C13 Saving Ren Qingfeng!
Within the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, only the Demon Sealing Tower and the Sword Tomb remained as places where one could continue to check in. Otherwise, Wai Jiang might find himself venturing out every night to seek places imbued with more of the Great Dao Truths. Of course, there was a time when Wai Jiang was too apprehensive to check in at the Sword Tomb. But now, he harbored no such fears. Back then, within the entire sect, his cultivation level was only just sufficient to protect himself. Nowadays, he could strut confidently throughout Leizhou!
Despite the formidable reputation of the Profound Heaven Holy Land, the predecessor of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, those at the Void Refining Stage were considered among the elite. The Sword Tomb might be fraught with peril, but as long as Wai Jiang didn't delve too deeply, the risks were manageable. With this in mind, he resolved to brave the Sword Tomb that very night, hoping to discover more valuable treasures through the check-in process.
Wai Jiang surmised that the rewards from the Sword Tomb would likely include spiritual swords or techniques associated with Sword Cultivation. Already in possession of the Immortal Slaying Sword and the Three Sacred Swords, he wasn't lacking in spiritual weapons. What he needed was a sword technique that he could wield with ease! Should he find the right cultivation technique within the Sword Tomb, his power would surely surge to new heights. After all, within the Immortal Cultivation Realm, Sword Cultivators are recognized as the most formidable attackers, often described as being able to shatter all other techniques with a single stroke of their sword. At the same level, a Sword Cultivator's might far exceeds that of an ordinary cultivator, with some even capable of taking on ten adversaries single-handedly—a truly fearsome prospect.
At present, Wai Jiang's strength was just enough to overcome a mid-stage Void Refining opponent. If he could master a potent Sword Cultivation technique, he would stand a chance even against those at the pinnacle of the Void Refining Stage.
Upon reaching the Spiritual Elixir Pavilion, Wai Jiang dutifully began his day's work. Yet, after finishing his tasks, he didn't depart right away. Instead, he concealed his presence and lingered within the pavilion, biding his time.
Wai Jiang had achieved the Void Refining Stage. If he chose to conceal his presence, not even the three Sect Masters of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect could detect him. He hadn't left immediately because, in the past, as a mere miscellaneous affairs disciple, he hadn't dared to delve too deeply into the Spiritual Elixir Pavilion. The sect would certainly never allow someone of his status to access the storeroom filled with treasured pills. Consequently, he had been restricted to the periphery of the Spiritual Elixir Pavilion for check-ins.
Today, however, he was resolved to explore the inner sanctum of the Spiritual Elixir Pavilion, hoping to find some valuable items. Upon reaching the most secluded chamber, he promptly began the check-in process. "Congratulations to the host for a successful check-in. You have received a bottle of Heavenly Treasure Pill," the system announced.
Holding the esteemed pill, Wai Jiang's face lit up with satisfaction. The Heavenly Treasure Pill was, after all, the most revered pill within the entire Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, essential for assisting Cultivators at the Void Refining Stage in their cultivation. Yet, since the most powerful Sect Master of the sect was only at the Deification Stage, the pill had remained unused in storage.
It's important to note that the Heavenly Treasure Pill Wai Jiang received was a reward from the system; he had not taken the sect's stock. After securing the pill in his small world, he discreetly exited the Spiritual Elixir Pavilion.
Suddenly, he sensed the aura of a breakthrough emanating from the largest peak of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect. He was certain that the individual making the breakthrough was none other than Ren Qingfeng, the Sect Master of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect. Ren Qingfeng had been at the pinnacle of the Deification Stage for quite some time, so his advancement to the Void Refining Stage was not unexpected.
The pressing issue was that the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect lacked a Void Refining Stage powerhouse to oversee it, leaving it vulnerable to the covetous gazes of neighboring sects. Despite appearances, the sect was far from the tranquil sanctuary many believed it to be—a reality that was all too common throughout the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
In a world where strength is revered, the weak serve merely as stepping stones for the mighty to elevate their cultivation.
To safeguard its legacy, the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect must be under the watchful eye of a powerhouse at the Void Refining Stage.
Only then can it command respect far and wide!
Without such a guardian, numerous factions would be eager to infiltrate the Sect.
The reason is straightforward: despite its current obscurity, the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect was once a revered holy land.
The sect is brimming with boundless opportunities.
Many groups are biding their time, waiting for the Sect to decline further so they can swoop in and claim their piece of the pie.
Take, for instance, the demon Wai Jiang encountered; it clearly had its own agenda.
But he couldn't be bothered to delve into these matters.
After all, should the heavens collapse, there will always be someone taller to bear the brunt.
His sole focus is to cultivate in tranquility.
His primary task is to persist in his cultivation—that is sufficient!
Thanks to this vial of Heavenly Treasure Pills, his immediate cultivation concerns are alleviated.
Aside from the occasional conversation with Elder Lin, Wai Jiang is a solitary figure within the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect.
His demeanor is markedly reclusive.
Unlike other Miscellaneous Affairs Disciples who enjoy forming cliques and engaging in petty schemes, he prefers solitude and has no desire for companionship.
Naturally, no one pays much mind to an obscure Miscellaneous Affairs Disciple like him.
He might as well be invisible.
However, this suits Wai Jiang just fine.
Upon returning to his quarters, he immediately began his meditative cultivation, sitting cross-legged.
He retrieved a Heavenly Treasure Pill from his small world and placed it in his mouth.
With that, he immersed himself in cultivation, free from all distractions.
Days passed in this manner.
One morning, as punctual as ever, he rose early to tackle the day's tasks as a Miscellaneous Affairs Disciple.
Glancing towards the mountain where Ren Qingfeng was cultivating, he noticed the absence of any breakthrough aura.
"Has the Sect Master managed to reach the Void Refining Stage?" he wondered.
Indeed, if someone within the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect had achieved the Void Refining Stage, he would need to tread more cautiously in the days ahead.
Even when facing an early-stage Void Refining Cultivator, he felt no fear.
Yet, he was merely at the Void Refining Stage himself.
Should there be a Cultivator of the same level within the sect, he would need to exercise caution in his actions.
Otherwise, he would certainly be found out.
He preferred to maintain a low profile for now.
Being discovered would mean revealing his identity, which would be quite problematic for him.
On his way to receive his assignment, he noticed Elder Lin pacing back and forth with great anxiety.
He was unsure what was troubling Elder Lin.
He considered his relationship with Elder Lin to be quite amicable.
Furthermore, Elder Lin never belittled him for his apparent role as a miscellaneous affairs disciple, despite his standing in the sect.
Thus, Wai Jiang approached and inquired, "Elder Lin, are you facing some kind of trouble?"
Upon hearing this, Elder Lin turned to Wai Jiang and replied, "Nothing to worry about. Just focus on completing your duties as a miscellaneous affairs disciple today!"
Despite being a miscellaneous affairs disciple, Wai Jiang showed no signs of irritation or displeasure.
But the matter at hand was exceedingly grave.
He was aware that even if he shared the problem with a miscellaneous affairs disciple, what could possibly be done?
It wouldn't resolve the immediate crisis; it would only unsettle the hearts of all the sect disciples.
That's why he refrained from discussing it further with Wai Jiang.
Realizing he wouldn't get an answer, Wai Jiang had no choice but to walk away.
However, he didn't actually leave.
Instead, he concealed himself in a spot where he was unlikely to be detected.
Meanwhile, in Elder Lin's courtyard, Vice Sect Master Mooh Chenyi made a brisk entrance.
"Elder Lin, you must hurry to the Spiritual Pill Pavilion to see if there are any pills that can stabilize the injuries."
"The Sect Master is barely holding on!"
"Alright, I'm on my way," Elder Lin responded, his face etched with worry, "What am I to do now!"
It is well-known that the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect's status as a top-tier force in the Thunder Province is due to its three Deification Stage Sect Masters.
If Ren Qingfeng, the strongest Sect Master of the Profound Heaven Taoism Sect, were to suffer a fatal accident...
The Profound Heaven Taoism Sect might soon be on the brink of disintegration.
Upon grasping the situation, Wai Jiang subtly nodded in understanding.
He mused, "That explains Elder Lin's urgency. The Sect Master's attempt to advance to the Void Refining Stage has failed!"
Indeed, advancing one's cultivation level is no trivial matter.
Take Wai Jiang's own experience, for instance; it took him three attempts to successfully reach the Void Refining Stage.
He had abandoned his first two attempts out of fear of the severe repercussions that could follow a failure.