C7 The Reward for My Loyalty

The family spirit curse was a profoundly dreaded phenomenon among martial cultivators across the Infinite Cosmos.

Once a person was subjected to this curse, an indelible mark would be etched into their soul, binding them to the will of the curser for eternity. Any attempt to resist would result in the annihilation of their soul.

Lifting such a curse was nearly impossible, akin to an ascent to the heavens, even with the aid of the most powerful beings.

Most families in the Infinite Cosmos refrained from using the family spirit curse due to its immense resource consumption and the fear it instilled in potential allies, who might otherwise be deterred from joining a family known for employing such a curse.

Martial cultivators from various planes, like Liang Zun and Lee Lang, were often unaware of the curse's resource demands, though they were acutely conscious of its dire consequences.

Lee Lang, with a respectful demeanor, explained, "I have pledged my unwavering loyalty to you, Master. However, with the family spirit curse in place, you can rest assured that I will carry out your orders without hesitation. General Liang believes that, given his critical duties, it is even more imperative for him."

Xing Yun regarded Liang Zun with a stern gaze and commanded, "Speak your truth."

Confronted with this directive, Liang Zun's resolute expression gave way to internal conflict. He knelt before Xing Yun, conceding, "Master, your wisdom is unparalleled!"

With his emotions steadied, Liang Zun proceeded to reveal his history to Xing Yun.

Liang Zun and his younger brother, Liang Xing, had only each other for support. Liang Xing, a prodigy, had reached the Awakened Soul Realm at a remarkably young age.

Tragically, while cultivating in Unarith—a nexus for the world's finest—Liang Xing was subjected to the scorn of Gu Yu, the cherished daughter of Gu Yun, an elder of the Order of the Celestial Veil. His martial prowess was destroyed, and he endured great humiliation.

Ultimately, Liang Zun and Liang Xing sought refuge in Grimgarth, where Liang Xing was resigned to a life devoid of cultivation, a broken man.

Gu Yu's justification for crippling Liang Xing was shockingly due to Liang Xing's parents having been servants who fled from their household. Liang Xing's parents had been executed, and their descendants were deemed unworthy of cultivating to the Awakened Soul realm. The brothers had already suffered greatly from their parents' demise, and the denial of the right to cultivate to the Awakened Soul realm was a clear attempt to further humiliate Liang Xing.

After recounting the past, Liang Zun earnestly stated, "I've prepared sufficient assets for my brother. Should I fall in service, as long as he leads an honest life, he will be provided for. Though we both yearn for vengeance, we are helpless."

Xing Yun replied with a smile, "That's why you've chosen to seek my support and pledge your unwavering loyalty, hoping that one day, I might help your brother reclaim his martial prowess and perhaps even avenge him."

Liang Zun hastily clarified, "Revenge seems as unattainable as reaching the heavens. My primary concern is your grand ambition, my lord. I merely hope to earn your trust and not become a burden. Should I ever become one, you have every right to cast me aside."

Observing Liang Zun's resolute demeanor, Xing Yun reflected that a man willing to pledge his life over a tax exemption policy, despite his limited talents, could still prove useful.

Xing Yun spoke gravely, "You've chosen to pledge your life to me; how could I possibly forsake you? I can indeed bestow upon you a powerful enchantment, the 'Eternal Soul Curse,' far stronger than any familial spirit spell. Be warned, the ritual inflicts intense mental anguish. Once accepted, you will be bound to me, incapable of betrayal or defiance for all eternity. Are you certain you wish to proceed?"

The Eternal Soul Curse was a formidable enchantment of Xing Yun's own creation. Successful casting would bind the recipient's soul to Xing Yun's Astral Power, rendering them forever incapable of defying him under threat of total annihilation. Only Xing Yun himself could lift the curse, as no other force could sever the Astral Power that had become an integral part of the recipient's soul.

Xing Yun was acutely aware of Liang Zun's intentions. Liang Zun understood that he and his brother were helpless and, given their modest abilities, they were better off serving the wise and discerning Xing Yun. Should Xing Yun's power expand in the future, he might be able to secure justice for them.

With little to no hope, the brothers were indifferent to the risk of misplaced trust; Liang Zun was simply being overly cautious in his approach.

Lee Lang and Liang Zun bowed deeply, declaring with gravity, "We pledge our unwavering loyalty to our Master and shall never have any regrets."

In the Voidlands, Ling Ji was utterly astonished. She delicately covered her lips, pondering, "How can someone be so impulsive? And what exactly is this 'Eternal Soul Curse'?"

She was unaware that Xing Yun's recent tax exemption decree had pacified the inhabitants of Grimgarth, causing them to reassess their opinion of him. They now believed that the past indulgences of their former masters were merely a facade. Nonetheless, accepting the family's Spiritual Curse was out of the question.

Seeing the resolute faith of the two men, Xing Yun instructed, "Sit cross-legged on the ground, close your eyes, and clear your minds of all distractions. Remember, no matter how intense the pain, do not resist. Otherwise, your souls will be scattered to the winds."

The two men, tense with anticipation, nodded earnestly, "We will not resist; we will have no regrets!"

Once they were seated, Xing Yun fixed his gaze on Liang Zun and Lee Lang, unleashing his spiritual force.

After ensuring they were devoid of emotional fluctuations, Xing Yun's thoughts triggered a surge of Astral Power from the mark of the Spire of the Infinite on his forehead. The power cascaded into a golden radiance, enveloping the room.

"As the heavens and earth give life to all beings, may the loyal spirits serve my will!"

With Xing Yun's incantation, a golden light instantly formed two faint barriers around Liang Zun and Lee Lang, ensnaring their souls.

"Remember, do not resist. Endure this agony, and your otherwise ordinary lives will be transformed by my hand, Xing Yun!"

Xing Yun's voice boomed as he extended his palms, directing his fingers toward the foreheads of the two men before him. He began channeling Astral Power into them.

"What is this technique? It's certainly not a family spirit curse..."

In the Voidlands, Ling Ji was taken aback, yet she dared not interfere. Her eyes reflected a tumult of emotions.

Hatred? Shock? Curiosity? Hope? She herself couldn't quite pinpoint the feelings stirring within her.

As Astral Power flooded their bodies, Liang Zun and Lee Lang were overwhelmed by a colossal force, accompanied by an excruciating pain beyond words!

Lee Lang, the elder of the two, screamed in agony, his complexion turning deathly pale.

"Hold on!" Xing Yun commanded, his voice a steady anchor. Lee Lang steadied his spirit, bracing himself to continue receiving the Astral Power.

Liang Zun, equally ashen-faced and sweating profusely, summoned his resolve and bore the torment.

In that instant, they had no capacity to think of anything else; they were consumed by the need to assimilate this formidable power.

From her vantage point in the Voidlands, Ling Ji's gaze was fixed on Liang Zun and Lee Lang. The phantasmal auras around them pulsed with their agony, their ethereal forms echoing with silent screams.

"This method could shatter one's soul! It's utterly reckless!" Ling Ji's indignation was palpable. She lamented the fate of Xing Yun's devoted followers, now at risk of ruin by his hand. Yet, she recognized the gravity of the moment and refrained from intervening.

Amidst the chaos, Xing Yun remained a picture of serenity, steadily infusing them with Astral Power. Liang Zun and Lee Lang barely managed to open their eyes, revealing only the whites, a testament to their unbearable pain.

The Eternal Soul Curse differed from the family's Spirit Curse; it required no physical components, but instead, the cursed bore the agony of their very souls.

This curse represented a complete melding of Astral Power with the soul, far more intricate than the mere etching of a soul mark characteristic of the family's Spirit Curse.

Lee Lang and Liang Zun were on the brink of unconsciousness, clinging to the last shreds of their sanity as they continued to embrace the transformative power that was already making its presence felt within them.

They could distinctly sense this force intertwining with a latent power within their own bodies, permeating every part of them. Just when the intensity became nearly unbearable, their consciousness drifted into a chaotic and mystical vision. Suddenly, clarity burst forth, and the agony that had pierced their souls vanished without a trace.

Yet, the influx of memories left no doubt in their minds: their souls had irrevocably fused with the unique power bestowed by their master, Xing Yun. Henceforth, they were bound to him, unable to defy his will for all eternity.

"Open your eyes," Xing Yun's voice echoed in their ears. Slowly, Lee Lang and Liang Zun opened their eyes to find Xing Yun looking as composed as ever.

"Greetings, Master!" they exclaimed in unison, rising to their feet and then kneeling on one knee before him, their tone brimming with an unprecedented mix of reverence, fervor, and delight.

The additional fragments in their memories revealed the stature of their master in his past life—a figure so formidable that no mighty being would dare claim sovereignty in his presence. Yet, to his followers, he showed boundless compassion, requiring only a simple kneel of respect.

"How can this be..." Ling Ji was so astounded that she stumbled backward, her breaths coming in short gasps.

The individuals who had nearly perished moments before were not only restored but now looked upon Xing Yun with an unmatched zeal and trust.

Confused and uncertain, Ling Ji turned her gaze to the Spire of the Infinite standing behind her, unsure of her next move. She was acutely aware of the tower's extraordinary nature, especially after witnessing the peculiar golden light that had emanated from it.

Xing Yun lifted the two men to their feet and declared, "From this moment on, you are my most trusted lieutenants. Regardless of your modest abilities, I will guide you to ascend to the Exalted Realm!"

"Exalted Realm?!" Both Liang Zun and Lee Lang, already weary, collapsed to the ground in shock.

Ling Ji's face also registered surprise.

To elevate two warriors of such humble martial prowess to the Exalted Realm seemed inconceivable, especially when one had already surpassed the age of seventy, his remaining years a mystery.

Fanciful nonsense! A charlatan!

However, Liang Zun and Lee Lang quickly regained their composure and knelt once more, expressing their gratitude, "Thank you for your grace, Master!"

Xing Yun lifted the two to their feet, advising, "From now on, simply address me as Master. And remember, no matter the situation, you must never lose your composure. Do not act rashly and throw your lives away when I am not present. Regardless of the favors I bestow upon you, a single kneel will suffice; further kneeling is unnecessary. A bow will serve as an appropriate gesture of respect."

"Yes, Master!" they responded in unison.

They were well aware that the power Xing Yun had infused into them instilled a sensation akin to being reborn from the ashes. Moreover, once the initial agony had subsided, this power would be beneficial and harmless, provided they never defied Xing Yun.

Xing Yun then retrieved the Spirit Ring he had confiscated from Gu Yan and extracted two scrolls, handing them to Liang Zun. "Currently, I lack the materials to inscribe Heavenly Grade techniques and martial skills. The soul force within these scrolls is sufficient for three uses each. Once you both have learned from them, Liang Zun will be their keeper."

"Heavenly Grade..." The two were momentarily taken aback, then quickly composed themselves and accepted the scrolls.

They certainly didn't want to overreact to anything, but upon receiving the scrolls and probing them with their consciousness, they were ecstatic. They gave Xing Yun a deep bow, saying, "Thank you, Master!"

"White Tiger Severance: A low-grade Earth Rank martial skill that, once mastered, allows one to conjure a white tiger phantom with their fists and palms to annihilate enemies. At its peak, its power rivals that of a mid-grade Earth Rank martial skill."

"White Tiger Mystique: A low-grade Earth Rank cultivation technique that enables one to gather the white tiger's vital energy within the body, significantly enhancing one's defensive capabilities."

Upon seeing the two scrolls, Ling Ji in the Voidlands was so infuriated she stamped her feet, exclaiming, "Curses!"

That despicable Xing Yun! He dared to treat the precious Earth Rank cultivation technique and martial skill she had entrusted to Gu Yan as mere trifles, gifting them to those unworthy as if they were common cabbages!