The Blood Tower

The following morning, Arion dressed in his room at the Heka sect, preparing to embark on the quest that would elevate his rank within the sect.

Meanwhile, Liora couldn't help but worry about Arion's fate as he set off on this perilous mission. Her father's decision to send him remained a mystery, and she pondered the reasons behind his harsh treatment of Arion since his initial request to join the sect.

The tower, where Arion's quest would take place, was an enigmatic and treacherous place, notorious for testing low cultivators aiming to become high mages.

Master Jang, being the astronomer, was also assigned the task of making best cultivators out of disciples.

He encrypted his Nine Cloud Dragon Sword in an ancestral stone at the Blood Tower's apex.

The strongest was supposed to lay a hand on the sword but none had been recorded in history.

Even reaching the tower's lowest stage was an achievement few could boast.

The tower had three stages: elementary, middle, and the deadly apex, which no one had ever conquered.

The elementary stage could be bypassed by those that could travel in air, that about 99.9% of people could do.

Next is the middle stage which consisted three layers namely Clashing punches, Thunder Cloud and Soaring Mage.

The tower consisted only of rock steps to ascend higher, and thus, the steps clashed against one another in the initial stage of middle stages. Some of the steps become breakable at the Thunder Cloud, which is where 95% lose their lives.

The remaining 5% undoubtedly fail due to extreme gravitational force at Soaring Mage.

This was why Blood Tower was deadly.

No one had ever wanted to give it another try after failing the first one.

Would Arion make it to the apex?

Liora couldn't fathom why her father would send Arion into such danger. She resolved to confront him and persuade him to reconsider.

Still in her pink nightgown, Liora was startled to find Arion at her doorstep early in the morning. Worried why he was at her doorstep, she began, "You're not supposed to be here so early..."

But Arion said he was only checking out on her before he would set out for the tower.

Worry evident on her face, she said, "You must not go through that risk. It's a...."

Arion cut her off, anticipating her concerns.

"It's a dangerous place, and no one has ever reached its apex where the ancestral treasures lie." He completed her statement.

Liora realized Arion was determined to go despite the risks. She attempted to dissuade him, but he insisted, viewing this quest as his personal test to prove himself.

As Arion left, Liora couldn't help but fret, "Don't move an inch, you hear?" But Arion continued on his path, seemingly unfazed.

At the sect's entrance, Arion encountered Lysander. He couldn't fathom the main reason behind the sudden change of action, but he thought he just had to stretch his bones in the tower.

Some disciples were already at the entrance, empathising with Arion in advance.

"He's a walking dead!"

Arion stopped few metres before Lysander. He then hung at his back the sword one of the male disciples gave to him.

"I will take my leave now....sect leader. Before I go, I will like to know why you are sending me of all disciples to a dangerous place," Arion questioned boldly.

"All disciples except you were tested before accepted. This is my test for you," Lysander said. "You are getting in not any level but level three."

Arion rose his shoulders and thought, "At least I am going to die for a good reason."

Lysander's demeanor was unsettling, and when Arion inquired about the tower's location, Lysander cryptically replied, "The quest doesn't call for strength but character. Accept it or reject it; it's your choice."

Arion, now thoroughly confused, began his journey towards the tower, but Lysander's ominous words echoed in his mind.

Meanwhile, Lysander returned to his chambers, and Elion rushed to inform Thorian, fearing that Arion might succeed in acquiring the treasures.

In Thorian's library, Seraphis announced Elion's arrival, and Thorian put down his calligraphy pen, intrigued.

Elion relayed the news about Arion's quest and his potential success, mentioning the elimination of the Enthralled Shadows.

"Arion-what? Who is he?"

"He is the guy that saved Master Lysander's life in the hands of Enthralled Shadows!"

Thorian's eyebrows rose in shock.

His anger flared, and he instructed Elion to leave, saying he would handle the situation personally.

Thorian stormed into Merrick's chamber, admonishing his son for repeated failures. He ordered Merrick to ensure Arion retrieved the treasures but then to kill him and retrieve them.

Merrick, furious and vengeful, swore to eliminate Arion.

Arion, soaring through the air in search of the tower, soon realized he was making no progress.

He landed under a tree in a deep forest, hoping it might provide a clue. Hours passed, and he grew weary, eventually realizing he had been going in circles.

Frustration overwhelmed him as he discovered a torn piece of his shirt, confirming he had been wandering aimlessly.

In his anger, he struck a tree, drawing blood from his hand. With no other options, he decided to rest for the night, planning to resume his quest at dawn.

He sat on a rock and gathered pieces of wood before him.

Arion, widening his palms towards the firewood, cast the spell,

"Inferno's grasp, at my command, from tinder's touch, a fiery brand, with mystic words and a waving hand, let flames arise as I have planned."

The woods lit when he cast the spell. 

Sitting by the small fire, Arion's thoughts turned to the challenges ahead as he stared into the night sky, doubtful if he would be able to get over the challenge as always.

"I will continue tomorrow. That said, I fear I won't be eaten by wolves overnight...."