Chapter 23: "Balancing Act"

Hall Master Deng Fang addressed the recruits with a solemn tone, making sure his words carried the gravity of their mission.

Hall Master Deng Fang: "As the Seal Keeper Bureau, our primary duty is to ensure the security and stability of the empire. This responsibility extends beyond the confines of our organization, as we are constantly seeking new ways to expand our influence. Xifa City houses not only the lord of the city but also two other noble families. Approximately a century ago, the noble families of Xifa City extended an invitation to our bureau to establish a presence here. They entrusted us with the core of the ley line, which we've been utilizing for the past 120 years. We've harnessed its power for various purposes, such as training new recruits in close proximity to the ley line and sealing monsters. However, a century is a substantial span of time, and noble families may begin to forget the reasons for their initial gratitude."

Hall Master Deng Fang's words hung heavily in the air, emphasizing the potential challenges they faced.

Hall Master Deng Fang: "In recent times, we've noticed the emergence of conflicts between our bureau and the noble families regarding why they permit us to access the ley lines. As a result, we must exercise extreme caution to avoid conflicts with the noble houses. It's imperative that we present ourselves favorably to the nobility. We must strike a delicate balance, one that protects our organization from potential clashes with the nobles while ensuring we do not escalate any conflicts."

Throughout the conversation, Hall Master Deng Fang's body language mirrored the seriousness of the situation, with his furrowed brows and occasional subtle nods. His words painted a vivid picture of the challenges they faced in maintaining this delicate equilibrium.

Hall Master Deng Fang's attempt to continue the conversation was abruptly interrupted by a powerful tremor that shook the ground beneath them. His expression soured, and his furrowed brows deepened as the recruits and surrounding individuals swiftly reacted to the seismic disturbance. 

Old mystic masters, moved in intricate patterns, forming seals designed to maintain the stability of the seal that bound the creature within the eight-floored pagoda.

Hall Master Deng Fang's voice resonated with a sense of urgency amid the commotion.

Hall Master Deng Fang: "This is precisely why we must maintain constant vigilance over sealed creatures, particularly those of great strength. They possess the energy and determination to break free from their binds and regain their freedom."

As he spoke, Hall Master Deng Fang joined the efforts to reinforce the seal's stability, his hands expertly crafting additional seals to aid in the task. In a matter of minutes, the surface of the pagoda displayed visible cracks, evidence of the immense force exerted by the captive creature. Yet, the seal masters did not waver; they continued their work with unwavering dedication. Yellow liquid flowed from the pagoda, seeping into the cracks and merging with the surrounding materials, effectively repairing the damage inflicted.

Hall Master Deng Fang took a few deep breaths once the immediate threat had subsided, and the pagoda's surface had been restored.

Hall Master Deng Fang: "As you can see, even with the support of the ley line, we can barely contain a being of this magnitude."

His forehead glistened with perspiration, and he retrieved a tissue from his pocket to dab away the sweat that had formed on his face.

Hall Master Deng Fang was prepared to speak again, but another earthquake suddenly struck. His expression soured.

Hall Master Deng Fang: "It seems like he's been trying to break free from the seal multiple times a day recently. I suspect he can sense that he's nearing the end of his lifespan, which is why he's showing no restraint."

Hall Master Deng Fang then turned to Master Ren and gave orders.

Hall Master Deng Fang: "You and your recruits, return to your quarters. Today's discussions end here. I have no time for further speeches with new recruits"

With that, Hall Master Deng Fang joined the efforts to contain the seal, while Master Ren and the recruits made their way toward the elevator.

Master Ren: "Get used to it, recruits. You'll be coming back to this place in the future."

The expressions on Li Shan's and the other recruits' faces were grim as they reluctantly turned away from the ongoing crisis. They boarded the elevator, which descended through the complex.

...

Next dayMaster Ren led the eleven recruits out of the training cave to a camp on the surface. The once lively surroundings had transformed into a desolate landscape. The ground was covered in small black sand with an elastic quality.

Master Ren addressed the recruits as they gathered in the area.

Master Ren: "Today, you will begin learning a superior element, which is wind."

Some of the recruits wore peculiar expressions, as if they found the idea of learning about wind amusing.

Master Ren: "Don't underestimate the wind element. It's the easiest and safest superior element compared to others. Wind has its own unique abilities that can significantly increase your chances of survival."

As Master Ren began to demonstrate wind abilities, he continued to explain.

Master Ren: "Unlike other elements, wind is constantly present in our environment. It's with us in our daily lives."

He gestured to the air around them.

Master Ren: "The only tricky part about this element is how to connect with it. Most people think they can aim at the air and use connection seals to create a connection, but it's not that simple. Wind is an invisible element, which makes it harder to establish a connection."

Master Ren closed his eyes and demonstrated the process.

Master Ren: "Instead of that, when you make the connection seal, close your eyes and feel the wind, the air around you against your skin."

After a moment of concentration, he opened his eyes and formed a few more seals.

Master Ren: "Wind can be used for both offense and defense."

Master Ren brought his hand to his mouth and blew air out, creating an arching gust of wind that sliced through the stones on the ground. A deep mark was left in the stone, showcasing the power of the wind-cutting ability.

Master Ren admired his handiwork.

Master Ren: "As you can see, you can create winds sharper than swords."

Without pause, Master Ren continued, forming new seals. This time, he targeted the recruits. When he completed the seal, a powerful gust of wind rose, pushing all the recruits back ten steps.

Master Ren continued to explain the possibilities of the wind element to the recruits.

Master Ren: "With wind, you can repel your enemies for a limited amount of time. If you're fortunate and there's a cliff behind your enemy, you can even send them tumbling from the edge."

A sly smile crossed his face, hinting at the strategic advantages wind manipulation could offer in battle.

Master Ren paused for a moment, emphasizing the significance of the wind element in their line of work.

Master Ren: "But the most crucial ability of the wind is the power to glide through the air. In our line of duty, we often encounter extraordinarily powerful beings with formidable physical strength or unique abilities. Sometimes, even if we can block or evade their attacks, the sheer force behind their strikes can send us hurtling to the ground or crashing into obstacles. If we can't slow ourselves down while falling, we become easy prey or risk losing our lives in battle."

sson to the recruits.

Master Ren: "Because of this, we've lost many accomplished mystique masters. To prevent unnecessary casualties, we've decided to demonstrate what the ability to glide can do."

With that, he boldly stepped off the rock's edge, plummeting downward. However, in the midst of his fall, he swiftly cast a series of seals into the air. Almost instantly, a protective wind cocoon enveloped his body, dramatically slowing his descent. After a few heart-pounding seconds, Master Ren's feet gracefully touched the ground.

Master Ren: "As you've just witnessed, even when falling from a cliff, I can use this ability to save myself, and the same applies in different situations too"

As Master Ren continued to teach the recruits the intricacies of the wind element, 88 individuals who had not been able to feel mystique energy were directed to the training camps on the ground. There, they would receive instruction in war tactics and discipline, focusing on skills that didn't rely on mystique abilities but were still essential for their roles within the Seal Keeper Bureau. These recruits would undergo rigorous training, honing their physical prowess and combat skills to contribute to the organization in different ways.

Another year passed in the training cave, and there were now only 11 individuals who could harness and manipulate mystique energy. These dedicated recruits had spent countless hours practicing and refining their seal techniques. Li Shan had made remarkable progress and had become proficient in all the seals found in the training manuals. Additionally, he had achieved a foundational mastery of wind abilities.

The other recruits were equally committed to their training. They had diligently honed their skills in various elemental disciplines. Their tireless efforts were driven by the understanding that increasing their mastery of mystique energy was essential for their survival in the perilous world they were preparing to enter.

During this year of intense training, Master Ren presented each recruit with a unique opportunity. They were given the chance to select an additional lesson to supplement their core mystique training. These supplementary lessons covered a range of subjects, including alchemy, monster encyclopedia, talisman mastery, and array mastery, among others.

Li Shan carefully considered his options and ultimately chose to delve into the world of the monster encyclopedia. This decision was driven by his desire to gain a deeper understanding of the various creatures they might encounter during their missions. Knowledge of monsters' abilities, weaknesses, and characteristics would allow him to make informed decisions about which bloodline to choose in the future, ensuring he could effectively combat these formidable adversaries.

Li Shan's life had become an unending cycle of training and study within the confines of the training cave. For three long years, he had not seen the light of day, as the instructors had strictly prohibited them from leaving the cave during this time. This isolation meant that Li Shan had been unable to collect any system coins, missing out on the opportunities they could have offered.

Li Shan was well aware of the need to tread carefully. Any sudden changes to his appearance, such as growing a new arm or tail, would surely draw the attention of the Bureau. With his unique third eye already making him stand out, he couldn't afford to create any more reasons to be targeted. Therefore, he decided to focus on his studies of the monster encyclopedia for now. Once he had chosen his target bloodline, he would need to find a way to accumulate system coins.