Chapter 92: Chapter 92
"That’s right," Sam said with grave finality.
"after taking it, your realm temporarily increases by one level. The effect lasts a quarter of an hour. If Ethan truly proves a threat—if you find him difficult to defeat—you can use this pill."
Allen regarded the deep crimson Blood Dragon Pill with a complicated frown.
Even in Voidshade Peak, Blood Dragon Pill was prized: forged from dozens of rare herbs and mixed with blood dragon essence, it was nearly high-grade. Yet Allen knew the cost. Forcing a breakthrough came with harsh side effects—at best, several days rest, at worst, half a month bedridden, wracked by pain.
Worse, to use such a pill in open competition invited ridicule, suspicion, and contempt from peers.
Allen felt defiance rising in his chest.
No, better to win on his own merit, the right way. But Sam’s gaze was deadly serious.
"Remember," Sam said quietly, "you represent Voidshade Peak’s younger generation. You have to take a spot in the top three. There’s no room for failure. Possessing the Blood Dragon Pill is an ability in itself; don’t worry about what others lack."
Allen accepted the pill, pressing his doubts aside. He would keep it—just in case.
Inside, Allen’s heart was resolute.
Ethan was only a physical cultivator; he’d taken Kain by surprise, but Allen was forewarned. Fifty moves—Ethan would never last that long.
"Prepare well. The Saint herself will be watching the match tomorrow. Impress her," Sam said, his intent clear.
Allen nodded, giving Sam a respectful bow, then departed, determination blazing in his eyes.
Sam’s face remained grim long after Allen left. He stared into the shadows, thinking fiercely.
A short while later, Adyr, the master of Voidshade Peak, strode in.
"Master." Sam bowed low.
Adyr’s tone was icy.
"Have you heard?"
"I heard Ethan made a splash in the martial arts competition," Sam replied.
Adyr’s lips curled with contempt.
"A child with no spiritual roots—yet physical cultivation alone, and already a topic of conversation."
Sam’s eyes narrowed. "How do you see Ethan, Master?"
Adyr seemed to consider. "Talent and insight—he must have some. Otherwise, why would he achieve this much? But compared to Allen, Ethan is nothing. I don’t even compare him to you."
He flicked his sleeve. "No spiritual energy in his veins; impossible to confirm his realm. Judging by his performance today, perhaps he’s equal to the late Soul Formation Realm. But Allen’s current strength—and the right techniques—should handle him."
Sam’s eyes glittered.
"Ten years ago, Ethan was just lucky. He met Elder Azel in the Forbidden Land of the Ancestral Tomb and escaped death. We lost a disciple that day, too. Otherwise he wouldn’t be leaping about now."
"Clearly Elder Azel favored him," Adyr mused.
"Otherwise, how could someone waste a decade at Serene Mirror Lake and still emerge so strong?"
"Some luck, no doubt." Sam agreed darkly.
Sam looked sidelong. "Master, now that Ethan’s released early and has made a mark, will the Empress choose him as a Protector again?"
Adyr’s eyes flashed. "The Empress’s temperament is unpredictable. Just don’t pursue Ethan for now."
"Why?" Sam frowned.
"No one can judge the powers of the Forbidden Elders," Adyr replied, his expression suddenly wary. "Even I must show caution. If Ethan has their backing, you cannot afford to be his enemy."
Sam’s heart tightened. "...Understood, Master."
Now he had to listen. The matter was too great and precarious.
"There are three open slots for Saint Seraphina’s Protectors. The Spiritual Road Trial begins in ten years. The Empress will make selections, and your talent means you have a strong chance. Wait and see what Ethan does. If he doesn’t have forbidden support and threatens you, only then act."
"Yes, Master," Sam agreed, bowing again.
...
Dawn painted the sky in pale hues. At the far edge of the forested mountains, Ashen hurried along the hidden trail to his residence.
The shadows shivered as he entered, shutting out the world with a swipe of his palm.
Sealing doors and windows, Ashen filled the room with spiritual energy—insulating himself from prying eyes and ears.
"What mission will the sect bestow this time?" Ashen wondered, excitement crackling through his nerves.
Over the past weeks, secret orders had grown more frequent—great change hung in the air.
Fifty years in hiding, poised on the brink. Now, finally, destiny called.
Ashen summoned his jade pendant. A surge of spiritual power activated ancient symbols, casting images onto the wall.
The secret order glimmered into view.
"The sect will teach you the method to refine the demonic seeds of the Chaotic mind. Plant these seeds in genius disciples of the Azure Origin Dao Sect. Corrupt their Dao hearts, control their will, bind their lives—and use them for our Black Demon Sect."
Ashen’s breath caught in his throat.
"The demonic seed refining method!" His excitement flared—this was no trifling order. The Black Demon Sect was poised for resurgence.
With demonic seeds—the ancient secret—he could target talented disciples. Damage their core, implant seeds, and slowly seize control. Not simply cultivation, but the mastery of hearts, minds, and lives.
Ashen wasted no time. He sat cross-legged and began learning the intricate method for refining mind-challenging demon seeds.
An hour passed. Dawn crept in, golden light brushing the hidden world outside.
Ashen opened his eyes. A smile of ambition curled his lips. He dismissed spiritual shields, letting the outside air spill in.
"It’s time to select the first candidates at the martial arts competition."
His mind spun through names—Kain, Allen, Sam, Seraphina, Lucas, Joanna... even Liana, bright and gifted.
Passing through the forest, he kept his steps shrouded in caution, blending among the disciples.
The martial arts competition at the Four Peaks was the best hunting ground: young prodigies gathered, unaware and vulnerable to subtle poison.
Caution was still essential.
Approaching the peak masters and high elders was suicide. Remaining among disciples, blending in with talent seekers, was perfect cover.
As Ashen neared the competition grounds, a new urgency buzzed in his veins. Reports of Ethan defeating Kain in a single move made him curious. Ethan—favored by elders and rumored to possess hidden depths—represented both threat and opportunity.
Only by watching, learning, calculating—knowing his enemy’s true power—could Ashen avoid making a fatal misstep.
A/N:
Extra Chapters
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Massage Chair - 3 Extra Chapters
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