Blood Soul Pact

A Pact, while it is similar to an Oath, had two differences that couldn't be ignored.

Firstly, while an Oath is a solemn pledge that invokes the Heavens to attest to it, a Pact, however, doesn't do that. It is more of an agreement that only needed an anchor to step into action. The anchor could be in the form of one's Blood or Soul.

The second difference is even more glaring. As Oaths are overlooked by the Heavens, it is absolutely impossible to revoke it. Pacts though, with good enough strength, could be invalidated.

That said, these weren't the reasons Osric was stunned. The reason Osric was stunned was due to the fact the Fahren Clan were even willing to form a Pact with him.

Was he that important to them? No. That was inaccurate. The question should go this way: Was his potential that significant to their growth?

With the greatness and prowess of the Fahren Clan, why should they be willing to form a Pact with a Nascent Realm pup?

And there was his own decision about this matter. Was it certain he would sign such a thing?

Osric inhaled deeply before he turned to the Ancestors.

"What are the terms?"

In response, one of the Ancestors waved his hand and a scroll appeared in Osric's hand. The young lad unfurled it and beheld its content.

[ This is a Pact formed between the Fahren Clan and Osric on the premises that:

- Osric is to enter into partnership of benefits with the Fahren Clan until the Clan's goal is fulfilled.

- In addition, Osric shall not be subjected to any form of insubordination nor forced to do things that goes against his conduct.

- In the future, when the Clan's goal is fulfilled, should Osric deem it fit, he can continue partnering with the Fahren Clan. ]

Osric narrowed his eyes as he read this.

In truth, the Pact didn't contain anything that would constrain his freedom. In fact, if he were to judge, it was actually impressive.

Entering into partnership of benefits with the Fahren Clan meant he would be able to grasp a whole lot of benefits from the Fahren Clan.

Secondly, in addition to this, he would not be forced to serve the Fahren Clan, and this completely affirmed the freedom he yearned for. He didn't want to be bound by any rules.

And the third, although unlikely to ever occur, was still somewhat good.

However, why did this feel odd? Weren't the benefits he gained from this a little too much? Although, he didn't know what the goal of the Fahren Clan was, he still felt as though he was gaining from them a little more than they would be gaining from him.

And there was the fact that the scroll in his hand felt almost illusive, as though what he was seeing was unreal.

But, his cultivation wasn't enough to confirm such a thing, hence, there was little he could do. However, although he couldn't confirm it, since he had even felt such a thing to begin with, he suddenly felt he needed to proceed with caution from this point.

Osric looked from the scroll to the Ancestors, his gaze sharpening as he scanned them.

"The Pact is not restrictive, neither is it strange. However, what kind of Pact is this?"

Pacts came in two types: Blood Pacts and Soul Pacts.

Just as their names implied, a Blood Pact anchors itself in one's blood while a Soul Pact rooted itself in a cultivator's soul.

The punishment for going against the conditions of a Blood Pact is at best, the crippling of one's Body Path cultivation and at worst, the inflammation of one's blood till one bursted into blood and gore.

As for that of the soul, it either gravely injured a cultivator's soul which could result in coma, or at worst, simply snuffed out said soul resulting to death.

However, there was a third type few had knowledge of. The type that combined both of the two known types together. The type that anchored itself in both Blood and Soul…

"A Peak Divine Grade Blood Soul Pact."

Osric sucked in cold breath.

The punishment of a Blood Pact was deadly, but could still be survived if one was swift enough. The punishment of a Soul Pact was deadlier, and could not be survived no matter how fast one is.

However, even that pale in comparison to a Blood Soul Pact. If one went against it without the proper strength, no miracle, no magic, could ensure one's survivability.

It destroyed both blood and soul.

The only saving grace is the grade of said Pact. If one was able to advance past the grade of the Pact they had formed, then it would have no effect whatsoever. This was what made a Pact different from an Oath.

While an Oath doesn't have grades and works on all, a Pact, however, only works on those beneath and at its grade. Those above the grade of said Pact could break its laws without the fear of its punishment.

This also meant, Osric could ignore the Pact in the future.

But, it just so happened that the Pact was at the very peak of the Divine Grade. A grade Osric would have called the highest were it not for his Talents.

Although, with his Talents, it would take him at the very least, a hundred thousand years to reach the Realm where he could deem the Divine Grade obsolete, an impressive duration if one thought about it.

But, it was still very far away. Fortunately, the Pact had clearly stated he would be under its clutches till the Fahren Clan fulfilled their goal. Which meant, Osric mayn't even need to reach such a realm before he was free. So long as their goal was fulfilled, he would be free of its clutches.

"Alright." He answered.

"Good. Now sign it."

Osric didn't hesitate anymore. He congealed a drop of his blood and dripped it onto the scroll in his hand. The scroll shone gold for a moment before disappearing in tiny motes of light.

Almost immediately, Osric felt a presence in both his blood and soul. It wasn't threatening. But he was well aware it was a slumbering beasts ready flare up if prickled.

Osric looked calmly at the Ancestors for a moment. The reason he hadn't hesitated despite the oddity he felt moments ago was because his protector had assured him it was safe.

He wasn't aware how, but his protector had been able to enter into this place with him, yet, the Ancestors were none the wiser.

Osric was quite stunned. His protector had been shrouded in mystery before, but now, it suddenly felt as though the mystery had doubled, then tripled.

He shook his head before opening his mouth to speak.

"Is that all?"

"That's all,"

Osric nodded before turning to leave. The doors had appeared again.