praying that they fell for his bluff, he had no more cards that could save him, the two Critical Block cards and the one Barrier Reflection card were all he had!
Seeing the Ascendant cultivators refuse to meet his eyes, Slifer held back a sigh of relief, the bluff had paid off.
In that case, let the meeting begin.
Chapter 62: My Very Own Kage Bunshin?
"As we all know, the Intersect Tournament takes place once every century, to decide which disciples enter the Sealed Realm," Leontius continued. "Each sect is allowed a number of guaranteed places, based on how many Ascendant cultivators they possess."
"The Heavenly Light Sect has three Ascendants, so we get three guaranteed slots," Zofia interrupted, sitting taller.
As one of those three Ascendants, she would definitely claim a slot for her personal protg. The girl showed promise, and the resources of the Sealed Realm would aid her growth immensely.
"The Pure Soul Sect has two Ascendant cultivators, so we shall claim two slots," Leontius said.
Slifer had yet to meet the Pure Soul Sect Master. He wondered what sort of righteous paragon they must be, to match someone like Leontius.
"One slot for the White Tiger Sect," Astrid declared. She had already chosen which elite disciple would inherit that coveted spot. The boy showed exceptional talent with the White Tiger and deserved the chance.
And the Black Rose Sect will have two slots, Slifer commented.
All eyes turned to Kaelius, waiting for him to claim the Black Heart Sect''s allotment. "One slot for my sect as well," he said after a pause.
In truth, Kaelius wished he could claim more slots. Unfortunately, the Black Heart Sect only had himself at the Ascendant level currently. A deficiency he was working to remedy, the only issue being he didnt trust his Grand Elders enough to help them breakthrough.
"Excellent. That leaves ten remaining tournament slots, to be contested by the most talented disciples of each sect," Leontius said. "Now we must decide which sect shall host the Intersect Tournament this time."
At his words, Zofia shot to her feet. "The Heavenly Light Sect will be hosting the tournament, of course!" She stated it as if it were already decided. "We hosted the last two tournaments, so by tradition the honour falls to us again."
"Also," Zofia continued, "our Cloudrise Arena is the largest and most renowned duelling ground in the Mortal Realm. Its facilities and protections are unmatched, perfect for such a competition."
Her tone left no room for argument. After all, who could possibly object to the most powerful sect in the Mortal Realm?
Slifer listened to her ramblings with a detached interest, leaning casually on the railing of his ship. He weighed the pros and cons of the Black Rose Sect hosting the prestigious tournament.
The main advantage would be avoiding an unfamiliar environment filled with potential threats. Slifer disliked leaving the relative safety of his own territory; venturing into another sect''s domain meant surrendering control. And it would be twice as difficult to hide his identity there.
Not to mention needing to interact with more self-righteous cultivatorsI would rather not.
Remaining within the Black Rose Sect''s headquarters also granted the home advantage for their disciples. Familiarity with the terrain could prove the difference between victory and defeat during critical rounds.
Its like in sports, teams always do better when they play at Home.
However, being a host had disadvantages as well, if any conflicts arose, as the Supreme Elder, it was expected that he would intervene.
I cant just slip away
Also, entertaining a horde of cultivators just sounded exhausting.
But at least Ill be in my element.
"Actually, I believe it''s the Black Rose Sect''s turn to host the tournament this time."
His casual interjection cut off Zofia''s building momentum. She turned on him, eyes blazing.
"Absolutely not! There''s no way I''d let a bunch of demonic cultivators organize something so important! It is the Heavenly Light Sect''s duty to steer the righteous path forward."
She emphasized ''righteous'' while looking disdainfully in Slifer''s direction. In her eyes, he and his whole demonic sect were a blight needing to be cleansed.
But Slifer only shrugged, not bothered by her scathing tone, she was just another hypocrite in his eyes. "Don''t be petty.
He tapped his fingers against one of the cannons before continuing. "As the newest Supreme Elder, I wish to prove my sect''s capabilities by hosting this tournament. Don''t you agree, honoured elders?"
Slifer directed the last part to the other Ascendants. Outnumbered, Zofia fumed but stayed silent, waiting to hear their reactions. Surely they wouldn''t actually consider allowing those vile demonic cultivators to host something so important?
Surprisingly, Astrid was the first to respond. "The White Tiger Sect has no objections." She ignored Zofia''s shocked look. "If Supreme Elder Slifer believes his sect is ready for the responsibility, we shall not stand in his way."
After her initial dismissive attitude towards Slifer, even Astrid found herself gaining respect for the mysterious man. The way he handled the earlier crises earned her vote.
Leontius smiled reassuringly at the spluttering Zofia. "Come now, let us give him a chance. The Intersect Tournament is meant to be an opportunity for all the sects to come together in fellowship."
His gently chiding tone made Zofia duck her head grudgingly. When the kindly Supreme Elder phrased it like that, even she couldn''t continue arguing so stubbornly. At least not without losing face.
Kaelius merely nodded. "I have no objections either. The Black Heart Sect will respect whatever is decided here."
His bland words gave no hint of his true thoughts. In truth, Kaelius looked forward to visiting the Black Rose Sect territory. It would grant him a rare opportunity to investigate the Black Rose Sect Master who was rumoured to be close to Immortal Ascension.
Realizing she stood alone, Zofia slowly retook her seat. "Fine! The Heavenly Light Sect will...tolerate this break from tradition just this once," she bit out as though she had a say in the matter.
Slifer got the sense that it physically pained her to make that concession. Well, letting go of petty grudges was an important lesson for one to learn, one he assumed someone so old should have learned by now.
"Then it''s decided. We shall reconvene in one month''s time at the Black Rose Sect for the official start of the tournament." Leontius smiled.
The Pure Soul elder''s faith in harmony between the sects shone through.
He seems oddly na?ve for someone who had lived a few millenniums. Slifer hoped Leontius'' idealism wouldn''t backfire one day. Or maybe this is all an actwouldnt surprise me.
With the matter of the tournament settled, the Ascendants exchanged a few more pleasantries before gradually dispersing.
Back in the Disciplinary Hall, Slifer leaned back and stretched out on his throne, finally relaxing his stiff shoulders. Dealing with those insufferable elders had been utterly exhausting.
At least the meeting had accomplished its purpose - the Black Rose Sect would host the Intersect Tournament. As Slifer reached for a steaming bun from the feast laid out on the table beside him, the doors to the hall creaked open. Glancing up in annoyance at the interruption, he saw Grand Elder Wyatt shuffle inside.
Ah yes, time to deal with another nuisance. Slifer''s eyes narrowed as he recalled Wyatt''s attempt to sabotage him by lying about the time of the meeting.
Slifer only realised when Zofia had commented that he had turned up latethree days late.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Grand Elder Wyatt?" Slifer asked mildly, setting down the bun. "Have you come to beg forgiveness for your lapse in judgment earlier?"
Wyatt froze mid-step as Slifer''s words registered, his wrinkled face paling. So the brat realized I had intentionally tried to make him look foolish before the other elders!
"S-supreme Elder, of course not!" Wyatt sputtered, sweat beading on his forehead. The events of the Ascendant Meet had reached his ears, he never expected that the Supreme Elder would be able to defeat Zofia, the Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Light Sect in one move!
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
"It was merely...an oversight on my part, no harm was intended!"
"Hmm, likely story," Slifer snorted. "But intentions matter little, only results. And your bungling nearly cost this sect greatly."
But more importantly, nearly cost me! If Amelia could whip some sense into this old fool that would be perfect. Unfortunately, our cultivation is just too low to beat up this old man.
"However, the matter resolved itself nicely," Slifer continued. "I''m feeling rather magnanimous at the moment, so I believe no further punishment is required."
Wyatt sagged in relief. Thank the heavens for small mercies! Perhaps he could still salvage something out of this mess.
"You are too kind, Supreme Elder," Wyatt fawned. "Truly, your generosity knows no bounds!"
Slifer rolled his eyes at the blatant flattery before fixing Wyatt with a piercing stare that instantly silenced his grovelling.
"However, steps must be taken to avoid any further...oversights," he continued. "Effective immediately, I will be taking control of the Treasury, temporarily."
Slifer knew the old man wouldnt allow him to take it permanently, if Slifer pushed him into a corner then the Grand Elder would retaliate with another scheme. And Slifer did not need Wyatt monitoring his actions.
"What? You can''t!" Wyatt burst out before catching himself. He attempted to smooth over his outburst.
"Er, that is to say...the Treasury has always been under my discretion during the Sect Master''s reclusion. To disturb the natural order over one small mistake would be premature, don''t you agree?"
Wyatt forced a placating smile, though inside he seethed at this outrageous demand. Relinquishing control of the sect''s wealth was untenable! He would lose all standing.
But Slifer was unmoved by his arguments, the Grand Elder needed to understand that he wasnt a pushover.
"While I understand this may disrupt our ''natural order'', extreme circumstances call for extreme measures. Let us call this an...insurance policy, to avoid potential catastrophes during my handling of the Intersect Tournament."
Recognizing there was no convincing Slifer, Wyatt bowed. "Of course, Supreme Elder. II shall begin the process immediately. The Treasury will be fully under your command within the hour."
"See that it is." Slifer leaned back casually, popping another dumpling into his mouth.
Wyatt took the cue and quickly bowed out of the hall, but not before his wrinkled face briefly twisted into a ferocious scowl once his back was turned.
That impudent brat! Wyatt cursed silently before schooling his features back into a mask of subservience. Patience was required here, a lot of patience.
With the sect''s power structure now firmly under his thumb, Slifer retired to his private chambers. An important matter required his attention - preparing for the Sealed Realm.
He had already given Elder Fred responsibility on arranging the intricate details of the tournament, the old man didnt seem too pleased with the added work, but Slifer had to admit Fred was quite efficient.
Slifer looked at the card floating in front of him.
| Avatar Card: Create a complete clone of the user that can cultivate independently |
| Warning: The avatar cannot access the System or its cards. |
Slifer nodded thoughtfully. If he created an avatar, it could enter the Sealed Realm competition legitimately.
The avatar would enter the competition and earn their sect another slot in the Sealed Realm. Then Slifer could reap the benefits and keep his identity hidden. It was a foolproof plan.
But there was one obvious problem - without access to the System, the avatar would not have access to any cards. It would need to cultivate through traditional methods.
No pain, no gain. Slifer shrugged. Also, it would be a useful lesson in discipline for the clone.
First though, he needed to disguise his avatars appearance. Having a second elderly Slifer running around wouldnt help his cause.
He had the perfect solution - Another Face Card!
| Another Face Card |
| Description: Allows the user to change appearance for up to 6 months |
Activate!
A character customization panel materialized before him, and Slifer clapped his hands together.
Its just like a video game!
After adjusting the various sliders and toggles, an appearance emerged that he felt would be worthy of his avatar: a handsome young man, around eighteen years old, with tousled black hair and piercing green eyes. The lean athletic physique with six stone-hard abs certainly didn''t hurt either.
This guy could easily pass for a model! Handsome little bastard.
With another wave of his hand, Slifer confirmed the new look. Before his eyes, his wrinkled hands smoothed, and white hair darkened. Glancing at his reflection in a nearby water basin, Slifer nodded in approval at the roguish teen smirking back at him.
"Not bad, not bad at all," he mused, turning his face this way and that as if admiring a work of art. After a few moments enjoying his temporary makeover, it was at last time to create the clone.
This time, when Slifer activated the Avatar card, the process went smoothly. On the floor before him materialized a perfect copy of his new look, bare skin layered over lean muscle, limbs sprawled haphazardly, it looked like the clone was just waking up.
With a soft groan, the clone opened his eyes - the same vivid green as Slifer''s temporary ones - and slowly stood, gazing curiously around the chamber.
"Well now, let''s see what we have here," Slifer murmured, beginning to circle the clone closely as if inspecting a prize stallion.
The resemblance truly was uncanny, from the unruly dark hair down to the elegant hands and feet. In fact...Slifer''s gaze dipped lower, and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Wow, is that what I look like under all those robes?" He let out an impressed whistle. "I chose well during character creation!"
The clone followed his gaze downwards and chuckled. "I know, I''m gorgeous. What can I say? We have excellent taste." His voice emerged as a deeper echo of Slifer''s own.
Slifer laughed out loud at that. Perhaps creating a clone wasn''t such a bad idea after all. It seemed they shared the same witty sense of humour.
I have my own Kage Bunshin!
After testing the clone''s capabilities, Slifer was glad to find it an exact copy in every way except for System access. The two of them could even share thoughts and experiences if Slifer activated that function.
This meant Slifer could share any insights or techniques he uncovered with his clone, and vice versa. It was like having a customizable Player 2 by his side!
Now there was just one problem - what to name his new disciple? Somehow Little Slifer didnt seem quite right.
The clone pursed his lips. "What about Zack?" he eventually suggested.
Slifer froze in surprise. Zack...that had been his name before all this cultivation business began.
Zack, eh? I like it. Has a nice ring to it, Slifer laughed, clasping the Avatars shoulder. Don''t think I''ll go easy on you just because you''re my copy."
Zack gave a wry grin at that. "Wouldn''t dream of it."
The two shared a look.
Welcome to the Black Rose Sect...my disciple.
Im at your commandMaster.
Yes, Slifer had a good feeling about this partnership.
Chapter 63: Im definitely not dumb enough to steal the MCs lover...
Slifer stood shirtless beneath a waterfall, the crashing water pounding down on his shoulders. In each hand he held a massive boulder, their rough surfaces digging into his palms and fingers as he focused on maintaining his grip.
As much as he hated working out, he couldnt let his body cultivation fall behind.
After a few more minutes, Slifer heard a distinct crack as the tendons in his arms stretched and expanded. He could feel the beast meat qi coursing through him, assimilating into his body. His lean muscles grew tighter, more defined.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| You Have Broken Through to The Late Foundation Establishment Realm |
| Reward: 250 Karmic Credits |
Just one more sub-realm then my spiritual and body cultivation will be the same!
Slifer planned to enter the Core Formation Realm as a double cultivator.
Laughing, he turned off the qi restricting cuff.
With the limiter removed, the boulders now felt like mere pebbles in his hands. He casually flung them out towards the lake with a flick of his wrists.
The massive rocks went flying out in a blur, kicking up huge spouts of water as they skipped across the surface.
One of the boulders zoomed to the shore where Nomed was walking. At the last second, he noticed and leapt out of the way. The boulder hit the shore with explosive force, sending debris flying in all directions.
Isis he trying to kill me?
Nomed clutched at his chest, breathing heavily. He glanced back towards the waterfall just in time to see his master waving, apparently oblivious to how close he''d come to crushing his own disciple.
"Ah Nomed, youre finally here." Slifer gestured for Nomed to come closer, as he reached for a robe hanging from a nearby tree.
Earlier, Slifer had dismissed his avatar to go cultivate in seclusion. He planned to eventually introduce Zack as a new disciple, but first he needed to deal with Hughies wavering loyalty. So, he decided, whilst he waited for Morvran to return, he would do some training and check up on his new disciple.
The young man quickly gathered himself and rushed over, going down on one knee before Slifer.
"Master, you called me?"
"Yes, how goes your cultivation with the Cathedral of Celestial Radiance Scripture?"
As part of the Qi Refining stage, Nomed had to construct a cathedral within his dantian to store qi.
Nomed shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Truth be told, Master... my progress has been slower than I would like. I''ve only managed to finish about half of the Cathedral so far. I suppose that puts me at the peak of the fifth level of Qi Condensation. My talents are meagre compared to my senior brothers."
No, talent isnt the issue, Slifers eyes narrowed.
With a talent of 8, Nomed should have been at the 7th Stage of Qi Refining by now.
The Cathedral of Celestial Radiance Scripture just isnt compatible with Nomed, I should try to convince him to pick a different method. Hes only just begun his cultivation journey; it would be better to change methods now than later.
"Have you considered switching to a different cultivation method? The Scripture of Broken Shadows may complement your constitution better..."
But Nomed rapidly shook his head. "No, Master! Itit has to be this one!"
Slifer held back a sigh. The boy''s stubbornness was admirable, yet counterproductive. But then again, the boy was a protagonist-like figure, its best to let him decide his own path.
I just need to give some advice when I can.
"The path of cultivation is yours to walk, and you must follow your heart," Slifer said sagely. "Keep working hard, and you may earn a chance to enter the Intersect Tournament andmaybe even the Sealed Realm."
At the mention of the Sealed Realm, Nomed''s eyes lit up, though he quickly hid it.
I will try my best, Master.
Slifer nodded, stroking his beard when a thought suddenly occurred. "Come to think of it, I haven''t yet imparted any techniques to you, have I?"
While a cultivation method provided the core foundation, supplementary techniques were needed for offense, defence, and movement. Without any techniques, a cultivator was a sitting duck!
Slifer waved a hand, summoning one of his death guards.
"Escort Nomed to the Treasury. He can pick one attack skill, one defence skill, and one movement technique." The death guard bowed in acknowledgement.
Now that Slifer controlled the sect treasury, he could freely hand out techniques to his disciples without needing to waste credits. But he was careful not to overwhelm Nomed by giving too many options right away. One of each type would be enough for now.
But it wouldnt hurt to dangle a few more for encouragement.
Turning back to Nomed, Slifer said, "If you can breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment realm before the Intersect Tournament, Ill let you pick another set of techniques."
"Thank you, Master!" Nomed bowed before following the death guard.
Nodding to himself, Slifer reflected on how smoothly everything was proceeding. Perhaps he had a knack for this whole ''master'' business after all.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Nomeds Loyalty Increased By 3% |
Only 3%? Ohmaybe Im not so good at this after all.
As he was lost wondering what went wrong, Morvran appeared before him.
Slifer''s face cracked into a smile at the sight of his bald lackey. "How was the mission?"
Locating the hidden village of his wayward disciple''s secret lover had proved unusually difficult. But if anyone could accomplish it, it was Morvran. There was a reason he was the originals right-hand man.
"It was a success, Master." Morvran relayed the village''s exact coordinates.
"Haha, excellent work!"
Morvran flushed at the praise. "Think nothing of it, Master. Serving you is this one''s sole purpose."
As good as that is for me, it is asad life.
"Nonetheless, I am grateful," Slifer replied. "Come, let us pay this young lady a visit."
With a rippling motion of his fingers, Slifer opened a portal. He strode through, with Morvran close behind. The gateway sealed shut after them.
They emerged along a dusty road on the outskirts of the village. The common folk milling about the street froze at the sudden appearance of two immortals. A young child pointed and squealed, "Look mama, immortals!"
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
The mother quickly gathered up her child, eyeing the strangers warily. "Hush now, don''t stare..." she murmured.
Slifer raised his hands in a peaceful gesture, offering what he hoped was a disarming smile. "Were only here to visit Oliviare. Could anyone point me in the right direction?"
The villagers looked at one another, the old man in front of them had one of those faces that you just couldnt trust.
After a brief pause, one of the villagers spoke up. "That''d be the place there, Lord Immortal," he said, pointing to a modest but well-kept cottage down the lane.
Here, Slifer flicked a golden coin to the villager, who fumbled to catch it.
"Bless you, Immortal!" the man cried in delight, quickly pocketing the coin. The other villagers murmured in relief, seeing that the immortals were not like the other ones that visited their village a few months back.
Villagers really are simple, Slifer allowed himself a small smile at winning them over so easily.
Approaching the front door, Slifer rapped his knuckles against the wood. He thought it was better not to simply barge into the home unannounced like most immortals would have done.
A few seconds later the door creaked open, revealing a petite girl with chestnut hair and sapphire eyes set in a heart-shaped face of flawless cream.
N-no wonder Hughie had fallen for her! Slifer sucked in a sharp breath. She was the very image of a classical jade beauty.
After a few moments of awkward silence, the young woman bit her lip anxiously. The strange old man was just...staring. Had she opened the door to some senile vagrant?
"C-can I help you, sir?"
Slifer coughed, realizing his gawking had nearly frightened the poor thing away.
Oliviare, is it? Im Hughies master.
At the mention of Hughie, the girl seemed to relax. A faint blush coloured her cheeks. "Oh yes, that''s me. Is Hughie here?" She craned her neck trying to see behind Slifer. Finding only a plump baldy there, her face fell.
Slifer shook his head. "No, I''m afraid not. But I was hoping to speak with you. Can we come inside?"
"Oh, please come in!
Walking inside, Slifer immediately noticed an older man sitting by the window, whittling away at a small block of wood. He had thinning white hair and resembled Oliviare somewhat. The man looked up, taking in Slifer''s cultivator robes. His expression darkened.
"Oi, girl! What''re you thinking, inviting a strange immortal into our home?" Brom stood protectively in front of his daughter.
Slifer couldnt help but agree with the old man, as soon as Hughies name was mentioned, the girl was a little too quick to let her guard down.
Not that she could have done anything to protect herself from an Immortal, Slifer held back a sigh. The disparity between mortals and cultivators was too great of a chasm, resistance against an immortal was useless.
"This is Hughie''s master, father."
At the familiar name, the old man relaxed slightly, though his eyes remained suspicious. "Hmph. And what business does he have here?" A thought seemed to occur to him, and his scowl deepened. If you''ve come to snatch my girl, you can turn right back around!"
Slifer''s brows shot up in surprise. He had expected curiosity, perhaps suspicion given their immortal status, but not outright hostility.
And such assumptions! Though it was common knowledge that old immortals loved to kidnap young girls.
Im not actually an old man! And Im definitely not dumb enough to steal a protagonists lover
"It is nothing like that, I would like to take Oliviare into my sect as a disciple."
Since Slifer wasnt planning on taking Oliviare as his own personal disciple, the System would have no issue with it. In truth, Slifer didnt care which of the elders took her in, as long as Hughie was happy, that was all that mattered.
And then we can work together to deal with that grandpa
Oliviare''s eyes grew round with surprise at the offer. She never imagined she might have the talent to become an immortal herself.
"The hell she will!" Brom snapped, jabbing his carving knife toward Slifer. "I''ll not have some immortal coot taking my daughter away, no matter how grand he thinks he is! Your kind brings nothing but trouble."
At his side, Morvran bristled angrily. "Mind your tongue, mortal! You are talking to the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect. Show respect!"
Slifer gently motioned for Morvran to be calm. Personally, Slifer was more shocked than offended. This sort of defiance was...intriguing. The old Slifer would have just killed the insolent fool on the spot.
Most mortal parents would be overjoyed at the prospect of their child joining a sect. Just how was he to persuade this stubborn old bastard? Brute force clearly wasn''t the answer.
As he pondered this dilemma, a loud gurgling sound erupted from Slifer''s stomach.
Oliviare''s eyes widened at the sound, she made a move towards the hearth, saying "You must be hungry, Master! Please allow me to prepare something quickly."
"Notheres no need for that." An idea was forming in Slifer''s mind. "In fact...I believe a celebration is in order tonight. A feast for the entire village!"
"A fine meal won''t be enough to sway me. Brom narrowed his eyes. You immortals always want something in return for your ''generosity''." He spat the last word.
Morvran once again took a step forward, but Slifer held him back. As much as he liked Morvran standing up for him, antagonizing the man further wouldn''t help matters. No, he would need a soft touch here.
This is merely a small gesture of goodwill, nothing more," Slifer gave his most innocent smile.
The old man continued glaring but said nothing more. Slifer mentally counted this as a minor victory. He had planted the first seeds. Now he just needed to help them grow.
Night fell, and the village square was lit up with lanterns and a great bonfire. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the mouthwatering smell of roasting beast meat.
Slifer sat in the seat of honour with Morvran standing dutifully behind him. Slifer had tried to encourage Morvran to sit down and join them, but Morvran refused, saying something about how he needed to stay sober whilst at work.
Food does drive him crazyhmm probably something to do with the Great Cock bloodline.
To Slifers left were Oliviare and her father Brom, eating with somewhat less enthusiasm than their neighbours.
The villagers were thoroughly enjoying the rare treat of beast meat and fine wine. The children ran about playing games, while adults chatted and sang merrily. Many bowed or waved in thanks toward Slifer for his generosity. He nodded and smiled in return. He had to give off the impression that he was approachable and not a recluse with zero social skills. They were the ones known to resort to kidnapping.
Overall, his plan seemed to be working smoothly. The villagers were warming to him, and Brom was even engaging in small talk with him.
Just a little more time and effort, Slifer mused. And the girl will be mineerr I mean Hughies.
As Slifer took a sip of the Immortal Wine, his spiritual sense detected something in the darkness beyond the village outskirts.
Multiple somethings, in fact. And headed this way.
"Well well," Slifer murmured under his breath. "Right on schedule..."
Chapter 64: The Plan Was In Motion
Thirty minutes later
"And my daughter Calista, oh you must meet her!" Vilhelm bellowed, swaying tipsily as he gestured toward a plain-faced girl across the village square. "A true beauty, ripe for the picking! Strong hips, perfect for bearing many sons. You won''t find a better bride in the region, I tell you!"
The old man laughed uproariously, as if he''d just told the most hilarious joke in history. Slifer nodded along politely, only half-listening as he tore into a juicy beast leg coated in savoury sauce. Slifer loved food but dry meat was the bane of his existence.
As for the drunken villagers ramblings or his daughter, Slifer had zero interest. Mortals were often quiet in the presence of cultivators but a drink or two was enough to change that.
Best to simply let the man prattle on.
Most of Slifers attention was focused out beyond the edges of the village, where his spiritual sense tracked the multiple figures closing in through the darkness. Nine to be precise, they surrounded the village from all directions. And their cultivation...Core Formation at least.
Slifer''s eyes flicked to Morvran, and with a subtle tilt of his head, signalled for his companion to take no action yet. Morvran gave an almost imperceptible nod in response. They would wait for the other party to make the first move.
"A fine strong lass, my Calista!" Vilhelm rambled on, oblivious to the silent exchange happening right in front of him. "Sturdy, obedient, and skilled in all the womanly arts-"
A blood-curdling scream tore through the air. The music and chatter died abruptly as all heads turned toward the cry. Vilhelm blinked sluggishly, wine sloshing from his cup.
"Eh? What''s all this then?"
He peered at the seat beside him, only just realizing it was now empty. That strange immortal who''d been there moments before had vanished. And his grim bald sidekick too. Odd, very odd.
Brom and Oliviare exchanged tense glances from where they sat nearby.
I warned you these immortals would bring trouble," Brom grumbled.
"We don''t know that father. Don''t be so quick to judge." Oliviare shook her head but her voice lacked conviction. Her father did have a point, whenever immortals visited the village, trouble seemed to follow. Always.
"Humph, stay close to me, girl," Brom ordered, standing protectively by her side as they began carefully making their way back to their house.
Meanwhile, on the far side of the village, the screams had come from a young woman who had decided to leave the feast early, she now cowered behind the corner of a building.
Before her stood a hulking black beast, it had the sleek fur and feline features of a panther. Violet, predatory eyes gleamed with bloodlust as it stalked towards the frozen girl, razor fangs bared.
With a guttural snarl, the beast sprung forward, lethal claws extended to tear through flesh and bone. But faster than a blink, a blinding arc of silver flashed through the air, blood sprayed and the panther''s headless body crashed to the ground with a heavy thud, its severed head rolling away into the shadows.
Behind the corpse stood an elderly man in orange robes, face grim as he flicked the residual gore off the blade.
The young woman looked up at the old man, she tried to say something, her mouth was working but no sound emerged.
Slifer wrinkled his nose at the stench of voided bowels.
Always unsightly business, that.
"Go inside where it''s safe," Slifer instructed before shifting his focus back to the matter at hand.
| Ding! |
| You Killed A Core Formation Beast |
| 25 Karmic Credits Gained |
| Ding! |
| You Killed A Core Formation Beast |
| 25 Karmic Credits Gained |
| Ding! |
| Save The Villagers |
| Reward: 100 Karmic Credits |
| Current Progress 4/9 Beasts Defeated |
Slifers spiritual sense rapidly swept the area, taking stock of the situation. There were five panther-like beasts left, Morvran was making quick work of them.
Slifer recognised the beasts from the originals memories, they were known as Pantherions. They typically hunted in groups, known as prides. The pride that was attacking the village were at the Core Formation realm.
Slifer''s eyes narrowed in consideration. These beasts were clearly more cunning than the average wild animal. They had been patiently stalking this village, waiting for the right moment to strike. The scent of roasting beast meat from tonight''s feast must have lured them in prematurely.
In truth, this surprise attack aligned perfectly with Slifer''s own intentions for the night. He had known the panther beasts were lurking nearby and planned to draw them out in order to display his strength and protection to the villagers. Now they could witness for themselves what would have befallen them without the cultivators'' intervention. A necessary step to softening old Brom''s stance against the sect taking in his precious daughter.
But Core Formation beasts attacking a simple village
Typically only Qi Condensation or Foundation Establishment creatures would actively hunt mortals. Those at Core Formation and above required the rich spiritual energy found in cultivator cores to advance.
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The Pantherions were stealthy, opportunistic hunters, but mortals were essentially useless to them so why were they here?
The chilling sound of a low, rumbling growl snapped Slifer from his musings. Whirling around, he saw another Pantherion creeping from the shadows. It moved cautiously, muscles tensed as it sniffed the air. Its eyes landed on the headless corpse of its fellow panther and widened in shock.
"Oh good, you''re finally here. I was starting to think you got lost on the way to the feast." Slifer waved his blood-stained sword in a beckoning gesture.
The Pantherion tensed, fangs bared threateningly. But it hesitated to attack.
Slifers cultivation level was only at Peak Foundation Establishment after all, by all rights these Core Formation creatures could make short work of him. Yet this human exuded an air of absolute confidence, even eagerness for battle.
It was...strange.
The Pantherion paced, its eyes locked onto the human. The prudent thing would be to retreat for now. But its pride stung at abandoning its fallen comrade so easily.
Sensing its indecision, Slifer laughed. "As much as I''d love to play with you all night, I''ve more important matters to attend to."
With that, Slifer lunged forward and swung his sword towards the Pantherions head. The beast yowled in surprise and narrowly dodged the attack, leaping aside at the last instant. Its eyes lit up as it realised that the human was slower than it expected. Perhaps it had overestimated this human.
It pounced, claws extended, and fangs bared as it aimed for the vulnerable flesh of Slifer''s neck.
But Slifer''s face showed no hint of fear at the incoming assault. Instead his lips pulled back in a fierce, mocking grin just before the killing blow could land.
"Gotcha."
In the next instant, the panther''s claws and fangs passed harmlessly through Slifers body as though it was an illusion. Its eyes went wide with shock as it stumbled and slammed into the ground where the human had stood only a heartbeat ago.
Before the disoriented beast could react, Slifers form solidified behind it and neatly slashed through the vulnerable back of its neck with a precise swing of his sword. With a final snarl, the light faded from the beasts eyes and its lifeless body collapsed to the dusty ground.
| Ding! |
| You Killed A Core Formation Beast |
| 25 Karmic Credits Gained |
"Heh, love that trick," Slifer chuckled to himself as he flicked the blood from his blade. The phase technique was incredibly useful. And if he was being honest, it made him feel pretty badass too.
If only I could spam it like Obito did...
Just as Slifer got caught up admiring his handiwork, his spiritual sense picked up a powerful aura and it seemed to be heading towards Oliviares house.
Shit!
As Oliviare stepped inside the house, Brom quickly shut the door behind them and slid the iron bolt securely into place. He doubted such measures would stop a rampaging beast, but the action provided some meagre comfort nonetheless.
"There now, we should be safe enough here," Brom said, attempting to inject confidence into his voice. Inside, his heart pounded against his ribs.
"Do...do you think everyone else is okay, father?" Oliviare asked softly, voicing the worry gnawing at both their minds.
Brom chose not to voice the bleak thoughts swirling through his mind. The others likely weren''t okay. When beasts attacked settlements this small and remote, rarely did anyone escape with their lives. Instead he merely grunted, settling on a stool by the hearth and attempting to project a calm demeanour. He had to be strong for his daughter.
"All we can do is wait here for now and pray," he rumbled wearily, removing a chunk of wood and a small paring knife from his vest. Fighting against these beasts would be suicide and he would not risk his daughters life. Focusing on the familiar task of whittling would help settle his nerves.
The rhythmic rasping of blade on wood filled the heavy silence as he carefully shaved curling strips from the block clutched between calloused fingers.
That man C Hughies master - he seemed kind," Oliviare said after a while. "Surely he would help protect the villagers."
Brom''s steady strokes paused briefly at the mention of the white-bearded stranger. "Hrmmph...or he and his portly companion ran at the first sign of danger," he muttered darkly.
Before Oliviare could offer any rebuttal, Brom''s head jerked up, the hairs on his neck and arms standing on end. The air had changed - grown heavier somehow.
It was here.
Oliviare gasped softly as she too sensed it, eyes darting fearfully between the door and her father.
Together they rose slowly from their seats, Brom placing himself between his daughter and whatever lay in wait beyond that feeble wooden barrier. His palms grew slick around the grip of his carving knife. Memories of the last time monsters had visited their village flickered through his mind, bringing bile to the back of his throat. His wifesheno, he would not let that happen again.
A floorboard just outside the door creaked under some tremendous weight. Brom''s breath stalled in his lungs. Silence hung for a torturous moment. Then with an ear-splitting crack, the barred door exploded inwards, shredded by claws longer than a man''s arm.
A huge Pantherion stalked inside, lips peeled back to reveal jagged teeth capable of crushing bone. Hot saliva dripped from its maw as violet eyes focused on the cowering mortals. Powerful limbs bunched, ready to pounce and tear these humans apart in an instant.
But quick as a flash, Brom lunged forward with a wordless cry. Years of handling sharp tools had honed his reflexes and precision.
But the resistance of a mortal was futile.
Massive paws batted Brom aside as easily as one might a bothersome fly. The old carpenter flew across the room and hit the far wall with bone-jarring force before crumpling to the floor.
"Father!" Oliviare cried, dodging around the thrashing monster. She fell to her knees at Brom''s side, desperately pressing her apron against the deep gashes torn across his abdomen by those razor talons. Blood seeped hot over her fingers no matter how hard she tried to stanch the flow.
Seeing the brute turn towards them, Oliviare curled over her father''s body protectively. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable as the Pantherion towered over her.
Hughie''s master, where are you?
Chapter 65: No More Lies. No More Hiding
Slifer reappeared inside Oliviare''s cottage just in time to see an enormous, clawed paw pressed down on Oliviares back.
The Pantherion was easily twice the size of the others, with fur the deep purple of twilight. It turned its head toward Slifer. A low snarl emanated from its throat.
The message was clear. One wrong move from him, and the girl would pay the price.
Slifer clenched his jaw, weighing his options.
Of all the ways this could have gone, getting caught in a hostage situation ranked pretty low on the list. I didnt even know beasts were smart enough to take hostages!
From the weight of leaders aura, the Pantherion King had clearly reached the Nascent Soul stage. Slifer then remembered that Pantherions were able to reach human-like intelligence earlier than most beasts. Negotiating safely out of this predicament wouldn''t be easy.
"Seems we''ve found ourselves at an impasse here," Slifer called out mildly. "So, what do you want?"
The Pantherion rumbled again in response.
Right, no convenient baby dragon around to translate. Ill just have to wing it.
Slifer tried to decipher meaning from the Pantherion''s noises and body language.
The beast appeared reluctant to actually make good on its threat unless provoked. It seemed like it knew that its ambush had failed and that Slifer wasnt the Foundation Establishment cultivator that his aura indicated he was. Now the beast just wanted to secure safe passage for the remaining members of its pride.
As for why it targeted Oliviare, either the beast was intelligent enough to sense that the girl was the only villager Slifer cared about or Slifer just had dog-shit luck.
No matter what happens, I cant let her die hmm, I think I can work with this
"How about we make a deal?"
The Pantherion scoffed at the notion of cooperating with the man who''d slaughtered half its kin. As if reading its thoughts, Slifer laughed.
"Look, you attacked us first. If I was set on killing you all, would any of your pride still be breathing? I''m offering you a chance here."
Grudgingly, the Pantherion had to acknowledge the logic in his words.
Among beasts, it was kill or be killed. Temporary alliances were common when mutually beneficial. And right now, with most of the male members of his pride dead, the females and cubs were vulnerable. Perhaps this arrangement could work. But how could this human help him, and what exactly was being asked in return?
Sensing he needed to show his worth, Slifer subtly adjusted his aura until it surpassed even the Nascent Soul beast - stopping just short of Half-Step Origin Realm.
Who knew the Peak Slifer Aura Card would be useful.
Immediately the Pantherion tensed, claws flexing as that oppressive pressure settled over it.
"Let me sweeten the deal. Swear your allegiance, and I''ll help you rule the nearby lands." Slifer smiled.
The Pride was in a precarious situation. Before the ambush, the Pantherion Pride was one of the weaker beast groups in the area, had it not been for their speed and intelligence, they would have been wiped out long ago. If what the human was promising was true
After a stretched silence, a fire of ambition lit up the Pantherion''s gaze. It dipped its head and stepped away from Oliviare.
Well, Im glad that worked out, and here I thought Id have to waste another card.
Crisis averted. For now, anyway.
Slifer''s aura dissipated as he approached the girl and her father. He pulled a small brown pill from his sleeve.
"Here - he needs to take this quickly."
Brom''s eyelids fluttered weakly at the sound of Slifer''s voice. With Oliviare''s help, he managed to tilt his head back enough to swallow the medicinal pellet.
The effect was immediate - colour returned to Brom''s cheeks as the bleeding stopped and torn flesh began knitting back together. Within moments, only faint scars remained across his abdomen.
As Brom struggled to rise on still-shaky legs, he eyed Slifer warily. "I suppose you think yourself quite clever then?" he huffed, nodding pointedly to the hulking Pantherion King. "Lure the beasts here with a feast, only to play the hero?"
Slifer raised his brows, looking vaguely offended by the accusation. "The Pantherion Pride has been stalking your village for some time. I sensed them closing in even before we arrived. It was mere coincidence that provided an opportunity to...ah, kill two birds with one stone."
Brom''s expression remained sceptical. Slifer tilted his head toward the Pantherion King. "Ask it yourself if you dont believe me."
After a moment of what seemed like silent communication between man and beast, Brom grunted ambiguously. "It seems you werent lying. But the arrival of you immortals always brings trouble. You cant blame an old man for being cautious."
Cautious? Thats anice way of putting it. The old man was downright rude, but Slifer didnt care enough to argue, he did see the old guys point.
"I understand. I know you only want to keep your daughter safe but left unprotected, even a peaceful village such as yours can become prey." Slifer placed a hand gently on Brom''s shoulder. "The path of cultivation could give her the power to defend herself, when you no longer can. Is that not worth thinking about?"
Brom stared silently at the ground. When he finally spoke, his voice was heavy with resignation. "You may be right. Im just an old fool, I cant decide for her. The girl must choose her own path now."
Oliviare clutched her father''s arm, smiling up at him brightly. "Don''t say such things, father. But becoming an immortal could help keep our family and village safe. With your blessing, I will try my best."
Brom patted her hand. "You have it, though it pains me to see you leave. Do an old man proud."
Slifer had considered changing Broms mortal fate, but he knew that it would be extremely difficult for the old man to cultivate at his age. The body tempering stage was too difficult, most mortals couldnt bear with it, some even described it as torture.
If it was like my situation, where he would be recultivating, that would be a different situation.
Seeing the father and daughter pair embrace, Slifer motioned to the Pantherion King to follow him.
On the way to Morvran, the Pantherion King recovered corpses of its kin. When they finally found Morvran, they arrived in time to see the bald steward grinning savagely as he smashed the heads of two Pantherions together repeatedly.
The Pantherion King growled at the sight.
"Had enough fun?" Clearing his throat, Slifer got Morvran''s attention.
Morvran, realising that the Pantherion King had submitted to his master, let the beasts go.
The beasts immediately scurried over to cower behind their leader, letting out whines of complaint.
"Ah, Master. Were done?" Morvran dusted the blood off his hands.
With a slight shake of his head and chuckle, Slifer nodded. "We are. The sect can dispatch someone to deal with the rest."
A Nascent Soul elder would be sent to guard the village until the Pantherion deal was secured.
Together, they returned to Brom''s cottage, where Oliviare waited for them.
Slifer tore open a portal back to the Black Rose Sect. There was one final piece of business before this nights work was concluded.
Its time to see Hughie!
Slifer sat casually in his courtyard, orange robes draped loosely across his shoulders as he nibbled on a freshly-steamed pork dumpling. Beside him stood Morvran, hands clasped behind his back. As usual, the plump baldy looked ready to beat someone up at the slightest provocation.
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Across the courtyard, standing alone near an ornamental rock garden, was a young woman in pale blue cultivator robes. She fidgeted nervously with the fabric, eyes downcast and cheeks flushed.
Oliviare''s heart pounded as she waited for Hughie. She was eager to see him after so long apart, but what if he reacted poorly to her presence here? What if there was another girl? Maybe coming to the sect had been a foolish wish...
Noticing the girl''s nervous fidgeting, Slifer smiled to himself. Ah, young love...how nauseatingly sweet.
No matter the realm, some things never changed.
A faint whistle sounded from above. Slifer tipped his head back lazily, catching sight of a dark figure rapidly descending from the sky.
Right on time. Slifer popped the last dumpling into his mouth just as Hughie landed on the ground and bowed.
"You summoned me, Master?"
Hughie''s dark eyes flicked briefly to the shy, brown-haired girl standing off to one side. He did a double take. Was that...? No, it couldn''t be.
"Allow me to introduce our newest recruit." Slifer rose and gestured to the blushing young woman. "This is-"
"Oliviare?" Hughie blurted out in disbelief.
Oliviare''s eyes widened at being addressed so directly. A pretty blush coloured her cheeks as she gave a nervous nod.
"Y-yes, Greetings Senior Brother Hughie," she stammered, gaze fixed firmly on the ground.
Now that she was a member of the sect, Hughie would be her Senior Brother and she had to address him as such, he wasnt just her Hughie anymore.
Hughie stared, mouth agape. He seemed torn between rushing forward to embrace her and remaining rooted in place out of shock.
Meanwhile, Slifer watched on in amusement.
Ah, to be young and in love again. Takes me back to my first girlfriend, Kylie. Or was it Kaylie? Hmm, can''t seem to recall her name, probably wasn''t important, they probably have more realistic AI models now anyway.
"I don''t understand." Hughie finally found his voice. "Oliviare doesn''t have the aptitude to cultivate. Why is she here?"
At his words, Oliviares smile faltered. After all this time, that was the first thing he said? Oliviare bit her lip and turned away before Hughie could see her eyes water.
A lovers spat? I guess its up to me to fix it! Slifer cleared his throat.
"Yes, well it''s true she doesnt have a spiritual root. But after hearing how my favourite disciple had lost his heart to a mortal girl, what sort of master would I be if I didn''t help my disciple out?
Slifer paused, eyebrow cocked as if waiting for some praise at his benevolence. When there was no reaction, he huffed and continued.
"As I was saying, a lack of spiritual roots poses no real obstacle for someone like myself. Shell have some spiritual roots soon enough, then you''ll be free to pursue your, ahem, romantic interests openly."
"You really found a way?" Hughie breathed, scarcely daring to hope.
"Of course! Why else would I have brought her all the way here?"
"Humph! Your master lies. No treasure in the mortal realms could awaken a non-existent spiritual root," Li Fenghao scoffed from within the ring.
Hughie ignored the sceptical immortal spirit, too focused on Slifer''s words to care. All that mattered was the possibility of a life with Oliviare.
Hughie dropped to his knees before Slifer. "Master, I beg you, please help make Oliviare a cultivator!" His voice cracked with emotion.
Slifer looked profoundly uncomfortable with this sudden display of gratitude. He waved his hands frantically.
"Alright alright, that''s enough bowing. Just doing my duty as your master, no need for all this." Face slightly flushed, Slifer quickly rummaged through his storage ring. "Now let''s get this over with.
He retrieved an unremarkable circular medallion on a long cord and gestured for Oliviare to approach.
"Here, place this on your forehead and close your eyes," he instructed gently.
Oliviare glanced nervously at Hughie, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. With a small gulp, she raised the talisman to her brow.
The talisman pulsed with a soft blue glow the moment it touched her skin. Gasps echoed around the courtyard as glowing runes began flowing outwards, slowly enveloping Oliviare''s body in an intricate web of light.
The runes spun faster, weaving together to form the image of a massive wheel rotating around and around her slender frame.
Hughie stared transfixed as the hypnotic patterns swirled, holding his breath.
After several moments, the runes flickered and faded. The now-dark talisman slipped from Oliviare''s brow as her knees buckled.
Hughie darted forward just in time to catch her limp body before it hit the ground. Cradling her close, he frantically swept his spiritual sense over Oliviare.
"She''s alright," he announced with clear relief. A smile broke across Hughie''s face. "No, more than that - she has a spiritual root now. I can''t believe it!"
Overjoyed, Hughie spun Oliviare''s slumbering form in an impromptu dance across the courtyard.
"Yes, the Wheel of Fate talisman is remarkably effective, if a bit rough on the user, Slifer remarked. She will probably sleep for a few hours. When she wakes up, she will be at the Qi Refining realm."
He was rather curious what sort of root the girl had awakened. But using spiritual sense without permission to scan anothers body was rude, especially when their lover was right there.
Eh, I can just ask later when she wakes up.
Hughie paused his celebratory jig. "You mean she''ll skip the Body Tempering stage completely?"
Slifer simply chuckled. "This sleep is her tempering. When she wakes, she can begin refining spiritual energy. Consider it a bonus for having such a benevolent master," he finished with a roguish wink.
"Master, thank you. This means more than I can say.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations |
| Your Disciple Hughies Loyalty Has Reached 100% |
| New Option Available: Convert Hughie to a Righteous Cultivator |
| Reward: A Righteous Disciple Will Earn x3 Credit |
Finally, its done, Slifer let out a tired sigh. His plan had worked.
| Ding! |
| New Mission: One Righteous Disciple Is Worth More Than A Thousand Demonic Trash |
| Description: Your Disciple Is Ready To Join The Righteous Path. Give Him A Sermon And Ask Him To Join |
Hughie carefully set Oliviare''s sleeping form on a bench. He turned to face his master once more, his expression turning serious.
"Master, there is something important I need to tell you."
"Don''t you dare, boy!" Li Fenghao shrieked. "Have you mushrooms for brains?"
But Hughie didnt care what the grandpa thought.
No more lies. No more hiding.
Its time for Master to learn everything.
Chapter 66: Hey, Im Zack
"I..." Hughie faltered, dropping his gaze. "I haven''t been fully honest with you, Master. There are things I''ve kept hidden."
Is this what I think it is? Slifer raised an eyebrow.
"Back when you were in closed door cultivation, Oliviare gave me thisring as a parting gift," Hughie confessed. "I didn''t think much of it at first, but then I realized there was an immortal spirit trapped inside."
Li Fenghao let loose a string of expletives, cursing the boy''s foolish honesty. Hughie winced but pressed on.
"His name is Li Fenghao. Apparently, he is some kind of Greater Immortal..."
Hughie kept his gaze fixed firmly on the ground, unable to meet his master''s eyes. Would Slifer be angry? Would he punish Hughie?
For a long moment, Slifer simply looked at Hughie with an unfathomable expression. Then, he threw back his head and laughed.
"Yes, yes, I''ve known about your ghostly roommate for a while now."
"You...you did?"
Seeing Hughie''s dumbfounded expression, Slifer chuckled. "Did you really think anything could escape my notice?"
Relief washed over Hughie in a great wave. Of course his master had already known. Slifer''s abilities were beyond comprehension. Hughie silently berated himself for doubting him.
"I''m sorry for not telling you sooner, Master. After everything with the treasures...I was worried you might take the ring for yourself." Hughie''s cheeks reddened. "But you''ve...changed a lot recently. I should have trusted you."
Slifer waved off Hughies concern. The Original had taken advantage of Hughie on more than one occasion. He couldn''t blame the boy for being reluctant.
"Its fine. I am just glad you felt comfortable enough to open up to me now."
Now I just need to check this Li Fenghao out myself and find out if he is a threat. Can''t have parasitic grandpas leeching off my disciples.
With no cards that could protect him, Slifer had been reluctant to interact directly with the immortal spirit. However, now that Hughie had opened up to him, Slifer had to basically do a security check if he didnt want to come off as suspicious.
Even if he is evil, if I only send my spirit sense into the ring, the worst that could happen is it gets destroyed. And then, Ill stock up credits until I can get a card powerful enough to kill the old man
"I''d like to have a chat with this...grandpa of yours," Slifer said lightly. "Just to make sure he isnt up to any funny business.
Hughie shifted his feet awkwardly. "Actually Master, I can''t sense his presence right now. I think he''s hiding..."
Hiding? Wait a minuteis the immortal grandpa scared of me?
This was unexpected.
An indignant squawk sounded from the ring. "Hiding? This old man hides from no one!"
"Oh wait, never mind! Hughie laughed. Hes back.
"Great. Let him know I only want to chat.
The last thing I need is for this grandpa to go all kamikaze on me...
Hughie nodded. "Just...go easy on him, okay? He''s veryproud, but I don''t think he means any real harm."
Slifer held back an eye roll at Hughie''s naivety. Clearly the boy had gotten attached to the ring spirit. Doesnt matter C Ill just assess the situation myself.
Closing his eyes, Slifer sent a wisp of spiritual sense into the ring. When he opened them again, Slifer found himself standing in an endless white void.
Strange, he thought. He had expected at least some attempt at a pocket dimension illusion. This ''Greater Immortal'' was either incredibly weak or astronomically lazy.
Perhaps a bit of both, Slifer amended, catching sight of a robed figure floating towards him.
Despite not having a physical form, the weight of Li Fenghao''s aura was immense, causing Slifer''s spiritual projection to tremble.
This guyhe isnt simple, Slifer thought, keeping a tight grip on his spiritual form.
"You are not what I expected," Li Fenghao said, brow furrowing. "The boy thinks youre only an Ascendant cultivator, yet your abilities far exceed any mortal cultivator. In fact, some of your skills should be impossible even in the Immortal Realm..."
The old man drifted closer, scrutinizing Slifer intently. Even standing before me now, you seem like a genuine Foundation Establishment cultivator!
Slifer remained silent, allowing Li Fenghao''s monologue to continue. No need to interrupt an immortal fond of hearing his own voice.
From his experience in this world, the greatest lesson Slifer learned was that the more he talked, the greater the chance that he would slip up.
"Justwhat are you? Have you surpassed the Great Immortal Realm?" Li Fenghaos eyes widened.
Interesting. The old man thinks I''m hiding my strength. Guess its time to pretend to be something that can scare even a Greater Immortal.
Slifer adopted a mysterious air. "The mortal realm, the immortal realm - such things are beneath my notice. The world is far more vast than you know."
He let that hang in the air for a moment.
Nothing Slifer had said was a lie, this whole Xianxia world was just one of many worlds, another being Earth. Even if the immortal had an ability that could catch out lies, it didn''t matter.
Li Fenghao looked vaguely offended but also intrigued.
Its working! Time to reel him in.
"In fact, with your limited perspective, I doubt you could understand even if I explained it to you."
It was just vague and mystical enough to reinforce Li Fenghao''s assumptions without making any definitive claims. Hah! Eat your heart out, Gandalf.
The Immortal spirit bristled, pride stung. But he could not refute Slifer''s words. Hed witnessed the mysterious cultivator''s inexplicable power many times.
After a lengthy pause, Li Fenghao rubbed his beard. "I see...I apologizesenior."
Phew, it worked. Now I can get some answers of my own.
What do you want from Hughie?
II just wanted his help getting a new body.
"Hmm, is that so? Then you haven''t been secretly plotting to make Hughie your disciple the moment you escape this prison?" Slifer replied, one brow raised.
"I - well - that is - " Li Fenghao spluttered, indignant denials dying on his tongue. With a scowl, he switched tactics. "The boy shows promise. I didnt want you demonic sc-"
Insight!
| Name |
Li Fenghao |
| Realm |
Peak Greater Immortal (Sealed) |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
N/A |
| Disposition |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
8 |
| Luck |
7 |
| Talent |
9 |
| Will |
6 (8) |
As expected from a Greater Immortal, hes got protagonist-level stats.
Slifer wasnt too bothered with the grandpas stats, the only reason he used the insight skill was to give the grandpa a little scare. The higher the cultivation, the more aware a person was of their soul, Slifer assumed a Greater Immortal would feel an uncomfortable sensation, especially since Slifer activated it so blatantly.
Itsits that look again. A bead of spectral sweat trickled down the old man''s brow as he snapped his mouth shut.
Slifer''s gaze felt like it was peering through his soul, compared to the previous time, this was twice as intense, he felt like he was laid out utterly bare. He felt insignificant. As a Greater Immortal, he couldnt remember the last time he felt like this.
Im s-sorry, Li Fenghao coughed. I wont try to steal your disciple.
Li Fenghao also couldnt remember the last time those words left his mouth. It galled Li Fenghao to humble himself this way. But the life essence technique weighed heavily on his mind. He could not risk provoking this mans wrath.
Satisfied that his scare tactic had succeeded, Slifer inclined his head. "Take good care of my Hughie. And dont try to turn him against me. It would be...unwise."
With that, Slifers projection faded away.
The Immortal spirit sagged in relief. Dealing with beings of higher cultivation was always stressful, even for someone at his realm. And this Slifer unnerved him more than most.
"Still, perhaps I can use this to my advantage," Li Fenghao mused aloud. "The boy has gotten closer to me. If I help him out more, I might be able to curry more favour from his master..."
The opportunity to gain a few words of advice from a being who had surpassed the Greater Immortal Realm was too great to pass up. Even if Li Fenghao escaped the ring, he didnt have the confidence to succeed in breaking through. His only hope was this mysterious immortal.
Yes, that should work nicely.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.Back in the courtyard, Slifer, unaware of the old mans plan to kiss up to him, withdrew his spiritual sense and turned to Hughie with a reassuring smile.
"The grandpa wont be any trouble. In fact, you could learn a thing or two from him. Just be careful if he tries turning you against your master." Slifer''s expression turned sly. "Not that he could hide such a thing from me, of course."
Allowing Hughie to keep the ring was a calculated risk. The boy''s loyalty was high, but prolonged exposure to Li Fenghao''s influence could become a problem.
I''ll need to monitor the situation closely. At the first sign of wavering loyalty, the ring goes.
Thank you, Master, Hughie shoulders relaxed. He felt a bit guilty for revealing Li Fenghao''s presence without permission. But it seemed things had worked out for the best. Neither Slifer nor the Immortal spirit had come to blows at least.
"Oh, there is one more thing before you go," Slifer added casually.
Hughie looked at him quizzically. "Yes, Master?"
"Its time for you to walk the righteous path."
Hughie''s eyes bulged. Had he heard that right? His demonic master, suggesting he become a righteous cultivator? It was the last thing he would have ever expected.
"But why?" he asked uncertainly. "You''ve always followed the demonic dao..."
Slifer smiled. "My own path doesnt matter - what is important is helping my disciples reach their full potential. Your heart has turned to the light, even if you remain afraid to show it."
He cast a meaningful glance at where Oliviare still slept peacefully on the courtyard bench. A small smile tugged Hughie''s lips as understanding washed over him.
Slifer nodded sagely. "Love is the light that guides us through the dark."
Wow, that one gave me goosebumps. I really need to write these down!
"Master, I... Hughie faltered, overcome with emotion. Youre right. After meeting Oliviare, I have felt conflicted about being a demonic cultivator. I don''t want her to see me as amonster."
"Haha. Theres no need to suppress your righteous urges anymore. Follow your heart from now on!" Slifer clasped his shoulder.
"Thank you, Master! I will be a better man!"
| Ding! |
| Hughie Is Now A Righteous Cultivator |
| Ding! |
| Name: Hughie Card |
| Description: Once a day, you can activate any of your loyal disciples techniques |
| Warning: If your disciples loyalty goes below 100%, you will lose access to this card |
Phew, just three left
Over the next few weeks, Slifer spent many hours trying to convert Leah.
While their relationship had grown less hostile, the brooding girl remained sceptical of Slifer''s intentions.
Looks like converting her will take more than just a few heart-to-heart chats with her fathers killer, Slifer mused wryly. Still, the occasional playful smirk or snippy comment gave him hope she would come around eventually.
The girl just needed more time. But with the Sect Tournament looming, time was in short supply right now.
Slifer sighed. He could only do so much. The rest was up to Leah and the mysterious workings of karma.
As the Intersect Tournament approached, Slifer spent more time training.
I hope its enough to win the tournament, Slifer, sitting in his courtyard, bit into an apple.
His disciples, who sat in a circle around him, glanced at each other in confusion before resting their gaze on their master. This was the first time they had seen him even touch a fruit.
Ive not checked my status in a while, it wouldnt hurt to have a look.
| Name |
Slifer |
| Race |
Human |
| Alignment |
Demonic |
| Spiritual Cultivation |
Peak Foundation Establishment |
| Body Cultivation |
Peak Foundation Establishment |
| Lifespan Remaining |
100 years |
| Karmic Credits |
11,570 |
| Skills |
Firebreath, Insight (Intermediate), Mirror Mastery (Level 2), Nascent Soul Armor (Level 2), Phase Ability (Level 1), Void Being Aura (Level 1) |
| Items |
Reversal Cards, Peak Slifer Card, Critical Block Cards x5 |
| Affinities |
Light: 25% Fire: 15% Space: 20% |
| Abilities |
Mirror Mastery: Level 2 |
| Techniques |
Sunrise Slash: Level 3, Stellar Nova Strike: Level 2, Dimensional Slide: Level 2, Nascent Soul Armour: Level 1, Void Piercer: Level 1 |
| Weapon Mastery |
Sword: 20% |
Over 10,000 Karmic Creditsfinally. Slifer smiled.
The credits were all thanks to the tasks completed by the Disciplinary Hall members, his new farming system had played out perfectly.
Its mainly due to that Dentos fella, hes always number 1 on the leaderboard
Slifer then took a look at his skills.
Levelling up the Sunrise Slash and Stellar Nova Strike was the right call, both techniques will let Zack finish fights quickly.
Slifers gameplan was for his avatar to show as little of his arsenal as possible. The similarity between their techniques could be explained through their master-disciple relationship but some of the other Ascendants may grow suspicious and suspect that Zack was a clone.
The armour will be my trump card, Slifer nodded to himself as he looked at the Level 2 Nascent Soul Armour technique.
Through gruelling practicing, Slifer was able to increase the duration to thirty seconds if he activated it through the System. Without the Systems aid, he was only able to use it for ten seconds. It still wasn''t much, but a few seconds could make all the difference in the tournament.
Ptui, Slifer spat out the apple. Never again.
He had noticed quite a few disciples in the sect eating apples, he had to admit they did look juicy, he couldnt resist trying one for himself. He had thought that maybe they tasted different in this world but no, he was wrong. It tasted just like a regular apple.
Nothing could compare to the satisfaction of real food, like, uh, dumplings!
"You have all trained hard these past weeks," Slifer began, wiping his mouth with the edge of his sleeve. "Well, for the next two days you can relax!"
The disciples all nodded enthusiastically; the Intersect Tournament was starting in three days. Their master had warned them that they needed to give their bodies a few days rest, participating in the tournament when injured or tired could ruin what was likely their one and only chance to enter the Sealed Realm.
"Im sure well dominate the tournament and secure the most spots for the Sealed Realm," Slifer went on. "But its not just you four Im relying on..."
Here he paused for dramatic effect. His disciples leaned forward, wondering what or who their master was referring to.
"Allow me to explain," Slifer chuckled.
With a flourish, Slifer gestured towards the entrance to his quarters. All eyes turned. For a long moment, nothing happened. Then a figure emerged into the courtyard.
It was a young man who looked to be in his late teens, with artfully tousled brown hair and chiselled features that would make the statues of celestial immortals weep with envy. He had the sort of ridiculous physique that could only be achieved through years of cultivator training - wide shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, with muscular arms that looked as though they would burst through the thin robes at any moment.
The disciples gaped. Just who was this absurdly handsome newcomer?
Hey, Im Zack.
Chapter 67: A Fight Before The Tournament?
"Please, no need to fawn. There''s plenty of me to go around," Zack flashed a roguish wink, the motion parting his robes further to reveal impressively sculpted abs that caused Amelia to make a strangled noise low in her throat.
Hughie shook his head; he was just relieved not to be the sole focus of Slifer''s attentions anymore.
Watching this exchange, Caelum barely restrained an eye roll. So, they had a cocky junior brother now. Wonderful. As if keeping Hughie and Amelia in check wasn''t work enough.
Ignoring their odd reactions, Slifer clapped Zack on the back.
"I must admit, I too was blown away at first by this young mans talents, Slifer nodded.
He had decided to go down the Zack is a prodigy among prodigies route, it would explain why Zack used similar technique to himself. Not to mention, giving yourself a few compliments here and there couldnt hurt, right?
Master, I heard you have a slot for the Sealed RealmIwe were wonderingwhich one of us will be getting it? Nomed piped up.
Slifer remained silent as he looked at his disciples, who looked at him expectantly.
The slot will go to.none of you!
The disciples glanced at each other in confusion, if they were not getting the slot, then who was?
Hughie noticed that the new disciple, Zack, nodded smugly. Just what did masters new favourite know?
Nomed held back a frown, he had to enter the Sealed Realm, but as an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was at a clear disadvantage.
Despite there being five slots and a separate tournament for Foundation Establishment cultivators, most participants would be at the Late or Peak Stage, and thats just their apparent cultivation, their battle prowess likely reached the Core Formation Realm.
And now, he also had to compete against a new prodigy.
At his masters words, Fenlock shrugged. As a Nascent Soul expert, the tournament didnt concern him, only those below the Nascent Soul Realm were able to enter the Sealed Realm.
Whilst his juniors were busy training, Fenlock took Junior Sister Lenvari on date after date, he really felt like he was making progress. Who knows, if the Heavens smiled down on him, he might even be a married man by the end of the year!
Dont worry about the free slot, I want each of you to focus on earning a slot for yourself, Slifer continued.
He knew better than to give any of his disciples a free slot. Some of them, like Hughie or Amelia, would be tempted to grow lax and not prepare, this was something Slifer knew pretty well, after all, he was guilty of it during his school exams.
The disciples slowly nodded, their master may have changed but it seemed like he was still the stingy old Slifer they knew and loved.
Cheer up, Slifer laughed at their dismay. Your master isnt going to leave you empty-handed.
As the Black Rose Sect oversaw the tournament, Slifer was privy to what trials would be involved. More accurately, Elder Fred consulted Slifer before preparing each trial.
Slifer would be a fool not to take advantage of that knowledge, and perhaps the trials happened to favour his disciples, it was not like anyone would dare question an Ascendant cultivator over such matters.
It was expected.
It wasnt without reason why the Heavenly Light Sect were adamant with wanting to host the tournament. During their time as the host, they had used every trick in the book to increase their disciples chances of entering the Sealed Realm, they werent the most powerful sect in the land for nothing.
Cracking his knuckles, Slifer grinned savagely. "So, here is what we''re going to do..."
Two days later
The Black Rose Sect was bustling with activity. Disciples scurried to and fro, busy making last-minute preparations. Pennants and banners in the demonic sect''s signature dark rose colour decorated the normally stark walls and archways.
For the first time in its long history, the Black Rose Sect would be hosting the prestigious tournament. It was a great honour, but also a grave responsibility. Slifer had given Elder Fred free access to the sects resources to ensure they displayed their best to their guests.
The Intersect Tournament was designed to allocate slots for the Sealed Realm; however, it was also an opportunity for sects to feel each other out. Presenting a strong front was necessary if they wanted to avoid war.
Despite Slifer never having experienced war back on Earth, he had read about it. The pains and tribulations of war were not something he wanted to partake in, especially in a world where beings could destroy stars with a flick of the wrist.
Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of credits that he would need to spend to survive one, wars in this world could easily last centuries. It was the last thing Slifer wanted.
Three young female disciples struggled under the weight of a huge ornamental urn, bickering and snapping at one another as they lugged the cumbersome pottery toward the sect''s front gate. It was said to be a Heaven Rank treasure, containing the remnant spirit of a demonic general.
In the main square, two disciples were busy hanging up banners when one turned to the other. "Can you believe they''re actually letting us host the tournament this year?" he said with a grin.
His friend laughed. "I know, right? The righteous sects must have lost their minds!"
They chuckled together as they worked. Nearby, a group of female disciples swept the ground diligently. One girl paused and leaned on her broom.
"Hosting the tournament is a big responsibility," she said seriously. "We have to make sure we represent the Black Rose Sect properly."
The other girls nodded in agreement. As a demonic sect, they rarely got opportunities like this. They couldn''t mess it up.
As the disciples worked, a commotion at the sect entrance drew their attention. A group of cultivators had arrived, all dressed in white robes embroidered with the image of a tiger.
"Ugh, look who it is," one of the Black Rose disciples muttered. "The goody-goody Tigers."
At the head of the White Tiger group was a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She wore an arrogant expression as her gaze swept disdainfully over the Black Rose disciples.
"This place is even uglier than I remember," she said loudly. "I can''t believe the Sect Master approved these demons hosting the tournament."
Her White Tiger disciples tittered obnoxiously. One of the Black Rose disciples scowled, dropping the lantern he was hanging.
"Youre not wrong Elder, I can practically smell the stench of demonic energy here," one of the white-robed men complained, wrinkling his nose.
Angry mutters broke out amongst the Black Rose disciples. How dare these self-righteous fools insult them in their own sect!
One stocky Black Rose disciple stepped forward, an angry flush on his cheeks. "You come to our home and dare insult us? If you think you''ll only get a beating for those words, you''re wrong. I''ll take your life!"
He unleashed his Late Core Formation cultivation base, prepared to attack. The White Tiger disciple paled initially but quickly matched the aura with his own, refusing to back down in front of the elder.
The blonde woman watched with an amused smile, always eager to see demonic cultivators put in their place. Things were just getting interesting.
But before it could escalate further, a sudden gust of wind blew through the square. A figure appeared between the two groups.
"Still starting trouble wherever you go I see...Liora," the man sighed, shaking his head.
Liora''s eyes widened briefly in recognition before narrowing. "Its you! Dont think Ive forgotten what happened!"
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
The young man wore the black robes of the Black Rose Sect, he regarded Liora calmly.
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who challenged me last time. And you couldnt defeat me."
A faint blush coloured Liora''s cheeks at the memory. It had been utterly humiliating that she wasnt able to defeat the youth in one move. She had only recently reached the Nascent Soul realm, while Caelum was still in the Peak Core Formation stage. Yet he was still able to fight evenly against her somehow.
"That was just luck," she snapped. "If the Grand Elder hadn''t stopped the fight-"
"Excuses," Caelum interrupted. He cast a meaningful look at the other White Tiger disciples, who were still glaring daggers at the Black Rose sect members. "How can I expect you to keep your disciples in check when you cant even control yourself.
Liora trembled with rage, not used to being spoken to in such a manner. How dare this demonic scum lecture her on etiquette!
With great difficulty, she reined in her anger. As much as she itched to put Caelum in his place, she could not afford to lose control. As an Elder, she needed to set a good example.
"Hmph. You''re lucky that I dont qualify to enter the tournament," was all she said. The look in her eyes promised that this wasn''t over between them. Not by a long shot.
Caelum simply inclined his head politely in response. Though inwardly, he was surprised by Liora''s restraint. Seemed like the proud girl had matured, even if just a little.
Before either could say more, a sudden spike of energy drew their attention. In the distance, the unmistakable sounds of battle could be heard. Caelum and Liora exchanged a glance, and with a burst of speed, they raced towards the source of the commotion. To their surprise, it led them right to the doors of the Disciplinary Hall.
A crowd had gathered, kept back by several black-robed disciples.
"Alright people, nothing to see here!" one disciplinary member called out. "Just a minor disciplinary issue, the Boss is taking care of it."
At the mention of this ''Boss'', the other disciples nodded sagely.
"That''s our Boss, always so diligent!" a short, pudgy disciple gushed. "Never have I seen someone so devoted to upholding sect rules!"
Caelum and Liora exchanged puzzled glances. Just who was this ''Boss'' they spoke so highly of?
Noticing Caelum, the disciplinary disciples quickly moved aside to let him through. As one of Supreme Elders personal disciples, he warranted some respect around here.
Stepping past the doors, Caelum was greeted by the sight of a skinny young disciple mercilessly whaling on another student. The victim was a boy in golden robes - likely a disciple of the Heavenly Light Sect based on his attire.
"Please, stop!" the Heavenly Light disciple cried, covering his head. Blood dripped from his broken nose and split lip.
Nearby, more disciples in golden robes were pinned face down by the Disciplinary Hall members, unable to come to their comrade''s aid. They struggled and shouted curses but could not break free.
"That''s it boss! Teach that punk a lesson!" one of the Disciplinary Hall members yelled. The others shouted their own encouragement.
Liora watched in disgust. Despicable. This is exactly why demonic cultivators cannot be trusted. However, since it wasnt any of her men, she decided not to get involved. She could sense auras that even made her tremble hidden within the hall.
Caelum remained silent, eyes narrowed as he took in the situation.
The Heavenly Light disciple being beaten sniffled loudly, snot mixing with the blood on his face. "It''s not fair," he whined. "That Black Rose disciple was causing problems too. Why am I the only one being punished?"
The lanky youth paused his assault, smiling creepily down at the crumpled form beneath his foot. "Patience, friend. I will get to him."
With two final punishing strikes, the boss stepped back, examining his handiwork. The Heavenly Light disciple lay groaning at his feet, face swollen and purpling.
"You know the rules - no fighting during the tournament," the lanky youth said calmly, as if he hadn''t just tenderized the boy''s face mere moments ago. "But it seems you needed an extra lesson."
He looked to the side where a Black Rose disciple was restrained, his eyes widened in fear. The lanky youth beckoned him closer with a crooked finger.
"As do you, the boss grabbed the Black Rose disciple and slammed him viciously into the wall.
"No, please, I don''t want any trouble!" The Black Rose disciple tried getting back up, but the Disciplinary Hall members grasped his arms tightly.
Other disciples watched on with pale faces as the lanky man continued pummeling the poor disciple.
"Does he have to be so harsh on his own sect member?" one muttered fearfully.
"That''s just how Boss Dentos is. Ruthless, even to us," another replied.
So, this was the notorious Dentos who had rapidly risen to number 1 on the Karmic Ledger. Caelum had heard the rumours of his methods but seeing the sheer sadistic glee on his face as he unleashed such violence reminded him of a certain junior sister.
When Dentos finally stepped back, both disciples lay moaning on the ground. He rubbed his hands together, as if dusting them off after a job well done.
"Hopefully that will prevent any further incidents," he said lightly. "If not, I''m always happy to provide another lesson. But next time, I might not be so nice."
Youre lucky it was me who found you, he leaned in close. "And believe me, you don''t want Senior Sister Amelia to be the one to find you instead."
At the mention of Amelia, the other Disciplinary Hall members visiblely shivered. One leaned to whisper to his companion, "Not sure who is worse C Boss Dentos or Senior Sister Amelia. They''re both completely deranged."
"Too true," the other agreed.
Dentos tossed the two disciples aside carelessly to land in a groaning heap.
One of the Heavenly Light disciples helped his friend up, throwing a venomous glare back at Dentos. "Just you wait. Once our Senior Brother hears of this, you''ll regret it!"
The other conscious Heavenly Light disciples were quick to chime in.
"Yeah, Senior Brother will crush you for this!"
"He just joined our sect, but he is a never-before-seen genius!"
"Broke through to the Core Formation stage faster than anyone on record!"
"Defeated numerous Senior Brothers one after another in sparring matches!"
"Even Nascent Soul experts cant hold a candle to him!"
Their words blurred together as all the disciples began yelling about the incredible talents of their Senior Brother. Surely someone so cool and gifted could put this demonic beast in his place.
But Dentos didnt seem phased by their threats. He crossed his arms, staring down at the disciples.
"I don''t care if he''s the Son of Heaven himself," Dentos said flatly. "No one will cause any problems here while I''m in charge."
For a brief moment, his eyes took on a distant, almost haunted look. "I wont allow it...I cant," he muttered to himself as he thought of an old man in orange robes.
He shook his head sharply, regaining focus. He was given a job to do, and failure was not an option. He would enforce discipline with an iron fist.
Hehes here!
The nearby disciples quietened down as approaching footsteps echoed down the hall. They parted to allow a tall, muscular young man with shoulder length black hair to pass. His golden robes had the insignia for the Heavenly Light Sect. He emanated an overwhelming aura of confidence.
It was the genius Senior Brother!
The youth glanced around coolly, taking in the scene. When his eyes found Dentos, he raised one eyebrow. "So, you''re the demonic scum causing trouble?"
Dentos met his gaze calmly. "And who might you be?"
The corner of the mans lip curved up mockingly.
"I''m Ziven."
Chapter 68: Ziven vs Dentos!
Ziven smirked, sure that he would easily put this demonic scum in his place. But before he could make a move, Dentos suddenly vanished. Ziven''s eyes widened in surprise - where did that weirdo go?
A split second later, Ziven felt a strong hand clamp down over his face as Dentos reappeared directly in front of him. With lightning speed, Dentos tried to smash Ziven down towards the ground.
Caught completely off guard, Ziven only just managed to twist his body and blast out a surge of qi to counter the attack. The force was enough to throw Dentos back.
Ziven touched his face and scowled as he regained his footing. "I should have expected such a cowardly sneak attack from demonic filth like you," he spat.
Dentos merely smiled, a true demonic cultivator didnt care about honour. Honour only led to a swifter death.
Im going to wipe that smirk off your face, Ziven concentrated qi into his legs.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared right in front of Dentos, hand formed into a sharp wind claw aimed right for his face.
He would return the favour.
But Dentos easily avoided the blow, his movements smooth like flowing water.
H-how can you be this fast? Ziven''s eyes narrowed in frustration.
He was renowned for his speed, yet this lanky guy with a dumb-looking smile not only matched his speed but exceeded it!
Ziven knew this was a bad matchup, but with so many eyes on him, he couldn''t just walk away now. It wasnt easy for him to enter the Heavenly Light sect and rise to the level of Legacy Disciple, he couldn''t fail, not yet.
Before Ziven could attack again, his senses screamed at him to move. He immediately did a backflip, just barely dodging a blast of purplish energy that tore through the space he had occupied only a moment before.
Ziven growled as he recognized the energy; there was only one person he knew that used soul-based attacks. He turned to face the silver-haired woman.
"You!" he snarled.
Amelia smirked, her long silver hair flowing behind her like a snake. "I''m surprised you have the audacity to show your face here after you scurried away with your tail between your legs last time," she laughed.
Y-you bitch! Ziven''s face flushed red with embarrassment and anger at the memory.
After some fortunate encounters, his own battle prowess had increased tremendously since their last meeting. He was certain he could wipe that annoying smirk off that girls face now.
But looking between the troublesome Dentos and the infuriating Amelia, Ziven noticed a black-robed youth reaching for the sword in his scabbard..
Hes not like the other two, hes dangerous
Cursing internally, Ziven took a step back. "Just you wait - in the tournament, you won''t have anyone to bail you out," he declared. With that, he strode away, the other Heavenly Light disciples hurrying after him.
As they retreated, the other disciples shot their own heated glares and curses.
"You just wait, demon scum! Our Senior Brother Ziven is invincible!"
"He''ll crush you all when he gets serious!"
"Yeah, he was only playing with you!"
Their arrogant words faded into the distance.
Amelia turned to Caelum as the Heavenly Light group disappeared from view. "Master was right. That brat really did find his way into the tournament," she said.
Caelum nodded, releasing his hold on Bloodthorn.
Their master had warned them to be on the lookout for Ziven, instructing them to kill him if they encountered the arrogant youth in the competition. Killing him before the tournament begins would cause more than a ruckus. The strongest sect in the Mortal Realm, the Heavenly Light Sect would not let that slide.
If he doesnt die in the tournament, then Ill just end him in the Sealed Realm
Even though Caelum was now a righteous cultivator, he didnt shy from killing when it was necessary.
He shouldnt have attacked Ameliaand he definitely shouldnt have threatened Master.
"I will go inform Master of this development," Caelum muttered as he walked away.
As he left, he heard Dentos calling out behind him, "Don''t forget to let Master know of what I did here, them two troublemakers wont be walking for a few weeks at leastand the same with the arrogant kid when I next see him."
Caelum just shook his head, wondering not for the first time about the eccentricities of those that surrounded his master.
Zack soared through the sky atop his flying sword, the wind whipping through his hair. The Intersect competition began tomorrow, but he still had one final task from the main body - reach the Peak Foundation Establishment stage as a dual cultivator.
Zack smirked to himself. As an avatar rather than the main consciousness, he could act however he wanted without damaging Slifer''s image.
While the main body had to play the part of an all-powerful old man, Zack could be cocky and carefree, kinda like a high school student. And he planned to enjoy every moment of it!
If only I knew my stats, then I could see how I compare to the disciples
The main body had tried using his Insight skill on Zack, hoping to learn his stats and cultivation level. But unfortunately, the only information that came up identified Zack as Slifer''s clone.
At least he bought me some cool stuff.
Now that they had a steady influx of karmic credits, the main body no longer had to be stingy. He had purchased a High Heaven Rank spiritual cultivation method for himself, and another for Zack as well.
Having two separate methods was better than sharing the exact same skills. After all, what was the point of an avatar if it was just a carbon copy? Different cultivation methods provided unique abilities to develop. And since Zack didn''t have access to the System, he needed to rely on cunning rather than brute force.
So, the main body had chosen methods well-suited to Zack''s needs.
The High Heaven Rank Thunder Wings focused on speed enhancement - perfect for Zack''s preference to dodge rather than block attacks.
Not to mention it sounded incredibly cool. Who wouldnt want wings, even Amelia loved wings!
Grinning, Zack leaned back and rested his hands behind his head. The wind whipped through his hair dramatically.
Oh yeah, I bet I look so cool right now!
After a few moments, Zack coughed. He couldnt get distracted, no matter how handsome he looked.
I need to keep my spiritual cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Zack could feel it itching to break through to the Core Formation stage. But he firmly reined it back. For the tournament, he intended to compete at the Foundation Establishment level where he would have the greatest advantage. There was no need to rush into the Early Core Formation stage against all those Peak experts.
Thanks but no thanks, Zack thought, nodding to himself.
He planned to simply make the breakthrough inside the sealed realm instead. That''s why reaching Peak Foundation Establishment now was so crucial. As a dual cultivator, Zack knew he wouldn''t be quite so outmatched when the Core Formation cultivators entered the Nascent Soul Realm.
With the treasures the main body gave me, I should be able to achieve my goal in the Sealed Realm.
Arriving at his destination, Zack looked down at the scroll in his hand, checking the instructions one last time. His body cultivation level already hovered at Late Foundation Establishment from the main body passing the early stages.
Now it was time for the final push to Peak.
Zack hovered over the base of the Lightning Peak Mountain, a place coveted by all lightning-aligned cultivators. The very core of the mountain was said to harbour a rare Heaven Rank treasure that attracted heavenly lightning, the strikes growing even more frequent and intense the higher one ascended.
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Though impressive, such lightning tempering grounds could be found in all the top sects across the Mortal Realm. The reason why it was so common was because the benefits were limited to those below the Origin Realm.
But thats good enough for me.
The Lightning Peak Mountain was separated into nine sections.
The first two sections were for Qi Refining cultivators, the third and fourth sections were for Foundation Establishment cultivators, the fifth and sixth sections were for Core Formation, whilst the seventh and eighth sections were for Nascent Soul cultivators.
As for the ninth sectionit was for the breakthrough to Origin Realm.
All Zack had to do was bear with the fourth section.
Doesn''t sound too bad, hopefully it isn''t too painfulwell it doesnt really matter, I better start climbing!
Lightning flashed overhead in agreement.
Zack landed lightly on top of the rocks. Immediately a bolt of lightning cracked down from above, splicing through the space he had just occupied. Zack didn''t move, allowing the violet fork to splash over his body.
Rather than turning him to ash, the lightning was rapidly absorbed. Zack closed his eyes briefly, sensing the lightning qi flowing in a spiral as it circulated through his meridians, subtly enhancing his muscles, organs, and bones.
Opening his eyes, Zack continued onward. The strikes came faster and stronger in the second region, though still manageable. Only at the third section did he need to slow his pace, each Foundation Establishment level bolt requiring more time to temper his body without harm.
Finally entering the fourth section, Zack had to stop completely after each step, the force of the blows nearly buckling his knees.
Gritting his teeth, Zack stood his ground.
Immediately a thick cord of lightning crashed down, the impact driving him to one knee. His teeth ground together as he desperately channelled the Thunder God cultivation method, trying to subdue the volatile energy before it destroyed him.
For those several heart-pounding seconds, Zack grappled with the lightning. It was like a raging dragon, trying to break his will. His meridians felt like they would rupture, his organs were on the verge of liquification.
But Zack only threw his head back and laughed maniacally. "You think that''s enough to make me quit? I''m Zack! A little lightning won''t stop me!"
How could he return to the main body as a failure? He was the avatar; he was created for this exact purpose!
His robes, despite being buffed by runes, had turned to ash, but he wouldnt give up.
Better it than mebut thisthis is enough.
With a roar, Zack summoned his sword from his storage ring and launched himself into the sky, sweat dripping off his face.
It was done. His task was complete.
He had become a Peak Foundation Establishment dual cultivator.
Being an avatar was such exhausting work!
Slifer was back under that frigid waterfall with four massive boulders over his head. The waterfall not only helped strengthen his body but also muffled any embarrassing noises he made as he pushed his limits.
| Ding! |
| Your Avatar Zack Broke Through To The Peak Foundation Establishment Realm |
| Karmic Credits Gained: 250 |
Slifer burst out laughing, the boulders shaking over him. "I''ve lost against myself!"
He and Zack had made a challenge to see whose body could reach the Peak Foundation Establishment stage first.
Since I''m the main body, whenever the avatar wins, so do I. Slifer nodded to himself.
With a final loud grunt, he felt his body break through the bottleneck, the telltale sign of popping tendons announcing his advancement.
| Ding! |
| Congratulations On The Breakthrough To The Peak Foundation Establishment Realm |
| Karmic Credits Gained: 250 |
Only a few seconds late
With a wry grin, Slifer tossed the huge rocks aside and stretched. It always felt strange when he experienced a breakthrough, his body would naturally adapt to the sudden increase in power. Well, as long as he wasnt breaking through multiple stages at once.
| Ding! |
| Your Spiritual & Body Cultivation Are Now Equal |
| You Have Unlocked A Perk! |
| Dual Cultivator Perk: Combining Both Cultivations In Attacks Increases Battle Prowess By 35% |
Slifer''s brows shot up in surprise. He had hoped that something would happen when both his spiritual and body cultivation reached the same stage, he just hadn''t expected a perk. He didn''t even know the System even had such things as perks, it certainly wasn''t in the shop.
Hmm, maybe it''s saved for Version 2.
Reading the description, he nodded to himself.
So this explained the legendary fighting ability of dual cultivators at the same stage. An innate buff was granted to anyone meeting the criteria. Just one more hidden advantage among many it seemed.
As the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect, it would be foolish for him not to read the stories of the exceptional cultivators that graced this world. The stories were not only interesting, but gave him a few ideas on how to increase his battle prowess without having to rely on the System.
At least Zack now has another trump card.
His avatar was already set to dominate the Foundation Establishment tournament. But inside the sealed realm, Zack would need to face the top Core Formation - and even Nascent Soul - experts.
A 35% power boost could prove invaluable, especially when he used some of the toys that Slifer provided him with.
Now I just need a few cards that could keep me alive, Slifers eyes narrowed. The thought of being in the company of the other Ascendants for any duration of time unnerved him.
Now that I have a modest number of credits, I dont have to rely on my luck gambling, Slifer thought as he brought up the System. But the smart thing to do would be to save some credits, who knows, luck may save me once again.
Thirty Minutes Later
Slifer laid back as he closed the Systems interface. Since he entered this new world, he had relied on cards, cards that disappeared after one use.
Now that he wasnt dirt poor, he had the chance to go a...different route.
Master, the Ascendantstheyve arrived
Ah yes, Morvran. Im ready.
More than ready...
Chapter 69: The Night Before The Tournament
Supreme Elder Slifer, nice of you to finally grace us with your presence, Zofia said sarcastically, eyeing the orange-robed man as he strode into the grand hall.
Slifer waved a dismissive hand. Ah, my apologies, as the sole Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect, I actually have responsibilities to attend to, he retorted.
Inwardly, Slifer laughed. Most of those so-called responsibilities he pawned off on his underlings. Wasnt that what they were for after all?
Let them handle the tedious day-to-day affairs while he focused on the important stuff, like pretending to be an Ascendant cultivator when he had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage.
Zofias face darkened at Slifers flippant response, and for a moment it looked as if she might lunge across the table and throttle him. She was too used to letting her fists do the talking whenever she couldnt best someone verbally.
But one humiliating defeat at this mans hands was enough, no matter how much his nonchalant attitude grated on her nerves.
Sensing the tension, Leontius stepped forward, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "Now, now, let''s not argue. It is an honour to be here at the esteemed Black Rose Sect."
Slifer raised an eyebrow. Is this guy being serious? he thought.
Kaelius leaned forward. So wont the Black Rose Sect Master be hosting the tournament himself?
Slifer shook his head. "I''m afraid he is still deep in closed-door cultivation."
Kaelius nodded slowly, a calculating look in his eyes. "I see. Howunfortunate."
"Yes, quite unfortunate indeed," Slifer agreed mildly. "But we will manage somehow in his stead."
Enough wasting time on pleasantries, Astrid cut in impatiently. True to her no-nonsense personality, she wanted to get right down to business. Just show us to our quarters already so we can rest and prepare for the tournament.
Slifer nodded. For formalities-sake, he only came to greet them. He turned to lead them out of the hall. But before he could take a step, Zofia spoke up.
"By the way, it seems the Black Death Sect really isn''t participating this time around."
The Supreme Elders exchanged glances. This was unprecedented - never before had one of the major sects declined to join the tournament and lose their chance to enter the Sealed Realm.
Astrid scowled, crossing her arms. If the Black Death Sect doesnt attend, how will we open the gateway to the Sealed Realm? We each hold a piece of the key. Without their piece...
Each of the major sects held a fragment of the key needed to open the path to the Sealed Realm. Without all the pieces united, it would be nearly impossible to breach its defences, even for Ascendant cultivators.
"I contacted their Sect Master after he failed to appear for the Ascendant Meet," Leontius explained. "He assured me that if the Black Death disciples do not come, he will send an envoy with their key fragment."
"If?" Zofia echoed, one elegant eyebrow raised.
"It seems there is still a chance they may participate after all," Kaelius mused.
Astrid shook her head firmly. "Missing the Ascendant Meet is the same as forfeiting their right to join the tournament. If they want to enter the Sealed Realm, they''ll have to do it through the one guaranteed slot allowed for their sect."
"I agree," said Zofia. "The rules clearly state-"
"Now, let''s not be too hasty," Leontius gently interrupted. "I''m sure if we give them a chance to explain themselves, this can all be resolved amicably."
Zofia whirled on him. "If I didn''t know how naive you Pure Sect cultivators are, I''d think you were secretly a demon yourself with how much you defend them!"
Leontius simply sighed and shook his head. There was no reasoning with that woman once she got an idea in her mind.
Slifer observed all this whilst trying to hold back a laugh. The politics of the so-called righteous path were endlessly entertaining.
Zofia seemed satisfied that the matter was settled, at least for now. She turned her gaze back to Slifer. Well, what are you waiting for? Lead the way.
Suppressing a sigh at the pushy woman, Slifer proceeded out of the hall, the four Ascendant cultivators trailing behind him.
This was going to be a long month.
William laid awake in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Tomorrow morning was the start of the Intersect Tournament - his chance to secure a slot to enter the Sealed Realm.
Just thinking about it made his heart race with anticipation. And nerves. Mostly nerves, if he was being honest.
Could he actually win one of the open slots? As an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator, the odds were stacked against him. The field would be packed with Peak Foundation Establishment opponents.
William gritted his teeth, hands clenching the blankets.
He wasnt confident. And William hated feeling uncertain.
Ever since that night when that man visited his family home, Williams cocky confidence had wavered. It was the first time he truly comprehended how powerless he was, how fragile his familys lives hung by a thread at the whims of those stronger than himself.
If he wanted to protect them, he had no choice but to become a puppet on the mans strings. Securing a spot in the Sealed Realm was the first step, though William still did not fully understand the mans ultimate goals.
The Black Rose Sects resources were the only reason he managed to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage at all. But would that be enough?
You don''t have a choice, he reminded himself. His family''s safety depended on him securing a spot in the tournament. The man had been very clear - succeed, and his family would be spared. Fail, and...
William shoved that thought away. He refused to fail.
At least the man had provided some resources to help him accomplish that goal: treasures and talismans that William could activate once inside the Sealed Realm itself.
The rules of the Intersect Tournament forbid the use of external tools, restricting cultivators to only their personal skills and weapons.
A buzzing sensation in his mind interrupted William''s brooding. The communication talisman! Heart racing, he jumped out of bed and hurriedly threw on a dark robe.
The sensation grew more intense as William slipped out of his room, keeping to the shadows as he navigated the dim halls. Despite the late hour, the sect was still bustling with activity as disciples finished their preparations for tomorrow.
He spotted several Disciplinary Hall disciples patrolling the grounds, on the lookout for any troublemakers. William held his breath as he snuck past, praying they wouldn''t sense his presence.
After what felt like an eternity, William made it through the sect entrance and escaped into the forest. Only once he was certain he hadn''t been followed did he dare pull out the glowing talisman.
"Yes, I''m here," he whispered into the stone.
A deep voice came from the talisman. "Is everything prepared?"
William''s jaw clenched. "Yes. As you instructed."
The voice chuckled. "Excellent. Remember, activate it as soon as you get near the target. This is almost over - succeed, and your family will be safe."
"...I understand," William bit out, even as doubts flooded his mind. Could he really trust the word of this mysterious man?
But what choice did he have?
Clenching the talisman tightly, William steeled himself for what was to come. Soon, everything would change - for better or worse.
Man, youre so lucky you got your own place, Dusty said through a mouthful of bone as he lounged back on Nomeds bed. Youve got your own chef, no chores, servants to boss around whenever you want.
Nomed smiled at his plump friend. To Dusty, this luxurious lifestyle must seem like paradise compared to the rugged training under his strict master.
Its not all fun and games, Nomed replied lightly. Being alone can weigh on you after a while. Im grateful for Master Slifers generosity, but I do miss having you around to liven things up.
That seemed to delight Dusty. Beaming, he chomped down on another bone from the pile on the bed. Nomed wasnt sure where his friend kept getting these bones from, and he wasnt certain he wanted to know. Dustys cultivation method seemed to have some...unique aspects.
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Well, you dont gotta worry about me and Master Morvran! Dusty declared, bits of bone flying. Hes got me on this special training regimen to help my cultivation. Although... Here, Dusty scowled. Hes making me grow my own food! Can you believe it?
Nomed raised an eyebrow curiously. What do you mean grow it?
Its part of my new cultivation method - The Way of the Cock, Dusty explained through his perpetual mouthful of food. I gotta raise chickens from eggs, care for em and stuff, let em grow big and healthy. Then, when the times right, I absorb their energy to aid my cultivation!
Nomed frowned, not quite following Dustys rambling explanation. But cant you just buy full-grown chickens from the market and use those? Seems much easier than raising them yourself.
Dusty adamantly shook his head, strands of his black hair swinging. Nah, doesnt work like that. The method said I gotta raise em myself, from eggs to chickens. Something about the process strengthening my spirit or whatever. He shrugged. Mainly its just a lotta boring work. But Master Morvran said its necessary, so I gotta do it.
Huh, Nomed replied. Thats quite an unusual method. Are you making much progress with it?
At this, Dusty laughed sheepishly. I dunno. See, the first chicken I raised, Ol Clucky...me and him got kinda close, yknow? Spent every day together, fed him the best seeds and bugs. Id chat with him while we walked the grounds.
Dustys expression turned reflective. Ol Clucky was a good listener. Squawked back now and then, but mostly let me ramble.
Nomed nodded as he listened patiently.
So yeah, me and Clucky got to be buddies, Dusty continued, snacking on a rib bone now. But then, when it came time for the ritual harvestin...I dunno what happened exactly. Its all a blur. But next thing I knew, I was surrounded by bloody bones, hands covered in feathers, and one very satisfied belly.
He blinked at Nomed. Weird, huh?
Nomed stared. That was certainly not the heartwarming conclusion he anticipated. Trust Dusty to turn a charming tale into something much more macabre.
Well, Master Morvran said that was a good sign! Dusty went on cheerfully. Means my cultivation instincts are developing well. Anyway, now Im raising Clucky the Second. Hopefully the harvest goes smoother this time.
I see, Nomed said slowly. Well, Im glad your training is progressing, if a bit unconventionally.
Nomed felt relieved his friend would not be participating in the tournament. As an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator, Dusty didn''t meet the qualification standards to enter the tournament. The Sealed Realm would be dangerous enough without Dusty losing himself in some feeding frenzy at an inopportune moment.
As if reading his mind, Dusty flopped back on the bed with a sigh of content. Yep, no big tournament for me! Dont gotta worry bout fighting other disciples or crazy life-or-death battles. Too much effort. Im happy sticking to my chickens.
Nomed chuckled. It does sound exhausting. Best leave the glory-seeking to the others.
Inwardly though, his thoughts took a more sombre turn. Dusty was right to be grateful he could avoid the tournament. With everything looming on the horizon, it was better if his friend remained far away from the coming storm.
Nomed repressed a wince as a familiar burning sensation erupted across his chest. Speaking of his role, it seemed events were being set in motion once again tonight.
He hid his discomfort behind an easy smile. Its getting late, Nomed said apologetically. I should rest before tomorrow.
Oh yeah, good idea! Dusty said, sitting up and brushing bone fragments off the sheets. Big day comin up. You gonna kick butt in that tournament! I know you got this.
Thank you, my friend, Nomed replied. Ill do my best.
After Dusty left, Nomed waited several minutes before slipping a black robe over his sleep clothes and disappearing into the night.
Kaelius sat stiffly on the cushion the Black Rose Sect had so generously provided, gazing around his lavish quarters with thinly veiled disgust.
This place dares call itself a demonic sect?
The environment was fit for royalty, not proper demonic cultivators.
In Kaelius'' own Black Heart Sect, disciples lived in harsh conditions like inside a volatile volcano.
And rather than wasting resources on such useless luxuries, the Black Heart Sects funds went towards more practical things - like weapons, assassination equipment, and information gathering.
Not that they needed money when anything they desired could simply be taken by force.
It was survival of the fittest - the weak culled out quickly in the merciless environment. Only the strongest, most ruthless cultivators thrived.
Kaelius curled his lip contemptuously. The Black Rose Sect was soft, an insult to everything demonic cultivation stood for. They even allowed laughter and cheer in their streets - outrageous!
He wondered if their disciples even killed each other over treasure. They behaved more like a righteous sect.
Well, he wouldn''t have to tolerate it for much longer. Closing his eyes, Kaelius extended his spiritual sense past the confines of his room, stealthily probing through the sect. He took care to avoid the residences housing the other Ascendant cultivators; no need to arouse undue suspicion.
Satisfied he wasn''t being observed, Kaelius'' mouth curved into a razor-thin smile. In a blur of shadow, he slipped out into the night.
Kaelius flitted through the Black Rose Sect under the cover of darkness, disdainfully eying the ostentatious buildings and perfectly manicured gardens. How disgustingly decadent.
One figure caught his eye - a young man dressed in dark robes making his way toward the sect gates.
How curious...what business did he have sneaking away on this eve of all nights?
Examining closely, Kaelius saw the youth had only reached the Early Foundation Establishment Realm. In other words, a nobody. Whatever mischief he was up to, it would have no impact on someone of Kaelius'' stature.
Dismissing the matter, Kaelius shifted his attention elsewhere. There was little of interest occurring within the disciples'' residences. No, what Kaelius sought was information on the Black Rose Sect''s greatest secret - their Sect Master.
Rumoured to be secluded in attempt to reach the Immortal stage, the Sect Master''s hidden location was not known to anyone. But Kaelius was not so easily deterred.
If the Black Rose Sect Master was in the middle of a breakthrough, then that would be the best time for him to strike!
Devouring his cultivation will be enough to attempt my own breakthroughKaelius grinned.
Extending his spiritual sense towards the sect headquarters, Kaelius searched for anything out of the ordinary. He knew all sects had secret chambers and facilities hidden away, even from their own members.
There - along the edge of his sense, Kaelius detected several powerful energy signatures that were trying to appear inconspicuous gathered in one area. Upon closer inspection, they were shockingly all at the Origin Realm!
For so many Origin Realm masters to be clustered together could only mean one thing: they were standing as guards over something...or rather, someone.
Found you at last.
Locking onto the Origin Realm experts'' positions, he traced their presence deeper into the sect. Their trail led to a hidden cave entrance secreted away in a remote mountain valley.
How delightfully sinister, Kaelius thought, lips curling. Finally, something befitting the alleged demonic nature of this sect.
He dissolved into shadow and slipped past the entrance, descending into the cavernous tunnels below.
Immediately, a powerful demonic aura blasted his face, so concentrated it was nearly tangible. Kaelius'' cultivation method activated as it greedily drank it in.
Delicious...
The farther in he went, the more the demonic energy grew.
An unsettling roar echoed up ahead, reverberating off the stone walls.
This was no ordinary demonic cultivation, Kaelius hesitated. Just what was the Black Rose Sect Master doing down here?
Before he could proceed further, an enormous cavern opened up before him. Kaelius'' pupils contracted to pinpricks, and he inhaled sharply.
Lurking in the shadows was a hulking form, crimson eyes glowing as they fixed on him.
"Demon!" he choked out before the world went dark.
Chapter 70: Let The Intersect Tournament Commence!
Zack walked into the grand arena, casually taking in the sights around him. The massive stadium had been hastily constructed by the Black Rose Sect in preparation for the upcoming Intersect Tournament.
The entire structure looked freshly cut from black marble, with towering stands that would soon be filled by thousands of spectators.
It was clear that the Black Rose Sect had spared no expense when it came to hosting the tournament.
Despite the early hour, the stands were already beginning to fill as disciples and spectators alike fought for the best views of the tournament stage below. Excited chatter hummed through the crowds as friends called out greetings and rivals traded taunts.
Zack''s gaze swept over the disciples gathered in the arena''s centre, all clustered in their sect groupings. He spotted a few familiar faces from the Black Rose Sect and walked over to join them.
"Junior Brother Zack!" a cheerful voice called out.
Zack turned to see Hughie elbowing his way through the crowd towards him, a wide grin splitting his face.
Once he reached Zack, Hughie clapped him on the back, "Man, can you believe this place? The tournament''s gonna be epic!" Lowering his voice, he added, "And when you make it into the Sealed Realm, your senior brother''s got your back. My luck''s gotta rub off on you at some point!"
Zack laughed. Having Hughie''s notorious bouts of fortune on his side certainly wouldn''t hurt. He still remembered how it saved the Main Bodys hide a few times. "I''ll hold you to that, Senior Brother."
To Zacks surprise, he and Hughie got on quite well. Unlike with the Main Body, Hughie seemed quite laid-back and relaxed around him, he even made a few jokes here and there.
Noticing two more familiar figures, Hughie waved them over. "Caelum! Amelia! Come join us!"
As the two walked over, Amelia gave Zack a slow, heated once-over that made him resist the urge to take a step back.
Really, being cursed with such devilish good looks can be a hassle at times, Zack sighed as though it wasnt the Main Body who meticulously crafted his body. Well, I guess with great power comes great responsibility.
"Lets join the other disciples in the waiting area," Caelum suggested. He gestured towards the tunnel leading under the arena floor. "Well be summoned when its time."
The group nodded, moving to follow the steady stream of disciples. Zack glanced around, realising that one disciple was missing.
"Has anyone seen Nomed?"
The disciples glanced at each other and shook their heads.
"You know how he is, always wandering off on his own for who knows what," Hughie said. "I''m sure he''ll turn up sooner or later."
What was that kid up to when he vanished like that? Zack wondered. Eh, its not my problem, keeping disciples in check is the Main Bodys job!
Shaking his head, Zack turned his attention to the other disciples filling the tunnel. With over a few hundred Foundation Establishment contenders, seeking out potential troublemakers would prove tricky.
Someones watching me
A prickle on the back of his neck made him glance over to find none other than Ziven staring back at him.
No, not me.
The Heavenly Light disciple was actually glaring at Amelia, the animosity was nearly palpable even from a distance.
Glare all you want; you dont have long to live anyway.
Scanning the crowds again, Zack spotted another knot of disciples gathered around one Heavenly Light disciple in particular. The slender youth ignored those vying for his attention, though his posture suggested that he enjoyed the fawning.
It was none other than Arkan, a well-known prodigy even in the Heavenly Light Sect. According to Morvran''s intelligence reports, the youth resented Ziven for stealing some of his limelight as a newcomer to the sect.
Now there was a possibility worth entertaining, Zack mused.
Stoking the flames of rivalry to spur Arkan into confronting Ziven during the tournament could produce some entertaining chaos and who knows, it may even weaken the Son of Heaven.
If you want to kill a Son of Heaven, you gotta play dirty.
Before Zack could further ponder this, shouts erupted from his left. Whipping his head around, he spotted a hulking White Tiger Sect disciple stomping through the passageway. Zack guessed that he had to be at least seven and a half feet tall.
As the White Tiger disciple strode by, even some of the Core Formation competitors shuffled out of his path. The man''s cultivation base fluctuations identified him as a solid Peak Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator.
A dual cultivator! Zack felt a spike of excitement.
He hadnt expected to see another cultivator like himself.
The White Tiger Sect was notorious for producing beast-like combat fanatics.
And a dual cultivator had ''difficult opponent'' written all over him.
An image of the huge disciple and Zack exchanging earth-shattering blows flashed through his mind.
Smirking to himself, Zack decided finding the opportunity to face off against this brute in the arena could make the tournament somewhat less monotonous.
The Main Body wants me to breeze through the competition, but where was the fun in that?
Zack''s musings were cut short by another commotion, this time it was to his right. He glanced over to see a cultivator from the Black Heart Sect go flying through the air before crashing into the wall.
"Keep your filthy hands to yourself, worm!" a familiar voice snapped.
Zack blinked in surprise to see Amelia standing there, wiping her hands as she glowered at the fallen cultivator.
Interesting.
He had naturally assumed the girl must have started the altercation given hervolatile temperament. Apparently, there was more to the situation.
Slowly sitting up, the Black Heart disciple wiped blood from his mouth with the back of one hand. The air around him rippled with qi as he fixed Amelia with a venomous glare.
"You should be grateful that I would even spare you the slightest notice," the man spat.
Zack scrutinized the disciple, sensing the cultivation base of a peak Core Formation Realm cultivator.
Not bad but I dont think he has what it takes to beat Amelia.
Before the man could stand, a sudden pressure slammed down on him, forcing him back to his knees.
Caelum''s eyes had sharpened, bearing down on the Black Heart disciple with overwhelming intensity. Even though he knew Amelia could handle herself, he couldnt help but get involved, he hated those who preyed on women.
"A sword cultivator!" someone exclaimed.
Only someone who had attained the rare Sword Soul Realm could exert such formidable pressure without leaking the slightest bit of energy.
Sneering, the Black Heart disciple moved to stand but before things could escalate further, an ear-splitting chime rang out through the arena.
"Take your places, disciples! The first competition will soon begin!" Elder Fred''s voice boomed overhead.
"Guess playtime''s over," Hughie said, cracking his knuckles. "Let''s go prove why our sect''s the best!"
Zack took one last sweeping look across the arena, imprinting the faces of the more interesting opponents to memory.
When next they met, it would be as enemies.
"Right," he murmured. "Let the games begin."
Five Minutes Ago
Seated comfortably in the highest booth overlooking the arena, Slifer stroked the scaly head of the baby dragon perched on his shoulder. Little Val peered down at the bustling crowds below, her slitted eyes bright with curiosity.
"Why can''t I join the tournament too?" she spoke up, turning her big eyes up at Slifer. "It looks like fun!"
Slifer chuckled, reaching up to stroke her scaly head. "I''m afraid not, little one. The tournament is only open to human disciples below the Nascent Soul stage."
And Val was neither human nor below Nascent Soul.
Val''s eyes rounded in surprise. "Oh! Val is too strong for humans?"
Slifer laughed. "Yes, far too strong for them, I''m afraid. You''d gobble them all up without even trying!"
He tickled her belly, and she released a small burp of flame in protest, though looking rather pleased by the assessment of her skills.
"So Val can''t play with them?"
"If you played with them, it could be considered bullying," Slifer explained patiently. "We need to let the others have a fair chance to compete as well."
The lie rolled smoothly off his tongue. The tournament was rigged to favour his disciples, Slifer didnt care about playing fair. Playing fair in a xianxia world only got you killed.
But Slifer didnt enjoy lying, especially to little Val.
However, it was his job to turn her into a righteous dragon.
If there even was such a thing.
Val mulled over Slifer''s words for a few seconds before nodding. "I don''t want to be a bully," she declared. "Master said being a bully is bad."
"Exactly right," Slifer praised, smiling at this small sign of moral development. He popped a cinnamon candy from his robe pocket into her mouth as a reward.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
It wasn''t the human meat she craved, but it would do the job.
For now.
One by one, the Ascendant cultivators from the other sects began filing into the adjoining booths reserved for them. Slifer greeted them lazily through half-lidded eyes.
When the last booth remained empty, Astrid broke the silence. "Where is Kaelius? Did anyone see the Black Heart Sect Master arrive?"
The other Ascendants shook their heads. None of them had seen the Black Heart Sect Master since yesterday.
"Funny you should mention that," Slifer remarked lightly as he reached into his spatial ring.
He brought out an item - a gold key etched with black runes.
"One of my patrols found this dropped near our sect''s southern border."
Zofia''s eyes narrowed. "Why do you have Kaelius'' key fragment? What have you done with him?"
"Now hold on," Leontius interjected gently. "Let''s not jump to conclusions. I''m certain there''s a reasonable explanation."
"Was there any other sign of Kaelius?" Astrid butted in.
Slifer shook his head, keeping his expression neutral. "My men scoured the region thoroughly but found no traces. As you know, when an Ascendant truly does not wish to be found..."
He trailed off with a shrug. The implication was clear - if Kaelius had gone into hiding, no one short of an Immortal Realm expert would be capable of locating him against his will.
"Preposterous!" Zofia snapped, crossing her arms. "You expect us to believe an Ascendant cultivator just happened to disappear without a trace while visiting your sect? Do you take us for fools?"
Ah Zofia, always quick to think the worst of people, Slifer resisted the urge to rub his temples at the headache he could already feel developing.
However, he couldnt blame her, it did sound suspicious.
He had known revealing Kaelius'' key would arouse the others suspicion. But if he had withheld it only to produce the artifact later during the opening of the Sealed Realm, it would have made him appear even more untrustworthy.
If he was the Ascendant cultivator that he pretended to be, then avoiding conflict wouldn''t matter to him.
And unfortunately there was simply no graceful way to handle the Black Heart Sect leader''s unexpected disappearance.
"While I dont claim to know what happened to Sect Master Kaelius, I can assure you I played no part in it," Slifer said evenly, meeting Zofia''s hostile gaze. "Are you really suggesting I have the ability to overpower and dispose of a cultivator of Kaelius'' level without anyone else detecting anything?"
Zofia''s eyes flashed, but she held her tongue.
Cultivators at their level could be defeated by others in the same realm, but they were incredibly difficult to kill, they just had too many life-saving treasures.
And for one to go missing without being able to alert anyone? Even she knew that sounded ridiculous.
"Enough speculation. If the Black Rose Sect intended to attack us, why wait until now? They could have ambushed us from the beginning." She eyed Kaelius'' key fragment. "All that matters is we have his piece. I''m sure Kaelius will turn up eventually."
With a huff, Zofia settled back in her seat. Unless the Black Rose Sect Master completed his breakthrough, the Black Rose Sect simply didn''t have the qualifications to threaten any of the other major sects.
And if such a breakthrough were to occur, then the mysterious phenomenon that accompanied it couldn''t be hidden.
Crisis averted, Slifer held back a sigh.
"Please inform us if you learn anything more of Kaelius'' whereabouts," Leontius requested.
"You have my word." Slifer inclined his head, though he was sceptical whether the word of a demonic cultivator meant anything.
He certainly wouldnt be na?ve enough to believe it.
Slifer had his suspicions about the Black Heart Sect Master''s sudden disappearance. But voicing them now would only rouse further suspicion.
Better to keep it to himself for the time being.
Satisfied that the Ascendants were appeased, Slifer signalled for Elder Fred to commence with the opening proceedings.
Its showtime.
Right on cue, the tunnel entrances around the arena''s perimeter shuddered open. What appeared to be a solid stone wall slid apart, revealing the competitors standing ready in the passageways.
Welcome to the Intersect Tournament!" Elder Freds voice boomed through the arena. "You have met the criteria to enter the tournament. Now is your chance to earn a slot to enter the Sealed Realm!
The disciples below stood straighter, pride and excitement on their faces. Entering the Sealed Realm could change their fates, those that were destined to die as mediocre could become the rising stars of the younger generation.
"Two parallel tournaments will take place simultaneously over this coming month," Fred continued. "One for the Core Formation disciples, and one for Foundation Establishment."
The disciples listened intently. The tournament structure was familiar to them already.
"Five total spots to enter the Sealed Realm will be awarded to each group," the elder said, holding up five fingers.
"Now, onto the first stage." He waved a sleeve, conjuring glowing images of two contrasting environments. It will take place in two pocket realms we have prepared."
Pocket realms were similar to mini-sealed realms. Like the name suggested, they were much smaller in size. It was normal for sects to have a few in their possession.
"The Foundation Establishment group will be entering the Forest of Whispering Shadows." The image depicted a misty, gloomy woodland. "As for the Core Formation group, they will enter the Valley of Scattered Flames." This realm showed a fiery landscape of lava flows and smoky fissures.
"Participants will be divided randomly into teams of three. Each team will be sent into separate pocket realms containing one Yin scroll and one Yang scroll."
Fred allowed dramatic pause before continuing. "And of course, all team members must remain alive to pass," Elder Fred added. "The rules are simple - work together and survive."
This announcement was met by muted mumbles as the disciples sized up potential allies and enemies. Teams would cut across sect divisions, forcing cooperation with rivals.
The demonic cultivators in particular seemed disgruntled. Trust did not come naturally to them under the best circumstances. Relying on unknown teammates could prove disastrous.
For once, the righteous cultivators shared their reluctance. How could they place their fates in the hands of those who walked the demonic path? Even with rules compelling cooperation, they still hesitated to trust those deviants.
Could they truly cooperate?
Raising his hands for silence, Elder Fred went on. The team assignments will now be determined.
With another gesture, a wooden barrel etched with glowing symbols appeared on the ground. Each of you, come forth and draw a marked stone. The number will assign you to your team.
Before the first eager disciple could rush forward, a powerful pressure abruptly weighed down on the arena, stopping everyone cold. Gasps and shouts erupted as all heads craned skyward.
There, a flying ship broke through the clouds before descending towards the tournament grounds. The disciples could make out a dark, hooded figure standing atop the deck.
The cloaked man leapt over the side, landing cat-like on the booth holding the Ascendant beings. Pulling back the hood, the figure revealed itself, it was the Black Death Sect Master!
What is the meaning of this, Vowron? Zofia demanded, on her feet. The Black Death Sect forfeited their tournament rights by not attending the Ascendant Meet.
The Black Death Sect Master chuckled, unbothered by her attitude. Come now, lets not fuss over technicalities between friends. He walked towards the empty booth. Surely one more competitor would make things...interesting.
Absolutely not, Astrid declared, rising to join Zofia. The rules clearly state any sect absent from the Meet relinquishes their entry eligibility.
"It sounds like youre making excuses, do you fear facing true competition?" Vowron raised an eyebrow.
"Why you-!" Zofia looked ready to leap down and throttle the man herself. Only Leontius hand on her shoulder kept her rooted in place.
But the Black Death Sect Master merely smirked at the Ascendants. If you brought the Heavenly Light''s esteemed Sect Master, I may have backed down, he purred. But against the likes of you? I think not.
To emphasize his point, he unleashed the full pressure of his cultivation base. The sheer power forced Zofia and Leontius back into their seats. Only Astrid managed to remain standing, though uneasily.
Peak Ascendant Realm!
The Ascendants all turned to Slifer. Not only was he supposedly the most powerful amongst them but he was the host, this was his mess to deal with.
Dammit, why does this keep happening? What should I do? I cant afford to reveal my trump cards, at least, not so soon.
Chapter 71: A Traitor?
Insight!
| Name |
Vowron |
| Realm |
Half-Step Immortal Realm |
| Known Techniques |
N/A |
| Known Affiliations |
N/A |
| Dispostion |
N/A |
| Comprehension |
5 |
| Luck |
5 |
| Talent |
6 |
| Will |
5 |
So, the man already has a foot in the Immortal Realm. It seems this tournament just became a little less boring, Slifer held back a frown.
He wasn''t happy.
Boring was good, boring was safe!
Based on Vowron''s attitude, Slifer guessed that the Black Death Sect Master likely aimed to goad him into a confrontation, then use him as a punching bag to show off his new cultivation to the other sects.
However, Slifer had no desire to be anyones puppet, least of all a punching bag!
Like hell Im humiliating myself for your amusement, Vowron.
As much as Slifer wished to put the arrogant devil in his place, he knew revealing his trump cards this soon would be unwise.
Diplomacy it is
Rising to his feet, Slifer felt the anxious gazes of the other Ascendants fix on him, anticipating and perhaps even desiring a clash between the two.
"Vowron is absolutely right," Slifer declared, flashing a carefree grin. "The more competitors we have, the more exciting the tournament will be!"
Vowron''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. This was clearly not the reaction he had expected.
Slifer smiled and waved a hand invitingly. "By all means, join us! I look forward to seeing what your disciples can do against the best of our sects."
Recovering quickly, Vowron returned Slifer''s smile. "You are too gracious, Supreme Elder," he said smoothly. "I appreciate you seeing reason."
The other Ascendants exchanged wary glances, suspicion etched on their faces. Clearly they wondered whether the two demonic cultivators were in collusion against them.
Little Val tugged worriedly on Slifer''s sleeve. "Master, that strange man feels scary," she whispered.
I agree! Slifer cried.
However outwardly, he smiled and gave the dragon a reassuring pat. "Not to worry, I won''t let anyone hurt you, little one." He slipped her another cinnamon candy to distract her.
It worked.
Val''s small face immediately brightened. "Master is the best!
With Vowron now seated, the Black Death Sect disciples disembarked from the flying ship and joined the other competitors on the arena floor. Slifer watched as the team allocation process resumed.
When it came time for Hughie to draw his number, Slifer had to resist a knowing smile. Through a bit of trickery beforehand, Elder Fred had secretly marked the stones corresponding to the qi of Slifers disciples.
Just as Slifer anticipated, Hughie picked up a stone carved with the number nine.
Excellent. Now to get the other two on the same team.
Shortly after, Amelia approached and also selected the stone marked with the number nine. She shot Hughie a smile as she came to stand beside him. Finally, Caelum drew the same stone.
"Well, well, what a fortuitous coincidence," Zofia remarked drily, casting Slifer a pointed look. "One might even say this assignment process seems downright rigged."
Slifer simply laughed. "Come now, Zofia. You can only blame the Heavens for my luck."
He glanced down at Val who bobbed her head in fervent agreement. "Master said lying is bad. He would never ever cheat!"
Slifer nodded, ignoring the twinge of guilt he felt at the baby dragon''s trust in him. Sometimes cheating was necessary, he reassured himself.
"Of course not," Zofia said flatly, clearly unconvinced. With a resigned sigh, she settled back into her seat.
A sect securing small advantages for its own members was simply expected when hosting tournaments such as these. Her own Heavenly Light Sect had certainly rigged things in their favour during previous tournaments.
At least the teams appear evenly matched otherwise, Zofia noted.
The random assignment process resulted in most groups comprised of disciples from different sects.
In comparison, Slifer''s handpicked team of top Black Rose disciples would have a distinct edge in cooperation. She hated to admit it, but they did have an advantage this round.
Thirty minutes later
With the Core Formation teams allocated, it was time for the Foundation Establishment disciples. Slifer watched idly as they approached one-by-one to draw their numbers. Most knew better than to outwardly react to their new teammates, though Slifer noticed more than a few poorly concealed grimaces.
When William stepped up, Slifer observed closely. He remembered William. During the Disciple Selection Ceremony, the other Grand Elders expected Slifer to take him on.
However, Slifer knew that whilst the boys stats were decent, they were not enough to catch the eye of a Grand Elder, let alone a Supreme Elder. He didnt know how he did it, but Slifer knew that William had cheated.
He was a motivated young man, willing to do whatever it took to succeed. And that was what Slifer was looking for.
He could be a good teammate for Zack.
William drew a stone engraved with the number three. Though he kept his face impassive, his breathing quickened. Slifer could sense the boy''s anxiety. William knew that passing the first stage greatly depended on having good teammates.
Haha, dont worry lad, Ive got that sorted for you, Slifer held back a laugh, he could get used to playing the strings behind the scene.
This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
A few more disciples were given their numbers before Nomed, who had arrived just before Elder Freds announcement, stepped forth.
Slifer wasnt surprised when Nomed also selected the stone marked three.
Zack, Nomed, and William... Together, they should be one of the stronger groups in the Foundation Establishment Realm.
William''s eyes narrowed slightly. He did not like or trust Nomed. Though he would never admit it aloud, he felt inferior to the talented village boy who had risen so quickly in the sect.
However, remembering his family''s fate depended on him entering the Sealed Realm, William swallowed his pride. Nomed''s skills could help him pass this stage.
I guess I could partner up with a village boy, William thought, giving Nomed a slight nod as the other disciple joined him.
After several more team allocations, it was finally Zacks turn!
Zack sauntered up to the stone barrel, fully expecting the number three to be etched into the one that called to him. The Main Body already rigged this entire process in his favour, after all. This would be child''s play.
He plunged his hand inside, grabbing onto the fragment that he felt calling to him. Without even glancing at it, he turned to head towards William and Nomed''s side. But halfway there he froze, smile disappearing as he read the number on the fragment - five.
Five! How was that possible? Did the Main Body somehow make a mistake? Zack snuck a look at Slifer, who with his wrinkly face couldnt look anymore disinterested. But Zack could tell by the slight twitch on his forehead that the Main Body was just as stunned as him.
The Main Body didnt knowwhich means...sabotage!
Someone or something interfered.
Has my identity been exposed? But why target something so trivial as team assignments?
Itit doesnt make sense!
Unless... A chill ran down Zack''s spine. Could this be the work of Heaven''s Will itself? Striking back against the Main Body?
A pointed cough from Elder Fred jolted Zack from his spiralling speculation. "If you''re quite done gawking, boy, move along now. Others are still waiting for their turn."
"Er, right. Sorry." Zack shook himself out of his stupor and headed over to join the other disciple who drew stone number five.
As he took his place, Zack looked at his new teammate C a pale, silent girl from the Black Death Sect.
She spared him a single impassive glance before turning away.
Zack resisted the urge to scowl. Well isnt this just fantasticnothing says fun times ahead like getting partnered with the living embodiment of a K-drama gothic vampire.
Hopefully the third member would be more talkative. As much as Zack enjoyed listening to his own voice, talking to himself grew tedious and would probably draw unwanted attention that he did not need.
After several more students, a tall, wiry Black Death disciple shuffled over to join them. Sharp cheekbones, sunken eyes, sallow complexion - yep, definitely some undead blood in this one. Maybe a zombie?
Plastering on a friendly grin, Zack stuck out his hand. "Name''s Zack! Let''s all get along now."
The boy ignored his outstretched hand, face expressionless. Zack let his arm drop, smile growing strained.
O-kay then. Looked like sparkling conversation was off the table.
Noticing the unexpected grouping, Vowron called over to Slifer, "It seems our disciples will be teammates. How fortunate!"
Slifer forced a smile. "Yes, my disciple is lucky to have yours." Inwardly, he thought the opposite. He did not trust these Black Death disciples one bit.
Vowron shook his head. "Come now, let us not pretend luck had anything to do with this." His knowing look made Slifer''s eyes narrow.
The Black Death Sect only arrived as the Intersect Tournament was beginning, they didnt have time to interfere with the stone markings.
Unlesstheres a traitor!
It wasnt unusual for spies to be hidden within the ranks of sects. Only a foolish Sect Master would refrain from sending spies to other sects. What troubled Slifer was that the traitor was targeting Zack or maybehim?
The Black Heart Sect Masters disappearancethe traitor targeting meSlifers eyes flashed.
Ever since he had entered this world, it was one problem after another.
He was not surprised that a tournament was no longer a simple tournament.
Something was going on, and he needed to find out what.
Morvran, I need you and Kalin to
With all the teams decided, Elder Fred raised his hands. "The first stage will now begin!
He lifted two cubes in his palms - one fiery red, one emerald green. With a flick of his wrists, he sent them flying towards the disciples below. The red cube landed amongst the Core Formation competitors, while the green one reached the Foundation Establishment group.
"Take hold of the cube with your team to activate the teleportation portal," Elder Fred explained. "Do not let go until you have crossed over, or you may become separated."
Cries of shock and excitement rang out as the disciples hurried to follow his instructions.
Hughie, Amelia, and Caelum grabbed hands around their cube.
"I''ve got a bad feeling about this," Hughie muttered. "Going through weird portals never ends well for me."
"Oh, stop whining." Amelia snatched his hand along with Caelum''s. Before Hughie could protest further, she channelled her qi into the cube.
"Hey, wait a sec!" Hughie''s panicked voice echoed back right before a fiery portal enveloped the trio.
Zack watched as the Foundation Establishment teams disappeared into green portals. Elder Freds words rang in his head, if he didnt keep a hold of his teammates, he would be separated.
The criteria to pass the first stage stipulated that all team members must be alive. Butit never mentioned anything about being crippled.
He shared the Main Bodys suspicion. He knew that demonic cultivators should never be trusted but something about these two was dangerous, very dangerous.
And Zack definitely did not want to be trapped alone with them.
As much as he craved excitement, Zack did not want to die.
No! Im too young to die, Im only a few weeks old!
The Black Death disciples closed in on either side of Zack, each grabbing one of his arms just before the jade stone arrived.
So, they ignore me when I want a handshake yet this is okay? Zack sighed, feeling their grips tighten around his wrists like iron shackles.
These guys are too shady and I dont have any cards to keep me safe, I need to get out of here! Zack decided as the stone''s teleportation field enveloped them.
He quickly jerked his arms free and leapt backwards.
The Black Death Sect members expressions darkened, reaching forward to grab him.
See you never, Zack laughed, waving as he disappeared into the vortex.
Chapter 72: Valley of Scattered Flames
Valley of Scattered Flames
Hughie let out a startled yelp as he tumbled out of the portal, landing face-first into a pile of thick, mushy muck.
"Ugghh, gross!" he exclaimed, scrambling to his feet. His face was covered in sticky, pungent gunk. He grimaced as he tentatively sniffed the foul substance.
"Oh no...is this what I think it is?"
Of course he would land smack into a pile of Silverspine Ape dung - known throughout the realm for producing the largest, smelliest piles of faeces.
They werent even native to warm terrains, what was the bloody ape doing here?
"This is why I hate portals!" he groused miserably.
The old man''s laughter rang in his head. "Serves you right for not jumping in yourself, boy! A little crap will do you good."
Scowling, Hughie looked around for something to clean himself with. Finding a clear puddle, he hurriedly bent down to splash the water on his face.
"That''s much better-" he broke off with a strangled yelp as Amelia emerged behind him, biting back a smile.
"Pretty sure that puddle is ape piss, Hughie."
Hughie reeled back, every inch of his face burning with humiliation. Just his luck - shit and piss in one fell swoop.
This day just keeps getting better and better.
Seeing his expression, Amelia laughed.
Oh yeah, laugh it up! Hughie shot her a venomous look as he desperately wiped again at his face.
This was all her fault for shoving him into that blasted portal.
As the two bickered, Caelum emerged from the portal. His gaze swept over the fiery landscape - rivers of lava, plumes of toxic gas, jagged cliffs - taking in the Valley of Scattered Flames.
It was a harsh, unforgiving environment.
Caelum closed his eyes, extending his spiritual sense out in all directions. As a sword cultivator, he had honed his spiritual perception to extend exceptionally far.
Amelia watched Caelum closely, arms crossed. Any other teams close enough for me to play with? she asked. Though her tone was nonchalant, her eyes glinted with that familiar sadistic gleam.
After a long moment, Caelum opened his eyes and shook his head. "No one else seems to be nearby," he reported. Given the vast size of the pocket realm, he hadn''t really expected to detect anyone right away. "We appear to be alone for the time being."
Amelia sighed. "Thats a shame. I was hoping to get my hands on some arrogant righteous disciples." Cracking her knuckles, she added, "I would have enjoyed teaching them some manners."
Having finally cleaned himself off using a non-urine puddle, Hughie walked over to them. Alright, we made it here in one piece. Whats the plan?
Caelum paused, considering their options. Master had informed them that the scrolls they needed were protected from traditional spiritual sense somehow. However, he did give them a map.
A map that marked the location of several scrolls!
Normally, Caelum frowned on cheating. As a sword cultivator that now followed the righteous path, he valued honour and fairness.
Master said we must do whatever it takes to succeed, he reminded himself. For the greater good.
Pulling out the map, Caelum pointed to a spot circled in red ink. A scroll is hidden somewhere near here. Its close by, so well start our search there. He traced a finger along the route. Stay within signalling range in case of trouble, he advised. There could be dangerous beasts aboutor worse, humans.
Hughie nodded seriously. After his face-first introduction to the local wildlife, he was taking no chances.
Caelum stored the map back inside his storage ring. Lets begin. And remember, do not take any unnecessary risks.
The three disciples split up, moving deeper into the scorched valley.
Hughie picked his way carefully over the rugged terrain, not daring to fly. Caelum had warned him that it would only expose him to any beasts hidden on land.
The earth rumbled beneath his feet and he eyed the bubbling lava pits warily. One misstep would cook him quicker than a chicken drumstick at a barbecue. The thought made his stomach grumble - when was the last time he''d eaten?
"Scared, boy?" Li Fenghao sneered in his mind. "And to think you joined a demonic sect!"
Hughie scowled. Just because he didn''t want to plunge to a fiery death didn''t mean he was afraid! He was just being careful. Caution was perfectly rational.
"If you say so," Li Fenghao said, clearly unconvinced. "Just focus on finding that scroll."
Hughie nodded, extending his spiritual sense, looking for signs of the hidden scroll. His search proved fruitless.
Master was right, he sighed.
The scroll had a concealment inscription which prevented detection through spiritual sense.
I guess Ill have to locate it the old-fashioned way.
A hiss was his only warning before a snake lashed out from the shadows. Hughie yelped, narrowly evading the surprise attack. The serpent''s fangs grazed his sleeve as he leapt aside.
A tiny, brightly coloured snake lay coiled a few feet away, flicking its tongue. Hughie snorted - this little thing was six inches at best? How cute.
"Im a little big for you fella, dont you think? He laughed as he raised his foot.
He prepared to stomp the Late Core Formation stage reptile to death, but the little thing was a slimy one, easily dodging his attacks.
The two got into a stalemate where neither was able to touch the other.
Noticing the acidic venom spat by the snake, Li Fenghao face-palmed.
The boy was confident, too confident. He clearly needed more humility beaten into him. But the old man stayed silent. Better to let the boy learn from experience.
Nice try little guy, Hughie laughed as he slipped past another venomous strike. Now, ta-
Suddenly, the ground beneath Hughies feet trembled and began caving in! Whoa! He quickly leapt onto his flying sword, staring around in bewilderment as a sinkhole began to form.
What was going on here?
"The snakes venom targeted the ground, you fool!" Li Fenghao snapped.
"So? I can fly just fi- GAH!" Hughie''s retort ended in a strangled yelp as an ear-piercing shriek rang out.
Hughie jerked his head up just as a dark shape plummeted from the smoky sky towards him. Talons slashing, the hawk-like beast barely missed disembowelling him as he desperately rolled his sword aside.
"Okay, flying - very bad idea, Hughie clutched at the long gash torn in his shoulder. "Where the hell did that come from?"
Li Fenghao sighed loudly. "Do I need to explain everything, boy? Use that lump on your shoulders called a brain."
"Uh, yes please explain," Hughie said sheepishly. He knew he could be dense sometimes. "I''d appreciate it, Master Li."
The Greater Immortal pinched the bridge of his nose before responding.
"Clearly that pathetic snake has been hiding from that hawk-like creature," Li Fenghao lectured. "It lured you into the air to make you bait it out.
Hughie''s eyes widened in understanding as he glanced around for the now-vanished serpent. Ooohh, so it made me a distraction to escape! Clever girl."
No, it didnt escape. Its hiding, it wants you to deal with the bird.
"Sneaky little bastard," Hughie grumbled. "Oh well, I''ll leave Feathers up there to Caelum. Fighting airborne sucks."
Hughie shot a quick pulse of qi into the sky to summon his senior brother.
Moments later, Caelum burst into view, sword at the ready as he took in the situation. His gaze flicked from Hughie''s bleeding shoulder to the circling hawk beast and back again.
"I''ll handle this," Caelum said calmly, deflecting an aggressive swoop from the hawk. "You focus on the scroll."
As the two squared off in a blur of feathers and steel, Caelum added, "This is the serpent''s territory, so the invader was likely brought in here by the sect." He swerved around the predator''s claws. "Check its nest, the scroll is probably there."
Brows furrowing, Hughie asked, "Wait, how can you tell this is the snake''s turf? Couldn''t the bird be the native one?"
Caelum concealed his exasperation, focusing on the battle. "The acidic venom spatters on the ground are characteristic of the Diamondback Trickster snake, they''re quite common in this realm. As for the bird, it is a Heartclaw Battlehawk, native to the Desolate Mountains, not here.
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The hawk screeched in fury as Caelum''s sword strike interrupted its attack. It pulled up sharply, circling around for another dive.
Caelum turned back to Hughie. "Does that satisfy your questions? Now, go find that nest while I handle this."
Seeing Hughie''s blank look, Caelum''s eye twitched. "Did you not even read the briefing scroll Master gave?
Hughie chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "Ahaha, maybe skimmed it. But hey, that''s what I''ve got you for, Mr. Encyclopedia!"
Caelum sighed deeply but Hughie was already scampering off.
Turning his focus back on the bird, he gripped Bloodthorne tightly. This was no ordinary hawk - it had clearly reached the Half-Step Nascent Soul Realm.
He would need his full concentration for this battle.
Amelia was annoyed.
She had specifically chosen to venture out further than their agreed area in hopes of encountering stragglers.
Sadly, her search only yielded stupid beasts so far.
A rumbling growl reverberated from down a rocky passage just as she had the thought. Amelia''s eyes lit up. Perhaps this time it would be something interesting!
She slipped silently towards the sound, pressed against the canyon wall. Peering around a boulder, she spotted the source - a hulking Goronox foraging through a pile of bones and debris.
What a beauty
Standing over six feet at the shoulder, the giant armoured boar was known for its wicked tusks and ill-tempered manner. Few would dare approach this Late Core Formation beast for the fun of it.
Come to mama, Amelia smiled, accepting the challenge.
She enjoyed playing with beasts almost as much as cowardly disciples.
With a laugh, she launched herself from cover right onto the oblivious Goronox''s back. The beast snorted in surprise, immediately bucking and thrashing to dislodge the unwelcome rider. But Amelia''s legs locked tightly around its bulk as she clung on.
"Let''s have some fun, piggy!" She blasted its unprotected ears with a soul attack, laughing as it squealed in pain.
Whipping its huge head around, the Goronox managed to clamp its sharp tusks onto her calf. Amelia smiled deepened at the pain.
She ripped a horn from its armoured skull, raising the makeshift weapon high. But rather than stabbing down, she threw the horn into the sky.
The Goronox followed the flying object with its beady gaze. As the Goronox was distracted, Amelia unleashed her Soul Render technique, a blade of soul qi slashed the creatures legs. With a surprised squeal, the huge boar toppled over.
Catching the horn, Amelia leaned on the beasts head, letting her blood fall onto its face. The Goronox thrashed its head in frustration.
"Aw, tired already?" she mocked. "But I''m just getting started!"
Ignoring its muffled squeals, Amelia examined the ugly horn she held. Its jagged edge could do some beautiful damage on soft flesh. She traced it almost lovingly across the beast''s face, leaving faint red lines in its rough hide.
Maybe if she was lucky, some disciples would come investigate the pained cries. Amelia smiled dreamily at the thought. She couldn''t wait to see their faces when they stumbled into her playtime.
Humming cheerfully, she carved elegant spirals into the Goronox''s tough armour. Their little game was just getting fun.
Forest of Whispering Shadows
Zack tumbled out of the portal, transitioning smoothly into a roll before springing back onto his feet.
"Ha! Nailed the landing," he grinned, dusting himself off.
His smile faded as he took in his gloomy surroundings. Murky fog shrouded the damp, marshy woods around him. A bog stretched out nearby, surface shimmering with oily black water.
Lovely place, Zack grimaced, glancing back at the empty space that once occupied a portal. "Yeah...this looks like a fantastic place for a vacation. Maybe I should build a summer home here."
Shaking his head, Zack fished out his map, scanning for tell-tale markings. None. Damn. No scroll here, he muttered, returning the map to his ring.
Sloshing noises drew his gaze back to the swamp. An enormous, beady-eyed creature surfaced, jaws gaping wide to swallow him whole!
Zack immediately channelled lightning qi into his legs, the energy crackling over his skin as he nimbly jumped clear of the attack. Whoa now! No need for that.
The beast sunk below the murky waters once more, glaring at Zack before slowly submerging.
Zack wagged a scolding finger. Ah ah ah, too late to back out now. You wanted a snack, well now Im not leaving until I get a new pair of boots.
That sneak attack sealed this dumb creatures fate.
Clenching his fist, Zack channelled his qi into a glowing orb of lightning. With a casual flick, he lobbed it into the swamp waters, where it exploded in a brilliant flash.
The entire bog lit up with branching arcs of electricity as the energy surged through every living thing in the murk. A chorus of strangled croaks and hisses rang out as the swamp dwellers spasmed and thrashed before falling still, roasted by the lightning blast.
Zack made a tugging motion with his hand, and the creatures corpses rose to the surface, floating over to pile at his feet.
Perfect. Plenty of materials to work with here. He casually stashed the dead beasts away into his storage ring. Never know when creature parts might come in handy for pills and the like.
Just then, Zack sensed three figures entering the range of his spiritual sense. Masking his presence, he slipped into the cover of the trees and silently observed the group pass by a few minutes later.
"I''m telling you, we need to split up! It''s our best shot at grabbing two scrolls before the others," argued the burly, dark-robed boy Zack recognized from the Black Heart Sect.
The slender blonde girl in blue Heavenly Light Sect robes shook her head firmly. "No, we barely know anything about what we''ll be facing. It''s too risky alone."
The final member of their team, a tall White Tiger disciple, nodded in agreement. "She''s right, we stand a better chance sticking together."
The Black Heart boy scowled but didn''t argue further. "Whatever, we do it your way. But when your plan inevitably costs us this stage, don''t say I didn''t warn you."
The White Tiger disciple spoke up hesitantly. "Well, splitting up might not be the best idea...but we''re not totally unprepared." He patted the bronze medallion hanging around his neck. "I have a treasure-seeking artifact from my sect. It can locate precious items under Nascent Soul level.
The Black Heart disciple''s glare transformed into a greedy gleam at this news, though he quickly masked it. "An intriguing trinket," he remarked casually. Too casually.
"That''s great! We can track down the scrolls with no problem then," said the Heavenly Light girl happily.
But the White Tiger boy shook his head. "Not exactly. The medallion doesn''t register the scrolls as treasures - those don''t give off an aura. It''s only helpful for locating a second artifact once we have the first scroll."
The Black Heart disciple sneered. "Then what good does it serve now? Seems you''ve wasted everyone''s time boasting about useless junk."
"It''s not useless!" the other boy protested. "It can still help with the second scroll later. I just wanted to let you both know it''s an option."
Enough bickering, interjected the Heavenly Light disciple. We focus on securing one scroll first. Your medallion can assist us after that. Agreed?
Both boys nodded in agreement.
Maybe we should just ambush whoever finds the first scroll and steal it? suggested the Black Heart boy casually. Save us the trouble of searching.
His teammates quickly vetoed this idea, refusing to stoop to such dishonourable tactics. Their argument faded into the distance as the mismatched trio moved off.
From his hidden perch, Zack chuckled and rubbed his hands together. Oh, this is just perfect! Duty calls, idiots.
He would follow these three buffoons until they acquired the first scroll, then take it along with that delightful treasure-seeking trinket.
How generous of them to hand over such useful tools! Whistling cheerfully, Zack stealthily trailed after the group.
Chapter 73: A Deadly Ambush
The mismatched trio trudged through the murky woods, boots squelching in the damp earth.
The Heavenly Light disciple wrinkled her nose at the dank atmosphere. "What is that awful stench?"
"It''s the natural musk of the swamp, princess," Leif said with a smirk. "Not all of us grew up in cosy temples and libraries."
The blonde girl shot the Black Heart disciple a withering look. "My name is Isolde, not princess. And I''ll have you know the Heavenly Light Sect temples require gruelling physical training."
"Oh yes, gruelling training in how to properly fold robes and recite poems about rainbows, no doubt."
I wasnt asking for your opinion, Leif. Isolde gave an exaggerated sniff. Honestly, what kind of name is that for a big, scary demonic cultivator anyway? It sounds like you should be the one frolicking in flower fields.
Leif bristled, his face flushing an angry red. Hey! Its as intimidating as any other name! He jabbed a finger at Isolde. Why dont you make yourself useful for once and scout ahead instead of complaining, Little Miss Sunshine?
"Little Miss Sunshine? Why you-" Isolde began hotly before Orion stepped between them.
"Enough bickering. We need to focus on the task at hand," the tall White Tiger disciple said sternly.
Leif rolled his eyes but didn''t argue. Isolde bit her lip. Orion was right, but that arrogant demonic cultivator just rubbed her the wrong way.
"So where to next?" she asked Orion, pointedly ignoring Leif. "Any signs of beasts ahead?"
The older boy crouched, examining a disturbed patch of mud. Running his fingers over the imprints, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"These are feline tracks, most likely a large predatory cat of some sort," Orion reported. "But something isn''t right."
"What do you mean?" asked Isolde. Beside her, Leif scowled impatiently.
"Well, if Im right then the tracks belong to a Stonestalker tiger, butthey typically prowl mountain ranges, not swamplands," Orion explained, rising back to his feet. "I believe someone deliberately released it here to guard something."
Understanding dawned on Isolde''s face. "The scroll! This must be on the right track then."
She turned eagerly to Orion. "Think we can sneak past the tiger and grab the scroll without a fight?"
Whats the matter, afraid to break a nail? Leif snorted. Were cultivators, not helpless maidens.
Isolde bristled at his mocking tone. Im not scared, she retorted. IdId rather avoid a deadly battle this early if we can.
Before Leif could respond, Orion stepped in. "I''m afraid confrontation is inevitable. Stonestalkers are clever beasts, it will detect us once we''re within its territory."
Leif cracked his knuckles, an eager glint in his eyes. Isolde took a deep breath and smoothed her robes. She really hoped Orion knew what he was doing.
Guided by the tracks, it wasnt long before the trio found themselves peering into a rocky overhang sheltering the tigers den. Snarls echoed from within the darkness.
Isolde tensed. "Definitely our tiger friend in there," she murmured.
Peering inside, her breath caught at the sheer size of the beast dozing just inside. It was as big as a carthorse! But that wasnt the worst of it, that aura
She met Orion''s stare with her own wide-eyed one and mouthed ''Pseudo Core Formation!''
Isolde trembled slightly - she had never faced anything above Foundation Establishment before. They were insane to consider this.
Orion clasped her shoulder, whispering. "Dont worry, we can handle this challenge together."
Leif just snorted at their words. Weaklings, both of them. If they experienced the ruthless lives of demonic cultivators, they would not be hesitant so quickly at danger.
"Let''s just get this over with," he muttered. Without waiting for a response, the Black Heart disciple slipped into the cave entrance, sticking to the shadows as he stealthily circled around behind the tiger.
Isolde and Orion had no choice but to follow suit. They split up to surround the predator before it noticed their presence.
Unfortunately, their efforts proved futile as the tiger suddenly lifted its shaggy head, pupils dilating. Letting loose an earth-shaking roar, it bounded towards the cave opening to confront the trespassers.
Isolde cringed as the gale nearly bowled her over. So much for stealth!
The Stonestalker swiped a massive paw at Orion. He narrowly dodged the blow meant to decapitate him.
Aim for its legs! he shouted, unleashing a series of claw quick strikes to the beasts shoulders. Slow it down!
Leif nodded, sweeping his leg out in a blazing arc. Cinder Whip!
A fiery lash coiled around the tigers hindquarters. It snarled in pain but kept charging towards Isolde. She froze for a tenth of a second before her training kicked in.
Twisting aside, she pointed her palms at the oncoming beast. Solar Flare! Dazzling light exploded forth, blinding the Stonestalker. It veered off course, smashing into the cave wall inches from Isolde.
Her joy at her success quickly morphed to alarm as the tiger shook off the collision and rounded on her once more. Before she could react, a swat from its massive paw sent her flying across the cave.
Isolde! Orion cried. His distraction cost him as the beast pivoted, clamping its jaws around his left arm. Cursing himself for lowering his guard, Orion jammed his fingers into the tigers eye. It reared back with a pained yowl, releasing his bleeding arm.
Leif darted behind the Stonestalker, hands flying in a complicated pattern. Death by a Thousand Cuts!
Razor-thin discs of qi sliced across the tigers hindquarters. It spun, catching Leifs shoulder with an extended claw. He rolled away, clutching the deep gash.
Isolde struggled to her feet, shaking off the dizziness. Her heart leapt when she spotted a scroll tucked into a rocky crevice. That had to be it!
Before she could move, the wounded tiger rounded on her once more. Thinking fast, Isolde pointed her fingers like a gun. Solar Shot! A pulsing orb of light burst forth, catching the beast right in its snarling mouth.
It reeled back, pawing at its muzzle. Seizing the opportunity, Isolde lunged for the scroll. Her fingers had just grasped it when an enormous paw slammed down on her leg.
Isoldes agonized screams echoed through the cave as the bones splintered under the tigers crushing weight. Orion and Leif rushed to help, but the Stonestalker easily swatted them aside.
Pinned and helpless, Isolde feared the end had come.
Then Orion stepped forward, his entire body beginning to ripple and transform. Fur sprouted across his skin as his face distended into a fierce muzzle. Claws tore through his fingertips as he dropped to all fours.
Within moments, a hulking white tiger with the aura of a Pseudo Core Formation beast stood before them.
I can hold this form for three minutes, Orion growled. Get the scroll now!
With the Stonestalkers attention fixed on this new challenger, Isolde gritted her teeth and dragged herself free. Cradling her mangled leg, she clutched the scroll to her chest.
Theyd done it!
Orion and the Stonestalker collided in a whirlwind of fangs and claws. Evenly matched, the two tigers battled fiercely, neither willing to up give up an inch. Isolde watched anxiously as Orion narrowly avoided the repeated swipes at his neck.
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Leif circled the two beasts, waiting for an opening. When the Stonestalker reared up to slash at Orion, he struck.
Phoenix Arrow! A spear of condensed flame shot forth, piercing deep into the Stonestalkers chest. It sank to the ground with a final anguished roar, blood splattering the rocky floor.
Panting heavily, Orions body rippled and reverted to human form. He looked down at the dead beast. You fought well, brother tiger. May your spirit run free in the heavens.
He then turned to his teammates. "Nice work you two," Pulling out an Earth Rank healing pellet from his ring. "Here, its not enough to completely heal that leg but it should be enough to travel."
"Thank you, Isolde swallowed the pellet.
As for Leif, his gaze lingered on the corpse. "Do either of you mind if I harvest materials from our fallen friend? Waste not want not, as they say."
Isolde shrugged indifferently as she watched her injuries heal. "Go ahead, better you than leaving it to rot."
Orion turned away, he didnt like killing tigers, let alone harvesting them. However, he knew it wasnt his place to force his beliefs on the others.
After Leif had salvaged what he could from the corpse. The trio were ready to depart.
One scroll down, just one more to go!
Hidden in the upper branches of a tree, Zack watched the trio emerge from the cave. His eyebrows rose when he spotted the happy expression on their faces.
"Well well, it looks like they brought me a scroll," he murmured. "How kind of them."
Circulating his qi, Zack prepared to drop down and ambush the unsuspecting disciples. Caught up in their victory, they would never see him coming. This was just too easy!
He tensed, ready to strike...then paused. Faint qi-signatures approached from the right, steadily moving closer.
Another group? Interesting, Zack''s eyes narrowed.
Stilling his breath, he calmed his aura and observed the scene unfolding below.
Moments later, an ice spear burst from the woods straight at Isolde. Crying out, she tried to dodge but it still grazed her shoulder, drawing blood.
"Ambush!" Leif yelled, hands blazing as he whirled to face their attackers. Beside him, qi covered Orions hands, forming claws.
Three teenage boys walked out from the trees.
Zack recognized the Black Heart robes on one burly boy and the flowing white garments of a Pure Soul disciple. The third, a tall, handsome lad in rich black and red robes, was apparently from the Black Rose Sect if his arrogant expression was anything to go by.
Not wasting time on pleasantries, the Black Rose disciple pointed a finger at Orions group. Hand over the scroll if you wish to keep your lives. Icy vines burst from his sleeve, slithering towards them.
With her injured leg not ready for battle, Isolde could only defend as the vines entangled her. But Leif quickly conjured a wall of flames to keep the ice at bay.
Back off, Torin, he snapped at the Black Heart disciple. This is our scroll.
Torin laughed coldly. Oh Leif, you know it doesnt work that way. He hurled a fireball towards Leifs face. Were all enemies here.
But the Pure Soul disciple stepped forward, trying to convince the other group. "Please, don''t make us kill you! Just surrender the scroll and you can walk away unharmed."
Torin scoffed. "Where''s the fun in that? I intend to leave a trail of bodies behind me before this trial ends." He laughed at his companion''s baffled reaction.
"Fight now, regret later! Take them out, Mael!" Torin ordered.
The Black Rose disciple - Mael - nodded and sent another icy spear flying at Isolde. But this time Orion intervened, deflecting it with a swipe of his paw.
"We wont make this easy, he shouted.
Despite not having the ability to activate the partial transformation again in such a short time-span, he would not back down without a fight.
With a roar, he charged at Mael, his claw-like hands glowing brightly. Caught off guard, Mael hastily raised an ice spear to block the slash at his throat.
Meanwhile, Leif squared off against Torin, both hands wreathed in flames. "Let''s see who the better pyro really is!"
Torin just smirked, casually blocking Leif''s fireballs with his sleeve. "Still just a helpless whelp. You bring shame to the Black Heart Sect."
With a howl of rage, Leif launched himself recklessly at Torin, only to be ensnared by thorny vines bursting from the dirt.
"I dont want to kill you, the white-robed youth said. "Dont make me."
He flicked his wrist and the vines tightened, making Leif cry out in pain.
Isolde hung back near the cave. She was in no shape for another fight after that tiger battle. All she could do was hope her teammates could defend her.
The clash was brutally one-sided. Orion only had one good arm left but still tried to shield Isolde. A well-placed spear thrust sent him crashing down with a hole in his thigh.
Seeing an opening, the black-robed boy sent a coil of icy vines shooting towards Isolde. She screamed as they wrapped tight around her wrist.
"Give us the scroll or I start removing pieces," he giggled. "We can do this the fun way, or the really fun way."
Sobbing, Isolde removed the scroll from her storage ring. This was all her fault! She should have listened to Leif.
The black-robed boy reached eagerly for his prize, grinning with glee. Victory was at hand! These fools had practically gift wrapped this scroll for him.
Until a bolt of lightning sliced through the air, severing Isolde''s hand at the wrist in one clean strike.
Everyone froze in disbelief as her severed hand and the scroll it held were snatched out of the air by a newcomer.
In the blink of an eye, the twisting bolt of lightning solidified into an unfamiliar young man.
"Yoink! Thanks for doing all the heavy lifting, suckers."
Stashing the scroll in his ring, the boy darted over to Orion. Before anyone could react, he ripped the medallion free from Orion''s prone form.
"I''ll take this too. Pleasure doing business with you all!" With a jaunty wave, the lightning boy took off into the woods, leaving behind a severed hand.
For one heartbeat, both groups just stared after him in absolute shock. Then Torin roared in outrage.
"After him, fools! We can''t lose that scroll!" The three boys immediately abandoned their attack on Orion''s team to give chase.
Alone now, Isolde could only pick up her severed hand and sob. They had lost everything in one ambush. She had never felt so hopeless and defeated.
This trial was surely over for them now.
Zack ran through the shadowed forest, grin still stretched wide. Things had played out even better than he had hoped!
One scroll, one tracking medallion, zero effort. Those idiots made it too easy. No one thought to look up and be wary of a surprise aerial strike.
Trees blurred past as he rapidly increased the distance from his three pursuers. Their angry threats echoed behind him. As if those losers had any hope of catching a lightning cultivator in the woods!
Still, no reason to take chances, Zack changed direction abruptly, heading towards one of the Ying scroll locations.
Let those idiots run themselves ragged chasing a cold trail. With his two precious new tools, Zack could easily find the next scroll!
Chapter 74: The Yang Scroll
Three young cultivators were making their way through the valley. One wore the robes of the Black Rose Sect, while the others bore the insignia of the Pure Soul and White Tiger Sects respectively.
As they searched for the scrolls, a faint squealing reached their ears. The three exchanged glances, debating whether to investigate.
The White Tiger disciple closed his eyes, extending his senses. "There''s only one aura over there," he reported, brow furrowing. "They''re at Peak Core Formation level."
He opened his eyes, glancing between his companions. "For someone to be alone, either they''re overconfident..." He paused meaningfully. "Or extremely dangerous."
The two Late Core Formation cultivators shared a cocky look.
"Please, the three of us can easily handle a lone Peak Core disciple," scoffed the Black Rose disciple. "Don''t tell me you''re scared?"
The White Tiger disciple shook his head sharply. "Fear just breeds defeat. If we work together, we can overcome anyone in this mini-realm."
The three exchanged confident nods before heading towards the strange sounds. As they drew closer, the muffled squeals grew louder and more pained. The Pure Soul cultivator couldn''t help but cringe at the cries.
"What kind of freak enjoys inflicting pain like that?" he muttered uneasily. But he didn''t dare suggest turning back now, he didnt want to propagate the already wide-spread belief that Pure Soul cultivators were cowards who would do anything to avoid confrontation.
Turning a corner, the three disciples froze at the sight before them. A silver-haired girl sat casually on top of a massive, armoured boar. In one hand she held a jagged horn, using it to slowly carve patterns into the squealing beast''s hide.
The pattern looked like a name
The Black Rose disciple''s face drained of colour. "Amelia!" he choked out. Before the others could react, he spun on his heel and fled back the way they''d come.
The White Tiger and Pure Soul disciples stared after him in confusion. Over his shoulder the fleeing cultivator cried, "Run, it''s her!"
Exchanging bewildered looks, the two disciples ran after their companion. Once they''d put some distance between themselves and the crazy cultivator, they grabbed the Black Rose cultivator''s arm.
"What are you doing?" the White Tiger disciple demanded. "Don''t tell me you''re afraid of a little girl?"
The Black Rose disciple shook his head frantically, still trembling. "You don''t understand! That''s one of Supreme Elder Slifer''s personal disciples."
The other two looked even more puzzled.
"So what?" asked the Pure Soul disciple. "She''s still just one cultivator."
The Black Rose disciple''s eyes were wide with fear. "You don''t get it. Amelia''s not just strong, she''s completely insane! She loves torture and pain." He shuddered. "We can''t beat someone like that in a fight and if she gets a hold of us..."
The White Tiger disciple shook his head firmly, he did not take kindly to cowardice. "You should never run from someone just because they''re stronger. Don''t you have any courage?" He turned to the Pure Soul disciple. "With the three of us, we can handle her."
But seeing the Black Rose disciple''s stricken face, he felt the first twinges of doubt. Someone who could inspire such primal fear in a demonic cultivator was clearly dangerous.
The Black Rose disciple seemed near tears. "You don''t understand, I''ve heard Amelia''s defeated even Nascent Soul cultivators before. We wouldn''t stand a chance!"
The White Tiger disciple paled slightly at this revelation. As a Peak Core Formation cultivator himself, he was quite confident in his strength, he knew he was only able to match Half-Step Nascent Soul enemies currently. Having help could allow him to stalemate a weak full Nascent Soul...but defeat one? Impossible.
The Pure Soul disciple nodded slowly. "Ah, I see. Well in that case, good call on retreating," he said, clapping the Black Rose disciple''s shoulder. "I''d rather not tangle with someone unhinged enough to torture beasts for fun."
The Black Rose disciple nearly sobbed in relief at their understanding. But a chill suddenly ran down all three of their spines.
"Oh? Who are you calling unhinged?" a soft voice questioned from right behind them.
They whirled to find Amelia standing there, idly playing with the bloody boar horn. An unsettling smile graced her lips as she tilted her head at them.
Demon! The Black Rose disciple yelped, nearly tripping over his own feet to get away. The Pure Soul disciple also backpedalled furiously. Only the White Tiger disciple stood his ground. He raised his sword warily at the girl.
"Though I''ll agree, I do take pleasure in certain...acts," Amelia continued lightly. But her gaze turned hungry as it passed over them. "I''d be happy to show you just how much, if you''re interested."
Caelum''s eyes narrowed as he was pushed back by the hawk-like beast. It let out an ear-piercing screech, claws swiping dangerously close. He sighed, raising his sword defensively. Through his master''s teachings, Caelum had converted some of his demonic techniques into righteous onesbut unfortunately not all of them.
Hopefully I won''t need to resort to any demonic techniques to defeat this creature, he thought.
As the hawk swept in for another strike, Caelum activated his Sunrise Slash technique, vanishing and reappearing behind the bird. He slashed at its head with his sword, but the hawk somehow sensed the blow coming and dodged aside at the last second. It immediately countered, its talons grazing Caelum''s arm and nearly tearing through the sleeve of his robe. He leapt back just in time, grimacing slightly at the near miss.
"Tch, this thing''s instincts are too sharp.
"Nine Lights Mirage," Caelum muttered. Suddenly, eight identical images of him appeared, each wielding its own sword. They surrounded the hawk in a circle, then attacked simultaneously from all sides.
The hawk let out an enraged screech, pushing back several of the images with a powerful wind blast. Though it destroyed three of the images, the technique allowed two of the real Caelum''s sword strikes to land. The hawk squawked in pain as gashes opened along its flank.
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Finally!
Caelum''s lip curled in satisfaction, but it quickly turned to alarm as the injured hawk''s eyes suddenly burned red. With an echoing shriek, its aura began climbing exponentially, quickly reaching the power of an Early Nascent Soul cultivator.
Its still climbing! Caelum''s eyes widened. He couldn''t allow the beast to fully enter its berserk state! At this rate, it would become too powerful for him to handle without suffering from severe injuries. He had to end this now.
Hissing through his teeth, Caelum thrust his sword forward. "Thorned Lash!"
The blade seemed to shoot forward, extending and elongating until it struck the frenzied hawk directly in its thick neck. The razor-sharp point pierced deep, cutting off the creature''s building scream.
Caelum quickly retracted the whip-like weapon back to its normal sword form as the mortally wounded hawk collapsed, its aura fading away.
Just more death
As a former demonic cultivator, Caelum was no stranger to violence. Yet he would avoid ending lives when he could.
He let out a soft sigh, watching almost sadly as a long, tongue-like appendage emerged from his sword, devouring the beast''s qi.
Though Caelum now followed the righteous path, Bloodthorn would always remain a demonic weapon. Swords couldnt change their nature even if their master wanted them to. He made a mental note to seek out a righteous blacksmith, to see if the sword could be reforged.
Or maybe Master could help, it was him who gifted Bloodthorn to me in the first place, Caelum nodded. His master had a knack for surprising others, pulling out miracles left and right. If he could turn a mortal girl into a cultivator then perhaps he could show a sword the righteous path.
But before then, Caelum was handicapped. Fighting with a demonic sword whilst using righteous technique doesnt give him the opportunity to bring out the full extent of his battle prowess. However, the bond between the two was too strong for him to consider using a replacement.
We live and die together, Caelum whispered as he flicked the blood from his blade.
Bloodthorn growled in agreement as it continued to feed.
Reflecting on the battle, Caelum sighed. I still have far to go before I can call myself a true righteous cultivator. This battle only proved how reliant I still am on my demonic abilities.
As Bloodthorn burped in satisfaction, Caelum suddenly sensed a spike of energy from the direction Hughie had gone.
"Hughie," he muttered, quickly flying toward the disturbance. Whatever trouble his junior brother had found, Caelum only hoped he wasn''t too late.
Hughie picked his way carefully across the fiery valley, focused on finding that hidden scroll.
Caelum was off battling some giant bird, which sounded way too troublesome. As for Amelia, he honestly had no idea what his Senior Sister was up to, but it likely involved a lot of screamingand not the good kind.
"You''re supposed to be cultivating a heart of iron, boy," Li Fenghao''s voice rang out in Hughie''s mind. "Yet a mere walking pace has you wheezing like an old man!"
Hughie scowled, but couldn''t deny the complaint. The rocky terrain combined with the oppressive heat was sapping his energy fast. Which made him feel uneasy, a Core Formation cultivator feeling tired from walking? Something was off.
"Hey, give me a break! This place is like a bloody furnace," he grumbled back. "I''d like to see you do better in this heat, geezer."
The immortal''s disdainful huff nearly blew Hughie''s eardrums out. "Excuses, excuses. Focus on your mission or I''ll double your training."
Since his master had that conversation with the Greater Immortal, the old man had been motivated in Hughies training. Far too motivated.
What a Greater Immortal considered adequate training, Hughie considered torture.
That threat spurred Hughie to quicken his steps. The temperature seemed to climb even higher in response, and he grimaced at the sweat dripping down his back. Ugh, disgusting. At this rate, he''d pass out from heat stroke before ever finding the scroll.
Just then, his foot snagged on a half-buried boulder, sending him sprawling face-first onto the ground. "Owww, son of a..."
Hughie''s voice trailed off as his gaze landed on the object his fall had inadvertently revealed - a small chest tucked into a cleft in the rocks. Heart pounding, he scrambled over and wrenched it open.
There, nestled inside, was a scroll sealed with crimson wax!
The Yang scroll!
"Ha, yes!" Hughie cheered, pumping a fist in the air. "Who''s the man? I''m the man!"
Li Fenghao snorted. "Yes, truly your intellect is unparalleled. Falling on your face and blind luck, a masterful strategy."
"Hey, a win''s a win," Hughie shot back, ignoring the sarcasm. He had done it! Wait until he showed Caelum the scroll. His Senior Brother would be thrilled. But more importantly, he could tell Oliviare how he was the reason why they all passed the first stage.
Shell be so impressed! I can already imagine the look on her face!
Tucking his prize safely away into his storage ring, Hughies facial expression turned serious as he glanced around cautiously.
Other teams could be lurking, looking for an easy ambush. He needed to regroup with the others immediately.
Suddenly, Hughie sensed a flash of movement overhead. He looked up just as a dark figure plummeted from the smoky sky towards him.
Twisting desperately, Hughie narrowly avoided the diving kick aimed at his head. He caught a glimpse of black robes and a porcelain mask etched with a black skull.
"A Black Death disciple!" he gasped, ducking under a flurry of punches. What rotten luck to run into one of them here, and a crazy aggressive one at that!
But Hughie quickly realized something was off about his attacker. Rather than using any techniques, the person stuck solely to physical strikes, as if...holding back?
Cryptic words continued spilling from behind the mask between attacks. "Fight...me...useless...die!"
Hughie''s danger sense blared as he sidestepped an elbow strike at his throat.
Who was this weirdo?
Chapter 75: What The Hell Are You?!
The three young cultivators scrambled to get away from Amelia, but she continued trailing after them. She wouldnt let her prey off so easily.
"Leaving so soon?" she called out in a sing-song voice. "But we were just starting to get to know each other!"
The Black Rose disciple risked a panicked glance over his shoulder, only to find the silver-haired girl less than ten feet behind, still casually twirling the bloody boar horn in her hands.
He pumped his legs harder, internally cursing his luck. Of course they''d run into one of Elder Slifer''s deranged disciples!
The Pure Soul disciple ran alongside him, wheezing slightly from exertion.
She vanished, reappearing directly in their path. The Black Rose disciple yelped, nearly crashing into her.
"Come on, at least introduce yourselves before running off," Amelia chided, tilting her head. "It''s only polite."
The Black Rose disciple paled, stumbling back a step. The Pure Soul disciple grabbed his companion''s arm, urging him to keep moving.
"Let''s go, don''t engage with her," the Pure Soul cultivator muttered under his breath.
Amelia''s smile turned predatory as she watched them try to skirt around her. Every time they changed direction, she flickered in front of them again. It was like a twisted game of cat and mouse.
The White Tiger disciple''s expression darkened with each repetition. His companions pleading glances did little to curb his rising irritation.
Hed had enough.
The White Tiger disciple stood his ground and glared at Amelia. "It seems you have no intention of letting us leave. If you want a fight, then stop these childish games and face me properly!"
"Oh? Don''t tell me you''re actually planning to fight me?" Amelia looked him up and down. "How brave..."
"If you won''t let us pass freely, then we''ll force our way through," the White Tiger disciple stated evenly.
The Black Rose disciple clutched at his sleeve. "Don''t be stupid! We need to run!"
Shaking him off, the White Tiger disciple flourished his sword. "A tiger never retreats from a battle. If I must stain my hands with more blood to reach the Nascent Soul stage, then so be it!"
Without warning, he suddenly plunged the tip of the blade into his own stomach. The Black Rose and Pure Soul disciples recoiled in shock as blood leaked from the gaping hole that was staring right at them.
"Have you gone insane?!" the Black Rose disciple shouted.
But then the hilt began melting into the White Tiger disciple''s skin, merging with his flesh. Strange black and white striped markings started spreading across his body from the entry point of the sword.
His muscles bulged and a bestial aura erupted from him, it quickly climbed to the level of a Nascent Soul cultivator. The White Tiger disciples handsome features grew longer and more feral as he shouted, I am the claw that shreds the heavens!
White fur sprouted all over his body and sharp claws protruded from his fingers. With a roar that shook the entire valley, the transformation was complete.
In the White Tiger disciple''s place now crouched a massive White Tiger, easily over ten meters long. It fixed its predatory gaze on Amelia, baring its gigantic fangs.
"Oh my, I wasn''t expecting that," Amelia remarked, looking genuinely delighted.
The White Tiger disciple was able to combine his sword cultivation with his transformation; it was a rare feat.
This was going to be fun.
"But I''ve got some tricks of my own."
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, only glowing blue sockets stared back at them. Her creamy skin paled to an unnatural white as dark veins ran across her face.
When she grinned this time, it was with a mouth full of jagged teeth.
"A demon''s ghoul transformation!" The Pure Soul disciple recoiled with a gasp.
Amelias aura rose in waves as her cultivation base also ascended to the Nascent Soul stage, matching the White Tiger beast. She cackled, flexing her elongated claws.
"Now then, who wants to play first?" she purred.
With a roar, the tiger lunged toward Amelia, but she easily danced out of reach, her speed doubled by the transformation.
"Ah ah, too slow!" Amelia chided, wagging a clawed finger. Then she casually flicked her wrist, sending a ribbon of purple energy slicing towards the beast.
"Soul Render!"
The tiger tried to dodge, but the technique still grazed its side, making the beast yowl in pain.
The Pure Soul disciple''s expression turned grim at the sight.
"A demonic soul technique! Be careful, if it lands clean, it could destroy your soul completely!" Turning, the Pure Soul disciple began tracing glowing symbols in the air around his companions. A soft blue light enveloped them both as one of his protective soul techniques took effect.
"Oh, how precious! Look at you two helping each other, Amelia laughed, leaping backwards. "But don''t think your little soul shields can stop me. I''m not a one-trick pony."
To demonstrate, she curled the fingers of one hand. A ball of flames sparked to life in her palm. The Pure Soul disciple paled at the sight.
"Burn!" Amelia cackled, sweeping her arm out. The fireball went flying, exploding against the canyon walls. More flickering flames joined it as she sent them spraying recklessly in all directions.
The White Tiger beast snarled, trying to slash through to reach her, but Amelia revealed a pair of purple wings from her back. Beating them once, she launched into the air, easily evading each swipe.
"You said she was unhinged, but this is just absurd!" the Pure Soul disciple cried, he should have expected that the sadist was also an arsonist!
The Black Rose disciple grit his teeth in frustration, he wanted to flee, it was a hopeless situation. But if either of his companions died here, it would eliminate all of them from the tournament.
He couldnt give up, not yet.
Clenching his jaw, he stopped hesitating and joined the fray. "Fireball Barrage!" he shouted, sending a dozen flaming orbs at the ghoul.
Amelia laughed wildly, retaliating with her own fireballs. "Yes, lets burn it all!"
The two fireballs collided, exploding violently. The Pure Soul disciple struggled to maintain the soul barriers against the shockwaves as flames rained down around them.
Over the roaring of the explosion, Amelia''s shrieks of glee could be heard as she evaded the White Tiger''s increasingly sluggish strikes as it tried to reach her in the air.
The beast was too large to fly on a sword!
After mocking them from the air, she noticed that the Pure Soul disciple was left unguarded.
Youre mine!
She dove down and clasped her claws around the Pure Soul disciple''s face before he could react.
"Gotcha!"
She then slammed him face-first into the rocky ground. The Soul shields around his companions shattered as he lost consciousness.
Amelia crouched over him, claws digging into his cheeks almost gently.
The White Tiger froze mid-swipe, its eyes locked on the fallen Pure Soul disciple.
"Ah ah ah, don''t move now," she cautioned, tilting her head with a smile. "You don''t want me to crush his pretty head, do you?"
Panting heavily, the great tiger lowered its head, it had failed.
The time limit on the transformation had run out.
Dark markings began receding from its body. Its muscles shrank and the fur shed until only the ordinary human form of the White Tiger disciple was left.
The Black Rose disciple, seeing this, sighed. There was no point in further resistance. Clearly this fight was over.
There now, that wasn''t so hard. Just be good boys and you might live to see tomorrow."
She extended a hand towards them. "Now then, I believe you owe me a little something. Hand over your scroll."
The Black Rose and White Tiger disciples exchanged uneasy glances.
"We uh...don''t actually have any scrolls on us," the Black Rose disciple admitted.
Amelia blinked. For a moment her smile faltered. Then it returned, brighter than before as she thought of an idea.
"Well then! It seems you''ll have to work for me until you can obtain one." She clapped her hands together. "Oh this will be fun - my own little worker bees!"
The White Tiger disciple bristled, pride stung. "A tiger cannot be tamed so easily!"
But the warning look from his companion made him swallow his protests. They clearly had no choice in this matter.
Gritting their teeth, both disciples bowed their heads.
Amelia''s smile turned satisfied as she studied them. So this was how her master felt, having others bend to his will.
Yes, she could definitely get used to it.
Hughie grunted in pain as another series of quick jabs connected with his chest, driving him back several feet. The Black Death disciple pursued him relentlessly, not giving him a chance to catch his breath.
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"Gah, what''s with this guy?" Hughie wheezed, narrowly dodging a knee aimed at his stomach. The attacks themselves weren''t too powerful, but the constant barrage of punches and kicks was keeping him completely off-balance.
He''d barely lasted thirty seconds against this weirdo and hadn''t even had a chance to activate a proper technique!
It was the classic advantage body cultivators held over those focused on spiritual power - the ability to unleash attacks instantly compared to the split second needed to activate arts and techniques. And this Black Death cultivator was exploiting that gap masterfully.
Another fist hammered into Hughie''s chest, blasting him backwards and knocking the breath from his lungs.
"Oof!" Inwardly, he cursed as he gasped for air.
"Pathetic, truly pathetic!" Li Fenghao''s voice boomed in his mind. "Is this the limit of your skills, boy? To be tossed around like a ragdoll?"
Hughie scowled, leaping back to avoid an elbow jab at his throat.
"Oh shut it, you senile geezer! This freak''s not normal," he shot back mentally.
But he couldnt help but agree with the old man; being constantly rocked around by someone using only basic punches and kicks was just embarrassing!
The Black Death disciple hadn''t said a word since appearing and ambushing him. The voice that taunted out earlier phrases was clearly being distorted by some artifact in the mask.
Hughie just couldn''t wrap his head around this guy''s deal. One moment mocking him for being weak, the next holding back on actually hurting him or using any techniques. It made no sense!
Excuses as always! Li Fenghao harrumphed. "A true warrior would have defeated this stick figure in the first exchange."
Hughie ignored the old man, he didnt have time to deal with him.
But thinking about it, the immortal did have a point. This Black Death cultivator didn''t seem to be emitting the sort of overpowering physical aura one would expect from someone who had only trained their body.
So what was going on here? Hughie''s eyes narrowed as he continued evading the barrage of strikes. There was definitely something off about this guy. And he was going to find out what it was!
To do that, he needed to fight back, but the Black Death cultivator refused to back off even an inch or give him any room to activate a technique!
Well, if that is how the creeps wants to play it...
When the next punch came rocketing towards his face, rather than dodging, Hughie stepped forward to meet it head-on. The devastating impact exploded against his face, fracturing his cheek bone and launching him like a ragdoll through the air.
Finally!
He ignored the white-hot pain and wetness of blood, focusing on activating his go-to technique.
"Bloodforge Ascension!"
The malignant red qi of the demonic art swirled around Hughie''s body as he flew through the air. His muscles bulged and the injuries knitted back together.
He landed with a heavy thud, the impact causing spider-webbing-like cracks on the rocks beneath him.
Hughies eyes flashed a demonic red as his hulking figure emitted the aura of an early Nascent Soul cultivator.
"Let''s fight for real now!"
For the first time, the Black Death cultivator seemed startled.
"A demon''s art!"
But Hughie didn''t give the disciple the chance to react. He instantly appeared before the disciple with a roar, delivering a punch directly into his midsection.
The disciple doubled over with a grunt as the force of the blow lifted him off his feet and tossed him into the air. But he managed to flip and land in a crouch, one hand braced on the ground.
"Tch, not bad," the figure admitted, straightening slowly. He seemed unaffected by the attack that would have pulverized a normal Peak Core cultivator.
Hughie''s eyes narrowed. Just what was going on here?
Trading more blows, it quickly became apparent Hughie''s enhanced state gave him a sizable advantage in strength and speed. Yet oddly, the Black Death cultivator continued to rely only on punches and kicks to fight back.
I cant maintain this for long
It was getting harder for Hughie to stay in control as the demonic technique stoked his bloodlust.
Sensing this, Li Fenghao''s voice echoed in Hughie''s mind. "Control yourself, boy! Don''t lose your soul to mindless violence."
At the reminder, Hughie grit his teeth, reigning in the dark impulses trying to cloud his mind. Oliviare''s smiling face flashed in his mind''s eye. For her, he would get through this!
Across from him, the Black Death disciple seemed to come to some sort of decision.
I cant waste anymore time, I need to end this now, the Black Death cultivator whispered.
Blood-red qi flared around him.
The porcelain mask cracked and fell away, revealing red skin and bulging black veins beneath.
That aura...that qi...this guy is a real demon! Hughie''s eyes widened.
Demonic cultivators had red qi that contained hints of black and other colours; only a true demon had pure red qi.
Hughie tensed as the Black Death cultivators demonic eyes glared at him from a face that could give babies nightmares for life.
No wonder the creep had been hiding his techniques, Hughie realized his opponent must have been trying to conceal the fact that he wasn''t human.
"You will die here today, abomination!" the demon growled. Crouching low, it suddenly launched itself at Hughie in a blur of claws and fangs.
Grunting in surprise at the sudden boost in power and being called an abomination, Hughie raised his arms barely in time to block the strikes. He skidded back from the force of the blows.
This is bad! The demon is easily at the mid-Nascent Soul stage now. Hughie could already feel his defence weakening.
"Fool, use your transformations before he rips you apart!" Li Fenghao snapped urgently.
Li Fenghao didnt understand the boy at all, why beg him to teach techniques if he wasnt going to even use them?
The boy does have a knack for transformation techniques, maybe he could turn this around
Cursing under his breath, Hughie quickly activated the first transformation. Fur erupted all over his body as he shifted into a black wolf easily the size of a small house.
Before the demon could react, the ginormous wolfs powerful jaws closed around its torso.
Howling in rage, the demon smashed into the ground hard enough to form a crater. But despite the heavy blow, it didn''t seem majorly injured.
Hughie realized his mistake too late as he was blasted away by a shockwave of force from the demon.
Right, this thing was finally using its own techniques.
Hughie really was outclassed here.
The gigantic wolf crashed into a boulder a few hundred metres away. As it struggled back to its feet, the form blurred and morphed into an equally massive three-eyed toad.
Not waiting for the demon to attack again, Hughie shot out the toad''s long tongue. It wrapped around the demon''s torso in an iron grip.
Got you now! Hughie thought, swinging the tongue down to smash the demon repeatedly into the ground.
Ahhhh Hughie yelped, tongue instinctively retracting.
The demon had put itself on fire!
Panting, Hughie resumed his human form. This wasn''t good at all. His transformations let him fight toe-to-toe against the demon, but none of his attacks were powerful enough to severely injure a Mid-Nascent Soul realm demon!
Boy, you need to run! Use your movement techniques to escape."
Hughie shook his head stubbornly. "Ain''t no way I''m running from this freakshow! I''ll fight him ''til my last breath if I have to."
He was only putting on a show of bravery; he was in fact more than ready to run if he had to, but the old man didn''t need to know that.
A surge of pride appeared in the old mans voice, believing the brat had finally developed some courage. "Spoken like a true warrior. But this is one battle you cant win, its better to-
The Immortal grew quiet before continuing, Nevermind, boy. Help is coming."
Help? Hughie blinked in confusion. But then a minute later he sensed it too - a wave of power approaching rapidly, like the blade of a guillotine plummeting down.
In the next instant, a figure dropped from the sky, sword raised high and wreathed in killing intent.
Hughie''s eyes widened in recognition and relief.
"Senior Brother, you made it!"
The demon froze mid-charge, its red eyes darting between the two figures before it. It was certain it could defeat the funny-looking one, but it felt a dangerous aura from the newcomer...
Hahaha, its over for you now! Even a Mid-Nascent Soul cultivator cant touch my Senior Brother!
Chapter 76: A Pseudo-Domain
Caelums eyes narrowed as he looked at the strange creature before him. It was humanoid in shape, but with blood red skin, bulging black veins, and a monstrous, inhuman face that had two horns protruding from its skull.
This was no beast or cultivator, but a true demon.
He couldnt rely on righteous techniques as he did with the hawk earlier. This creature would require his full power.
Demon, Caelum muttered, gripping his sword tighter. The dark aura radiating from the blade intensified as he channelled his qi into it.
Crimson Vortex!
Bloodthorn erupted with demonic energy, enlarging until it was easily ten meters long. The massive sword sliced through the air, aimed to cleave the demon in two.
The demon leapt backwards, avoiding the worst of the strike but still losing an arm in the process. It let out an enraged howl, clutching the bleeding stump as it looked around for an escape route.
Seeing it preparing to flee, Hughie rushed forward with a fierce grin, shifting mid-leap into a wolf. He landed with a loud thud directly in the demons escape path, cutting off any chance of retreat.
They couldnt let this thing get away without figuring out why it was here, and what it wanted with the Black Rose Sect.
"Going somewhere?" Hughie growled, baring his fangs. Behind the demon, Caelum strode forward, sword resting across his shoulders. His handsome features were set in a cold, calculating expression.
"I wouldn''t try running just yet. We have some questions, and you have answers."
The demon''s eyes darted between them warily before settling on Caelum.
"Your aura...youre close to awakening a domain," it rasped.
It could feel the oppressive aura of a pseudo-domain pressing down on it, restricting its power. If it wasnt for the suppression ability of the domain, it wouldnt feel so helpless right now. It couldnt believe its eyes, a Core Formation cultivator at the verge of awakening a domain was almost unheard of!
"Perceptive. Caelum''s let out a smile that didn''t quite reach his eyes. But I''m not the one being interrogated right now."
With blinding speed, he appeared behind the demon and lashed out with Bloodthorn. The elongated sword left a deep gash across its back. Howling, the demon stumbled forward, right into the waiting jaws of the wolf.
Razor sharp teeth dug into the demon''s torso as Hughie violently thrashed his head, trying to rip it apart. But with a snarl, the demon enveloped itself in flames once again, forcing Hughie to release it or be burned.
Skidding backwards, the demon rasped out a guttural incantation in a language unfamiliar to the two humans.
Dozens of fireballs materialized around it, shooting towards Caelum.
It needed to distract the sword cultivator if it wanted a chance to escape.
Caelum''s blade danced as he deflected the fireballs.
"Is fire all you''ve got?" Caelum taunted. "Then you''ve already lost!"
"Nine Shadows Mirage!"
With a surge of Qi, illusory copies of himself split from his body. In the blink of an eye, nine identical Caelums now surrounded the demon.
The demon''s red eyes widened in alarm. It tried to block and evade the sudden onslaught from all sides, but stood no chance against the perfectly coordinated assault.
In seconds, Caelum and his shadows had left countless more wounds across the demon''s body. Snarling in pain and outrage, it slammed both palms down towards the ground.
"Inferno Purgatory!"
Flames erupted in a dome around the demon, rapidly expanding outwards. The roaring flames passed burning away the mirages.
When the flames died down, the panting demon was surrounded by scorched earth and molten rock. It stared at Caelum in disbelief, not understanding how he had weathered its strongest attack unharmed.
This youth really was no ordinary cultivator!
"Thorned Lash!" Caelum appeared before it in a blur of movement.
Bloodthorn extended impossibly long, stabbing clear through the demon''s chest and out its back in one smooth motion. Howling in agony, the demon could only claw helplessly at the air as the blade lifted it up, then ruthlessly smashed it back down again.
And again.
After the third heavy impact left the demon dazed and motionless, Caelum retracted his blade.
Breathing heavily now, the demon could only watch as Hughie once again blocked its escape route.
"Last chance to answer my questions. What are you doing here, demon?" Caelum asked.
When it just spat a glob of black blood at him in response, Caelum''s eyes narrowed.
"Bloodthorn Feast."
A long, bright red tongue suddenly shot from his sword, wrapping around the demon.
The demon thrashed violently but couldnt break free as the tongue tightened around it. Helpless, it could only scream in agony as Bloodthorn greedily sucked away its precious demonic energy.
Caelums jaw tightened, holding in the urge to scream himself. The potency of pure demonic qi was far beyond anything he had absorbed before. It took all of his willpower not to lose control.
Eventually, the demon went limp, drained to the brink of death. Caelum severed the connection then, swaying slightly from the strain. Bloodthorn, now sated, rumbled happily.
Stepping forward, Hughie clamped his jaws around the semi-conscious demons body, holding it in place.
"I''ll ask one final time. Why are you here?" Caelum asked.
The demons glassy eyes struggled to focus on him. Then the bloodied mouth twisted into a grin.
"You cannot stop...what is coming," it rasped.
Before Caelum could demand an explanation, the voice of Li Fenghao echoed urgently in Hughies mind. Fall back, now!
Trusting the immortals warning, Hughie immediately released the demon and shifted back to human form. Senior brother, move! he shouted to Caelum.
They leapt away just as the demon self-detonated in a blinding explosion. The shockwave blasted out in all directions, scouring the earth and leaving a smoking crater behind.
Caelum and Hughie landed lightly. Caelum stared at the devastation with wide eyes. He had sensed no build-up of demonic energy before the blast.
Just what was going on here? What did it mean by "what is coming"?
Clearly there were unknown forces at work plotting against the sect.
Caelum and Hughie glanced at each other.
Master needs to be informed!
Amelia strolled through the forest, humming to herself with a faint smile on her face. Trailing reluctantly behind her were the three cultivators who had become her companions.
There was Jumpy, the nervous wreck from the Black Rose Sect who flinched if you so much as looked at him. Then there was Stripes, the White Tiger disciple who fancied himself a great warrior but had gone down with barely a fight. And finally Timid, the frail little Pure Soul disciple who spent most of his time staring at the ground.
Yes, Amelia had chosen fitting names for the trio of misfits that fate had dropped into her lap. And as much as they claimed to hate their new nicknames, they were stuck with her until they could obtain a scroll.
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Come along, my little worker bees, Amelia called out. We mustn''t dawdle if we want to claim our prize!
Are you certain a scroll is even here? Timid asked nervously, cringing a bit as Amelia turned her bright smile on him.
Of course! Have I let you boys down yet? She giggled at their unimpressed looks. Oh dont be like that. This is so much more fun than wandering around aimlessly, isnt it?
Lets just get this over with, Stripes grumbled.
Shhh now, Amelia pressed a finger to her lips as they approached a rocky clearing I hear something up ahead!
They crept up and peered down at the skirmish below.
Two Pure Soul disciples and one Heavenly Light disciple were battling a monstrous ape-like creature easily fifteen meters tall. And in one of its massive hands was a scroll!
Amelia had to stop herself from laughing out loud at their luck. This was even easier than she''d hoped!
"Alright boys, time to earn your keep," she whispered. Before any of them could react, she gave Jumpy a shove, sending the Black Rose disciple tumbling down into the middle of the fight with a shriek.
The other two disciples quickly followed, either pushed by Amelia or leaping down of their own will.
Giggling, Amelia sat down on a nearby boulder to watch the show unfold.
The three disciples were not happy at the sudden interruption and turned their attacks on the new arrivals. For a few moments, it was a complete free-for-all brawl between all six cultivators and the hulking beast.
Jumpy got punched in the face almost immediately but managed to stay on his feet. Face pale, he retaliated with a series of fireballs that scorched the beast''s fur but barely slowed its rampage.
Stripes activated some White Tiger transformation technique, sprouting claws, fangs, and fur all over his body. Roaring, he launched himself at one of the other disciples, and the two became locked in a vicious melee.
Meanwhile, Timid struggled to dodge the various techniques and bodies crashing chaotically all around him. But he managed to get close to the beast holding the scroll and landed a desperate palm strike to its leg that made it stumble.
Unfortunately, the giant creature immediately backhanded poor Timid in retaliation, sending the slim cultivator flying into a tree trunk with a sickening crunch. He collapsed in a limp heap at the base of the tree, clearly out of the fight.
Amelia watched all this with great amusement, casually throwing the occasional fireball or a soul blade into the fray whenever she felt like it, not caring who she hit.
After a few minutes, with a blow to the head, Stripes managed to knock the Heavenly Light disciple out. He then turned to face the beast, leaping onto its back.
The ape roared as it tried to shrug him off, but Stripes sunk his canines into its neck until it finally toppled over dead, the scroll falling to the ground.
Leaping down, Amelia landed in front of Jumpy and Stripes. "Thanks for the help, boys. I''ll take that now," she said sweetly, picking up the scroll from the apes corpse.
Jumpy and Stripes stared at her, both looking like they wanted to attack her and take back the scroll. But ultimately, they stayed back, not willing to risk it.
Good choice.
Amelia hummed thoughtfully, tapping one long nail against her chin. She could keep her new pets longer, force them to get her another scroll too...
But no, Caelum and Hughie would worry if she took too long. It was better to return now. She had what she wanted anyway.
"It''s been fun, boys. But I should get back to my team now. See you around!" Amelia blew them a kiss.
Caelum paced within the cave hideout, a deep frown on his normally calm features. Hughie leaned casually against the wall, watching his senior brother with a hint of amusement.
Come on, Senior Brother, Im sure shes fine, Hughie said lightly. You know our little hellcat can handle herself.
Thats not the point, Hughie. Were supposed to be a team, but she ran off on her own without any consideration for us.
But thats just Amelia.
Caelum shook his head. What if I hadn''t gotten to you so quickly against that demon? Amelia should have been there watching your back, that''s what teammates do!
Hughie opened his mouth, then closed it again, realizing he had no real counterargument. Caelum was right, it had been irresponsible of Amelia to abandon them like that.
Their master had thought that Hughies near-death encounter had made Amelia more of a team player but that didnt seem to be the case.
At that moment, a silver-haired girl strolled into the cave.
Hello boys, did you miss me? Amelia called out. Her smile faltered a bit seeing Caelums stony expression.
Where have you been?
Oh Senior Brother, dont be such a worrywart! I was just having a bit of fun. She tried to drape herself casually over his shoulder.
But Caelum shrugged her off. Our master entrusted me with keeping everyone safe during this trial. Your carelessness could have led to Hughies death.
Amelia frowned, unused to being scolded so harshly by him. She tried to think of some glib response to brush it off, but Caelum wasnt done.
Were supposed to be a team, but you abandoned us for your own amusement, he continued. As your senior brother, I expect better from you.
Amelias mouth twisted unhappily. She clearly wanted to argue back but could tell Caelum wouldnt bend.
Youre right, of course, she admitted quietly. I didnt think through how my actions might impact you both. It was selfish of me, andIm sorry.
Caelum''s stern demeanour softened slightly, and he gave a nod.
Eager to break the tension, Hughie spoke up. Check out what I nabbed us.
He held up a scroll triumphantly. Amelias eyes lit up as she saw it was a Yang scroll.
Excellent work Hughie! Now we can fina- She broke off, smile freezing in place as she seemed to remember something.
Slowly, she reached into her ring and pulled out...another Yang scroll.
Ugh, I cant believe my useless servants didnt grab a Yin scroll, Amelia grumbled under her breath.
Hughie chose not to ask for details.
Guess well need to trade one of these for a Yin scroll, he said.
Instantly, Amelia was shaking her head. Oh we dont need to bother with that! We can just take a Yin scroll from someone; itll be easy. I saw some nice targets earlier
No, Caelum shook his head. Despite the battle against the demon looking easy, utilising a pseudo-domain as a Core Formation cultivator was draining. Were not wasting time and energy fighting others for no reason. The next stage starts immediately after this one.
Im with Senior Brother. Hughie nodded. Ive had my fill of battle for one day.
Seeing she was outvoted, Amelia let out a sigh. Fiiine. I suppose we can do this the boring way.
Suddenly she perked up.
Oh, I know just the stick in the mud to wheedle a trade out of! Come on boys, lets go find him!
Find who? Hughie asked.
Dentos!
Chapter 77: Just What Have I Gotten Myself Caught Up In?
Atrius struggled to prevent his legs from trembling as he followed the two Black Rose disciples through the fiery, volcanic terrain. The chubby one with the buzzcut wasn''t so bad - for a demonic cultivator, Xavier seemed nice enough. But the tall, lanky one with the wild hair and crazed eyes...Atrius shuddered just thinking about him.
Dentos.
Atrius had witnessed the madness of the Black Rose disciple firsthand. He''d seen Dentos go toe-to-toe with Ziven, the Heavenly Light Sect''s Legacy Disciple and Son of Heaven. And if Atrius was being honest...Dentos had been getting the better of the duel before it was interrupted.
Even more terrifying than his skill was Dentos'' complete lack of morals. Atrius had watched in horror as the demented cultivator ruthlessly tortured not only disciples from rival sects, but also members of his own Black Rose Sect! It was clear Dentos didn''t differentiate between friend and foe when it came to inflicting pain.
Up ahead, Dentos suddenly stopped walking.
Oh no, what now? Atrius froze, his heart pounding.
But the Black Rose disciple wasn''t looking at him. Dentos'' gaze was fixed on a small group of Heavenly Light disciples who had just emerged from behind a boulder.
Atrius thought he recognized one of them - wasn''t that Leo, one of Ziven''s friends? His stomach dropped. If Dentos decided to "play" with them too...
Sure enough, an unsettling grin spread across Dentos'' face. He pointed at the group.
"Xavier, fetch."
"You got it, boss!" the chubby disciple responded with a grin, cracking his knuckles. He ran towards the unaware Heavenly Light disciples.
Atrius averted his gaze, not wanting to watch the impending carnage. Though he couldn''t block out the screams that soon pierced the air.
After a few minutes, Xavier returned, dragging two semi-conscious disciples by their collars. He dumped them on the ground in front of Dentos, who crouched down with interest. Atrius noticed Xavier was sporting quite a few new burns and cuts.
"Good job, Xavier," Dentos praised, patting his subordinate''s shoulder. "Now let''s see what secrets our new friends can share, shall we?"
Atrius'' insides twisted with anxiety and guilt as Dentos proceeded to "persuade" the two disciples to reveal any information they had about Ziven''s current location and plans. The methods the demented cultivator used made Atrius want to vomit.
He thanked the heavens that Dentos had not used such tactics on him. As soon as Atrius realized who he was dealing with, he had spilled everything he knew about Ziven without hesitation.
Loyalty to the Heavenly Light Sect be damned - I want to make it through this trial alive!
"Here, catch!"
Atrius instinctively caught the object Dentos tossed to him. He looked down to see it was a scroll - a Yin scroll.
So far, thanks to Dentos'' terrifying efficiency, their group had already collected three Yang scrolls and three Yin scrolls. Atrius didn''t understand why the Black Rose disciple continued hunting for more scrolls when they only needed one of each to advance.
Was he trying to decrease the competition that would make it to the next stage?
Atrius didn''t dare ask.
Dentos strolled back from where the two disciples lay crumpled on the ground, having gotten everything he could out of them. He jerked his head towards the north.
"Let''s go. Ziven was spotted heading that direction."
Atrius gulped and nodded. So they were going after Ziven for payback.
Fantastic.
As they set off, Atrius noticed Xavier following Dentos'' every command without hesitation.
Right, Xavier had mentioned Dentos was ranked number one on something called the Karmic Ledger within the Black Rose Sect''s Disciplinary Hall. Crazy bastard seemed to be a star among Black Rose enforcers.
Whenever they encountered another Black Rose team with a Disciplinary Hall member, that person would salute Dentos and call him "Boss."
Lost in thought, Atrius almost slammed into Xavier''s wide back when Dentos came to a sudden stop. He silently cursed himself for being distracted.
Dentos stood still, head cocked. Then without warning he activated the Wings of Roc on his back and shot upwards, narrowly avoiding the purple energy blade that struck the earth where he''d just stood.
That had been close. Too close, Atrius thought as he took a step back.
A girl''s laughter rang out. Dentos reappeared directly in front of a silver-haired girl and bowed his head.
"Senior Sister Amelia."
Atrius'' mouth fell open. This was the first time he''d ever witnessed Dentos bow his head to anyone.
The girl - Amelia - smirked. "Still as quick as ever, I see, Dentos."
"Thanks to Master."
Two more Black Rose disciples emerged to stand beside Amelia - a handsome, raven-haired youth and a mischievous looking teen.
"Was it necessary to attack him?" The handsome sword-wielding cultivator frowned slightly.
Amelia shrugged. "We like to keep each other on our toes in the Disciplinary Hall."
Dentos nodded in agreement.
Atrius sensed there was some history between him and this dangerous beauty. From what he knew, Amelia had recently started working at the Disciplinary Hall as well, often partnering up with Dentos in his...interrogations.
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In return, she had apparently promised to put in a good word about Dentos to their Master, Supreme Elder Slifer. It seemed both these demonic cultivators shared similarly twisted tendencies.
"Yes, I suppose I should have expected as much from you two," Caelum sighed.
Clapping her hands together, Amelia turned her gaze back to Dentos. "Right, let''s get down to business. She held up two Yang scrolls. Care to trade?"
Dentos motioned for Atrius to step forward. Nervously, Atrius presented three Yang scrolls and three Yin scrolls to the Black Rose disciples.
The younger teen let out an impressed whistle. "Wow, you guys have been busy!"
"All thanks to Boss Dentos!" Xavier declared proudly.
Caelum shot Amelia a pointed look. "If only you were half as efficient as Dentos, we wouldn''t have had any issues."
Amelia barely refrained from rolling her eyes. She had yet to meet anyone whose ability to quickly accomplish objectives could match Dentos. The lanky cultivator was like a machine - singularly focused and ruthlessly efficient.
Though his reasons for wanting a master still eluded her...
Oblivious to her thoughts, Dentos spoke up. "You''re welcome to take all six scrolls. We can easily get more." He motioned for Atrius to hand them over.
Atrius nearly choked in disbelief. Hadn''t obtaining these scrolls been difficult and dangerous? Why was Dentos so quick to just give them away?!
But he wasn''t foolish enough to question his leader''s decision out loud.
One Yin scroll will be enough."
Dentos nodded and passed him a scroll. The mischievous teen - Hughie, Atrius had gathered - pumped a fist in the air.
"Alright! Now we''ve got what we need to advance!"
"Speaking of which, have you had any luck finding our slippery friend yet, Dentos?" Amelia let out a predatory smile.
Friend? Atrius frowned in confusion. Who was she talking about?
"I''ve been tracking him, but the Son of Heaven remainselusive," Dentos replied. "It seems he is evading us."
Amelia let out an annoyed huff. "Talks a big game, but runs like a coward when it comes down to it." Her lips curved into a cruel smirk. "But his luck is about to run out."
Atrius blood ran cold. Son of Heaven...she had to mean Ziven! Are they going to gang up on him?
Caelum nodded. "Let''s work together to deal with this nuisance before the first stage ends." He levelled a stern look at Amelia. "Remember, Master ordered us not to engage Ziven alone. We need to work together and overwhelm him immediately. No playing around this time."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, I know. Don''t worry your pretty little head, I can behave." A chilling glint entered her eyes. "That rat won''t slip away so easily this time."
The two groups nodded, turning north. Atrius could only follow, praying he survived to the end of the trial.
Just what have I gotten myself caught up in?
Slifer sat in the private booth, not paying much attention as the disciples from the sects competed in exhibition matches and tests of skill.
He wished he could head back to his fine quarters but as the host, he couldnt excuse himself.
Its the xianxia equivalent of a talent show, Slifer stifled a yawn. He had never enjoyed talent shows back on Earth C like dad used to say, I have no talent. Wellthats not true anymore.
The situation was different in this new world, this time around, he had been given a more fortunate hand.
Sitting in place for seven daysI cant feel my legs, Slifer thought, tapping his hand against his knee. At least theres only twenty-four hours left before the real fun begins!
The elders of the other sects also sat meditating. All except for one.
Zofia sat scowling with her arms crossed.
"I cannot believe the esteemed Black Rose Sect does not present the first stage," she remarked. "Are your disciples'' talents so pathetic you wish to hide them even now?"
"Now Zofia, it is their right to maintain secrecy. Leontius opened his eyes. Your own sect has done the same in the past."
Zofia''s scowl deepened, but she held her tongue. Slifer resisted the urge to smirk. He was familiar with the hypocrisy of so-called righteous cultivators, he would let them two argue it out.
Slifer had two reasons for blocking outside observation of the first trial round. First, it allowed his avatar, Zack, to use any techniques without worrying about being exposed.
But there was another, more pragmatic reason.
Slifer''s gaze darkened, thoughts turning to the thorn in his side - Ziven, beloved Son of Heaven and Legacy Disciple of the Heaven''s Light Sect. The arrogant whelp was crazy, clearly he would do anything to get revenge on Slifer.
Yes, Ziven needed to be removed, and soon. The first stage provided the perfect opportunity, away from any watchful eyes.
The Heavenly Light Sect would likely take offense at their darling prodigy being ganged up on and eliminated. And Slifer didnt want to deal with the headache they would cause when they retaliated. But with the first stage hidden, they could never prove Slifer''s involvement even if they suspected it.
Hopefully they finish their hunt quickly, Slifer sighed. Ziven''s luck cant hold out forever, especially when he will be facing multiple protagonists.
Chapter 78: An Assassination Attempt!
Ziven rode through the Valley of Scattered Flames on a horse-like creature, which he had nicknamed ''Blaze''.
Blaze was an Ash Courser. Standing at fifteen feet tall, it had a muscular build covered in ash-coloured fur that allowed it to blend into the surroundings. Its hooves were strange, almost resembling talons, they gave the beast traction on the loose volcanic terrain.
Youre a good boy, Ziven leaned forward, patting Blaze''s neck affectionately.
It was only appropriate that he, a Son of Heaven, had such a magnificent companion.
He had discovered Blaze skulking around in the third day of the trial, no doubt driven down from its mountain home by the influx of disciples invading its territory.
Ziven had always had an affinity with beasts and creatures since childhood; it hadn''t taken much for him to earn Blaze''s trust, only a few dried strips of meat.
The Ash Courser now followed his every command, which was convenient now that he was on the run.
As soon as Ziven realized that he was being tracked, he had abandoned his two teammates and fled with his new mount.
One of those teammates had been a Black Rose disciple - there was no way Ziven could trust anyone from that demonic sect. Not when he intended to kill their Supreme Elder.
Ziven brushed his fingers over the ring on his right hand, there were two scrolls stored inside - one Yang and one Yin. He didnt dare hand the scrolls to either of his useless teammates. At their pathetic cultivation levels, the scrolls would''ve been stolen from them in minutes.
No, the scrolls were safest with him.
His face darkened as unwanted thoughts of the Black Rose disciples filled his mind. Hunted like a wretched dog, all because those demons wanted to stop him from carrying out Heavens justice.
One day, Ill personally exterminate every last one of those foul cultivators, ridding the realm of their evil for good! Ziven clenched his teeth.
Sensing its master''s fury, Blaze let out an uneasy whine. Ziven quickly softened his expression, gently stroking the Ash Courser''s neck.
"Easy boy, its not you that Im mad at."
Blaze nodded before its ears suddenly pricked upwards, nostrils flaring. The Ash Courser''s head swivelled, fixated on a rocky outcrop they were approaching.
The beast possessed sharper senses than any human. If it smelled trouble ahead...
"So it''s time then, is it?" Ziven''s eyes narrowed, looking around warily.
Six figures walked out. Black Rose disciples, formed a circle around him, cutting off any chance of escape. But one figure hung back - was that Atrius?
"Atrius," Ziven growled at his fellow Heavenly Light disciple. "What is the meaning of this?"
Atrius lifted his hands, taking a step back. "Z-Ziven, I don''t want any trouble. I just need to pass this trial."
Before Ziven could respond, a silver-haired girl stepped forward. "Theres nowhere left to run, little rat," she purred.
Ziven regarded the beauty before him with contempt.
Amelia.
She was the worst of the lot.
"Swarming me like a pack of rabid beasts" Ziven sneered. "Have you no sha-"
In that instant, Caelum struck without warning. His sword extended, ready to impale the Son of Heaven through the chest.
Relying on his instincts, Ziven twisted sideways at the last second. Instead of his heart, the blade pierced through his left shoulder. Face contorting in pain, he barely swallowed back a scream.
"All together now! Leave nothing to chance!" Caelum shouted.
Ziven paled. He was hoping to stall as he knew the first stage would be ending any moment. But the Black Rose disciples were clearly done wasting time.
Grimacing, he yanked Bloodthorn free, he then leaned down to stare into Blaze''s eyes.
"Rampage," he commanded.
As the enraged Ash Coursers cultivation rose to the Half-Nascent Soul Realm, it charged forward as Ziven leapt and rolled from its back. He sprinted for cover behind a boulder, clutching his wounded shoulder.
Blaze''s roars and the sounds of battle erupted behind him. Ziven glanced back to see the Ash Courser engaging Xavier and Hughie in battle.
But Caelum, Amelia and Dentos had their sights locked on their real target - him.
Cursing under his breath, Ziven continued running.
No matter how arrogant he was, half a dozen peak Core Formation cultivators, including Slifer''s direct disciples, were not enemies he could fight head-on.
His figure blurred as he activated a movement technique, Wind Descent. Yet as he continued to flee, every time he glanced that, he saw the Black Rose psychos clinging to his trail like leeches.
Ziven twisted around, throwing a wind blade back at Amelia to slow her down. She deflected it with a wave of her hand.
From his other side, Caelum''s blade came slashing in again. Ziven darted right to avoid it, the sword slicing through the hem of his robes.
Too close
Up ahead, Ziven spotted an opening between two large boulders. He immediately threw himself into the gap, hoping it would force his pursuers into single file. Ziven kept low to the ground as he scrambled on all fours through the tight space, careful not to get wedged.
Just as he pulled himself free on the other side, a giant crimson vortex filled the crevice. Ziven crouched behind one of the boulders, narrowly avoiding Caelum''s attack. Moments later, Dentos emerged from the gap, followed closely by Amelia.
Ziven took off again. He wove between rocky outcroppings, leapt over smouldering chasms, ducked flying blades and beams of purple energy. But no matter the evasive manoeuvres he used, his three pursuers matched him move for move.
Up ahead, Ziven spotted a large active geyser shooting steam high into the air. Seizing the opportunity, he sprinted straight into the scalding vapours, hoping to obscure himself from view.
Seconds later, three dark silhouettes emerged from a cloud of steam. Ziven barely rolled to the side in time to avoid Amelia''s Soul Render as it came cleaving through the vapours.
I need a new strategy, and I need it now!
"I see you, little mouse!" Amelia called in a sing-song voice.
Ziven immediately switched direction as her next soul blade obliterated the path ahead. But in his haste to avoid it, he skidded out into open ground.
Suddenly, the air around Ziven warped and distorted.
What sorcery is this?
An enormous transparent cube formed, trapping him inside. A lanky cultivator stood just outside the cube, controlling his creation through a paintbrush.
Dentos!
"Now! Attack together!" Caelum yelled.
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Amelia, Caelum and Dentos unleashed their techniques simultaneously. Amelia''s Soul Render, Caelum''s Crimson Vortex and Dentos'' painted spear combined into one massive roaring column of destructive energy, aimed directly at Ziven''s heart.
No! It cant end like this! Ziven thought desperately. Not until I get my revenge! I will get my revenge!
Just as the attacks were about to connect, the world around Ziven blurred and dissolved. He felt a strong pulling sensation, and then everything went black.
Zack was lazing high up in a tree, relaxing after having found both the Yin and Yang scrolls needed to pass the first stage of the exams.
"Unless one of those two weirdos die," Zack muttered to himself as he juggled the scrolls. He felt quite confident that his strange teammates would survive. If they could make him feel uneasy, they could definitely handle the other Foundation Establishment cultivators in the trial.
If anything, Zack felt bad for anyone unlucky enough to encounter them.
Though, he had been worried that the Black Death disciples would hunt him down, so he had stayed on the move. He didnt know what they wanted with him, and he did not want to find out.
But with only an hour left until the first trial ended, he could finally take a breather.
Well, a short one anyway. Never hurt to stay vigilant.
As he began to doze off, Zack''s eyes suddenly shot open. A prickle of unease crept down his neck. He sat up, instantly on alert.
Now hold on just a darn minute...this was usually the point where everything goes spectacularly wrong! Just when the protagonist thinks they were safe, bam! Ambush out of nowhere!
Zack wasn''t about to fall for that cliche. Time to be proactive.
He closed his eyes and activated a new technique the Main Body had learned called "Mind''s Eye." It was a surveillance technique that Slifer thought would come in handy for situations like this.
A barely perceptible pulse of qi radiated out from him, sweeping the forest. It travelled more than twice as far as his spiritual sense could reach.
There!
Two hundred feet to the east, partially obscured from his spiritual sense. Two figures stealthily approaching his position.
Zack''s eyes snapped open, immediately focusing east. Were they his creepy teammates? It would explain how they evaded his initial spiritual probe.
His question was answered a second later when two beams of inky black qi came hurtling directly at him.
Cursing, Zack instantly manifested his lightning wings technique, launching himself into the sky right as the attacks struck the tree he''d been lounging in just moments before.
The tree let out an awful groan before crashing down, leaves withering and bark decaying from the residual death qi.
Zack''s eyes narrowed, wings beating to keep him in the air. The attacks were similar to the Reversal Cards life-draining properties, but instead of absorbing life essence, they corrupted with pure death qi.
Below him, two black-robed figures emerged from the treeline. Zack frowned. Yep, definitely his shady teammates from the Death Rose Sect. Though he''d nicknamed them Vampire and Zombie in his mind.
Well, no time like the present for a cheerful reunion!
Zack pasted a sunny grin on his face and called out, "Yo guys! Fancy meeting you here. What took you so long?"
The Vampire girl frowned up at him. "Why did you run from us before?" she demanded.
Zack laughed. "Oh, I just wanted a head start, no biggie!"
As he chatted, his eyes scanned his surroundings, looking for any escape routes. Staying too high up made him an easy target.
There - fifty feet to the west lay a thick bundle of trees. And if he could just make it over that rocky overhang to the south, he''d find plenty of caves to duck into.
And with caves come opportunity!
Now he just needed an opportunity to escape to one of those spots without getting hit by another blast of deadly miasma.
Meanwhile, Zombie spoke up. "We have some questions for you," he said slowly. "About your master, Slifer. There are...inconsistencies.
"Sorry to disappoint fellas, but you''re barking way up the wrong tree. Zack waved a hand. An Ascendant like him? That''s crazy above your pay grade."
The male disciple continued staring at him like a creep. "We also have questions for you. You seem to have appeared from nowhere. Who exactly are you?"
"Me?" Zack plastered on an oblivious look. "I''m nobody important, just some disciple. Nothing worth digging into there."
The Vampire girl took a step toward him, and Zack realized she was about to attack again.
Crap! Time for me to scram!
Zack immediately dove towards the escape route he had picked out earlier.
He had no desire to actually fight these two. He had no idea which techniques they had in their arsenal, even if he was able to defeat them, he doubted he would come out unscathed.
Unlike the Main Body who had his cards to save him, I need to look out for myself!
A streak of inky darkness shot through the air, narrowly missing his wing as Zack barrel-rolled out of the way.
He plunged into the trees as the Black Death disciples followed in pursuit. They fired off more attacks, decay spreading wherever their qi touched. Zack just managed to dodge them, the blasts grazing past close enough to tear his robe and leave bloody furrows across his shoulder.
Gritting his teeth against the pain, Zack clamped one hand over the wound. That stuff was nasty - he could feel the death energy trying to corrupt his own qi.
As he sprinted through the underbrush, Zack focused on containing the spread before it could contaminate his Dantian and meridians.
This crap is strong!
Sweat beaded his forehead from the effort. Zack knew he couldn''t suppress it forever.
He soon found a thick tree to lean against and catch his breath.
Closing his eyes, he prepared to cycle his qi in cleansing patterns, only to freeze as a pulse of Mind''s Eye qi returned two rapidly closing life forces.
"Damn, how do they keep finding me so fast?" Zack muttered. He opened his eyes to see the pair standing before him.
"I tried being nice, but it seems you two are just ungrateful," Zack said, narrowing his eyes. His cheerful demeanour vanished.
I need to hit them hard and fast!
But before Zack could act, the marking on his palm - the one he had used to touch the teleportation cube earlier - suddenly flared with light.
A portal appeared out of thin-air, sucking all three of them inside.
"Well, crap-" was all Zack had time to say before disappearing.
Chapter 79: The End Of The First Stage!
The arena was buzzing with excitement as the spectators leaned forward in their seats, eyes glued to the empty stage below. Any moment now, the first stage of the tournament would come to a close.
Only the teams who secured both the precious Yang and Yin scrolls, while keeping all three members alive, would progress to the next round.
In the highest booth, on the most impressive seat, sat Slifer, lazing around like he had no care in the world.
He had no doubt that his disciples would pass the first trial with ease. They were the elite of the Black Rose Sect, hand-picked and trained by the Original personally.
But more importantly, they were either protagonists or pseudo-protagonists, it would take more than some average Core Formation cultivators to deal with them.
No, Slifer was far more interested in whether his followers had succeeded in disposing of that pesky cockroach, Ziven.
"My, my, someone''s awfully sure of themselves."
Slifer didn''t bother turning his head at the voice coming from two seats over.
Zofia leaned towards him, an impish grin on her face. "Getting a bit complacent, are we?"
When Slifer continued ignoring her, Zofia let out a frustrated sigh.
"It''s rude not to look at someone when they''re talking to you. Didn''t your master teach you any manners?"
"You''re the rude one!" Val bared her fangs. "Stop annoying master, he wants nothing to do with an old hag like you!"
Old hag? Now where did she learn language like that? Was it Amelia? Slifer wondered.
As nice as it was for Val to come to his defence, he didnt want to spoil her with crude language like that, she was just a baby after all.
Zofia''s eye twitched, but her smile remained fixed in place. "Still hiding behind your little bird I see.
Bird? Val a dragon!
On Slifer''s other side, the Black Death Sect Master Vowron turned to him with a smile.
"The results of the first stage may surprise you, Supreme Elder," he said. Though his words sounded innocuous enough, Slifer''s senses prickled.
Surprise me? What was the man getting at? Slifer nearly frowned.
None of his disciples had fallen in the trial, he was certain of that much. The system would have notified him instantly if that was the case.
Just what are you plotting? Slifer''s gaze sharpened, staring intently at the Black Death Sect Master''s face.
Slifer had yet to receive any updates from Morvran or Kaelin regarding the Black Death Sects movements, so he had decided to add Fenlock to hunt.
Its not like he has anything better to doall he does is spend time with his Junior Sister, Slifer shook his head. Fenlocks strange relationship was not something he wanted to delve into at this moment.
But I do think gaining his complete loyalty is related to that Junior Sister of his
Any further thought was interrupted as dozens of spatial portals sprang into existence around the arena.
Slifer sat up straighter, an eager glint entering his eyes.
Here we go! Let''s see how they did!
Hundreds of cultivators came tumbling out of the portals onto the platform. Many had injuries or torn clothes.
Slifer immediately focused on scanning the mass of disciples for his own. He held back a sigh of relief as he spotted Amelia''s silver hair, then Dentos'' lanky frame, followed by the rest of his team. They seemed a little battered but overall intact.
Good.
Satisfied his disciples had passed, Slifer turned to shoot Vowron a pointed look. The Black Death Sect Master had the grace to appear surprised.
Interesting...it seems he really didnt expect my disciples to return.
This gave Slifer pause. There was a big difference between sabotaging group allocations and attempted murder. Unfortunately, he had no idea what the demonic sect master was up to.
If only I could buy the answer from the System
| Ding! |
| Congratulations! |
| Your Disciples All Passed The First Stage |
| You Have Gained 400 Karmic Credits |
It''s always nice to get credits without having to move a muscle.
Slifer''s eyes then narrowed as his gaze landed on a familiar muscular figure with dark shoulder-length hair.
Ziven.
Somehow that tenacious cockroach had survived. Slifer wasn''t really surprised. The heavens seemed to favour their precious Son no matter what obstacles were thrown his way.
Much like actual cockroaches, Ziven just kept crawling back time and time again.
Slifer hid his displeasure and schooled his features into indifference. He couldn''t let anyone guess the extent of his hatred, or was it fear, towards the Heavenly Light Sect disciple. A supposed Ascendant cultivator targeting a mere Core Formation cultivator would bring about too many questions.
A spiritual transmission from Caelum stole his attention.
"Master, Im sorry we failed the mission. But there is something important we found out. The Black Death disciples are
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When the blinding light of the portal finally receded, Zack found himself dumped onto the floor of an arena. Groaning, he rolled over and sat up, blinking rapidly as his vision adjusted.
One sweep of the surroundings and Zack instantly recognized where they were - the Intersect Tournament grounds.
Hundreds of other cultivators were also pulling themselves up from the ground around him, some letting out sighs of relief whilst others complained.
"Ugh, finally. I never want to see another lava pit again!"
"Just thank the heavens we made it out of that nightmare!"
"Feels like we barely escaped with our lives. Are trials normally this deadly?"
Zack stretched his back, wincing as his joints popped. He was battered, hungry, and desperately in need of a bath, but otherwise no worse for wear.
A burning sensation in his shoulder proved him wrong immediately.
Oh yeah, Ive got to get that sorted before it becomes a real problem.
Zack''s eyes turned to his two teammates, who were rising to their feet as well. The male and female Black Death disciples stared at him with their usual blank, creepy expressions. Zack suppressed a shudder.
Well ain''t this just an awkward reunion," he laughed nervously.
Their last encounter in the trial space had been...tense, to say the least. The pair had gone from seemingly ignoring his existence to abruptly trying to murder him.
And they had pursued Zack relentlessly, despite his attempts to lose them. It was as if passing the trial meant nothing compared to their desire to kill him, which made zero sense!
Just what beef do they have with me? I''m obviously an amazing dude, but still!
Before Zack could ponder the mystery further, he sensed a familiar tugging at the edges of his spiritual awareness. It felt as though strands of his recent experiences were being gently extracted from his consciousness.
Ah, this again!
He had grown accustomed to the out-of-body sensation that accompanied the Main Body syncing their experiences and memories.
"Hope you''re happy, bossman. The first round wasn''t exactly a picnic," Zack muttered internally. Images of the deadly black miasma the two Black Death disciples wielded flashed through his mind. Send me the antidote before my arm falls off!
The booming voice of Elder Fred interrupted Zack''s complaints.
"Attention! All participants, stand with your teammates immediately!"
Zack grimaced. Well, time to get up close and personal with his murderous buddies again. He dragged his feet over to join the Black Death cultivators, carefully positioning himself out of arms'' reach. Their lifeless gazes followed his every move.
Yeah, this isn''t creepy at all...
"Right!" Elder Fred bellowed. "The teams with both a Yin and Yang scroll, present them now!"
Grinning, Zack took out the scrolls from his interspatial ring, holding them up proudly. He spotted Caelum and Dentos doing the same, along with a few other talents like William and Nomed.
Nice, the whole squad made it through.
"The ten teams that secured the scrolls from both the Core Formation and Foundation Establishment divisions shall advance." Elder Freds tone hardened, "The rest of you, scram!"
Angry mutters broke out among the eliminated disciples at the dismissal.
"This isn''t fair, we didn''t even get to show our strength!"
"They can''t just fail us without seeing what we can do!"
But under the oppressive pressure of Elder Fred''s Nascent Soul cultivation, nobody dared protest further. Shooting dirty glances at the passing teams, the losers quickly filed out.
"Now then! The second trial will consist of one versus one battles. And just like before, the Core Formation division shall compete separately from the Foundation Establishment division."
"There will be five brackets of six competitors each," Elder Fred continued. "The six cultivators in a bracket will battle each other in turn. A win earns you 3 points, a draw 1 point, and a loss 0 points. The cultivator in each bracket with the most points will advance and secure a slot to the Sealed Realm."
Mumbles of annoyance spread amongst the participants.
"Only five slots, out of all of us?"
"Seriously? One loss and you''re basically out of the running.
"They expect us to battle tournament style right after the first trial?"
"Yeah, we''ve not had any time to rest!"
Enough! With a wave of his sleeve, Elder Fred silenced them as he produced a glowing orb of water. "The matchups will now be decided!"
He caused the liquid to separate into five smaller orbs, each holding six names. With motions from his fingers, he stirred the names within each orb, randomizing the order.
Watching closely, Zack noted with satisfaction when the Black Rose disciples each ended up in different brackets, just like the Main Body had promised.
With a round-robin style tournament bracket theres no chance of the gang accidentally knocking each other out of the competition. And with a bit of luck, well be able to monopolize all five slots to the Sealed Realm!
Finally, Elder Fred flicked his wrist, solidifying the pools into brackets.
Let''s see who I''m up against first... Zack scanned the Foundation Establishment list.
"The first match will be Zack versus Varoom!" Elder Fred announced.
Varoom? What kind of name is that? It sounds like one those little toy vehicles kids race around...what were they called again? Hot Wheels? Ah well, no use making jokes the poor guy won''t even understand. I''ll just have to throttle him quickly instead!
Zack cracked his knuckles as he stepped forward, ready to face the nobody from the Black Heart Sect.
Chapter 80: The First Battle!
This scrawny pipsqueak doesnt look like much. He probably hasnt even reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, Varoom scoffed, looking down at his opponent.
"Boy, I won''t even need any techniques to beat you. I''ll just slap you to death!"
"Give it a try, big guy, Zack responded with a smirk.
Varoom grunted. This kid was clearly all talk, and that smug attitude just made Varoom want to pound his face in even more.
Without warning, Varoom flickered out of view. In the blink of an eye, he appeared directly behind Zack, already swinging a massive fist towards the back of his head.
But to his shock, Zack reacted instantly, whipping around and casually catching his punch with one hand.
"Too slow," Zack said, clicking his tongue. With his free hand, he delivered a lightning-fast jab straight towards Varoom''s nose.
Varoom stumbled back, blinking rapidly. How could this pipsqueak stop his full-powered punch with just one hand? Just how strong was this guy?
After gathering himself, Varoom spat out, "So you''re just a freakish body cultivator, is that it?"
"Something like that," Zack said, rolling his injured shoulder with a slight wince. Can''t play around for too long with this bum arm.
Gritting his teeth, Varoom changed tactics. He slammed his foot down, sending a spike of stone shooting up beneath Zack''s feet.
But Zack merely raised an eyebrow at the incoming attack. With a sigh, he thrust out his palm, meeting the stone spike head-on.
"Thunderclap Palm!"
A resounding shockwave boomed out, obliterating the spike into tiny pebbles.
Varoom''s eyes narrowed as understanding dawned on him. This was no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator. The kid''s comprehension and control over elemental forces was clearly at the level of Core Formation at least!
Zack considered bringing out a sword and using Sunrise Slash to end the fight quickly. But no, that would definitely rouse suspicion about his true identity. For now, he''d have to rely only on his own techniques.
"Let''s wrap this up, shall we? Zack inhaled deeply before letting out a roar. Dragon Roar of the Thunderous Sky!" Visible shockwaves rippled through the air, crackling with lightning.
Just before the attack could land, a bolt of pain shot through Zack''s injured shoulder, disrupting his control. The thunderous roar fizzled out pathetically mid-flight.
"Crap! Zack cursed under his breath.
Pathetic! Varoom seized the opportunity.
Stomping again, he raised up earthen walls in a spherical formation around Zack, creating a stone prison. Rune inscriptions along the prison walls rapidly siphoned away Zack''s qi.
Looking through the prison''s single barred window, Varoom smirked. "Not so cocky now, are you? That''s what you get for underestimating me."
Inside the cell, Zack grumbled in annoyance. He had let himself get too carried away showboating. Now he was stuck in this stupid rock box like a misbehaving child sent to the naughty corner.
Meanwhile, in the spectator stands, Slifer watched the situation unfold with a shake of his head. Zack was acting just as rash and short-sighted as Slifer himself tended to be. But unlike Slifer, who had to restrain himself constantly for the sake of his Supreme Elder image, Zack had no such obligations.
Its strange seeing myself from a different perspective
| Ding! |
| New Task: For Every Battle Your Disciples Win In the First Round, You Will Gain 150 Karmic Credits! |
150 Karmic Credits just to bully others, why not? Slifer smirked.
"My, it seems your disciple has gotten himself into quite the predicament," Zofia laughed.
Slifer waved a hand dismissively. "I thought someone of your cultivation would be moreperceptive.
Zofia''s smile froze. She opened her mouth to snap back with a retort, but then a distant rumbling suddenly drew her gaze to the sky.
A massive thunderbolt tore through the clouds, descending rapidly towards the arena grounds. With a resounding crack, it struck the stone prison, blasting it to pieces in an instant.
As the dust settled, Zack stood smirking amidst the rubble, wisps of electricity still dancing across his skin.
"A useful little trick, that one.
The Celestial Lightning Tribulation technique let him call on one lightning bolt from the heavens. He normally used it to temper his body, but it worked in situations like this, after all, lightning was the weakness of earth techniques.
How? Varoom stumbled back in shock.
No matter what he tried, this kid seemed to have the perfect counter. Just what would it take to defeat him?
Sensing his injured shoulder continuing to worsen, Zack sighed. "Sorry big guy, but I''m gonna have to wrap this up quick before my arm falls off."
In a flash, Zack appeared behind Varoom, electricity cackling from his wings. Varoom hurriedly raised a stone barrier, but Zack''s Thunderclap Palm blasted straight through it and slammed into his chest.
Varoom soared backwards through the air.
"The winner is Zack!" Elder Fred declared.
Satisfied, Zack made his way off the arena stage, rolling his bad shoulder slowly. That fight had been way too close for comfort. He sent a reminder to the Main Body. "Yo bossman, gonna need that poison antidote pronto before my whole arm rots off!"
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William watched as Zack strolled casually from the arena.
Zack had come out of nowhere and somehow managed to become the Supreme Elder''s disciple. William didn''t understand how a nobody like Zack deserved that honour when he, a young master, did not.
But what grated on William even more was how talented and powerful this newcomer seemed to be, much more so than William himself.
It was unacceptable!
No!
William shook his head; he couldn''t keep thinking like this. It was this attitude that had gotten his family involved with that mess in the first place.
"Next match - William versus Alfie!" Elder Fred announced.
William grit his teeth. Just his luck to face a Heavenly Light disciple at the Late Foundation Establishment stage right off the bat. As an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was definitely at a disadvantage.
Walking onto the platform, William kept his nerves hidden. He would not let this opponent sense any weakness.
"Begin!"
Alfie smirked, not even bothering to take a battle stance. "This should be quick. I hope you''ve made your peace, kid."
William''s face burned, he wasnt used to being talked down to like that, but he kept his anger in check. Losing his cool now would only lead to a quick defeat.
"If you are done talking, lets fight."
"Don''t say I didn''t warn you," Alfie taunted. He casually summoned flames to his hands and tossed a fireball at the boy. "Here, catch!"
As the fireball flew at him, William executed the Gale Force Palm, shooting out a gust of wind from his palm. The wind collided with the fireball, causing a small explosion between them.
"Not bad," Alfie remarked, clearly just toying with him. "But wind techniques won''t get you far against my Phoenix Immolation!"
Alfie thrust his palms forward, unleashing a massive firebird. The phoenix screeched as it shot towards William with terrifying speed.
Reacting quickly, William activated his Wind Step technique, using the wind to propel himself out of the phoenix''s path. He appeared twenty meters to the left, barely avoiding the collision.
But Alfie simply turned and sent the phoenix chasing after William once more. "You can''t run forever!"
William was forced to keep evading the phoenix, using all his speed and agility to avoid its swooping attacks.
Alfie just stood back with an amused expression, controlling the phoenix''s movements with casual flicks of his fingers.
After a few minutes of this cat and mouse game, William was panting heavily. Alfie seized the chance to attack again.
"Try my Phoenix Talons!" He cried, morphing the firebird into two gigantic claws of flame. The talons shot forward to grab a hold of William.
Reacting on instinct, William sent a Spiralling Wind Blade towards the left claw, disrupting its form and causing it to dissipate. But the right talon remained intact, slamming into William''s side.
"Argh!" William cried out as the intense heat seared his robe and flesh. Dropping to one knee, he quickly patted out the flames before they could spread. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he stood back up to face Alfie once more.
By now, Alfie looked slightly annoyed that the match was still continuing. "Just give up! You''ll never win with that pathetic cultivation of yours."
William frowned, mind racing for a solution. Alfie was clearly the superior cultivator in terms of pure power. William''s only advantage lay in the natural counter that wind held against fire. If he could just exploit that somehow...
When Alfie sent another fireball whizzing towards him, a plan formed in William''s mind. He deflected the first fireball with a wind palm, then watched closely as Alfie followed up with a second, larger fireball.
Just before impact, William executed his Wind Accelerator technique. This greatly enhanced the speed and power of the oncoming fireball, sending it crashing straight into its unsuspecting caster.
"Arghhhh!" Alfie screamed in shock and pain as his own fireball exploded against him with twice the force. The Heavenly Light disciple fell to the ground, frantically trying to pat out the flames that now devoured his own robes.
After a few minutes, the fire finally died out, leaving Alfie groaning on the floor with smoke rising from his clothes.
"The winner is William!" Elder Fred announced.
One down, four to goWilliam sighed as he walked off the stage.
If it wasn''t for his quick thinking, he would have been the one rolling around on the floor.
Still, he had expected no less from someone of his standing. This Alfie had learned the hard way not to underestimate a young master.
Watching from the stands, Slifer nodded in approval. It seemed this William fellow wasn''t as stupid as Slifer first thought. The boy had managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by using his opponent''s strength against him.
Maybe I was too quick to dismiss him
"Next match: Hughie of the Black Rose Sect versus Paddy of the Pure Soul Sect!" Elder Fred called out.
"All right! It''s finally my turn!" Hughie whooped, leaping down into the arena. Across from him, a young man in white robes stepped forward.
"I take no pleasure in violence, but do not believe I will hold back," Paddy said gently, bowing.
"Bring it on, pretty boy!" Hughie shouted, bouncing on the soles of his feet. "I''m gonna mop the floor with ya!"
Chapter 81: Hughie vs Illusion Boy!
Hughie glanced up at the spectator stands, spotting Oliviare among the sea of faces. She gave him a small wave.
"Gotta give the people a good show!" Hughie said with a grin. "Especially with my number one fan watching."
Paddy followed Hughie''s gaze up to Oliviare. "Ah, there is a jade beauty cheering you on. So, you do not wish to disappoint her?"
"You bet!" Hughie thumped his chest. "Nothing''s gonna stop me from winning now that my lady is watching!"
Oliviare blushed at the declaration, clasping her hands together as she prayed for Hughie''s safety. She knew he could be reckless in battle.
"Then come," Paddy said, settling into a graceful battle stance, palms outstretched. "Show me what you can do."
"Yeah, I''ll show you all right!" Hughie shot forward, cocking back a fist. He aimed a punch straight at Paddy''s face, putting his full weight behind the blow. But his fist passed harmlessly through empty air as Paddy''s form flickered and vanished.
"An illusion?" Hughie realized too late. A sweeping kick to the ribs sent him sprawling.
"You must see through deception to land a blow on me," Paddy whispered, his body wavering like a mirage.
Hughie growled, bouncing to his feet. He didnt need a lecture from his opponent, he got enough from the old man as it was!
He charged again, throwing a flurry of blows, but each one met only air as Paddy''s illusionary form flickered around him.
A sharp elbow to the back of Hughie''s head made him stumble. Hughie whirled, lashing out behind him, but again struck nothing.
In the spectator stands, Oliviare watched anxiously, hands clasped together. Be careful, Hughie!
Sensing her worry, Hughie gave a small wave. "No need to worry, Liv! I got this!"
Oliviare shook her head, but couldn''t help a small smile. That fool...
"Do not divide your attention in battle," Paddy chided. "It will cost you dearly."
As he spoke, ten exact copies of Paddy suddenly appeared, surrounding Hughie in a wide circle. Hughie''s eyes darted around warily.
"Let''s see you find the real me now," the Paddys spoke in unison, their voices overlapping from all directions.
Reminds me of Senior Brothers techniquebut only a knock off version!
Hughie cracked his knuckles, a grin spreading across his face. "I''ll just smash through all of you at once!"
Spinning rapidly, he unleashed a barrage of wild punches and kicks, ploughing through the ring of illusory Paddys. They flickered and vanished under his attack, but the real Paddy remained untouched.
Before Hughie could stop spinning, a heavy blow slammed between his shoulders, driving him down into the arena floor with a crash. Hughie groaned, momentarily stunned.
Up in the stands, Oliviare winced at the impact.
"Are you alright, Hughie?" she called down worriedly.
"Haha, I''m just getting warmed up!" Hughie laughed, flashing a thumbs up despite his stinging back.
He leapt back to his feet and dropped into a fighting stance. But internally, he was annoyed at himself.
Gotta take this more seriously or I''ll end up embarrassing myself in front of Liv!
As the battle intensified, the ring on Hughie''s finger suddenly pulsed, and a grumpy voice echoed in his mind.
"Pathetic! Is this the best you can do, boy?" the Immortal Li Fenghao scolded. "You fight like a brainless ox! Use your techniques!"
Hughie scowled. "I don''t need advice from some old fart!"
Li Fenghao huffed indignantly. "Insolent brat! I was slaughtering enemies while you were still in diapers! You must exploit your opponent''s weakness."
"Their only weakness is their ugly mug!" Hughie shot back, launching himself at the nearest Paddy.
He grappled with the illusion briefly before it dissolved into smoke. Li Fenghao sighed.
"His weakness is specialization," the Immortal lectured. "This boy relies too much on illusions. Find a way to break his illusions and he will fold."
Hughie paused, glancing down at the ring. "Huh, I guess you''ve got a point for once, gramps."
"Do not call me gramps!"
Hughie decided to change the flow of the fight, he would need to go big. Crouching down, he channelled his qi before exploding upwards.
"Black Wolf Transformation!"
Fur sprouted across Hughie''s body as he morphed into a giant black wolf. Letting out an earth-shaking roar, Hughie swiped his clawed hands in wide arcs, shredding two of the illusion Paddys. But once again, the real Paddy evaded by a hair''s breadth.
Hughie bared his fangs in annoyance. "Stand still, will ya!"
"If you insist," Paddy replied. He stopped moving as Hughie charged towards him.
At the last second, Paddy thrust out his palms. "Spirit Shackling Chains!"
Glowing blue chains materialized around Hughie, their spectral links clanking as they wrapped around his limbs and torso. The sudden stop sent Hughie crashing face-first to the ground with a yelp.
He thrashed violently, but the spirit chains held fast. Paddy glanced down at him impassively.
"Do you submit? This battle is over."
"Like hell it is!" Hughie snarled. With a roar, he poured all his strength into shattering the chains. They cracked and splintered until they gave way.
Hughie jumped to his feet. His earlier playfulness had vanished, replaced by a ferocious glare.
"No more playing around. I''m taking you down!"
He charged, claws outstretched towards Paddy''s throat. But faster than he could blink, Paddy disappeared, reappearing twenty meters away.
"My apologies, but it seems like you will not give up, so I must end this for both our sakes," Paddy sighed.
He formed a diamond with his thumbs and forefingers. "Soul Crushing Prison."
A blue pyramid materialized around Hughie. The translucent walls rapidly closed in, trapping him within the tiny space.
Hughie panicked, his wolf form scrabbled desperately as he tried to escape but his claws simply slid off the walls of solidified spiritual energy.
Sweat beaded Hughies brow as his breaths came in shorter, harsher gasps. It felt like the very life was being squeezed from his lungs. He could hear the cheers and shouts from the spectators, but they sounded strangely muted and distant, as if he was hearing them from underwater.
Suddenly, a clear voice cut through the haze in his mind.
"Come on Hughie, you can do this! I believe in you!"
Oliviare!
Hughies gaze snapped up, meeting Oliviares from across the arena. Her hands were clasped worriedly against her chest, eyes brimming with concern. But she kept her focus fixed on Hughie, mouthing silent words of encouragement.
Hughie clenched his jaw. No way was he going to fail and embarrass himself in front of his girl!
Mustering every ounce of power, Hughie slammed his palms against the pyramids walls. Get...OFF!
With a final explosive push, the prison shattered into fading wisps of spiritual energy. Hughie collapsed to his hands and knees, sucking in deep gulps of sweet air. His black fur was matted with sweat, but his amber eyes still burned fiercely.
Across from him, Paddys eyes widened in surprise. How? You should not have been able to break that technique...
Hughie barked out a strained laugh as he struggled back to his feet. Never underestimate a Black Rose disciple!
His legs wobbled dangerously and he had to dig his claws into the stage floor to remain standing. Dark splotches blossomed across the front of his robes where blood seeped from numerous gashes and lacerations on his chest and limbs, caused by the prisons crushing force.
You are gravely injured. Let us stop this pointless battle so you can receive medical aid.
Hughie scowled. Aint...pointless, he panted out. We got spectators...relying on us for a good show. And I aim...to deliver!
"Bloodforge Ascension!"
Hughies veins bulged and skin flushed an angry red as the Berserker transformation overtook him. Muscles swelled until he was a hulking beast of a man. The wolf features of his previous transformation had mutated into something closer resembling an ogre, though somehow even more terrifying.
"I''m gonna take your head!" Hughie roared. Faster than before, he dashed at Paddy in a red blur.
Paddy''s calm expression finally broke into one of surprise as he frantically blocked and evaded the onslaught of crushing blows. Even he was forced onto the defensive against such overwhelming power.
But Hughie''s strikes came even faster, Paddy''s guard began to slip. A particularly devastating punch broke through and caught him full in the stomach.
"Gah!" Paddy cried out, slamming backwards into the arena barrier so hard it cracked. He slid to the ground, clutching his midsection in agony.
Hughie paused, chest heaving as he regained control over his bloodlust. He really hoped he hadn''t overdone it and seriously injured the guy.
Slowly, painfully, Paddy climbed back to his feet. Swaying slightly, he gave Hughie a weary smile.
"It seems...I underestimated you," he panted.
As Paddy prepared himself to continue, Hughie suddenly had an idea.
"Check out my next trick!" He announced. There was a burst of black smoke, and when it cleared, a gigantic three-eyed toad croaked on the arena floor, a large tongue lolling from its mouth.
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"Pretty cool, huh?"
Before Paddy could respond, the toad''s tongue shot out quicker than the eye could follow, looping around him. With a sharp yank, it hoisted Paddy high into the air, leaving him dangling upside down by one leg.
"Do you submit?" the toad croaked at the struggling cultivator trapped in its tongue.
Paddy wheezed helplessly. Seeing no escape, he reluctantly nodded.
Hughie released him and transformed back into human form, pumping his fists. "Yeah! That''s what I''m talking about!"
Up in the stands, Oliviare breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness.
Elder Fred stepped forward. "Victory goes to Hughie of the Black Rose Sect!"
The crowd erupted into applause as Hughie took a bow. Paddy picked himself up off the ground, brushing dirt from his robes with as much dignity as he could muster.
"You beat me fairly," Paddy conceded, offering Hughie a bow. "Well played, friend."
Hughie slapped him on the back with a grin. "You put up a good fight too, buddy! No hard feelings, eh?"
Paddy managed a small smile in response before limping from the arena, massaging his sore ribs. Hughie waved cheekily until his opponent was out of sight.
As Hughie walked back to the waiting area, Li Fenghao spoke up once more.
"What kind of harebrained fighting was that? You made a complete fool of yourself out there!"
"I still won didn''t I?" Hughie grumbled under his breath.
"Winning through sheer dumb luck and transforming does not make you a skilled fighter," Li Fenghao lectured. "You were appallingly slow to enter your Bloodforge state despite struggling earlier. And your blows had no finesse or strategy, you were just flailing around blindly!"
"Hey I kept him on his toes, didn''t I?" Hughie argued. "Unpredictability is my style!"
Li Fenghao scoffed. "That was not unpredictability, that was just sloppy improvisation and wasted energy. You must have a clear plan of attack tailored to your opponent''s weaknesses. Never show your full hand right away either, make them underestimate you first before striking the finishing blow."
"Ugh whatever, backseat battling is real easy," Hughie rolled his eyes. "I''d like to see you do better from inside that dinky ring, oh mighty one."
"Why you arrogant little!"
"--Next match, Caelum versus Antonio!" Elder Fred announced.
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Hughie Has Won! |
| 150 Karmic Credits x3 |
| 450 Karmic Credits Gained! |
That 100% loyalty multiplier coming in handy.
Slifer watched as Hughie pumped his fists, celebrating his victory over Paddy. While the battle had been entertaining for the spectators, Slifer couldn''t help but feel that Hughie''s reckless fighting style had mostly been down to luck.
If it had been Slifer''s avatar in the ring instead, such carelessness could have easily led to defeat or knowing his luck, death. Zack couldn''t rely on blind luck to win his fights.
Now if only my other self took the fights more seriously
"Next match, Caelum versus Antonio!" Elder Fred announced.
The two disciples stepped into the arena. Caelum stood with his hand resting on the hilt of Bloodthorn.
"Try not to embarrass yourself too badly," The Heavenly Light disciple taunted Caelum. "Wouldn''t want that pretty face of yours all bruised for the victory ceremony."
Caelum didn''t respond, ignoring the jab. He knew words were meaningless here - only strength mattered.
"Begin!" Elder Fred declared.
Antonio immediately blasted towards Caelum in a blur, cocking back a meaty fist. Just before it could land, Caelum side-stepped, the blow sailing past his cheek. Antonio''s momentum carried him stumbling several feet beyond. He whirled with a growl.
"Dont run away, dammit!"
Caelum remained silent, hand still resting casually on his sword hilt.
With another roar, Antonio launched a frenzied series of punches and kicks. But Caelum flowed between the attacks like water, barely exerting himself as he ducked and wove with minimal movement. Antonio struck nothing but air, his frustration visibly growing.
Finally, Caelum went on the offensive. His sword sang as he drew it faster than the eye could follow, slashing across Antonio''s chest.
"Gah!" Antonio cried out at the sudden blaze of pain. He leapt backwards, clutching the deep gash now marring his chest.
"You bastard!" Antonio spat. "I''ll kill you!" Face twisted in rage, he lifted one hand towards Caelum, palm outstretched. Yellow qi coalesced rapidly before him.
"Vajra Fist!"
A massive projection of a golden fist rocketed towards Caelum. But Caelum didn''t flinch. With a single upwards sweep of his sword, the fist split cleanly in half, dissipating harmlessly.
Antonio gaped at the casual display of strength. He desperately channelled more qi, materializing four huge fists that hovered around him defensively.
"Try getting through this!" He challenged.
Caelum''s features remained impassive. Without a word, he stabbed his sword into the ground before him.
"Thorned Lash."
Before Antonio''s eyes, Bloodthorn seemed to come alive. Its blade lengthened impossibly as it shot out in Antonio''s direction. It wrapped around two of the golden fists, constricting tightly. The fists warped and cracked under the pressure before shattering.
"Shit!" Antonio dispelled the remaining fists and tried to dodge, but the sword was too quick. It coiled around his limbs and torso, razor edge digging into his skin as it lifted him up. Antonio thrashed helplessly several feet above the ground.
"Le me go!" He roared.
Caelum made a slight pulling motion with one hand. Bloodthorne instantly retracted, slamming Antonio down hard enough to leave cracks in the stage floor.
Elder Fred hurried over and checked Antonio''s condition before raising his hand. "Winner, Caelum!"
| Ding! |
| Your Disciple Caelum Has Won! |
| 150 Karmic Credits x3 |
| 450 Karmic Credits Gained! |
As expected of Caelum. Efficient, controlled, and not toying with his opponent like Hughie. Slifer nodded approvingly from the stands as he noted the similarity between his disciples battles. I just hope Hughie realises that Caelum was teaching him a lesson there.
Next match C Olive vs Kuwi
While half-listening to the other matches, Slifer opened up the System Shop. He needed an antidote for Zack''s injured shoulder. That Black Death cultivator''s corrosive death technique was still causing issues for Zack. Slifer had initially wanted Zack to deal with it himself, but his avatar had made it clear that he was making no progress.
The attacks of the Black Death disciple were not simple.
Hmm, what do we have here...
The first antidote that popped up was called Rejuvenating Phoenix Balm, a medicinal paste that could cleanse all wounds and regenerate destroyed meridians.
Useful, but Zacks meridians are fineSlifer swiped to the next option as he purposely ignored the 10,000 Karmic Credit price tag.
Next was Life-Sealing Pill, at only 100 Karmic Credits, it was able to forcefully suppress any malicious qi or toxins within the body.
Tempting, but Im not trying to supress anything, I need the problem gotten rid of!
Finally, Slifer found what he was looking for - Essence Cleansing Serum. This liquid could purge both external and internal injuries by liquefying them and flushing the corruption from the body''s essence channels.
500 Karmic Credits, not bad. Slifer quickly purchased the serum and had it sent to his storage ring.
Perfect. Now to inform Zack.
Slifer closed his eyes and delivered a message directly to his other self.
Hey, I got you something to fix that messed up shoulder. It''s in the ring.
In preparation for the Sealed Realm, Slifer had spent a handsome amount of Karmic Credits to link two rings so that they shared the same pocket dimension.
1000 Karmic Credits is definitely worth it! Whilst Zack is in the Sealed Realm, I can just buy items and send them over. Well see how the other protagonists deal with that, ha!
With his job done, Slifer returned his full attention to the tournament stage as the next match was announced.
"Ziven versus Katherine!"
Chapter 82: The Second Round Of Battles Begin!
Slifer watched with interest as the next two contestants stepped into the arena - Ziven of the Heavenly Light Sect, and Katherine of the Black Rose Sect.
The cocky Son of Heaven wore a smirk as he faced Katherine across the arena. "Try not to bore me too quickly, will you?"
Katherine bristled, flames already dancing along her fingertips. "We''ll see who''s bored after I burn off that stupid grin!"
"Begin!" Elder Fred announced.
Katherine immediately leapt at Ziven, propelling herself forward on jets of fire from her feet. With a fierce cry, she hurled a massive fireball straight at her opponent''s head.
But faster than she could react, Ziven thrust out a palm, conjuring a swirling vortex of wind that swallowed up the fireball. With his other hand, he made a squeezing motion.
"Wind Lock!"
Before she could retreat, the air around Katherine condensed with an audible crack, forming into glowing green chains that clamped onto her limbs and held her suspended in the air.
"Already?" Ziven yawned. "What a disappointment."
He flicked his wrist, and the chains flung Katherine against the ground, then up into the barrier wall. Over and over her battered body smashed back and forth between the two surfaces as she screamed.
Finally, Ziven recalled the chains, dropping Katherine to lie crumpled on the floor, barely conscious. He prodded her with the tip of his boot.
"Pathetic. Is this the best your wretched sect can muster?"
Elder Fred hurried over and checked Katherine''s condition. Her face was badly bruised, and blood dripped from her nose and mouth. With a shake of his head, the Elder raised his hand.
"The winner is Ziven!"
The Heavenly Light disciples erupted into deafening cheers for their victorious sect brother. Chants of "Son of Heaven! Son of Heaven!" rang out from the stands. Even spectators from the other sects looked impressed by Ziven''s swift and utter demolition of his opponent.
As for the Black Rose section, it was silent except for a few muttered curses. Hughie slammed his fist angrily against the railing.
"Hes cocky now but wait till I face him!"
"That is the fate of all demonic cultivators!" Ziven declared loudly enough for all to hear. "To be crushed under the foot of the righteous!"
More cheers erupted from the Heavenly Light disciples. Slifer resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Protagonists were always one for dramatic speeches.
"I quite like his style," Vowron chuckled.
"As expected of our finest. None of the disciples here can match Ziven," Zofia said with a proud smile on her face.
So he defeated some no-name scrub, big deal. My own disciples are far more entertaining to watch. And hes already lost against Amelia before anyway.
As if sensing Slifers thoughts, Elder Fred stepped forward for the next announcement.
"Amelia of Black Rose versus Adrian of White Tiger Sect!"
A petite silver-haired girl stepped into the arena with an innocent smile on her face. Adrian towered over her, rippling with muscle.
"I''ll try not to hurt you too badly little girl," Adrian laughed.
Amelia''s smile grew even more innocent as she clutched her hands to her chest. "Oh my, you''re so big and strong! Please be gentle with me!"
Slifer had to resist the urge to snort out loud. The little minx was laying it on thick with her act. He could already predict what was about to happen.
As expected, the moment Elder Fred announced the start of the match, Amelia''s entire demeanour changed. Her innocent smile twisted into a vicious grin and her hand snapped out, backhanding Adrian across the face before he could react.
The White Tiger disciple reeled back with a startled shout, clutching his cheek. "Why you little!"
Amelia immediately schooled her features back into a mask of terror.
"I''m so sorry!" Amelia exclaimed. "But I got scared, forgive me!"
II didnt even atta"
But Amelia was already on him, hands covered in purple qi.
"Spirit Severing Claw!"
Her nails elongated into wicked talons that she raked across Adrian''s chest in a blurred series of swipes. Blood sprayed as Adrian''s robes were shredded, five deep gashes slicing across his torso.
He stumbled back with a cry of pain as his soul burned. "Damn you!"
Amelia dropped her innocent act as a cruel smile appeared on her face. "Mmm, not bad, She murmured as she licked the blood from her claws. But big strong men always taste the sweetest when their arrogance turns to despair."
Y-you bitch! Adrian shouted as he activated his sect''s signature White Tiger transformation.
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Muscles bulged and white fur sprouted across his body as he dropped on all fours, morphing into a massive tiger. Razor sharp claws dug into the arena floor as he pounced with a deafening roar.
But Amelia darted around the wild strikes, looking almost bored. As Adrian passed by, she delivered a slap to his bottom.
"Bad kitty! You need to be punished for that little temper tantrum."
She grabbed the tiger by the tail and slammed him down hard. Adrian yowled as the arena floor cracked under the impact.
But Amelia was just getting started. Still holding him by the tail, she swung the helpless Adrian around like he weighed nothing, building momentum before releasing him. He sailed through the air, crashing headfirst through the arena barrier.
Watching Amelia''s antics, Slifer sighed internally.
She''s never going to learn respect or mercy at this rate. It will take someone finally giving her a taste of her own medicine before she changes. And even that might not be enough...
Astrid, seeing one of her sect members being tortured like this, frowned. "This level of humiliation is unnecessary. She has already clearly won, there''s no need to drag it out."
"Oh, I don''t know, I''m quite enjoying the show," Vowron laughed.
Adrian had finally reverted back to human form and was now being spun overhead by his ankles before being pile-drived back down.
"While technically allowed, this does seem rather...excessive," Leontius winced.
"What else can be expected from demonic scum. They have no honour!" Zofia sneered down her nose.
Slifer frowned. He may not approve of Amelia''s methods either, but he wouldn''t stand for outsiders criticizing his disciples. That was his job!
"Amelia is still young," he said. "She has much to learn in controlling her...enthusiasm during battle."
That was probably the understatement of the century,Slifer mused.
The words had barely left his mouth when Amelia leapt onto the semi-conscious Adrian''s back. "Giddy-up horsey!" She cackled, slapping his sides as she pretended to ride him around the arena like a bucking bronco.
I give up, Slifer pinched the bridge of his nose. She''s hopeless.
Amelia then hopped off and proceeded to repeatedly smash Adrian''s face into the ground like she was grinding pepper.
After grinding Adrian''s face into the dirt several more times, Amelia seemed to grow bored. With a dismissive sniff, she dusted off her hands and walked away, leaving her opponent in a whimpering heap.
Elder Fred awkwardly raised his arm. "Um...victor, Amelia of Black Rose Sect."
Ding!
Your Disciple Amelia Won!
150 Karmic Credits Gained!
Well, at least she won. Guess I''ll have to give her a lecture about ''respecting your opponent'', for all the good it will do.
Amelia curtsied to the cheering Black Rose disciples. Then she turned and gave a wink straight at Ziven, blowing him a kiss. The Son of Heaven looked like he wanted to murder her on the spot.
The remaining matches of the first round passed by fairly quickly. Dentos, as efficient as usual, defeated his Black Heart Sect opponent with several well-placed strokes of his paintbrush. The poor cultivator found himself sealed inside a painting of a serene meadow for the remainder of the duel.
Nomed got lucky with his match-up, facing off against a Pure Soul Sect cultivator at only the Mid Foundation Establishment Realm. The mismatch was obvious to everyone as Nomed battered his opponent into submission in less than a minute.
It will take more than a gap of one substage in cultivation to defeat a protagonist.
Next match C Zack of the Black Rose Sect vs Urion of the Heavenly Light Sect!
Let''s see how my other self does, Slifer straightened up in his seat with interest.
Ding!
New Task: For Every Battle Your Disciples Win In The Second Round, You Will Gain 200 Karmic Credits!
Wow, if I get credits for every battle they win in the rest of the tournament, just how many credits would that be?
Zack strolled into the arena wearing a confident grin as always. Despite Slifer healing his shoulder, he still wore bandages wrapped around one arm for show.
Urion smirked when he saw the bandages. "Just give up now. With you already half-crippled, I''d hate for you to embarrass yourself out there."
"Funny, I was hoping to get matched against one of you Heavenly Light peacocks, Zack''s eyes glinted dangerously. Can''t wait to pluck those arrogant feathers of yours."
"You da-!"
Begin!
Chapter 83: Zack Vs Heavenly Light Disciple Urion!
Zack and Urion circled each other slowly. Zack continued pretending that his shoulder was still injured by favouring his unbandaged side.
Ill show you! With a roar, Urion charged forward surrounded by halos of light. Just before reaching Zack, he thrust out both palms.
"Heavenly Radiance Burst!"
Rays of golden light erupted towards Zack. But Zack was ready as he jumped into the sky.
"Dragon Wings!"
With a crackle of electricity, lightning wings sprouted from Zack''s back. With a single flap, he easily evaded the Heavenly Radiance Burst as it scorched the ground where he had been a moment before.
From above, Zack smirked down at Urion. "Too slow!"
He then dive-bombed straight towards his opponent, fist cocked back.
"Thunderclap Palm!"
Urion crossed his arms, manifesting a shield of light to block the blow. Zack''s palm collided with a resounding boom that shook the entire arena. Urion slid back several meters from the force, but his shield managed to absorb the worst of the attack.
Up in the stands, Slifer shook his head as he watched the battle play out. It was obvious to him that his avatar was merely toying with the Heavenly Light disciple. After all, what could someone at the Peak Foundation Establishment Realm truly do against the full power of his avatar?
The difference between their battle prowess was like an adult wrestling with a child. No matter how crafty the child was, victory would require a miracle. Or utter carelessness on the adult''s part.
In other words, Zack could end this battle anytime he wished. The only question was how long he wanted to draw things out for the spectators'' entertainment.
Judging by the theatrical performance so far, Slifer guessed his avatar planned to milk this for all it was worth.
Eh, let him have his fun.
Down below, Zack landed back on his feet. "Not bad," he said to Urion. "Now it''s my turn!"
Once more he took to the air on wings of lightning, zig-zagging randomly around Urion. Confused, the Heavenly Light disciple tried to track Zack''s erratic movements, but it was hopeless.
Zack suddenly dove, appearing right in Urion''s face. "Boo!"
"Gah!" Urion shouted in surprise, stumbling backwards.
Zack laughed and resumed zig-zagging overhead. "What''s wrong? Eyes too slow to keep up?"
Urion growled in frustration. Losing a battle was understandable but it was humiliating being toyed with like this.
"Try my Heavenly Gaze then!"
Closing his eyes, Urion channelled his qi. When his eyes opened, they glowed with an azure light. Everything seemed to slow down as his vision locked onto Zack''s lightning-fast form, allowing him to perfectly track the movements.
Woah, cool dojusts-!
Just before Zack could finish, Urion thrust out a palm.
"Heavenly Snare!"
A glowing lattice of light manifested in midair right in Zack''s flight path. Too fast to change direction, Zack smashed right into it. The snare instantly coiled around him, completely immobilizing his limbs no matter how much he struggled.
Urion smirked, closing his fist. The snare contracted, crushing Zack in its grip.
"How''s that?" Urion leered up at his captive. "Still having fun?"
Zack groaned dramatically. "Oh no...I cant get out and my shoulderit hurts. He made a show of clutching his bandaged arm.
For a moment, a flicker of hope appeared in Urion''s eyes. Was it actually over?
But in the spectator stands, none of the elders seemed particularly concerned by the sight of Zack trapped. If anything, most looked mildly amused.
"Supreme Elder, your disciple has some skill," Leontius remarked. "His mastery over lightning at such a young age is really quite impressive."
This Zackhe seems interesting, Vowron murmured.
The only one not looking impressed was Zofia. "Do not be taken in so easily," she warned. "He may have some meagre talent for his age, but in the end, no demonic cultivator can match the Heavenly Light Sect."
Slifer bristled slightly at that, but held his tongue, he didnt let it stop him from feeling smug under the praise. Even though it was aimed at his avatar rather than himself, he still enjoyed the attention.
Down in the arena, Zack''s eyes narrowed. Playtime was over. With a pulse of lightning, the Heavenly Snare imprisoning him shattered into sparks.
Urion stared, dumbfounded. "But how"
Before he could react, Zack shot forward and landed a solid kick to Urion''s chest, knocking him flat on his back.
"You peacocks are all flash and no substance," Zack said, standing over him. "Time to pluck those feathers for real."
Urion shakily rose to his feet. He took a few steps back from Zack, no longer so bold.
"D-don''t get cocky!" He shouted, though it sounded like he was trying to convince himself. "I''ll show you the ultimate power of our Heavenly Light techniques!"
Taking a deep breath, Urion adopted a wide stance. He brought his palms together in front of him as brilliant halos of light sprang up around his body. The arena shook from the sudden spike in spiritual pressure.
"Behold the Heavenly Radiance Cannon!"
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.Between Urion''s hands, a small orb of light appeared, deceptively innocent at first. But it quickly expanded, intensifying into a miniature sun that grew larger and larger, until Urion finally thrust it forward with a roar.
The orb transformed into a massive beam of blazing light, seeming to set the very air aflame as it annihilated everything in its path.
In the stands, Zofia smiled proudly. This was one of the Heavenly Light Sect''s strongest techniques. No mere Foundation Establishment cultivator could possibly withstand a direct hit. This match was over.
But Zack did not look worried. As the Heavenly Radiance Cannon bore down on him, his posture shifted. His injured arm dropped back to his side. With his functional hand, he calmly unsheathed his sword.
"Stellar Nova Strike!"
Zack''s sword blurred as he executed a blinding series of slashes. Each cut left behind a trail of light that hung in the air.
Within seconds, Zack was enclosed inside a dome of condensed starfire. At the same time, the Heavenly Radiance Cannon struck.
But the stellar nova barrier easily swallowed up the attack, diffusing it harmlessly.
"How...that''s impossible!" Urion gaped as he fell to his knees.
His strongest technique had been completely overpowered. At this point, he knew he had no chance of victory.
Up in the stands, Zofia''s smile had slipped into a look of astonishment. She too was having difficulty comprehending what she had just witnessed.
Zack blew out a breath, scattering lingering motes of starlight as he shook his head.
"Not gonna lie, I thought you''d put up more of a fight. But if that''s really all you''ve got..."
In an instant, he flickered out of sight, reappearing directly behind the stunned Urion, sword lightly resting across the Heavenly Light disciple''s neck.
"...then this match is over."
"...I submit," Urion choked out.
Zack released him and spun his sword around before sheathing it. He patted Urion on the shoulder.
"You''ve got decent skills. Work on that temper though, and don''t underestimate your opponent next time."
With that, he strolled away, leaving behind a dumbfounded Urion. The Heavenly Light disciple stared after him for several seconds before his knees gave out and he plopped down hard on his behind.
Just how? That lightning, the spatial teleportation, the sword and light techniques...he wielded them all perfectly. Urion shook his head in disbelief. He couldn''t understand how someone at the same realm had outclassed him.
Stumbling to his feet, he quickly retreated from the arena without another glance back. There were murmurs and whispers from the Heavenly Light section.
Ziven in particular looked outraged. "How could he use light techniques?" He spat, knowing just how hard it was to gain access to the light element, it was one of the reasons he himself joined the sect. "He must have stolen our sect''s secrets somehow!"
But Zofia shook her head as her voice carried down to him. "No. His skills did not come from our sect. I''m not sure where he learned these techniques, but they do not originate with us."
Inwardly, she was more troubled than she let on. Even though the light techniques demonstrated were only at the Foundation Establishment level, she could see their potential, they were at least Mid-Earth Rank techniques. Now how did a demonic sect acquire such high-level light techniques?
Up in the participant waiting area, Caelum shot to his feet, staring down at the arena with shock written across his normally stoic features. Sunrise Slash!
Zacks at the Sword Qi Realm at the very least...and that other sword technique? He really is masters protg.
"Ahem. Elder Fred cleared his throat, drawing everyones attention. Victory goes to Zack of the Black Rose Sect!"
Cheers erupted from the Black Rose section as Zack lapped up the attention. He spotted Amelia blowing kisses at him from the waiting area and responded with a roguish wink.
As he made his way off the arena stage, Slifer leaned back. His avatar''s performance had certainly made an impression on the other elders.
While part of him enjoyed the prestige, he also hoped no one looked too deeply into things. He trusted Zack not to break character unless absolutely necessary. Still, the more eyes on them, the greater the risk someone might uncover their secret.
Even though I dont trust the System, it is good at what it does. And if that old man Li Fenghao hasnt noticed, then I have nothing to worry about here.
For now, Slifer decided to just enjoy his sect''s momentum. One victory at a time. After all, this was only the second round of a five-round tournament.
| Ding! |
| Your Avatar Has Won His Battle! |
| 200 Karmic Credits Gained! |
Let the games continue.
Chapter 84: Amelia Gets Revenge!
Slifer watched with amusement as the Heavenly Light disciple scheduled to face Ziven walked onto the arena stage, took one look at the Son of Heaven, and promptly turned right back around to exit on the other side.
"I forfeit this match!" the disciple called out, not even sparing a glance backwards.
Slifer chuckled under his breath. Clearly that disciple knew Ziven by reputation and decided the only wise choice was to avoid fighting the monster entirely. Not a bad strategy when the difference in power was so vast. Better to lose a match than end up crippled or dead.
Elder Fred raised an eyebrow but made the announcement. "Er...by forfeit, victory goes to Ziven of the Heavenly Light Sect."
The Heavenly Light section erupted into loud cheers and chants of "Son of Heaven! Son of Heaven!"
Slifer thought it was rather silly to celebrate what was essentially a non-battle. But he supposed that was the privilege of being the protagonist. Even your opponent surrendering without a fight was seen as an achievement.
As for the Son of Heaven himself, he looked mildly annoyed at being denied his fun, but he didn''t argue. No doubt he had been expecting his opponent to tremble in fear. His ego would recover soon enough.
"Next match, Caelum of Black Rose versus Pollus of Pure Soul Sect!" called out Elder Fred.
Both disciples entered the arena and faced each other. Caelum wore his usual impassive expression while the Pure Soul disciple Pollus gave a friendly smile.
"Good luck to you," Pollus said politely with a slight bow. "May this be a good match."
Caelum simply nodded in return. He had no interest in exchanging pleasantries. His focus was only on the fight ahead.
But instead of assuming a fighting stance, Pollus turned and bowed towards the Pure Soul section.
"My apologies, but I too must forfeit this match!"
Murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd.
Another walkover victory? How strange, Slifer frowned. But glancing over at Leontius, the Supreme Elder of Pure Soul Sect didn''t look angry or upset. If anything, the old man seemed vaguely approving of his disciple''s choice.
Hmm, so it was a deliberate strategy on their part. Slifer realized that by forfeiting the second round matches, the Pure Soul disciples preserved their strength for the later battles when the stakes were higher. Not a bad plan.
"Caelum wins by forfeit," Fred announced, slightly exasperated. He was no doubt hoping to officiate some actual fighting.
Slifer had to admit, two consecutive concessions did make for somewhat dull viewing. Oh well, he was certain things would get more exciting soon. After all, they were still only in the second round. No doubt the other elders shared his thoughts, based on the politely hidden looks of boredom on their faces. Even the audience seemed to be growing restless. Time to deliver something a bit more thrilling.
As if on cue, Fred stepped forward for the next announcement. "Amelia of the Black Rose Sect versus Krikoff of the Black Heart Sect!"
Now this should be interesting, Slifer thought as both disciples leapt into the arena.
Usually Amelia liked to toy with weaker opponents, but he sensed something different about her demeanour this time. There was no playful smirk on her face as she stared down the Black Heart disciple. If anything, her pretty features were set in an uncharacteristic scowl. Krikoff on the other hand looked thrilled at this match-up. He leered across the arena at Amelia, his eyes roaming hungrily over her petite form.
"Well hello there beautiful, fancy seeing you again," he called out loudly. "This time, I hope youll be more receptive"
Slifer''s eyes narrowed. He knew exactly why Amelia looked ready to murder the fool. In their last encounter, the lecher had tried to grope her, and she''d responded by blasting him through a wall. That perv was lucky not to have lost that hand. Apparently the creep had yet to learn his lesson. But it seemed he would receive a refresher course today. Slifer almost felt pity for what was about to happen to the arrogant idiot. Almost.
Amelia''s scowl deepened at the taunt. With a flick of her wrist, a black dagger appeared in her hand. Slowly, she dragged her tongue along the flat of the blade while maintaining eye contact with Krikoff. "Let''s see you touch anyone with those filthy hands after today," she spat.
Krikoff simply laughed, making a show of looking her up and down again. "Ooh feisty. Don''t worry, I like it rough. You''ll be screaming my name before long!" With that he cracked his knuckles, his peak Core Formation power rolling off him in waves. But Amelia did not so much as blink.
"Begin!" Fred shouted, before quickly retreating from the stage. He did not want to be caught between those two right now.
Krikoff wasted no time as vines burst out of his sleeves aiming to restrain her. But Amelia was ready. With a swipe of her dagger, she severed the vines before they could touch her. In the same motion, she slipped right through Krikoff''s fingers like smoke, appearing behind him within the blink of an eye.
The Black Heart disciple spun with a snarl. More vines erupted from his body, lashing toward Amelia in thorny tendrils. She flipped backwards out of reach, but the vines pursued her, reluctant to let her go. Realizing he couldn''t restrain her fast enough this way, Krikoff changed tactics. With a roar, massive vines burst out of the ground beneath Amelia''s feet. But she had already read the intent, pushing off the instant before they erupted. She landed lightly on top of one of the swaying vines.
Before Krikoff could react, she dashed down the length of it, her smaller frame let her twist out of the way as thorns snapped at her. Within a second, she had reached the end and pushed off, throwing herself straight at Krikoff. "Soul Render!"
At this distance, Krikoff had no chance to evade the blow, he was barely able to cross his arms to block the attack. But even then, he slid back from the force, face scrunching in pain. The purple qi blade had shredded right through his robes, directly attacking his soul.
"Dammit!" He clutched his chest and tried to scramble away. But Amelia pressed on.
Forced completely on the defensive, Krikoff''s arrogance rapidly unravelled. Just defending against Amelia''s attacks took all his focus. Even using his vines only delayed the inevitable by seconds. By the end of it, Krikoff was panting heavily, whilst his soul felt like it was on fire, Amelia had yet to suffer so much as a scratch. His cocky attitude had evaporated completely, replaced by pain and rage...and fear.
Slamming his palms down, he sent a pulse of qi into the ground. "Entangling Undergrowth!" Thick vines exploded outward, warping into spiked whips that filled the entire arena with a writhing mass of greenery.
Amelia leapt over one vine, severed another, then flipped to the side to avoid a third. But the density of attacks was rapidly increasing. Her expression shifted slightly for the first time, her eyes narrowed as she looked for an opening.
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Merge! Krikoff condensed all the scattered vines into one last thorny tentacle and sent it spearing straight towards Amelia with all his strength behind it.
Too focused on her footing, Amelia did not react quickly enough this time. The massive vine whipped around her torso, thorns biting deeply into her flesh as they coiled tight. She bit back a scream, the black dagger still clutched tightly in her hand.
"Got you now, bitch!" Krikoff exulted. With a savage jerk, he hauled Amelia off her feet, smashing her down hard against the arena floor. Again and again he whipped her into the earth. Amelia''s head snapped back with each blow, chest constricted by the vines.
Up in the stands, Slifer leaned forward, eyes narrowing. Now things were getting serious.
In the arena, Amelia regained enough sense to start hacking at the vine crushing her. But the thorns dug in deeper in response, she bit back a hiss of pain. She could feel her strength rapidly draining.
Krikoff grinned maliciously, savouring this moment. "What''s wrong? Thought you were going to chop off my hands?" He taunted between slams. "I think it''s your arms that will be separating from your worthless body!" With a final heave, he brought Amelia down on her head with a stomach-turning crack. Her struggles weakened and the dagger fell from her hand.
Gloating at his seeming victory, Krikoff began slowly reeling Amelia''s semi-conscious form towards him like a fish on a line. "Maybe I won''t kill you just yet though," he licked his lips. "First, I think I''ll take my time paying you back for humiliating me before I finish crushing the life out of you. Oh, I''m really going to enjoy this! He reached for her as soon as she was close enough, hands twisting towards her chest.
"Don''t touch me!"
In that instant, Amelia''s head jerked up, eyes flashing purple. An inhuman snarl tore from her throat. Before Krikoff could react, her fingers locked around his wrist like a steel trap. With a sickening crack, she crushed the bones in her grip. Krikoff''s shriek of pain turned into a gurgle as her free hand whipped forward, shoving down his throat and ripping out his tongue in a spray of blood.
Not even waiting for him to fall, Amelia grasped the vine still entangling her and channelled her qi. The vine blackened and dissolved into ash under her corrosive touch. With a thud, she landed on her feet. When she looked up, her beautiful features had morphed into something inhuman - skin growing paler, dark veins appearing across her face, eyes hollowing into glowing blue sockets, and a pair of smoky wings unfurled from her back.
She had activated her Ghoul Transformation!
Krikoff tried to crawl away, clutching the bloody hole that had been his mouth. But Amelia descended on him in the blink of an eye, no longer playing around. She grabbed his right wrist, placing her foot on his forearm. His eyes pleaded for mercy, but only agonized gurgles escaped as Amelia twisted his hand off, spraying more blood.
She tossed the hand aside and moved to the other arm, repeating the process. All the while, her face remained emotionless.
Armless and unable to scream, Krikoff writhed on the ground in sheer mindless agony. Amelia watched his pathetic struggles for a few moments before taking a step towards him. Im sorry Master but he needs to die! Purple qi flickered around her fingers as she leaned down, pressing them lightly against Krikoff''s forehead. "Soul Collapse."
The Black Heart disciple''s back arched in a silent scream as he gasped his last breaths, eyes rolling back before his body went limp.
Amelia straightened slowly, flicking the blood from her hands. The light gradually returned to her eyes as her wings receded and face reverted to its normal delicate appearance. "Pathetic filth," she muttered before making her way off the stage.
A hush had fallen over the entire arena. Many spectators looked on with horror, while others seemed quietly satisfied that arrogance had received its just rewards.
From the participant viewing area, Hughie winced and gave a low whistle. "Remind me not to get on her bad side!"
Next to him, Caelum simply nodded without taking his eyes off his Junior Sister. Amelia was without mercy once someone crossed her but for once Caelum could understand. If she hadnt dealt with the pervert, Caelum knew that he would. He had to. No one touched his family!
Ziven, on the other hand, was staring at Amelia with pure disgust. "This is what demonic scum do!" he spat. "Torture, cripple, and kill! I just dont understand how no one else sees it!
Up on the stand, Slifer kept his face impassive, but internally he was wincing. This was exactly the kind of unrestrained brutality he had hoped to curb in Amelia. Killing the fool was one thing, but she had clearly taken things too far out of a desire to inflict pain and humiliation. Still, the imbecile had brought it upon himself, Slifer decided to give her a pass just this once.
Luckily, the Black Heart Sect Master had gone missing, if he had been present then maybe I would have had to step in to protect Amelia. But then again, with demonic cultivators, you can never know. Hell, it wouldnt surprise me if he told her she had gone too easy on the perv and then gave her a live demonstration on castration
Ding!
Due To Your Disciple Amelias Actions You Have Gained 1 Karmic Credit!
Ding!
Your Disciple Amelia Has Eliminated A Demonic Cultivator
25 Karmic Credits Gained!
Ding!
Your Disciple Amelia Has Won Her Battle!
200 Karmic Credits Gained
Slifer dismissed the notifications as he turned to see the reaction of the elders beside him.
The elders seemed divided in their reactions. Leontius in particular seemed appalled. "That level of torture was completely unnecessary," he frowned. "Supreme Elder, I fear the heart of your disciple is blacker than the name of your se-.
But before he could finish, Slifer held up a hand. "That young man has harassed and even laid a hand on my disciple. She showed remarkable restraint until now, all things considered." He left the exact details ambiguous, but the meaning was clear.
The female elders in particular immediately looked outraged on Amelia''s behalf. "Is that so?" Zofia said, eyes narrowed dangerously. "Then he deserved worse than what he got. Do not waste pity on those who prey on women."
Leontius looked taken aback while Vowron simply chuckled. Astrid nodded in agreement with Zofia. "She taught him a lesson he earned," the White Tiger elder declared. "I have no sympathy for such trash."
Leontius fell silent, unwilling to criticize Amelia further given the circumstances. In truth, he was conflicted. Justice had perhaps been served, but the methods still unnerved him.
Down in the arena, Elder Fred finally stepped forward as Krikoff''s mangled corpse was carried out.
"Victory to Amelia of the Black Rose Sect!"
Announcement
Hey everyone!
I am releasing a new series, Mark of the Hidden.
I thought I would branch away from xianxia and give epic fantasy a try. This story is inspired by The Last Orellen. Ever since reading TLO, I''ve wanted to write something similar and it''s finally here. If you like Mother of Learning (who doesn''t), then give it a chance, you''ll see some time-loop/timetravel shenanigans going on. A patron commented that it reminded them of Eragon and The Perfect Run (time-loop aspect), I''ve not read either but if you like them then you might enjoy Mark of the Hidden!
Follows, favourites, and ratings really help a new story, I''m counting on you :)
Thanks!
Mark of the Hidden
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Inspired By The Last Orellen & Mother of Learning
According to the once-in-a-millennium prophecy, the Time God''s end draws near. But with the power to see endless possibilities, he was able to find one future where he may have the slightest chance at survival. He splits his divine essence into seven beings across the countless realms in hopes of averting fate.
Darian, a young hunter in a small village, meets a gruesome end. But when he awakens 24 hours in the past, he realises that his life is not so simple. With gods in pursuit, Darian will do anything to protect his family, even if it means meddling with the space-time continuum itself.
The Mark of the Hidden is a long, character-focused epic fantasy progression webnovel. It''s about a boy''s journey to become a god.
What you can expect:
? smart protagonist
? slice of life, lots of it
? slow-burn and I mean really really slow
? multiple worlds & cultures
? different types of magic
? old-school epic fantasy
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Chapter 85: The Heavenly Light Prodigy!
Ashton of the White Tiger Sect versus Rai of the Black Heart Sect!
Ashton stepped into the arena. At over seven feet tall, he was a giant, with bulging muscles that seemed ready to tear through the white robes straining to contain them.
Up in the waiting area, Zack''s eyes lit up, the winner of this battle would face him in the next round!
Now that''s more like it! No more wasting time with these weak sauce appetizers. I want the main course!
He could already feel his blood pumping faster at the thought of battling someone with Ashton''s sheer physical prowess. Most cultivators relied too heavily on their techniques in Zack''s opinion. He wanted to see what this dual cultivator could do with that monstrous body of his. Because Zack knew that when it came to hand-to-hand combat, no one could match him.
Let''s see those tiger claws go up against my fists! Just try not to go down too quickly, big guy. I plan on putting on a good show for the crowd.
Across from Ashton, a lanky cultivator with flame-red hair entered the arena - Rai. He wore a cocky grin as he sized up his opponent, clearly unintimidated by Ashton''s massive form. With a scoff, Rai produced a black rose from within his robes and tossed it at Ashton''s feet.
"I''ll lay you to rest on a bed of ashes, White Tiger," Rai declared, flames already dancing along his fingertips.
Ashton said nothing in response, settling into a solid ready stance, palms open and facing Rai. He had no need for flashy threats or posturing.
The time for talk was over.
"Begin!" Elder Fred shouted.
Rai instantly went on the offensive, hands flying as he threw waves of black fire at Ashton. But with startling agility for his size, Ashton twisted and turned, avoiding the attacks. He then countered by slamming both palms forward.
"Quaking Palm Blast!"
A powerful shockwave erupted from Ashton''s hands, shattering the black flames and slamming into Rai. The Black Heart cultivator managed to cross his arms right before impact, shielding himself from the worst of the hit. But the force still sent him skidding back several meters, heels digging into the arena floor.
Undeterred, Rai pressed his attack once more. "Hellfire Dragon!"
The black flames swirled and expanded before him, taking the shape of a gigantic serpentine dragon. It reared back its head and shot towards Ashton, mouth opened wide, ready to swallow him whole.
But Ashton held his ground. Clenching his right hand into a fist, he punched out as the flaming dragon bore down on him.
"Ironbreak Fist!"
Empowered by a surge of qi, Ashton''s fist ploughed straight through the Hellfire Dragon''s head, dispersing it completely. Residual flames licked harmlessly across his White Tiger robes but failed to do any damage.
"Is that all you''ve got?" Ashton rumbled.
Let''s see you block this! Rai snarled.
Drawing back both hands to his side, he concentrated his qi into a swirling vortex of black fire between his palms. The flames spun faster and faster, condensing down into an orb. With a shout, Rai thrust his palms forward, firing off the concentrated blast.
"Black Fire Cannon!"
The orb shot towards Ashton, but Ashton remained calm, clasping his hands together. A visible wave of qi radiated out from his body as all his muscles flexed at once.
"White Tiger''s Fortitude!"
The black fire cannon struck Ashton head on, swallowing him in an inferno. The arena shook under the force of the detonation.
Slifer turned to see the White Tiger Supreme Elders reaction but found that there was not a flicker of concern on her face.
YeahI think that Rai fella is screwed.
As the smoke cleared, Ashton stood in the same spot, completely unharmed. He hadn''t bothered moving or defending, simply relying on the durability granted by his qi enforcement technique and his physique.
Rai stared in dismay. Just what kind of monster was this guy? His strongest attack didn''t even make him flinch!
Among the crowd, looks of astonishment crossed more than a few faces. For Ashton to so casually overpower a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator''s techniques with just the force of his body...very impressive.
"My turn," Ashton said. Crouching down, he slammed both palms flat on the ground.
"Tectonic Upheaval!"
A shockwave rippled out from Ashton''s hands, cracking and buckling the arena floor. Caught off guard, Rai was knocked off his feet. He landed hard on his back with a grunt.
But Ashton wasn''t done yet. As Rai lay there stunned, the White Tiger disciple suddenly crossed the distance between them in two huge strides. Before Rai could react, Ashton''s massive hands clamped down on his shoulders.
Rai struggled helplessly as he was lifted clean off his feet. Ashton held him up with one hand as though he weighed nothing. Then with a roar, Ashton flung Rai straight up into the air.
"White Tiger Meteor Smash!"
Bouncing off the very tops of the arena barriers, Rai shot back down like a fiery comet, unable to stop or change direction. At the last possible second before impact, Ashton spun and delivered a devastating punch to Rai''s stomach as he descended.
The Black Heart cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood from the massive blow. His body was sent rocketing across the arena in a high arc until he smashed upside down into the barrier wall, leaving a man-sized crater on impact. Then he slid down and collapsed on the ground.
Elder Fred hurried over to examine Rai. After confirming he was still alive, albeit likely nursing several crushed organs, the Elder raised his hand.
"Victory goes to Ashton of the White Tiger Sect!"
A deafening cheer rose up from the White Tiger section. Even disciples from the other sects looked impressed by the total domination displayed.
A team of Pure Soul Sect healers gently carried the whimpering Rai out on a stretcher. Ashton clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to his opponent.
"You fought well. I apologize for any excessive force. Please recover swiftly."
Up in the stands, Astrid smiled proudly as her disciple displayed the might of their sect for all to see. None could match the White Tiger Sect''s bodily cultivation techniques when it came to pure physical toughness, and who better than a dual cultivator to showcase that.
In the waiting area, Zack was on his feet, clapping and laughing. "Now that''s what I''m talking about! Skills and brawn, the total package!"
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Finally, a real challenge! None of those squishy robed weaklings. Soon itll be time to see who the real dual cultivator is around here! He eyed Ashton hungrily as the White Tiger disciple left the arena.
Slifer observed his avatar''s eager reaction and suppressed a sigh. He knew nothing he said would make a difference once Zack got all fired up. That bull-headed enthusiasm of his was a strength in its own way, but Slifer didnt want his avatar throwing caution and strategy to the wind.
From his memories of stage one, he was quite cautious, maybe Im underestimating him
***
"Arkan of the Heavenly Light Sect versus Surian of the White Tiger Sect!"
The two disciples stepped into the arena.
While Surian may not be as large of a giant as his Junior Brother, he was still a towering slab of muscle compared to normal sized humans. He flexed his muscular arms and cracked his neck from side to side.
"You saw what happened in my Junior Brother Ashton''s match, didn''t you?" he chuckled. "That Black Heart fool was crushed within minutes. You''d be smart to surrender now if you don''t want to be carried out on a stretcher."
Arkan gave a flick of his long blonde hair and smiled. "Youre not at my level, you should take your own advice."
Up in the stands, the female Heavenly Light disciples were going crazy, screaming Arkan''s name.
"He''s so dreamy!" one squealed.
"And that gorgeous hair! I just want to run my hands through it all day!" another fanned herself.
Arkan paid them no mind, his gaze moving to the participant''s area where it locked with Ziven''s. The Son of Heaven stared back at him, eyes narrowed.
In the Heavenly Light Sect, Ziven was a newcomer who had swiftly defeated many core disciples to become a Legacy Disciple. Arkan wished to face him in the tournament, to show everyone the difference between a newly raised Legacy Disciple, and one born into the role like himself.
Surian grunted in annoyance as he realized his opponent wasn''t even looking at him anymore.
"You underestimating me, pretty boy?" he growled. "I''ll claw that smug look right off your face!"
Arkan just sighed in response, he saw no benefit in arguing with a beast.
"Begin!" Elder Fred shouted.
Immediately, Surian attacked. "Wind Blade Palm!" He thrust out both hands, generating twin gusts of cutting wind. The razor-sharp air blades shrieked towards Arkan.
But Arkan didn''t move. As the wind blades neared, rays of dazzling light materialised around him to form a barrier. The Wind Blade Palms glanced off harmlessly.
Surian''s eyes narrowed. So, it wouldn''t be that easy. With a shout, he leapt into the air, qi surging as his body expanded and morphed. White fur sprouted across swelling muscles as claws and fangs elongated. Within seconds, the White Tiger cultivator''s transformation was complete, leaving an enormous white tiger in his place.
The tiger slammed back down, arena floor cracking under its weight. Lips peeling back from saber-like teeth, it let loose an earth-shaking roar and pounced at Arkan, seeking to tear through his defences through sheer brute force.
The heavenly shield rippled under the blow, but held firm. Arkan didn''t even blink.
Snarling in frustration, the white tiger began circling the barrier, searching for any weak points to exploit.
Finding none, it came to a stop directly in front of Arkan and opened its mouth. Then, drawing in a deep breath, the tiger let out another roar, this one concentrated with sonic qi vibrations projected straight towards Arkan''s head.
The sound-based attack pierced flawlessly through the light shields, wreaking havoc on Arkan''s equilibrium as it hammered his eardrums.
For the first time, cracks appeared in the Heavenly Light disciple''s tranquil facade. Face contorting in irritation, Arkan raised one hand, fingers poised to snap.
Be quiet, beast!"
Snap.
A circle of glowing light daggers formed around himself.
"Heavenly Barrage."
At his command, the daggers shot forward, impaling themselves into the white tiger''s limbs. The tiger roared in pain, the sound attack breaking off as blood poured from its wounds.
Arkan summoned another object into existence - a whip of sunlight. He wrapped it around the injured tiger''s neck, making the creature yowl and thrash, but no matter what it did, it could not break free.
Seconds later, it went limp, reverting back to Surian''s human form as he slumped to the ground, unconscious.
"Should have taken your own advice," Arkan yawned, dismissing the light whip.
The Heavenly Light female disciples broke out in excited squeals again.
"So strong!"
"He''s amazing!"
"Senior Brother, I''ll be your pet next!"
"No, use that whip on me next time!" another cried out boldly. This drew gasps from the others.
Arkan paid them no mind, elegantly sweeping his hair back as he turned to leave the arena. But not before his eyes passed briefly over Ziven once more. The message was clear C your time will come.
"A flawless display of power, as expected of a Heavenly Light disciple," Zofia praised from the spectator stands once Arkan had left. "Perhaps only Ziven could hope to match him in this tournament."
Beside her, Vowron made a thoughtful noise. "The boy shows promise, I grant you that."
As usual, the Heavenly Light disciples cannot be underestimated, Leontius nodded.
In contrast, Astrid sat stiffly, lips pressed thin. After Ashton''s dominating performance earlier, she had been riding high. But now, after her own sect member was toyed with and defeated without Arkan even needing to move, her pride had taken a hit. However, she swallowed down her bitterness and held her tongue. Getting emotional would not change matters.
As for Slifer, he kept his face impassive. But internally, he was contemplating. Soon, his avatar would face off against both Arkan and Ziven inside the Sealed Realm.
And he knows just how to make those arrogant peacocks turn on each other. Slifer suppressed a sly smile.
"Next match! Ironius of the Black Death Sect versus Powl of the Pure Soul Sect!" Elder Fred announced the last match of the second round.
Slifer sat up straighter, watching with interest as a pale, red-eyed youth stepped into the arena. According to Ironius'' status window, he was also a hidden demon like the one who attacked Hughie.
Lets see what tricks this demon has up its sleeves
Chapter 86: The End Of The Second Round!
Powl was a thin, gentle-looking man, he gave a small bow as he entered the arena.
"Let us have a fair and honourable match."
Ironius said nothing in response, staring back impassively. Like most of the Black Death disciples in the tournament so far, he seemed a man of few words.
"Begin!" Elder Fred shouted.
Immediately, Ironius exploded into motion. With startling speed, he closed the distance to Powl in two quick steps and launched a blistering combo of palm strikes and kicks.
Powl''s eyes widened in surprise at the ferocity of the opening assault. He quickly raised his arms to defend, but Ironius''s attacks came from tricky angles that made them difficult to anticipate and block.
A palm strike to the shoulder sent Powl stumbling back.
A sweeping kick took his legs out from under him.
A follow-up knee to his stomach knocked the wind from his lungs.
Powl wheezed and clutched his midsection, but he had no time to recover before Ironius pressed in again, raining down punches and elbows.
Up in the stands, Leontius stroked his beard as he watched the battle. "Most impressive. Supreme Elder Vowron, it seems your Black Death disciples have quite a high level of skill in martial arts."
"There has been an increased emphasis on martial arts training in our sect recently, Vowron smiled. I felt it was an area we needed to improve upon."
"An unusual decision," Zofia muttered, frowning. "Martial arts have limited usefulness for spiritual cultivators. Our true strength lies in spiritual techniques. No number of kicks and punches will overcome that gap in power."
"Sometimes going back to basics provides unexpected benefits," Vowron replied vaguely.
Internally, Slifer nearly laughed out loud. Focusing on martial arts training, my arse! He''s just making sure his demon disciples keep their qi suppressed. Can''t have them losing control and revealing their true natures after all.
Down in the arena, Powl finally managed to disengage and put some distance between himself and Ironius.
Placing his palms together, he began chanting under his breath. A soft glow emanated from his hands.
"Soul Snare!"
A pair of glowing purple bands shot out towards Ironius. But the Black Death disciple twisted his body to narrowly avoid one band while slapping aside the other.
"Soul Shockwave!"
Ripples of violet energy pulsed from Powl''s palms, distorting the air as they sped towards Ironius. The vibrations slammed into the Black Death disciple''s body, causing him to stumble briefly. But after a second, Ironius shook off the disorienting effects of the spiritual attack. His red eyes narrowed, and he resumed his advance on Powl.
"Im...impossible..." Powl stared, dumbstruck.
A brutal side kick crashed into Powl''s torso, cracking ribs and sending the Pure Soul disciple flying backwards.
Up in the stands, Slifer shook his head as he observed the one-sided thrashing taking place below.
As a soul cultivator, Powl was at an inherent disadvantage in this match-up. Demons possessed greater soul strength compared to humans at the same cultivation level. Powl''s soul techniques were simply not potent enough to threaten a demon like Ironius.
This battle''s outcome had been decided the moment the two stepped into the arena.
Down below, Ironius moved in a blur of motion, raining down an endless barrage of punches and elbow strikes on the overwhelmed Powl. The force of the impacts could be felt even in the spectator stands.
Within seconds, Powl had been battered into a daze, barely able to stand. With Powl totally exhausted, Ironius delivered the finishing blow - a devastating palm strike that exploded against Powl''s chest.
A visible shockwave rippled out from the point of impact. Powl let out a choked gasp as he doubled over and crumpled to the ground.
Elder Fred flew over to check on him. Powl was still breathing, but blood leaked from his nose and mouth. The elder waved his hand.
"Victory to Ironius of the Black Death Sect!"
"A pity for young Powl. He fought bravely, but was simply outmatched," Leontius sighed.
Id like to see how Ironious would fare against one of my disciples who use martial arts to enhance their spiritual techniques," Astrid remarked.
"As would I," said Zofia, a small frown on her face. "Relying solely on physical techniques seems...limiting."
Vowron simply smiled and said nothing more. The less attention drawn to his disciples, the better.
"The second round is now complete! We will begin the third round in fifteen minutes. Disciples, take this time to rest and prepare yourselves," Elder Fred announced.
There was a general murmur through the crowd as spectators and participants took the opportunity to stand, stretch, and gossip about the battles seen so far.
Slifer inclined his head to the other elders. "If you''ll excuse me, I should check on my disciples'' conditions before the next round."
He made his way down to the Black Rose waiting area. Though he maintained an air of calm authority on the outside, inwardly, Slifer''s mind was racing.
The tournament so far had gone smoothly, with his disciples scoring victory after victory as expected. Yet Slifer could not shake the feeling that something was off. There was an undercurrent of tension in the air that left him uneasy. He didn''t know whether it was due to the presence of so many powerful sects gathered in one place...or the fact that his own impostor status left him constantly paranoid of being uncovered.
I feel like something big will go down once the tournament endsthat Vowron fella, he doesnt seem too concerned about the results of the matches. Is he going to make a move when the Sealed Realm opens?
Slifer wasnt sure but either way, he still had a few insurances he could rely on to deal with Vowron, even if the Black Death Supreme Elder was a half-step Immortal.
On entering the Black Rose waiting area, Slifer was not surprised to find Zack practically bouncing on the balls of his feet as he grinned at Caelum.
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"Did you see that, Senior Brother? That big White Tiger dude was a beast! I can''t wait to throw down with him next."
"Ashton does possess both formidable strength and skill, Caelum offered a rare smile. You will have quite the challenging battle ahead."
"I know right?" Zack laughed. "These Heavenly Light chumps and random fodder are getting real old. I wanna fight someone who can actually give me a workout, you know? Get the blood pumping! Maybe if I''m lucky, I''ll finally get to cut loose for real out there!"
"An admirable desire for challenge," Slifer cut in smoothly as he entered the room. "But do not let eagerness make you careless. Facing a powerful opponent requires an even sharper mind, not just greater strength."
Zack spun around, immediately standing straighter. "Master! Uh, I just meant I''m tired of holding back so much. Testing myself against strong rivals is the only way I can improve."
Slifer studied Zack for a moment, a part of him couldnt help but envy his avatar. Unlike himself, the avatar was able to act more carefree and have a bit of fun. Remember, your safety is the priority, I would rather you forfeit than die
After all, I can always give myself the free slot for the Sealed Realm, this tournament is just so I can gain some battle experience. But if Zack dies so soon, then thats just an Avatar Card wasted, who knows when Ill get another one?
Zack looked slightly abashed. "Yes, Master. Ill stay safe."
Satisfied, Slifer patted him on the shoulder and then checked on the others. Amelia was practically glowing following her last victory, while Dentos looked unharmed, though mildly disappointed his opponents had not put up much of a fight.
As for Hughie, he seemed to be in the middle of an argument with that immortal grandpa of his.
"What do you mean play it safe?" Hughie suddenly exclaimed to the air. "We''re talking about me here! Quadrupling my strength and speed is like my whole thing!"
He nodded along absently for a few seconds. "Okay sure, no need to get personal, just saying I look way more badass when I''m over 8 feet tall and rippling with muscles...it really shows off these.
Hughie flexed an arm and kissed his bicep.
"Anyway, you know caution isn''t my style, Gramps. I''m the ''punch first, ask questions while punching'' type."
He mimed a series of jabs and uppercuts.
"Uh huh, uh huh, I hear you but-.
Not wanting to get involved, Slifer made his way back up to the spectator stands. The third round was just about to begin.
The third round saw the remaining contestants whittled down even further in both the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation tournaments.
In the Foundation Establishment tournament, William took the stage against a Black Heart Sect disciple. The battle started off fairly evenly matched, but slowly began turning against William''s favour as his opponent unleashed several elemental techniques that William struggled to counter.
Gritting his teeth, the young prodigy somehow endured through a combination of quick thinking and raw talent, managing to reverse the tide at the last second to barely eke out a win. He left the stage looking quite battered. The difference in cultivation levels was beginning to show against the more talented Peak Foundation Establishment opponents he faced, but at least he won.
Nomed''s fight went much smoother. His protagonist-like strength allowed him to dominate the matches. He calmly weathered the desperate attacks of his third-round challenger before picking him apart with surgical precision.
In the Core Formation tournament, the match-ups were quite lopsided.
Zivens opponent took one look at him and immediately forfeited. The man''s legs had been shaking so badly he likely would have collapsed if he tried to fight.
Caelum was also awarded an automatic win as his opponent from Black Heart Sect refused to set foot into the arena.
As for Amelia, when her name was called, the female disciple meant to face her stared wide-eyed for several seconds before fleeing from the waiting area, screaming about not wanting to die.
"Well, that''s unfortunate, I was so hoping for some playtime," Amelia pouted.
Elder Fred could only shrug helplessly. "Er...victory to Amelia by forfeit."
Slifer kept his poker face on but was chuckling inside. His little sadist was carving out quite the dreadful reputation for herself.
Hughie of the Black Rose Sect vs Anne of the Heavenly Light Sect!
In the elders booth, Zofia leaned forward with interest. Anne was one of their sect''s most gifted illusionists. Even Nascent Soul cultivators sometimes found themselves ensnared by her techniques. This Black Rose brute didn''t stand a chance.
Oh yeah! Hughie cheered as he jumped down into the arena. He rolled his shoulders and neck, loosening up in preparation for the fight.
Across from him, his opponent Anne descended the steps gracefully. She was a cute blonde girl who looked to be around sixteen or seventeen years old.
"Please go easy on me, okay?" Anne smiled, blinking her big blue eyes at Hughie.
Hughie froze momentarily, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, uh...well, I wouldn''t want to hurt a little girl like y- OW!"
He yelped as a phantom smack upside the head made him stumble. Right, Gramps was watching too. The old man hated when Hughie went soft on female opponents just because they were cute.
Hughie straightened back up. "Er, what I mean is, this is a tournament. We should both do our best and have a fair match."
Anne looked slightly disappointed, but she nodded. "You''re right, my apologies."
Up in the stands, Oliviare felt a small frown form on her face as she watched the blonde interact with her Hughie. There was just something about Anne''s body language that seemed overly friendly and familiar.
And was Hughie blushing slightly? Oliviare''s frown deepened. She didn''t like how openly this Heavenly Light girl was flirting with her man.
"Begin!"
Chapter 87: Dentos Vs Black Death Disciple!
Immediately, Anne''s innocent smile shifted into a ruthless smirk. Her hands flashed in an incantation gesture.
"Dancing Lights of Deception!"
A dozen glowing orbs materialized around Hughie, surrounding him in a circle. The orbs began to spin faster and faster, trails of light blurring together until all Hughie could see was a hypnotic kaleidoscope of colours.
He blinked hard, trying to shake off the disorientation. But the moment he opened his eyes, a crushing vertigo slammed into him. The world seemed to flip upside down as the ground vanished from under his feet.
Hughie stumbled, barely catching himself before faceplanting.
"Ugh, not this again!" he groaned. Why did all his opponents insist on using illusions against him? Hughie hated having to play mind games during a fight. All he wanted was a good old-fashioned brawl, fist against fist! Was that too much to ask?
Squinting against the nausea, Hughie looked around, trying to spot his opponent amidst the swirling lights. But he could barely even tell which way was up anymore.
Anne''s giggles echoed around him as glowing light blades materialized in the air. The blades shot towards Hughie with blinding speed. He tried to dodge, but the world kept spinning crazily, throwing off his coordination.
Several slashes carved across Hughie''s body, making him howl in pain. Blood dripped down his arms and chest.
Inside the ring on his finger, Li Fenghao shook his head sadly. It was a repeat of the last match. The lad was trying to brute force his way through the disorienting illusion when he needed patience and calm focus. But the stubborn oaf probably wouldn''t listen even if Li tried advising him now. Perhaps he should let the boy learn his lesson the hard way this time.
Hughie growled, features distorting in rage. That was it! He was done playing nice.
"Let''s see your pretty lights stop me now!"
With a roar, Hughie transformed into a giant three-eyed toad. His long tongue lashed out, smashing craters into the arena floor as he thrashed around trying to hit Anne. But between the chaotic lights still spinning around him and his muddled sense of direction, he couldn''t land a single strike.
Watching from the spectator stands, Oliviare bit her lip anxiously. That devious hussy might look sweet and innocent on the outside, but here she was mercilessly tormenting her poor Hughie! Oliviare''s hands clenched into white-knuckled fists. She wished she could jump down there and rip Anne''s pretty little face off for hurting her man.
Anne arched an eyebrow, looking mildly impressed that Hughie had broken through the first layer of her illusion. But he was still trapped within the larger web she had woven. Time to get serious.
Drawing in a deep breath, Anne began chanting under her breath. A glowing spear of light appeared in her palms.
"Piercing Lance of the Heavens!"
She flung her arm forward, launching the spear straight at the toad''s chest. It punched clean through Hughie''s thick hide and erupted out his back in a spray of blood.
Hughie let out an agonized croak, body convulsing.
Anne prepared another Piercing Lance, taking aim at Hughie''s head this time. She smirked, savouring his pained noises. The big lug was finally learning just how outmatched he was.
But then, Hughie''s croaks shifted into roars as his rage peaked. The severe injuries triggered his signature technique, Bloodforge Ascension.
Red lines spiderwebbed across Hughie''s grey skin as all his veins bulged, muscle mass doubling, then tripling in size.
Though the disorienting lights still surrounded him, Hughie began flailing his limbs with even more reckless abandon, his enhanced strength smashing craters into the arena floor with each miss. Anne backed away warily, forced on the defensive.
Then, with one lucky strike, Hughie''s giant fist clipped Anne''s shoulder, sending the girl flying halfway across the arena. She slammed into the ground with a pained shriek, her concentration shattering.
The hypnotic lights finally vanished.
Hughie''s vision cleared, sights and sounds snapping back into focus. Letting loose a roar of victory, he lumbered over to where Anne lay sprawled on the ground, one arm hanging limply. She looked up at the giant toad looming over her, eyes wide with fear.
Immediately, Anne''s expression shifted back into an innocent, tearful look.
"P-please, youve won! Just don''t hurt me anymore!" Her voice quivered. Anne even managed to make tears well up in her big blue eyes for added effect.
Buying time, she slowly slid her uninjured hand behind her back, preparing another illusion technique. Just one opening and she could trap this brainless brute again.
But before Anne could cast her illusion, an unexpected voice rang out.
"Don''t fall for it, Hughie! She''s trying to trick you again. Finish her off now!" Oliviare yelled.
Hughie blinked in surprise, not expecting his girlfriend''s encouragement towards violence. But her voice was enough to snap him out of his brief hesitation. Letting out a rumbling growl, he reached down and wrapped one gigantic webbed hand around Anne''s throat, cutting off her chanting with a choked gurgle.
Hoisting her up, legs dangling helplessly, Hughie brought Anne close to his massive toad face. His three blood-red eyes bored into her terrified blue ones.
"S-submit!" he growled out.
Face purpling, Anne frantically tapped his arm in surrender.
Satisfied, Hughie released his grip. Anne dropped to the ground like a rag doll, coughing violently.
After making sure she wasn''t getting back up, Hughie finally allowed his Bloodforge Ascension and toad form to recede. Muscles deflated and skin smoothed back to normal as he shrank down to his regular size.
Elder Fred descended to the arena floor, prodding the groaning Anne with his foot before nodding.
"Victory goes to Hughie of the Black Rose Sect!"
Li Fenghao let out a long-suffering sigh. As expected, the thick-headed oaf had ignored strategy and only won through luck. If not for that fortunate hit triggering his brute strength technique, the boy would certainly have lost. How many times would it take for him to learn proper focus and control?
Back down in the waiting area, Hughie plopped down on a chair with a tired groan.
"Phew, that took a lot outta me! Man, I hate having to bust out the big guns just to beat some sneaky illusionist."
"If you possessed a calmer mind, you could have broken her illusion, Li Fenghao scolded. But instead, you got slapped around like a helpless whelp, just like in the first match! If not for that lucky hit, you would have lost badly. Do not always rely on brawn over brain, boy."
Hughie waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah, I get it Gramps. We can''t all be genius strategists like you." Then he paused, looking thoughtful. "But you know, maybe you''ve got a point for once. I really need to work on fighting illusions better."
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The admission took Li Fenghao aback. Perhaps the lad was finally maturing a little.
"Hmph. Of course I''m right, I am a Greater Immortal!" Li quickly covered his surprise with boastful bluster. Though frankly, it pleased him to see a glimmer of wisdom in the young fool.
Up in the elder''s box, the others were discussing the match with interest.
"What a pity for young Anne, she had the right approach but couldn''t finish it," Zofia clicked her tongue. "That Black Rose brute has no finesse at all. Just a messy brawler."
Leontius sighed. "Yes, Hughie relies far too much on transformations and brute force. He lacks...refinement. Still, both disciples fought with admirable passion."
"Im more surprised he didnt adapt quicker, given that he faced an illusionist in his first match," Astrid said. "Carelessness like this could get him killed."
Vowron said nothing, merely staring down at Hughie with an unreadable expression.
As for Slifer, he kept his face blank. But internally, he was chuckling. Hughie was such a stereotypical protagonist - bull-headed and oblivious, but gifted with incredible luck and tenacity. Brute forcing his way through things was just part of his charm! Not the cleverest approach perhaps, but if the Heavens are on your side, then it works.
Ding!
Your Disciple Hughie Won!
600 Karmic Credits Gained!
"Ahem. Let us proceed with the next match," Elder Fred spoke up. "Dentos of the Black Rose Sect versus Avery of the Black Death Sect!"
Dentos walked into the arena, his eyes fixed solely on Slifer seated in the spectator stands above. This was his chance to prove himself. If he could secure one of the slots to the Sealed Realm for the Black Rose Sect, and perhaps even return with some treasure or resource that would aid Slifer, then maybe, just maybe, the Ascendant cultivator would finally accept him as a disciple.
It was a slim hope, but one Dentos clung to with almost desperate fervour. Ever since he had joined the sect, he had been consumed by the desire to gain a master, someone who would teach him, someone who would take care of him.
The Supreme Elder was the only person Dentos felt understood his uniqueness. Where others saw madness or instability, Slifer saw potential.
Across from Dentos, a girl with snow-white hair entered the arena. Her features were delicate and doll-like, with skin as pale as porcelain. But it was the empty, lifeless look in her eyes that seemed unusual.
"My apologies, miss, but in order to impress my future master, I''m afraid you''ll have to endure a significant amount of pain. Try not to take it personally."
As expected, Avery said nothing in response, merely staring back at him.
Elder Fred''s voice rang out. "Begin!"
Immediately, Avery exploded into motion, rushing straight for Dentos. Her hands moved in a blur of precise strikes aimed at vital spots - it was the same brutal martial arts style Dentos had witnessed from that Ironius fellow earlier.
But Dentos had sparred countless times against his fellow disciples of the Disciplinary Hall. He easily flowed around Avery''s attacks, parrying what he could not dodge, before countering with a casual backhanded slap that sent the girl stumbling back.
A flicker of surprise passed through Avery''s empty eyes. As a demon, her physical body should have been far stronger than a human''s, even whilst suppressed in a human guise. Yet this scrawny boy had so easily turned aside her assault.
Undeterred, Avery dove in again, her strikes even swifter than before. But once more, Dentos spun and weaved between her blows with practiced ease. Despite his opponent being physically faster and stronger than him, to his senses, her movements seemed sluggish, almost easy to read.
With another slap, he knocked Avery skidding across the arena floor.
Up in the Black Rose Sect''s stands, the Disciplinary Hall members broke out into cheers for their boss.
"As expected of the boss! No one can match him in martial arts!"
"Did you see that backhand? So classy!"
"He''s toying with that Black Death chick. This fight''s already over."
"Boss! Boss! Boss!" they chanted. Their leader was putting on quite a show.
Over in the elders booth, Vowron watched the battle with narrowed eyes and thinned lips. Beside him, Zofia chuckled.
"My my, it seems your disciple is having some difficulty despite your sects recent interest in martial arts."
Vowron''s jaw tightened, but he gave no other visible reaction.
Beside Vowron, Slifer allowed himself a small smirk. "Young Dentos may be unorthodox in his ways, but he is an exceptional disciple. The boy excels in all areas."
"Oh? He is one of your personal disciples then?" Leontius asked.
Slifer''s smile turned awkward. "Er, well...not exactly. The truth is, Dentos does not actually have a master."
"No master?" Astrid cut in. "Why not? The child clearly possesses ample potential to be nurtured."
"Yes, that is quite true," Slifer sighed. "Unfortunately, some find Dentos'' unique personality and penchant for...eccentric acts...somewhat difficult to accept. I''m afraid not many have had the patience required to look past the external to see the talent buried within."
Here he gave a helpless shrug, as if to say ''what can you do?''
Down in the arena below, Dentos decided it was time to stop playing around. With a flick of his wrist, his signature paintbrush appeared between his fingers. With a few quick strokes, he brought his art to life.
The painting peeled itself off the page and transformed into a massive spectral hand that swatted Avery aside like an insect.
The white-haired girl tumbled roughly along the ground. She started to push herself back up, eyes flashing red for a brief instant as rage crossed her face at being slapped around by a mortal. But then Avery caught herself and schooled her expression.
"I...surrender," Avery forced out as she picked herself up off the ground one last time. She would remember this humiliation.
"Victory goes to Dentos of the Black Rose Sect!"
As he left the arena, Dentos risked a glance upwards at Slifer, hoping to gauge the Ascendants reaction. But the Supreme Elder''s face remained impassive, not a single hint of being impressed.
Dentos''s shoulders slumped. It seemed he had failed to make an impression on the one person whose opinion truly mattered right now.
"The first match of the fourth round will begin in five minutes," Elder Fred announced, breaking Dentos from his gloomy thoughts. "Disciples, Zack of the Black Rose Sect and Ashton of the White Tiger Sect, be ready!"
Swallowing his disappointment, the boy shuffled back towards the Black Rose pavilion, mind churning with ideas on how to grab Slifer''s attention in the next fight. He had to think bigger, flashier, really go all out...
Chapter 88: Zack Vs Ashton!
"The break is now over! Let the fourth round of the Foundation Establishment battles begin!"
Finally, a real challenge! None of those squishy robed weaklings. Its time to see who the real dual cultivator is around here!
Zack was bouncing on his feet as he waited in the arena for his next opponent. This was it - the battle he had been waiting for.
But Zack looked almost scrawny in comparison when he stood across from the giant of a man that Ashton was.
Despite this, he eyed Ashton hungrily as the White Tiger disciple landed in the arena with a thud that seemed to shake the very earth itself. Zack had to crane his neck back just to meet Ashton''s eyes!
"I''ve had an eye on you even before the tournament started, big guy," Zack declared. "You''re the only one here who seems like they can give me a real workout."
Ashton''s stoic expression morphed into one of faint surprise.
"You...were watching me?" He blinked slowly. "My apologies, but I do not remember you."
It was true - the White Tiger disciple hadn''t paid attention to any of the other battles besides his own. In his mind, none of the other competitors seemed worth his time or effort.
Zack threw his head back and laughed.
"Well, after we''re done here today, I guarantee you won''t forget me ever again!"
He slammed a fist against his chest.
"So, get those Tiger claws ready, ''cause I''m gonna give you the fight of your life!"
Ashton considered Zack for a moment before dipping his head in acknowledgement.
"You have spirit. I look forward to exchanging techniques."
Elder Fred raised a hand. "Fighters ready? Then...begin!"
In perfect sync, both cultivators shot towards each other like loosed arrows. Zack reared back a crackling fist, Ashton mirroring his motions in reverse. Thunderclap met Earthquake as their knuckles collided.
A visible shockwave of rippling air erupted outwards from the point of impact.
For a brief instant, surprise flashed through Ashton''s normally stoic gaze. Though smaller in frame, Zack matched his strength and then some. He had not anticipated the Black Rose disciple possessing such a powerful physique beneath his robes.
Impressive.
"You are...a fellow dual cultivator?"
A wide grin split Zack''s face, knowing he had shaken the immovable giant. "Not bad, huh? Bet you weren''t expecting another freak like me!" Zack laughed. "While everyone else wastes time on pretty light shows, you and I put in real work!"
He flexed an arm, veins bulging. "Cultivating the body takes serious dedication. No shortcuts, only blood, sweat, and pain!"
Ashton gave a solemn nod. This junior''s physical cultivation was clearly exceptional. Strength recognized strength. "Your body refinement exceeds my expectations. However..."
Seamlessly, Ashton flowed into another attack, this time adding an open palm elemental strike alongside his fist.
"...there is more to dual cultivation than simply possessing two arts," he continued. "True mastery lies in synergizing their power as one."
But Zack merely cackled, unfazed. "Is that all you''ve got? Then let me show you how it''s done!"
With a burst of qi, massive wings crackling with electricity unfurled from his back. Flapping the Thunder Wings once, Zack propelled himself backwards right as Ashton''s deadly combination neared. The White Tiger disciple''s attacks sliced through empty air.
Before Ashton could react, Zack''s palm thrust out, a vortex of lightning spiralling within.
"Thunderclap Palm!"
The lightning vortex erupted forward, crashing squarely into Ashton''s side. The giant''s bulky frame flew through the air, crashing down heavily near the arena''s edge. The spectators winced.
But Zack didn''t let up for a second, pressing his momentary advantage. Sucking in a deep breath, he let out a roar.
"Dragon Roar of the Thunderous Sky!"
As the cry left Zack''s lips, a visible shockwave of sound and electricity surged outwards, tearing across the arena straight at Ashton.
Still struggling to rise, Ashton quickly crossed his arms. But the Thunder Roar smashed into him like a raging tsunami. A groan slipped past Ashton''s clenched teeth as the thunder energy wracked his body.
Up in the stands, Astrid frowned, her eyes narrowing. This Black Rose upstart was proving unexpectedly troublesome for her student. His mastery over lightning techniques combined with dual body and spirit cultivation made him a difficult match-up.
Perhaps it was time to change tactics...
"You alive in there, big guy? I''m just getting warmed up!" Zack cocked his head, squinting through the cloud of dust.
In response, an earth-shaking roar echoed from the debris. A massive shape erupted forth, scattering rubble in all directions.
Towering over 15 feet high, a White Tiger now stood in Ashton''s place. Muscles rippled beneath its skin as the beast lowered its head, baring its razor-sharp fangs.
"Guess that''s a yes!" Zack laughed. Even transformed, the guy was a man of few words. He always respected someone who let their actions speak for themselves.
With a ground-trembling bound, the White Tiger pounced, swiping both paws down towards Zack in a hammer blow. Zack barely leaped aside in time, the crushing force pulverizing the arena floor where he''d stood moments before.
Not letting up, Ashton spun, lashing out with a flick of his powerful tail. Caught off guard, Zack took a direct hit to the chest, the heavy blow launching him halfway across the ring. He tumbled roughly before skidding to a stop in the dirt.
"Ugh, cheap shot," Zack grunted. He really needed to watch that tail. It was already difficult enough to keep track of four deadly limbs!
The tiger reared back its head and unleashed an earth-shaking roar, laced with sonic vibrations.
The arena trembled under the sound assault. Zack clutched his ears in pain, coordination thrown off. Seizing the opening, Ashton pounced forward, claws swiping towards Zack''s torso.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Zack barely managed to ignite his lightning wings again and lurch out of the way. But the very tip of one claw still grazed his side, drawing a red line across his robes.
Twisting in mid-air, Zack fired off several Thunderclap Palms in quick succession, forcing the White Tiger back momentarily. But his head was still spinning from the disorienting roar.
Capitalizing on his dazed state, Ashton charged forward again. This time his claws found their mark, smashing Zack out of the air and flattening him against the arena floor.
Pinning Zack under one massive paw, the White Tiger bared its sabre-like fangs, ready to crunch down on his head.
This was bad. I need to pull myself together quick or Im about to become kitty chow.
"Celestial Lightning Tribulation!"
At the last possible second, thunder rumbled as a blinding lightning bolt crashed down from the sky directly onto Zack.
The electricity coursed through his body, using him as a conduit before blasting upwards into Ashton.
Howling in surprise and pain, the white tiger recoiled from the unexpected counter. Zack crawled to his feet, clothes smoking but otherwise unharmed. He wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth.
"You''re one tough bastard, I''ll give you that." Zack grinned fiercely. "But playtime''s over now. Time to break out the big guns!"
Zack drew his sword and settled into a high guard stance, blade angled back parallel to his shoulder.
"You''re pretty tough to put down, I''ll give you that." He pointed the sword tip towards the pacing tiger. "But let''s see how you handle my Void Piercer technique!"
The tiger''s ears flattened back against its skull. Crouching low, it prepared to pounce yet again. But this time, Zack didn''t wait for it to attack.
With a slash of his sword, he used Void Piercer to warp space and pierce through the very air itself to strike at his opponent.
Caught by surprise, the white tiger stumbled. It coughed, vomiting a mouthful of blood. The big cat swayed on its feet, not understanding why it was injured despite not seeing an attack. With a final groan, it toppled over face first, reverting fully back to human form as he lost consciousness.
Elder Fred descended, quickly examining Ashton before raising a hand. "Victory to Zack of the Black Rose Sect!"
A stunned silence gripped the crowd for several heartbeats before erupting into excited chatter. How spectacular! What a comeback! The Black Rose disciple''s strength and wits were simply too much, even for one of the White Tiger''s elites.
Up in the stands, Caelum''s eyes had narrowed when Zack unleashed that final sword technique. He knew his junior brother had some skill, but that strike had incorporated profound spatial manipulation - the hallmark of a high-level Heaven ranked technique!
It seems I underestimated just how rapidly Zack''s swordsmanship has progressed, Caelum mused. At this rate, he may indeed surpass me in that area in time. The thought gave Caelum pause, though not from jealousy. Only satisfaction that his junior brother was advancing so quickly under their Master''s guidance.
Among the other elders, Zack''s performance also earned nods of appreciation and murmurs of praise.
Even the Heaven''s Light First Elder, Zofia, seemed grudgingly impressed despite her dislike of demonic cultivators.
Beside her, Astrid''s jaw tightened, though she held back any obvious outrage at her disciple''s defeat. Ashton had lost fair and square. And there was one thing that the White Tiger Sect respected, strength.
"That Black Rose boy is clearly exceptional," she muttered. "His combat instinct and adaptability are commendable. Few can withstand Ashton''s onslaught once enraged."
"Such marvellous use of space-based techniques! And at his young age too. Remarkable, truly remarkable," Leontius applauded.
Zofia''s lips pressed together in a thin line. That the Black Rose Sect had somehow produced such a monstrous talent was concerning. She would need to re-evaluate their threat level.
"Yes, Zack has grown substantially under my tutelage," Slifer cut in, maintaining his humble facade. "In fact, all my disciples have blossomed beautifully." He waved a hand as if brushing aside praise. "But raw talent requires careful nurturing. They all still have far to go."
Beside him, Vowron said nothing, merely staring down at Zack with an inscrutable gaze. Though his handsome features betrayed no reaction, an intense glint simmered behind his eyes.
Oblivious to the elders'' comments, Zack whooped loudly down in the ring, pumping a fist in the air.
"Now that''s what I''m talking about! You really made me work for it, big guy."
He stood over Ashton''s unconscious body, grinning widely. "I gotta say, that was the best fight I''ve had in ages. You even forced me to pull out one of my trump cards!"
Zack leaned down and slapped Ashton heartily on one meaty shoulder.
"Rest up and let''s have a rematch sometime. I''ll show you a few more of my super-secret techniques! Can''t have you thinking that sword move was my only trick."
With that, he made his way back up into the Black Rose stands, accepting back slaps and praise from his sect brothers and sisters.
After ordering the medical team to carry the unconscious Ashton away for treatment, Elder Fred raised his voice. "The next match is..."
Just then, Slifer received a spiritual transmission from Morvran.
"Supreme Elder, Kalin and I have discovered something important relating to the Sealed Realm. Please meet us at your quarters when you have a chance."
Though Slifer kept his expression neutral, inwardly his thoughts raced.
What had they found? Sigh, no use speculating. Best to go find out now.
Smoothly excusing himself from the other Elders, Slifer made his way out of the stands. However, as he departed, Slifer noticed Vowron watching him with narrowed eyes.
No matter - dealing with that old vulture could come later. For now, Slifer put the issue from his mind as he headed for his quarters...
Chapter 89: Vowron...What Are You Planning?
Slifer arrived at his private quarters, glancing around with the insight skill before entering to make sure he wasn''t followed. Inside, Morvran and Kalin, were already waiting for him.
"Well?" Slifer asked as he closed the door behind him. "What did you find out?"
Morvran stepped forward first, clearing his throat. "Master, my men report that there seems to have been some kind of internal conflict within the Black Death Sect a few months back. Details are scarce, but it appears to have been quite serious - they say some of the Grand Elders were even killed."
Slifer''s eyes narrowed slightly. For Origin Realm cultivators to have been killed, this conflict was no minor spat. "The Black Death Sect has always been ruthless towards its own members, but for Elders to turn on each other to that degree isunusual."
"That''s about all I was able to gather for now," Morvran spread his hands. "The Black Death Sect has kept a tight lid on whatever went down. My men are still digging, but..."
He trailed off with a shrug. Information from a secretive demonic sect was difficult to come by at the best of times.
"I reached out to my contact in the Immortal Realm. Kalin spoke up. He confirmed that the Black Death Sect''s representative, who regularly relayed messages between the sect and the Black Tree Sect, has gone silent in recent weeks."
He paused before continuing. "It''s likely he''s dead."
Slifer''s lips thinned, mind racing over the implications. For a matter to be kept hidden even from the Immortal Realm overseers...what in the world had happened in the Black Death Sect?
"Were there any sightings of Nascent Soul Realm cultivators from the Black Death Sect entering our borders?" he asked Morvran sharply. Information was critical right now.
Morvran shook his head. "None that we could uncover. If they sent anyone this way, they did so in secret."
"And the Black Heart Sect Master?" Slifer continued. "Learn anything more about his sudden disappearance?"
Again, Morvran gave a negative reply. "Vanished without a trace as far as we can tell. Like he just blinked out of existence one day. No signs of a struggle. My men are still investigating."
Slifer slowly paced the room, mind churning. The timing was too close to be coincidence. The Black Death Sects internal conflict, the Black Heart Sect Master''s disappearance, Vowrons casual reaction to the Intersect Tournament. There had to be a connection.
What in the blazes are you up to, Vowron? Slifer thought. If there was some grand scheme relating to the Sealed Realm between the two demonic sects, why had the Black Rose Sect been excluded? They were supposed to be allieswell allies against the righteous sects. Unless the target is the Black Rose Sect itself
A tense silence fell over the room as all three men contemplated the implications of everything they had learned...or rather, hadn''t learned.
Finally, Slifer let out a slow breath and straightened, hands clasped behind his back.
"Keep digging, both of you," Slifer commanded. "I want answers."
The two subordinates bowed.
"Here is what we''ll do for now..." Slifer began laying out his plans.
***
When Slifer returned to the arena stands, the final match of the fourth round was just concluding. He slid back into his seat next to the other Supreme Elders with a polite nod.
"Apologies for my absence, fellow elders. Sect business, you understand."
Supreme Elder Leontius gave him an understanding nod. "Think nothing of it. We are aware how busy your duties must keep you with the Sect Master away." His gaze took on a hint of admiration. "Oh, and congratulations, it seems all of your disciples have progressed into the fifth round."
"Ah, yes," Slifer laughed. "They''ve done quite well for themselves, haven''t they?"
Slifer was not particularly surprised - he''d been receiving regular updates from the System on his disciples victories.
I wouldnt ignore the 300 Karmic Credits I get from each win, and thats without the 100% loyalty multiplier!
Supreme Elder Zofia, on the other hand, wore a perpetual frown whenever looking Slifer''s way. "Hmmph. Too convenient that all your disciples ended up in the finals."
Slifer resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Clearly the old crow still hadn''t gotten over her grudge regarding the beating she took when they first met. Best not to indulge her bitterness.
Just then, Elder Fred''s voice rang out. "The break is now over! We will begin the final elimination round shortly. The five victors from each division will earn the right to enter the Sealed Realm!"
A buzz of excitement ran through the crowd. Up in the stands, Slifer leaned forward. This was the crucial moment. For his plans to proceed, all his disciples needed to secure slots for the Sealed Realm.
"Let the final round commence!" Fred shouted.
***
Nomed walked into the arena as his name was called out to fight a disciple named Cilasis.
Seeing that his final opponent was a Black Death disciple, Nomed sighed with relief. As an Early Foundation Establishment cultivator, it wasn''t easy defeating Peak Foundation Establishment cultivators one after another, no matter how easy Nomed made it seem.
But at least this battle would be different
Cilasis clasped his hands and gave Nomed a slight bow of the head. Nomed returned the greeting.
"Begin!"
Immediately, Cilasis rushed forward, long sleeves rippling as his arms moved in a flurry of strikes. Rather than counter with any techniques, Nomed met the assault head-on, exchanging blows in a dizzying hand-to-hand exchange.
Up in the stands, Supreme Elder Astrid turned to Slifer with an arched brow. "I was not aware you had another body cultivation disciple, Elder Slifer. The boy matches Cilasis strike for strike."
Slifer blinked, then quickly covered his own confusion with a laugh. "Oh yes, young Nomed is quite gifted! I encourage pursuit of all avenues of cultivation."
Inwardly, his thoughts raced. Nomed had no body cultivation whatsoever according to his status window. How in the world was he keeping up with a demon in close quarters then?
The longer the bout dragged on, the more Slifer''s suspicions grew. To him, it almost seemed as though the two disciples were...cooperating. Nomed would attack, Cilasis would dodge, creating openings for Nomed to safely disengage whenever necessary.
It almost seems like a badly performed choreographed dance
After a few more flurry of blows, Cilasis abruptly pulled back, shifting stances.
Nomed smiled, taking the opportunity Cilasis had given him to disengage. With some space between them now, Nomed activated one of his spiritual techniques.
"Divine Ray Annihilation!"
Beams of blazing divine light burst from Nomed''s hands, scorching towards Cilasis. The Black Death disciple quickly crossed his arms, defending against the attack, but the force still sent him skidding backwards several feet.
An Early Foundation Establishment cultivator shouldn''t have been able to push back a Peak Foundation Establishment opponent so fiercely. But Nomed''s light techniques gave him an edge when battling a demon.
Seeing yet another light technique performed by a Black Rose disciple, Zofia clicked her tongue in annoyance. "How does a demonic sect have access to so many light techniques? Those cultivators ought to stick to their gloomy shadows where they belong."
She probably would have insinuated the techniques were stolen from the corpses of her sect''s disciples, if not for the fact these particular light arts were unfamiliar to her.
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Just where exactly had Slifer''s disciples picked up such unusual cultivation methods? The Black Rose Sect seemed almost...too versatile, Zofia''s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
In the Black Rose stands, Nomed''s friend Dusty was on his feet yelling encouragement with his mouth full of food.
"Yeah, Nomed! Smash his face in!" the pudgy boy hollered, pumping his fist. Crumbs spilled down his dirty robes.
Nomed''s lips twitched in amusement at his friend''s antics. He gave a slight shake of his head. No, I can''t overdo it, he thought. The goal isnt to seriously injure Cilasis after all.
Crouching down, Nomed placed one palm flat against the arena floor. Golden light instantly sparked from his hand, spreading outwards until the entire stage glowed with celestial runes.
"Demi-Divine Territory!" Nomed called out.
Seeing the domain-like technique, Slifers eyes narrowed. Nomeds cultivation method relied on a higher beings power, one of the pros of using such an unreliable cultivation method was that it gave users the chance to use techniques that were beyond their cultivation level.
I still dont know what that boys cultivation plan is, the being that gives the power can just as easily take it away, Slifer shook his head. From the looks of things, his disciple Nomed was craftier than he let on.
Before Slifer could contemplate further, Nomed pointed a finger at Cilasis. A blinding lance of light shot forward, crossing the distance between them in an instant.
Caught off guard, Cilasis barely managed to twist aside, the beam grazing his shoulder and tearing a gash in his robes. The demonic disciple hissed in pain, forced on the retreat now as more lances of light shot toward him in quick succession.
Weaving between the attacks, Cilasis suddenly changed direction and charged right at Nomed. But before he could reach his opponent, a wall of light flashed into existence, blocking his path. Cilasis slammed against the barrier at full speed, bouncing back from the heavy impact.
"My domain, my rules," Nomed stated calmly.
With a flick of his sleeve, glowing chains manifested around Cilasis, wrapping tightly around his limbs and torso. Try as he might, the demonic disciple could not break free, the holy light suppressing his strength.
However, to Slifer, the Black Death disciple''s exaggerated look of panic was quite unconvincing.
"I-I forfeit!"
Elder Fred blinked in surprise at the sudden concession, but quickly recovered and raised his arm. "Victory to Nomed of the Black Rose Sect!"
Nomed smiled and let out a soft sigh of relief as cheers erupted from the Black Rose pavilion. His goal had been accomplished - he had secured a spot to enter the Sealed Realm.
Congratulations on another victory, Supreme Elder. That boyI can say for certain he has a bright future. Now if only I had your luck with disciples, Leontius sighed.
"I agree. The boy shows great maturity for one so young, unlike some of your other disciples," Astrid added, lifting an eyebrow.
Slifer smiled graciously, nodding in acknowledgement of their praise. But inwardly, his thoughts were already racing ahead.
Ding!
Your Disciple Nomed Won!
350 Karmic Credits Gained!
And no, his thoughts werent fixated on his credits.
They were focused on the battle he had just witnessed. That match had been odd. The way Cilasis created openings for Nomed, how he just let himself get caught...it was almost like he was throwing the fight on purpose.
But why would a Black Death disciple allow a Black Rose disciple to secure a spot in the Sealed Realm? What was really going on here?
The questions churned endlessly in Slifer''s mind, even as the next match started. He had an inkling that whatever was transpiring likely tied back to the scheme Vowron seemed to be orchestrating.
Slifer''s eyes unconsciously drifted towards the Black Death Sect Master seated a beside him. But as usual, Vowron''s expression remained unreadable.
With so few pieces of the puzzle, Slifer could only speculate and strategize for now.
But one thing was certain - he needed to keep an even closer eye on Nomed going forward. The boy clearly had an agenda of his own. And until Slifer figured out what that agenda was, young Nomed needed to be monitored.
Morvran, theres one other thing Id like you to do
***
"Caelum of Black Rose Sect versus Lucian of Heavenly Light Sect!"
Caelum calmly walked into the arena. The Heavenly Light disciple, a nervous looking young man, gulped at the sight of the undefeated swordsman. This fight would not last long.
As expected, Lucian could do little but defend desperately against Caelum''s elegant but ruthless swordplay. Within minutes, Bloodthorn had slipped past his guard and rested lightly against his neck.
"II yield."
Caelum nodded and stepped back, flicking blood from his sword before sheathing it smoothly. Another easy victory.
The matches continued quickly. Hughie faced off against a bulky teen from Black Heart Sect who specialized in earth techniques. But for once, the big oaf didn''t just rely on brawling.
He calmly analysed his opponent''s moves before using his transformations to counter effectively. Though the other disciple landed some solid blows that left Hughie a little bloody, in the end Hughie''s tenacity won out. His opponent surrendered after nearly being crushed by Hughie''s giant toad form.
"Ha! Did you see that, Gramps?" Hughie grinned, reverting back to human form. "I totally dominated that guy!"
"For once, you actually used your brain amidst all that brawling, Li Fenghao harrumphed. Perhaps you are finally learning strategy, boy."
Hughie laughed and gave the ring a cocky thumbs up, though internally he was pleased by the rare praise from the grumpy immortal spirit.
Next up was Dentos, who was pitted against a nervous looking youth wearing a Black Rose badge - one of the Disciplinary Hall members.
"Um, er, I forfeit!" the boy squeaked out, trembling at the prospect of facing his eccentric boss.
Dentos sighed, another opportunity to wow the Supreme Elder missed.
The second to last match of the Foundation Establishment bracket saw William against a White Tiger disciple. The young master was clearly reaching his limit - face pale and breathing ragged by the end. But through sheer determination, the scrappy youth had clawed his way to victory. Slifer had briefly wondered what motivated the young master to push himself that far.
Now, only two matches remained - Zack versus Caitlyn, and Amelia versus Ironius. The vampire-looking girl and the dark-haired youth were both Black Death disciples, and something in their predatory gazes during previous rounds told Slifer they would not be throwing their matches like Cilasis had.
No, these two wanted blood.
"Zack of the Black Rose Sect versus Caitlyn of the Black Death Sect!" Elder Fred roared.
Slifer''s avatar calmly landed in the arena across from the pale girl.
"Aw, you were hoping to get a go at me during the first stage, weren''t you?" Zack grinned. "Well, better late than never!"
Caitlyn said nothing, merely staring back like he was worth less than the dirt beneath her shoes.
Zack''s smile didn''t waver, but behind it, his thoughts grew wary. This girl wasn''t just here to compete - she wanted him dead. He could see the murderous intent clearly now. Things could get troublesome if he wasn''t careful.
Its fine, the fish has taken the bait. Now, all I have to do is reel it in
"Begin!"
Chapter 90: The End Of The Intersect Tournament!
The girl rushed forward to engage Zack in hand-to-hand combat, just as he had anticipated. As a dual cultivator proficient in both spiritual and body techniques, Zack was not afraid to face a demon in close quarters.
Their initial exchanges were fairly evenly matched, neither able to gain a clear advantage as they traded blows. Zack utilized his quick footwork and agility to avoid the girl''s vicious strikes, while looking for openings to counterattack.
"Not bad, little bat," Zack quipped, deflecting a palm aimed at his chest. "But you''ll have to try harder than that!"
The pale-skinned girl said nothing in response, her expression remaining cold and blank.
Suddenly, her next palm strike was wreathed in coils of sinister looking black qi. Zack''s eyes narrowed as he barely sidestepped the attack, the corrosive miasma leaving a hissing trail along his sleeve. He countered with a Thunderclap Palm aimed at her shoulder, but the girl nimbly darted backwards, avoiding the blow.
Zack eyed the death qi coming off her palm with a frown. Getting hit by that would be bad news. He felt a phantom pain spike in his shoulder at the thought.
Unlike the other Black Death disciples who had refrained from openly using their spiritual techniques during the tournament, this girl clearly had exceptional control over her qi, enabling her to utilize spiritual techniques without fully revealing her identity as a demon.
Zack had already suspected as much from their brief clash during the first stage of the tournament. It seemed this vampire bat was not merely here to compete, but to kill specific targets - with him being at the top of her list.
As for why that was, he still had no clue.
Caitlyn suddenly launched a long-range death qi attack, firing a spear of swirling miasma straight at Zack''s heart.
"Whoa, easy there!" He yelped, lightning wings bursting from his back as he took to the air, narrowly avoiding the strike. The death spear dissolved a chunk of arena floor where it landed.
Zack appeared behind the girl in a flash, palm cocked back. "Thunderclap Palm!"
She spun around, meeting his attack with a death qi palm of her own. Their qi collided in an explosion of lightning and miasma, both combatants skidding backwards from the force.
Okay, time to kick things up a notch! Zack thought.
"Dragon Roar of the Thunderous Sky!"
Soundwaves and lightning bolts surged towards the death cultivator. She crossed her arms, black qi coalescing to form a shield that managed to blunt the force of the technique. Still, the attack clearly staggered her.
Not wasting the opening, Zack instantly flickered behind the girl in a flash of golden light.
"Sunrise Slash!"
His sword carved a blazing trail aimed at her back. Sensing the danger, the girl spun around, grabbing a hold of the sword with a claw of death qi.
"Aww man, I liked that sword!" Zack clicked his tongue as the corrosive energy began eating away at his weapon. Before it could spread, he released his grip, allowing the dissolved sword to fall to the ground with a metallic clang.
That had been a little too close for comfort. He couldn''t afford to take many direct hits from those death claws.
The Black Death disciple pressed her advantage, unleashing several more ranged death attacks that forced Zack on the defensive. He zipped around the arena using his lightning movement techniques, but the miasma barrage was relentless.
Then with a cold smirk, the girl made a pulling motion with her hands, condensing and shaping the scattered death qi into an enormous, black spectral dragon. It hovered above her, jaws gaping wide as it prepared to swallow Zack whole.
"Oh shi-" was all Zack had time to utter before the monstrosity pounced.
The death dragon struck the arena with earth-shaking force, blooming into an enormous cloud of swirling miasma that obscured everything from view.
The audience members murmured nervously, wondering about the battle''s outcome. Had that devastating attack landed on Zack? If so, then he was certainly dead.
Up in the stands, the elders were not so easily fooled. Their spiritual sense pierced the veil of death qi with ease.
"Hmph. That''s the end of that match," Supreme Elder Astrid scoffed.
I didnt expect a Foundation Establishment cultivator to have such a trump card, Zofias eyes narrowed at Slifer.
A technique at the Nascent Soul Realm.. Leontius sighed, glancing between Vowron and Slifer''s impassive faces.
When the death cloud settled, Zack was nowhere to be seen. Caitlyn nodded in satisfaction. The annoying gnat was finally dead. His arrogance had left him completely unprepared for the full power of her techniques. After all, it was rare for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to attack with the power of the Peak Core Formation Realm!
Suddenly, the girl froze. A subtle sound behind her was the only warning before her head detached cleanly from her shoulders, bouncing along the ground with hollow thuds.
Behind her headless body stood Zack, wearing a smoky grey armour and holding a black greatsword. His eyes were hard and cold.
"You shouldn''t have underestimated me," he whispered as the Nascent Soul armour dissipated.
For a brief moment, the arena was dead silent. Then cheers erupted from the Black Rose disciples, celebrating their sect brother''s victory.
"The winner is Zack of the Black Rose Sect!" Elder Fred roared over the crowd.
Zack''s shoulders relaxed slightly as he flicked blood from his blade. Glancing up at the Supreme Elder''s booth, he exchanged a brief look with the Main Body.
During the first stage of the tournament, he had played things cautiously to avoid being ganged up on. But for these one-on-one battles, he knew he had to eliminate any serious threats.
The special interest towards him and the Main Body from the girl and her companion had been obvious. They needed to be dealt with, so he had decided to fool around to lower their guard. It usually worked for those protagonists, so he figured itd work for him too.
And that it did!
Still, as he shook his head and gave a wry smile, Zack had to admit he enjoyed playing the obnoxious, goofy protagonist a bit more than he should have.
As the Black Rose Sect members rushed forward to remove the corpse from the arena, Vowron made a subtle motion with his hand. Caitlyn''s lifeless body and severed head silently flew through the air into his outstretched palm before being stored away into his storage ring.
The other elders gave him bemused looks at this action, but he offered no explanation.
Turning to Slifer, Vowron stated. "That death was unnecessary, Elder Slifer."
Before Slifer could respond, Zofia intervened with a scoff. "You had no issues when disciples of other sects were killed during this tournament." She gave Vowron a pointed stare. "Why the concern now, I wonder?"
Vowron''s eyes narrowed slightly but he did not bother to respond.
Ding!
Your Avatar Zack Won His Battle!
Reward: 350 Karmic Credits
Slifer continued to stare at his avatar. He had instructed Zack to finish her, though it had hardly required much convincing.
With the Black Death Sect''s suspicious activities, it seemed wise to get rid of any dangerous elements among their members when the opportunity presented itself. Even if she was only a Foundation Establishment, it never hurt to be too careful in the world of cultivation.
If only we could have interrogated her but knowing these types of people, we wouldnt get anything out of it. Maybe I should buy a soul-searching technique, even if it is demonic, itd be worth it
"The final match of the Intersect Tournament," Elder Fred announced. "Amelia of the Black Rose Sect versus Ironius of the Black Death Sect! Competitors, take your positions!"
The two disciples stepped into the arena, sizing each other up. Amelia gave her opponent a predatory smile, licking her lips. Ironius stared back impassively.
"Begin!" Fred shouted.
Amelia inclined her head in an exaggerated mocking bow. "I hope you''ll prove more entertaining than that worm I just disposed of."
Ironius said nothing, settling into a combat stance.
With a smirk, Amelia brought out her black dagger. "Not much of a talker? Doesnt matter, its the quiet ones that squeal the most."
She dashed forward, feinting high before sweeping the dagger at Ironius''s midsection. He reacted instantly, pivoting on one foot as her blade narrowly grazed his robes. Not sparing a moment, his leg snapped out in a brutal roundhouse kick.
Amelia flipped backwards, the heel of his boot missing her chin by inches. Ironius pressed the attack, closing the gap with a flurry of palms strikes.
Light on her feet, Amelia ducked and wove between the blows. She caught his wrist as it shot past her shoulder, angling the dagger for his neck. But quicker than she could react, his other hand came up, grabbing her elbow and stopping her strike cold.
"Tch." Clicking her tongue in annoyance, Amelia dissolved into a wisp of purple smoke, reappearing a few feet away.
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Slifer sighed softly from his seat in the stands. This match-up did not bode well for his disciple. Styles made fights after all, and Ironius was the worst possible opponent for a soul cultivator like Amelia.
As a demon, Ironius possessed far greater natural soul strength compared to a human at the same cultivation level. Not to mention his mastery of physical techniques and powerful physique. Trying to overcome such advantages with her soul attacks alone would be an uphill battle.
Still, he had faith that Amelia could pull through. She was a pseudo-protagonist, even if her sadistic tendencies could be rather...troublesome at times.
Down below, Amelia circled her opponent slowly. "Not bad. But let''s see how you handle this!"
With a pulse of her qi, purple wings unfurled from her back. Ironius narrowed his eyes, dropping into a lower stance.
In a blur, Amelia shot forward, afterimages trailing behind her. She zigzagged around Ironius, dagger striking out from all angles too fast to properly track.
But somehow, the Black Death disciple managed to counter every blow. Swaying and twisting his body like a reed in the wind, Ironius avoided or deflected each strike.
Amelia''s smirk slipped. Flitting backwards, she dragged her tongue along the dagger. "Soul Shockwave!"
Rippling waves of violet qi cascaded off the blade, barrelling towards Ironius. Crossing his arms, he weathered the direct hit. The soul attack forced him back a step, but otherwise left him unharmed.
"What?" Amelia stared, dumbfounded. That was one of her strongest techniques! How could this nobody endure it so easily? Just what was his soul made of?
Just as I expected, a direct soul attack had failed to significantly harm the demon, Slifer shook his head. This just might be the first loss for one of his disciples
Wasting no time, Ironius shot forward like an arrow. Amelia barely raised her dagger in time to parry a hook punch aimed at her head. The force still sent her skidding backwards.
With a surge of desperation, Amelia melted into smoke once more. She reappeared above Ironius, condensing qi into her palms.
"Twin Soul Lances!"
A brace of glowing purple spears flew from her hands. But Ironius displayed uncanny reflexes, twisting and swaying impossibly to avoid both projectiles.
Capitalizing on her distraction, Ironius lunged upwards and seized Amelia''s ankle before she could flee. Whipping her down viciously, he drove her into the earth like a sledgehammer.
The impact knocked the wind from Amelia''s lungs, leaving her stunned. Ironius pressed his advantage, stomping a heel down towards her face. At the last second, she regained her senses and rolled away. The blow gouged a hole in the arena floor where her head had just been.
Stumbling to her feet, Amelia backed away hastily. This guy was reading all her moves and manhandling her like she was an amateur!
"Don''t get cocky just yet, Amelia gnashed her teeth angrily. I''m just getting started!"
Her beautiful features began morphing, skin paling as she activated her Ghoul Transformation. Smoky wings extended from her back once more, except this time lined with sharp spikes. Her speed and power doubled instantly.
Ironius narrowed his eyes, widening his stance.
Like a violet comet, Amelia shot straight for his chest. But at the last second, she dissolved into smoke, reforming poised at his back for a sneak attack.
"Too slow!" She hissed as she struck with her claws.
Spinning rapidly to avoid the blow, Ironius lashed out with a back kick, his heel catching Amelia right in the stomach.
All the air expelled from her lungs at once. The arena tiles cracked under her as she was driven into the ground like a nail.
Before she could rise, Ironius''s foot came down hard on her back, pinning her. He grabbed one of her wings, ignoring the spikes digging into his palm. Slowly he began twisting it at an unnatural angle.
Amelia bit her tongue holding back a scream as the joints in her wing wrenched and popped. Thrashing violently, she tried to dissolve into smoke to escape, but Ironius just applied more pressure.
Up in the stands, Slifer rubbed his chin as he observed Amelia getting utterly demolished down below.
"Hmm...this one-sided thrashing is a bit unfortunate," Vowron murmured. "But your disciple does tend to play with her food. I suppose turnabout is fair play."
The Black Death Sect Master wore a faint, satisfied smile as he watched the battle unfold. One of Slifer''s pets had just arrogantly slain his disciple, Caityln. Now it was only right that he repays the humiliation.
"Savage creatures," Zofia muttered. "This is the true face of demonic cultivators on full display. No restraint or honour, only mindless brutality."
Beside her, Leontius frowned. "It does seem...excessive," he said carefully. "The match is clearly decided, there''s no need to drag it out like this..."
Slifer stayed silent, though a muscle ticked in his jaw. Amelia liked dealing out pain, but how much could she take herself? This was the perfect test of character for her. Either she would break, or she would find a way to overcome. Still, he tensed, ready to intervene if things went too far.
Just when it seemed the wing joint would pop, a desperate idea flashed through Amelia''s mind. Focusing inward, she recalled all the spiritual energy bringing her wing back into her core.
The sudden loss of reinforcement caused the wing to dissipate into smoke, allowing her to slip free from Ironius''s grip. She immediately scrambled away.
Panting harshly, Amelia eyed Ironius with apprehension. She really didnt know what to do next, never before had she been so thoroughly dominated.
Scowling, she poured all of her remaining qi into her dagger. The blade released a purple glow.
"I''ll crush you!" she screamed, charging recklessly. Every scrap of speed she could muster went into this final attack.
But Ironius evaded it almost casually before countering with a devastating combo. A knee to the gut doubled Amelia over. An elbow to the back of the neck sent her sprawling face down.
Before she could rise, Ironius''s foot slammed down on the back of her skull, grinding her cheek into the ground.
Amelia thrashed and scratched at the ground, but she was pinned helplessly. Ironius stared down at her coldly, as if contemplating how to end this.
Up in the stands, Slifer nodded to himself. This was definitely a harsh lesson for Amelia but a necessary one. She would emerge stronger for it. What didn''t kill you made you stronger, after all! Or severely maimed you. Either way, character development!
He glanced over at the other Black Rose disciples. Caelum watched impassively, though a glint of understanding showed in his eyes. As Amelia''s senior brother, he had long been forced to tolerate her cruel games. This was overdue karma.
Hughie gripped the railing in anger, his body trembling. Every fibre of his being wanted to leap down there and beat Ironius to a bloody pulp for daring to harm his Junior Sister!
These protagonists need to have better self-control, Slifer made a mental note to have a chat later about anger issues.
Dentos shook his head at the gruesome scene. Efficient battling was the way. No point in dragging things out.
Fenlock simply looked sickened as he watched Amelia being thrashed so brutally. Though no fan of senseless violence himself, he knew the world of cultivation was often cruel. Still, this seemed excessive.
Thats enough for now, anymore and this guy might really kill her, Slifer thought as Ironius picked Amelia up by the neck, his hands slowly tightened their grip...
Ding!
Alert! Your Disciple Amelia Is In Mortal Danger
Save Her
Reward: 1000 Karmic Credits
Failure: Death Of A Disciple
To think I got more credits for her losing
A subtle motion from Slifer drew Elder Fred''s attention. The elder''s own eyes widened in understanding.
"The match is over, victory to Ironius of the Black Death Sect!" He announced hurriedly before Ironius could continue.
Disappointment flashed briefly in Vowron''s eyes. He was surprised that a demonic cultivator that had reached the Ascendant Realm would intervene to save a disciples lifehow strange. No matter. The humiliation dealt today was enough.
With some reluctance, the Black Death disciple released Amelia and stepped back.
Amelia crawled to her feet, features returned to normal but no less ugly for the hate and humiliation twisting them.
"Thisthis isn''t over..." she hissed before limping off stage.
Ironius watched her walk off before making his own exit. The blank mask never slipped from his face. Throughout the battle, he had never said a word. After all, his words were wasted on lower beings.
Throughout the spectator stands, discussions were still ongoing regarding the shocking fight. But soon enough, Elder Fred descended to the arena once more.
This is the end of the Intersect Tournament! He announced. Will the winners of both divisions come onto the stage
Chapter 91: The Top 5 Geniuses Meet!
The crowd roared with excitement as the ten winners stood on the grand stage.
In the Core Formation division stood Caelum, Dentos, Hughie, Ironius, and Ziven.
Caelum watched the crowd calmly, while Hughie grinned and played up to the attention. Dentos'' eyes darted around rapidly, every so often it would fall on Slifer before quickly moving on. Ironius stared straight ahead, face an emotionless mask. Ziven had a small smirk on his face, drinking in the cheers.
The winners of the Foundation Establishment division were Zack, Nomed, William, Maria, and Arva.
Up in the elders booth, Zofia eyed the Black Rose disciples on stage.
"My, isn''t this a fascinating turn of events?" she chuckled. "I seem to recall in all the past tournaments, the Black Rose disciples were lucky to even qualify, much less dominate the finals."
Zofia turned, regarding Slifer with a lofty gaze. "Yet now in your sect''s first time hosting, your people suddenly overrun the top ranks. How very...convenient."
"It''s simple, Supreme Elder Zofia. Our standards for selection have risen while yours seem to have fallen." Slifer paused, smirking. "Perhaps if you spent less time nitpicking the tournament format and more whipping your disciples into shape, the results wouldn''t sting quite so much."
Supreme Elder Astrid cut in before Zofia could retort. "It seems the Heaven''s Light Sect only sing praises when they are on the winning side. Once the tables turn, all we hear are complaints and excuses."
Zofia scowled but held her tongue. She had hoped the other elders would agree with her, allowing her to put pressure on the Black Rose Sect. This many demonic cultivators just didnt deserve to enter the Sealed Realm!
Down below, Zack studied his fellow disciples. The two female cultivators, Maria and Arva, seemed distinctly average based on their tournament performances. Nothing for him to worry about.
No, the real threats here were the Core Formation monsters like that emotionless Ironius, and especially that smug pretty boy Ziven who kept throwing the Main Body dirty looks.
Speaking of Ziven, the arrogant Son of Heaven glanced up at the Heavenly Light Sect''s private booth, smirking as he noticed a particular blond-haired youth.
Arkan, the so-called Legacy Disciple, sat slumped in his seat, eyes hollow and broken as he stared at the stage.
Ziven shook his head in disappointment. He had expected more from the Legacy Disciple. The so-called genius had utterly embarrassed himself against that lunatic Dentos. So much for living up to his hype.
Ziven''s expression turned serious as he regarded the Black Rose disciples. In particular, Caelum and Dentos concerned him most as potential obstacles. He would need to be cautious of them in the Sealed Realm, as both seemed difficult opponents right now.
His gaze drifted to the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect, as he pictured the old demon''s look of shock when none of his precious disciples returned alive. Oh, how he would savour that moment!
"Congratulations to the victors!" Elder Fred''s voice boomed, interrupting Ziven''s fantasies. "Remember to rest up tonight, as tomorrow the Supreme Elders will open the gateway into the Sealed Realm. I wish you all good fortune on your journey!"
With those words still ringing in the air, the disciples bowed before making their exit. The tournament was done. Now the real trial began.
***
Back at Slifers compound, Slifer sat with his disciples to offer some praise and advice before the big day.
He started with Caelum, his top disciple. "Caelum, you have done me proud as always. Stay vigilant and remember to take care of your juniors in the Sealed Realm."
"Thank you, Master. Ill make sure nothing happens to them," Caelum dipped his head.
Hearing that he had made Slifer proud gave him a fuzzy feeling in his chest, he wasnt used to his master complimenting him.
Slifer turned next to Hughie, his expression growing stern. "As for you, while I applaud the...unconventional route to victory, such luck won''t hold forever. Take things seriously in the Sealed Realm unless you fancy an early death."
The young man shrugged sheepishly under his master''s scrutiny. "Hey hey, no worries! I''ll be careful...probably."
With a resigned sigh, Slifer faced his avatar Zack. "And that advice goes double for you. I know your strength, but do not get complacent."
Zack nodded along absently. Of course, the Main Body had to put on this show for appearances. Once inside the Sealed Realm, he would be all business. And like the Main Body repeatedly reminded him, the priority was making sure he came out of this alive.
After all, he was just starting to enjoy life - no need to cut it short so soon!
When Slifer''s eyes fell upon Nomed, the Supreme Elder paused thoughtfully.
According to Morvran''s reports, the child was a complete enigma. An orphan with no known family or history, who when growing up in the village would mysteriously disappear for days on end, only to reappear out of the blue. Highly suspicious behaviour that suggested the boys background was not simple.
Clearing his throat, Slifer addressed the orphan. "Nomed, you performed remarkably well, especially for one so... inexperienced. I did not expect you to not only reach the finals, but win. It seems even I underestimated your talent."
"Thank you, Master. It was all thanks to your teachings," Nomed replied with a humble bow.
But his respectful tone and measured words rang hollow to Slifer''s ears. Clearly the boy held no true loyalty. A spy perhaps? Either way, the kid had earned his slot to the Sealed Realm. It would bring up too many questions if Slifer were to forcefully take it away.
Zack will keep a close eye on you in there and if it comes to iteliminate you.
The last thing Slifer wanted to do was kill one of his own disciples, but could a traitor truly be considered a disciple?
Shaking his head, Slifer turned to his only female disciple. The girl kept her head low, hair obscuring her face after the day''s humiliating defeat.
"The rest of you are dismissed for now," Slifer said at last. "Amelia, stay a moment."
After the other disciples had shuffled out, Amelia finally lifted her head. Her porcelain features were drawn and sullen, full lips pressed thin.
"You''re disappointed," Slifer said after a moment. It wasn''t a question.
"How could I not be?" Amelia burst out angrily. "I was made a complete fool of! In front of everyone, no less. Worst of all, by that...that nobody from the Black Death Sect," she spat the name like a curse.
"So, your pride is wounded," Slifer concluded.
Amelia bit her lip, clearly fighting back a snippy retort. Eventually she murmured, "I just...don''t understand how I could lose so badly. I''ve never..."
"Never suffered a defeat before," Slifer finished gently. "And it''s for that very reason this experience will benefit you greatly."
Seeing Amelia''s sceptical look, he went on. "You have always enjoyed tormenting your enemies. Humiliating them physically and mentally before moving in for the kill. I''ve warned you many times of the dangers of such arrogance. And today, you finally received a taste of your own medicine."
Amelia winced but didn''t deny his words.
"The path of cultivation is a harsh one. Loss, pain, humiliation - all disciples must endure these trials at some point, Slifer''s expression softened. The question is, will you let this crush you? Or will you learn from it and grow stronger?"
"Master, you''ve been... humiliated before?" Amelia asked, her eyes widening.
She had never expected that her master, the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect, had been beaten to a pulp publicly.
Me? I get humiliated enough by the System as it is, Slifer shook his head. I''d rather die than have some arrogant young master slap me around.
As much as Slifer loved to blame the System for it''s...strange attitude towards him, he had to admit it did a good job at protecting him.
But that''s only because it seems to need me for this "destroy all evil" mission...
A long silence followed as Amelia waited for her master to reply.
"Your Senior Brother Tyrus leaving was enough humiliation for a dozen lifetimes," Slifer murmured, trying to give her the impression that it took a lot out of him to admit that.
It was technically true, the Original seemed to have been driven crazy by his eldest disciple''s departure.
Why else would the old fool chase after him when he had just failed his Origin Realm breakthrough?
Amelia nodded slowly, digesting her master''s words. When she finally spoke, her voice was almost a whisper. "You''re right, Master. I''ve been too prideful. Toying with my opponents, laughing at their pain...I realise I cant continue on like that." She took a deep breath. "II will try to change."
"That is all I ask," Slifer said, feeling a small glow of satisfaction.
Ding!
Your Disciple Amelia Has Experienced Significant Character Growth!
Reward: 1000 Karmic Credits
Amelias Loyalty Has Increased By 10%
Slifer nodded to himself. It seemed the System truly valued him nurturing his disciples character and integrity. He was more than happy to oblige if it meant more Karmic Credits.
Speaking of rewards... A sly glint entered Slifer''s eyes. "You know, it just so happens I have something that will lift your spirits."
Amelia lifted her head warily, scepticism written clearly across her face.
Grinning, Slifer announced, "You will take the final slot to enter the Sealed Realm!"
What? Amelia''s head jerked up in shock. In her misery, she had forgotten that her master held one reserve slot. "But Master, not only did I lose but I was humiliated. II don''t deserve it."
"Nonsense. Slifer waved dismissively. It was my plan all along to award the reserve slot should one of you unexpectedly fail to qualify. Consider it a second chance to prove yourself."
In truth, Slifer knew the Sealed Realm offered greater opportunities to earn Karmic Credits than remaining outside. But Amelia didn''t need to know that.
"Th-thank you, Master!" Amelia stammered. "I swear Ill bring you back something from the Sealed Realm!
Im counting on it
***
The Great Wolf tavern was bustling with activity. Patrons laughed and slammed down cups. The air smelled of roasted meat, spilled ale and tobacco smoke.
In one corner, a group of musicians played a lively tune on lute, fiddle and drum.
The noise softened for a moment as the front door banged open.
A young man in black robes strode in, his handsome features set in a scowl. The tavern''s conversations stuttered to a halt as all eyes turned towards this new arrival. They could sense the aura of power radiating from him - this was no ordinary customer.
The youth marched right up to the bar, where an old man was filling tankards from the tap. He slammed down a golden coin on the counter.
"Clear this place out for the next few hours," he ordered the gaping owner. With a flick of his sleeve, the gold coin floated into the man''s hand.
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"Of course, Young Master! Right away!" The owner bowed repeatedly, clutching the coin tightly. This amount of money would cover his establishment''s expenses for a month. Not to mention, angering an immortal cultivator over something so trivial wasn''t worth risking his life.
"Sorry folks, we''re closing early tonight! Finish your drinks and be on your way now!" The owner said as he began ushering patrons outside.
"Ah, come on, I just got my ale!"
"You can''t kick us out without any bloody warning!"
"Hey, I wasn''t finished!"
The owner waved his hands desperately. "I''m real sorry, but you all need to clear out immediately!" He jerked his head meaningfully at the glowering disciple.
Finally understanding dawned in the patrons'' eyes. Their protests died away as they sensed the dangerous atmosphere. With many backward glances and muttered curses, the crowd began funnelling towards the exit.
But a large, burly man in particular seemed intent on staying behind.
"Bah! These so-called immortals think they own the damn place," he grumbled loudly. "I paid good coin for my drink and I ain''t leavin'' till it''s finished!"
He demonstratively gulped down his ale, dripping foam through his bushy whiskers. Then he belched thunderously in the direction of the black-robed youth.
His friends paled and edged away. "Erwin you fool, are you trying to get us killed? Let''s get out of here!"
But Erwin refused to budge, staring challengingly at the disciple with bloodshot eyes.
The black-robed youth''s features remained impassive. He glanced at the tavern owner, who was wringing his hands anxiously.
The black-robed youth sighed, then suddenly appeared before the drunkard in a blur of motion. "I believe it''s time for you to leave."
Before anyone could react, his hand lashed out faster than the eye could follow, delivering a slap to the brute''s face. The man was launched sideways, crashing through tables and chairs before slamming into the far wall. He slumped to the floor, unconscious.
A hushed silence descended on the tavern. The remaining patrons scrambled over each other in their haste to flee out the doors. In seconds, the tavern was empty.
The young man sighed, nudging a broken chair with his foot. "Just look at this mess. Now I have to tidy up before the others arrive."
The tavern owner stood frozen, unsure whether he should try offering assistance or flee for his life. In the end, he decided to run.
The disciple gathered up the debris strewn around the tavern with surprising meticulousness, arranging the remaining furniture neatly. Within a few minutes, the common room was again presentable.
At that moment the entrance creaked open.
Jin''s eyes widened as they settled on the new arrival - it was Lucious, the Sect Leaders disciple!
"Greetings, Senior Brother!"
Lucious glanced around the vacant tavern before settling his gaze on Jin. "Yes, this should work well enough if things get...messy."
Jin shuddered at the implication but nodded in agreement. A meeting between the top cultivators of the younger generation could easily get heated.
Now, prepare us some tea."
"Yes, Young Master!" Jin scurried away, sending a tea service flying through the air onto an intact table. Hands shaking, he carefully poured steaming tea into two ceramic cups.
Lucious picked his up, blowing gently before taking a sip.
Jin shifted anxiously from foot to foot. Not only would this be the first gathering between the top disciples of the younger generation from the major sects, but also the first and only time they would enter the Sealed Realm.
Noticing his discomfort, Lucious inclined his head slightly. "You may take your leave. Do not let anyone else enter until I say so."
"Of course, Young Master!" Jin retreated hastily out the front door.
Alone now, Lucious settled in to wait, absently swirling the tea leaves at the bottom of his cup. He needed his mind clear for the meeting, this would be his first time meeting some of them.
The creak of the door opening snapped Lucious from his thoughts.
He glanced up as the number one Core Formation disciple from the Pure Soul SectC Celestia C entered the tavern. Her golden hair swayed behind her as she walked towards him.
"Greetings, brother Lucious," she said politely, if somewhat reservedly.
"Sister Celestia, Lucious inclined his head. I''m pleased you accepted my invitation."
Her answering smile didn''t reach her eyes. "If it was brother Lucious himself then how could I refuse?"
Lucious nodded, Have a seat.
Celestia settled down on a chair across from Lucious. An awkward silence descended on them as neither seemed inclined to continue the conversation.
After a few minutes, the door creaked open again and a tall, muscular woman with snow white hair strode in. Her icy blue eyes scanned the room before settling on Lucious and Celestia.
"Sister Larissa, please sit down."
"So, I''m not the first...pity." Larissa completely ignored Lucious as she sat down, focusing her attention on Celestia. "Hello, sister Celestia."
"Sister Larissa, it has been too long! I believe the last time we met was at the Zhongyuan Festival, a year ago? Celestia smiled back warmly. I''m glad to see you well."
"Hmph. Save the pleasantries," Larissa said bluntly, though not unkindly. "I''ve no patience for that today."
Before Celestia could respond, the door swung open again and in came the Black Heart Sects Horocus. He was a young man with a pale complexion and red piercing eyes.
As Horocus approached, Lucious noticed faint tension in the man''s shoulders and the way his smile seemed forced. With his sect leader missing, it was no wonder Horocus seemed on edge.
"Hello there, friends," Horocus said, taking a seat. "Quite a rare gathering we have here." His eyes darted around the group, as if expecting an attack at any moment.
"Just two more and we''ll be ready to begin," Lucious replied. Right on cue, the door opened, and a handsome, silver-haired youth strode in, smiling brightly.
"Apologies for my tardiness, friends," Raphael laughed. "I hope I didnt keep you waiting too long?"
"Not at all, we only just arrived ourselves," Celestia replied whilst the others nodded.
Lucious noticed Raphael''s smile falter briefly when he scanned the room, clearly having expected to be the last arrival. Trying to assert dominance by being fashionably late? How droll.
As Raphael sat down, the five disciples simply observed one another, silently taking stock.
The tension in the room was palpable.
Horocus spoke up, "It seems Arcavious won''t be joining us. I haven''t been able to contact him I dont think hes interested in whatever this meeting is about.
Not surprised that the reclusive Black Death genius decided not to attend, Lucious cleared his throat.
"Shall we get down to business then?" At their nods, he continued, "As you know, we all plan to enter the Sealed Realm tomorrow. I called this meeting so we may...discuss arrangements, for how to handle things inside."
"Spare me your slick words, Larissa snorted. There''s nothing to understand in the Sealed Realm beyond the obvious - take what you want by any means necessary."
They were all too prideful in their own abilities to team up with even members of their own sect so why would they be interested in working with each other?"
In theory, yes that is how things are usually done there, Lucious turned to her. But why waste time fighting amongst ourselves and giving others the chance to take the spoils from under our noses?
Larissa''s eyes narrowed but she stayed silent.
"You make a reasonable case, brother Lucious, Celestia chimed in. What arrangement did you have in mind?"
Inwardly, Lucious smiled. The Pure Soul disciple''s reaction was predictable - spineless and eager to avoid conflict. As if reading his thoughts, Larissa shot Celestia a disgusted look.
"It''s simple. We divide the Realm into five territories, one for each of us," Lucious explained. "Your word that you won''t cross into another''s territory, and they shall extend the same courtesy."
Raphael tapped his fingers on the table. "And if one territory proves lessbountiful than the rest?" He posed the question innocently, but his meaning was clear: he would never accept less than the lion''s share.
"The Sealed Realm is vast," Lucious countered calmly. "I doubt that will be an issue. Unless you''re afraid you can''t hold your own portion?"
Raphael''s eyes narrowed; he wasnt worried about the disciples who had earned their slot through competing in the Intersect Tournament. No, the only cultivators he had to be wary of were those sitting here beside him.
"A sensible proposal, Horocus agreed.
But Larissa looked anything but convinced, turning on Horocus with a sneer. "Look at you, scurrying to make a truce the moment your master disappears. How pathetic."
Horocus flushed but he held his tongue. Larissa was known to be crude and provocative.
"Enough." Celestia''s gentle voice cut through the tension. "I also agree to this arrangement."
All eyes turned to Raphael and Larissa.
Raphael gave an exaggerated sigh. "Well, I was hoping we could settle this through outright battle to determine who was the strongest between us...but I suppose this could work as well." He paused, meeting each of their eyes. "Oh, and I''ll be taking the central region."
Lucious nodded, having expected as much from the arrogant Heavenly Light disciple.
Larissa growled, unsatisfied, but gave a terse nod. "North region for me then."
In the end, Lucious claimed the eastern quarter for himself. Horocus took the west, and Celestia the south.
With the territories divided up, Lucious clasped his hands together. "It''s decided then. We enter the Sealed Realm asallies." His tone sounded sincere, but inwardly, a cold smile tugged at Lucious'' lips.
There would be no honouring of boundaries within the Sealed Realm, regardless of what promises exchanged hands today. Even Celestia and Larissa could not be so naive as to fully trust each other''s word.
No, this meeting accomplished its true purpose: to know the starting location of his allies and to gain a better understanding of them.
Horocus was a paranoid mess who could easily be manipulated.
Raphael, like any other Heavenly Light Sect disciple, had an ego problem.
Larissa was quick to anger and could be lured to her death.
And Celestia...well, the Peacemaker lived up to her reputation, willing to compromise to avoid conflict.
Now, if he were to reach the Nascent Soul Realm first, he would be able to hunt his fellow Legacy Disciples one by one, starting with the most arrogant one first of course.
But to breakthrough before them, I need to keep them distracted
And that is where the newbies come into play. Oh yes, he has had his eyes on the Supreme Elders disciples for a while now.
Whilst he didnt expect any of them to actually defeat the Legacy Disciples, he felt they would be able to keep them entertained until he was ready.
Now, time to introduce myself as the benevolent Senior Brother
Chapter 92: Vowron Makes His Move!
The crowds roared with excitement, the stands packed full of disciples. Today was the opening of the Sealed Realm, and everyone wanted to witness this momentous event.
"Can you believe it''s finally happening?" a female disciple gushed to her friends. "We''re so lucky to be here! I can die happy now!"
"Speak for yourself, one of her friends elbowed her side lightly. I plan on living a good long while! But you''re right, today will certainly be one to remember."
In the row behind them, two male disciples were having a heated debate.
"That Ziven is supposed to be really impressive. Do you think he has a shot against the big names in there?"
His friend gave him an incredulous look. "Ziven might be crazy talented for his age, but he''s still just a junior compared to the Legacy Disciples. pitting geniuses against each other is one thing, but...this is a whole different level."
Before the argument could continue, a sudden commotion from the arena caught their attention.
"Look, someone''s arrived!" a sharp-eyed disciple exclaimed.
All eyes turned towards the arena gates as a figure strolled casually into view.
"It''s him! The Son of Heaven!" a voice rang out excitedly as people recognized Ziven''s striking profile and piercing green eyes.
Ziven paused to give the audience a small smile and nod before moving to stand at the centre of the arena. The smile didnt reach his eyes though, which remained hard chips of jade, betraying his tightly leashed killing intent.
Those that entered the Sealed Realm at the Core Formation Realm typically exited as an Origin Realm expert. It was exceptionally rare for anyone to reach the Ascendant Realm; however, Ziven had no choice, only by breaking through to the Ascendant Realm would he have a chance at getting revenge.
XanderIll make sure that demonic scum pays, Ziven promised.
One by one, the qualifying disciples filed into the arena.
When all ten disciples had gathered, the hushed conversations took on an uneasy tone. The general consensus was that, despite their impressive showings so far, these disciples were simply out of their depth against true elites.
Right on cue, a collected gasp echoed through the stands. All eyes turned once more towards the arena entrance.
Look, its Brother Lucious! a female disciple squealed. Unlike with Ziven, the excitement in her voice was genuine.
The number one Black Rose disciple strode into view, midnight robes swaying gracefully with each step. As Lucious approached the other Black Rose disciples, his handsome features settled into an easy smile. He gave Caelum, Hughie, and the rest polite nods.
Hello there, juniors, Lucious said warmly as he took up position beside them. I know things can get dangerous in there. As your senior brother, please know that you can rely on me.
His sincere tone and comforting words took the crowd by surprise. A demonic cultivator showing such care? It was unheard of!
So handsome and so kind too! one girl cooed under her breath. Why cant the disciples from our Heavenly Light Sect be more like him? They are just too arrogant!
Next to arrive was the Black Heart Sects number one disciple, Horocus. The red-eyed youth wore a tense, wary expression as he silently took his place.
The other top disciples appeared in short order - Larissa, Celestia, and finally Raphael, pride of the Heavenly Light Sect.
If the crowd was excited by Lucious arrival, then they were absolutely frenzied at the sight of Raphael. After all, he represented the undisputed strongest sect amongst the younger generation.
Raphael paused beside Ziven, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Well done on making it here, junior. I''m pleased to see such promising youths from our sect."
Ziven wanted to slap away that condescending hand but managed a stiff nod instead. The time for talking was over. Only strength would matter in the Sealed Realm.
At last, it was time for the guest of honor - the Supreme Elders themselves. Excitement reached a fever pitch throughout the arena stands as disciples clamored for the best view of these legendary figures.
First to arrive was Astrid, Supreme Elder of the White Tiger Sect. With a roar, an enormous white tiger descended from the heavens, its passenger seated calmly on top of its head. The disciples marveled at the incredible sight.
Amazing! That tiger has to be at least thirty meters long!
No way, its got to be bigger. Fifty meters at least!
Next arrived Leontius, Supreme Elder of the Pure Soul Sect, descending gently on a floating cloud. Compared to Astrid''s dramatic entrance, his subtle arrival elicited fewer reactions.
"The Pure Soul Sect always favors grace over intimidation."
"But don''t underestimate Elder Leontius because of that..."
Right on cue, a piercing shaft of radiance split the heavens as Zofia, Supreme Elder of the Heaven''s Light Sect, descended amidst a corona of blazing light. Many disciples cried out, forced to turn their eyes away from the blinding brilliance.
"Such dazzling glory! As expected of the number one righteous sect."
"Elder Zofia''s strength is said to be second only the Sect Leader''s..."
In contrast, the reaction was more muted when Vowron emerged, riding a creepy chariot pulled by skeletal horses. Trust the Black Death Sect to make such a morbid entrance.
Yet all other arrivals were forgotten when an earth-shaking draconic roar resounded across the city. All heads turned upwards as the massive form of Val descended from the heavens, flames spewing dramatically around her. The dragon landed with an impact that shook the arena itself.
As Val shrank down into the tiny, cat-sized form, excited chatter broke out amongst the disciples once more.
"Did you see that entrance? Much better than just riding some big cat!"
"Yeah it gave me goosebumps!"
"That dragon fire was insane! I could feel the heat from here!"
"Val is just the cutest! I want a mini dragon pet too!"
Val lapped up the chorus of praise, turning to Slifer with a toothy grin. "Master, did you see that? They loved it!"
Slifer chuckled, patting her head. "Of course, my little Val. You''re the star of the show!"
Satisfied, Val scurried to Slifer''s shoulder, draping herself across it like a scaly scarf.
Slifer met the gaze of his fellow Supreme Elders. "Shall we begin?" At their nods, Slifer retrieved the golden keys from his robe that would unlock this sacred realm. Each Supreme Elder contributed their key to the collection.
With a flick of his wrist, Slifer sent the keys spinning skyward. Halfway up they collided in a dazzling cascade of light, merging and expanding until a single massive key now hung suspended before them.
Slowly, the colossal key began rotating in place, faster and faster as space itself warped and stretched around it. A resonating hum filled the air as a tiny pinprick of light appeared that rapidly tore itself wider.
Within moments, the air had ripped open entirely, revealing a swirling portal of darkness - the gateway leading into the Sealed Realm!
At an unspoken signal, the five elite legacy disciples stepped forward as one and paused before the portal.
"Try not to die before I can crush you myself," Larissa remarked to Celestia, though her tone held a hint of wry humor rather than true malice.
Celestia''s answering smile was polite, if a little strained. "Take care as well, sister."
With no more words wasted, the top disciples dissolved into the void one by one until only darkness remained.
Now the tournament victors stepped up to take their turn. Hughie was practically vibrating with excitement. "This is it, guys! Our time to shine."
Beside him, Zack kept his true feelings carefully concealed. But across the portal, his eyes briefly met Slifer''s own. One curt nod was exchanged between Main Body and Avatar - nothing more needed to be said.
Nomed was the last to approach. For just a moment, his eyes darted towards Vowron. But the movement was so brief none noticed. A heartbeat later, the boy too had vanished into the Sealed Realm.
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Just as the portal was beginning to constrict on itself, Slifer stepped forward to retrieve the key. But before his fingers could close around it, his entire body abruptly locked up, muscles seizing and refusing to budge no matter how fiercely his mind strained against the paralysis!
Beside him, the other Supreme Elders seemed frozen in place as well.
"Leave now, quickly!" Slifer urgently communicated to Val through their spiritual bond.
The little dragon shook her head. "And abandon you, Master? Never! I can help you fight!"
"Go, Val! Be with the others - that is how you can best help me now."
Seeing the uncharacteristic sternness in her master''s eyes, Val hesitated only a moment longer before spreading her wings and flying away.
Slifer heard dark laughter, then Vowron walked slowly into his field of vision. "So sorry for the delay, friends," the Black Death Sect leader said, smiling coldly. "It seems a few more of my disciples wish to enter the festivities after all."
With a laugh, Vowron''s aura swelled explosively. In the span of a few breaths, his strength had already exceeded the Ascendant Realm.
"Half...Immortal Realm!" Zofia spat in disbelief. "Your cultivation...how is this possible?!"
"Come now, Supreme Elder, surely a cunning woman like yourself would have sensed if something was amiss before today?" Vowron purred as he circled the paralyzed Elders like a shark.
"Unfortunately, you simply aren''t as clever as you believe. But don''t feel too bad," the Black Death Master chuckled as he withdrew a small black cube, etched with pulsating red runes. "A gift from a mutual friend in the Immortal Realms. He certainly has taken a liking to me. And this delightful toy creates a stasis field that can restrain any cultivator below the Immortal Realm."
Understanding mixed with fury flashed in the Elders'' eyes.
The smile never leaving his face, Vowron cocked one finger. Responding to his summons, black-clad disciples bearing the insignia of the Black Death Sect began dropping into the arena from the spectator stands.
"You didn''t think I would pass up this rare chance, did you?" Vowron smirked. "The flower must seize its moment while the garden lies unguarded."
With that, the death disciples rushed headlong towards the still-open portal leading into the Sealed Realm. But before they could approach it, more figures appeared in their path - led by none other than Morvran!
"Im afraid this is as far as youll go," Slifer''s trusted supporter declared. Behind him, other Black Rose members fanned out, preparing to fight the invaders.
Slifer had warned him that Vowron will likely make a move when the portal opens. He had instructed Morvran to tell the Grand Elders to be prepared.
Even as the first clashes broke out across the arena floor, more powerful auras from both sides joined the fray. Like ripples in a pond, the combat quickly expanded outwards to engulf the entire coliseum.
Amidst the chaos, Fenlock leapt into action. Unleashing furious screams amplified by his sound cultivation, he caught a group of Black Death Nascent Soul cultivators off guard. They clamped hands over their ears in agony, only to find themselves cut down ruthlessly by Morvrans men.
With an earth-shaking roar, Val suddenly reappeared in her massive form. The dragon dove into the enemy ranks, claws and fangs shredding all in her path.
Several Black Death cultivators screamed as they were snatched up in her jaws, crushed and devoured in seconds. Others tried to fight back only to be blasted by scorching flames.
Yet despite the Black Rose members efforts, the Black Death cultivators continued to press forward with fanatical determination.
For each one killed, two more seemed to take their place.
Trapped behind their barriers, the Supreme Elders could only watch helplessly as their disciples fought and fell before their eyes.
"Damn you, Vowron!" Zofia screeched. "I''ll see your sect destroyed for this!"
"Now now, no need for such hostility," Vowron chided mockingly. "Not that it matters anymore..."
Ding!
New Task: Save The Supreme Elders
Reward: 5,000 Karmic Credits For Each Elder You Save
Slifer released a sigh as he saw the task notification pop up in his vision. A part of him had briefly considered just letting Vowron kill the other Supreme Eldersit would certainly weaken the major sects. However, if the Elders were to all perish here in Black Rose territory with Slifer as the only survivor...well, the backlash would be immense.
His thoughts were interrupted by Vowrons expression twisting into a sneer. I believe Ill start with you, Slifer.
Slifers eyes widened in surprise as Vowrons own flashed red, his body morphing into an emaciated, lich-like form. With astounding speed, the Death Sect leader conjured a bone spear caked in swirling black energy and hurled it straight towards Slifers heart.
The spear passed harmlessly through Slifer''s body, embedding itself into the arena wall behind. The other Elders didn''t even flinch, already aware of Slifers space technique.
"A space cultivator," Vowron hissed in understanding. "An amusing trick, but it only delays the inevitable."
After circling Slifer for a little while, he noticed Slifers form become corporeal, he darted forward, bony claws reaching towards Slifers throat.
And in that instant, a massive green cauldron materialized between them!
Caught by surprise, Vowron was unable to stop his momentum in time. An irresistible force latched onto his body, dragging the Death Sect leader towards the open cauldron.
What is this?! Vowron shrieked, struggling in vain against the pull.
With a final scream, he was swallowed by the ancient artifact.
A heavy thud sounded as the lid slammed shut over the opening. Faint banging could be heard coming from within as the cauldron quickly vanished into Slifers storage ring.
At the same moment, the Supreme Elders found themselves able to move once more, the stasis field broken. Zofias eyes were wide with disbelief as she turned on Slifer.
You...youre an alchemist as well? she demanded.
Slifer let out a laugh. I dabble from time to time.
The Elders exchanged dubious looks. That had clearly been no ordinary pill cauldron, but an immortal-grade treasure! No mere dabbler would possess such a tool.
Seeing their skepticism, Slifer sighed internally. In truth, the cauldron was something he brought recently from the Shophed felt the need for alternate sources of income, and in the novels alchemists always ended up rich. Besides, few dared provoke someone with the backing of countless pill-hungry cultivators. Should anyone be foolish enough to try...well, theyd quickly come to regret it.
Ding!
Reward: 15,000 Karmic Credits
You have my gratitude for saving us, Brother Slifer, Leontius said with a respectful bow.
Astrid nodded firmly in agreement. We are in your debt.
Zofias eye twitched, but she too offered grudging thanks.
Slifer waved off their words hurriedly, turning his focus back to the collapsing portal. With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned the golden key back into his hand. The gateway winked out of existence, sealing off access to the interior plane.
Slifer watched as the Supreme Elders took to the air, flaring their cultivation bases. The disciples below instantly froze at the overwhelming pressure.
Take the invaders captive! Slifer ordered. Morvran, have them sent to the dungeons for interrogation.
At once, Master! The pudgy man bowed before racing off to relay the commands.
As the death cultists were being chained and led away, Morvran paused to report back. Master, Im afraid a handful managed to slip past us into the portal before it closed.
Slifer frowned, glancing at the other Elders. Too many unscheduled entrants could potentially destabilize the delicate balance of energies within the pocket realm.
Typical xianxia complication, Slifer mused. What better way to end the first book than by trapping the protagonists in a collapsing world?
Chapter 93: The Epilogue
Under a demonic tree sat a beautiful young woman wearing red robes. She was looking up at the sky, wondering why her love had not responded to any of her letters.
A maid rushed over. "My lady, I''m afraid I have news..."
"This had better involve my Darius, or I have no interest," the young woman cut her off as she examined her long, pointed black nails.
The maid hesitated. "It does, my lady. I''m afraid it''s rather...unfortunate news."
The young womans gaze snapped to the maid, eyes flashing dangerously. "Speak, worm."
The maid flinched. "Y-your lover...he is dead, my lady."
Silence descended. The words hung heavy in the air as the young lady stared.
"W-what?"
"Darius...he is dead," the maid repeated nervously. "Killed in a cultivator battle in the mortal realm, or so I heard."
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The young woman was silent for a long moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was a chilling whisper. "If my love is dead, then so are you."
As she uttered the words, her eyes turned red. The maid''s own eyes glazed over, entranced. "Yes my lady, I am dead," she said dully.
Turning, she began walking straight towards the tree. The twisted branches of the demonic tree suddenly whipped down and coiled around the maid''s body. She made no sound as they lifted her high and stuffed her directly into the trunk. The tree shuddered in ecstasy as it hungrily devoured its meal.
The young lady turned away, the red light in her eyes dimming back to cold black orbs.
"I will find who took you from me, my love," she whispered. "And I will paint the mortal realms crimson with their blood."
Announcement
Hey everyone,
Apologies for the lack of an update, life has been difficult (family, health etc). I dont want to go into detail or anything. With all that is going on in my personal life, I also have to prepare for my masters exams which are in June so things have been really busy. I had hoped that the situation would improve so I could focus on exams and writing my stories but unfortunately that has not been the case. As much as I wanted to avoid this, I will be taking a temporary hiatus until July.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Anyways, don''t worry about me, I''ll be back soon!
In the meantime, patreon will be support for the time being but I would recommend not signing up unless you want to read the first 20 chapters of Book 2. When I return I plan to do daily chapters for Demonic Sect Elder, as for Mark of the Hidden I have yet to decide on a schedule.
Anyways, you can look forward to daily chapters in July, I hope Ill see you then.
Announcement!
Hello everyone!
I''ve not been active on Royal Road these past few months but exams are finally finished and I can get back to writing.
Book 2 of Demonic Sect Elder will start tomorrow so thank you to those of you who have waited!
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I will try write as much as possible in the next couple of weeks so you can expect more than the usual 3 chapters per week!
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Chapter 94: Soul Search
Slifer laid down in his bed, sighing as he realized he couldn''t remember the last time he got a good night''s sleep. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, his body still needed rest.
His mind wandered as he thought about the recent events. He, a middle-aged man living in his parent''s basement, had choked to death on a pie only to be isekai''d to this xianxia world. But not as the usual young, handsome, secretly talented protagonist. No, he was reincarnated as an old demonic elder on his last breath. By all rights, he should have died then. Yet miraculously, he had survived thanks to the mysterious System. In time, he had even managed to establish himself as the respected Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect.
While Slifer still grappled with imposter syndrome, he took some satisfaction in knowing he had done a better job teaching his disciples than the original Slifer ever could. Though he wished he could have guided them more before they entered the Sealed Realm.
Not that the impostor syndrome would ever fully fade, he mused. Slifer was an interloper piloting another man''s body, after all. No amount of achievement could change that cold fact.
At least the Black Death Sect''s plot to assassinate the Supreme Elders and commandeer the tournament had failed. Their forces were either imprisoned or dead, and Vowron himself sealed away in Slifer''s cauldron. As for the other Supreme Elders, they had returned to their sects.
Tomorrow, Slifer would focus on interrogating the prisoners and uncovering Vowron''s true motives. The Immortal Realms were somehow involved; of this Slifer was certain. But many pieces still remained obscured in the shadows. But those matters could wait until morning.
For now, this Supreme Elder needed sleep.
The next day, Slifer sat cross-legged in his quarters devouring a mountainous breakfast. He paused mid-bite when Morvran''s voice entered his mind.
"Master, the prisoners are ready for interrogation."
Slifer quickly transmitted back. "I''ll be there shortly."
Wiping his mouth, he tidied his appearance before heading to the dungeon. Unlike his disciple Amelia, Slifer held no love for the place.
The stench of blood and fear permeated the air as he walked in. At the end of the hall stood a heavy oak door banded with black iron. The two guards stationed there snapped to attention as they noticed Slifer.
"Supreme Elder," one greeted respectfully, before pushing the door open to allow Slifer entry.
He stepped inside, eyes scanning the larger chamber. The perimeter of the room was lined with more occupied cells showing recent signs of use C blood splatters, discarded tools, wheezing prisoners.
In the centre, ten figures knelt with hands chained behind their backs. They wore the black and red robes marking them as members of the Black Death Sect. Their condition was as expected - broken fingers, deep burns, flayed skin. These injuries were the least of the prisoners worries. Interrogation under Morvran was not for the faint of heart.
"Forgive me, Master. These dogs refuse to talk despite my efforts," Morvran sighed.
"Don''t apologize, my friend," Slifer reassured him. "If they withstood your talents, I doubt anything could make them speak."
Luckily for us, I have just the technique in mind for this type of situation. I just wish I didnt have to use it
Stats!
Name: Slifer
Race: Human
Alignment: Demonic
Spiritual Cultivation: Peak Foundation Establishment
Body Cultivation: Peak Foundation Establishment
Lifespan Remaining: 100 years
Karmic Credits: 78,970
Skills: Firebreath, Insight (Intermediate), Mirror Mastery (Level 2), Nascent Soul Armor (Level 2), Phase Ability (Level 1), Void Being Aura (Level 1)
Items: Reversal Card, Peak Slifer Card, Caelum Card, Hughie Card, Critical Block x6, Reflection Barrier Card x3, Thunderblast Card x2, Critical Heal x3, Time Reversal Card, One Minute Rewind Card x2, Mimicry Card x3, Teleportation Marker x3
Affinities: Light: 25% Fire: 15% Space: 20%, Lightning: 10%
Abilities: Mirror Mastery: Level 2
Techniques: Sunrise Slash: Level 3, Stellar Nova Strike: Level 2, Dimensional Slide: Level 2, Nascent Soul Armour: Level 1, Void Piercer: Level 1
Weapon Mastery: Sword: 20%
Perks: Dual Cultivator Perk
Good to know that credits wont be an issue.
Opening up the Shop interface, Slifer sorted through various spiritual arts until he found it - Soul Searching Technique. A useful technique even if it was demonic.
Having to resort to the Soul-Searching technique left a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew that he no longer had the luxury to avoid the more ruthless aspects of the cultivation world. Not to mention, since arriving in this world, he had killed many times already, both directly and indirectly. Butsome things were worse than death.
If I dont do everything in my power to find the truth, it will be me who is on the wrong end of a soul-searchor worse. I just dont want to be like those hypocrite protagonists, pretending that Im the good guy in all of this. I guess Im more of an anti-hero
Not knowing how to feel about that, Slifer turned his attention back to finding a Heaven Rank Soul Searching technique that would meet his needs. Once he found one, he purchased the manual - ignoring the System''s warning about Karmic Credit deductions. Some things were more valuable than losing a few points.
Ding!
Purchase successful
You have gained the technique: Soul Searching
-10,000 Karmic Credits
"Give me a few moments alone with them," Slifer instructed Morvran. No need for his follower to witness the inevitable failures to come.
Morvran obediently departed, shutting the door firmly behind him. Now they were alone, captive and captor. Two were human, the rest various demonic races - horned imps, furred beastmen, and reptilian scales. They glared at him with pure hatred through eyes sunken with pain and exhaustion.
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Slifer began to pace slowly around the kneeling figures. He said nothing at first, building tension as their eyes tracked his movements. Fear and confusion lurked beneath their defiant exteriors. They had heard about the reputation of the Supreme Elder and his sadistic disciples, they did not know what fate awaited them now.
"I imagine you are wondering why youre still alive," Slifer finally remarked conversationally.
He stopped his circling and regarded the leader of the group - a powerfully built demon with curling ram''s horns atop his head.
"Fanatics like you rarely leave this place alive," Slifer continued. "And your kind are known for abandoning failures like yourselves..."
The horned demon bared pointed teeth in a mocking sneer. "Is this where you try to break us, human? Do your worst - you''ll get nothing from us but screams."
The other prisoners muttered their agreement. Such bravado was expected.
Slifer''s expression remained mild, giving no hint of his intentions. "Bold words. But I think you''ll find my methods are not designed to inflict painthey dont actually require your cooperation at all."
Steeling himself, his gaze moved from one prisoner to another, contemplating where to begin. It finally settled on one of the two human cultivators - a slender man with brown hair obscuring his eyes. Humans tended to have weaker souls than demons, making them ideal initial test subjects.
"I think I''ll begin with you," Slifer said. He reached out towards the prisoner''s head.
"Get your filthy paws off me!" the man spat, trying to jerk away. The chains binding his wrists prevented him from moving far.
Ignoring the outburst, Slifer placed his palm directly on top of the mans hair and activated the Soul Searching technique. Violet tendrils of qi were released out of Slifers hand and made their way into the cultivator''s mind. The man''s back arched, a scream torn from his throat. The other prisoners watched anxiously.
"Come on, resist him!" one demon growled. "Don''t let this scum plunder your mind!"
"Fight it, brother!" the human prisoner yelled. "We must endure!"
Inside the man''s psyche, Slifer sifted through memories and experiences. A small village...parents killed...leaving the village to join the Death Sect
"Let''s see what secrets you hide," Slifer muttered, ignoring the useless information as he probed deeper. The human soul wavered under the assault but held firm for now.
More images appeared - a candle-lit initiation ritual...the stark barracks...a punishing training regime... First kills and assignments carried out with increasing zealotry...finally getting his revenge
Slifer frowned, disappointed at the lack of substantial intel so far. He would have to risk plunging even deeper into the man''s core.
But as the violet tendrils penetrated further, the prisoner''s soul defenses suddenly collapsed. His body spasmed violently, froth bubbling from his lips as his mind fragmented from the strain.
With a gasp, Slifer withdrew the technique hastily, but it was too late - the damage was done. The man''s head slumped forward, eyes staring vacantly ahead as drool dripped from his slack mouth. His soul had been utterly devastated by the search.
Ding!
You have gained 50 Karmic Credits for killing a demonic Core Formation cultivator
Ding!
You have lost 50 Karmic Credits for using a demonic soul technique
"No, brother!"
"Damn you, devil!" one demon snarled at Slifer, baring fangs.
Slifer sighed, ignoring the outburst as he stepped back. So much for his first attempt - while human souls were weak, they lacked the fortitude to withstand a full invasion. Soul searching was a delicate procedure, requiring surgical precision rather than brute force. He would have to refine his control before trying again.
Looks like I have a lot of practising to look forward toActually, maybe practising on them isnt a good idea. If I accidentally shattered all their minds before learning anything useful then any chance of uncovering Vowron''s plans would be lost.
Clearly he needed to upgrade the Soul Searching technique before attempting it again.
"What are you plotting, snake?" the horned demon leader growled.
Slifer glanced at him. "You''ll see soon enough."
Opening his interface, Slifer navigated to the technique, and he hesitated when he saw the upgrade cost.
1000 Karmic Credits to upgrade to level 1? Fine.
Ding!
Soul Search upgraded to level 1
-1000 Karmic Credits
The violet tendrils glowed brighter.
Slifer turned to the prisoners but before he tried again, he paused.
Better to be cautious and upgrade to level 2
Ding!
Soul Search upgraded to level 2
-2000 Karmic Credits
Ready to try again, Slifer gaze settled on one of the lesser demons - a grey-skinned brute with heavy ridges protruding from his bald skull.
"Let''s see what you know," Slifer remarked, reaching out.
The demon thrashed against his chains. "Get out of my head!"
Undeterred, Slifer initiated the Soul Search, tendrils spearing deep into the captive''s mind. It screamed as he rifled through its memories. A hell-like world...hiding from larger demons...its first kill...
He rapidly skipped past the demon''s early years, focusing only on recent events. Finally, he uncovered memories of Vowron addressing this strike team.
Slifer listened closely to Vowron''s instructions, seeking some hint about the Immortal Realm''s involvement. But there was nothing beyond orders to infiltrate the tournament - no explanations given. This demon was merely a grunt acting on commands from above.
With a frustrated sigh, Slifer withdrew from its mind. The creature slumped forward.
Ding!
You have lost 50 Karmic Credits for using a demonic soul technique
Due to Slifers improved control and the naturally resistant soul of a demon, it was still alive.
Slifer turned to consider the horned leader, who was still defiantly meeting his gaze. This one surely possessed more extensive knowledge. But prudence suggested saving him for last.
"You," Slifer gestured to another random demon. "Youre next..."
Chapter 95: A Golden Core?
Slifer let the demon leader''s limp body slump to the floor, the prisoner''s ram''s horns scraping against the stone tiles. The Supreme Elder sighed in frustration and stepped back, shaking his head.
The Soul Searching technique had been a dead end. Slifer had plunged into the minds of all the demons, seeking some insight into Vowron''s mysterious goals. But even prying into their deepest secrets had revealed little of use.
Only vague glimpses and passing references to something hidden within the Sealed Realm that Vowron wanted. Unfortunately, the demons were merely grunts acting on orders. The specifics of the demonic sect master''s plans remained obscured.
Slifer stroked his beard, mentally sorting through the usual treasures and legacies often coveted in Xianxia tales, searching for one that fit the hazy clues he extracted.
Could it be heavenly materials to craft rare pills or elixirs? Those had obvious value and power. Though merely stealing ingredients seemed too minor a goal for Vowron to partner up with an Immortal. There had to be more to it.
Perhaps an ancient manual inscribed with long lost powerful cultivation techniques and skills? That would align with Vowron''s ambitions. But the tattered memories suggested something other than just some written knowledge.
A powerful artifact then? Some super weapon like a god slaying sword or doomsday cauldron? Entirely possible given artifacts could level mountains and boil oceans when unleashed at full power. Yet the demons did not seem interested in pure destructive potential based on the faint remnants Slifer sensed.
What else could it be? Some demon ancestor who had been sealed away and was summoning its descendants to free it?
Slifer sighed again, frustrated. None of those guesses felt exactly right. The clues were simply too vague and fragmented. It was impossible to know for sure. And with the treasures and secrets hidden in places like the Sealed Realm being near infinite, anything was possible.
I need more information.
As Slifer turned to leave the prison chamber, a System notification popped up.
Ding!
New task: Eliminate the demon prisoners
Reward: 100 Karmic Credits per prisoner
Slifer paused and looked back at the prisoners. They were useless to him now. He could either let Morvran torture them to death, or just end them quickly himself. Death would be a mercy compared to what Morvran had in plan for them, not to mention, one could never have too many Karmic Credits
"Like I told you before, I can''t allow any of you to leave this place," Slifer stated calmly. He loosened his sword in its scabbard.
The demon leader, who seemed to have recovered having its soul plundered, bared his teeth, snarling. "We won''t beg for our lives, human scum! Finish it and see where it gets you." The other demons growled in agreement.
Slifer''s expression remained neutral. In a blur, he drew his blade and unleashed a perfectly executed Sunrise Slash strike. The prisoners had just a brief moment of shock before their heads slid from their shoulders and thumped wetly to the floor. Their headless bodies spasmed, gushing blood across the tiles before slumping over.
Slifer flicked the blood from his sword and re-sheathed it in a smooth motion. He waited patiently as ten notification chimes rang out.
Ding!
Task complete!
Eliminated Demon Prisoners
900 Karmic Credits gained
Ding!
You have gained 50 Karmic Credits for killing a demonic Core Formation cultivator
Stepping around the pool of blood, Slifer exited the dungeon. The way forward was clear now in his mind. The Black Death Sect still had one prisoner remaining. It was time to have a chat with Vowron himself.
But before Slifer peeked inside the cauldron, he needed to prepare. Vowron was no fool, and as a Half-Immortal, he certainly had contingencies in place. An opponent like that required careful planning.
The icy wind howled as Zack stepped out of the portal and into the snowy wastes of the Northern Region. He winced as the gate snapped shut behind him, sealing him alone inside the Sealed Realm.
Glancing around, he saw nothing but an endless ocean of snow sitting beneath slate-grey skies. No sign of the other participants who had entered with him. Finding them anytime soon would be impossible in this place.
"Im guessing this is the Northern Region. Not a bad starting pointif it wasnt freezing."
His Peak Foundation Establishment cultivation protected him from the worst of the cold. Still, the frigid temperature was an annoyance he would have to deal with.
Reaching into his storage ring, Zack retrieved a map given to him by the Main Body. He assumed the other sect disciples had similar maps from their elders. The maps were updated every century as new areas of the Sealed Realm were explored and recorded by survivors.
Checking his location, Zack muttered, Yep, it really is the Northern Region
Typically in xianxia stories, the Central Region held the greatest treasures, and risks. The Northern Region would be good enough for now. His priority was making a breakthrough to the Core Formation Realm. Only then would he feel confident enough to wander around.
Zack suppressed his qi as he cautiously scanned the landscape. He needed to find a suitable secluded spot before attempting his breakthrough. The fluctuations in his cultivation base would act like a beacon otherwise.
I cant afford to attract any attention, better to avoid flying for now.
The Northern Region was probably the safest region according to Slifer''s briefings. Primarily icy tundra, glaciers, and some mountain ranges. Treacherous terrain, but scarce population. Most of the realm''s more vicious inhabitants and enviable treasures could be found in the Central or Southern Regions.
Still, isolated threats lived even here. Ambitious loose cultivators making pilgrimages between more promising areas. Packs of Yeti or Ice Spiders hunting prey. Ancient beasts slumbering in cave lairs. Zack remained alert.
But despite all of that, his biggest concern was running into the regions inhabitants. It was well known that they didnt tend to get along well with the Outside people
Hopefully, I dont have to worry about them for now.
After some time trudging through the snow, Zack discovered a hidden cave tucked away in a snowy hillside. Perfect. He slipped inside and began laying down formations and talismans he received from the Main Body to conceal his presence during the breakthrough.
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The Soul Suppression Talisman prevented detection from spiritual senses. The Sound Insulation Talisman would mask any noises. And the Qi Confusion Formation obscured his energy fluctuations.
Settling down cross-legged on the chilly stone floor, Zack reflected on the events leading up to now. Before departing for the Sealed Realm, Leontius C the Legacy disciple representing the Black Rose Sect C had tried to rope Zack and the other Black Rose disciples into some scheme.
Apparently Leontius wanted them to help distract and entrap the other Legacy disciples once inside the Realm. But Zack was no fool, unlike some of the young geniuses who seemed far more naive than youd expect for twenty year old men. He had no intention of becoming cannon fodder for someone elses petty plots and power plays. Not when he had his own goals to achieve.
Breaking through to the Core Formation stage was essential not just for power, but for survival. Here in the Sealed Realm, there would be no deadly Heavenly Tribulations to face. But that also meant no chance to gain enlightenment or abilities from enduring those stormy trials.
Zack shook his head. "Without the Main Bodys support, Id rather play it safe anyway.
Facing the Grade 4 tribulation intended for someone of Zack''s talent would be incredibly dangerous without outside help. Attempting it alone could easily prove fatal.
At least I dont have to worry about getting struck by lightning here, Zack muttered. "Though it is too bad that I can''t upgrade my body cultivation at the same time.
To advance his Body cultivation further would require a powerful external energy source to temper and transform his body. Unfortunately, that was not an option available in this strange place. He couldnt afford to delay his breakthrough, he would have to make do with a sole Spiritual breakthrough for now.
But he was certain his Main Body would breakthrough in both realms simultaneously by enduring Heavenly Tribulation.
Lucky him.
Zack thoughts turned to the different core types in the Core Formation Realm. The weakest were Mixed Cores, amalgamations of various elements and impurities. Then there were mid-grade cores defined by their colour - green, purple, red, etc - based on one''s primary cultivation method.
With my lightning cultivation method, if I were to somehow mess up and form a mid-grade core, then it would be a blue core. But being average in a world like this isnt good enough.
For those who cultivated an impeccable base and practiced a Heaven-Grade method, they could form the legendary Golden Core, representing limitless potential. In xianxia stories, only the gifted and fortuitous accomplished this.
The purer a core''s colour and the more robust its structure, the greater the cultivator''s qi capacity and the higher quality qi they could generate. Everything else being equal, a Golden Core practitioner would always overwhelm the same level opponent with a weaker variant core.
Unfortunately for most cultivators, the quality of one''s Core depended largely on either innate talent or cultivation resources.
Luckily for me, I have both in spades.
The Original Slifer had formed a Gold Core, therefore, both the Main Body and Zack expected no less for themselves.
Rumours spoke of even more exotic cores like Frozen Cores, Crimson Cores, and Cores of Chaos. But Zack''s orders from the Main Body were clear - focus only on forming a standard Gold Core for now.
Reaching too high would be reckless without the Main Body''s support. Zack could ask for pills or treasures to be deposited into his ring, but they might not arrive in time if he was in a precarious situation.
I might not even get a chance to ask for help before I cripple myself.
"Right, let''s stick to a basic Golden Core for my first go," Zack muttered.
Nodding with satisfaction, Zack pulled out a Qi Cleansing Pill, it was designed to cleanse impurities from the cultivator''s cultivation base. The Main Bodys advancement so far had been unassisted by pills, so he expected little corruption in his foundation.
Zack swallowed the medicinal pill and began circulating his internal energy.
Moments later, he spat out a glob of black mucus the size of a coin. As expected, his foundation was already relatively pure.
Its time
Closing his eyes, Zack sunk his spiritual sense into his dantian. There floated nine shimmering pillars of qi - the Foundation the Main Body had built.
Taking a deep breath, Zack extended his hands and made a pulling motion. The Nine Pillars fractured into glittering motes of qi which flowed together in the centre of his dantian, coalescing into a mass of swirling colours.
Brow furrowed in concentration, Zack began compacting the qi, cycling his energy through it again and again. He had to be cautious - forcing the process too quickly could damage his foundation and set him back years. But neither could he afford to delay here indefinitely.
As time passed, the ball shrank, becoming denser as its colours blended into a molten gold hue. Signs were promising so far.
Droplets of sweat beaded Zack''s face from the exertion as he continued compressing the qi mass. Tighter...tighter... He was nearing the critical point. Just a final burst of qi to trigger the metamorphosis...
Zacks eyes snapped open, a fierce grin on his face. There, within his dantian, floated a dazzling golden orb the size of a fist C a Golden Core!
Core Formation, I did it! Zack exclaimed.
He had actually formed a real Golden Core on his first try! And it felt incredibly solid and stable. The number of cultivators who could claim that (not counting his disciples) couldn''t be high, even the Original Slifer took three tries!
After basking in his accomplishment for a moment, Zack rose to his feet and stretched, feeling the Qi circulating through his body, far purer and stronger than before. Already he could tell his spiritual sense had expanded, and his qi regeneration increased. The breakthrough had been taxing, but unfathomably rewarding.
A thunderous roar suddenly shook the cavern, dislodging chunks of ice from the ceiling. Zack''s body tensed as an oppressive aura slammed down on him.
Someone or something extremely powerful was right outside!
Before he could react, the cave wall exploded inwards and a scaly blue claw the size of a carriage smashed through grasping for him.
Shit!
Chapter 96: Fighting A Dragon!
Zack leapt out of the crumbling cave, blue lightning wings bursting from his back as he took to the air.
Twisting in midair, he narrowly dodged another swipe from the monstrous limb. Putting some distance between himself and his attacker, Zack finally got a good look at the beast.
It was an enormous blue dragon, easily the size of a mountain, covered in snow and ice.
Zack''s eyes widened in realization. This entire time he thought he had taken shelter inside a snowy hillside. But it had actually been the sleeping dragon! No wonder his concealment talisman hadn''t worked as well as he expected.
The dragon must have been slumbering here for ages for a full ecosystem of caves and wildlife to develop on its body. Just how long had it been asleep?
The dragon lunged again, jaws wide open. Zack quickly veered to the left, the rush of air from the snap of its jaws buffeting his robes.
He studied the beast with a critical eye as he evaded its attacks. Judging by the dragon''s size and the overwhelming pressure of its Nascent Soul realm aura, it had likely reached the late stage.
Comparing this wild dragon to Val, Zack assumed that it must be of a much lower bloodline purity. Despite possessing intelligence seemingly on par with an adult human, this dragon clearly lacked the capacity for speech like Val had. Not only that, but Val was only a baby at the Nascent Soul realm whilst this dragon seemed fully matured.
That makes sense considering the System rewarded me for simply locating Val, Zack thought. Higher purity bloodlines were exceptionally rare.
Just because its bloodline was diluted didn''t make the dragon any less dangerous. A late-stage Nascent Soul dragon was bad news for a new Core Formation cultivator like himself. But Zack was confident in slaying it, especially with the treasures the Main Body provided as insurance.
However, he wasn''t ready to rely on those just yet. Not until he was certain the situation was truly dire. Until then, he would have to handle this with his own strength which meant he needed a new plan, fast. Running wasn''t an option with the dragon''s mobility and flight range. He''d have to play matador, dancing around the strikes and waiting for an opportunity to deliver a decisive counter blow.
The dragon reared its head back, an icy glow building in its throat - definitely not good! Zack zipped behind the dragon in a flash of golden light just before it unleashed its frozen breath attack, the torrent of icy wind blasting the spot he had just been.
Capitalizing on the opening, Zack unsheathed his sword and stabbed at the dragon''s neck with all his might. But the scales were like divine metal, his sword point barely sinking an inch into the thick hide.
"Tch!" Zack clicked his tongue in annoyance as the dragon twisted its neck furiously. He released his lodged sword and flashed away right before the beast''s massively spiked tail pulverized the spot.
Okay, new plan. His attacks were basically useless, so he''d irritate the beast with tricks instead, waiting for it to overcommit and leave an exploitable gap in its defences. Then he could finish it off in one decisive strike using the treasures in his ring.
Putting on a burst of speed, Zack shot through the air, zig-zagging unpredictably to throw off the dragon''s aim. It stomped after him, each thunderous footfall setting off localized avalanches. Zack kept just outside its attack range, letting it waste stamina on clumsy grabs and chomps.
When it reared back for a concentrated breath attack, Zack stuck his finger up in a taunting gesture, further enraging the beast. As expected, it abandoned the breath weapon in favor of a direct physical strike, overextending itself. Zack rolled smoothly under the oversized claw swipe.
The dragon thrashed violently, its huge frame becoming a liability as it struggled to line up a clean hit on the annoying gnat flitting around it. Zack utilized the terrain, weaving through stone arches and ducking into narrow ravines where the dragon couldn''t fully maneuver.
After almost an hour of this exhausting dance, the dragon was frothing at the mouth in mindless fury. NOW was his chance! Just as Zack readied to bring out one of his trump cards, he sensed two powerful qi signatures closing in fast.
Crap, no choice but to play the helpless disciple!
Changing plans in a split second, Zack put on a panicked expression, doing his best to appear like a terrified young disciple in over his head just as an overwhelming pressure slammed down. The dragon froze mid-strike, actually seeming unnerved.
An instant later, a blurred sword flash parted the beast''s head from its shoulders in one clean strike. The severed dragon head tumbled down the snowy slope, initiating a small avalanche. Its body spasmed briefly before collapsing with a ground-shaking thud.
Zack looked upward, face arranged in an expression of gratitude and relief. "Thank you for saving me, senior!"
Hovering in the air above was a middle-aged man garbed in fine purple robes. His stern face and sharp eyes marked him a seasoned cultivator who had seen countless battles. Despite appearing only forty years old at most, a dense aura swirled around him - the unmistakable pressure of peak stage Nascent Soul realm.
The man simply nodded in response to Zack''s thanks, his gaze studying the young cultivator curiously. But before he could speak, another figure arrived, winging through the air on top of a flying sword.
It was a young girl, looking about sixteen years old, also dressed in purple robes. Her fair face was twisted in a scowl as she pulled up next to the middle-aged man.
"Master! Why did you rush off and leave me behind?" she complained in a shrill voice. "I nearly got lost tracking your aura through this blizzard!"
The man''s severe expression softened as he regarded his complaining disciple. "Apologies, Mia," he said gently. "When I sensed a fellow cultivator in grave danger, I couldn''t delay."
The girl huffed as she followed her master''s gaze to focus on Zack. Her scowl returned even fiercer than before.
"Hmph! It''s just another talentless insect trying to curry favour with you! Look at him - he probably lured that dragon here on purpose, knowing you would come and rescue him!"
Zack smiled wryly at the girl''s wild accusation, holding back a laugh. He shook his head. "While I admire Senior''s heroism, this was just an unfortunate ambush, nothing more."
He clasped his hands together respectfully toward the man. "I''m grateful you arrived when you did, Senior. Without your help, I fear I would have ended up as dinner for sure."
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The purple-robed cultivator waved a hand in dismissal. "No need for such courtesy. Helping fellow cultivators in times of trouble is only expected."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully as he studied Zack. "Still, you appear quite young to be roaming the Northern Wastes alone. And your sect robes seem unfamiliar to me. You aren''t from around here, are you?"
Zack hesitated briefly. These two had a strange accent he couldn''t quite place. He had known that the moment he opened his mouth to speak, they would know he was an outsider. He had considered feigning muteness, but decided openness might serve him better here. After all, if things went badly, with the treasures in his arsenal, he was confident he could deal with even a peak Nascent Soul opponent if absolutely necessary. Though he would rather avoid such conflict since he still needed information on this place.
Still, their friendly demeanour surprised him. Weren''t they known for hating outsiders like himself? Zack plastered on his most disarming ''innocent disciple'' smile.
"You have a sharp eye, senior. I''m not from the Northern Region. I left my sect on a journey to see the world." There, nice and vague.
The cultivator nodded thoughtfully. "An admirable goal for one so young. My name is Hallibur, and this is my disciple, Mia. Tell me, what is your name?"
Before Zack could respond, the girl interrupted. "Hmph, he''s probably just some talentless loser that his sect banished here. I bet they were glad to be rid of him!" Despite her harsh words, Zack noticed a glint of curiosity in the girl''s eyes as she ogled his handsomeness. Just another junior with a crush. He was used to that sort of thing after his experiences at the Black Rose Sect.
Suppressing a chuckle at the thought, Zack replied earnestly, "I promise you, I am neither talentless nor a loser seeking to take advantage of your master."
He then turned back to the man. "I am Alfie."
AlfieWould you care to join us? the man asked. These lands can be treacherous to navigate alone."
Before Zack could respond, Mia interjected once again. "Master, we barely know this person! What if he''s secretly evil?"
Hallibur gently chided his disciple. "Now Mia, let us not judge others too hastily. As cultivators, it is our duty to aid fellow wanderers in need."
Mia sighed, shooting one last petty glare Zack''s way before schooling her face.
Zack smiled gratefully at the two. "Thank you for your kindness. I would be happy to join you.
***
Back at the Black Rose Sect headquarters, Slifer strolled casually down the hallway lost in thought. Suddenly a notification chimed, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Ding!
Congratulations! Your avatar Zack has broken through to the Core Formation Realm
You have gained 500 Karmic Credits
"Excellent," Slifer muttered under his breath, pleased Zack''s breakthrough had proceeded smoothly. The extra karma points were welcome too. He would need all the karma he could accumulate for when his own breakthrough attempt came. That heavenly tribulation would not be kind.
But pushing his own advancement aside, Slifer refocused his thoughts on the task at hand - interrogating Vowron. He needed to uncover what the demonic sect leader was after in the mysterious Sealed Realm. Only then could he act decisively against whatever scheme was brewing.
Before Slifer could delve back into planning, a weight suddenly dropped onto his head, followed by a cheerful chirp. "Master! Found you!"
Slifer glanced up to see Val perched on top of his head like a hat, scaly tail swishing excitedly. He couldn''t help but grin at the young dragon''s antics. "What are you up to now, you goofy lizard?"
Val huffed at the teasing nickname. "I was playing with Leah earlier, but got bored. Wanted to find you!"
At the mention of Leah, Slifer winced internally. In the chaos of everything happening, he''d totally forgotten to check in on the girl''s progress. Some righteous mentor he was turning out to be.
Just add it to the pile of things I need to deal with eventually...
Pushing those thoughts aside for now, Slifer refocused on Val who wanted to know what he was up to. "Well, I''m headed to have a talk with our bad friend Vowron.
Val''s eyes lit up at the prospect of action. She bared her tiny claws. "Ooh! Can I help, Master? I wanna scare the bad man!" To emphasize her scariness, Val made her most ferocious face - which looked about as intimidating as an angry kitten.
Slifer chuckled at the display. "I appreciate the offer, but don''t worry. I''ll call you if I need dragon backup."
Val pouted but didn''t argue further as Slifer shooed her off so he could prepare. Soon he was seated comfortably in his quarters, browsing the System Shop. He needed options to restrain Vowron in case the cauldron''s sealing power proved inadequate. An ambush was guaranteed once he opened the lid.
Let''s see...too expensive, too situational, aha - perfect!
After browsing for a minute, he purchased three cards - Heavenly Chain of Light, Vampiric Mist, and Paralysis Charm. The first would conjure golden chains of pure sun essence that could temporarily bind a demonic cultivator. The second produced an inky mist that weakened liches and vampiric creatures. And the Paralysis Charm would freeze Vowron in place for a few crucial seconds when applied.
The cards cost a total of 9,000 karma points, making Slifer wince. Credits were so easy to burn through yet so hard to earn. But it was a necessary expense.
Shaking his head at the expenditure, Slifer steeled himself. "Right, time to find out the truth."
He retrieved the jade cauldron containing Vowron from his spirit ring, the vessel thumping heavily as it landed. Muffled swearing came from within - Vowron was clearly still lively and eager to talk.
"Let''s get this chat over with so I can move on to more important things C like getting stronger," Slifer muttered. With a wave of his hand, the heavy lid flew off, revealing a withered Lich head glaring murderously up at him.
"Damn you, Slife-" Vowron''s curse was cut short as Slifer slapped the Paralysis Charm onto his forehead. The demonic sect leader froze in place, limbs locked in an awkward position.
Slifer wasted no time triggering the Vampiric Mist and Heavenly Chains cards in quick succession. The inky mist flowed over Vowron, drawing out his strength, while golden chains formed of streaming sunlight wrapped tightly around his body.
Y-youre an Immortal! Vowrons eyes were wide with shock.
After all, only an Immortal could manhandle him like this.
Chapter 97: The Soul Of A Half-Immortal...
Slifer smiled at Vowron, he couldnt help but act a little arrogant, "You should bow to your superiors." With that, he released his Void Realm aura, the aura of a higher being forced Vowron''s head down.
"W-what the hell are you?" Vowron spluttered, eyes wide.
"Someone way above your pay grade," Slifer replied smugly. He placed his palm on Vowron''s forehead before the Black Death Sect Master could react.
"Soul Search!"
Slifer plunged his consciousness into Vowron''s soulscape, looking through the demon''s memories. Images and memories flashed through Slifer''s mind as he sifted through the chaos that was Vowron''s life. He saw a young Vowron, no more than five or six, walk in on his father going berserk, brutally murdering his mother. The boy watched, paralyzed, as his mother''s blood painted the walls.
Another vision showed a teenage Vowron joining the Black Death Sect, seduced by promises of power. Slifer watched as Vowron rose through the demonic sect''s ranks, killing and backstabbing along the way.
One memory displayed Vowron slaying his own father under his master''s instructions, his eyes cold and vacant.
Even patricide meant nothing on the path of demonic cultivation.
Slifer shook his head. Vowron was just throwing useless memories at him, hoping to obscure the truth. But Slifer would not be deterred so easily. He pressed deeper, sifting through the Lich wannabes millennia of memories.
Buried beneath the superficial recollections, Slifer found distorted images.
Is this it?
He focused, making out a massive tree silhouetted against a crimson sky. No, not just a tree - some ancient demonic tree but he couldnt get a good look at it. Slifer reached for it, trying to understand.
But the instant he touched the memory, Slifer felt a force shove him violently from Vowron''s soul. Slifer''s eyes snapped open just as Vowron''s lich-like form collapsed into dust before him.
Ding!
You have killed a Half-Step Immortal Demonic Cultivator
You have gained 3000 Karmic Credits
"A failsafe on his soul," Slifer muttered. Vowron had prepared well, imprinting a self-destruct mechanism deep within his spirit.
Slifer wiped sweat from his brow. The people behind Vowron were clearly formidable, perhaps even at the Greater Immortal Realm, to implant such a potent failsafe on a Half-Step immortalSlifer felt like he was getting in way over his head.
He stared down at the pile of ashes that minutes before had been the Black Death Sect leader. Now what to do? Destroy the remains? Use them for some creepy demonic ritual?
As he pondered, he suddenly thought of an idea. Slifer waved a hand, gathering up Vowron''s ashes into a small glass vial he produced from a ring on his finger. The vial disappeared back into his storage ring. He had little skill in alchemy, but these ashes may prove useful one day. It was the remains of a Half-Step Immortal after all, it must count for something, right?
For now, he had more pressing concerns. Slifer needed to meet with the Elders on how to deal with the Black Death Sect in Vowron''s absence. And he needed to advance his own strength before things escalated further.
Something was going down; he could feel it.
Slifer sat waiting in the Disciplinary Hall, browsing idly through the Shop. He was pleased to see the Disciplinary Hall''s karma farming was continuing smoothly without him having to lift a finger.
Maybe I should just hole up here indefinitely until I reached Immortal Ascension or something?
Slifer recalled reading stories where the protagonist secluded himself for centuries before emerging unstoppably powerful.
But no, hiding indefinitely wasn''t an option, as tempting as it sounded. He couldn''t shirk his duties as Supreme Elder. And more pressingly, he didn''t trust this world''s Heaven''s Will to ignore an interloper like himself. Eventually he would have to face more tribulations sent by the Will of this world. Hiding would only delay the inevitable. Especially when Heavenly Trials were not only limited to tribulations.
The scariest tribulation is a cultivator manipulated by Heavens Will
"Supreme Elder." Grand Elder Tenzin''s voice jarred Slifer from his thoughts. He looked up to see the Elder waiting patiently.
"Tenzin, come in, take a seat," Slifer said, waving the man over. Best to continue to build goodwill with one of the few Elders who was trying to gain his favour.
They made small talk about sect affairs until Grand Elder Lydia glided in. Slifer greeted her as well and directed her to have a seat. Lydia inclined her head politely, face unreadable as always. She rarely spoke during meetings, seemingly content to simply observe.
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Finally Grand Elder Wyatt arrived, out of breath and red-faced. Slifer noted with satisfaction that he must have rushed all the way here. Serves him right after his past attempts to trip up Slifer. Let him stand awkwardly while the others sat.
Its like owning a dog, you need to show them whos the alpha
Once Wyatt had caught his breath, Slifer cleared his throat. "Elders, I''ve called you here to discuss our next moves given recent events. The chaos caused by the Black Death Sect must be answered."
Tenzin nodded sagely. "Too right, too right. We cannot let such violence stand."
Wyatt quickly added, "With both the Black Heart and Black Death leaders gone, those sects will be directionless. Now is the time to assert dominance before they can regroup."
"Going to war would stretch our sect thin when we''ve already suffered losses," Tenzin cautioned.
Wyatt waved a hand dismissively. "This opportunity is too good to pass up. The heavens themselves have delivered our rivals into our hands. Together the three sects would be unstoppable. The three sects as one is how it was always meant to be."
"And how do you propose we manage three sects when we can barely handle one?" Tenzin countered, frowning. "The Sect Master is still in secluded cultivation, we dont have enough manpower or resources to control an expanded territory."
"In time we can groom new elders from the conquered sects and extract greater taxes and tributes from the increased populace," Wyatt argued. "Without leaders to unify them, they will fracture and be easily dominated."
I cant believe that I am saying this about you of all people, Tenzin shook his head firmly. "But your thinking is dangerously short-sighted. The people will resent such heavy-handed occupation, and without the strength to enforce it, we''ll face endless turmoil and rebellion."
As the two men debated, Slifer listened intently, weighing their words. Lydia sat silently, not bothering to give input one way or another.
When the arguing grew heated, Slifer held up a hand. "Enough. I will be making personal visits to both sects to assess the situation."
The Elders lowered their heads. Dispatching an Ascendant cultivator like Slifer would certainly settle matters. None could hope to oppose someone so powerful. But it wasnt appropriate for them to suggest that the Supreme Elder himself act.
Itll be nice to get some fresh aireven if it is in another demonic sect.
In truth, Slifer would prefer relaxing in seclusion. But he couldn''t pass up this opportunity. And entering the Death Sect HQ may reveal clues about Vowron''s goals.
Decision made, Slifer stood up abruptly. The Elders quickly followed suit. Without another word, Slifer retrieved the Divine Ark from his storage ring.
Just as he was about to jump on, a high-pitched voice called out. "Master, wait for me!"
Slifer turned to see Val soaring towards him. He smiled involuntarily at the sight of the bubbly creature.
Val sat down on his shoulder, scaly tail swishing in the air. "Where are we going? Is it a fun trip?"
"A quick business trip," Slifer clarified. At Val''s crestfallen look, he relented. "But I suppose my fierce dragon bodyguard would be useful."
Val scrunched her snout. "Who''re you calling fierce?" But she seemed pleased at the prospect of an adventure.
Wasnt she just trying to convince me she was fierce enough to scare Vowronwhy the sudden change?
Deciding there was no use trying to understand what was going on in the head of a baby dragon, Slifer moved to board the ark once more, Val piped up again. "Oh, I brought a friend. Hope that''s okay!"
Slifer raised an eyebrow. "Friend?"
"That would be me." A female voice answered. Slifer turned to see Leah, the young cultivator from the Black Heart Sect. The same girl who Morvran had accidentally kidnapped when Slifer first arrived in this world, the girl he was supposed to be mentoring.
"Leah? What a...surprise," Slifer greeted awkwardly.
Leah bowed. "I wish to see my sect again after so long away. Cancan I join you?"
Seeing Slifer''s hesitation, Val pleaded. "Come on, Master! The more the merrier."
Slifer chuckled inwardly. Fine, a young disciple and cute dragon could come. They''d probably get into antics and misadventures, but things had been too tense lately. And maybe I would be able to finally convert her to the righteous side and get me that extra disciple slot.
"Alright, welcome aboard."
Chapter 98: The Northern Realms Greatest City
Zack soared through the sky on his flying sword, following behind Hallibur and Mia. The unlikely trio made an interesting sight - the stern middle-aged cultivator, his arrogant disciple, and the mysterious young man from ''distant lands''.
Mia kept twisting around on her sword to shoot probing glances at Zack. He pretended not to notice, keeping his gaze fixed ahead, lips curved in a hint of a knowing smile.
"So, Alfie..." Mia began, breaking the silence. "You never did mention where you''re from. Some no-name backwater sect, I bet."
Zack offered the antagonistic girl a patient smile. "Just a small place in the Southern Region you probably haven''t heard of. I''m afraid my origins aren''t too exciting."
He had chosen the Southern Region as it was the furthest away from the North, he hoped his answers wouldnt draw much suspicion even if there were inconsistencies.
Mia''s lip curled in a smirk. "Hmph, just as I thought. Your sect probably kicked you out for having no talent. So, you came crawling to the Northern Wastes, hoping to scavenge some treasures or techniques to bring back as an offering so they''ll take you back."
"Mia, restraint," Hallibur uttered softly, though his gaze remained fixed ahead.
The rebuke made the girl duck her head. "Yes, master." After a moment, she peered over at Zack again. "So, what made you leave your pathetic sect anyway?"
Zack maintained his cheerful facade. This girl seemed intent on riling him up, likely jealous over the perceived threat to her standing with her master or maybe this was her attempt at flirting.
With girls, one could never tell.
"Curiosity," he replied vaguely. "I wanted to see more of the world beyond my sect''s lands. What better teacher than firsthand experience?"
Mia wrinkled her nose. "Why not just join a stronger sect then?"
"I considered it," Zack admitted. "But my elders always said easy strength leads to complacency. If I joined some powerful sect, I''d probably grow lazy and entitled like those arrogant young masters..."
"Hmph, spoken like someone born without any real talent," Mia muttered. But Zack noticed she seemed thoughtful now rather than antagonistic. His words had given her something to chew on.
Time to divert this conversation before she started questioning his backstory too closely.
"Enough about me," Zack said breezily. "I''d love to hear more about the Northern Region from you both. Are there many sects around here?"
Mia brightened at the chance to show off her knowledge. She launched into a lecture about the local sects, seeming to forget her suspicions for now.
"There are five major sects that control the Northern Region. The most powerful is the Moon God Sect, which rules over all the others from their capital city, Taiya. My master and I are from the Sun Palace Sect, the second strongest." She turned to give Zack a smirk.
Zack''s brow furrowed thoughtfully. Interesting how freely she volunteered such information. Weren''t they supposed to be wary of outsiders?
"What sets the Moon God Sect apart from the others?" he asked.
Mia preened, happy to play lecturer. "The Moon God Sect has nine Nascent Soul elders and three Origin Realm experts. The sect master is even rumoured to be at the Peak of the Origin Realm!"
Zack''s eyes widened convincingly. "A Peak Origin Realm expert oversees the entire region?"
Inwardly he scoffed. His true body could crush any Origin Realm cultivator in this backwater place. Hell, even Ascendant cultivators werent safe from him. But keeping up appearances as a wonderstruck junior was paramount right now, especially since he didnt have the System to back him up.
Mia nodded, thrilled to impress him with her knowledge. "That''s right! So don''t get any funny ideas about causing trouble."
She leaned closer on her sword, somehow looking even haughtier than before. "In fact, the only reason the other four sects can even survive is by paying huge tributes each month to the Moon God Sect."
Interesting, this place operates more like an empire, with the Moon God Sect extorting protection fees from the other players.
"That must be difficult for the other sects," Zack mused aloud. "Especially with Elder Hallibur and yourself to provide for."
He glanced at the silent man. "Generating enough resources to satisfy Nascent Soul cultivators cant be easy."
For the first time, Hallibur spoke up. "The tributes are necessary for maintaining the balance of power. Without the Moon Sect''s oversight, the Northern Wastes would collapse into chaos and infighting."
His tone brooked no argument. Clearly the man was a loyalist who supported the status quo. Zack filed that tidbit away as he continued his line of questioning.
"Are there many rogue cultivators here? Do they trouble the sects?"
This time Hallibur remained silent, so Mia answered again. "There are always drifters and wandering cultivators passing through the Northern Wastes. Most know not to make trouble."
Her lips curled up in a wicked smirk. "The foolish and desperate sometimes try raiding the sect caravans. But they don''t last long against our enforcers!"
Zack laughed politely at the casual admission. "It seems quite a robust system you have here. Far more orderly than the chaotic southern regions that I came from. The Northern Region seems a much safer place for a lone cultivator trying to improve his strength. Perhaps Ill stay here for a little while..."
Out the corner of his eye, Zack noticed Hallibur''s gaze linger on him for a fraction longer than before.
"You plan to remain in the Northern Region?" Mia asked, a complicated expression on her face.
Zack sensed Mia still saw him as a rival for Hallibur''s attention. But his praise for the regional stability had softened her. She likely enjoyed enlightening an ignorant outsider about how things worked here.
"I do," Zack said. "It''s better than wandering lost. Thanks to you both, I feel my journey has led me somewhere promising." He smiled warmly.
Mia huffed but looked pleased. "Just don''t forget your place, outsider."
Zack bowed his head. "Of course, I''m in your debt foreducating me."
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They continued traveling for some time, Zack asking a few more probing questions here and there about the various cities and strongholds that dotted the Northern Region.
As they flew, the scenery gradually transitioned from endless snowy plains to towering cliffs and labyrinthine canyons blanketed in fog.
Perfect terrain for an ambush, Zack noted warily.
But the journey continued uneventfully until a sprawling city carved into the mountainside came into view up ahead.
"There it is, Xairen, the Northern Realm''s greatest city," Mia declared proudly.
Xairen''s towers and pagodas looked like giant icicles jutting out from the granite cliffs. Even from a distance, Zack sensed thousands of powerful cultivators living within.
"Magnificent," he whispered truthfully. It was the first honest thing he''d said all day.
Mia preened under the praise. "Just wait until you see the inside! My master knows all the best"
"Mia," Hallibur interrupted, speaking for the first time in over an hour. "Go on ahead to the guest quarters and let the attendants know we will be having a guest joining us."
Mia whipped her head toward her master in surprise.
"What? But Master, I wanted to show our new friend around the markets and arena."
Though she tried to keep her tone even, Zack heard the reluctant whine creeping in. Clearly, she had looked forward to playing tour guide.
Hallibur''s expression softened, though his eyes remained stern.
"I''m sure you can do so later, but for now, go and make the arrangements."
Mia bit her lip, a crease forming between her brow. She shot a quick sideways glare at Zack as if this were somehow his fault. But under her master''s expectant gaze, she stifled any further complaints.
"Yes, Master," Mia said with a bow before shooting forward toward the city on her sword.
"Is something wrong, senior?" Zack raised an eyebrow.
Hallibur studied him for a long moment before responding.
"Not at all. I merely wished to speak with you privately before bringing you into the city."
Zack tensed imperceptibly. Here it comes.
Hallibur''s eyes bored into him. "I admit, when we first crossed paths, I did believe your story but now...not so much."
Zack''s eyebrows shot up in feigned surprise.
"Oh? Was my acting that poor?" He let out an awkward chuckle.
Hallibur''s lips quirked upward for a split second. "Not bad, but I''ve cultivated long enough to notice certain inconsistencies."
Zack sighed. "I see. So, what gave me away?"
Hallibur ticked off points on his fingers.
"First, while you might show off the aura of an Early Core Formation cultivator, your reactions during the battle against the dragon were too quick, too refined. You were clearly holding back."
Zack shrugged, not bothering to deny it. No point maintaining a flimsy charade under this level of scrutiny.
"Second, while your spiritual pressure could pass for Core Formation, your actual qi flow patterns do not match. You are likely at the Nascent Soul stage."
Qi flow patterns? Thats the first Im hearing of this
Hallibur eyed him meaningfully.
"And finally, you show no indications of originating from any of the great sects within the Sealed Realm, nevermind the Southern Region. That could only mean one thing"
"That I''m an Outsider," Zack finished. He sighed and gave a small, resigned smile. "You have me figured out it seems."
Hallibur studied him silently for a long moment before responding.
"I understand why one in your position would be inclined towards discretion." His voice turned grave. "However, Xairen is dangerous for Outsiders."
Zack''s eyes narrowed warily. "How so?"
"The king has placed a substantial bounty on any Outsiders, they must be brought before him, dead or alive," Hallibur revealed bluntly.
So, this was what it meant that they dont like OutsidersZack stroked his chin thoughtfully. But who is this king? And whats his problem with Outsiders?
"I see. Thank you for the warning, senior." He clasped his hands together respectfully. "If you would still let me in your city, I promise not to cause you any trouble."
Hallibur studied him for a long moment before responding. "As much as I would like to, I cannot allow you entry into Xairen."
Zack''s back stiffened. He kept his tone measured. "Why?"
Hallibur looked regretful yet resolute. "If anyone found out I assisted an Outsider, the King would have my head. Even my own Sect would not defend me." He spread his hands apologetically. "I wish things were different, but you just being here endangers us all."
Zack''s lips pressed into a thin line as he processed this new information, mind racing to re-calibrate his plans. Getting driven away from the nearest major city was an annoying setback. And who knew what danger awaited him out here
Hallibur eyed him warily, likely prepared to take action at the first sign of resistance.
Zack exhaled slowly. As much as he disliked this, provoking unnecessary conflict over access to one city would be short-sighted. This changed nothing about his overarching goals.
"You make a fair point," Zack conceded diplomatically. "Ill continue my travels elsewhere."
He gave a deep bow which Hallibur returned.
"You show wisdom beyond your years, my friend," Hallibur said, relaxing his posture. "I wish you safe journeys. Perhaps our paths will cross again."
Zack smiled. "I hope so. Farewell for now, senior."
He pivoted his sword around, preparing to look for somewhere else to stay the night. But before he could leave, Hallibur suddenly thrust his sword forward, impaling Zack through the heart from behind.
"My apologies. But I''m afraid this is the end of your journey," Hallibur said coldly.
Zack froze, coughing up blood. But then he smirked. "Too predictable."
His form blurred, dissolving into wisps of black smoke.
"What?" Hallibur''s eyes widened in shock.
The smoke came back together behind him, solidifying into Zack with his sword already mid-swing for Hallibur''s back.
Announcement
Hello everyone,
First of all, don''t be alarmed, this is NOT a hiatus announcement, DSE will continue as normal, you can expect the next chapter tomorrow!
Whilst I was studying for my exams, I couldn''t help but do some writing on the side, I decided to go back to my bread and butter and write another xianxia webnovel. I hope you all enjoy it, it has all the things I like about DSE and much more!
Here it is!
Cultivation is a Game [Xianxia LitRPG Isekai]
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Kill. Die. Respawn.
Kai woke up in a Xianxia world...with a LitRPG system.
But hey, at least cultivation works like a game.
Too bad the world itself is brutally real.
Now, it''s up to him to leverage his gaming skills, conquer deadly quests, and survive the ruthless environment to become the ultimate cultivator.
What you can expect:
? Progression
? Character Development
? Comedy
? No Harem/Romance
|
Chapter 99: A Peak Nascent Soul Expert!
Zack''s sword sliced through the air as Hallibur blurred out of sight. The elder cultivator had narrowly avoided what would have been a lethal blow.
Tch, Peak Nascent Soul experts are faster than I expected, Zack thought. But not fast enough!
With a thought, Zack''s body transformed into a bolt of lightning, streaking across the sky toward Hallibur''s new position. The elder raised his hands, summoning an ice shield just in time to block Zack''s electrically charged palm strike.
The Thunderclap Palm, enhanced by the Nascent Soul armour, exploded against the barrier in a flash of blue light. Hallibur slid back several meters but managed to keep his shield intact through pure force of will. Sweat beaded his brow from the effort of blocking such a powerful attack.
Not bad, old man, not bad, Zack smiled.
Hallibur''s expression remained impassive, betraying none of the uncertainty he felt inside. This boy''s strength exceeded what he had anticipated. He had assumed the Outsider was only at the early stages of the Nascent Soul Realm.
Battle prowess at the Peak Nascent Soul RealmHallibur grit his teeth. A young genius from the outside realm couldnt be spared.
He sent his shield spinning toward Zack in a deadly icy buzzsaw. At the same time, he drew his sword and launched himself forward, intending to catch Zack off guard between two attacks.
Instead of dodging, Zack''s arms moved in a flurry, his sword becoming a silver streak that batted aside the icy projectile. Without missing a beat, he spun and met Hallibur''s charge head-on.
Their blades collided in a flash of sparks. Zack''s blow carried enough force to stop Hallibur''s charge cold. The elder only narrowly twisted his sword aside before Zack could overpower him completely.
Gotta keep him off balance. Can''t let him mount an effective counterattack.
Capitalizing on the momentary opening, Zack stepped forward and unleashed a devastating 12 hit combo, his sword dancing through the air too fast to follow.
Hallibur''s eyes widened. It was taking all his concentration just to track the angle of each strike, let alone attempt to block or evade. He managed to parry the first few blows through pure instinct. But the onslaught was relentless.
Soon a gash opened on Hallibur''s shoulder as a strike slipped through his guard. Then another slash across his thigh which made him stumble. Hallibur realized he was being slowly whittled down by this assault.
Just a bit more should do it, Zack thought, pouring more power into his final strike. His plan had been to go fast and hard, not giving his opponent the chance to counter.
Sensing the killing blow coming, Hallibur hastily activated his best defensive technique. With a roar, azure battle armour covered his body and a freezing aura erupted from within. Jagged spikes of ice jutted out from the armour at every joint.
Zack''s sword strike clashed against the icy shell but failed to penetrate. At the same time, Hallibur''s fist crashed into Zack''s midsection, blasting him backward.
Zack coughed, feeling as if he''d been rammed by a battering ram. But aside from a few cracked ribs, his smoky armour still held.
Okay, that caught me off guard. Ice element armour technique, very effective defence but looks like it drains him fast judging by that laboured breathing.
Hallibur stood firm, covered in a chilling aura. The brief break had allowed him to catch his second wind. They were back to square one.
Neither spoke as they circled each other warily. Zack kept his face an impassive mask, betraying none of his thoughts. But inside, his mind raced.
This is taking too long. I only have sixty seconds total for the Nascent Soul armour before it disperses. Only twenty seconds left
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Zack''s dark smoky battle armour was a temporary boost at best, buying him time to finish the fight quickly. But Hallibur was proving more stubborn than expected.
I''ll have to change strategies. Take him by surprise.
Decision made, Zack abruptly turned and shot into the sky, unfurling his wings again. Hallibur''s eyes widened, then his face twisted into a savage grin.
"Fleeing won''t save you now!"
The elder gave chase, propelling himself upwards in pursuit. He drew back his fist for an overhead punch intended to drive Zack straight back into the earth.
"Gotcha."
At the last second before impact, Zack''s wings folded and he dropped into a blur of motion. Hallibur''s fist swiped through empty space. Before he could react, Zack had slipped inside his guard, smashing an electrically charged palm straight into the elder''s chest.
The blow crunched through the icy armour, jolting Hallibur violently. He let out an involuntary gasp as the air was blasted from his lungs. Zack gave him no chance to recover.
In a burst of shadow, he teleported behind Hallibur and delivered a vicious two-handed sword strike aimed at severing his spine. But the elder managed to twist just enough to avoid being sliced in half.
Now''s my chance, while he''s reeling!
Zack''s free hand slipped into his robe, retrieving a small black seed. With a flick of his wrist, he sent it sailing toward Hallibur''s back.
"What...is this..." Hallibur gasped out. Before he could react, the seed began rapidly swelling, splitting open to reveal a writhing mass of thorny black vines. In seconds, they had encased Hallibur''s body in a tangled prison, leaving only his face exposed.
"A Genesis Vine, clever trick," Hallibur grunted, straining against the bindings. But the more he struggled, the tighter they constricted him.
Zack sighed in relief as the smoky armour finally dissipated, no longer able to maintain a Peak Nascent Soul battle prowess.
The fight was over. He had won.
Despite being immobilized and at Zack''s mercy, Hallibur''s face remained expressionless. He gazed back at Zack silently as the youth walked closer.
"Did you really think I wouldn''t see through such an obvious assassination attempt? After all that talk of duty and honour? Please," Zack said.
Hallibur''s eyebrow twitched but he held his tongue.
"In any case, nothing personal, Zack waved a hand. But I''m afraid I can''t let you live now that you know who I am.
At that, Hallibur finally spoke. "If you plan to kill me, outsider, my sect will scour these lands until they find and eliminate you." His voice held no fear, only absolute certainty in his words.
Zack shrugged, unimpressed by the threats.
"Yeah that all sounds super scary, I''m absolutely quaking in my boots here," he drawled sarcastically. "Buuut...That''s assuming you actually manage to escape and expose me. Which, no offense sensei, just isn''t gonna happen."
"You just had to stick your nose into my business and then try ganking me when my back was turned. I was perfectly happy to walk away," Zack sighed.
"But nope! You just couldn''t leave me alone!" He threw his hands up dramatically. "And now, here we are. Soo, better start making your peace, gramps."
Hallibur''s breath grew ragged. For the first time in over a five centuries, the elder actually felt an emotion he had nearly forgotten - raw terror. After analysing their battle, Hallibur now understood he was outmatched from the start against this mysterious cultivator''s secret techniques and treasures.
Hallibur frantically reviewed his dwindling options before deciding to change tacks. If force failed, then perhaps diplomacy and bribery might still spare his life...
"Spare me, and whatever you want is yours!" the elder pledged desperately. "Sect treasures, spirit herbs, cultivation arts - name your price!"
Zack crossed his arms, looking more amused than tempted. The old man had too many faces to be trusted. He knew as soon as he let him go free, he would send a hunting squad after him. With other Legacy Disciples to compete with, Zack didnt have the time to waste on these people.
"Nah, hard pass on the empty promises, buddy," he scoffed. "Buuut, there actually is something else you could provide that I''d find quite useful..."
Hallibur''s blood ran cold. Whatever this outsider had planned, it could not be good.
Zack stepped closer and placed a hand on Hallibur''s head almost gently. Hallibur flinched but could do nothing to stop him.
"Stay still, this won''t take long," Zack murmured. Before Hallibur could respond, Zack activated the Soul Searching technique.
Hallibur''s body spasmed as he felt Zack''s spiritual sense plunge into his soul, ruthlessly sifting through his memories and experiences. He desperately tried to resist, to keep his mind intact. But against this brutal assault, his struggles were useless.
With an agonising scream, Hallibur''s eyes rolled back and his head slumped forward. Zack maintained the technique a moment longer before finally releasing him.
"There, that wasn''t so bad."
Zack''s smile was gone now, his face once again an impassive mask.
"Sorry, but I don''t plan on dying here," Zack whispered, looking down at the corpse. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the vine bindings, storing the body into his storage ring.
What he had done was risky, but worth it. He was glad that the Main Body had learned a soul-searching technique. Now all of Hallibur''s knowledge and secrets were his, including valuable insights into the Northern Region''s politics and inner workings, he had all the information he needed to act as a native.
With this advantage, infiltrating the city would be child''s play but that girl would probably come searching for her master soon
Even though she is kinda annoying, she doesnt deserve to die, Zack shook his head. He would need to find an alternative solution.
Chapter 100: Paying The Black Heart Sect A Visit
Deep within the halls of the Black Heart Sect, three Grand Elders gathered around a large obsidian table, their faces grim. Crimson tapestries bearing the sect''s emblem, a bleeding heart pierced by a dagger, adorned the chamber walls.
The first was a bald man with a thick white beard that fell to his waist. His wrinkled face was creased in a permanent scowl, one milky white eye glaring while the other stared sightlessly at nothing. This was Elder Magnus, as bad-tempered as he was ancient. The centuries had done nothing to improve his sour disposition.
Across from him sat Elder Vesper, prim and proper as always. She wore an elegant burgundy robe, her iron-grey hair pulled back in a tight bun. Vesper had an air of Noble refinement about her, her posture was pin-straight, hands folded neatly in her lap as she looked at her fellow elders.
At the head of the table slouched Elder Damien, looking utterly bored. He rested his chin in one hand, absently picking at his jagged black nails with a dagger. Damien''s youthful features seemed out of place when compared with the other Elders, but the cold calculation in his coal-black eyes betrayed his centuries of experience.
"This is pointless," Magnus growled, breaking the tense silence. "We all know what must be done. We gather our forces and march on the Black Rose pigs, raze their precious sect to the ground!" He slammed his fist on the table.
Vesper arched an eyebrow. "And die in the attempt? Be reasonable, Magnus. Without the Sect Master, we don''t have the strength to oppose them."
"Kaelius will return, he has to!" Magnus insisted. But the desperation in his voice betrayed his doubts. Their Sect Master had vanished without a trace weeks ago after visiting the Black Rose Sect. Foul play was suspected but nothing could be proven.
"If he still lived, he would have returned by now," Vesper said gently. Magnus'' face flushed with anger, but he held his tongue. Arguing with Vesper was pointless, she was far too pragmatic.
Damien idly inspected his dagger as he spoke. "While I admire your enthusiasm, Magnus, we must play the long game here. Open war would be...unwise."
Magnus spat on the floor. "You young folks, no backbone! In my day we would have slaughtered those Black Rose maggots by now."
Vesper exchanged a weary look with Damien. They had been enduring Magnus'' bluster for centuries now. Once he had been a fearsome warrior, but time had withered his body, if not his temper.
"We face dark days ahead," Vesper said heavily. "Without Kaelius, the other sects will view us as weak. The vultures will soon circle, righteous and demonic alike."
Damien nodded. "We must present a unified front. Squabbling with each other will only hasten our demise."
A heavy silence fell as the Elders contemplated this grim possibility. The balance of power between the three main demonic sects had always been tenuous at best, but Sect Master Kaelius'' strength had kept the other sects in check. Without him...
The Black Rose Sect had two Ascendants now, with one even able to dominate others at the same cultivation realm, it was an unprecedented concentration of power for a demonic sect. And the situation with the righteous sects was no better, they would use any excuse to wipe out a demonic sect and seize their resources. Truly, it seemed the Heavens themselves had turned against the Black Heart Sect.
Magnus grumbled under his breath but held his tongue for now. Without Kaelius, Damien and Vesper were in control. And open war with the Black Rose Sect was clearly suicidal.
"Then what do you propose?" Magnus asked. "We cannot win a war on two fronts."
Before Damian could respond, there was a weak knock at the door. The Elders exchanged glances, sensing the aura of the pathetic worm on the other side.
"Enter," Damien called out lazily. He couldn''t be bothered to remember the names of anyone below the Nascent Soul Realm.
A young disciple scurried in, his robes askew and chest heaving as if he''d run all the way here. He prostrated himself before the Elders, stuttering out, "H-Honoured Elders! A report from the perimeter!"
"Out with it then! Magnus'' Qi flared. What could be so important you''d interrupt"
"A massive ark approaches the sect!" the disciple blurted. "It flies with no banners but...but judging from its size and splendour, the scouts suspect it to belong to the Black Rose Sect!"
The temperature in the room plummeted as killing intent leaked from the three Elders. The disciple trembled, sweat beading his brow at the terrifying pressure.
"Leave us," Vesper ordered, voice hard as diamond. The disciple couldn''t scramble away fast enough, the door slamming shut behind him.
Damian rose to his feet, the chair scraping against stone. "It seems our guests have arrived sooner than expected." His eyes met Magnus'' and Vesper''s in turn. Unspoken understanding passed between them.
Between one breath and the next, the three vanished in a swirl of shadow.
***
In the courtyards and halls of the Black Heart Sect, disciples went about their daily training and duties. Some sparred in groups, the clang of weapons and grunts of exertion filling the air. Others sat in quiet meditation, honing their demonic Qi.
A group of young disciples, barely in their teens, huddled together, whispering excitedly. They were supposed to be practicing their sword forms, but the absence of the Elders had made them bold.
"Did you hear? The Sect Master has been gone for weeks now!" one boy said, eyes wide.
"I heard he went to the Black Rose Sect for the Intersect Tournament and never came back," another added. "You don''t think...something happened to him, do you?"
"Don''t be stupid, our Sect Master is an Ascendant! Those Black Rose dogs wouldn''t dare touch him."
"But what if they did? I heard they have two Ascendants now. Two!"
The kids shuddered at the thought. Thanks to the intervention of the righteous sects, a demonic sect having more than one Ascendant was rare. It was said Ascendants could slaughter Origin Realm experts like cattle. What chance would their sect have against that?
Suddenly, a looming shadow fell over the courtyard. The disciples looked up, confused. Their sect was high in the mountains, untouched by clouds. So what...?
Screams rang out as an enormous black ark came into view, blotting out the sun. It was massive, easily dwarfing their sect in size.
"W-what is that thing!?"
"Are we under attack? Quick, sound the alarm!"
Panic spread like wildfire as disciples scattered in all directions. Some ran for weapons, others for cover. In the chaos, no one noticed three figures rise into the sky to meet the approaching ship - the Grand Elders.
From his place on the ark, Slifer watched the pandemonium below with amusement. I remember reading these kind of scenes. I can''t lie, its not a bad feeling, I really should make trips like this more often.
The three Grand Elders hovered high in the air above the Black Heart Sect.
Vesper gritted her teeth as she took in the Divine Ark rapidly approaching from the horizon, a behemoth that dwarfed the mountain peaks below. Only an expert at the peak of the Ascendant stage could possess such a treasure.
Damian followed her gaze, frowning. "It''s as we suspected then. The Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect graces us with his presence."
A muscle ticked in Magnus'' jaw as he struggled to rein in his battle-lust. The urge to draw his greatsword and charge the incoming ship was near overwhelming.
Only the presence of his two fellow Elders kept him in check...for now. Starting a fight with an Ascendant was suicidal.
But as the Divine Ark grew larger, eclipsing the sun, a strange scene reached their eyes. What appeared to be a tiny black dot was circling the ark, dipping and wheeling in wild loops.
Vesper squinted, hardly believing what she was seeing. "Is that...a baby dragon!?" The creature was far too small to be a mature drake, but there was no mistaking the sinuous body and bat-like wings. It tumbled through the air in an oddly playful manner.
Damian noticed something else that gave him pause. There, standing at the bow of the ship was a figure he recognized: the young disciple Leah. She was the daughter of Olakin, a former Grand Elder killed by Slifer himself.
She should be confined in the Black Rose Sect as a hostage, what in the world was she doing accompanying Slifer here? Had she betrayed the sect?
The Elders exchanged uneasy glances as the Divine Ark drew close enough to make out the figure at the helm. His orange robes wafted in the breeze and his sharp eyes seemed to stare right through them even at this distance.
There was no mistaking it C the Black Rose Supreme Elder himself had come to the Black Heart Sect.
Magnus clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked. Vesper''s face was perfectly blank, but Damian noticed a tightness around her eyes. And he himself felt perspiration dampen his palms despite the chill mountain air.
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They were three of the Black Heart Sect''s greatest experts, a hair''s breadth from the Ascendant Realm. Yet the thought of facing the Supreme Elder was enough to intimidate them.
As the Divine Ark came to a stop, hovering over the sect''s grand hall, Val glided in merry circles around it. Leah stood at the prow, eyes wide as she took in the dark majesty of her former home.
Never thought I''d be back here, she mused. As the daughter of a Grand Elder, she was treated as a princess in the sect. However, with her father dead and no one to protect her, she was no longer able to return to the sect. To think that the one who took everything away would be the one to bring me back.
Speaking of her captor...Leah looked over to where Slifer lounged on a golden throne, one leg thrown over the armrest, making him look every inch the honoured Supreme Elder.
Only Leah got to see the dopey grin he couldn''t quite hold back as he watched Val''s aerial stunts. The dragon was happily showing off for her audience of one.
It''s hard to be properly intimidated by him when I know just how much his disciples mean to him, Leah thought wryly. Her younger self would have exploited that weakness of his, but the righteous lectures that the Supreme Elder had used to deliver along with spending time with the baby dragon had changed her. And maybe for the good. For all his fearsome reputation and overwhelming power, the great Slifer was not as heartless as one might think.
With a grand gesture, Slifer levitated off his throne, robes swirling around him as he descended onto the ship''s deck. Val swooped down to sit on his shoulder while Leah stepped up beside him.
The three Grand Elders remained hovering several hundred yards away, their postures tense. Slifer could practically smell their fear. He smirked. Good, let them simmer a bit before I make my grand entrance.
He raised an arm and Val launched herself off it with a joyful trill. She zipped close to the Grand Elders, mischief glinting in her big eyes.
"Boo!" She blew a tendril of azure fire towards Magnus, cackling when he flew back. "Aww, don''t tell me big bad cultivator is scared of little ol'' me?" Val pouted, giving her best puppy-dog eyes.
"Val, quit tormenting the inmates and get back here," Slifer called, not bothering to hide his grin.
"You''re no fun, Master," Val grumbled. She stuck her forked tongue out at the fuming Grand Elder before gliding back to Slifer''s shoulder. Leah pinched the bridge of her nose, already feeling a headache coming on.
Slifer turned to face the Elders fully. "I believe we have matters to discuss. Should we go inside? It wasn''t a request.
Without waiting for a response, he stepped off the ship onto empty air. Violet Qi gathered under his feet, forming a transparent platform. He walked towards the Grand Hall, forcing the Elders to fall in line behind him or be left gawking.
Yes, Slifer thought smugly as he felt the Elders'' Qi spike with alarm. Flying was something anyone above the Core Formation Realm could do, but manipulating Qi to create platforms? They had never witnessed anything like it. Such an ability could only be performed by those at the brink of the Immortal Realm. The 1000 Karmic Credits to buy this treasure was so worth it.
As Slifer landed in front of the grand double doors, they creaked open as if by an unseen hand. He stepped into the hall, eyes flicking from the decadent tapestries to the rows of blood-red pillars. He sniffed disdainfully.
"Your interior decorator needs to be fired. Ever heard of colour theory? Pairing that particular shade of red with those black undertones is a crime against aesthetics."
Val nodded her head up and down. "You''re right, Master. This place feels icky. They should make the walls orange like me, so it''s not so dark and scary."
Slifer hummed thoughtfully. "Good idea my dear disciple. Perhaps some nice murals too, really lighten the place up."
"Ooh, and some comfy armchairs in a cozy reading nook!"
"Of course, of course, every good dungeon needs an Evil Overlord''s personal library."
Behind them, the three Grand Elders shared incredulous looks. Were the honoured guests...criticizing their decor? In front of their faces? While disregarding them entirely?
It was so preposterously brazen that for a moment they could only gape in stunned offense, all thoughts of their missing Sect Master had gone. Just who did these impudent fools think they were!?
Finally, Magnus could take no more. "You dare!" He roared, blotchy red creeping up his neck.
Slifer and Val turned to him slowly, blinking as if just recalling that the Elders were still there. "Hmm? Did you say something?" Slifer asked lightly, head cocked. "Sorry, I was distracted planning how I would refurbish this dreary place once I take over."
"You! You!" Magnus spluttered, saliva flying from his lips as a vein throbbed in his temple. Vesper laid a warning hand on his arm but he shook her off, too incensed to consider the consequences of provoking an Ascendant realm expert.
He pointed a finger at Slifer, eyes blazing. "Unbridled arrogance! You walk in here uninvited, insult our hall, and talk so glibly of conquest? I should cut you down where you stand!"
A heavy pressure descended, as if a mountain had materialized above their heads. Magnus froze, the words dying in his throat as killing intent blasted him.
Slifer smiled pleasantly. "By all means, cut me down," he invited, spreading his arms. "I could use the exercise."
"Now now, let''s not be hasty," Damian cut in through gritted teeth. Sweat dripped down his back and his knees felt like jelly under that suffocating Qi. A Qi that surpassed even their Sect Masters. "Supreme Elder, you say you have matters to discuss? Then let us go somewhere more private."
Slifer considered the Elder, his gaze heavy and piercing. Just when it seemed the pressure would crush the man, Slifer released his aura with a chuckle. "I suppose I can spare you lot a few minutes of my valuable time." He flapped a hand at Magnus dismissively. "Lead the way then, before I grow bored."
Damian bowed his head, not daring to show his relief. He turned and marched stiffly towards a side chamber, praying Magnus would have the sense to keep his mouth shut for once.
Vesper followed on his heels, her eyes never leaving Slifer''s back as if expecting him to strike at any moment. Magnus clenched his fists as he stomped after them, his face an alarming shade of purple.
Slifer meandered behind the Elders, Val still draped across his shoulders. Leah walking beside them.
"Did you have to rile them up so much?" she murmured.
I would rather use up an Ascendant Aura Card worth 5000 Karmic Credit to intimidate them now instead of getting into a drawn out battle with them and wasting who knows how many credits. But it was not like he could tell Leah that.
"Of course! I have a reputation to uphold," Slifer chuckled. "An aloof and overweening attitude generates a special sort of dread, you know?"
"Well, your special sort of dread nearly got us skewered," Leah deadpanned. "You really are a master at the Dao of Pissing People Off."
"I prefer to think of it as the Dao of Establishing Dominance," Slifer sniffed. "Either way, it''s a very potent cultivation method. You could stand to learn it."
"What, so I can be killed that much faster? I think I''ll pass."
Their whispered exchange cut off as they entered a smaller chamber hung with more tastefully macabre paintings. A black jade table took up the center of the room, surrounded by chairs that looked like they were made from human bones.
Slifer eyed the chairs dubiously before shrugging and plopping himself down at the head of the table, lounging as if he were presiding over his own throne room instead of the heart of a hostile sect.
Val coiled in his lap, yawning to show off a mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. She had insisted that she be in her larger form for the meeting, but Slifer didnt think a Nascent Soul dragon would have any effect on an Origin Realm expert, no matter how scary she may seem.
The Grand Elders took their seats, Vesper and Damian flanking Magnus in a transparent attempt to keep him in check.
Leah stood behind Slifer, knowing that it would be rude of her to sit in the presence of the Elders.
Slifer crossed his arms, giving the Elders a smile that was all teeth. "Now then, let''s chat about your missing Sect Master and what that means for your sect, shall we? I''m very curious to hear what you have to say on the matter."
The Elders held their posture high, refusing to be cowed. But a thread of unease coiled in their guts as those sharp eyes pinned them in place. It was going to be a tense conversation.
Chapter 101: Moving Up In The World
The three Grand Elders of the Black Heart Sect sat across from Slifer. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them, the only sound being Val''s tail swishing in the air.
"So," Slifer drawled, breaking the silence. "Your Sect Master has gone missing and you suspect my sect had something to do with it. Is that about the gist of it?"
Elder Damian cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Supreme Elder, the timing of Sect Master Kaelius'' disappearance is...suspicious. He vanished immediately after visiting your sect for the Intersect Tournament."
"And he has not been seen or heard from since," Vesper added, her tone carefully neutral. "Even for a reclusive cultivator of his level, such an extended absence is concerning."
"It''s not concerning, it''s downright unacceptable!" Magnus slammed a fist on the table. "Our Sect Master would never abandon his duties like this. The Black Rose Sect must have done something to him!"
Slifer raised an eyebrow. "Those are bold accusations to throw around, Elder Magnus. I don''t suppose you have any actual evidence to back them up?"
Magnus flushed an ugly purple. "We don''t need evidence! It''s obvious"
"What Elder Magnus means," Damian cut in smoothly, shooting the other man a look, "is that the circumstances are highly suspect. And with our Sect Master gone, we find ourselves in a precarious position."
"A precarious position?" Slifer feigned ignorance, blinking innocently.
Vesper sighed. "Come now, Supreme Elder. Surely you are not so naive. With no Ascendant to defend us, the righteous sects will see us as easy prey. They smell blood in the water, they''ve been looking for an excuse to wipe us out for centuries. Without Sect Master Kaelius'' here, they may just try it."
"They''re no better than a pack of hyenas," Magnus spat. "Circling, waiting for us to show weakness before they pounce."
"Can you blame them?" Vesper asked tiredly. "Demonic sects aren''t exactly known for playing nice with others. We''ve all got blood on our hands."
Val perked up. "Blood? Where?" She looked around eagerly.
Slifer patted her head. "Figure of speech, my dear disciple.
Although knowing demonic sects, could be literal too...
"And it''s not just the righteous sects we have to worry about," Vesper continued. "The Black Death Sect has also been eyeing our territory. With their Half-Immortal leader sealed by you, Supreme Elder, they are also vulnerable. But thatonly makes them more desperate and dangerous."
Slifer stroked his chin, humming thoughtfully. "It seems you lot are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Enemies on all sides, both righteous and demonic. And with no Ascendant to protect you... well, it''s not looking good for the Black Heart Sect, is it?"
Magnus bristled. "We are not so weak as that! We still have three Origin Realm Elders"
"Who will be slaughtered like pigs the moment an Ascendant enters the fray," Slifer said bluntly. "Face it, without your Sect Master, you''re sitting ducks. Lambs to the slaughter."
"What do you propose then, Supreme Elder?" Damian asked, his eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, what''s your angle?" Magnus demanded. "You didn''t come all this way just to gloat, so spit it out already!"
"Magnus! Mind your tongue!" Vesper hissed. But her own eyes were wary as they darted between Slifer and the fuming Elder. She didnt know how long she could hold Magnus back, that fool seemed adamant in getting them killed.
"Master isn''t gloating," Val yawned, sounding bored. "He is saying the truth. You bad men are in big trouble and you know it."
"What does a baby lizard know" Magnus started hotly, but choked on his words as Slifer flared his aura.
The temperature plummeted and the Elders'' breath misted before their faces. Damian and Vesper froze, not daring to move a muscle.
"Careful," Slifer said softly. "That''s my disciple you''re insulting. And I don''t take kindly to rudeness towards what''s mine."
Magus shrank back, all the fight draining out of him. He ducked his head, mumbling an apology.
Slifer let him stew for a moment longer before reining in his aura. The Elders released a collective breath, shoulders slumping.
Damian was the first to recover. He looked at Slifer intently. "You have a proposal for us," he stated. It wasn''t a question.
Slifer''s lips curved. "I do." He leaned forward, "The way I see it, you have two options. Option one: continue as you are and pray to whatever twisted gods you worship that the righteous sects and your demonic rivals will take pity on you. Spoiler alert, they won''t."
The Elders exchanged grim looks but didn''t interrupt.
"Option two..." Slifer paused for effect, his smile widening. "Ally with a power strong enough to keep your enemies at bay. A power so overwhelming, none would dare challenge you."
Magnus frowned. "You mean the Black Rose Sect." His voice dripped with disdain.
"No." Slifer''s eyes gleamed. "I mean me."
It was silent as the Elders stared at him blankly.
Then Magnus broke out in laugh. "You? What''s the difference? You''re the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect. Allying with you is the same as allying with them!"
Slifer tsked. I don''t mean an alliance. I mean..." He spread his hands. "Handing over control of your sect to me. Making me your new Sect Master."
Magnus shot to his feet, spluttering incoherently. Vesper and Damian looked pole-axed.
"You can''t be serious!" Magnus roared, his face turning an alarming shade of purple. "We would never submit to an outsider! The Black Heart Sect bows to no one!"
"Sit down, Magnus," Damian said tightly. He waited until the apoplectic Elder had thrown himself back into his seat before turning to Slifer. "What you propose is... unprecedented. No sect has ever had an outsider as Sect Master."
"There''s a first time for everything," Slifer said cheerfully. "Think about it. With me as your Sect Master, no one would dare touch you. The Heavenly Light Sect, Pure Soul Sect, White Tiger Sect... they''d all have to back off. Same goes for the Black Death Sect or any other demonic upstarts."
"And what of your current position in the Black Rose Sect? Damian frowned. Surely you don''t intend to abandon them..."
Slifer waved a hand. "Of course not. I''ll simply have to split my time between the two sects. With the Elders handling day-to-day affairs, it shouldn''t be an issue."
Vesper pursed her lips. "That still sounds suspiciously like the Black Heart Sect being annexed by the Black Rose Sect..."
"Not at all!" Slifer said. "The two sects will remain separate entities. I''ll just happen to be in charge of both. Really, it''s the best of both worlds. You get my protection and guidance while maintaining your autonomy...mostly."
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Damian rubbed his chin. "It''s an... intriguing proposition," he allowed. "But the details"
"Intriguing?!" Magnus exploded. "It''s insanity! Handing over our sect to this, this..." He jabbed a finger at Slifer, apparently too enraged to come up with a proper insult.
Slifer inspected his nails, unfazed by the outburst. "You''re welcome to refuse my generous offer," he said mildly. "Of course, that means you''ll be left to fend for yourselves against the circling wolves. I''m sure that will end well for you, especially sincetheres already one in your den."
Magnus opened his mouth, then closed it, teeth grinding audibly.
"I think Master''s idea is great! You guys clearly need all the help you can get, Val chirped. Think of all the fun joint events the sects could hold! Talent competitions, night hunts, demonic beast races..." Her eyes sparkled.
Leah, who had been standing silently behind Slifer, struggled to keep a straight face. Imagining the blood-thirsty Black Heart Sect disciples participating in peppy inter-sect activities was too absurd.
Damian held up a hand before Magnus could have another outburst. "Supreme Elder Slifer. You have given us much to consider. Can we have some time to discuss this amongst ourselves?"
Slifer shrugged. "By all means. Take all the time you need." He flashed a toothy grin. "Just don''t take too long. My patience, like my mercy, has limits."
With that ominous statement hanging in the air, he rose to his feet. Val scampered up to perch on his shoulder.
"Oh, and one more thing," Slifer said, pausing in the doorway. "Do try to keep this little chat between us, hmm? I''d hate for word to get out prematurely. It could make things... messy."
The unspoken threat was clear. The Elders paled but nodded stiffly.
"Wonderful!" Slifer clapped his hands together. "I look forward to hearing your decision." He walked out, Leah trailing behind him.
The moment the door closed, Magnus whirled on his fellow Elders. "Dont tell me you''re not actually considering this madness?"
Damian pinched the bridge of his nose. "What choice do we have, Magnus? You heard him. Without an Ascendant''s backing, we''re as good as dead."
Vesper''s lips thinned. "I dont like it, but I fear Damian is right. At least this way we retain some measure of control. The alternative is to be carved up like a roast duck by our enemies."
Magnus ground his teeth but couldn''t argue against their logic. As much as it burned him, Slifer''s offer was looking more and more like their only viable option.
***
As Slifer walked through the corridors of the Black Heart Sect, Slifer''s eyes narrowed as a blue box appeared before him.
Ding!
New Mission!
Mission: Acquire the Black Heart Sect by becoming their new Sect Master
Reward: 10,000 Karmic Credits, Unlocking of Sect Management Interface
A bit late to give this as a missionSlifer''s breath caught when he saw the reward. 10,000 Credits? That was an incredibly generous bounty. And the Sect Management Interface sounded intriguing...
As if sensing his thoughts, the System continued:
The Sect Management Interface will allow you to oversee and adjust various aspects of the sects under your control, including but not limited to: Disciple Recruitment and Training, Resource Allocation, Laws and Punishment, Karmic Affinities, and more!
With the Black Heart Sect under your banner, you will be in a position to begin mass conversion of the demonic cultivators
I expected as much. Converting the demonic sect into a righteous sect would be far more efficient than trying to strong-arm one stubborn disciple at a time.
He had already done all he could, now all he could do was wait for the Grand Elders to cave to the inevitable.
Val flew in excited loops around his head. "I can''t wait to whip those Black Heart meanies into shape!" she chirped. "Ooh, I''m gonna make them do so many trust falls and group hugs, they won''t know what hit them!"
Slifer chuckled, reaching up to scratch under her chin. "That''s my girl. Just make sure to leave them some dignity. We want allies, not broken shells."
"No promises!" Val said cheerfully.
Leah, who had been quietly observing, murmured, "You realize the disciples will resent you at first, right? Demonic cultivators are a prideful lot. They won''t take kindly to an outsider coming in and upending their way of life."
Slifer shrugged. "They''ll get over it. Or they won''t, and I''ll make an example of the troublemakers. Either way, they''ll fall in line."
Leah suppressed a shiver, reminded once again that for all his irreverent quirks, Slifer was not a man to be trifled with.
The next hour passed in a blur. The Grand Elders secluded themselves, no doubt arguing in circles about Slifer''s "offer".
Slifer himself spent the time exploring the sect grounds with Val and Leah. He noticed the areas that could use improvement -a training field expansion here, a meditation grotto renovation there...
Being a Sect Master is going to mean a lot of infrastructure management, isn''t it? Slifer mused wryly. Oh well, at least I can delegate most of the grunt work...
Soon enough, a disciple ran up to summon them back to the meeting chamber. Slifer walked in to find the Grand Elders awaiting him, their faces dark but resigned.
"Supreme Elder Slifer," Damian began. "After much deliberation, we have decided to accept your proposal."
Magnus looked like he''d swallowed a lemon, but held his tongue.
Vesper continued, "We will acknowledge you as the Black Heart Sect''s new Sect Master...
"Haha, you made the right choice. The Black Heart Sect is now under my wing. Ill defend it - and its members - as my own."
"Thank youSect Master." Damian stood and bowed deeply, the other Elders following suit.
II could get used to this, Slifer held back a smirk. Outwardly, he inclined his head magnanimously.
Ding!
Mission Complete!
Reward: 10,000 Karmic Credits, Sect Management Interface unlocked
Congratulations! You have taken your first step towards unifying the demonic sects under the banner of righteousness
Yeahthats exactly why I did it.
Chapter 102: The Black Heart Sect Master!
Slifer lounged on the plush cushions of his new throne, a smirk playing across his lips. The Sect Master''s chambers were every bit as rich as he had hoped - obsidian walls inlaid with precious gems, flowing silk tapestries, and of course, a throne that could make an emperor jealous.
Sure, the decor was a bit macabre for his tastes, with all the bleeding hearts and impaled skulls, but hey, when in demonic sect, do as the demons do, right?
A chime interrupted his musings. Slifer sat up straighter as a glowing panel materialized before him.
Sect Management Interface Black Heart Sect
Disciples:
- Outer Disciples: 567
- Inner Disciples: 152
- Core Disciples: 42
- Legacy Disciples: 5
- Elders: 10
- Grand Elders: 3
Resources:
- Spirit Stones: 1,348,204
- Artifacts: 217
- Medicinal Herbs: 8,394
- Alchemy Materials: 3,562
Reputation:
- Infamy: 7,893
- Karmic Affinity: -5,621
Slifer whistled, impressed despite himself. The Black Heart Sect was no lightweight, these assets were nothing to scoff at. However, that Karmic Affinity... yikes. He had his work cut out for him turning these demonic cultivators to the light.
Ding!
A new notification popped up:
As Sect Master, your disciples'' actions reflect upon you. For every evil deed committed, you will lose 1 Karmic Credit. Guide them well.
Slifer grimaced but nodded. It was a fair trade-off considering the Credits he stood to gain by setting these wayward souls on the righteous path. Still, reforming an entire demonic sect...easier said than done.
He had cowed the Black Rose Disciplinary Hall through sheer power and intimidation. But they were already half-tamed compared to these Black Heart lunatics, with their depraved rituals and cutthroat politicking.
Think, Slifer, think! He rapped his knuckles against his forehead. How do I turn a pack of rabid wolves into fluffy lambs?
Ding!
In light of the Black Heart Sect''s...proclivities, you will be granted a one-month grace period before penalties for disciples'' misdeeds take effect. However, Karmic Credits earned from righteous acts will be halved during this time. Make it count!
"Well, how generous of you," Slifer drawled. But he breathed a little easier. A month wasn''t much, but it was a start.
Slifer glanced over to see Leah staring, no doubt puzzled by his reactions to seemingly thin air.
"Ah, Leah! Just the person I wanted to see." He clapped his hands together. "I need you to send a message to the Black Rose Sect. Tell Morvran to get his stern, rule-abiding backside over here, pronto."
Leah''s brows shot up. "You want the Morvran...here? At the Black Heart Sect?"
I need his help whipping these delinquents into shape. It''ll be like the Disciplinary Hall, but supersized!"
Leah looked dubious but she bowed. "As you command, Sect Master. I''ll go to the Messaging Chamber now."
Ah yes, the Messaging Chamber. A staple of every self-respecting sect. Using formations and runes, Qi-infused messages could be sent vast distances nearly instantaneously. Highly convenient for coordinating between sects...or in Slifer''s case, summoning his favourite enforcer.
With Morvran''s iron fist and my dazzling charisma, we''ll have these Black Heart hooligans toeing the line in no time! Slifer''s eyes gleamed as he envisioned the impending disciple wrangling. Oh, the Karmic Credits he would reap!
Ding!
New Mission: Mentor the Unrighteous
Guide misguided disciples onto the path of virtue. The more sect members you reform, the greater your reward.
Quest Rewards:
- Outer Disciples: 500 Karmic Credits per disciple
- Inner Disciples: 1000 Karmic Credits per disciple
- Core Disciples: 2000 Karmic Credits per disciple
- Legacy Disciples: 4000 Karmic Credits per disciple
- Elders: 8000 Karmic Credits per Elder
- Grand Elder: 16,000 Karmic Credits per Grand Elder
Slifer rubbed his hands together, a wicked grin stretching his face. While these disciples wouldn''t be his personal students, not in the System''s "hallowed" opinion anyway, he could still rack up some sweet, sweet Karmic Credit guiding these lost lambs.
A twinge of unease crept through his mirth. He had subjugated the Grand Elders sure enough, but what about the rank and file disciples? Were there any hidden thorns among the roses? Potential rivals or, heaven forbid...protagonists?
Bah, I''m just being paranoid! Slifer shook off the thought. What kind of xianxia protagonist gets his sect stolen by a quirky old man? Haha...ha. Oh heavens, I hope I didn''t just flag death.
A hesitant knock at the door blessedly interrupted his spiralling thoughts.
"Enter," Slifer said, straightening his robes and schooling his features into a stern mask. Image was everything!
Damian shuffled in, bowing deeply at the waist. "Sect Master, the disciples have been gathered as you ordered. We await your address in the grand courtyard."
Showtime. Slifer rose to his feet, squaring his shoulders. "Very good. You''re dismissed, Damian. I''ll be along shortly."
The Elder backpedalled out, head still lowered. Once alone, Slifer checked his reflection in the wall-mounted spirit beasts'' fangs (ugh, talk about gauche decor), fussing with his hair and robes.
The trick is to look imposing yet genial. Strict but benevolent. A real ''kneel before me, but feel free to grab a snack after'' sort of vibe.
Satisfied he looked appropriately imposing, Slifer strode out, a maniacal glint in his eyes. Time to bring the circus to these unwashed masses!
***
Elarkin shifted uncomfortably in the grand courtyard of the Black Heart Sect, trying to see over the sea of dark robes and muttered curses of his fellow disciples. Just his luck to be a bit on the short side in a sect full of beefcakes.
The low buzz of hundreds of whispered conversations swelled around him, and Elarkin found himself straining to pick up tidbits here and there.
"I''m telling you, it''s gotta be some kind of declaration of war," one burly disciple grunted.
His companion shook his head. "Use your brain, dimwit. Why would the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect come alone if he wanted to start a fight?"
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"Well excuse me for not being a tactical genius, oh wise one," the first snapped back. "You come up with a better reason then."
The other disciple hesitated. "Maybe...maybe it''s about what happened to Sect Master Kaelius?"
A tense hush fell over their little group. The disappearance of their Sect Master was the demonic elephant in the room that no one wanted to acknowledge.
Rather than get drawn into that potential quagmire, Elarkin let his attention drift, his mind churning over his own predicament.
It had been a little over a year since he came to the Black Heart Sect, a scrawny refugee from a poor mountain village razed by rogue cultivators in one of their petty squabbles. He still remembered the acrid scent of smoke and blood, and way his mother had shoved him into a hidden cellar moments before their home collapsed in flames around her...
No. He couldn''t think about that now. The past was dead and gone. All that mattered was clawing his way to power so that he''d never be weak and helpless again. And the Black Heart Sect had seemed like the perfect ruthless crucible to forge himself into the ultimate cultivator.
Oh, he''d been so naive back then. Eating up all the honeyed words the recruiters spouted about "might makes right" and the glory of the demonic path, how "the strong feast on the flesh of the weak."
That youthful idealism quickly curled up and died during his first month as an Outer Disciple. Nothing but drudge work and vicious hazing from dawn to dusk, scrabbling for the dregs of cultivation resources like a pack of starving dogs.
And when Elarkin finally saw his chance to rise to Inner Disciple, to escape the constant grind of petty chores and brutal beatings, he grabbed it with both hands...only to choke on the bitter ashes of betrayal.
Apparently his "friend" Jagim didn''t share Elarkin''s touching notions of loyalty, perfectly happy to stab his bunkmate in the back (metaphorically and literally) to secure that one spot of promotion.
Elarkin absentmindedly rubbed the ragged scar along his ribs, jaw clenching at the phantom pain. Yet another reminder seared into his flesh of this cruel world he''d dedicated himself to.
Which brought him to his current dilemma, lurking in the grand hall waiting for the mysterious Supreme Elder to unveil his purpose here. Should he cut his losses and run while everyone was confused? Try to book it to another demonic sect before this whole ship sank?
No...no that would be the coward''s way out. He was done being the Heavens punching bag. One way or another, Elarkin swore he would climb to the peak of power on the demonic path, even if he had to stain his hands red with the blood of so-called "allies."
So Elarkin held his tongue and faded into the background like he always did, cold eyes assessing and calculating behind a mask of perfect blankness, just another faceless drone in a sea of black robes. Waiting, watching, biding his time until opportunity smiled upon him once more.
A sudden hush rippled through the crowd and Elarkin turned his head as the huge obsidian doors of the main hall were blown open.
He recognized the three Grand Elders walk out and line up like an honour guard for...
His eyes widened fractionally as they landed on the fourth figure, the one who could only be the infamous Supreme Elder.
Unlike most of the other disciples, Elarkin was training when the Supreme Elder had arrived, so he had missed the commotion. This was his first-time setting eyes on the number 1 cultivator of the Black Rose Sect.
The old man moved with an otherworldly grace, his feet not quite touching the ground. He had a smirk playing about his lips as if he found the entire room vastly entertaining. And was that...was that a tiny dragon perched on his shoulder?
What in the nine hells...
The Supreme Elder came to a stop, hands clasped in front before him in a deceptively casual stance. And then it hit Elarkin like a Spirit Beast''s backhand - the pure blinding aura rolling off the man, heavy as a physical weight pressing down on every disciple in the hall.
So, this is the might of an Ascendant cultivator... Elarkin thought, bones aching under the invisible pressure. It was all he could do not keel over like some of the weaker disciples.
The Grand Elders stood stiffly to either side of their guest, faces pale. Even the normally blustering Elder Magnus had been reduced to little more than a quivering mass of mangy beard and shaky knees.
But all that was secondary to the bomb that the Supreme Elder was about to drop on their heads.
"I will keep this brief as I''m sure you''re all eager to get back to...whatever it is you people do around here," the man said with a careless wave of his hand.
"I am the Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect, Slifer. His smirk widened as he paused to let them stew in anticipation. "And as of today...your new Sect Master."
Elarkin nearly choked on his own tongue. Wait, what did he just say!?
The rest of the disciples apparently shared his shock, the grand hall erupting into a roar of startled exclamations and heated conversations.
"Is this a joke?"
"The Supreme Elder is our new Sect Master?"
"What about Sect Master Kaelius? What happened to him!?"
"This must be a trick! The Black Rose Sect is trying to swallow us whole!"
"We''ve been conquered? I knew it!"
The clamour rose to a deafening pitch, a mob seconds away from exploding into violence, like that would actually change anything. The Supreme Elder just stood there, unruffled amid the growing storm, that smirk still on his face.
Through it all, Elarkin remained frozen, his mind whirling. This was... unprecedented. A hostile sect takeover without bloodshed? What could have brought the proud Grand Elders to surrender so abjectly? Especially someone like Grand Elder Magnus?
Something''s not right, his instincts screamed. No one man should wield such influence, not without a trump card so devastating it''s not even worth fighting.
But what manner of hellish trump card could
His spiralling thoughts came to a standstill as a nova of Qi exploded through the hall. Elarkin''s knees buckled, and he hit the floor, gasping like a landed fish.
All around him, disciples crumpled like rag dolls, pinned under the titanic spiritual pressure. Even the Grand Elders staggered, barely keeping their feet.
Cold sweat slicked Elarkin''s face as he struggled to raise his head a fraction, fighting the force bearing down on him. His eyes widened, limbs trembling with animalistic terror.
A colossal projection loomed over the hall, a blood-red titan in Slifer''s image. Blazing Qi roared off it like solar flares, threatening to incinerate Elarkin''s mind.
An Ascendant Avatar, Elarkin realized with numb horror. Only Immortal Realm experts could project such manifestations of their might. This old man was an Immortal.
The thought rattled around his skull as darkness crept into the edges of his vision. Some distant part of him snorted derisively at how easily he''d dismissed the danger of the situation.
No one could stand against an expert of this level, not the Grand Elders, not the disciples, not even the late Sect Master. The Black Heart Sect was well and truly conquered.
As his consciousness guttered out, one final thought drifted through Elarkin''s mind.
Well... so much for slipping away quietly, eh?
Then, he blacked out.
Chapter 103: Credits, Credits, and More Credits!
Slifer sat cross-legged in the centre of the vast courtyard, nearly a thousand Black Heart Sect disciples fanned out before him in neat rows. A handful of Nascent Soul Elders had also joined but the Grand Elders were absent.
He shook his head wryly, remembering their faces when he first subjugated the sect. That little stunt with the Susanoo-like avatar, courtesy of a pricey Immortal Avatar Aura Card, sure did the trick.
The despair in their eyes as they realized an "Immortal" had them by the spiritual bits...ah, priceless. Worth every one of those 10,000 Karmic Credits.
Had he merely shown Ascendant-level strength, they would have still been hoping that their missing Sect Master Kaelius might return to save them. Now, they knew they were well and truly conquered.
Speaking of Grand Elders...Slifer''s eyes narrowed as he considered Damian. What a sneaky fellow, hiding his half-step Ascendant cultivation. The others actually bought his "peak Origin Realm" act. Guy definitely had plots brewing behind that pretty face of his.
Well, no matter. Slifer had him cowed for now with the Immortal ploy. If Damian still wanted to tango after that display, then he was a few spirit stones short of a core.
As he surveyed the sea of expectant faces, Slifer let his mind wander. He''d been putting on the wise Immortal act for a while now, dispensing cryptic wisdom and stern rebukes in equal measure. But honestly? It was starting to wear thin.
All this flowery language and profound-sounding nonsense...it just wasn''t him. Slifer was a straightforward guy, always had been. This xianxia elder shtick was as ill-fitting as a hairshirt.
But then again...who was going to call him out on it? He was an "Immortal" now, with the Karmic Credits to back it up. If he wanted to drop the stern Sect Master facade and be more of his true self, who could stop him?
Immortals were known for being eccentric, after all. A little quirk here, a spot of irreverence there...it would only add to his mystique. If anything, it would be more suspicious if he didn''t change up his act.
Yeah, that''s the ticket! Slifer thought with a grin. Time to let me be me, not some cookie-cutter xianxia NPC.
Slifer''s attention snapped back to the present as a disciple stepped forward, bowing low. The young man launched into an account of his recent breakthrough to Core Formation, his voice gradually gaining confidence.
"...and as I circulated my Qi through the 64th meridian, I felt a buildup of pressure in my dantian. It was as if a great serpent was coiling tighter and tighter, ready to strike! I knew I had to redirect the flow before"
Slifer nodded along, only half-listening as he mentally dissected the disciple''s experience. More details to add to his growing repository of knowledge. Zack''s insights alone weren''t enough to prepare for his own impending tribulation, not with the ungodly lightning that was sure to rain down on his head courtesy of being a transmigrator. His own tribulation would likely give these kiddos a heart attack.
Assembling these disciples for storytime had been a stroke of genius, if I do say so myself.
He glanced to the side where Morvran stood with his arms folded. The Disciplinary Hall Master had arrived two days ago and already the disciples were scurrying about like whipped puppies. Slifer almost felt bad for them. Almost.
Better a few bruises now than losing Karmic Credits for their stupidity later, he reasoned. Maintaining his public Immortal fa?ade was significantly easier than micromanaging the little monsters. He''d leave the tedious bits to Morvran.
The disciple finished his story and Slifer turned expectantly to the Elders. There was an awkward pause before a man who looked in his forties (but was probably centuries old) coughed and stood up.
"This unworthy one broke through to Core Formation some three centuries ago, back when he was a mere wandering cultivator," the elder began, his reedy voice filling the courtyard. "I secluded myself in the Reaving Demon Caves, and on the 37th day of my meditation"
Slifer settled in, making appropriately sage noises at intervals as he listened with half an ear. The Nascent Soul elders experience was more polished than the disciple''s novice fumbling, but no less valuable for his purposes.
When the Elder finished, the others chimed in one by one, a chorus of droning voices recounting step-by-step their long-ago breakthroughs. Slifer took it all in, assembling the puzzle pieces in his mind''s eye.
After some time, Slifer blinked and suddenly realized days had passed in the blink of an eye! Stupid cultivator time dilation. Now he got why Xianxia novels could spend a dozen chapters on these enlightenment info-dumps.
He glanced over the sea of glazed eyes and slack jaws, noting the Core Formation disciples and above seemed mostly cognizant while those at Foundation Establishment and below looked ready to keel over.
Right, time to throw ''em a bone.
Slifer clapped his hands, jolting the crowd to attention. He smiled at their startled faces.
"I think that''s enough of the appetizers," he announced. "How about we get to the main course, hmm? This old man will share his own insights on Core Formation, accumulated over countless years. Get your jade slips ready!"
The disciples scrambled for their writing tools, exhaustion vanishing. Even the drowsiest outer disciples perked up, eyes gleaming. Slifer preened a bit at their awed expressions. How often did an "Immortal" drop cultivation gems?
In the back row, Elarkin leaned forward intently. This was just the break he needed. Sure, the lecture was a few realms above his peak Qi Refinement stage, but surely he could glean some wisdom to drive his own advancement, right?
Slifer launched into his carefully prepared speech, rattling off nuggets he''d pilfered from Heaven rank manuals in the System shop. The teaser text alone gave him plenty of ammunition.
"Now, during Foundation Establishment, you need to construct pillars of Qi. Well, more isn''t always merrier! Nine is the perfect number for optimal stability."
A disciple piped up. "This humble one understands fewer pillars means weaker foundations, but surely more can only strengthen the base?"
"Common misconception! Slifer waggled a finger. Too many and your cultivation will be about as stable as a one-legged chicken. Sure, you''ll have Qi for days, but you''ll waste more energy than a leaky spirit stone. Bigger isn''t better if you can''t use it right."
Several disciples made faces like Slifer had insulted their ancestors. Clearly size was a touchy subject for these macho demonic types. Slifer cheerfully soldiered on.
"Now, when it comes time to condense your core, location is key. You want to seek out a place counter to your cultivation path. A fire cultivator for example would go frolic in the ocean."
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One sceptical voice called out, "I''ve always heard it''s best to hunker down in places aligned with your element for breakthroughs. That''s why we''ve got all those shiny elemental caves, right?"
Slifer nodded sagely. "Ah, but that''s just begging your qi to run amok! Foreign surroundings will keep your energy on a tighter leash as it coalesces. Toss a fish in a volcano and it''ll have to adapt or burn. Same principle."
Shocked exclamations echoed around the courtyard. Several Nascent Soul Elders looked befuddled as they had breakthrough flashbacks. Clearly this clashed with conventional wisdom but from their knitted brows, it seemed to align with their experiences.
Slifer held up a hand, "Now, let''s delve into the nitty-gritty of Core Formation itself. Not all Cores are created equal!" He began to pace, hands clasped behind his back in a lecturing pose. "At the bottom of the barrel, you have your Mixed Cores. Ugly little things, all mishmashed with impurities and conflicting elements. Might as well be cultivating with mud for all the good they''ll do you."
The disciples leaned forward, hanging on his every word. Slifer smirked.
"A step up from that sorry lot are the mid-grade cores. You can tell them by their colour - green, purple, red, what have you. Decent enough, if you don''t mind being stuck in the kiddie pool of potential."
He paused, letting the anticipation build. "But if you want to swim with the big boys? You''ll need to set your sights on the cream of the crop, the ultimate prize...the Golden Core!"
Gasps rippled through the audience, eyes wide with awe. Slifer nodded sagely.
"Mhm, that''s right. The shinier and sturdier the core is, the more Qi you can pack in there. A Golden Core expert would wipe the floor with any other Core Formation cultivator, no contest."
A disciple shot to his feet, unable to contain his excitement. "Sect Master, what about the mythical cores of legend? The Frozen Core, the Crimson Core, the Core of Chaos? This humble one has heard tales of their world-shaking might!"
Oh Heavens, the plot device cores, Slifer froze, his smile going rigid. He hadnt gotten round to checking if the System mentioned anything about them. Quick, deflect!
He cleared his throat, putting on a stern expression. "Now now, let''s not get ahead of ourselves. Those exotics are the stuff of rumour and hearsay. Worry about the core in front of you, not the pipe dreams of madmen."
"Of course, Sect Master, the disciple wilted. This onespoke out of turn."
Crisis averted, Slifer breathed an inward sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was some upstart elder calling him out on his ignorance. Immortal Aura could only bluff so far.
"As I was saying," he continued smoothly, "the path to a Golden Core requires an impeccable Foundation and a top-notch cultivation method. Skimp on either, and you''ll be stuck in the chromatic dregs with the rest of the chumps."
He levelled a piercing stare at the disciples, gratified to see them shrink back. "So, unless you want to be the laughingstock of the Core Formation Realm, you''d best put your nose to the grindstone and cultivate like your life depends on it. Because mark my words...it does."
The disciples hastily bowed, cowed by the weight of his gaze. "Yes, Sect Master!"
Slifer nodded, satisfied he''d put the fear of the Heavenly Dao in them. And the fear of Slifer, of course. Always good to hammer home who was top dog around here.
"Lastly, the most vital piece - Heavenly Tribulation. Contrary to what many believe, the lightning is not a punishment but a test. A chance for the worthy to refine their Dao. The stronger the tribulation, the greater the reward."
Slifer outlined the five grades of Tribulation, the first three grades were well known but by the time he had introduced the fourth grade, his audience were hanging on his every word. And when he moved onto the mysterious Grade 5 Celestial Prism, their jaws were practically on the floor.
"Sect Master!" a voice called. Slifer glanced over to see Elarkin, the only disciple he had identified that had stats that could compete with his own disciples, trembling with excitement. "Have you experienced the legendary Grade 5 tribulation?"
All eyes snapped to Slifer. He smiled enigmatically, neither confirming nor denying it. Let them stew on that little tidbit. It would only feed his growing legend.
I barely survived the Grade 4 Foundation Establishment tribulation, and thats only because I had some OP cards! Slifer mentally scoffed. Grade 5 tribulation at the Core Formation or higher realm would vaporize him in an instant, critical block cards be damned.
Still, judging by the speculative whispers, they had bought his implied feats hook, line, and sinker. Disciples are so easily impressed. Throw around some mystique and they''ll write the tall tales for you, Slifer thought smugly.
Just then, a series of System alerts popped up in his periphery.
Ding!
You have enlightened 534 disciples
Reward: 53,400 Karmic Credits
Ding!
You have enlightened 8 Elders
Reward: 800 Karmic Credits
Slifer nearly tripped over. Heavens above, he could get used to these kinds of Karmic windfalls. Sure, he hadn''t enlightened everyone, but over 50,000 Credits was nothing to sneeze at. It took some of the sting out of creating that expensive Ascendant Avatar.
Basking in his success, a realization hit Slifer like a Spirit Beast''s backhand. He had dawdled in this sect long enough. He still had a trip to make to the Black Death Sect, he couldn''t afford to let those righteous bores get there before him.
It was time for this bodhisattva to grace the next batch of unruly disciples with his merciful tutelage. After pilfering their Sect''s Manuals for Core Formation tips, of course.
Truly, doing evil for the greater good is such tireless work!
"Right then!" He clapped his hands, the sound echoing like a thunderclap. "I trust I''ve given you lot plenty to chew on. Meditate on these profound truths, plumb their depths...and maybe, you''ll scrape together something resembling a proper Golden Core. Stranger things have happened."
He turned on his heel, robes swirling dramatically. "Class dismissed. Now scram, the lot of you. Teacher''s got places to be and faces to frighten."
The disciples scattered like startled rabbits, more than one tripping over their feet in their haste to obey. Slifer watched them go, a smirk playing about his lips.
Ah, to be the unquestioned authority figure.
Chapter 104: Pseudo-Will
Zack walked towards the city gates of Xairen, his white robes fluttering in the chilly mountain breeze. To any passerby, he looked like just another young cultivator visiting the great city.
Gotta play it cool, act like I belong here, Zack thought, keeping his expression neutral. At least until I cement my position. Then Mia''s accusations won''t matter.
Fabricating a cover story had been child''s play with Hallibur''s memories. Zack now knew enough about the Northern Region to pass as a native. He just needed to sell the lie.
"Halt! State your name and purpose," a burly guard barked when Zack reached the gates.
"This one is Alfie, Zack bowed. A rogue cultivator seeking to mend his ways and join a righteous sect."
The guard sneered. "A rogue? Hmph, we''ll be watching you closely then. Cause any trouble and you''ll be dead before you know it."
Zack raised his hands. "I assure you, those days are behind me. I only wish to start again in your magnificent city."
With a disinterested look, the guard waved him through. "See that you do. The King of the Moon God Sect has no patience for troublemakers."
Neither do I, Zack mused.
Stepping into Xairen, he took in the sprawling metropolis of ice and stone. Pagodas stood like frozen sentinels amidst a sea of slate-roofed buildings. Thousands of cultivators filled the streets, haggling with merchants or hurrying to unknown destinations.
Zack extended his senses, trying to locate Mia''s aura. There! Near the central pavilion. In a burst of speed, he blinked through the crowds, appearing behind the oblivious girl.
"Hey there Mia! Miss me already?"
"Gah!" Mia spun around, nearly decking Zack. "Alfie! Don''t sneak up on me like that!" Then her eyes narrowed. "Wait, where''s Master? Why are you here alone?"
Showtime. Zack put on a serious expression.
"About thatI''m afraid I have concerning news. Your master tasked me with passing on an urgent message."
Her eyes widened. "What? What message?"
Zack glanced around as if wary of eavesdroppers. "Not here. Let''s find somewhere private to talk."
They ducked into a deserted alley. Zack lowered his voice.
"Your master uncovered a conspiracy within your sect. Traitors in league with the Frozen Lotus Sect, planning to undermine the Sun Palace''s position. He''s gone to investigate further and root them out."
Mia paled. "Traitors? In our sect? But why not tell me himself?"
Zack shook his head. "He feared the conspirators might have eyes and ears everywhere. By sending an outsider like me, he avoided arousing their suspicion."
He gripped her shoulders, expression intense. "Master Hallibur instructed you to return to the Sun Palace Sect immediately. Speak of this to no one. Act as if everything is normal. He will contact you once he''s dealt with the traitors. But for now, you must not let them know he''s on to them."
Mia swallowed hard, then straightened with resolve. "I understand. II will do as Master instructs."
Zack nodded. "Good. Now go, before anyone becomes suspicious. Your master is counting on you."
Pulling out her flying sword, Mia prepared to take off, but Zack stopped her.
"Whoa there, you might want to reconsider that. Flying is forbidden in the city for anyone below the Origin Realm."
Mia scoffed. "Please, I''m a disciple of the Sun Palace Sect. They wouldn''t dare stop me."
With that, she shot into the sky, speeding off toward the southern horizon. However, she didn''t get far before a group of city guards on flying swords intercepted her.
"Stop right there and get down immediately or face the consequences!" one of the guards shouted.
Mia''s face reddened with indignation. "Do you know who I am? I''m Mia, disciple of Elder Hallibur of the Sun Palace Sect!"
The guard remained unmoved. "I don''t care if you were the Sect Master''s daughter. The law applies to everyone. Now, get down before we make you."
Grumbling, Mia reluctantly descended back to where Zack stood, shaking his head at her actions.
"Told you so," he said with a smirk.
Mia glared at him. "Oh, shut up. I guess I''ll just have to walk out of the city like a commoner." She gave Zack a final nod. "Take care of yourself, Alfie. I''ll be back to check on how youre doing once everything is sorted."
With that, she strode off toward the city gates, her flying sword tucked away.
Zack watched her go, a faint smile on his lips. Spoiled little sect princess. She''s in for a rude awakening if she thinks her status means anything outside these walls. But that''s not my problem.
Shaking his head, Zack turned and continued into the city proper. That should keep her out of my hair for a while. By the time she gets back, it''ll be too late.
He turned and melted back into the crowd. It was time to get down to business.
Zack made his way deeper into the city, keeping his senses alert. Thanks to Hallibur''s memories, he now knew Xairen like the back of his hand. Every hidden alleyway, every shady tavern, every secretive information brokerall of it was laid bare in his mind.
So many useful tidbits floating around in that old man''s head, Zack mused. Almost makes me feel bad for killing him. Almost.
He chuckled darkly to himself. A passing merchant gave him an alarmed look before scurrying away.
Zack paid the man no mind as he arrived at his destination: The Drunken Immortal Inn.
It cant be a true xianxia unless there is a Drunken Immortal Innthey probably have one in every realm.
To the uninitiated, the inn looked like any other seedy watering hole. But those in the know understood it was a hub for all manner of illicit activity.
The inn was built right up against the city''s walls. According to Hallibur''s memories, a secret tunnel from the cellar led directly outside, bypassing the gates entirely. Useful information if he ever needed a quick escape.
Zack pushed open the door and stepped inside. Shady looking men huddled around rickety tables, muttering to each other. A bored barmaid wiped down some dirty glasses.
Only a few customers bothered to glance up at Zack''s entrance. He wasn''t worried. They likely dismissed him as just another young rogue cultivator. His simple robes and lack of flashy artifacts helped him blend right in.
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Zack made his way to the bar and ordered a cup of wine. The barmaid slid it over wordlessly before turning back to her cleaning.
As Zack sipped the sour alcohol, he expanded his spiritual sense, picking up snatches of hushed conversation.
"...damned Moon God Sect, squeezing us for every last spirit stone..."
"...new batch of Everblood Flower just came in, expensive as hell..."
"...Sect Master Helios must be shitting himself, what with the tribute deadline coming up..."
Zack filed away each tidbit for later. He never knew what seemingly random piece of information might prove valuable.
After finishing his drink, he climbed the creaky stairs to the second floor and rented out a room from the apathetic innkeeper. Fortunately, spirit stones were a universal currency.
Once inside, Zack pulled out two talismans from his storage ring and placed them strategically around the room.
First, he placed the Shroud of Spiritual Obscurity to the door. This jet-black talisman would create an impenetrable barrier against spiritual sense below the Ascendant Realm, effectively hiding Zack''s presence from prying eyes. As he activated it with a flick of his spiritual energy, the talisman emitted a faint, pulsing red light.
The Main Body really came through with this one, Zack mused, admiring the talisman''s handiwork. With this, I can scheme in peace without worrying about nosy cultivators poking around in my business.
Next, he placed the Aegis of Profound Protection in the centre of the room. This gold talisman would generate a powerful defensive field capable of withstanding a single attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator. As Zack activated it, a shimmering dome of energy sprang into existence, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow.
And if someone does try to get the drop on me, this little beauty will buy me enough time to mount a counterattack or escape, Zack thought with a smirk. The Main Body sure knows how to pick ''em.
With his preparations complete, Zack sat down on the cultivation pillow.
Okay, so I''ve successfully infiltrated Xairen. That annoying girl is out of the way. Time to figure out my next move.
Zack''s eyes narrowed in thought as he recalled why he was sent to this realm in the first place. Many disciples from the outside mistakenly believed the greatest treasures of the Sealed Realm were its secret techniques, rare resources, and ancient artifacts.
But those were mere trinkets compared to the true ultimate prize: The Realm''s Blessing.
It was a little-known secret, passed down only to the Legacy Disciples.
The blessing manifested for those who performed grand acts that benefited the Sealed Realm as a whole. Not piddly little good deeds, but true large-scale development that advanced the realm closer to generating a true Heavenly Will.
Because of course this backwater dimension can''t manage a real Heavenly Will, Zack scoffed mentally. It''s just a half-assed imitation that needs outsiders to do its job for it.
Still, therein lay the opportunity. By receiving the Realm''s Blessing, one could receive unique abilities and use the Realms Qi to breakthrough.
And I intend to claim that blessing for myself, Zack declared silently. I just need to figure out what this pseudo-Will wants...
He began brainstorming possibilities.
Maybe he could help reform the sects, bringing about a new era of cooperation and unity? Nah, too idealistic. These factions were too set in their ways.
Perhaps he could lead a crusade against the rogue cultivators, wiping them out to usher in an age of peace? Tempting, but ultimately it would just be putting a band-aid on the underlying issues.
No, no, I''m thinking about this all wrong, Zack realized. I need to look for signs of where the Will is already nudging things, then give it a push in that direction.
Closing his eyes, Zack delved into Hallibur''s memories once more, looking for patterns and clues.
The Noble Sects constantly warring for dominance, resulting in a tense uneasy stalemate...
Rogue cultivators rising up in response to this imbalance, disrupting the tribute system...
And the King of Xairen, ruling with an iron fist, oppressing all beneath his heel...
Slowly, an idea began to take shape in Zack''s mind. A grin spread across his face.
Of course! It''s so obvious! The Will wants a total upheaval of the status quo. And I''m just the man to make that happen.
But he couldn''t be too hasty. He would need to insert himself into the current power structure first, gaining influence while assessing the lay of the land.
And to do that, he needed to join a sect.
Joining one of the top tier sects was out of the question. With his current cultivation, he''d just end up as some low-ranking inner disciple or guest elder at best.
No, what he needed was a sect on the decline, one he could "help" in exchange for slowly taking control behind the scenes. Becoming a shadow sect master would grant him a power base to work all sorts of schemes.
A wry smile appeared on Zacks face, remembering how his main body had strong-armed the Black Heart Sect into submission. Guess we''re just a couple of sect-stealing bastards, aren''t we? Must run in the, err, blood? Soul? Whatever.
Now, time to find a suitable target, Zack sifted through Hallibur''s knowledge until the perfect target jumped out at him: The Fiery Mist Sect.
Once a powerful faction, the Fiery Mist Sect had fallen on hard times. Their former Sect Leader recently fell in battle, and his replacement was still solidifying his position. They were struggling to meet their tribute demands to the Moon God Sect and their numbers had dwindled to an all-time low.
They were teetering on the brink, desperate for any lifeline. A vulnerability Zack fully intended to exploit.
Time to pay my new friends a visit.
Whistling a tune, Zack strolled out of the Drunken Immortal, just another unassuming young cultivator out to make his mark on the world.
Chapter 105: The Fiery Mist Sect
Finick, the new Sect Master of the Fiery Mist Sect, paced restlessly in his quarters. His hands trembled as he clenched them into fists, trying to stop them from shaking. He had never wanted this role, had never been prepared for it. And now, with the news of his father''s death on the southern battlefront, the weight of leadership fell on his shoulders.
I''m not ready for this, he thought, panic rising in his chest. I can''t do this. I''m not strong enough, not wise enough. I''m just a spoiled young master who only knows how to drink and chase women.
His father, Ignius, had been a powerhouse, a Late Nascent Soul expert who commanded respect through his strength and wisdom. Under his leadership, the Fiery Mist Sect had prospered, becoming one of the top sects below the five major powers in the Northern Region.
But now...now Ignius was gone, fallen in battle against the forces of the Central Continent. And Finick was left to pick up the pieces, to somehow fill the void left by his legendary father.
How could this happen? Finick thought, sinking into his chair, head in his hands. Father was invincible. I always thought...I never imagined he could actually die.
A bitter laugh escaped his lips. He had grown up believing his father to be an undefeatable god, an immovable mountain. To have that illusion shattered so brutally left Finick reeling, lost and unsure.
A sudden knock at the door startled him from his spiralling thoughts.
"C-come in," he called, trying to gather his composure.
A nervous-looking disciple entered, head bowed. "Sect Master, apologies for the intrusion. But the Moon God Sect representative has returned. He...he is demanding an increase in our tribute payment."
Finick gritted his teeth, a flash of anger burning through his grief and self-pity. That smug bastard from the Moon God Sect, always swaggering around like he owned the place, extorting them for every last spirit stone. It made Finick sick.
But what can I do? he thought bitterly. I may only be a half-step away from the Nascent Soul realm but he is a genuine Nascent Soul cultivator, it is not even comparable. Without Father, we have no one who can stand up to him.
A wry smile twisted his lips as he remembered all the times he himself had bullied those weaker than him, revelling in his status as the Sect Master''s son. How the tables had turned.
"Give him what he wants," Finick said with a sigh, waving a dismissive hand.
The disciple''s eyes widened. "But Sect Master, we don''t have the resources to-"
"Find a way!" Finick snapped, slamming his fist on the table. "Sell some treasures, dig into our reserves, I don''t care. Just make it happen."
The disciple swallowed hard but bowed his head. "Y-yes, Sect Master." He scurried out of the room, leaving Finick alone with his misery once more.
I''m a failure, he thought, burying his head in his hands. A useless, pathetic failure. I''ve always relied on Father for everything. And now, when the Sect needs me most, I have nothing to offer.
"It looks like you could use some help," a voice suddenly spoke from the shadows.
Finick leaped to his feet, qi flaring defensively as he whirled to face the intruder. His eyes widened as a figure stepped out from the corner of the room, body encased in swirling grey armour that obscured his features.
"W-who are you?" Finick demanded, trying to keep his voice steady. "How did you get in here?"
The question felt stupid the moment it left his lips. He could feel the powerful aura rolling off the stranger in waves, the pressure of a Peak Nascent Soul realm expert, even greater than his own father had been.
The armoured man chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to fill the room. "I am your help, your guide, your mentor. I can give you everything you need to save your Sect."
Finick swallowed hard, mind racing. This had to be some kind of trick, a trap. No one offered something for nothing, especially not someone this powerful.
"And why would you help me?" he asked warily.
The figure spread his hands. "Because I see potential in you, Finick. I see a leader waiting to be born. But you''re lost, directionless. You need someone to show you the way."
He stepped closer, looming over Finick. "Without me, you will drive the Fiery Mist Sect into ruin. All your father''s hard work, all he sacrificed and bled for, will be for nothing. Is that what you want?"
Finick flinched as if struck. The stranger''s words cut deep, voicing all the doubts and fears swirling inside him.
"N-no, of course not. But I..." He trailed off, looking away in shame.
The armoured man placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm but not painful. "I know you''ve grown accustomed to a certain lifestyle, Finick. The wine, the women, the luxury. And I can help you keep all of that. All you need to do is listen to me, follow my guidance. Can you do that?"
Finick hesitated, a chill running down his spine. This felt wrong, dangerous. Like he was making a deal with a devil, bargaining away his soul for fleeting pleasure and power.
But what choice do I have? he thought desperately. I can''t do this alone. I need help, need someone to tell me what to do.
His father''s final words echoed in his mind, a last, fading whisper of the man he had been.
"Grow up, Finick. Become the man I know you can be. The Sect will one day be yours. Don''t let me down."
With a shaky breath, Finick met the stranger''s gaze and nodded. "I...I''ll do it. I''ll follow your lead."
The man smiled, a flash of white teeth in the shadows of his helmet. "Excellent. You''ve made the right choice."
He waved a hand and the grey armour dissipated like smoke on the wind, revealing a handsome young man underneath. Finick blinked in surprise. If he hadn''t just witnessed that overwhelming aura, he would never believe this youth possessed such power.
He must be one of those ancient monsters, the ones who can change their appearance at will, Finick realized with a shiver. Just how old and strong is he really?
Another knock sounded at the door, making Finick jump. He glanced uncertainly at his new "mentor".
The young man smirked, waving a hand lazily. "You''d better answer that."
Finick cleared his throat. "Come in!"
The same disciple as before entered, looking even more harried and agitated.
"What is it?" Finick asked, frowning at the panic on the man''s face.
The disciple''s eyes darted between Finick and the strange youth, clearly uncertain if he should speak in front of an outsider. Finick gestured impatiently for him to continue.
"I-it''s the Moon God Sect representative again," the disciple stammered. "He-he says he''s growing tired of the insults and delays. He''s demanding that you, the Sect Master, go to him and... and kowtow to show your obedience and fealty to the Moon God Sect."
Finick'' face flushed red with humiliation and fury. To kowtow to that smirking, imperious bastard, debasing himself before all his subordinates... Just the thought made his blood boil.
But what can I do? The now-familiar refrain of helplessness echoed in his mind. He holds all the power here. If I refuse, he''ll...
A sudden laugh interrupted his racing thoughts. Finick turned to see his newfound ally grinning, a fierce light in his eyes.
"Don''t worry," the young man said, clapping Finick on the shoulder, "I''ll deal with this arrogant fool. Just follow my lead and watch how a real master handles things."
With that, the enigmatic cultivator strode out of the room, leaving a stunned Finick to hurry after him.
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What have I gotten myself into? he wondered as he followed the confident figure. Who is this man, really? And what does he truly want from me?
But even as doubt gnawed at him, a flicker of hope sparked to life in Finick'' heart. Maybe, just maybe, with this mysterious powerhouse on his side, the Fiery Mist Sect stood a chance. Maybe he wouldn''t fail his father after all.
I guess I''ll find out soon enough, he thought grimly as they approached the courtyard where the Moon God Sect representative awaited. One way or another, things are about to change around here.
***
When the group arrived at the courtyard, they found Moon God Sect representative standing there with an oily smile on his face. He wore flowing silver robes adorned with crescent moon emblems, his greying hair slicked back into a topknot. Behind him stood a group of a dozen black-clad cultivators, hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
"Ah, Sect Master Finick," the representative, Elder Marius, called out in a mocking tone. "So good of you to finally grace us with your presence."
Finick gritted his teeth, fury and humiliation warring within him. He took a step forward, ready to unleash a scathing retort, but a firm hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"Allow me," his mysterious ally murmured, gliding past him with a confident stride.
Elder Marius'' eyes narrowed as he took in the young man. "And who might you be?" he demanded. "I don''t remember seeing you around the Fiery Mist Sect before."
The youth smiled, a cold, sharp thing that didn''t reach his eyes. "I am Alfie, Sect Master Finick''s new advisor. I''ll be handling this... negotiation on his behalf."
Marius scoffed, his lip curling in disdain. "An advisor? How quaint. As if I would lower myself to deal with an outsider."
He pointed a finger at Finick. "Now, kneel and kowtow as you''ve been instructed, boy. It''s time you learned your place."
Finick'' face burned with shame and anger. His fists clenched at his sides as he fought the urge to lunge at the sneering elder, to wipe that arrogant look off his face. But he knew it would be futile. Marius was a Nascent Soul expert, as far beyond Finick as the heavens were above the earth.
Zack, however, seemed utterly unfazed by the threat. He crossed his arms, cocking his head to the side as if examining a mildly interesting insect.
"Kneel?" he repeated, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Now why would the Sect Master of the Fiery Mist Sect kneel to a lowly representative like you?"
Marius'' face purpled with rage. "Lowly?! You insolent whelp, I am an elder of the exalted Moon God Sect! Your master is merely the puppet ruler of a second-rate power, clinging to relevance only by our good graces!"
Zack yawned theatrically, examining his nails. "Is that so? From where I stand, it looks more like the Moon God Sect is a pack of bullies, extorting and oppressing those it should be protecting. Hardly behaviour befitting the ''exalted'' sects, wouldn''t you say?"
Marius sputtered, spittle flying from his lips. "You... you... how dare you speak such slander!"
His hand shot out, a blinding bolt of ice qi screeching towards Zack''s heart. Finick cried out in alarm, sure he was about to watch his only hope perish before his eyes.
But as the deadly blast neared, a swirling vortex of grey smoke suddenly enveloped Zack''s form. The ice qi slammed into the smoky barrier and shattered into a million glittering shards, dissipating harmlessly.
Zack emerged from the smoke unscathed, his expression almost bored. "Tsk tsk," he chided, wagging a finger as if scolding a misbehaving child. "Attacking a guest in your host''s own home? How unseemly. Is this how the Moon God Sect treats its neighbours?"
Marius gaped, stunned at how easily his attack had been nullified. Behind him, his retinue shifted uneasily, uncertainty creeping into their expressions.
Zack sighed, shaking his head in disappointment as the smoky armour continued to swirl around him. "It seems you are unwilling to see reason, Elder Marius. A pity. I had hoped we could resolve this like civilized men."
His eyes flashed with a sudden, terrifying light. "But if you insist on using force, then I''m more than happy to oblige."
The air around Zack shimmered and distorted, his armour pulsing with an otherworldly energy. He extended a hand, palm facing outward, and his eyes burned brighter.
"Void Piercer."
The words were softly spoken, but they seemed to echo in the sudden silence of the courtyard. A dark, swirling vortex appeared before Zack''s palm, crackling with power. The grey smoke from his armour flowed into the vortex, turning it a deep, malevolent black.
Finick found himself instinctively holding his breath, transfixed by the sight.
For a moment, nothing happened. Marius sneered, his face twisted with vindictive glee. "Ha! All bark and no bite, just as I thought"
His words cut off with a choked gurgle. Slowly, disbelievingly, he looked down at his chest, where a tiny, inconspicuous hole had appeared, right over his heart. A thin trickle of blood leaked from the wound, staining his immaculate silver robes crimson.
"W-what..." Marius lifted a trembling hand to the hole, his fingers coming away wet and red. "H-how..."
Zack lowered his hand, his expression cold and remote. "The Void Piercer technique manipulates space itself. It phases through all barriers, all defences, to strike at the target''s most vital point."
He took a step forward, and though his voice remained calm, the air seemed to tremble with the weight of his presence. "You made a grave mistake challenging me, Elder Marius. One that you will not live long enough to regret."
As if on cue, Marius crumpled to his knees, blood pouring from his mouth and nose. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he toppled face-first to the ground, limbs twitching spasmodically.
Behind him, his retinue stood frozen in shock and horror, their faces drained of colour. Several took stumbling steps back, hands shaking as they gripped their swords.
Zack turned his burning gaze on them, and they flinched as if struck. "Let this be a message to your masters in the Moon God Sect," he declared, his voice ringing out like a clarion call. "The Fiery Mist Sect is not to be trifled with. We will not bow to your tyranny any longer."
He made a dismissive gesture. "Now, get out of my sight. And take that trash with you." He flicked a finger towards Marius'' still-twitching corpse.
The Moon God Sect cultivators didn''t need to be told twice. They scrambled forward, scooping up their fallen elder with shaking hands, and fled the courtyard as if the hounds of hell nipped at their heels.
Finick watched them go, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. He turned slowly to Zack, shock and awe warring on his face.
"You... you killed him," he whispered hoarsely. "Just like that. A Nascent Soul elder."
Zack shrugged, dusting off his hands as if he''d just finished a mildly strenuous chore. "He was courting death with his arrogance. I merely obliged him."
He turned to face Finick fully, his eyes intense and searching. "This is the kind of strength you will need to lead the Fiery Mist Sect into a new era, Finick. The strength to stand up to tyrants and bullies, to forge your own path."
As the smoky armour dissipated, he placed a hand on the young Sect Master''s shoulder. "And I can help you attain that strength, if you''re willing to learn. But for the moment, all you need to do is rely on me."
Finick gulped, his heart racing. As he looked into the young mans calm eyes, he felt like he was on the brink of a cliff, wavering between his past and an uncertain future ahead.
Do I dare take that leap? he wondered silently.
Chapter 106: Is This What It Means To Have A Sugar Daddy...?
Zack lounged in his quarters, savouring the roast duck and crispy pork belly the Fiery Mist Sect had provided. The food here was first-rate, a definite step up from the trail rations he''d been living off recently. He had to hand it to Finick - the young Sect Master knew how to treat an honoured guest.
Not bad, he mused. The quarters are comfy too. That Finick kid sure is trying to butter me up.
The former arrogant young master had practically begged Zack to take over the sect master''s chambers, but Zack had politely declined. No need to ruffle the old fogeys'' feathers just yet by staging an overt takeover.
Besides, subtlety is key when trying to build your own little empire, he reminded himself with a chuckle.
Zack wasn''t entirely certain if this whole "overthrowing the status quo" gig was what the Pseudo-Heavenly Will had in mind, but hey, no harm in consolidating some power in the meantime, right? Play the long game and all that.
He picked at his teeth idly, pondering his next move. If he could just wrangle some top-notch treasures out of the old man, he could turn this backwater sect into a regional powerhouse. Strong enough to make the Moon God Sect think twice about messing with them.
Well, for a little while at least.
Just as he was contemplating the finer points of Cultivator politics, a familiar voice echoed in his soul.
You know how many Credits it takes to send you those ''trinkets''?
Zack smirked. Nothing like a little ribbing from yourself to brighten the day.
Apologies, not all of us have a system to speed things up, Zack sent back, not sounding sorry at all. But hey, you saw the memory, I need the stuff. Gotta put on a good show, ya know?
A disgruntled snort. Yeah, yeah. Quit yer yapping. The stuff''s in your ring.
Zack grinned, giving his storage ring a little pat. The old man always came through in the end.
With an elegant flick of his wrist, he summoned the treasures, each one hovering in the air before him. Zack let out a low whistle of appreciation. The Main Body sure hadn''t skimped this time.
First up was the Aegis Bastion Formation, a handy little setup that could tank an attack from an Ascendant Realm big-shot -- provided you had enough peons fuelling it with their Qi. Good thing minions grew on trees around these parts. Though like most formations, it became a fancy light show if you ran out of fuel.
Next was a Spirit Vein, a rare and precious resource that could speed up cultivation. This particular beauty was only High Earth Rank, because apparently springing for Heaven Rank would''ve put too much of a dent in the karma credit card. Still, considering the Fiery Mist Sect''s current collection topped out at "Low Earth," this was quite the upgrade. Should get the old coots off his back for a bit. Say what you will about cultivators, but nothing says "I come in peace" like cold hard resources.
And last but not least was a snazzy black cloak that would make Harry Potter green with envy. Not only could it hide his stunning features from sight, it also cloaked his aura from anyone under the Ascendant Realm. The perfect accessory for late night strolls and political skullduggery.
Zack admired his new toys, but a sudden thought made him pause and shake his head. Knowing the typical Xianxia plot, there was probably some half-step-Immortal-Realm geezer lurking in the shadows, secretly running the show. The kind of guy who''d burn down a whole realm for a tiny power-up.
I shouldn''t laugh, he mused soberly. Knowing my luck, that clich is spot on.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his musings. "Enter," Zack called out, tucking the cloak away for now.
Finick shuffled in, looking equal parts awed and terrified in Zack''s presence. Zack had to suppress a smirk. Kid thought he was some mysterious old monster in disguise. If only he knew...
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"How may I assist you today, Sect Master Finick?" Zack asked in his best "wise senior" voice.
Finick gulped, head bowed. "S-senior, this unworthy one seeks your guidance. Now that we''ve offended the Moon God Sect, they''re sure to send someone even stronger. What... what should we do?"
Zack smiled, holding up a hand. "Peace, young Sect Master. The Moon God Sect is as predictable as they are arrogant. They''ll send their attack dog, we''ll put it down, and so on until they finally take us seriously."
He gestured to the artifacts. "And with these little beauties, we''ll be more than ready for them."
Finick''s eyes nearly bugged out of his head as he looked at the legendary treasures up close. "Are...are those...?"
He actually reached up to rub his eyes, as if dispelling an illusion. When the items stubbornly remained, he sank to his knees.
"Senior...I don''t...how..."
Zack enjoyed watching the youth grapple with his own cognitive dissonance for a moment longer, than took pity on him. He clapped a hand on Finick''s shoulder.
"Rise, sect master. You''ll be in no state to oversee implementation of these gifts if you pass out from shock."
Nodding dumbly, Finick clambered to his feet, visibly struggling to compose himself. His impression of Zack''s "seniority" clearly rising by the second. He stared at the Spirit Vein in particular, marvelling at the High Earth Rank quality.
Zack could practically see the questions burning on the boy''s tongue, but to his credit, Finick kept his mouth shut. Smart lad. Rule one of Cultivator Club: Don''t ask where the mysterious experts get their shiny toys.
"The Spirit Vein will help our long game," Zack explained. "Elders will advance, disciples will grow. In time, the Qi here will be worthy of an elite Sect."
He made a show of wrinkling his nose and glancing around disdainfully. Seriously, the ambient energy here was barely a step up from mortal air. How did they cultivate in this?
Finick ducked his head, ears pink with embarrassment. Clearly he''d picked up on Zack''s unspoken distaste.
When his gaze fell on the formation disc, he cocked his head quizzically.
Zack grinned, always happy to educate an avid student. "That, my dear Sect Master, is the Aegis Bastion Formation," he declared grandly. "Once properly set up and powered, it can block an attack from an Ascendant Realm expert."
Finick made a strangled noise, eyes practically bulging out of his head. "A-A-Ascendant?!" he stammered. "With that protecting us, the Fiery Mist Sect would be untouchable!"
The young man fell to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly. "Senior is as generous as he is mighty! This Finick can never repay such a debt!"
Zack waved off the flowery praise, secretly preening inside. Oh yes, he could get used to this "wise master" gig. The Main Body had his fair share of it, now it was his turn.
"Think nothing of it. I''m merely fulfilling my duty to set this sect on the right path. Which reminds me--we have preparations to make. Go brief the elders on how to operate the formation. I expect our ''visitors'' will arrive within two days."
Finick nodded vigorously, snatching up the formation disc and scurrying away with a chorus of breathless "yes senior"s.
As the door clicked shut, Zack collapsed back into his seat with a smug grin, basking in the sound of Finick barking orders and feet scrabbling to obey in the courtyard.
For all his bravado, he knew the next couple days would make or break his gambit. If he succeeded, he''d have the Fiery Mist Sect in his back pocket, a first step to shaking up the realm''s status quo. If he failedwell, there were fates worse than death for an upstart "Protagonist" in a Xianxia world.
On that note, perhaps I should direct some of the sect''s resources into establishing a proper intelligence network. One never knew when a choice bit of blackmail or a well-placed spy might come in handy...
Chapter 107: Pay To Win Baby!
Finicks POV
Finick wiped the sweat from his brow as he finished explaining the formation to the last group of disciples. Two days of nonstop drills had everyone on edge, waiting for the inevitable retaliation from the Moon God Sect. The tension hung thick in the air, like a heavy fog before a storm.
"I still say we should have just kept our heads down," Elder Balthus grumbled. "No good ever came from poking a dragon."
Finick shot the old man a sharp look. Balthus had been a thorn in his father''s side for years, always questioning his decisions, undermining his authority. If only Finick could expel the troublesome fossil - but an Early Nascent Soul elder was not so easily cast aside.
"Enough of that coward talk!" Elder Jayna snapped. "We''ve been under the Moon God Sect''s boot for too long. It''s high time we stood up for ourselves!" A fiery glint entered her eyes as she turned to face the disciples. "Not like that coward Ignius, content to lick the Moon God Sect''s boots..."
Finick felt his ears burn. While he appreciated Jayna''s support, did she have to disparage his late father in the process? The man had done his best in an impossible situation.
The disciples huddled in nervous clumps, whispering amongst themselves.
"Who do you think that mysterious expert was? The one who killed the Moon God elder?"
"I heard he''s a rogue cultivator, come to destroy the sects!"
"No, no, he''s a hidden master, here to guide us to glory!"
"I heard he''s an Outsider! Came from beyond the Northern Wastes to stir up trouble!"
"Don''t be stupid, an Outsider would never risk going against the Moon God Sect..."
The wild speculation and bickering flared, growing louder and more agitated by the second. Finick watched the rising chaos with a sinking feeling in his gut.
They''re scared, he realized. They''re looking for anything to latch onto, any scrap of hope or intrigue to distract from the danger ahead. I need to get them focused, united. I need to lead.
Squaring his shoulders, Finick gathered his qi and released a wave of Early Nascent Soul aura, letting it wash over the courtyard like a crashing wave. The babble died instantly as every eye turned to him, wide and startled.
Project confidence, Alfie''s advice echoed in his mind. Even if you don''t feel it, make them believe it. That''s what a real Sect Master does.
Finick took a deep breath, and forced his voice to come out strong and steady. "I know you have questions about Senior Alfie," Finick said, trying to keep his voice steady. "And I understand your suspicion. But consider this - a cultivator of his level has no need for a sect like ours. He has gifted us with treasures and knowledge, asking nothing in return. If we repay his generosity with ingratitude, then we have only ourselves to blame when he withdraws his support."
The elders'' eyes widened, no doubt recalling the ease with which Alfie had dispatched the Moon God elder. A few disciples gulped audibly.
Finick pressed on, hoping his voice sounded more confident than he felt. "With Senior Alfie as our patron, we have nothing to fear - not even the Moon God SC"
"Is that so?" a voice cut through Finick''s speech like a bolt of icy lightning. The words seemed to shake the very heavens, reverberating through the courtyard with unnatural force.
Finick''s head snapped up. Hovering above the sect grounds was a figure that appeared no older than a child of ten. But the sheer pressure emanating from his little form left no doubt - this was no mere child, but an ancient master of the Origin Realm.
The figure sneered down at them, his voice echoing across the distance. "Care to repeat those words to my face?"
A gasp rippled through the crowd as they recognized the newcomer - not just an Origin Realm expert, but the Moon God Sect Master''s right hand man C Orion!
Orion''s cultivation was rumoured to be in the Mid-stage of the Origin Realm. An Early Origin Realm expert would fall to a cultivator of Orions level nine times out of ten. It would be like an amateur challenging a seasoned gladiator. Against such an opponent, what hope did they have?
Finick felt his knees tremble as Orion casually tapped the purple barrier that sprang up around the sect.
Orion clicked his tongue. "Tsk. This toy might withstand three of my attacks. Maybe four. And then..." He smiled, a cold, terrifying expression. "Then you all die."
Finick felt his tongue turn to lead in his mouth, his earlier bravado withering under the crushing weight of Orions aura. He opened his mouth to reply, to say something, anything, but no words came out.
I can''t do this, he thought desperately. I''m not ready, I''m not strong enough. Father, what would you do? What would you say to this monster in child''s skin?
But his father was gone, and Finick was alone, drowning in his own inadequacy. He could feel the eyes of his sect upon him, could sense their mounting panic as they saw their leader falter.
It''s over, a voice whispered in his mind. We''re doomed. I''ve doomed us all with my arrogance, my stupidity. I should have listened to Balthus, I should haveC
A hand clasped his shoulder. Firm. Reassuring.
Alfie.
Relief flooded through Finick at the sight of his mentor, standing tall and unafraid before Orion''s might. With Alfie here, they had a chance. They had to.
Alfie leaned in close, his voice low and urgent. "Get the formation ready. I''ll handle our guest."
Finick nodded jerkily, his brain kicking into gear. He spun to face the stunned crowd. "Elders! Disciples! Take your positions! We activate the formation on my mark!"
As the scrambled to comply, Orion''s gaze locked onto Alfie, his eyes narrowing. "You! You''re the one who killed an Elder from my sect? Bold of you to show your face."
"Killed one elder so far," Alfie corrected. "But don''t worry, I''m always happy to add to my tally. Maybe I''ll start a collection: Delusional man-children who don''t know when to quit."
"You dare?" Orion hissed, his small hands clenching into fists. "You dare mock me, you insignificant worm?
"Oh, I dare," Alfie retorted. "I dare to see you for what you are: A bully and a coward, hiding behind your master''s robes. Tell me, does he let you sit on his lap during sect meetings, or do you have your own special cushion?"
Orion''s face turned an interesting shade of purple. With a snarl, he thrust out his hand. The very air seemed to crystallize around him, freezing mist swirling into a perfect sphere above his palm.
Finick watched in horrified awe as the ice orb began to glow, tongues of crimson fire flickering to life within its heart. Hot and cold qi intertwined, the clashing energies contained within a prison of Orion''s will.
The power radiating from that condensed sphere of elements tripped every danger sense Finick possessed. If that struck the barrier before the formation was active...
Two strikes. Maybe three. And then oblivion.
As if in slow motion, Finick saw Orion rear back his arm. The sphere rocket from his hand and struck the barrier with a blinding flash. The entire sect trembled, light skittering across the dome as it struggled to absorb the impact. For one terrifying heartbeat, the barrier flickered, guttering like a candle flame in a hurricane.
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And held. Barely.
"How much longer?" Alfie''s tone was mild, as if asking about the weather rather than their imminent destruction.
Finick glanced at the elders, frantically pouring their energy into the formations. Beads of sweat gathered on his brow. "A few minutes. Maybe five?"
Alfie sighed, turning back to face Orion. "Guess I''m on toddler duty till then."
Finick winced. Taunting a berserk Origin Realm expert, was that really wise? But he didn''t dare question his mentor now. Not with their lives on the line.
***
Zacks POV
Zack sighed heavily as he watched the Moon God Sect elder floating menacingly outside the barrier. If the Fiery Mist Sect disciples couldn''t get the Grand Formation up in time, he would have no choice but to step in and personally hold back this Origin Realm powerhouse.
Not exactly my idea of a good time, he mused wryly. Facing down an Origin Realm powerhouse without any Critical Block Cards? Talk about feeling exposed!
He patted the storage pouch at his waist, hoping the treasures his Main Body had provided would be enough to force a stalemate, if it came to that. In theory, they should be able to deal with an Origin Realm expert. But Zack wasn''t keen on testing that theory. If the enemy pulled out some kind of last-ditch, suicide move...well, Zack had no intention of being taken down with him.
Zack shook his head. Like he always said - he was far too young and pretty to die.
"Looks like we''re doing this the hard way," he announced, cracking his knuckles. "Fair warning, kid: I may not be able to go all out without bringing this whole mountain down on our heads...but I''ve got more than a few tricks up my sleeve."
"You think your parlour tricks can stand against the might of a true Origin Realm expert?" Orion spat. "I''ll grind you to dust and scatter your remains across the frozen peaks!"
Alfie''s grin turned sharp, predatory. "Big words, tiny terror. Let''s see if you can back them up."
"Why don''t you step outside that flimsy barrier, boy? We will see if you dare talk a big game then!"
Zack had to laugh at that. This arrogant little twerp really thought he could goad him into leaving the protective formation? Not a chance. The whole advantage of a sect barrier was that it stopped enemies from attacking those inside, while still allowing the defenders to project their attacks outwards. Which meant Zack could blast away at this Moon God goon to his heart''s content without having to worry about a single hair on his own handsome head getting singed.
No way was he going to throw away that edge by playing the reckless hero. Maybe in cheap cultivation novels, the dashing protagonist would leap out to duel the wicked invader in honourable single combat. But this was real life. And in real life, tactically sound choices tended to trump grandstanding heroics.
Zack raised his right hand and extended his index finger, pointing it directly at Orion like the barrel of a gun.
At first, nothing happened. But then, a miniscule mote of light began to gather at the tip of Zack''s finger. It swelled rapidly, enlarging from a mere pinprick to an orb the size of a melon in the span of a single breath. And yet still it continued to grow, radiating power as it ballooned to the dimensions of a small house.
Just when it seemed the sphere couldn''t possibly expand any further without detonating, it suddenly stopped and began to contract, collapsing in on itself like a dying star. In a matter of moments, it had shrunk back down to a pulsing pinhead of pure energy, hovering an inch away from Zack''s outstretched finger.
Orion gaped at the display, his face draining of colour faster than a Qi Refining cultivator''s robes in a rainstorm. "H-how...how is this possible?" he sputtered, real fear leaking into his voice for the first time. "Your aura is only at the Core Formation realm! At best, a monstrous genius at your level could hope to defeat Nascent Soul experts. But channelling an attack with Origin Realm power? Impossible!"
Zack didn''t bother to reply. Why waste time with words when he could just let his actions speak for themselves?
What Orion couldn''t possibly realize was that Zack himself wasn''t doing much of anything at all. The dazzling light show was entirely the work of the black ring on his index finger - a Heaven Rank treasure capable of discharging a devastating cannon blast equivalent to the full might of an Origin Realm cultivator.
Too bad it only had a limited number of uses before crumbling into worthless scrap. Actually, to be specific, the particular ring Zack currently wore was a single-shot variant. Meaning he''d have exactly one chance to ruin this Moon God Sect stooge''s whole day before the powerful tool disintegrated into sparkly dust.
Ah well. If he had to burn a Heaven Rank artifact on a two-bit chump like Orion, so be it. The sheer look of pants-pissing terror the little runt would inevitably spray across his smug face would make it all worthwhile.
I guess this is what they mean when they say, Pay to Win.
"Bang," Zack whispered with a gunslinger''s motion, he flicked his wrist and sent the condensed qi bullet flying straight as an arrow toward Orion''s heart.
The little Elder was fast, Zack had to give him that much. Moving with the honed reflexes of an Origin Realm ace, Orion managed to jerk his body sideways at the last instant, causing the energy blast to miss his vitals by a hair''s breadth.
Unfortunately for him, "missing the vitals" was not the same thing as "missing entirely."
Instead of achieving a perfect heart-shot fatality, Zack''s qi bullet slammed into Orion''s shoulder with all the force of an angry minor deity. There was a meaty thunk, a flash of white light, and then...
Orion screamed.
It was a thin, reedy sound, more befitting a kicked puppy than the venerated elder of a powerful sect. But then, that tended to happen when someone''s arm spontaneously exploded at the joint, spraying the surrounding air with a viscous slurry of pulped flesh and powdered bone fragments.
For a long moment, Orion simply hovered there, shock-still, his remaining hand clutching spasmodically at the ragged, oozing stump where his right arm used to be. Dark blood jetted from the wound in erratic spurts, splattering the immaculate jade tiles of the sect courtyard.
He stared at Zack, his eyes wide and glassy with disbelief, as if he couldn''t quite process the fact that a Core Formation pipsqueak had just casually blown his limb off.
Zack beamed back at him, the very picture of innocence. "Well now, that looked like it stung a bit. Ready for another?"
He levelled his finger-gun at Orion once more, never mind that the spent Heaven Rank ring had already crumbled into a sad little pile of glittery ash around his feet. What Orion didn''t know wouldn''t hurt him.
Y-youre an Origin Realm expert?
Chapter 108: Another Outsider?
Zack smirked at the dumbfounded man-child but before he could deliver another witty quip, a golden dome blinked into existence around the Fiery Mist Sect. The Aegis Bastion Formation had finally activated, encasing the sect grounds in an impenetrable barrier.
Orion gaped at the sudden obstacle, his remaining hand clenching into a fist. He glared murderously at Zack.
"You...you think this will stop me?" he snarled, spit flying from his lips. "I was about to unleash my full fury and tear you limb from limb!"
Full fury? Zack raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? By all means, don''t let this flimsy barrier stop you. I''m sure it''ll shatter like glass against your mighty...um, remaining arm."
Orion''s face turned an interesting shade of purple. He opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. No words came out, just an incomprehensible sputtering of rage.
The things these old monsters will do to save face, Zack mused, shaking his head. It would be funny if it wasn''t so sad.
"How about this," Zack said, his tone turning serious. "The Fiery Mist Sect is under my protection now. Fly on back to your king and give him a message from me: back off. This isn''t his playground anymore."
Orion looked like he''d swallowed a live toad. "You...you upstart! The King will never stand for this!"
"Then I suggest you get very good at standing. On one leg." Zack wiggled his pinkie in the direction of Orion''s stump and then his leg.
Not wanting to lose another limb, Orion spun in the air and shot off. Zack watched him go, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Senior Alfie, that was incredible!"
Zack turned to see Finick staring at him, eyes shining with something uncomfortably close to worship. The other elders and disciples were in a similar state, alternating between gaping at Zack and cheering at Orion''s retreat.
"Truly, Senior Alfie is invincible!"
"The Fiery Mist Sect is saved!"
"We''ll never have to bow to the Moon God Sect again!"
Zack waved a hand, "Yes, yes, I''m amazing, I know. But this is just the beginning. The king wont give up so easily, mark my words."
He turned to Finick. "Double the patrols, fortify the defences. I want this place locked up tighter than your great aunt''s-" He paused, remembering his audience. "...coin purse."
Finick nodded vigorously. "Yes, Senior! Right away!" He scurried off, barking orders at the disciples.
Watching the disciples scrambling to follow orders, Zack allowed himself a small chuckle. The Moon God Sect would certainly come for revenge, but for now, he would enjoy this little victory.
And who knows? Maybe next time, he''d take more than just an arm.
***
A few days later, Zack sat on his throne, his chin resting on his hand as he stared moodily off into space. There had been no further word from the Moon God Sect. It seemed they were content to bide their time, licking their wounds in silence.
For now, Zack thought darkly. But how long will that last?
He knew the Moon God Sect''s king wasn''t the type to let an insult slide. Sooner or later, he''d make his move. And when he did...
Zack sighed, drumming his fingers on the armrest. I need intel, he mused. Some way to keep tabs on those old monsters, figure out what they''re planning.
A sudden knock at the door startled him out of his brooding. Zack quickly straightened up to look sage-like.
"Enter," he called out.
Finick shuffled in, looking equal parts nervous and excited. "Senior Alfie, there''s been some news regarding what you instructed us to look for."
Zack leaned forward, his interest piqued. He had ordered his new minions to be on the lookout for any signs of Outsiders - people with strange accents or mannerisms that didn''t fit the norm for the Northern Realm. Not to engage them, but to report back immediately.
"Oh? And what did you find?" Zack asked.
"Our scouts have returned with news of an outsider in the northern city of Frostholm. A young man, by all accounts. And his speech... Well..."
Zack cocked an eyebrow. "His speech?"
"They say he talks like his mouth is full of porridge," Finick blurted out. "All slurred and strange, like nothing they''ve ever heard before."
Zack had to fight the urge to slap his forehead. Yeah, that sounds like a mainlander, alright.
Anyone from beyond the Sealed Realm were referred to as outsiders or mainlanders. He recalled his own mainlander "accent," a clumsy slurring of syllables that made him sound like a brain-damaged duck to the inhabitants of the Sealed Realm. It was only through Hallibur''s memories that he''d managed to pick up the proper dialect of this world.
Good thing too, Zack mused. Otherwise I''d be drawing just as much attention as this poor sap.
He plastered on a thoughtful look, "Yes, those outsiders do have some peculiar dialects. Good catch."
Finick leaned in, lowering his voice. "Word is, the Moon God Sect has taken an interest in this outsider. They''re sending a team to ''collect'' him as we speak. Led by an Origin Realm elder, no less."
"An Origin Realm expert? To snatch up some random outsider?"
He stroked his chin thoughtfully. So, its true, they really do take hunting outsiders seriouslyI wonder which disciple it iscould it be someone from the Black Rose Sect?
Zack had little interest in aiding anyone from an enemy sect but if it was someone from his own sect, one of his own disciples, then he wouldnt hesitate to step in and help. He rose from his throne, "You''ve done well to bring me this information, Finick. I''ll handle it from here."
Finick bowed again, even lower this time. "Of course, senior. I live to serve."
Live to serve Zack thought with a raised eyebrow. Guess those "How to Grovel 101" lessons are paying off already.
As the young sect master scurried out, Zack summoned his invisibility cloak with a flick of his wrist. He draped the fabric over his shoulders, feeling the familiar tingle as it settled into place.
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Time to play the mysterious stranger, he thought with a grin as he disappeared from sight, slipping out of the sect like a ghost in the shadows.
***
Misery. That was the only word to describe Lucious''s experience since entering this wretched Sealed Realm. When he exited the portal, he had emerged in the middle of a frozen wasteland, right in the eye of a snowstorm.
It had taken days of travel just to reach the first signs of civilization - a small, ramshackle village huddled at the base of an icy mountain.
Lucious had tried to keep a low profile, speaking as little as possible to avoid drawing attention to his foreign accent and mannerisms. He already knew that the natives of this realm spoke a different dialect, and even the slightest slip could expose him as an outsider.
That would be an unacceptable risk. He had already risked drawing attention by killing a traveller and stealing their clothing just to blend in. The rough furs and sturdy boots were a far cry from his usual silk robes, but he had to make do.
The only bright spot so far had been his successful cultivation breakthrough. He had been a monster in his own realm at the Peak Stage of Core Formation. But now...
Lucious closed his eyes, sensing the Nascent Soul that pulsed within him. The manifestation of his cultivation base, the true mark of an elite expert. It opened its eyes, and he felt a surge of power rush through his body.
A smile tugged at his lips, but it quickly faded. He had foolishly assumed that reaching Nascent Soul would allow him to dominate anyone in this Sealed Realm, to crush all opposition as long as it wasnt another Legacy Disciple.
But as soon as he had broken through, he sensed several powerful auras fixate on him like hawks spotting a rabbit. Most were clearly in the Origin Realm, far beyond his current level. And one... one might have even been an Ascendant, an existence at the level of his own Sect Master.
Lucious shook his head. If there truly was an Ascendant here, then drawing attention would be suicidal. No, he would need to rely on his true talent - scheming, manipulating from the shadows.
He trudged onwards into the village, shivering despite his thick cloak and his cultivation base to shield him. A stall caught his eye - a vendor selling meat buns, the savoury aroma drifted towards him.
Lucious''s stomach rumbled. When was the last time I ate? He couldn''t actually remember. Cultivation breakthroughs had a way of making one forget mundane concerns. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, he had no real need for food but that didnt mean he wouldnt indulge every now and then.
He approached the stall, fishing in his pocket for the unfamiliar currency. The shopkeeper, an old man, squinted at him suspiciously.
"Haven''t seen you around before," he said gruffly. "You a traveller?"
Lucious nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He pointed at the buns and held out a handful of coins.
The old man harrumphed but took the money and passed him a greasy bundle. "Enjoy," he muttered.
Lucious retreated to the edge of the square, tearing into the food with a ferocity that he assumed beggars possessed. As a Senior Brother and Legacy Disciple, he usually had to maintain an air of unfathomable superiority, but now, he was playing the role of a peasant.
He was so focused on portraying the stereotypical image of a starving beggar that he almost missed the figure tailing him from the shadows.
Almost.
Pausing mid-bite, Lucious extended his senses. Sure enough, someone was following him, their cultivation base flickering at the Mid Core Formation stage. They were clearly trying to mask their presence, but to a newly minted Nascent Soul expert like Lucious, they might as well have been waving a flag and shouting.
Outwardly, Lucious showed no sign of noticing his stalker. He continued to eat, strolling casually through the village as if he didn''t have a care in the world. The figure shadowed him from a distance, always staying just out of easy detection range for an average cultivator.
But Lucious was far from average. He would deal with this little problem swiftly and decisively.
He turned down a narrow alley between two ramshackle huts, a dead end hidden from prying eyes. The moment his tail stepped around the corner, Lucious struck.
His Nascent Soul surged forth, a tsunami of power crashing into the Core Formation cultivator before they could even react. Lucious''s palm slammed into the man''s chest, sending him flying back into the alley wall with a sickening crunch.
It was over in an instant. The man crumpled to the ground, blood trickling from his mouth and nose. His eyes were wide and glassy with shock, the light fading from them rapidly.
Lucious knelt beside the corpse, riffling through his robes until he found what he was looking for: a communication talisman, it had an intricate sigil depicting a crescent moon cradling a radiant pearl.
So, his arrival had been noticed, and he was being watched. That changed things.
The emblem of the Moon God Sect?
Before entering the Sealed Realm, he had read on the known powerhouses. The latest information of the Moon God Sect implied that their Sect Master, or better known as King, was an Early Origin Realm cultivator.
But after so many years, I wouldnt be surprised if thats changed.
The talisman flared with light, likely projecting the scene back to the sect.
Lucious cursed under his breath and crushed the talisman in his fist, cutting of the transmission. He had to move, now, before more of them came.
He stood, glancing back at the village square where a crowd was starting to gather, drawn by the commotion. They pointed at him, whispering frantically.
"Murderer!" one woman cried. "Someone call the guards!"
Tsk, Lucious sighed. So much for stealth. It seems his welcome had just run out.
He turned on his heel and sprinted out of the village, not bothering to look back as the shouts and alarms rose behind him. He had to find somewhere to lay low and plan his next move.
Or else he''d be dead before he ever got a chance to scheme at all.
Chapter 109: Lucious vs Origin Realm Expert!
Lucious shot through the sky like an arrow loosed from a bow, the wind whipping at his face. He had to put some distance between himself and that cursed village before whoever it was that was monitoring him caught up.
As a newly minted Nascent Soul cultivator, flight came as naturally to him as breathing. No clumsy swords or artifacts needed - his own power was more than sufficient to propel him through the air at breakneck speeds.
A smug grin tugged at his lips. Even outside this backwater realm, his cultivation would make him an elder in any top sect, a leader in any of the weaker ones.
But his self-congratulatory musings were cut short as a familiar prickle ran down his spine - the unmistakable aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator, hot on his trail. Lucious frowned. How had they caught up to him so quickly? He''d assumed he would have more of a head start.
Gritting his teeth, he poured more energy into his flight, determined to shake off his tail. He had no doubt he could handle a single Nascent Soul expert in a fight...but if he got bogged down now, it would only give the others time to catch up. And if an Origin Realm powerhouse entered the fray, even he would be hard-pressed to emerge unscathed.
No, better to run now and fight on his own terms later. Lucious pushed himself to fly even faster, the landscape blurring beneath him into a sea of white.
But no matter how much distance he put between them, that nagging sense of being watched never quite faded. If anything, it only seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.
Lucious extended his spiritual sense, probing his surroundings for any signs of-
There! To the left, right, front and back, four blazing auras flared to life, locking onto him like a pack of wolves cornering a wounded deer. How was this possible? They had him completely surrounded!
A wave of confusion washed over Lucious, tinged with the first inklings of feeling he had not experienced in a long time - fear. He knew the people of this realm weren''t exactly fond of outsiders...but to coordinate such a sophisticated ambush in so short a time spoke of something more than simple xenophobia.
Just what in the nine hells was going on here?
Lucious shook himself. It was clear now that escape was off the table - these bastards had him well and truly boxed in. His only choice was to stand his ground and fight.
Gritting his teeth, Lucious angled himself into a steep dive, arrowing down towards a barren plateau that seemed as good a place as any to make his last stand. He could only pray that the Origin Realm expert he knew was coming would be delayed long enough for him to deal with these small fry.
The moment his feet touched the ground, four figures emerged from the blizzard. Three men and one woman, all radiating the power of Early Nascent Soul - except the leader, a man with a long mustache. He was a step above, at the Mid Nascent Soul stage.
"Well, well, well. I have to say, I''m impressed," Lucious called out, his voice cutting through the howling wind. "Didn''t think you lot would be able to track me down so quickly. Care to share your secret?"
The four cultivators looked at each other, then back at Lucious. Their expressions were cold, tinged with disdain and something else...disgust? They regarded him as one might regard a cockroach scuttling across a temple floor.
The leader spoke, his voice flat and hard. "We have nothing to say to you, Outsider. Your kind are a plague upon our realm, and it is our duty to expunge you."
Lucious felt his eye twitch. This was the first time that anyone had dared to look down on him.
"Fine then, he spat. If you won''t talk...then I''ll just have to make you scream."
He reached into his robes and brought out a fistful of blood-red seeds, throwing them to the ground at his feet. The seeds had been nourished with his demonic energy, they sprang to life as a tangle of writhing, thorn-covered vines.
The legacy technique of the Black Rose Sect was as versatile as it was horrifying. Illusions to cloud the mind, lashing tendrils to tear flesh from bone, even snapping jaws to devour victims whole - the vines of the Black Rose could do it all. And Lucious, as a Legacy Disciple, was a true master of their power.
Lucious thrust out his hand, sending the vines surging towards the woman. The flowers bloomed in a dizzying kaleidoscope of colours before bursting, enveloping her in a cloud of pollen.
The woman reeled back, coughing and clawing at her face as the hallucinogenic spores took hold. She screamed and began to claw at her face. Lucious did not want to know what she was seeing.
The moustache expert reacted instantly, sending a hail of razor-sharp icicles slicing through the air towards Lucious. But Lucious was already in motion, a wall of crimson vines erupted from the ground, intercepting the frozen projectiles.
Rolling out from behind his leafy barrier, Lucious summoned a swarm of thorny rose pellets with silent gesture. With a sharp thrust of his arm, he sent the deadly spheres hurtling towards his enemies in a high-speed barrage.
The other two cultivators managed to put up their defences in time - one a crackling shield of electricity, the other a wall of solid stone. The rose pellets that struck these barriers shattered into clouds of needling thorns. But those that found flesh burrowed deep, the wounds instantly beginning to fester with vicious poison.
Lucious allowed himself a cold smile as he heard their shouts of pain. He had never been one to play fair.
His satisfaction was short-lived. A massive claw of ice exploded from a nearby snowdrift, nearly taking his head as he threw himself to the side. The moustache expert had used the chaos of the melee to manoeuvre behind him.
Lucious hit the ground rolling and slammed his palms to the dirt. A dense web of vines burst from the earth, forming a living barrier.
The ice claw ripped into the mass of vegetation, shredding the vines but failing to break through to Lucious. Seizing the chance, Lucious pushed more energy into his technique, commanding the vines to lash out and ensnare the frozen limb.
In seconds, the icy construct was immobilized, trapped in a strangling cocoon of vegetation. But Lucious wasn''t finished.
"Bind!" he snarled. At his command, the vines contracted with crushing force, reducing the ice claw to glittering powder.
The moustache expert leapt back with a curse, barely avoiding the vines that lunged after him. Pure hatred burned in the man''s eyes, but he kept his distance, one little mistake could bring the battle to an end.
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The strength of these Northern Realms masters is laughable, Lucious smirked. Even this mighty expert of the Mid Nascent Soul stage was hesitant to engage him directly.
Lucious'' vines swarmed the battlefield in an unending tide, keeping the four experts off-balance and on the defensive, unable to mount a coordinated counterattack.
Minutes dragged by in furious struggle, but the conclusion was inevitable. The woman and one of the men were the first to fall, succumbing to the venom and madness wracking their bodies.
The earth-wielding cultivator tried to tunnel to safety. It was a fatal mistake. He had barely descended a handful of meters before vines speared through the ground above him and dragged him back to the surface in bloody pieces.
The moustache expert lasted the longest, weaving walls of slicing ice and frigid wind to keep the tide of plants at bay. But it was a losing battle. For every vine he cut down or froze, dozens more took their place.
Steadily, inexorably, the vines closed in, hemming the expert in on all sides. Cornered and desperate, he roared the words of an ultimate technique: "Frozen Lotus Entombment!"
A massive lotus of purest ice bloomed around him, sealing him completely in a hardened cocoon. For a second, there was silence.
Then a 100 feet vine reared up and pierced through the icy shell like a spear through rotten wood. It punched out the opposite side in a spray of crystalline shrapnel and bloody mist. The frozen flower collapsed, revealing the broken, skewered corpse within.
"Im...possible..." the expert choked out with his dying breath. "An Outsider...this powerful...it cannot...be..."
And just like that, it was done. Lucious stood alone amidst a circle of Nascent Soul corpses. He was barely even winded.
"Pathetic," Lucious muttered, petting one of the vines. Was this truly the limit of Sealed Realm Nascent Soul cultivators? He''d hoped for better from opponents of this level.
Movement caught his eye - the woman, somehow still clinging to a faint spark of life.
Well, that could be rectified easily enough...but first, perhaps this fool might have some information to share.
Lucious knelt over the dying cultivator, pressing his palm to the womans forehead. "Soul Scour Surge," he whispered.
His spiritual sense plunged into the cultivators mind like a spike, ripping and tearing, searching for useful knowledge. Soul-searching techniques were difficult to master, and Lucious''s Mortal-grade version was far from perfect, but even fragments might prove valuable.
An image flashed behind Lucious''s eyes: a sprawling complex of majestic palaces and temples, all carved from flawless white jade that glowed under the moon''s silver light. At the heart of it all stood a tower, it was a magnificent tower, its peak appeared to pierce the very heavens.
Then another vision: a figure sat on a throne, his ageless face both beautiful and terrifying. Power rolled off him in suffocating waves as he gazed down at the ranks of kneeling disciples.
A name drifted through the chaotic whirl of stolen thoughts: Moon God Sect. And then another name...the Moon God King.
Pain. Fear. A desperate urge to fight, to flee, to live. The experts mind was collapsing. Lucious tore his hand away with a frustrated hiss as the light left the womans eyes, her soul burning to ash.
Barely anything. Just a sparse handful of hints and fragments, useless without-
A crushing pressure descended, nearly driving Lucious to his knees. He swore viciously even as a knot of dread coiled in his gut - he knew that sensation all too well. The sheer crushing weight of an Origin Realm aura...
Lucious looked up as a figure flew down from the heavens to touch down lightly on the far side of the plateau. At first glance, he appeared to be little more than a young boy, his youthful features set in an arrogant smirk.
But the overwhelming pressure radiating from his sleight frame told a different story. This was no mere child...but a monster wearing human skin.
The boy cocked his head, studying Lucious with a kind of detached amusement. "Well now, isn''t this a pleasant surprise?" he drawled. "I was hoping for something to take my mind off...recent disappointments. And here you are, a new chew toy dropped right into my lap. It''s like the Heavens want me to work out my frustrations!"
The boy - no, the Origin Realm expert - raised his arm in a clawing motion. Lucious barely had time to curse before a wind scythe, sharp enough to split a mountain, came screaming towards him.
A circular barrier of crimson light snapped into place before him, just in time for the wind blade to crash against it with a sound like breaking glass. The barrier held...then shattered, a spider web of cracks radiating from the point of impact as it drained the killing force from the attack.
One of Lucious'' life-saving treasures, burnt out in a single use. He fought down a surge of relief and frustration - of course he was happy to be alive, but to expend such a rare treasure so early in the fight...!
The arrogant child clicked his tongue, "Of course. You Outsiders always have such interesting trinkets. But I wonder...how many of those do you have left?"
Lucious gritted his teeth, knowing that despite being able to handle multiple Nascent Soul cultivators, an Origin Realm cultivator was a different beast. He slipped his hand into his robe to grip the pendant hanging against his chest. The absolute last resort, a vessel containing a single strike from a living Ascendant, Lucious'' own master.
Once unleashed, that power could crush an Origin Realm expert into a bloody smear...but it would also mean that Lucious would not have any other treasures that could threaten a higher realm cultivator. Not ideal...but better than dying here and now!
But just as he started to channel qi into the treasure, he noticed the expert''s eyes lock onto something over his shoulder. Confusion, then shock, then pure hatred flashed across the child cultivators face.
"You!?" he spat. "What in the heavens are you doing here!?"
Lucious turned to see a black-cloaked figure standing behind him. A bone-white mask, its surface etched with crimson tattoos, covered their face.
The cloaked man tilted his head, "Now, now, what''s with that scary face, Orion? I just stopped by to see my favourite raging midget. Is that so wrong?"
Chapter 110: Gaining A Bishop
Orion''s face twisted with fury. "You dare mock me?" He raised his arm, qi gathering for another attack...
Zack pointed his finger at Orion in a gun-like motion.
The Origin Realm expert flinched, his eyes widening as unpleasant memories of their previous encounter flashed through his mind.
"Well, would you look at that," Zack drawled, his tone dripping with mock surprise. "Seems like you got your arm back. Fancy another go? I''d be more than happy to relieve you of it again."
Orion''s face contorted, rage and fear warring across his childlike features. He took an involuntary step back, his hands clenching into fists.
Lucious watched the exchange with confusion. It was clear that this Orion, despite his Origin Realm cultivation, was intimidated by the masked figure in black. No, more than intimidated - he was terrified.
Just who is this guy? Lucious wondered, his grip tightening on his life-saving treasure. If he can scare off an Origin Realm expert with a mere gesture, he must be at the Peak of the Origin Realm himself. Maybe even...an Ascendant?
The thought sent a chill down Lucious'' spine. He''d thought himself powerful, a big fish in this backwater pond. But now, faced with these monstrous existences, he felt like a minnow among sharks.
Orion seemed to come to a decision.
"I won''t forget this!" With a last venomous glare at Zack, he turned on his heel and shot into the sky, fleeing with as much dignity as he could muster. Which, given the circumstances, wasn''t much.
Zack watched him go, a smirk playing on his lips beneath the mask. Then, slowly, he turned to face Lucious.
Lucious fought the urge to squirm under that inscrutable gaze. His hand never left his medallion, ready to activate it at a moment''s notice. If this came to a fight...
"Alfie," the masked man said abruptly. "You can call me Alfie."
Lucious blinked. Alfie? What kind of name was that for an apex predator?
"What do you want from me?" Lucious asked warily.
"Want from you? Alfie laughed. My dear boy, I want nothing from you. Rather, I want for you."
At Lucious''s blank look, he elaborated. "The Moon God Sect is after you, Outsider. If it weren''t for my timely intervention, you''d be on your knees before their King right now."
Lucious''s face darkened at the thought. Him, Lucious, Legacy Disciple of the Black Rose Sect, kneeling before some two-bit ruler from a backwater realm? The very idea was ridiculous.
"That King of theirs," Alfie continued, his tone almost conversational. "He has a real bee in his bonnet about you Outsiders. Seems determined to get his hands on you, dead or alive."
"Why?" Lucious asked, despite himself. "Why does he care about Outsiders?"
Alfie was silent for a long moment, and Lucious got the distinct impression he was being studied, assessed. Weighed and measured like a prized steer at market.
"That," Alfie said at last, "Is a very good question. One you will have to find out yourself.
He shook his head, as if dismissing the thought. "But that''s a matter for another day. Right now, we need to focus on keeping you alive and out of the Moon God Sect''s clutches."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Lucious asked, a note of challenge entering his voice.
Alfie laughed again. "Simple. A Nascent Soul cultivator like yourself, all alone in this big bad realm? You might as well paint a target on your back." He paused, letting the implication hang in the air. "But if you were to join me, well. No one would dare trouble you then."
Lucious''s eyes narrowed. This was starting to sound suspiciously like a recruitment pitch. "And just who are you, exactly, that you can make such bold promises?"
The masked man spread his arms wide, as if presenting himself for inspection. "Like I said, I''m Alfie."
That doesn''t answer my question at all, Lucious thought irritably. But something told him pushing further would be unwise. This Alfie seemed like the type to share information on his own terms, if at all.
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Lucious sighed, releasing his grip on the life-saving treasure. "Fine," he ground out, the word tasting like ashes in his mouth. "I''ll come with you. For now."
Beneath the mask, Zack smirked. Hook, line, and sinker.
With a casual flick of his wrist, Zack tore a portal in the very fabric of space. Lucious stared at the shimmering rift, his eyes wide. Such a feat should be impossible for anyone below the Immortal Realm. Just how powerful was this Alfie? How could such a being be inside the Sealed Realm?
Zack gestured towards the portal with a mocking half-bow. "After you, oh mighty Legacy Disciple."
Lucious shot him a dirty look but stepped through the portal without another word. Zack followed a heartbeat later, the rift sealing shut behind them like a closing eye.
***
While Lucious was being shown around the Fiery Mist Sect, no doubt probing for information about his mysterious benefactor, Zack sat on his throne, lost in thought.
The people of this realm are nothing more than pieces on a chessboard, he mused, tapping his fingers against the armrest. And those from the Main Realm? They''re the more powerful pieces. The rooks, the knights, the bishops.
A slow smile spread across his face. And now, I''ve secured myself a bishop in Lucious. Oh, he''s not fully under my control yet. That will take time, and more than a little careful manipulation.
But Zack knew the ways of demonic cultivators. Knew that above all else, they respected strength. As long as he maintained the facade of the mysterious, all-powerful senior, Lucious would not dare to openly defy him.
It''s a start, he thought with satisfaction. A foundation upon which to build my-
A urgent knocking at the chamber door interrupted his musings. Zack straightened up, schooling his features into a mask of inscrutability.
"Enter," he called.
The door burst open and Finick rushed in, his face flushed with excitement and anxiety. "Senior, I bring news!"
Zack raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Pray tell, what has you in such a tizzy, Sect Master Finick?"
"There''s been unusual activity in the border region between the Sun Palace and Celestial Blade sects."
Zack cocked an eyebrow. "Unusual how?"
"A dramatic increase in security, as if they''re guarding something of great value. Our spies have noticed covert troop movements, whispered conversations... It''s like they''re preparing for an attack. Or perhaps hiding some new treasure."
Zack tapped his fingers on the arm of his throne, frowning thoughtfully. He recalled a piece of knowledge gleaned from Hallibur, one that seemed especially relevant now.
Whenever Outsiders entered the Sealed Realm in significant numbers, it was said that long-lost inheritances would reveal themselves. Ancient cultivation sites and secret scriptures, hidden caches of spirit stones and rare herbs...all manner of priceless resources.
While these so-called treasures were ultimately just a smokescreen to mask the Realm''s true value, they were nonetheless power and assets Zack couldn''t ignore. If Sun Palace and Celestial Blade really had stumbled across some newly-emerged inheritance...
He rose from the throne, his black and silver robes swirling around him like a living shadow. "Finick, gather our top Core Formation disciples. Have them prepare for an expedition." He paused, considering. "Oh, and inform Lucious that his presence is required as well."
Finick bowed again, so low his forehead nearly brushed the floor. "As you command, Senior!"
As the sect master scurried out, Zack reached for his mask, settling it over his features with practiced ease. It wouldn''t do for Lucious to realize that the mighty Alfie and the Black Rose disciple Zack were one and the same, now would it?
Chapter 111: The Black Death Sect
Slifer sat on his throne aboard the divine ark, legs kicked up and arms folded behind his head. He watched with amusement as Val zipped around the deck, her scales flashing in the sunlight.
Leah stood at the prow, eyes fixed on the horizon. "There it is," she said. "The Black Death Sect."
Slifer glanced over, taking in the sprawling sect grounds. Unlike the Black Heart Sect with its jagged obsidian walls, the Black Death Sect was shrouded in an eerie mist. Skeletal trees dotted the landscape, their gnarled branches clawing at the sky.
Charming place, Slifer thought wryly. Real welcoming vibe they got going on.
Of the three major demonic sects, the Black Death Sect had always been the most mysterious. Where the Black Rose Sect revelled in turning over a new leaf and the Black Heart Sect wore their cruelty like a badge of honour, the Black Death Sect... they were an enigma wrapped in shadows.
Val swooped down to sit on Slifer''s shoulder, her claws digging in a little too tightly to be entirely comfortable. "Master, this place feels...wrong. Like something rotten and hungry." She shivered, tucking her wings close. "I don''t like it. It scares me."
Slifer reached up to stroke her head. "There, there. Nothing to fear while I''m here."
But even as he comforted Val, Slifer''s eyes narrowed. If even a dragon at the Nascent Soul stage is unsettled, something is very rotten in the state of the Black Death Sect.
He thought back to their recent conquest of the Black Heart Sect. Sure, that place had been gloomy and a bit murder-y, but it hadn''t felt intrinsically wrong like this. There was something deeply, fundamentally off about the Black Death Sect, and Slifer assumed it was related to demons.
As the divine ark approached the border, a shimmering barrier sprung up, stopping their advance. Slifer raised an eyebrow. Wel, well, seems they don''t want uninvited guests. Too bad for them, I''m notoriously hard to refuse.
A figure in black robes flew up from within the sect, coming to a stop on the other side of the barrier. He was a middle-aged man with a hawkish face and cold eyes.
"Supreme Elder Slifer," the man greeted. "I am Mortis, the new Sect Master of the Black Death Sect."
Slifer raised an eyebrow. "Actually, it''s Sect Master Slifer now. Of the Black Heart Sect, that is."
Mortis'' eyes narrowed slightly at this revelation, but he remained silent. His face was an impassive mask, betraying none of his thoughts.
Slifer leaned back, taking stock of the elders and the disciples gathered below. Unlike the quaking disciples at the Black Heart Sect, these folks seemed...unruffled by his presence.
Hmm, either they''re putting on a brave face or they really don''t give a fig about little ol'' me, Slifer mused. Insight!
What he saw made his blood run cold.
How in the nine hells are there so many demons in the Mortal Realm!? Slifer reeled. This isn''t some piddly little infestation like I thought, this is a full-blown invasion force! There must be a portal to the Nether hidden somewhere in the sect...it''s the only explanation.
He swallowed hard, keeping his expression blank even as his mind raced. Change of plans. Sweet talking these freaks won''t cut it. Looks like it''s time for a bit of good old-fashioned intimidation, demonic style. Whip ''em out and measure, as they say.
Slowly, deliberately, Slifer reached into his spatial ring. Val and Leah tensed, ready to leap into action at a moment''s notice. But instead of a weapon, he withdrew a small urn carved from black jade.
He opened it to reveal a pile of ashes - all that remained of Vowron, the previous Sect Master of the Black Death Sect.
"Since I killed your Sect Master," Slifer said casually, "I''ll be taking this sect for myself now." He closed the box with a snap, returning it to his ring. Never know when the remains of a Half-Step Immortal might come in handy for alchemy.
Mortis eyes widened slightly at the sight of Vowron''s ashes. They had known Slifer captured him, but to think he actually succeeded in killing a cultivator at the Half-Immortal stage... that was no mean feat.
But the surprise faded quickly, replaced by a placid mask. "With all due respect, Supreme Elder, the Black Death Sect has no need of...outside leadership. We manage quite well on our own."
Translation: thanks but no thanks, now buzz off, Slifer thought dryly.
Out loud, he said, "Funny, I wasn''t asking for permission. See, if I can singlehandedly crush a Half-Immortal...well. I doubt this little barrier of yours will give me much trouble."
To make his point, Slifer reached out and tapped the barrier with one finger. Ripples spread from the contact point.
Mortis''s lips thinned. "I''ve heard tales of your prowess, Supreme Elder. But there are some things even you may not wish to meddle in. Consider this a...friendly warning."
Just then, a System alert pinged in Slifer''s mind.
Ding!
New Mission: Investigate the Black Death Sect''s secrets and eliminate the demonic threat.
Reward: 25,000 Karmic Credits
Failure Penalty: -10,000 Karmic Credits
Of course. It''s never simple, is it? Slifer complained. But he knew he couldn''t back down now, not with the System breathing down his neck.
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Unlike the Black Heart Sect, where a flashy show of force had been enough, it seemed the Black Death Sect would require a more...hands-on approach.
Slifer sighed, sliding open the System shop interface. His eyes skimmed the list of available cards until he found what he was looking for.
Name: Heaven''s Unravelling
Rank: Heaven
Cost: 15,000 Karmic Credits
Effect: Instantly dismantle any spirit barrier or formation below the Immortal Realm.
Expensive, but cheaper than brute-forcing my way in, Slifer reasoned. He purchased the card, feeling the Credits drain away.
Mortis watched him like a hawk, clearly expecting some kind of attack. Slifer just smiled, all teeth.
He pressed his palm against the barrier, channelling the Heaven''s Unravelling card. The barrier shuddered, cracks spiderwebbing out from Slifer''s hand. With a sound like shattering glass, the barrier collapsed into motes of light.
Mortis reeled back, shock plain on his face. Then his expression twisted into a snarl
"You cant enter!" he spat, black Qi gathering around his hands.
He thrust his palms forward, launching a roiling wave of necrotic energy at Slifer. But before it could land, a portal opened up, swallowing the attack whole.
A heartbeat later, the portal reopened behind Mortis. His own death Qi blast slammed into his back, sending him tumbling from the sky with a scream.
Slifer dusted off his hands, not a hair out of place. At this level, the Barrier Reflection Card is more useful than a Critical Block Card, works for both offense and defence!
He then levelled a flat stare at the shocked sect members below.
"Last chance," Slifer said coolly. "Submit, or face the consequences."
For a moment, everything was quiet. Then, all at once, the eyes of every disciple and Elder turned bright red. Their human forms melted away, revealing their true demonic nature.
Demonic Qi burst out, changing into something much darker and fouler. The air itself seemed to pull away, filled with a sickening smell of sulfur and rot.
Val watched in terror as the cultivators transformed into horrible monsters. Their skin split open, exposing scales, fur, and insect-like armor underneath.
Their faces stretched into animal-like snouts filled with sharp teeth. Horns grew from their heads like terrible crowns. Hands turned into claws, feet into hooves or insect legs.
In just a few seconds, the human-looking cultivators had become a horde of demons, their real selves now visible to everyone.
Val stumbled back, her eyes wide with shock and disgust. "Master...those are...those are demons!" she cried out, her voice shaking with fear.
Beside her, Leah recoiled, her face twisting with a mix of shock, revulsion, and raw terror. In all her years as a demonic cultivator, she had never seen anything like this.
Demonic cultivators, for all their wicked ways, were still human at their core. They pursued power through unsavoury means, true, but they were a far cry from the soulless abominations that now stood before her.
These were true demons, born of the Nether Realm itself. The sworn enemies of all life in the Mortal Realm. Even the most depraved demonic cultivator would balk at cooperating with such vile creatures.
Slifer sighed, not surprised but still sickened by the ugly sight. I should have known it wouldn''t be that easy.
He looked at Leah and Val, his face serious. "Stay on the ship, you two. Things are about to get ugly."
Val lashed her tail, smoke coming from her nose even as she shook. "But Master, I can help! I''m not scared of a few weak demons!"
But Slifer shook his head, his voice firm. "Not this time, my little fireball. These aren''t your snacks."
Val shrank back, her courage fading when she saw how serious Slifer was. She had never seen real demons before, only heard scary stories about how cruel and evil they were.
Seeing such a horrible thing for herself...it shook her to her very core.
Slifer turned back to the mass of demons, his eyes hard as stone. He could feel their bloodlust washing over him, a sickening feeling that threatened to choke the life from the air.
These weren''t the weak, half-formed demons that sometimes crawled into the human world. No, these were born in the Nether Realm, soaked in the most evil qi.
And they were hungry, so very hungry. Slifer could see it in their glowing red eyes, a terrible desire to rip and tear until nothing was left but blood and ruin.
Well, who am I to say no to their last meal?
But before Slifer could make a move, a voice cut through the tense atmosphere, Supreme Elder Slifer, why am I not surprised to see you here?"
Slifer froze, caught off guard by the sudden presence so close to him that he hadn''t noticed. Hiding his surprise, he turned to face the speaker.
There, standing in the air beside him, was a young man clad in pristine blue and white robes. His white hair was tied back in a simple topknot, secured with a white jade pin.
The man''s face was youthful, with delicate features that belied the overwhelming power radiating from him. His eyes, a striking pale blue, seemed to stare straight into Slifer''s soul.
Slifer plastered on a smile, falling back on his usual confident demeanour. "Ah, you must be the Sect Master of the Heavenly Light Sect
Chapter 112: The Heavenly Light Sect Master
Insight!
Name: Ace
Realm: Half-Step Immortal
Known Techniques: N/A
Known Affiliations: Heavenly Light Sect Master
Disposition: N/A
A Half-Step Immortal... as expected from the sect master of the number one sect in the Mortal Realm, Slifer thought, suppressing a grimace. This could get messy.
The Heavenly Light Sect Master''s lips curved into a polite smile. "Let me take care of this little problem for you."
With a casual wave of his hand, the white-haired youth unleashed a torrent of pure, radiant energy. Slifer watched as the demons began to scream, their bodies consumed by holy fire. They writhed and thrashed, their forms crumbling to ash in mere seconds.
Well, that''s one way to make an entrance, Slifer mused, eyebrows raised. Note to self: don''t piss off the guy who can turn demons into barbecue with a flick of the wrist.
As the last echoes of demonic shrieks faded, Ace turned to face Slifer. His blue eyes sparkled as he offered a slight bow. "I believe proper introductions are in order. I am Ace, Sect Master of the Heavenly Light Sect. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you, Supreme Elder Slifer or should I say Sect Master?"
Slifer clasped his hands and returned the bow, his mind racing. The presence of the Heavenly Light Sect Master changes everything. I barely scraped by against Vowron, and that was with the System''s help and the element of surprise. Ace knows I''ve defeated a Half-Step Immortal, so he won''t let his guard down.
He forced a pleasant smile onto his face. "The honor is mine, Sect Master Ace. I''ve heard much about the Heavenly Light Sect."
And none of it good, if you''re asking the demon crowd, he added silently.
A flicker of surprise crossed Ace''s features. "I must admit, I didn''t expect the master of two demonic sects to be quite so... courteous."
Slifer''s smile widened. "Ah, you know how rumors can be. Greatly exaggerated, I assure you."
I''m only being nice because I don''t want to waste credits fighting you, he thought wryly.
Ace''s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Indeed. You know, little Zofia has said some rather interesting things about you."
Yeah, I bet she has. That First Supreme Elder of yours is one vindictive woman. Still can''t get over her defeat, can she?
"Oh?" Slifer said out loud, keeping his tone light. "All good things, I hope?"
Ace''s smile widened. "She mentioned that you might even be a match for me."
A chill ran down Slifer''s spine as those piercing blue eyes bore into him. Why do all the powerful cultivators have to be the crazy ones?
Before Slifer could respond, Ace''s smile vanished. His gaze snapped towards the depths of the Black Death Sect, his expression hardening. A moment later, Slifer felt it too C a massive surge of demonic qi, so potent it made the air itself feel heavy and oppressive.
"It seems there''s a gateway between the Nether World and the Mortal Realm," Ace said, his voice low. "We should cut off the connection." Without another word, he shot off in the direction of the energy pulse.
Slifer turned to Leah and Val, who had been watching the exchange with wide eyes. "Stay inside the Ark," he ordered. With a wave of his hand, a purple barrier sprang to life around the vessel. "This should protect you against anything short of an Ascendant Realm attack."
At least I hope so, he thought as he took off after Ace. Who knew tinkering with that old relic would actually pay off?
As Slifer caught up to the Heavenly Light Sect Master, the oppressive aura of demonic energy grew stronger. It was a cloying, sickening presence that made his skin crawl. They came to a stop, hovering in the air before a sight that made Slifer''s jaw drop.
A massive portal hung suspended in space, its edges flickering and warping. Through its swirling surface, Slifer caught glimpses of a hellish landscape C rivers of fire, mountains of obsidian, and skies choked with ash and lightning.
"Is this your first time seeing a portal to the Nether Realm?" Ace asked, his voice soft.
Slifer nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from the nightmarish scene.
Ace sighed. "It''s quite a sight, isn''t it?"
That''s one way of putting it, Slifer thought. ''Terrifying beyond all reason'' would be another.
Ace turned to face Slifer, his expression serious. "We need to enter and find what''s keeping the portal open on the other side. Once we break that connection, the portal will become unstable and collapse."
Slifer frowned, eyeing the flickering edges of the gateway. "It already looks pretty unstable. Doesn''t seem like the brightest idea to just walk right in."
Ace shook his head. "We''ve cut the connection on our side, but it''ll remain usable until we destroy the anchor on the other side. That''s the only way to shut it down permanently." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Unless... you never planned to deal with this portal?"
Slifer felt the weight of Ace''s gaze. All I wanted was to subjugate another sect, gain some credits, and figure out what''s been going on with these demons pretending to be Black Death Sect members. I wasn''t planning on world-hopping again. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Outwardly, not wanting to draw anymore suspicion onto himself, Slifer shrugged. "I didn''t know what to expect when I came here," he said carefully. "But even as a demonic cultivator, I have some morals. I know better than to let the Nether Realm invade the Mortal Realm."
Ace nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "If only other demonic sect masters thought the same," he murmured. Then, almost to himself, he added, "It''s been a while since I paid the Nether World a visit."
Wait, what? Slifer''s eyes widened. He''s been there before?
Before he could voice his surprise, Ace turned to him. "Are you ready?"
Slifer took a deep breath, steeling himself. No, not really. But when has that ever stopped me? He nodded.
Without another word, they stepped into the portal together.
The transition was jarring. One moment, Slifer was surrounded by the misty gloom of the Black Death Sect. The next, he was assaulted by a wave of scorching heat.
As his vision cleared, Slifer found himself standing on a ledge overlooking a vast, hellish landscape. Rivers of molten lava snaked through jagged canyons of black rock. The sky above was a roiling mass of dark clouds, occasionally split by flashes of crimson lightning.
"Charming place," Slifer muttered. "Really nails that ''eternal damnation'' vibe."
Ace, standing beside him, let out a soft chuckle. "The Nether Realm isn''t known for its hospitality," he said, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We need to find the anchor point quickly. The longer we stay here, the more attention we''ll attract."
Slifer nodded, trying to ignore the oppressive weight of the demonic energy that saturated the very air. "Any ideas on where to start looking?"
Ace pointed to a towering spire of obsidian in the distance. Its surface seemed to pulse with an eerie red light. "There. That''s likely where they''ve set up the anchor."
"Of course it is," Slifer sighed. "Because it couldn''t be somewhere nice and accessible, could it?"
As they began to make their way towards the spire, Slifer couldn''t shake the feeling that they were being watched. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and he found himself constantly glancing over his shoulder.
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"So," Slifer said, partly to distract himself from the creeping dread, "you''ve been here before?"
Ace nodded, his eyes never ceasing their vigilant scan of their surroundings. "A few times. The Heavenly Light Sect has been fighting against demonic incursions since the Great War. And sometimes that means taking the fight to their home turf."
"Huh," Slifer mused. "And here I thought you righteous types just sat around meditating and spouting wisdom all day."
That earned him another chuckle from Ace. "We do that too. But someone has to keep the balance between realms."
As they picked their way across the treacherous landscape, Slifer''s mind raced. This is way above my pay grade. I''m supposed to be reforming demonic sects, not hopping between dimensions!
Suddenly, Ace held up a hand, signaling Slifer to stop. In the silence that followed, Slifer heard it C a low, rumbling growl that seemed to come from everywhere at once.
"We''ve been noticed," Ace said, his voice low. "Prepare yourself."
Before Slifer could ask what exactly he should be preparing for, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble. Cracks spider-webbed across the obsidian surface, and with a deafening roar, a massive form burst from the earth.
It was a demon, but unlike any Slifer had ever seen. Its body was a nightmarish fusion of molten rock and living flame, easily the size of a small mountain. Multiple heads, each crowned with twisted horns, swiveled to fix their gaze on the two intruders.
Name: Tachion Demon
Realm: Peak Ascendant
Known Techniques: N/A
Known Affiliations: N/A
Disposition: N/A
"Oh, come on!" Slifer exclaimed, backing away from the monstrosity. "That''s just excessive!"
Ace, however, seemed unperturbed as he slid into a fighting stance. "I''ll handle this."
Before Slifer could protest (not that he was planning to), Ace sprang into action. His movements were a blur as he wove between the demon''s massive limbs, each dodge seeming to defy the laws of physics.
Slifer watched in awe as Ace unleashed a barrage of attacks. Blades of wind sliced through the demon''s rocky hide. Bolts of lightning struck with pinpoint accuracy, causing the creature to bellow in pain. Pillars of earth erupted from the ground, momentarily trapping its limbs.
So this is the power of a Half-Step Immortal, Slifer thought, his eyes wide. He''s not even breaking a sweat against a Peak Ascendant demon!
Ace''s expression remained calm and focused as he danced around the demon''s attacks. It was like watching a master artist at work C each movement precise, each technique flowing seamlessly into the next.
The demon, for all its size and ferocity, couldn''t land a single blow on the Heavenly Light Sect Master. Its roars of rage turned to howls of pain as Ace systematically dismantled it, piece by piece.
Finally, with a gesture that looked almost casual, Ace called down a massive bolt of lightning from the roiling sky above. It struck the demon dead center, and for a moment, the entire area was bathed in blinding white light.
When Slifer''s vision cleared, all that remained of the demon was a smoking crater.
Ace landed lightly beside him, not a hair out of place. "Shall we continue?" he asked, as if they had merely paused for a brief rest.
Slifer blinked, still trying to process what he had just witnessed. "Uh, yeah. Sure. Let''s... let''s do that."
As they resumed their journey towards the obsidian spire, Slifer couldn''t help but think about what he had witnessed. If that''s what Ace can do to a Peak Ascendant demon, what chance would I have against him?
The thought was sobering. For all his schemes and System-granted abilities, Slifer knew he was out of his league here. As long as he was without a Card that could one-shot a Half-Step Immortal, he''d have to tread very carefully.
"I must admit," Ace said as they walked, breaking the silence, "you''re really not quite what I expected, Slifer."
Slifer raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what did you expect?"
Ace''s lips quirked into a small smile. "Based on the reports I''ve received, I was prepared to meet a bloodthirsty tyrant. Someone whose very purpose was embroidered in chaos and destruction." He glanced at Slifer. "Instead, I find someone who seems... reasonable. Cautious, even."
If only you knew, Slifer thought wryly. Aloud, he said, "Like I mentioned before, the rumors of my villainy have been greatly exaggerated. I may be a demonic cultivator, but that doesn''t mean I want to see the world burn."
"Interesting," Ace mused. "And what do you want, Slifer? What drives you to accumulate power and conquer sects?"
It was a loaded question, and Slifer knew he had to choose his words carefully. "I suppose you could say I''m trying to change things," he said slowly. "The demonic sects have been stuck in their ways for too long. All that infighting and backstabbing... it''s counterproductive."
Ace''s eyebrows rose slightly. "You seek to reform the demonic sects?"
Slifer shrugged. "Reform, unite, improve... call it what you will. I just think there''s a better way to do things."
For a long moment, Ace was silent, his blue eyes studying Slifer intently. Finally, he nodded. "A noble goal, if true. Though I imagine it''s not an easy path you''ve chosen."
You have no idea, Slifer thought. Try explaining to a bunch of bloodthirsty demons that maybe murder and mayhem aren''t the answer to everything. It''s like herding cats. Extremely violent, power-hungry cats.
Their conversation was cut short as they reached the base of the obsidian spire. Up close, it was even more imposing C a twisting monolith of black glass that seemed to devour the light around it. The pulsing red glow they had seen from a distance was stronger here, emanating from symbols etched into the surface of the spire.
"This is it," Ace said, his voice low. "The anchor point. We need to disrupt those runes to destabilize the portal."
Slifer nodded, eyeing the complex array of symbols. "Any ideas on how to do that without, you know, blowing ourselves up in the process?"
Ace''s brow furrowed in concentration. "The array is intricate, but not impenetrable. If we can identify the key nodes and"
He was cut off by a bone-chilling screech from above. Slifer looked up to see a swarm of winged demons descending upon them, their leathery wings blotting out what little light filtered through the ashen sky.
Ace''s expression hardened. "We don''t have time for this. Slifer, can you hold them off while I work on disrupting the array?"
Slifer''s eyes widened. "Me? But you''re the one who"
"I need to focus on the runes," Ace interrupted. "Every moment we delay, more demons will come through the portal in the Mortal Realm. Can you do it?"
Slifer swallowed hard, looking up at the approaching swarm. All at the Early to Mid Ascendant Realm, just how many credits would that be?
"Alright," he said, sighing to himself. "I''ll keep them busy. Just... work fast, okay?"
Ace nodded, already turning his attention to the glowing runes.
Slifer flew up to face the oncoming horde of demons. He took a deep breath, centering himself.
Okay, System, he thought. Lets see what you got.
DSE Chapter 113: The Eye of the Immortal
As if responding to his thoughts, a series of options appeared in front of Slifer.
Name: Exorcist''s Fury
Description: Channels the wrath of ancient exorcists, releasing a torrent of spiritual energy that severely damages and weakens all demons within range to the user''s cultivation realm for 60 seconds. Warning: this technique does not work on Immortal Realm demons.
Cost: 20,000 Credits
Name: Starfall Arrow
Description: Fires an arrow imbued with the power of a falling star. Early Ascendant Level attack.
Cost: 20,000 Credits
Name: Phoenix Feather Barrage
Description: Releases a storm of flaming phoenix feathers that hone in on the target. Mid Ascendant Level attack.
Cost: 25,000 Credits
Name: Soul Devouring Flames
Description: Engulfs the target in flames that consume both body and soul, ensuring complete annihilation and preventing resurrection. Flames can affect multiple targets. Late Ascendant Level attack.
Cost: 30,000 Credits
Slifer quickly dismissed the Soul Devouring Flames card. Nope, too expensive and way overkill. I just need to stop them, not erase them from existence. Save that for a rainy day.
He also ruled out the Starfall Arrow. Single target? Against this swarm? No thanks.
The Phoenix Feather Barrage seemed promising at first, but Slifer shook his head. Mid Ascendant level might not cut it. If even one of these ugly bat-wannabes dodges it and gets close, I''m toast.
That left the Exorcist''s Fury. Slifer raised an eyebrow. Exorcists? In a xianxia world? What''s next, vampire cultivators? He shook his head, pushing the thought aside. The demons were getting closer, their ugly features becoming clearer by the second.
Well, beggars can''t be choosers, Slifer thought with a resigned sigh. System, I''ll take the Exorcist''s Fury.
A confirmation message popped up in his mind. Slifer grimaced as he felt the 20,000 credits drain away. This better work.
As the demons came within striking distance, their faces twisted with bloodlust, Slifer raised his hand. A subtle golden light emanated from his palm, quickly expanding outward to engulf the entire swarm.
The effect was instantaneous and terrifying.
The demons'' screeches of bloodlust turned to wails of agony and fear. Their powerful auras, once oppressive and intimidating, flickered and dimmed like candles in a storm. Slifer watched with wide eyes as the demons'' cultivation bases plummeted from Ascendant realm to... Foundation Establishment?
Holy crap, it actually worked! Slifer thought, a grin spreading across his face.
One of the demons, a particularly ugly creature with bat-like wings and the face of a deformed bull, snarled in a guttural language that Slifer could barely understand. "What... what is this? My power... it''s gone!"
Another demon, this one resembling a twisted hybrid of a snake and an eagle, hissed in panic. "Flee! We must flee before"
But it was too late. Slifer''s smoky Nascent Soul armor materialized around him, and he shot forward like a bullet. His sword flashed, and the snake-eagle demon''s head went flying.
Ding!
You have killed an Early Ascendant Demon
You have gained 2000 Karmic Credits
2000 credits? Last time I killed an Early Ascendant, it was only 1000is there a x2 modifier for killing demons?
Such a thing wouldnt surprise Slifer, the System did seem to have a personal vendetta against anything demonic.
"Sorry, no fleeing allowed," Slifer quipped, turning his attention back onto his prey. "You guys wanted a piece of me? Well, come and get it!"
What followed was less of a battle and more of a slaughter. With their cultivation bases reduced to Foundation Establishment, the demons were no match for Slifer''s speed and power. He darted between them, his sword a blur of motion, leaving dismembered limbs and severed heads in his wake.
A demon with the body of a man and the head of a wolf lunged at Slifer, claws extended. "Die, human scum!"
Slifer sidestepped the attack easily. "You know, that might have been scary a minute ago. Now? Not so much." His sword flashed, and the wolf-headed demon fell in two pieces.
Ding!
You have killed an Early Ascendant Demon
You have gained 2000 Karmic Credits
As he continued his deadly dance among the demons, Slifer couldn''t help but feel a bit... disappointed? Is this really what Ascendant realm cultivation is like? he wondered. Being able to swat aside enemies like flies? No wonder cultivators are always so arrogant.
A group of demons tried to gang up on him, surrounding him from all sides. Slifer just smirked. "Nice try, guys. But I''ve played enough video games to know how to handle a mob."
He spun in a circle, his sword leaving a trail of golden light. The demons fell back, their bodies dissolving into ash.
Man, if only the guys back in my old world could see me now, Slifer thought. From living in my mothers basement and entering pie-eating competitions to being bona fide demon slayer. Talk about a career change.
As the last demon fell, Slifer landed lightly on the ground, his bloody sword resting casually on his shoulder.
Ding!
You have killed a Mid Ascendant Demon
You have gained 3000 Karmic Credits
Slifer dismissed the multiple notifications and turned to Ace, who was still focused intently on the runes covering the obsidian spire.
"You about done down there," Slifer called out. "Because I''m all out of demons to kill up here."
Ace looked up, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the carnage around Slifer. "Hmm, as expected," he said, his tone neutral. "And yes, I''ve nearly finished. We need to reach the portal now. It will collapse any second. If we don''t make it in time, we''ll be trapped here."
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Slifer''s smug grin vanished. You''ve got to be kidding me. A little warning would have been nice!
"Right," Slifer said aloud, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. "Let''s go then."
They both took to the air, flying towards the shimmering portal that would take them back to the Mortal Realm. Slifer pushed himself to fly faster, acutely aware that Ace was holding back to stay with him.
Come on, come on, Slifer urged himself. I have no idea if Dimensional Slide Level 2 will work in the Nether Realm and I definitely did not come all this way just to get stuck in demon hell forever!
They were almost there when the ground beneath them erupted. A massive form burst from the earth, sending debris flying in all directions. Slifer came to an abrupt halt, narrowly avoiding a chunk of obsidian the size of a car.
As the dust settled, Slifer got a good look at their new obstacle. It was a demon, it had the body of an enormous rat, easily the size of a house, with patchy fur that seemed to writhe and move on its own. Its face was a nightmarish fusion of rat and human features, with bulging red eyes and teeth like jagged daggers.
Oh come on! Slifer thought, exasperated. What is this, the final boss?
He quickly used his Insight skill, hoping to gauge the threat level of this new enemy. What he saw made his blood run cold.
Name: Unknown
Realm: Half-Step Immortal
Known Techniques: Unknown
Known Affiliations: Unknown
Disposition: Hostile
You have got to be kidding me, Slifer thought, his mind racing. A Half-Step Immortal? I don''t have anything that can even scratch something that powerful!
He glanced at Ace, whose eyes had narrowed at the sight of the rat demon. Slifer could practically see the gears turning in the Heavenly Light Sect Master''s head.
The rat demon''s bulbous eyes fixed on them, its mouth splitting into a grotesque grin. "Well, well," it said, its voice a grating squeak that somehow managed to convey both amusement and malice. "What do we have here? Two little cultivators, so far from home."
Slifer swallowed hard. Okay, think. There''s got to be a way out of this. Maybe if we
His thoughts were cut short as Ace suddenly burst into motion. The Heavenly Light Sect Master''s body blazed with the aura of five elements C fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning. He moved so fast that Slifer could barely track him with his eyes.
One moment, Ace was beside Slifer. The next, he was behind the rat demon.
There was a moment of absolute stillness. Then, slowly, the rat demon''s massive head slid from its shoulders and fell to the ground with a sickening thud.
Slifer stared, his jaw hanging open. What... what just happened?
The rat demon''s body swayed for a moment before collapsing, sending up another cloud of dust and debris. When it cleared, Ace was standing there, looking as calm and composed as ever.
"We need to hurry," Ace said, his voice betraying no sign of exertion. "The portal won''t stay open much longer."
Slifer nodded dumbly, still trying to process what he had just witnessed. As they resumed their flight towards the portal, his mind was in turmoil.
That... that was insane, he thought. He took out a Half-Step Immortal like it was nothing. Is Ace actually an Immortal? No, no, that can''t be right. It must be some kind of special technique. Yeah, that''s it. Something he can''t use too often. Because if he can...
Slifer shuddered, not wanting to complete that thought. The implications were too terrifying to contemplate.
They were almost at the portal now. Its swirling surface seemed to pulse and waver, as if it was struggling to maintain its form. Slifer could see glimpses of the Mortal Realm through it C the misty landscape of the Black Death Sect, so much more welcoming now than it had seemed before.
Almost there, Slifer thought, relief washing over him. Just a few more seconds and we''ll be
Suddenly, a pressure unlike anything Slifer had ever felt before slammed down on them. It was as if the very air had turned to lead, crushing down on him from all sides. Slifer gasped, finding it difficult to even breathe.
What... what is this? he thought, panic rising in his chest. It feels like I''m being crushed by a mountain!
With tremendous effort, Slifer managed to lift his head. What he saw made his blood run cold.
High above them, impossibly large and terrifyingly real, a massive red eye had opened in the sky. It stared down at them with an intensity that made Slifer feel like an insect under a microscope.
Beside him, Ace''s eyes widened in shock and... was that fear? "Immortal!" the Heavenly Light Sect Master exclaimed, his usual calm demeanor cracking for the first time.
What? Slifer thought, his mind reeling. An actual, honest-to-god Immortal? Here? Now? What kind of dog-shit luck is this?
Insight!
He quickly activated the skill, this would be his first time in the presence of a genuine immortal since he arrived in this xianxia world.
Name: Unknown
Realm: Immortal
Known Techniques: Unknown
Known Affiliations: Unknown
Disposition: Hostile
I-Immortal
Before either of them could react further, the massive eye blazed with crimson light. A beam of energy, as wide as a building and blindingly bright, shot towards them.
Oh shit, Slifer thought. Let''s hope that Critical Block Card is as "critical" as advertised. Would be nice if it works against Immortal-level attacks too!
The energy beam struck, and the world exploded into light and heat. Slifer felt himself being flung backward into the portal.
If I survive this, I''m definitely leaving a five-star review for that card...
Chapter 114: An Immortal Attack
For a moment, everything went dark. Then Slifer found himself sprawled on the ground, back in the Mortal Realm. The mist-shrouded landscape of the Black Death Sect surrounded him once more.
Slifer blinked, disoriented. He patted himself down, checking for injuries.
No holes, no missing limbs. That Critical Block Card really pulled through.
He glanced around, spotting Ace nearby. The Heavenly Light Sect Master was already on his feet, looking completely unruffled. Not a hair out of place or a speck of dust on his pristine robes.
How does he do that? Some secret Immortal-level technique?
Ace met Slifer''s gaze, his eyes widening slightly. For the first time since they''d met, there was a glimmer of something like respect in the Sect Master''s expression.
"You withstood that attack," Ace murmured. "Impressive."
Slifer shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "What can I say? I''m full of surprises."
And literal cheat cards. Can''t forget those.
Ace''s lips twitched into the ghost of a smile. "Indeed. It seems the rumors about you weren''t entirely exaggerated after all."
So, he has been analyzing me this whole time. Interesting.
Slifer pushed himself to his feet, brushing dirt from his robes. He kept his tone casual as he asked, "That power... was that really an Immortal?"
Ace nodded solemnly. "Yes. I take it this was your first encounter with one?"
"You could say that," Slifer replied, his mind racing. Time to fish for some information. "I''ve heard stories, of course, but to actually feel that level of power..."
He let his voice trail off, hoping Ace would fill in the blanks.
The Heavenly Light Sect Master''s gaze grew distant. "Before them, we are nothing more than ants. Even though we stand half a step from the Immortal Realm, it may as well be the distance between the heavens and the earth."
Slifer swallowed hard, remembering the overwhelming pressure of that massive red eye. "Well, as long as that thing stays inside the Nether Realm, we''re not completely defenseless, right? I mean, there must be ways to... prepare for such encounters."
He watched Ace carefully, hoping his probing wasn''t too obvious.
"True enough," Ace said with a slight nod. "If the Immortal Demons become directly involved, the Immortal cultivators will step in to maintain the balance. As for preparation..." He paused, studying Slifer. "The best defense is to avoid their notice altogether."
Great. So we''re just pawns in some cosmic chess game. And apparently, the winning move is not to play.
Slifer pressed on, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But surely there are techniques, artifacts that can offer some protection? I mean, we managed to survive that attack..."
Ace''s eyes narrowed slightly. "There are... methods. But they come at great cost, and are far from foolproof. It''s best not to dwell on such things unless absolutely necessary."
Translation: ''Stop asking questions you''re not ready to handle.'' Message received.
Aloud, Slifer simply nodded. "I see. Well, let''s hope it doesn''t come to that again anytime soon."
Though knowing my luck, I''ll probably have an Immortal breathing down my neck by next Tuesday.
Ace shook his head as his expression turned serious, his brow furrowing. "There''s more. While we were in the Nether Realm, I detected hints of other portals connecting to the Mortal Realm."
Slifer''s eyes widened. "Other portals? You mean there are more of those things?"
Ace nodded. "It seems this plot runs deeper than I initially suspected. We can''t trust the other sects. Just as a portal was hidden beneath the Black Death Sect, there may be others concealed elsewhere."Stolen novel; please report.
"Which sects are hiding them?" Slifer asked, his mind racing.
"That," Ace said, "is what we need to find out."
Slifer eyed the Heavenly Light Sect Master warily. "And you''re telling me this because...?"
Ace''s eyes locked onto Slifer''s. "Because I believe you can be of use in uncovering the truth."
Slifer raised an eyebrow. "Me? The leader of a demonic sect? I''m flattered, but aren''t you worried I might be part of this... scheme?"
"Are you?" Ace asked, his tone neutral.
Slifer snorted. "If I was, do you think I''d tell you?"
A hint of a smile flickered across Ace''s face. "Perhaps not. But your actions speak louder than words. Your performance during the Inter-Sect tournament, and now here... they paint an interesting picture."
"Oh?" Slifer said, keeping his voice casual. "And what picture is that?"
Ace took a step closer, his voice low. "One of a man playing a dangerous game. A man with secrets, certainly, but also with... unexpected principles."
Well, that''s uncomfortably perceptive, Slifer thought.
Aloud, he said, "You''re making a lot of assumptions based on very little information, Sect Master Ace."
"Am I?" Ace countered. "Then tell me, Slifer, why did you really come to the Black Death Sect? Was it truly just to expand your power base?"
Slifer hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Let''s just say I had my suspicions about certain... irregularities within the demonic sects. I came to investigate."
"And you found far more than you bargained for," Ace finished.
Slifer nodded slowly. "You could say that."
They stood in silence for a moment, each sizing the other up. Finally, Ace spoke again.
"We find ourselves at an impasse, Slifer. I don''t fully trust you, and I''m certain you don''t trust me. But the threat we face is greater than our individual suspicions."
"So, what do you propose?" Slifer asked.
Ace reached into his robes and pulled out a small jade talisman. He held it out to Slifer. "A temporary alliance. This is a communication talisman. I''ll be in touch when I have more information."
Slifer eyed the talisman warily. "And what do you expect in return?"
"Information," Ace said simply. "Your unique position gives you access to circles I cannot easily penetrate. Share what you learn, and I''ll do the same."
Slifer considered for a moment, then reached out and took the talisman. It was warm to the touch, thrumming with spiritual energy.
"Alright," he said. "I suppose we have a deal."
Ace''s lips curved into a small smile. "Let''s call it a mutually beneficial arrangement. For now."
As Ace prepared to depart, Slifer couldn''t resist one last question. "Why me? Why not work with other righteous sects?"
Ace paused, his gaze distant. "Because sometimes, Slifer, it takes a bit of darkness to illuminate the truth." With that cryptic statement, he took to the air, his form blurring into a streak of white and blue that quickly disappeared into the mist.
Slifer stood there for a moment, turning the talisman over in his hands. Well, this is certainly going to complicate things, he thought wryly. I came here to annex a sect, and instead I got to visit demon hell, almost got obliterated by an Immortal, and ended up in a secret alliance with the most powerful cultivator in the Mortal Realm. Just another Tuesday in the life of Slifer, I guess.
He looked around at the remains of the Black Death Sect. The once-imposing buildings were now little more than rubble, the mist that had shrouded the grounds now dissipating to reveal a desolate landscape.
So much for annexing this place, Slifer thought with a sigh. Can''t rule over a pile of rocks.
He shook his head, trying to focus. There would be time to dwell on missed opportunities later. Right now, he needed to get back to his own sect and figure out his next move.
Slifer flew back to the Ark. "Val! Leah!" he called out. "Time to go!"
The barrier around the ark dissipated, and moments later Val came zooming out, her scales flashing in the light. She circled Slifer excitedly.
"Master! You''re okay!" she chirped, landing on his shoulder. "I was so worried! There was this big boom and then everything went all wobbly and"
"Easy there, little fireball," Slifer said, patting her head. "I''m fine. Just had a bit of an... adventure."
Leah emerged from the ark more slowly, her face pale and her eyes wide. "Sect Master," she said, her voice shaky. "What... what happened out there?"
Slifer sighed. "It''s a long story," he said. "I''ll explain everything once we''re back at the Black Rose Sect. For now, let''s just say our plans have... changed."
He waved his hand, and the divine ark shrunk back down to its miniature size. Slifer tucked it back into his spatial ring, then turned to face his companions.
"Alright, gather close," Slifer said. "We''re heading home."
Val clung tighter to his shoulder, while Leah stepped closer, her eyes still wide with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Slifer took a deep breath, focusing his qi. He reached out with his senses, feeling for the familiar energy signature of the Black Rose Sect. Once he had a lock on it, he began to channel his power.
Dimensional Slide, don''t fail me now, Slifer thought as he gathered his energy. I really don''t want to explain to these two why we''re suddenly in the middle of the ocean or something. That would be embarrassing
With a tearing gesture, Slifer opened a hole in space. The air in front of them shimmered and warped, revealing a swirling vortex of darkness.
"Hold on tight," Slifer warned. Then, without further hesitation, he stepped into the portal, pulling Val and Leah along with him.
The world blurred around them as they traveled through the dimensional rift. For a brief, disorienting moment, Slifer felt as if he was everywhere and nowhere at once. Then, with a lurch, they emerged on the other side.
Slifer blinked, his eyes adjusting to the sudden change in light. They were standing in the courtyard of the Black Rose Sect, the familiar sight of blooming black roses surrounding them.
Home sweet home, Slifer thought with a mixture of relief and weariness. Now to figure out what the hell I''m going to do next. This is all too much for a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to deal with
Chapter 115: Slifer The Alchemist
Val, still perched on Slifers shoulder, chirped excitedly. "We''re back! That was so cool, Master! Can we do it again?"
Slifer chuckled, patting the little dragon''s head. "Maybe later, Val. Right now, we have work to do."
Leah stumbled slightly, looking a bit green. "Sect Master, I don''t mean to complain, but... could we maybe use a more conventional method of travel next time?"
"What, you don''t enjoy bending the fabric of space and time?" Slifer asked with a grin. "Kids these days, no sense of adventure."
He turned to face his companions, his expression growing serious. "Alright, listen up. What happened at the Black Death Sect stays between us for now. We need to be careful about who we trust with this information."
Leah nodded, her face pale but determined. "Of course, Sect Master. But... what exactly are we going to do?"
Good question, Slifer thought. I''m kind of making this up as I go along.
"For now," he said aloud, "we prepare. Something big is coming, and we need to be ready."
As if on cue, a familiar figure came hurrying across the courtyard towards them. Morvran, Slifer''s right-hand man, looked as unflappable as ever in his bulky robes, his bald head gleaming in the sunlight.
"Welcome back, Master," Morvran bowed. "I trust your mission was successful?"
Slifer raised an eyebrow. "That depends on your definition of success, Morvran. How did things go with the Black Heart Sect after I left?"
A slow, innocent smile spread across Morvran''s face. "Oh, they''ve been... properly disciplined, Master. I ensured they understood the consequences of disobedience."
I bet you did, Slifer thought, suppressing a shudder. Note to self: never get on Morvran''s bad side.
"Good work," Slifer said aloud. "But we have a new priority now, I want you to screen the entire sect for any trace of demon energy. Every disciple, every building, every nook and cranny. If you find even the slightest hint of demonic qi, I want to know about it immediately."
Morvran''s brow furrowed. "Demon energy? But Master, we''re a demonic sect. Wouldn''t that be... normal?"
Slifer shook his head. "Not the kind I''m talking about. Trust me, you''ll know it if you find it. It''s... different to demonic qi. More potent. More dangerous."
And hopefully not here at all, Slifer added silently. But after what I saw at the Black Death Sect, I can''t take any chances.
"I understand, Master," Morvran said, though his expression suggested he didn''t quite grasp the gravity of the situation. "I''ll get right on it. Anything else?"
Slifer nodded. "Yes. I want you to adjust the training regimen for all disciples. From now on, we''re going to focus more on combat skills."
Morvran''s eyebrows shot up. "Combat? But Master, our sect has always prioritized cultivation techniques over fighting. Are you sure-"
"I''m sure," Slifer cut him off. "Times are changing, Morvran. We need to be prepared for... anything."
Morvran nodded slowly. "As you wish, Master. I''ll make the necessary arrangements. But... may I ask why? Is there something we should be worried about?"
Slifer paused, considering his words carefully. "Let''s just say I''ve received some... concerning information. It''s better if we''re prepared, even if nothing comes of it."
"I see," Morvran said. "Well, you can count on me, Master. I''ll get started right away."
"Good," Slifer said, clapping him on the shoulder. "And Morvran? Keep this between us for now. No need to cause unnecessary panic among the disciples."
"Of course, Master.
As Morvran hurried off to carry out his orders, Slifer turned back to Leah and Val. "Alright, you two. Get some rest. We''ll talk more later."
Val nuzzled against Slifer''s cheek before flying off, probably in search of something shiny to add to her hoard. Leah hesitated for a moment before speaking up.
"Sect Master... are we in danger?"
Slifer paused, considering his words carefully. "We''re cultivators, Leah. We''re always in danger. But knowledge is power, and now we know more than we did before. We''ll face whatever comes together."
And hopefully by "we" I mean "someone else entirely," Slifer thought.
With that, Leah left, leaving Slifer alone in the hall. The Supreme Elder of the Black Rose Sect sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Time to level up, he thought, a determined glint in his eye. If I''m going to have any chance of surviving in this world of Immortals and demon invasions, I need to get stronger. Fast.
***
In a courtyard not so far away from Slifer, his disciple Fenlock paced back and forth, his hands fidgeting nervously. The gentle fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air, but it did little to calm his nerves. His gaze kept darting to the entrance of the garden, anticipation and anxiety warring within him.
She''ll be here any moment now, he thought, his heart racing. What if she changed her mind? What if
His thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps. He turned, and his breath caught in his throat.
Approaching him was Lenvari, a vision of beauty that never failed to take his breath away. Her long, raven-black hair flowed like silk in the gentle breeze, and her jade-green eyes sparkled with curiosity. She wore a simple yet elegant white robe that seemed to accentuate her graceful movements.
"Senior Brother," she called out, a smile lighting up her face. "I hope I didn''t keep you waiting too long."
Fenlock felt his face heat up. "N-not at all, Junior Sister Lenvari," he stammered. "I, uh, I just got here myself."
Lenvari''s smile widened as she came to stand before him. "Is everything alright? You seem... nervous."
Nervous? Me? I''m just about to introduce the girl I love to my terrifying master. Why would I be nervous? Fenlock thought sarcastically.
Out loud, he said, "I''m fine, really. It''s just... well, meeting Master Slifer is a big deal."
Lenvari reached out and gently took his hand, her touch sending a jolt through his system. "Senior Brother, breathe. It''s going to be alright. From everything you''ve told me about your master, he seems like a reasonable person."
Fenlock couldn''t help but chuckle at that. "Reasonable isn''t exactly the word I''d use to describe Master Slifer. He''s... unique."
"Unique how?" Lenvari asked, her head tilting slightly in curiosity.
Fenlock paused, trying to find the right words. "Well, he''s not like other sect masters. He doesn''t really care about all the formal stuff. And sometimes, he says the strangest things..."
"Like what?" Lenvari prompted, her eyes sparkling with amusement.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!
"Well, there was this one time during training," Fenlock began, a smile tugging at his lips despite his nervousness. "He told us to ''cultivate like our lives depended on it, because they probably did.'' Then he muttered something about ''plot armor'' not being thick enough yet."
Lenvari laughed. "He sounds interesting, at least. Not at all like the stuffy old masters I''ve heard about in other sects."
"Oh, he''s far from stuffy," Fenlock agreed. There was the time he tried to explain the concept of dao comprehension using food analogies. He said understanding the dao was like trying to describe the taste of water to someone who''s never had it. Then he spent the next hour trying to get us to ''taste the dao'' in various snacks he''d brought."
"Did it work?" Lenvari asked.
"Well, I''m not sure if I understood the dao any better," Fenlock admitted, "but I did develop a new appreciation for spicy cultivated snake chips."
Lenvari giggled. "He certainly sounds creative in his teaching methods.
Fenlock nodded, feeling some of his tension ease. "He is interesting. And powerful. You should see him in action, Lenvari. It''s... amazing."
"Ive only seen him from afar, Im looking forward to finally meeting him," Lenvari said, giving Fenlock''s hand a reassuring squeeze. "But Fenlock, you still haven''t told me why you''re so nervous. Is there something else?"
Fenlock swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. It''s now or never, he thought.
"Junior Sister, I... there''s something I need to tell you," he began, his voice shaky.
Lenvari''s expression turned serious. "What is it, Senior Brother? You know you can tell me anything."
Fenlock took a deep breath. "Junior Sister, I... I have feelings for you. Strong feelings. I think... I think I''m in love with you."
There was a moment of silence that felt like an eternity to Fenlock. He stood there, his heart pounding, waiting for her response.
Then, to his surprise and delight, Lenvari''s face broke into a radiant smile. "Oh, Fenlock," she said his name softly. "I was wondering when you''d finally say it."
Fenlock blinked, stunned. "You... you knew?"
Lenvari laughed, the sound filling the garden. "Senior Brother, you''re many things, but subtle isn''t one of them. I''ve known for a while now. I dont know anyone who hasnt noticed"
"And... and how do you feel?" Fenlock asked, hardly daring to hope.
In response, Lenvari leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "Does that answer your question?" she asked, her cheeks tinged with a delicate blush.
Fenlock felt as if he could fly without using any cultivation techniques. "Junior Sister, I... I don''t know what to say."
"You don''t have to say anything," Lenvari replied, her eyes twinkling. "But maybe we should focus on meeting your master first? We can talk more about... us... after that."
Fenlock nodded, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "You''re right. Let''s go meet Master Slifer. Just... be prepared for anything, okay?"
"Like what?" Lenvari asked, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice for the first time.
Fenlock thought for a moment. "Well, he might ask you to demonstrate your cultivation techniques. Or he might quiz you on obscure cultivation theories. Or..."
"Or?" Lenvari prompted when Fenlock trailed off.
"Or he might challenge you to a pie-eating contest," Fenlock finished with a straight face.
Lenvari stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "A pie-eating contest? Really? That sounds like a mortal thing to do."
Fenlock shrugged, grinning. "With Master Slifer, you never know. He once said that a true cultivator should be able to channel their qi to expand their stomach capacity."
"Well," Lenvari said, still giggling, "I suppose I''d better be prepared for anything then. Lead the way, Senior Brother."
As they walked arm in arm towards Slifer''s quarters, Fenlock couldn''t help but feel that, no matter what happened next, everything was going to be alright. With Lenvari by his side, he felt like he could face anything C even his master.
***
Slifer sat cross-legged in his private chamber, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on his mind, but he knew he couldn''t afford to dwell on them. There were more pressing matters at hand.
It''s time, he thought, opening his eyes. I''ve put this off for too long. If I''m going to face whatever''s coming, I need to be stronger. Core Formation, here I come.
He stood up, stretching his limbs. "Morvran!" he called out.
A moment later, there was a knock at the door, and Morvran''s bald head poked in. "You called, Master?"
Slifer nodded. "I''m going to be busy for a while. Make sure no one disturbs me, no matter what. Understood?"
Morvran''s eyes widened slightly. "Are you... are you going to break through to the Immortal Realm, Master?"
Slifer froze, his mind racing. Immortal Realm? Oh crap, that''s right. They all think I''m some kind of cultivation prodigy. How do I play this off?
"Immortal Realm? Uh, yeah... that''s the plan..." Slifer replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know how it is, always reaching for the next level, right?"
Smooth, Slifer. Real smooth. Maybe I should just fake my own death and start a new sect at this point.
Morvran''s face lit up with awe and excitement. "That''s incredible, Master! To think I''ll be witness to such a momentous occasion! Is there anything you need for your breakthrough? Sacred artifacts? Rare herbs? The blood of a thousand virgins?"
Slifer blinked, taken aback. Blood of a thousand virgins? What kind of cultivation novels has this guy been reading?
"No, no, nothing like that," Slifer said hastily. "Just... peace and quiet. You know, for concentration and stuff. Very important for reaching the, uh, Immortal Realm."
Morvran nodded vigorously. "Of course, Master! I''ll make sure no one comes within a hundred meters of your chambers. Not even a fly will disturb your breakthrough!"
"Great, that''s... great," Slifer said, forcing a smile. "Just remember, no matter what you hear or sense, do not enter this room. The process of becoming an Immortal is, uh, very delicate."
And by ''delicate,'' I mean ''completely made up on the spot.''
"Understood, Master!" Morvran said with a salute. "Good luck with your breakthrough! The whole sect will be celebrating your ascension soon!"
As Morvran left, closing the door behind him, Slifer let out a long, shaky breath. Well, that''s one way to raise the stakes. Now I really can''t afford to fail this Core Formation breakthrough. Talk about performance pressure.
He slumped back down onto his meditation mat, running a hand through his hair. Alright, System. Let''s see what you''ve got for me. Because apparently, I''ve got an Immortal Realm breakthrough to fake.
With a mental command, Slifer opened the System Shop interface. His eyes widened as he scrolled through the available items, stopping when he came across something unexpected.
Name: Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill Recipe
Description: A high-level alchemical recipe for crafting pills to aid in breaking through to the Core Formation realm. Increases success rate by 50% and reduces cultivation time by 30%.
Cost: 5,000 credits
Slifer''s eyebrows shot up. A Core Formation pill recipe? And one our sect doesn''t have? This could be a game-changer.
He quickly checked the price of pre-made Core Formation pills in the shop, whistling low when he saw the cost.
35,000 credits for a single pill? That''s highway robbery! Slifer thought indignantly. But if I can make them myself...
A slow smile spread across his face as an idea began to form. Who says I can''t be an alchemist? It''s not like I haven''t picked up new skills in this world before. And having a reliable source of high-level pills could be invaluable.
Decision made, Slifer purchased the recipe. A flood of information filled his mind - ingredients, proportions, refining techniques. It was overwhelming at first, but as he sorted through the knowledge, he found himself growing excited.
This could work, he thought. And hey, who doesn''t want to be friends with the guy who can make powerful cultivation pills? Might help smooth over some of those... strained relationships I''ve been cultivating lately.
Plus, he thought with a wry smile, no one wants to be enemies with the guy who can make their breakthrough pills. It''s like being the only person with snacks at a party C suddenly, everyone''s your best friend.
With renewed enthusiasm, Slifer began browsing the materials section of the shop. He carefully selected the ingredients needed for the Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill:
Name: Celestial Lotus Petal
Description: Rare petals from lotuses grown in celestial springs. Enhances spiritual energy absorption.
Cost: 500 credits per petal
Name: Nine-Tailed Fox Essence
Description: Concentrated essence from a nine-tailed fox. Improves energy control and stability.
Cost: 500 credits per vial
Name: Thunderbolt Fruit
Description: Fruit infused with the power of lightning. Strengthens the body''s meridians.
Cost: 1000 credits per fruit
Name: Dragon''s Breath Crystal
Description: Crystallized dragon breath. Acts as a catalyst for spiritual energy transformation.
Cost: 1000 credits per crystal
Name: Void Lotus Root
Description: Root of a lotus grown in the void between realms. Enhances spatial awareness and control.
Cost: 1000 credits per root
Slifer purchased enough materials for three attempts, wincing slightly at the total cost but reminding himself of the potential benefits.
5000 credits for the recipe, 4000 credits per attempt versus 35,000 for a single pill, he mused. Even if I mess up a few times, I''ll still come out ahead. Assuming I don''t blow myself up in the process, of course.
With everything prepared, Slifer reached into his spatial ring and pulled out the green cauldron he had acquired earlier and set it down beside him.
Alright, Slifer thought, cracking his knuckles. Time to see if I''ve got what it takes to be an alchemist. How hard can it be, right? Just throw some ingredients in a pot and hope for the best.
As he began arranging the materials around the cauldron, a memory from his old world flashed through his mind - a high school chemistry class where he''d nearly set the lab on fire. He chuckled nervously.
On second thought, maybe I should start with some safety precautions...
Slifer spent the next hour setting up protective barriers around his workspace, just in case things went south. Better safe than sorry, especially when dealing with volatile spiritual ingredients.
Finally satisfied with his preparations, Slifer took a deep breath and faced the cauldron.
"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Let''s do this."
Chapter 116: First Attempt
Fenlock''s heart raced as he and Lenvari approached Slifer''s courtyard. The Black Rose Sect''s grounds were always beautiful, but today they seemed especially vibrant. Perhaps it was just his heightened emotions coloring everything.
"Are you sure about this, Senior Brother?" Lenvari asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.
Fenlock squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Of course. Master Slifer may be... unique, but he''s fair. I''m sure he''ll approve of us."
As they neared the entrance to Slifer''s private courtyard, a familiar figure came into view. Morvran, Slifer''s right-hand man, stood guard with his arms crossed.
Oh no, Fenlock thought. This might complicate things.
"Boss Morvran," Fenlock called out, bowing respectfully. "We''re looking for an audience with Master Slifer."
Morvran''s eyes narrowed as he looked them over. "Master Slifer is not to be disturbed. He''s in the middle of an important breakthrough."
Fenlock blinked in surprise. "Breakthrough? To what realm?"
A hint of pride crept into Morvran''s voice. "To the Immortal Realm, of course. Did you expect anything less from our master?"
Lenvari gasped beside him. Fenlock felt his own jaw drop. "The... Immortal Realm? Are you certain?"
Morvran nodded sagely. "Master Slifer himself told me. He''s not to be disturbed under any circumstances."
Fenlock''s mind raced. The Immortal Realm? But that''s... that''s impossible, isn''t it? Even for Master Slifer...
"How long will this take?" Lenvari asked, her curiosity overcoming her shyness.
Morvran shrugged. "Who can say? The journey to immortality is not a simple one. It could be days, weeks, months or even years."
Fenlock''s brow furrowed as he processed Morvran''s words. A thought struck him, and he couldn''t help but ask, "Boss Morvran, do you intend to stand guard here the entire time? Even if it takes... years?"
Morvran nodded, as if Fenlock had just asked him if the sky was blue. "Of course. It is my duty to protect Master Slifer during this crucial time. I will remain here, unwavering, for as long as it takes."
Lenvari''s eyes widened in amazement. "But... what about food? Or rest?"
"Such mortal concerns are beneath me," Morvran declared proudly. "My cultivation method has prepared me for just such trials."
Fenlock''s heart sank as the reality of the situation set in. He had been so excited to introduce Lenvari to his master, to seek his blessing for their relationship. Now it seemed they might be waiting for a very, very long time.
Years of Morvran standing guard? Fenlock thought incredulously. Surely Master Slifer''s breakthrough can''t take that long... can it?
"Is there no way we could speak with him, even for a moment?" Fenlock pleaded. "It''s quite important."
Morvran''s expression softened slightly. "I understand, young Fenlock. But Master Slifer''s orders were clear. No disturbances, no matter what. The process of becoming an Immortal is very delicate."
Lenvari tugged gently on Fenlock''s sleeve. "It''s alright, Senior Brother. We can wait. Your master''s breakthrough is far more important."
Fenlock nodded reluctantly. "You''re right, of course. Boss Morvran, could you at least let Master Slifer know we came by? When he''s... finished?"
Morvran stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose I could do that. What is this about?"
Fenlock felt his face heat up. He glanced at Lenvari, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"Well, you see..." Fenlock began, his voice slightly shaky. "Junior Sister Lenvari and I... we''ve developed feelings for each other. We wanted to seek Master Slifer''s blessing for our relationship."
Morvran''s eyebrows shot up. He looked between Fenlock and Lenvari, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Ah, young love," he said, his voice uncharacteristically wistful. "It reminds me of my own youth, before I dedicated myself to the Way of the Cock."
Fenlock and Lenvari exchanged a confused glance. The Way of the What now? Fenlock thought.
"That''s... nice?" Lenvari said hesitantly.
Morvran nodded, lost in his memories. "Indeed it was. But such worldly attachments can be a distraction from true cultivation. Are you sure this is the path you wish to take?"
Fenlock straightened his shoulders. "Yes. My feelings for Junior Sister Lenvari only strengthen my resolve to become a better cultivator."
"And I feel the same," Lenvari added, squeezing Fenlock''s hand.
Morvran studied them for a long moment, then sighed. "Very well. I will inform Master Slifer of your visit and your... situation... once his breakthrough is complete. In the meantime, I suggest you focus on your cultivation. The path of dual cultivation can be treacherous for the unprepared."
Fenlock''s face burned even hotter. "D-dual cultivation? We haven''t... I mean, we''re not..."
Lenvari giggled beside him, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
Morvran waved a hand dismissively. "No need to explain. Just be careful. And perhaps consult some manuals before attempting anything... strenuous."
I think I''m going to die of embarrassment right here, Fenlock thought.
"Thank you for your... advice," Lenvari said, barely containing her laughter. "We''ll be sure to study diligently."
Morvran nodded approvingly. "See that you do. Now, if there''s nothing else..."
Fenlock bowed quickly. "No, nothing else. Thank you for your time, Boss Morvran."
As they turned to leave, Morvran called out, "Oh, and Fenlock?"
Fenlock looked back nervously. "Yes, Boss?"
A hint of a smile played at Morvran''s lips. "Congratulations. Master Slifer will be pleased to see you growing up."
With that, he turned and resumed his guard position, leaving Fenlock and Lenvari to make their way back through the courtyard.
Once they were out of earshot, Lenvari burst into giggles. "Oh, Senior Brother, your face! I thought you were going to burst into flames!"
Fenlock groaned. "Was it that obvious?"
Lenvari nodded, still laughing. "You looked like a tomato with hair!"
Despite his embarrassment, Fenlock found himself chuckling along with her. Her laughter was infectious, and he couldn''t help but feel lighter.
"Well, I''m glad my discomfort amuses you so much, Junior Sister.
Lenvari''s laughter died down, but her eyes still sparkled. "I''m sorry, I couldn''t help it. But you have to admit, it was pretty funny. The Way of the Cock? What kind of cultivation technique is that?"
Fenlock shook his head. "I have no idea, and I''m not sure I want to know. Sometimes it''s best not to question Boss Morvran''s... eccentricities."
They walked in silence for a moment, hand in hand. Despite the setback, Fenlock felt content. Being with Lenvari just felt right.
"So," Lenvari said after a while, "what do we do now? It could be a long time before your master finishes his breakthrough."
Fenlock considered this. "Well, we could follow Boss Morvran''s advice and focus on our cultivation. Or..."
"Or?" Lenvari prompted, a hint of mischief in her voice.
Fenlock grinned. "Or we could go for a walk in the Black Rose Garden. I hear the night-blooming roses are particularly beautiful this time of year."
Lenvari''s face lit up. "That sounds wonderful! I''ve always wanted to see them up close."
As they changed direction, heading towards the famous garden, Fenlock felt a surge of happiness. Things might not have gone exactly as planned, but he was with the girl he loved, in a place of beauty and wonder. For now, that was enough.
Master Slifer, he thought, I hope your breakthrough goes well. And I hope you''ll approve of us when you return.
Little did Fenlock know, his master''s "breakthrough" was taking a very different form than he imagined.
***
Inside his private chambers, Slifer stared at the green cauldron before him, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through him. The ingredients for the Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill were arranged neatly around the cauldron.
Alright, he thought, time to see if I''ve got what it takes to be an alchemist.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Slifer picked up the Celestial Lotus Petal, marveling at its beauty, it was otherwordly. It seemed to shimmer with an inner light, pulsing in time with his own heartbeat.
"Okay," he muttered to himself, "according to the recipe, I need to infuse this with my spiritual energy before adding it to the cauldron."
He closed his eyes, concentrating on channeling his qi into the delicate petal. It was harder than he expected C the spiritual energy of the petal seemed to resist his efforts, slipping away like water through his fingers.
After several frustrating minutes, Slifer finally felt the petal accept his qi. He opened his eyes to find the petal glowing brightly, its color deepened to a rich, vibrant hue.
"One down, four to go," he sighed, reaching for the vial of Nine-Tailed Fox Essence.
As he worked his way through the ingredients, Slifer found himself gaining a new appreciation for the art of alchemy. Each component required a different approach, a unique touch. The Thunderbolt Fruit crackled with electricity as he infused it, sending little shocks through his fingers. The Dragon''s Breath Crystal nearly burned his hand with its intense heat.
By the time he reached the Void Lotus Root, Slifer was sweating profusely, his concentration pushed to its limits.
No wonder alchemists are so respected, he thought as he struggled to imbue the root with his qi. This is harder than any cultivation technique I''ve tried.
Finally, after what felt like hours, all five ingredients were prepared. Slifer took a deep breath, steeling himself for the next step.
"Alright," he said aloud, his voice echoing in the empty chamber. "Time to put it all together and hope I don''t blow myself up."
He carefully added each ingredient to the cauldron, following the precise order specified in the recipe. As the last component C the Void Lotus Root C fell into the mixture, the contents of the cauldron began to swirl of their own accord, colors blending and separating in a hypnotic dance.
Slifer watched in fascination as the mixture began to glow, first a soft blue, then a vibrant green, and finally a deep, pulsing red. The air around the cauldron shimmered with heat and spiritual energy.
So far, so good, he thought cautiously. Now for the tricky part.
According to the recipe, he needed to carefully regulate the spiritual fire beneath the cauldron while simultaneously stirring the mixture with his qi. It was a delicate balance C too much heat would ruin the pill, too little would fail to properly combine the ingredients.
Slifer took another deep breath, centering himself. He extended his hands over the cauldron, channeling his spiritual energy to create a steady flame beneath it. With his other hand, he began to stir the mixture using a tendril of pure qi.
At first, things seemed to be going well. The contents of the cauldron bubbled gently, the colors swirling together in a mesmerizing pattern. Slifer allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction.
Maybe I''ve got a talent for this after all, he thought.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than things started to go wrong. The mixture suddenly began to churn more violently, the colors separating instead of blending. Slifer frantically tried to adjust the heat and his stirring technique, but it was like trying to control a wild horse with dental floss.
"No, no, no," he muttered, sweat beading on his forehead. "Come on, work with me here!"
But the alchemical mixture seemed to have a mind of its own. It bubbled and frothed, rising higher and higher in the cauldron. Slifer could feel the spiritual energy within it growing unstable, pulsing erratically.
This is bad, he thought, a hint of panic creeping into his mind. Really bad. I need to
Before he could finish the thought, the mixture exploded. There was a blinding flash of light, a deafening boom, and Slifer found himself thrown backward, slamming into the wall of his chamber.
For a moment, he sat there, dazed and disoriented. His ears rang, and his vision swam with afterimages of the explosion. As his senses slowly returned, he became aware of a peculiar sensation all over his skin.
Slifer looked down at himself and groaned. The System didnt seem to categorise that as an attack and activate the Critical Block Card, so he was now covered from head to toe in a sticky, multicolored substance that sparkled faintly with residual spiritual energy.
"Well," he said aloud, his voice hoarse, "I guess that''s what they call a critical failure."
As if in response to his words, a system message appeared before his eyes:
Ding!
Your Alchemy skill has increased
Alchemy Level 1 (30%)
Slifer blinked in surprise. "Wait, I actually gained experience from that disaster? Huh. I guess there''s something to be said for learning from your mistakes."
He struggled to his feet, wincing at the various aches and pains making themselves known. The chamber looked like a technicolor tornado had torn through it. The cauldron was miraculously intact, but everything else C including Slifer himself C was coated in the failed alchemical mixture.
At least the protective barriers held, he thought, noting with relief that the chaos seemed to be contained within his personal space. I''d hate to have to explain this mess to the rest of the sect.
As he surveyed the damage, Slifer couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Here he was, supposedly a powerful Sect Elder, covered in magical goop like a child who had gotten into the finger paints.
"I don''t think I''m cut out to be one of those genius alchemists who get it right on the first try," he mused, trying to wipe some of the sticky substance from his face. "Maybe I should start with something simpler. Like... boiling water."
A thought struck him, and he groaned. "The ingredients... all those expensive materials, wasted on this mess. At this rate, I''ll probably would bankrupt myself before I ever make a successful pill."
Slifer sighed, running a hand through his goopy hair. "I hate to admit it, but I think I need help. There''s got to be an alchemist in the sect who can teach me the basics. It''ll probably be embarrassing, but it''s better than blowing myself up again."
Decision made, Slifer began the arduous process of cleaning himself and his chamber. It took far longer than he expected C the failed alchemical mixture seemed resistant to both mundane and spiritual cleaning methods.
By the time he had made himself and his surroundings somewhat presentable, Slifer was exhausted. But he knew he couldn''t put off facing the world any longer. Morvran would be wondering what had happened, and there were probably sect matters that needed his attention.
"Alright," he said to his reflection in a newly-cleaned mirror. "Time to go out there and pretend I''m a competent Sect Elder who definitely wasn''t just defeated by a cauldron."
Slifer took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and opened the door to his chamber. He stepped out into the courtyard, blinking in the bright sunlight.
As his eyes adjusted, he became aware of a strange scene before him. Morvran, his trusted right-hand man, was... sitting on someone? And not just anyone C it appeared to be Fenlock, Slifer''s disciple. Beside them stood a young woman Slifer didn''t recognize, shaking her head in what looked like a mixture of amusement and exasperation.
Slifer blinked, wondering if perhaps he had hit his head harder than he thought during the explosion. But no, the scene remained unchanged.
Well, he thought, at least I''m not the only one having an interesting day.
"Morvran," Slifer called out, keeping his voice steady despite his confusion. "Care to explain why you''re using my disciple as a chair?"
Morvran looked up, his expression brightening. "Ah, Master Slifer! You''ve emerged from your breakthrough! How did it go? Are you now an Immortal?"
"Not... exactly," Slifer said, barely managing to keep a straight face. "But never mind that for now. Why are you sitting on Fenlock?"
Chapter 117: Dual Cultivation Method
Morvran blinked, as if just realizing his current position. He quickly stood up, allowing Fenlock to scramble to his feet. "Ah, my apologies, Master. After I told them youre not available, I caught these two lurking around your courtyard. I assumed they were trying to sneak in and disrupt your breakthrough."
Fenlock, his face red with embarrassment, bowed deeply. "Master, it''s not what it looks like! I was just showing Junior Sister Lenvari around the sect. We had no intention of disturbing you!"
Slifer''s eyebrows rose. Junior Sister Lenvari? So Fenlock finally made a move, huh? He turned his attention to the young woman, who bowed respectfully.
"It''s an honor to meet you, Supreme Elder," she said, her voice soft but clear. "I apologize for any misunderstanding we may have caused."
Slifer waved off her apology. "No harm done. Though I''m curious, Fenlock. When did you finally gather the courage?"
Fenlock''s blush deepened. "Well, Master, you see... Junior Sister Lenvari and I... we''ve been spending a lot of time together lately, and I..."
"We''re courting, Supreme Elder," Lenvari finished for him, a small smile on her face. "We hoped to seek your blessing."
Courting? The way this kid acts, it''s like she''s been his wife for centuries, Slifer thought, amused. Out loud, he said, "I see. And you thought the best time to ask was when I was supposedly in the middle of a breakthrough?"
Fenlock looked mortified. "No, Master! We didn''t know you were... I mean, we wouldn''t have... It''s just that Boss Morvran said you might be in there for years, and we didn''t want to wait that long, and..."
Slifer held up a hand to stop Fenlock''s rambling. "Years? Morvran, what exactly did you tell them?"
Morvran straightened, a hint of pride in his voice. "I informed them that you were undergoing a breakthrough to the Immortal Realm, Master. Such a monumental achievement could take an indefinite amount of time."
Oh boy. This is going to be fun to explain, Slifer thought. "I see. Well, I appreciate your... enthusiasm, Morvran. But perhaps in the future, we should be a bit more careful about spreading such information."
"Of course, Master," Morvran said, bowing deeply. "I apologize if I overstepped."
Slifer turned his attention back to Fenlock and Lenvari. He took a moment to really look at the young woman, and he had to admit she was quite beautiful. Her jade-green eyes sparkled with intelligence, and her long, raven-black hair flowed like silk down her back.
Damn, Fenlock. Nice catch, Slifer thought, then immediately felt a pang of envy. Why can''t I have any luck like that in this world? Stupid System, putting me in an old man''s body. Even my clone, Zack, has girls drooling over him!
Pushing aside his personal frustrations, Slifer addressed the young couple. "So, you two want my blessing, huh?"
Fenlock nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master. It would mean the world to us."
Slifer pretended to consider for a moment, enjoying the way Fenlock squirmed nervously. Finally, he smiled. "Well, who am I to stand in the way of young love? You have my-"
Before he could finish, a familiar blue screen suddenly appeared before his eyes.
Ding!
New Task: Guide the young couple to create a unique dual cultivation technique. Upon completion, their cultivation speed will be doubled when practicing together.
Reward: Every time they dual cultivate, you will receive a boost in your cultivation
Slifer blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Really, System? Right now? Talk about timing.
He glanced at the eager young couple before him, his mind racing. Well, well. Looks like Fenlock might be more important to this story than I thought. A unique dual cultivation technique, huh? That''s definitely the kind of thing that makes a protagonist OP later on. Hmm, and itll benefit my own growthnot bad.
Clearing his throat, Slifer adopted a serious expression. "Fenlock, Lenvari, I''m glad to see your relationship blossoming. However, before I can give you my full blessing, there''s a task you must complete."
Fenlock''s shoulders slumped slightly, and he let out a small sigh. "I knew it," he muttered under his breath. "Master always has some strange quest..."
Lenvari squeezed his hand reassuringly. "It''s okay, Senior Brother. Whatever it is, we''ll complete it together."
Slifer pretended not to notice their reactions. "As cultivators, your path forward must be one of mutual growth and understanding. Therefore, to prove your compatibility and commitment, I want you to work together to create a unique dual cultivation technique."
Fenlock''s eyes widened in surprise. "A... dual cultivation technique, Master? But that''s..."
"Challenging? Unconventional? Perhaps even a bit scandalous?" Slifer finished for him, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Precisely. This task will test not only your cultivation skills but also your ability to work together harmoniously."
And it''ll probably make for some entertaining scenes later in the story, Slifer thought to himself, suppressing a grin.
Lenvari''s face had turned a delicate shade of pink, but her eyes narrowed with determination. "We accept your challenge, Supreme Elder. Right, Senior Brother?"
Fenlock nodded, his initial reluctance fading in the face of Lenvari''s enthusiasm. "Yes, we do. We won''t let you down, Master."
Slifer nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Take as much time as you need. Ill let you know when youve completed the task.
Fenlock''s brow furrowed in confusion. "You''ll let us know, Master? But... how will you know when we''ve finished?"
A sudden, horrifying thought struck him. He''s not planning to... watch us, is he? Fenlock''s face turned an even deeper shade of red than Lenvari''s.
"Master," Fenlock said hesitantly, "you''re not... I mean, you won''t be... observing us, will you?"
Slifer blinked, momentarily taken aback by the question. Then he burst out laughing. "Heavens, no! What do you take me for, some kind of creepy old man?"
Though I suppose I am technically an old man in this body, Slifer held back a sigh.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"No, no," Slifer continued, waving his hand dismissively. "I have my ways of knowing these things. Trust me, when you''ve created a truly unique dual cultivation technique, I''ll be aware of it."
Fenlock let out a sigh of relief, though he still looked slightly skeptical. "If you say so, Master."
Lenvari tugged gently on Fenlock''s sleeve. "Come on, Senior Brother. We have a lot of work to do."
As the young couple bowed and prepared to leave, Slifer added, "Oh, and Fenlock? Remember what I taught you about thinking outside the box. Sometimes the most powerful techniques come from unexpected places."
Like protagonists, Slifer smiled. Always pulling game-changing abilities out of nowhere.
Fenlock and Lenvari bowed once more before hurrying off, their heads already bent together in discussion.
Morvran, who had been silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke up. "Master, isn''t creating a dual cultivation technique a bit... advanced for disciples their age?"
Slifer waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense, Morvran. It''s never too early to start pushing one''s boundaries. Besides," he added with a cryptic smile, "I have a feeling those two will come up with something amazing.
As Morvran nodded, Slifer turned his gaze to where Fenlock and Lenvari had disappeared. Alright, System. Let''s see what kind of protagonist-level nonsense those kids can come up with. This should be interesting.
"They make a good pair," Morvran observed, breaking into Slifer''s thoughts.
"They do," Slifer agreed. He shook his head, refocusing on more pressing matters. "Morvran, I have a question for you."
"Of course, Master. What do you need?"
Slifer hesitated for a moment, wondering how to phrase his request without raising suspicion. "Who would you say is the best alchemist in our sect?"
Morvran''s brow furrowed in thought. "That would undoubtedly be Elder Feng, Master. He''s a Nascent Soul cultivator who''s been with the sect for over seven hundred years. His skill in alchemy is unparalleled within the Black Rose Sect. Its just unfortunate he hasnt been able to break into the Origin Realm."
As Morvran spoke, memories from the original Slifer began to surface in his mind. Elder Feng... oh great. The original and that old coot didn''t get along at all. Something about the original stealing a pill recipe
"I see," Slifer said carefully. "And where does Elder Feng stay these days?"
"He stays in the Misty Cauldron Cave, on the eastern edge of the sect grounds," Morvran replied. "But Master, why are you looking for him? If you need any alchemical products, I''d be more than happy to get them for you."
Slifer waved off the offer. "No, no. I have some... personal matters to discuss with Elder Feng. Thank you for the information, Morvran. You''re dismissed for now."
Morvran bowed deeply. "As you wish, Master. Please let me know if you need anything else."
As Morvran walked away, Slifer took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was sure to be an interesting encounter. Well, I''m the Supreme Elder now. Hopefully, that counts for something with the old alchemist.
With that thought, Slifer set off towards the eastern part of the sect grounds. As he walked, he couldn''t help but marvel at the beauty of the Black Rose Sect. The path was lined with the sect''s namesake flowers.
I really dont appreciate this place enough, It''s like something out of a fantasy novel, Slifer thought, then chuckled at the irony. Well, I guess it technically is. Still, it''s nice to appreciate the scenery once in a while.
As he neared the eastern edge of the sect grounds, the landscape began to change. The well-manicured gardens gave way to wilder growth, and a light mist began to swirl around his feet. In the distance, Slifer could make out the entrance to a cave, partially obscured by the mist.
That must be the Misty Cauldron Cave, he thought. Fitting name, I suppose.
As Slifer approached the cave entrance, he heard a commotion from inside. Suddenly, a body came flying out of the cave, landing with a thud on the ground just a few feet away from him.
The young man C clearly a disciple C groaned in pain, his robes singed and torn. Despite his obvious discomfort, he immediately began to kowtow towards the cave entrance.
"I''m sorry, Master Feng!" the disciple cried out. "I''ll do better next time, I promise!"
Slifer raised an eyebrow. Well, I guess this isn''t a good time for a visit. Maybe I should come back later...
Before he could make a decision, another disciple emerged from the cave. This one looked nervous, his eyes darting between Slifer and the cave entrance.
"M-Master Feng," the disciple called out, his voice shaky. "The Supreme Elder is here to see you."
There was a moment of silence, then a cranky voice echoed from within the cave. "Eh? What does he want?"
Slifer suppressed a sigh. This is going to be fun, he thought sarcastically. Raising his voice, he called out, "Elder Feng, I was hoping we could have a word. If you''re not too busy, that is."
Another pause, then the sound of shuffling footsteps. A moment later, an old man emerged from the cave, his long white beard nearly touching the ground. Despite his age, his eyes were sharp and alert, sizing up Slifer with obvious suspicion.
"Supreme Elder," Elder Feng said, his tone neutral. "To what do I owe this... honor?"
Slifer put on his most charming smile. "Elder Feng, I was hoping to discuss a matter of some importance with you. Perhaps we could speak privately?"
Elder Feng''s eyes narrowed. "Hmph. I dont trust you, not after last time. But I guess I cant say no the Supreme Elder, come in, then. But touch nothing! My experiments are delicate."
As Slifer followed the old alchemist into the cave, he couldn''t help but feel like he was walking into the dragon''s den. Well, here goes nothing. Time to see if I can charm this old coot into teaching me alchemy.
The interior of the Misty Cauldron Cave was a sight to behold. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of mysterious ingredients and glowing pills. Cauldrons of various sizes were scattered throughout the space, some bubbling with strange concoctions, others lying dormant.
Elder Feng led Slifer to a small clearing in the center of the cave, where two simple stone stools sat. The old alchemist settled onto one, gesturing for Slifer to take the other.
"Well?" Elder Feng grumbled. "What''s this important matter you wanted to discuss?"
Slifer took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Elder Feng, I''ll be direct. I find myself in need of some... alchemical expertise. And I''ve been told you''re the best our sect has to offer."
Elder Feng''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? And what sort of ''expertise'' does the great Supreme Elder require? Surely one as powerful as yourself has no need for my humble skills."
Is that sarcasm I detect? Slifer thought. This old man''s got some bite to him.
"On the contrary," Slifer said aloud, "I have great respect for the art of alchemy. In fact, I''ve recently taken an interest in learning more about it myself."
Elder Feng snorted. "You? Learn alchemy? At your age?" He shook his head. "Alchemy is not something you can pick up on a whim, Supreme Elder. It takes years of study, centuries of practice. It''s not for dabblers or dilettantes."
Slifer felt a flicker of annoyance but pushed it down. Keep calm. You need this cranky old man''s help.
"I understand that, Elder Feng," Slifer said, his voice level. "I''m not expecting to become a master alchemist overnight. But everyone has to start somewhere, right? I was hoping you might be willing to... guide me in the basics."
Elder Feng stared at Slifer for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice dripping with skepticism. "And why, pray tell, has the Supreme Elder suddenly developed an interest in alchemy? Surely you have more important matters to attend to."
Slifer hesitated. He couldn''t very well tell the truth C that he''d nearly blown himself up trying to refine a pill, no that was too embarrassing. But he needed a convincing reason...
"The world is changing, Elder Feng," Slifer said, deciding to play on the old man''s pride. "I believe that to lead our sect effectively, I need to understand all aspects of cultivation. Alchemy is a crucial part of that. And who better to learn from than the most skilled alchemist in our sect?"
Elder Feng''s expression softened slightly at the praise, but suspicion still lingered in his eyes. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Supreme Elder. But... I admit, your reasoning is not entirely without merit."
He stroked his long beard thoughtfully. "Very well. I will give you a test. If you pass, I may consider teaching you the basics of alchemy. If you fail..." He grinned, revealing a mouth with surprisingly sharp teeth. "Well, let''s just say you''ll wish you''d never set foot in my cave."
Slifer swallowed hard. What have I gotten myself into?
"I accept your challenge, Elder Feng," Slifer said, trying to sound confident. "What is this test?"
Elder Feng''s grin widened. "Oh, nothing too difficult. I simply want you to identify these."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. From it, he produced three small objects, placing them on a nearby table.
Slifer leaned in to get a better look. The first object was a leaf, deep green in color with jagged edges. The second was a small, round seed that seemed to glow faintly. The third was a piece of what looked like ordinary bark.
"Well?" Elder Feng prompted. "What are they?"
Slifer stared at the items, his mind racing. He had some knowledge from the original Slifer''s memories, but it was fragmented and incomplete. He''d have to rely on his own observations and deductions.
Or I can just rely on the insight skill
Chapter 118: The Test
Slifer focused his attention on the leaf first, activating the Insight skill.
Name: Thunderleaf
Description: A rare herb that grows only in areas frequently struck by lightning. Contains trace amounts of electric energy. Commonly used in pills to strengthen the body''s meridians.
Interesting, Slifer mused. That could be useful for more than just pills.
He turned his attention to the glowing seed next.
Name: Starlight Seed
Description: Seeds from the Celestial Starfruit tree. Absorbs and stores starlight energy. Often used in pills to enhance spiritual perception and connection to celestial energies.
Celestial energies, huh? I wonder if that has anything to do with those Immortal Realm cultivators I keep hearing about.
Finally, he examined the piece of bark.
Name: Ironbark
Description: Bark from the Iron Oak tree. Extremely durable and resistant to both physical and spiritual attacks. Used in protective pills and talismans.
Slifer allowed himself a small smile. Not bad, Insight skill. Let''s see if we can impress the old man.
He looked up at Elder Feng, who was watching him with narrowed eyes. "Well?" the old alchemist prompted. "What are they?"
Slifer pointed to each item in turn. "This leaf is Thunderleaf, often used in pills to strengthen meridians. The seed is a Starlight Seed from the Celestial Starfruit tree, used for enhancing spiritual perception. And this bark is Ironbark from the Iron Oak, used in protective concoctions."
Elder Feng''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Well, well," he muttered. "It seems you''re not completely ignorant after all."
Was that... almost a compliment? Slifer wondered.
"Now you can teach me, right?" Slifer asked, trying not to sound too eager.
Elder Feng''s eyes narrowed again. "Not so fast, Supreme Elder. That was just a warm-up." He reached into his robes and pulled out another pouch. "Let''s see how you fare with these."
He emptied the pouch onto the table, revealing five more objects: a fiery feather, a small red fruit, a chunk of what looked like crystal, a vial of silvery liquid, and a dried flower.
Looks like the old man''s not giving up so easily, Slifer thought. Fine by me. Let''s see how long before he gives up.
He focused on the feather first.
Name: Phoenix Plume
Description: A feather from a lesser phoenix. Contains trace amounts of fire and rebirth energy. Used in pills for cleansing impurities and promoting regeneration.
Slifer''s eyes widened slightly. A phoenix feather? Now that''s impressive.
He moved on to the fruit.
Name: Blood Apple
Description: Fruit from the Blood Tree, which grows only in places of great bloodshed. Enhances blood essence and vitality.
Caution: Addictive if consumed raw.
Well, that''s suitably creepy for a demonic sect, Slifer thought.
Next, he examined the crystal.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Name: Void Quartz
Description: Crystal formed in areas of distorted space. Enhances spatial manipulation abilities when used in pills or talismans.
Spatial manipulation? Now that could be useful.
He turned his attention to the vial of liquid.
Name: Moonsilver
Description: Liquid metal that absorbs and stores moonlight. Used in pills to enhance yin energy and promote calm states of mind.
Calm states of mind, huh? Maybe I should keep some of that around for when my disciples return.
Finally, he looked at the dried flower.
Name: Timeblossom
Description: A flower that only blooms for one second every hundred years. Rumored to have time-altering properties when used in high-level pills.
Slifer''s eyebrows rose. Time-altering properties? Now that''s intriguing.
He looked up at Elder Feng, who was watching him with growing agitation. Slifer couldn''t help but feel a bit smug.
"Well?" Elder Feng demanded. "What are they?"
Slifer pointed to each item in turn, reciting their names and primary uses. With each one who got correct, Elder Feng''s face grew redder.
"The Phoenix Plume for cleansing and regeneration, the Blood Apple for enhancing vitality - though I''d be careful with that one, it''s addictive when raw. The Void Quartz for spatial manipulation, Moonsilver for enhancing yin energy and promoting calm, and the Timeblossom, which I hear has some interesting temporal properties in high-level pills."
Elder Feng''s mouth opened and closed several times, no sound coming out. Finally, he sputtered, "How... how did you..."
Slifer shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "I''ve picked up a few things over the years."
And by ''picked up,'' I mean ''just learned about five seconds ago thanks to this handy Insight skill.''
Elder Feng slumped onto his stool, looking deflated. "Fine," he grumbled. "Your alchemy knowledge is... adequate. If barely." He straightened up, fixing Slifer with a glare. "But knowing ingredients is just the beginning. Let''s see if you can keep up with the real lessons."
Slifer nodded, suppressing a grin. Challenge accepted, old man.
"Before we begin," Elder Feng said, stroking his beard, "it''s important you understand the different levels of alchemists. There are six main ranks: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert, Master, and Grandmaster."
Slifer nodded. This much he remembered from the original Slifer''s memories. But as Elder Feng continued, he realized there was much more to learn.
"Novice alchemists can create simple pills and elixirs, mostly for healing minor injuries or providing small boosts to cultivation. They work with common ingredients and basic equipment."
Elder Feng paused, eyeing Slifer. "I assume you''re at least beyond this level?"
Slifer coughed, thinking of his earlier disastrous attempt at pill-making. "Of course," he lied smoothly. "Please, continue."
"Intermediate alchemists," Elder Feng went on, "can create more complex concoctions. They work with rarer ingredients and can produce pills that aid in breakthrough to higher cultivation realms, though the success rate is... variable."
Variable, huh? Sounds like a polite way of saying ''expect a lot of explosions.''
"Advanced alchemists," Elder Feng said, puffing up slightly, "can create high-level pills consistently. We work with rare and sometimes dangerous ingredients, crafting pills that can significantly boost cultivation speed or grant temporary special abilities."
Slifer nodded, impressed despite himself. "And the Expert level?"
Elder Feng''s expression soured slightly. "Experts can create pills that alter the very essence of a cultivator. They work with the rarest of ingredients and can even craft unique, one-of-a-kind pills tailored to specific individuals."
"Sounds impressive," Slifer said. "But I assume you''re past that level, given your reputation in our sect?"
Elder Feng''s face reddened. "As much as I''d like to brag about being a Master, I am merely at the Advanced stage," he admitted grudgingly.
Slifer blinked in surprise. "But... you''re the best alchemist in our sect, aren''t you?"
Elder Feng laughed. "In our sect, yes. But in the entire Mortal Realm? The highest rank you''ll find here is Expert. And there''s only one of those - Alchemist Xiao of the Heavenly Light Sect."
Heavenly Light Sect? Slifer thought. Guess theyre not the number 1 sect for nothing.
"This Alchemist Xiao," Slifer said carefully, "they must be quite powerful."
Elder Feng nodded grudgingly. "An Ascendant realm cultivator, of course. You see, to become an Expert Alchemist, one must generally be an Ascendant. Alchemy is tied closely to one''s cultivation level."
He paused, a sly look crossing his face. "Of course, there are rare exceptions where one can go beyond their cultivation realm in alchemy. I, for instance, am an Advanced Alchemist despite being only at the Nascent Soul realm."
Ah, Slifer thought. So that''s what''s got him all puffed up.
"Most other Advanced Alchemists are at the Origin Realm," Elder Feng continued, his voice taking on a haughty tone. "But I assure you, they''re no better than me despite their higher cultivation."
Slifer nodded, trying to keep his expression neutral. Someone''s got a chip on their shoulder.
"I see," he said aloud. "And what of the Master and Grandmaster levels?"
Elder Feng waved a hand dismissively. "Those are beyond the Mortal Realm. Master Alchemists can create pills that fundamentally alter reality itself. And Grandmasters?" He shook his head in wonder. "It''s said they can create pills that grant immortality or even ascension to higher realms of existence."
Slifer''s eyes widened. Immortality pills? Now that''s something to aim for.
"Fascinating," he said. "So, where do we begin?"
Elder Feng grinned, a slightly wicked gleam in his eye. "Oh, I very much doubt your claim to be a Novice Alchemist so we''ll start with the basics. Can''t have the great Supreme Elder blowing himself up, now can we?"
DSE Chapter 119: Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill Recipe
Over the next few hours, Elder Feng took Slifer through a whirlwind tour of basic alchemy. They covered everything from proper cauldron selection to flame control techniques. Slifer found himself genuinely fascinated, absorbing the information like a sponge.
"Now," Elder Feng said, gesturing to a row of small cauldrons, "each of these is suited for a different type of pill. This jade one is excellent for pills dealing with wood element energy. The copper one is best for fire-based concoctions."
Slifer examined each cauldron carefully. "And this black one?" he asked, pointing to an ominous-looking cauldron at the end of the row.
Elder Feng''s eyes gleamed. "Ah, that''s for more... specialized pills. The kind our sect is known for."
Right, Slifer thought. Demonic cultivator stuff. I should probably learn that too, even if I don''t plan on using it.
As they moved on to ingredient preparation, Slifer couldn''t help but ask, "Elder Feng, how did you become interested in alchemy?"
The old man''s expression softened slightly. "It was many years ago," he said, his voice taking on a distant quality. "I was but a young disciple, not much older than your Fenlock. There was an epidemic sweeping through our sect, and our alchemists were working day and night to produce enough healing pills."
He paused, a faraway look in his eyes. "I was fascinated by their work, the way they could take simple herbs and minerals and create something that could take lives just as much as they could save them. From that day on, I knew what my path would be."
Apart from the take lives part, the old coot isn''t so bad after all, Slifer nodded.
Elder Feng snapped out of his thoughts, his usual gruff demeanor returning. "Yes, well, enough of that. Let''s move on to pill formation techniques."
As the lesson continued, Slifer found himself gaining a new appreciation for the complexity of alchemy. It wasn''t just about throwing ingredients into a pot and hoping for the best. There was a rhythm to it, a delicate balance of energy manipulation and precise timing.
"The key," Elder Feng explained, demonstrating with a small flame dancing above his palm, "is to maintain consistent heat while gradually infusing your own spiritual energy. Too much at once, and you''ll destabilize the entire mixture."
Slifer watched closely, trying to memorize every detail. This is way more complicated than I thought. No wonder I nearly blew myself up earlier.
As the day wore on, Elder Feng covered topics ranging from ingredient compatibility to the finer points of pill condensation. Slifer''s head was swimming with information, but he found himself eager to learn more.
Finally, as the light outside the cave began to dim, Elder Feng stepped back from the workbench. "Well," he said, eyeing Slifer critically, "you''ve absorbed more than I expected. Perhaps you''re not entirely hopeless after all."
Coming from Elder Feng, Slifer realized this was high praise indeed. "Thank you for your instruction, Elder Feng," he said, bowing slightly. "I''ve learned a great deal."
Elder Feng harrumphed, but Slifer could see a glimmer of satisfaction in the old man''s eyes. "Yes, well, don''t get too full of yourself. You''ve barely scratched the surface of true alchemy."
He paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Still, I suppose you''ve earned a demonstration of real skill. Choose any Nascent Soul or below pill, and I''ll show you how a true master works."
Slifer held back a smirk as he thought of an idea. "Well, I''ve always been curious about the Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill. I''ve heard it''s quite challenging to create. Perhaps you could demonstrate that one?"
Elder Feng''s eyebrows shot up, his eyes widening in surprise. A moment later, his face flushed red with embarrassment. He coughed, averting his gaze.
"The Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill? That''s... well..." Elder Feng mumbled, stroking his beard nervously. "I''m afraid I don''t have that recipe. In fact, our sect doesn''t possess it either."
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Slifer feigned innocence. "Oh? I thought surely a skilled alchemist like yourself would know such a renowned pill."
Elder Feng''s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "How do you even know about that pill, Supreme Elder? It''s not common knowledge." He studied Slifer''s face intently, then his expression darkened. "Wait a moment... You didn''t... steal it, did you?"
"I''m not sure what you mean, Elder Feng," Slifer said carefully.
The old alchemist snorted. "Don''t play coy with me. It wouldn''t be the first time you''ve... acquired things that don''t belong to you. Need I remind you of the Frost Phoenix Elixir incident?"
Oh great, Slifer thought. The old man still hasnt gotten over that incident. Why was the Original such a thief?
Elder Feng leaned in close, his voice low and urgent. "Listen well, Supreme Elder. Whoever had that pill recipe won''t have a simple background. If you''ve taken it from someone powerful, you could be bringing down a world of trouble on our sect."
He straightened up, his expression serious. "I won''t ask where you got it. But be careful. Don''t drag the Black Rose Sect into your schemes this time."
I didnt think hed jump to such a conclusionSlifer thought, his mind racing. Well, this complicates things. But maybe I can still turn it to my advantage.
"Your concern is noted, Elder Feng," Slifer said. "But let''s say, hypothetically, that I did have access to this recipe. Would you be interested in... working together to create it?"
Elder Feng''s eyes narrowed, a mix of suspicion and intrigue dancing across his face. He stroked his beard, eyeing Slifer with a calculating gaze.
"Collaborate, you say?" Elder Feng mused, his voice low. "That''s a dangerous game you''re proposing, Supreme Elder. The Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill isn''t just any pill. It''s the stuff of legends."
Slifer leaned in, keeping his voice steady. "And who better to bring a legend to life than the most skilled alchemist in our sect?"
Elder Feng''s chest puffed up slightly at the compliment, but his eyes remained wary. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Supreme Elder. But..." He paused, clearly torn between caution and curiosity. "If you truly have access to this recipe, it could revolutionize our sect''s standing."
Now we''re getting somewhere, Slifer thought.
"It really could," Slifer agreed. "Imagine the power our disciples could attain with such a pill at their disposal."
Elder Feng nodded slowly, his eyes taking on a distant look. "The success rate for Core Formation would skyrocket. We could produce more high-level cultivators than any other sect in the region."
"Exactly," Slifer said, pressing his advantage. "And you, Elder Feng, would be the one to make it all possible."
Elder Feng studied Slifer for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed. "I must be going senile to even consider working with you. But... very well. If you can produce this recipe, I''ll work with you on creating the Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill."
Slifer allowed himself a small smile. "Excellent. I knew I could count on your expertise, Elder Feng."
"Don''t get ahead of yourself," Elder Feng grumbled. "I haven''t agreed to anything beyond examining the recipe. If I deem it too risky or if I suspect it''s a forgery, the deal''s off. Understood?"
Slifer nodded solemnly. "Of course. I wouldn''t expect anything less from an alchemist of your caliber."
Elder Feng harrumphed, but Slifer could see a glimmer of excitement in the old man''s eyes. "Well then, Supreme Elder. Let''s see this miraculous recipe of yours."
Slifer reached into his spatial ring, retrieving the recipe he had purchased from the System shop. He handed it over to Elder Feng, watching closely as the alchemist''s eyes scanned the contents.
Elder Feng''s eyebrows rose higher and higher as he read. His fingers trembled slightly, and Slifer could practically see the gears turning in the old man''s mind.
"This... this is..." Elder Feng muttered, his voice filled with awe. "It''s genuine. I can hardly believe it, but... this is the real Core Formation Celestial Lotus Pill recipe."
He looked up at Slifer, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Do you realize what you''ve brought me, Supreme Elder? This isn''t just a powerful pill recipe. It''s a game-changer. With this, our sect could..."
He trailed off, shaking his head in wonder.
Slifer nodded, attempting to look wise and all-knowing. "I understand the significance, Elder Feng. That''s why I brought it to you. I know you have the skill to bring this recipe to life."
Elder Feng clutched the recipe tightly, his eyes darting around as if expecting someone to leap out and snatch it away. "We''ll need to be careful. Very careful. The ingredients alone will be a challenge to gather without raising suspicion."
"Leave that to me," Slifer said confidently. After all, I''ve got a handy System shop to supply whatever we need.
"And of course," Slifer added, "I''ll need you to continue teaching me the art of alchemy. If we''re to work together on this, I''ll need to understand the intricacies of pill creation."
Elder Feng nodded absently, his attention still focused on the recipe. "Yes, yes, of course. We''ll need to... wait." He looked up sharply at Slifer. "Is that what this is about? You''re bribing me with this recipe to teach you alchemy?"
Slifer held up his hands defensively. "Not at all, Elder Feng. Think of it more as... a mutually beneficial arrangement. You get access to a legendary pill recipe, and I get to learn from the best alchemist in our sect. Everybody wins."
Elder Feng snorted, but Slifer could see the corners of his mouth twitching upward. "Flattery and bribery. You''re a piece of work, Supreme Elder."
"I prefer to think of it as resourcefulness," Slifer said with a grin.
Elder Feng shook his head, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Fine. We have a deal. But don''t think this means I''ll go easy on you. If you want to learn alchemy, you''ll work for it. Understood?"
Slifer bowed slightly. "I wouldn''t have it any other way, Elder Feng."