C31 The Secret Order of Nebula Pavilion, Shu Secretly Investigated.

It was nightfall.

This attic stood out from the ordinary, distinguished by its hollow center.

Tucked away in an unassuming corner was a door, beyond which lay a scene starkly at odds with the attic's serene beauty. Several burly men, Body Cultivators by their build, stood guard, each with a menacing scimitar strapped to his waist.

The wooden floor gave way to a pitch-black prison cell, its dank, musty stench and oppressive air of death enveloping the space.

Screams pierced the silence, echoing the desperate thrashing of an animal in its final moments.

Within the shroud of darkness, only the lash of a white and red whip could be seen, relentlessly striking.

The narrow corridor, amplified by the chilling wails, seemed a direct passage to the underworld.

By now, several statuesque women had managed to light lamps throughout the attic, their flickering glow casting an eerie, spectral ambiance.

The relentless shouting persisted until even the stalwart men at the door grew weary, and at last, the cacophony ceased.

Shortly thereafter, a group of young men in black robes emerged from the cell, dragging two figures whose humanity was all but stripped away by the lash, their breath stilled forever.

The guards at the door scowled, not at the gruesomeness of the scene—they were no strangers to such sights—but at the foul stench of blood that hung heavy in the air.

Such brutality seemed a world away from the beauty of this place.

This was the Nebula Pavilion, the most formidable assassination organization in the entire Cultivation World.

The door swung shut, sealing away the voices within.

The once-dark cell was instantly bathed in light with a mere gesture from one of the men, revealing walls adorned with implements of torture.

Unperturbed by the grim surroundings, a man clad in black spoke indifferently, "I've been wondering about Nan Qi's absence these past days. Turns out, he took an assignment outside and met his end."

He went on, "The First Devil Sect, what a place. Nan Qi, one of the Four Great Assassins, fell there, slain by a mere cook. But that cook should now be addressed as the Head Disciple of an elder. Seek out this person and challenge him to combat."

"Yes, Pavilion Master."

At that moment, Sword Wing Peak was a picture of serenity.

It was as if they were an ordinary family from the Mortal Realm, with the room aglow with lamplight, gathered in the hall for dinner.

Wang Tian was seated at the table with Jiang, Elder Chiu Yue, and Elder Wuyou, barely daring to touch his chopsticks.

Given that both Elder Chiu Yue and Elder Wuyou were esteemed elders of the First Devil Sect, renowned for their formidable powers, Wang Tian held them in high regard.

He was no prodigy like Jiang; he was just an average Joe.

Jiang Su noticed Wang Tian's discomfort and kindly placed a piece of meat into his bowl, then promptly served some dishes to Elder Chiu Yue and Elder Wuyou.

Elder Chiu Yue had suggested keeping certain matters about Jiang Su under wraps, leaving him and Elder Wuyou at a loss for conversation, so they simply focused on their meal.

It would indeed be a sight for outsiders to behold: two Nascent Infant Stage Experts sharing a meal with a Qi Sensing Stage youth and a cook.

"Little brother Wang Tian, I've learned from Jiang Su that you possess an Earth Spiritual Root and are a Body Cultivator. Have you ever considered becoming the disciple of a prominent Body Cultivator?" Elder Chiu Yue inquired.

Wang Tian, who was just beginning to enjoy his meal, nearly choked on his food at the unexpected question.

He was aware that the First Devil Sect lacked a Body Cultivator and that seeking tutelage elsewhere could offer him greater prospects. Yet, the thought of leaving the sect he had called home for many years was unbearable, especially since he had resolved to pursue cultivation alongside Jiang.

"Elder Chiu Yue, to speak frankly, I have no desire to leave. I hold deep affection for the Devil Sect and wish to continue my cultivation here," Wang Tian confessed.

To the average listener, such words might sound foolish, dismissing the chance to capitalize on his talent and opportunities, thereby limiting his potential.

Elder Chiu Yue, however, saw things differently.

Wang Tian's statement was a testament to his character—a man of deep sentiment and loyalty, with profound respect and devotion to his roots. He was a fine young man indeed.

Nevertheless, Elder Chiu Yue couldn't help but think that the Devil Sect might not be the best fit for him. A place like the Shadowless Sect could offer Wang Tian the chance for greater advancement.

However, since Wang Tian had made up his mind, there was nothing to do but let it go.

He would have to revisit the issue after some time.

"Alright, but I urge you to consider it carefully," Wang Tian said, nodding vigorously.

After dinner, the moon had climbed high into the sky. The stars twinkled above Sword Wing Peak as night embraced the land.

A young man in servant's garb sat on the eaves, gazing up at the celestial display. His thoughts flickered like the stars above.

Had it not been for his encounter with Jiang, he would have never discovered that he was a Single Spiritual Root Body Cultivator.

Once Elder Wuyou and Wang Tian had departed, Elder Chiu Yue gestured for Jiang Su to remain. Jiang Su nodded in acknowledgment.

"What do you intend to do for your younger brother?"

In truth, if Wang Tian had been a Single Spiritual Root Body Cultivator, he could have taken him as a disciple, or perhaps arranged for him to study under Su Wuyou or Bai Yih. Alas, Wang Tian was solely a Sword Cultivator.

He feared holding Wang Tian back.

"I'm not sure. For now, he should continue to train with me. As for future arrangements, I'm still uncertain. However, I must ask for your assistance in locating Yang Shuang, a prominent Body Cultivator from the Devil Domain. I believe it would be excellent for Wang Tian to become his disciple."

Elder Chiu Yue was taken aback. He knew Jiang Su to be a man of deep loyalty and brotherhood.

Jiang Su had previously declined to become his head disciple, unwilling to leave his kitchen brethren behind. Now, despite the weight of his own concerns, he continued to prioritize Wang Tian's well-being, always assisting within his means.

He sought neither fame nor fortune, preferring to remain unassuming.

Despite possessing talents that defied the heavens, Jiang Su never flaunted his abilities, devoid of any air of superiority.

Back in his own youth, he had been quite the opposite, flaunting his status. Seeing Jiang Su's humility made him feel somewhat ashamed.

"Alright, I agree to your request. Go freshen up and get some rest. Starting tomorrow, I will instruct you as befits one with a Celestial Spiritual Root. I can only guide you in the way of the Sword Cultivator. Therefore, I will discreetly seek out other formidable experts to impart to you the essence of the Tao."

Jiang Su nodded in acknowledgment, offered another bow, and exited the room.

Stepping out, Jiang Su noticed Wang Tian perched on the eaves, his gaze fixed on the starry heavens, lost in thought.

Opting not to interrupt, Jiang Su entered his own quarters and lit the lamp.

He glanced at the little Kylin in his storage space and saw it was still slumbering. A frown creased his brow. Could the Sky Heart Grass be causing some adverse effect while hastening the Kylin's growth?

That seemed unlikely. Any side effects would surely have been flagged by the system.

Just then, the little Kylin shifted lazily.

Jiang Su paused for a moment, reflecting on the creature's indolence.

Deep into the night, Jiang Su was roused from a drowsy state by the sensation of his master's spirit breath growing distant, nearly vanishing.

Elder Chiu Yue must have left.

In that instant, the candle in the room snuffed out.

Jiang Su snapped to alertness, his drowsiness dispelled in an instant.

A shadowy figure stood in the southeast corner of the room, enshrouded in darkness, their face obscured. The aura of deadly intent emanating from the figure seemed to flood the space.

This person was significantly more powerful than him!

Before Jiang Su could even react, he was immobilized by the overwhelming presence of a Nascent Infant Stage expert.

Lately, he had inexplicably crossed paths with Bai Yih and the Nebula Pavilion. Bai Yih, as one of the four elders of the First Devil Sect, wouldn't foolishly confront him directly at Sword Wing Peak.

So, this individual had to be from the Nebula Pavilion.

Yet, the stranger had restrained him with their formidable presence without actually attacking. Then, the figure stepped forward from the shadows.

A man in a black robe, likely in his mid-twenties, stood before him. He had a prominent nose, a scholarly appearance, and a pallor that suggested he was on death's doorstep.

Lifting his head, the man's gaze met Jiang Su's, carrying an undefinable chill that sent a shiver through him.

His lips, thin and delicate, parted slightly: "Celestial Spiritual Root? Quite fascinating."