Purgatory Artist

[The plot takes an unexpected turn.]

[Estimated time: seven seconds.]

[Seven, six, five... two, one!]

All the text vanished. The cultivator's expression shifted as he sighed "It must have been hard for you."

Liu Ping observed as he fumbled for a jade slip, his Divine sense delving into it, murmuring: "Baisheng sect... I understand... Yes, Liu Ping, your sect lies in ruins, and you stand alone."

"It's fitting for you to head to the Western Desolate Camp."

"Thank you," Liu Ping responded.

In this world, one's identity is recorded, unchanged by repeated entries.

But I am not a part of this game.

"Take this token and train diligently" the cultivator said warmly.

Handing Liu Ping the token, he simultaneously retrieved an array plate, beginning to calibrate the teleportation array.

"Odd, it feels like it's been ages since I sent someone to the West Desolate Camp... I wonder why I have this sensation..." the cultivator mumbled.

Blazing lines of text appeared in the void:

[You have destroyed the threads that control his fate.]

[You are an essential figure in this world, yet you remain outside the main narrative. Your presence alone holds the power to sway the course of the entire Cultivation World with each action you take.]

Liu Ping glanced over, then respectfully clasped his fist at the cultivator, saying, "Senior, then I shall take my leave. Your guidance has been invaluable."

"Your martial skills are quite formidable. But consider a more conventional name next time, it will serve you well" the cultivator advised.

"Then What are your thoughts on the couple practicing martial arts before sharing a bed at night?" Liu Ping asked earnestly.

"...Forget it, may fortune favor you" the cultivator replied after a moment of stunned silence.

The formation shimmered with ethereal energy. The transmission was about to commence.

Suddenly, a line of blazing small text swiftly appeared before Liu Ping's eyes:

[Attention: Your Thaumaturgy exchange is about to end.]

[Five]

[Four]

[Three]

[Two]

[One.]

[Your Thaumaturgy has awakened!]

[You have lost the ability to divine secrets through Divination and calculations.]

[You have gained extraordinary senses: Legendary Observer.]

The brilliance of the Array Formation surged, enveloping Liu Ping lightly, and he vanished from the spot.

...

Dozens of minutes later.

Western Desolate Camp.

"Name?"

"Liuping."

"Sect?"

"Baisheng."

"It's you. We've received news and learned of your background, but with recent reports of demons masquerading as humans on the front lines, I must verify."

Liuping handed over the token.

The three elders sat behind the table, one of them taking the token and scrutinizing the hidden imprint upon it.

Silence filled the room for a moment.

Liu Ping raised his gaze slightly, peering into the void above the heads of the three elders.

He noticed brief phrases hovering above them.

[Cultivation stage: Rejuvenation.]

[Cultivation stage: Rejuvenation.]

[Cultivation stage: Divine Transformation, Gambling Addict]

The words flickered, disappearing when Liu Ping ceased his observation.

With the ability to "Legendary Observer" Liu Ping could discern the cultivation levels of others...

However, he couldn't help but wonder why the middle elder bore the additional title of "gambler."

Puzzled, Liu Ping saw a line of small text swiftly appearing in front of him, offering clarification:

[The thaumaturgy 'Legendary Observer' implies that a person embodies their name.]

[It doesn't grant you the ability to see the cultivation of others, but rather to directly sense all the laws entwined with a person's destiny, condensing those laws into corresponding titles for presentation.]

Once again, the name "gambler" appeared above the head of the elder, accompanied by further explanations:

[Name: Gambling addict.]

[This is a personal title.]

[Effect: Addicted to gambling throughout life, with a 10-to-9 ratio of losses to wins.]

So that's how it works.

The name correlates with cause and effect, essentially summarizing the most defining aspect of the elder's destiny in disguise.

"I understand, but aren't cultivation stages also titles?" Liu Ping silently pondered.

A line of small characters promptly emerged in the void:

[These are fundamental titles linked to the realm of spiritual cultivation.]

[The only way to gain a Title is by being acknowledged by sentient beings, the world, and the Laws of the world.]

[This sequence will be further elucidated when faced with new situations.]

Gradually, all the small texts vanished.

His Divination had transformed into a power capable of discerning the titles of those around him.

—Such a profound ability had never been witnessed in the Cultivation world before!

Nevertheless, reflecting on the peculiar abilities demonstrated by the bartender, Liu Ping found himself gradually accepting this newfound power.

At this moment, the three elders had finished inspecting the token in his hand.

Everything checked out.

Elder Huashen sighed and spoke warmly, "Liu Ping, your sect has ceased to exist. Do you understand?"

"I Understand sir. But may I inquire about the current state of the battle? Has our human race emerged victorious?" Liu Ping asked.

Compared to the cultivator overseeing the tomb, these elders were the backbone of the entire battlefield.

Though one of them was a gambler, it did not diminish their authority in the least.

They must possess more information.

The elders exchanged glances, sympathizing with Liu Ping's eagerness.

Having witnessed the destruction of his entire sect in the struggle against the demons, it was only natural for him to seek immediate knowledge of the war's outcome.

However—

"Don't concern yourself with that for now, attend to your own matters first" the elder advised.

Liu Ping was taken aback, quickly bowing and replying, "Yes!"

One of the elders seemed lost in thought before sighing once more, "Elder Yi insisted on fighting cautiously. Reckless assaults will only result in greater casualties for our forces."

"But it seems unavoidable," another elder retorted. "The situation has taken a dire turn."

"I recall when the Gua Sage was still with us, every move was part of a meticulous plan. Each engagement yielded gains. How did we come to this point?" remarked another elder.

The initial elder lamented, "It's regrettable that the Gua Saint's body fell on the battlefield, no one can reach his level of divination..."

Liu Ping's heart still trembled.

His master had taken matters into his own hands to change fate.

But had he ventured to the frontlines again?

Truly—

Foolish.

if He had realized his plan he'd knock him out, position him among the humans, and then rally the world to face the great horror he spoke of.

—That would have spared him from his current plight.

Liu Ping felt foolish, quietly observing the elders as they conversed.

Suddenly, he heard one elder remark, "The leaders of the seven main sects remained by Master Gua's side until his passing. It's rumored that Master Gua left a prophecy regarding the current situation."

"Could there be a turning point?"

"Who can say? Such sensitive matters are unlikely to be made public anytime soon."

Liu Ping gradually regained composure.

He hadn't anticipated that Master's final moments would be spent with the leaders of the seven schools.

What had Master planned?

Had he foreseen this turn of events?

Alas...

This was the most confidential matter concerning humanity.

Only the heads of the seven factions and the key figures within the alliance were likely privy to it.

After a brief discussion among the elders, they turned their attention back to him.

"Well, Liu Ping, your situation is quite unique. We must hear your thoughts on where you should be placed."

"Hear my thoughts?"

"Yes."

Liu Ping fell silent, quickly gathering his thoughts.

The entire sect met the same fate as him, and the plight of someone who only had their life left was truly pitiable. If the Cultivation Alliance failed to provide proper placement, it would undoubtedly chill many hearts.

Even if it was just to reassure the heart of all Cultivators, he needed to be placed well.

Moreover, Liu Ping himself had nearly perished on the battlefield.

A brave martyr like him deserved recognition, perhaps even to serve as a role model.

"Liu Ping, what are your plans now?" an elder asked softly.

Liu Ping was about to reply impulsively when he suddenly remembered that he was only nineteen years old now.

Nineteen...

He clasped his fists and responded, "Honored elders, I was tasked by the sect to fight on the frontline. After facing numerous desperate situations, I've come to realize that my cultivation level is indeed too low."

The elders nodded in understanding. It was not uncommon. The war had dragged on for many years, claiming countless lives.

Currently, there was a severe shortage of manpower in many areas, including those responsible for communication, distributing supplies, and even mundane tasks such as guarding the barracks.

Many individuals had been thrust onto the frontline at the age of nineteen.

On such a relentless battlefield, even the most esteemed monks sometimes felt insignificant and powerless, let alone a teenager like Liu Ping.

"Do you wish to improve your cultivation, then?" one of the elders inquired.

"Yes," Liu Ping affirmed.

"Why not? You should have a period of rest upon your return. It's fitting to take this opportunity to enhance your cultivation. After all, you can only play a more significant role on the frontline if you become stronger," another elder suggested.

The third elder reached into his robes, producing a jade medallion, and delved into its contents.

"Liu Ping—here it is. He has been studying for three and a half years. Initially, he only learned the basics of qi refining. However, his strength gradually improved during frontline battles. Presently, he has successfully laid the foundation for further cultivation."

"Well, it seems his potential is promising."

"Has he had a mentor?"

"No."

"This should make things simpler," remarked all three elders with a sense of relief.

In the realm of spiritual cultivation, one's most significant mentor is the world itself.

Since Liu Ping hadn't been taken as an apprentice yet, he could freely explore other schools without violating any taboos.

The elder seated in the center chuckled and suggested, "The various schools are pooling their manpower. Take this token to the eastern section of the camp and inquire about which school you can join."

Performing a few gestures, the elder imbued the token with instructions before tossing it to Liu Ping.

"Understood," Liu Ping acknowledged with a salute before departing, token in hand.