NOVEL WEB Chapter 17: Sect Mission
According to the Asura Scripture, this palace unlike the ordinary ones created using spiritual energy, It would be built using the resentment of the dead, with its pillars made from the compressed souls he'd collected. It was supposed to act like a home base for his spirit, helping him connect better with the Asura Qi and boosting his power.
Closing his eyes, Xiao Ning pictured the palace forming inside his dantian. Its walls were pitch black, glowing faintly with crimson runes. Four massive pillars rose from the corners, each carved from the crushed souls of the dead. These pillars pulsed with an aura of desolation, crackling with dark energy.
To ensure the stability of the Spirit Palace, the Asura Scripture clearly stated that Xiao Ning would need to sacrifice either ten Foundation Establishment cultivators or ten Spirit Palace cultivators. This requirement was both grim and unavoidable if he wished to complete his task.
After breaking through the Spirit Awakening Realm, cultivators faced a critical choice: they could either advance into the Foundation Establishment path or the Spirit Palace path. Each route offered distinct advantages depending on the practitioner's goals.
Cultivators who chose the Foundation Establishment path gained access to vastly larger reservoirs of qi compared to those who opted for the Spirit Palace path. This meant their bodies became like deep wells, capable of storing immense amounts of energy. For many, this made them formidable powerhouses in combat, as having more qi directly translated to greater strength and endurance.
On the other hand, those who chose the Spirit Palace path developed a far stronger spiritual sense than their Foundation Establishment counterparts. Their connection to the world around them grew sharper, allowing them to perceive subtle energies, detect hidden threats, and even manipulate certain aspects of their surroundings with greater precision.
While this advantage might not seem significant at first, it became crucial as cultivators progressed toward higher realms.
In the short term, the differences between these two paths were minimal. Both choices allowed practitioners to grow steadily stronger, and neither provided an overwhelming edge over the other during early stages of cultivation.
However, once a cultivator reached the Divine Transformation Realm, the distinctions became starkly apparent.
In the outer worlds, the majority of cultivators favored the Foundation Establishment path because it prioritized the accumulation of qi, which most viewed as the key to rapid progression. The logic was simple: the more qi you possessed, the stronger you became, and the faster your cultivation advanced. Over time, this approach had proven effective for countless practitioners, leading to its widespread adoption across various sects and regions.
Xiao Ning retrieved his sect token and issued a mission.
Within three days, anyone who delivered the souls of ten Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators to him would be rewarded with a top-grade Mundane cultivation technique.
Such techniques were no small prize—they granted practitioners the ability to cultivate all the way to the Divine Transformation Realm, an achievement that many could only dream of. Even within prestigious sects like the Shadowclaw Sect, these kinds of cultivation methods were exceedingly rare, often reserved for only the most esteemed disciples.
The offer was tempting, its value undeniable. For many ambitious cultivators, the chance to possess such a powerful technique might outweigh even the moral cost of obtaining it. Xiao Ning knew this well, and he hoped the promise would attract those willing to do what was necessary—or ruthless enough to act without hesitation.
It wasn't long before the mission spread throughout the sect's network, moving with the speed and intensity of wildfire. News of the reward—a top-grade Mundane cultivation technique capable of granting access to the Divine Transformation Realm—ignited a fervor among the disciples.
The first day passed quietly. No one dared approach Xiao Ning directly, likely intimidated by his position as Sect Master or uncertain about the task.
However, shadows moved beneath the surface—cultivators plotting, scheming, and preparing to act. Word traveled fast in the sect, and soon everyone knew of the mission.
Xiao Ning remained secluded in Blood Meridian Valley, meditating amidst the swirling Yin Qi.
On the second day, the first responses arrived. Three Core Formation Relam cultivators approached the entrance of Blood Meridian Valley, each carrying a small vial containing the condensed souls of ten Foundation Establishment Realm practitioners. Their hands trembling slightly as they handed over the vials.
"Here are your souls, Sect Master," one of them said, bowing deeply. "May we now claim our reward?"
Xiao Ning's gaze swept over the three Core Formation Realm experts with interest. "State your names, positions, and cultivated techniques."
The three Core Formation Realm cultivators straightened slightly, though their voices betrayed a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
"Name's Zhou Qi," the first guy started, his voice surprisingly calm considering the situation. "Just a junior elder from the Outer Sect's Enforcement Division. I practice the Abyssal Phantom Technique, which is, you know, a mid-grade Core Formation technique ." He looked over at Xiao Ning for a second, like he was waiting for a nod or something.
Next up was Lin Wei from the Alchemy Division. She seemed cool and collected, but her eyes were intense. "I practice the Devil Flame Refinement Art, a mid-grade Core Formation technique," she explained, adding a respectful bow. "I've been searching for ages for a better technique that won't mess with my foundation and hoping you might have something, Sect Master."
"My name's Ma Feng," the third cultivator said, his voice rough but polite. "I'm the leader of the Border Patrol of the Battle Division, and I practice the Ironclad Shadow Body Technique, a pretty good Core Formation technique." He made a fist, maybe picturing how strong it could make him. "I've spent years fighting, but I haven't been able to reach the next level."
Xiao Ning listened intently, nodding slowly after each , His lips curled into a faint smile, his eyes glinting with satisfaction as he regarded the three Core Formation Realm cultivators before him. Each had demonstrated both ambition and resourcefulness in completing the mission
With a flick of his wrist, three scrolls materialized mid-air, glowing faintly with ethereal light. Xiao Ning inspected them momentarily before handing one to each cultivator.
"Your efforts have not gone unnoticed," Xiao Ning remarked. "The cultivation techniques I am about to impart to you are rare and powerful, capable of significantly advancing your progress. Naturally, I trust there is no need to emphasize the importance of discretion regarding these techniques."
He extended the first scroll toward Zhou Qi.
"You, Zhou Qi," Xiao Ning said, fixing his gaze on the Enforcement Division elder. "Your Abyssal Phantom Technique has served you well, but it is time to elevate your capabilities. Here is the Infernal Soul Scripture —a top-grade Mundane technique specializing in stealth and speed. This skill suits someone like you, who values subtlety and surprise."
Zhou Qi's eyes widened as he accepted the scroll, reverently holding it between trembling hands. He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sect Master! I shall prove myself worthy of such a gift!"
"Lin Wei," Xiao Ning turned his attention to the alchemist. "Your Devil Flame Refinement Art demonstrates skill in manipulating fire, yet there is room for growth. Take this scroll—the Infernal Cauldron Fusion, a Top grade Mundane cultivation technique, This method refines your inner flames, transforming them into a volatile force capable of melting even the strongest defenses."
Lin Wei's expression shifted from nervousness to exhilaration as she took the scroll. Her hands were steady now, her resolve burning brighter than ever. She knelt gracefully, bowing low. "I am eternally grateful, Sect Master. Your generosity will not be wasted."
"And you, Ma Feng," Xiao Ning addressed the Border Patrol Leader. "Your Ironclad Shadow Body Technique speaks to your resilience and physical prowess. This technique complements your strengths—the Diamond Soul Forging Scripture, a top-grade Mundane cultivation technique. It tempers your body and spirit, transforming you into an unyielding fortress."
Ma Feng received the scroll with a mix of awe and determination. He cracked his knuckles, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Thanks, Sect Master! I won't let you down!"
Xiao Ning looked at them, nodding. "Head back and let them know you finished the mission, I won't accept more."
With that, he waved his hand dismissively, signaling their dismissal. As the trio departed, Xiao Ning returned to the depths of Blood Meridian Valley.