[7] Into the Abyss: Initiating the Path of Demonic Cultivation…
Chapter 7:- Into the Abyss: Initiating the Path of Demonic Cultivation…
Arkan hesitated for a moment. "Wait, won't I violate the alliance rules if I see these things?" he asked, concerned about the potential consequences for the old librarian.
The old man chuckled. "Ah, it's kind of you to worry about me. But no, showing you these things won't break any alliance rules. These contents can be seen by any normal mortal. I simply didn't want you to be led astray."
"Before we enter, remember two things," the old man continued. "First, never tread the demonic path of cultivation. They are a bunch of barbarians seeking power without any moral boundaries. Second, a sword can be used in many ways—slashing, defending, piercing, and more. Always wield a sword as your preferred weapon."
Arkan nodded in understanding and followed the old man past the white curtain.
"Come with me. All these books are yours to study. I will take my leave now," the old man said.
Arkan nodded gratefully and picked up a random book to flip through.
...
The month passed quickly, and Arkan found himself standing at the village gate, bidding farewell to his parents, unsure if he would ever return alive.
"My destination is the Blood Demon Sect, 217 km to the southeast of the village," Arkan muttered, setting off on his journey. Over the past month, he had immersed himself in studying the books related to cultivation and the world of cultivators in the library.
According to the books, the continent they resided in was known as the Ancient Sun Continent, consisting of 999 regions. Arkan currently found himself in the Azure Sword Region, which housed more than a thousand sects, some righteous and others demonic. He had also familiarized himself with the cultivation levels, which were divided into five stages and various ranks:
1. Limit Stage:
a. First limit
b. Second limit
c. Third limit
2. Qi Gathering Stage:
a. 10%
b. 20%
c. 40%
d. 60%
e. 80%
f. 90%
g. 99%
h. 100%
3. Core Formation Stage:
a. Gaseous Rank
b. Liquid Rank
c. Solid Rank
d. Crystal Rank
4. Origin Core Stage:
a. Black Rank
b. Gray Rank
c. White Rank
d. Origin Rank
5. Foundation Building Stage:
a. Destruction Rank
b. Creation Rank
c. Carving Rank
d. Perfect Rank
Although Arkan suspected that there might be higher ranks beyond those he currently knew, it wasn't his immediate concern. He had arrived in front of the entrance to the Blood Demon Sect.
Taking a deep breath, Arkan steeled his heart and took his first step towards the demonic sect.
"Who are you, mortal, and what business do you have in the Blood Demon Sect?" an eerie and ancient voice echoed in Arkan's ears, causing his body to shudder involuntarily.
Struggling to maintain his composure, Arkan looked up and shouted, "Immortal, I am here to join the mighty Blood Demon Sect. Please accept me as one of your disciples."
Silence hung in the air, disappointment filling Arkan as he waited for a response that didn't come.
"Do you understand that this is an unorthodox sect? Why do you seek to join our sect instead of a righteous one?" the voice replied, this time with a hint of excitement.
"Immortal, my cultivation talent is not exceptional, and the righteous sects have rejected me. But I still yearn to become an immortal. Please accept me as your disciple," Arkan pleaded, slamming his head to the ground in earnest.
"Hehehe, such honesty might get you killed, brat. Very well, as luck would have it, we are currently in need of certain resources. Listen carefully, if you accomplish the goals set by our sect within the given time, you shall live and be rewarded with resources. But if you fail, hehehehehe..." the voice trailed off ominously.
Cold sweat trickled down Arkan's back. He knew the Blood Demon Sect was notorious and had another name—the sect of cannibalism.
Shortly after, a disciple emerged from the sect entrance and picked up Arkan, leading him inside. They walked through the sect, and the disciple eventually dropped Arkan off in the servant area.
"From now on, this will be your dwelling place," the disciple stated matter-of-factly, handing Arkan a map of the sect. "This map contains the locations of various places within the sect, along with instructions. Head to the resource hall and inform them that Elder Black Blood has sent you to retrieve your belongings. There, you will be provided with the cultivation technique for the first stage, as well as instructions for progressing to the second stage. You will also receive some resources. Your goal is to reach the second stage within a year. Once you achieve it, go to the servant peak and ring the bell three times. The sooner you ring it, the better. The fastest recorded time is three days, accomplished by our current sect leader."
Arkan nodded, his gaze fixed on the disappearing disciple. Alone now, he sprinted towards the resource hall with a sense of urgency, his excitement and the value of time pushing him forward.
After a brisk journey, Arkan arrived at the resource hall. His eyes immediately caught sight of a sign reading "RESOURCE POINT," and he joined the queue, which had already formed.
Five hours later, it was finally Arkan's turn to approach the counter. He nervously addressed the thin disciple behind the counter.
"Um, Elder Black Blood has instructed me to retrieve my belongings," Arkan said meekly.
The disciple glanced at Arkan and asked, "Are you the new disciple who joined the sect today?"
"Yes," Arkan replied.
"Alright, your name?" the disciple inquired.
"Um, Syed Arkan Ali," Arkan answered.
The disciple retrieved a uniform, handed Arkan five liters of mortal human blood, and gave him his sect token. Pointing him towards another counter, the disciple said, "You can go to counter 4 for the cultivation technique."
"Thank you very much," Arkan expressed his gratitude.
Arkan scanned the room and quickly located Counter 4. Seeing no line, he hurriedly approached it.
"Um, good day, sir. I am Syed Arkan Ali, and this is my sect token. I am here to retrieve my cultivation technique," Arkan addressed the person behind the counter.
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