C12 Leaving the Myriad Cave Cliff Bottom

Wai Jiang was confident that with his current early-stage Void Refining cultivation, combined with the Corpse King, he could stand his ground against an enemy in the late stages of the Void Refining Stage. Having finally achieved a breakthrough to the Void Refining Stage, he had no intention of remaining at the Myriad Cave Cliff Bottom any longer. His only instruction to the Corpse King was to remain stationed at the Cliff Bottom, forbidden from taking even a single step away.

Then, he prepared to take care of one last matter. His breakthrough had kept him occupied all day, and he hadn't had a chance to check in. So, he decided to make one final check-in at the Myriad Cave Cliff Bottom before departing. Afterward, he would be free to return to the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect. Having spent so much time as a miscellaneous affairs disciple, he had become adept at concealing his identity. Thanks to his rapport with Elder Lin, he was confident that his inexplicable year-long absence would not be held against him.

"System, check in!"

"Congratulations, Host, for successfully checking in. You have obtained the Corpse Controlling Technique."

Wai Jiang was extremely pleased with the technique he had acquired that day. It was particularly fortuitous since the numerous corpses at the Myriad Cave Cliff Bottom were already under his command. With the addition of the Corpse Controlling Technique, it was like icing on the cake. After one final glance at the Corpse King, Wai Jiang soared into the air and ascended to the top of Myriad Cave Cliff. He then concealed himself and set off directly towards the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect.

His power was now unmatched throughout the entire region of Leizhou, and he had no fear of being discovered. Nevertheless, he preferred to continue his role as a miscellaneous affairs disciple within the sect, deliberately keeping his presence under wraps.

Upon returning to the sect, Wai Jiang was relieved to find his original dwelling untouched. Thankfully, he hadn't been declared a missing disciple, with all records of him erased. He took out his key, unlocked the door, and inspected his quarters. There were no signs of anyone having entered.

Even if someone had managed to enter this place, they would have discovered nothing of significance. Wai Jiang had cleverly stored all the valuable items in his personal small world. The objects left in the house were merely ordinary items meant to disguise his identity. After some time, Wai Jiang departed to find Elder Lin, who was leisurely enjoying a cup of tea in his courtyard. As a Nascent Infant Cultivator, Elder Lin wielded influence within the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect comparable to that of any senior Elder.

"Elder Lin!" Wai Jiang called out upon entering the courtyard.

"Ah, it's you! I haven't seen you in a year; I was beginning to think you'd disappeared!" Elder Lin said with a welcoming smile upon seeing Wai Jiang.

Cultivators possess exceptionally strong memories, so despite not having seen Wai Jiang for a year—and considering that he was merely a miscellaneous affairs disciple within the sect—Elder Lin recognized him instantly.

"I apologize, Elder Lin. I was concerned for my kin and slipped away for a bit," Wai Jiang offered an excuse.

It was well known that as a miscellaneous affairs disciple in the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, Wai Jiang had no right to leave the sect. If the Law Enforcement Division were to find out, an interrogation would be inevitable, followed by potential punishment. However, Elder Lin, who had always thought highly of Wai Jiang, wasn't concerned with this breach of rules.

"Hehe, as long as you've returned safely. It's understandable to worry after several years without seeing your family," Elder Lin responded.

Wai Jiang felt a surge of emotion at these words. Within the vast Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, he was nothing more than a lowly miscellaneous affairs disciple. Apart from Elder Lin, no one seemed to care about his well-being. Yet Elder Lin, a Nascent Infant Cultivator, treated Wai Jiang with no pretense, despite his modest third stage of Qi Refinement. This kindness reaffirmed Wai Jiang's belief that remaining in the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect was the right decision. Of course, should the Law Enforcement Division seek to punish him, Wai Jiang was confident in his strength and had no intention of going down without a fight.

He simply didn't want to draw too much attention, so he intentionally concealed his level of cultivation.

"Thank you, Elder Lin!" Wai Jiang expressed his gratitude with courtesy.

"However... now that you've returned, you'll resume your duties as a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple tomorrow!" Elder Lin maintained his strict demeanor.

He held Wai Jiang in high regard, but as a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple, Wai Jiang was expected to fulfill his responsibilities.

Elder Lin wouldn't show favoritism and give him special treatment just because he favored him.

Wai Jiang, of course, wouldn't contest Elder Lin's orders.

Having made the choice to remain with the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect as a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple, he was committed to not seeking any exceptions.

After all, his goal was to keep his true identity under wraps.

If he were to act out of line with his supposed role, he would risk revealing himself.

Elder Lin truly was a refined and affable elder.

He showed kindness even when dealing with a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple.

After their conversation, Wai Jiang took his leave from Elder Lin's courtyard.

With no tasks for the day, he returned to his room to continue his cultivation practice.

For a Cultivator, constant cultivation is essential.

One must not become complacent after achieving a breakthrough, for cultivation is akin to sailing upstream: to stop is to fall behind.

Wai Jiang was acutely aware that his current level of cultivation was far from unbeatable.

While he might be considered powerful within the Immortal Cultivation Realm, there were many Cultivators out there who surpassed him.

Leizhou was merely a speck in the vast expanse of the Immortal Cultivation Realm.

In the wider world, there were territories far more expansive.

In Leizhou, reaching the Deification Stage might signify the pinnacle of strength.

Yet, in regions teeming with formidable beings, the Deification Stage might be seen as quite ordinary.

It is at the Void Refining Stage that one truly stands among the strong.

And it is the ultimate Void Returning Stage that determines the fate of the world.

Regarding his family's vendetta, Wai Jiang had already contemplated settling the score when he advanced to the Nascent Soul Stage.

However, to his surprise, a family member had already ascended to the Spirit Condensation Stage and had exacted revenge much earlier.

Their family's adversary turned out to be just a Cultivator at the Qi Refinement level.

In the presence of a Cultivator at the Spirit Condensation Stage, he was hardly a threat!

Wai Jiang, in truth, felt little attachment to his family.

He had been exiled to the Thunder Prefecture and relegated to the role of a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple within the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, a clear indication of his family's disregard for him.

With the family's animosity now a thing of the past, there was no need for him to return to his original clan.

Moreover, to earn better rewards from his system, he needed to sign in at locations imbued with the essence of the Great Dao Truth.

Going back to his former family would offer no benefits to his cultivation.

It's not as if the family had ever considered asking Wai Jiang to return.

After all, a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple was expected to serve the sect for life.

The Wai family, being minor, would never presume to demand someone back from the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect.

Wai Jiang harbored no resentment over this.

Considering the circumstances, it was a feat in itself that he had managed to survive.

He bore no ill will toward his family, nor did he harbor any affection.

Should his family face difficulties in the future, he certainly wouldn't ignore their plight.

A single day of cultivation had not significantly advanced his progress.

The following day, Wai Jiang resumed his duties as a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple.

The sect deacon, responsible for assigning tasks, was visibly surprised to see Wai Jiang.

He had half-expected Wai Jiang to have either fled the sect or to have been slain or devoured by a Demonic Beast.

Yet, here he was, alive and well after a year.

But since Elder Lin had no objections,

the deacon saw no reason to trouble a mere Miscellaneous Affairs disciple.

In the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, such disciples held no real value.

They couldn't be exploited for gain, being nothing more than the lowest tier of workers.

Only someone with a particularly malicious streak would bother harassing a Miscellaneous Affairs disciple, as it was generally seen as pointless.

Noticing Wai Jiang before him, the sect deacon cleared his throat and instructed:

"Since you've returned, your task today is to clean the Spirit Pill Pavilion!"

Upon hearing this, Wai Jiang nodded in agreement.

He quickly gathered his tools and set off towards the Spirit Pill Pavilion.

Unfortunately, he had already checked in at the Spirit Pill Pavilion numerous times before and was unable to sign up again.

This left Wai Jiang feeling quite frustrated.