Divine Transcendence

"Based on the information I have, as early as a year and a half ago, Qi Cultivators near Xiaohu City began disappearing without cause.

The number and frequency of disappearances weren’t significant, so no one paid attention until the recent surge."Ha Gong analyzed with confidence.

"Similarly, a year and a half ago, Zhenling Sect investigated the murderer to no avail and temporarily ceased their large-scale search, opting instead to issue a high-reward bounty for clues on the killer. Comparing the timelines, the conclusion narrows significantly." Ha Gong spoke with extra assurance.

"You mean to say, the one who killed the Zhenling Sect elder and the one ambushing Qi Cultivators are the same person?" Yuan Ming’s face was a picture of shock, as if he had stumbled upon some incredible secret.

"Based on my speculation, the culprit initially wanted to target Foundation Establishment cultivators but mistakenly killed a Zhenling Sect elder. After lying low for a while, they switched to preying on Qi Cultivators, starting very cautiously. As no one could find them, they grew more and more brazen, drawing attention once again," Ha Gong stated with conviction.

"Your analysis is so clear and convincing, but without solid evidence, wouldn’t it be an overreaction if we’re wrong?" Yuan Ming responded upon hearing this.

"Ha, if my deduction is incorrect and the culprit is not powerful, wouldn’t that be even better? I’ve inquired in advance; the bounty set by the Loose Cultivators Association for the culprit is three thousand spirit stones. If we catch them, it’s a thousand each to split—not a small sum," Ha Gong said nonchalantly.

Yuan Ming chuckled, "What you say makes sense, but I must apologize, as I’m not adept at competing with others. You’ll have to find someone more capable for this task."

Ha Gong’s face fell with disappointment. After a few more attempts to persuade him, seeing Yuan Ming’s resolve, Ha Gong no longer insisted and, with a cupped fist salute, left with his companion.

Yuan Ming watched them depart, pondered for a moment, then pulled out the task list and flipped through it, indeed finding the bounty posted by Zhenling Sect.

"Find Gu Qiuming’s whereabouts, a reward of one thousand spirit stones for reliable information, three thousand for capture." Yuan Ming shook his head, surprised that Gu Qiuming was now suspected by Zhenling Sect, his value considerably high.

He sighed inwardly and then began to search for the task mentioned by his grandmother from the Shengye Sect. With such a high bounty from Zhenling Sect and no trace of Gu Qiuming for two years, he felt somewhat relieved.

Soon, he found the task mentioned by his grandmother among the many listed.

"Escort mission: escort Shengye Sect’s Qi Cultivator disciples to Zhao Country’s mountains to collect spiritual herbs, departing in five days. Applicants must have resided in Xiaohu City for over a year and possess at least Foundation Establishment cultivation. The reward is two bottles of Four Spirits Pills or an equivalent amount of spirit stones." After pondering for a moment, Yuan Ming called over a clerk: "I’d like to take on the task of escorting Shengye Sect disciples."

"Very well, please leave your name and cultivation level for our records," the clerk said, taking out a jade slip.

"Ha Gong, early Foundation Establishment," Yuan Ming reported his alias.

"Alright, I’ve recorded it for you. Please keep this token safe and present it at the association’s second floor in two days at Chen hour, where Shengye Sect will assess you," the clerk handed over a black token.

"An assessment is required?" Yuan Ming was slightly taken aback.

"Yes, as it’s a customary task for Shengye Sect, many cultivators apply each year, and since they are escorting their elite disciples, for safety, Shengye Sect has high standards for the character and strength of applicants, hence the assessment," the clerk explained.

"How many have applied so far? Who are they?" Yuan Ming inquired curiously.

"Including you, there are thirteen. However, according to the rules, I cannot disclose their names to you, please understand," the clerk replied. Yuan Ming didn’t mind and, nodding, took the token and left.

***

Two days later, Yuan Ming arrived at the Loose Cultivators Association just before Mao hour and was immediately taken to the second floor upon showing his token.

The rooms on the second floor were meticulously designed, not adjacent to each other, and each was equipped with a soundproofing array to prevent eavesdropping.

The room designated by Shengye Sect was deep on the second floor, and when Yuan Ming entered, he saw eight cultivators already waiting inside.

There were both men and women of varying ages. Yuan Ming didn’t know any of them and had no intention of exchanging pleasantries, so he found a chair, sat down, and closed his eyes to meditate.

Then, three more cultivators entered after Yuan Ming, some of whom knew the earlier arrivals and sat together, whispering in conversation.

Not long after, at nonn, the door was pushed open again, and a waft of medicinal fragrance followed.

Yuan Ming opened his eyes and saw two late Foundation Establishment cultivators enter one after the other. The leading cultivator wore a dark green robe, of medium build, with thick eyebrows over round eyes that exuded a tiger-like authority.

The cultivator following him was Yuan Ming’s old acquaintance from the Southern Border, Bai Ye, who also seemed surprised to see Yuan Ming but quickly showed a pleased expression, exchanging a smile.

"I am Lu Shen, the Shengye Sect’s Elder of External Affairs. As per tradition, the tasks issued by our sect only require a one-year residency in Xiaohu City. However, given recent events in the city, which I’m sure you’ve heard of, for the safety of our disciples, this task will only be open to cultivators who have resided here for over two years," the cultivator in the dark green robe surveyed the room and announced.

His words immediately sparked dissatisfaction among some cultivators.

"Why didn’t you make that clear when posting the task? What a waste of time!" A short, plump Taoist stood up and stormed out.

Lu Shen remained unmoved: "I regret that some of you have come in vain. To make amends, I’ve prepared some spiritual tea, please take some when you leave."

The plump Taoist was just at the door; he stiffened at these words, seemingly too proud to turn back for the tea, hesitated for a moment, then huffed and pushed the door open to leave.

The other cultivators, though dissatisfied, were placated by the offer of spiritual tea and left without further complaint.

***

Soon, only Lu Shen, Bai Ye, and four other cultivators, including Yuan Ming, remained. "Four of you meet the requirements. For this mission, our sect only needs two. Therefore, I ask each of you to demonstrate your abilities, and I will select the two strongest to participate," Lu Shen gestured for them to follow him to the training ground to showcase their skills.

Just then, Bai Ye suddenly spoke up: "There’s no need for Ha Gong to go. I’ve witnessed his strength myself, and it’s not inferior to mine."

"Elder Bai, the safety of our disciples is at stake. How can we disregard the rules for personal favor? Ha Gong is only at early Foundation Establishment; how can his strength surpass yours?" Lu Shen frowned, displeased.

"Brother Lu, my words are the absolute truth. If it weren’t for Ha Gong’s rescue, I would have perished in the Southern Border. Not only is he exceptionally strong, but his character is also impeccable. Remember, for this mission, reliability is paramount," Bai Ye said, and seeing Lu Shen’s disbelief, he quietly transmitted a message, sharing something with him.

Hearing Bai Ye’s transmission, Lu Shen’s face showed surprise, and after a moment’s thought, he nodded: "Elder Bai makes a good point. With such a strong vouch, let’s go with this cultivator." Upon hearing this, the other three cultivators’ expressions changed—some disdainful, some surprised, and one with a probing look.

However, with one spot still open, they didn’t compete with Yuan Ming, and seeing Lu Shen say no more, they left the room and followed him out.

Once the others had left, Yuan Ming gave Bai Ye a cupped fist salute: "Elder Bai, it’s been a while since our parting in the Southern Border. I didn’t expect to meet you here. Do you also reside in Xiaohu City now?"

Bai Ye smiled. "Yes, after the Bi Luo Cave affair, I traveled here and found it peaceful, suitable for my cultivation. Are you a member of Shengye Sect, Elder Bai? Why do they call you an elder?"

Yuan Ming asked, puzzled. "Heh, my sect has always had good relations with Shengye Sect. Our disciples’ annual training is often a joint effort. Now, I’m barely managing an elder’s duties in my sect, dealing with these minor matters," Bai Ye replied modestly.

"I see. This is my first time undertaking such a task. Is there anything in particular I should be aware of?" Yuan Ming nodded and inquired further.

"There’s no need to worry too much. Despite Elder Lu’s serious tone, the locations chosen for annual disciple training are never truly dangerous. With us Foundation Establishment cultivators accompanying them in secret, it’s just a precaution. Rarely do situations arise where we need to intervene," Bai Ye waved his hand dismissively.

Yuan Ming nodded in understanding, and the two chatted casually for a while, exchanging updates on their experiences and observations from different places over the years.

***

Time passed quickly, and soon Lu Shen returned to the room with the selected cultivator. "This cultivator is He Wendao, particularly skilled in earth magic, his Earth Escape Technique is masterful, perfect for protecting the disciples," Lu Shen introduced.

He Wendao was young, clean-shaven, and looked rather refined, with a cultivation level around mid-Foundation Establishment. Upon hearing Lu Shen’s introduction, he quickly saluted Yuan Ming and Bai Ye, acknowledging the introduction. With the situation settled, Lu Shen turned to Yuan Ming: "May I ask which spells you specialize in, Ha Gong?" "I have some expertise in beast taming," Yuan Ming replied, half-truthfully.

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