Seeking Immortality in a Bizarre World-Chapter 522 - 517: The Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure is Complete, Vice Hall Master_1
"Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure Tribulation?"
Within the Second Spirit Treasure Sect, the sky above the Refining Palace was densely covered with thunderclouds. The Lingbao Sect Cultivators, having witnessed this many times, recognized it as the Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure Tribulation.
The Heavenly Tribulation for cultivators had not been seen for a very long time.
The formations within the sect were not designed to deal with Heavenly Tribulations.
The Lingbao Sect, which primarily focused on artifact refining, naturally possessed methods to handle the Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure Tribulation.
The formation dispersed the nearby lightning spiritual power. This caused the condensing Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure Tribulation to form more slowly, and its power was also somewhat diminished.
With the Sect not interfering with its full strength, this was the best solution. It maximized the reduction of pressure on the Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure and increased its odds of overcoming the tribulation.
The slow condensation of the Heavenly Tribulation took a full two hours before it finally took shape.
This also bought precious time for the Birthless Killing Sword.
The moment it was locked by the heavenly lightning, the Birthless Killing Sword sensed an unprecedented crisis.
Under the stimulation of the heavenly lightning, its transformation was swift, and its Spiritual Nature grew at an astonishing speed.
With enough buffer time, the Birthless Killing Sword attracted more stray Killing Sha from heaven and earth. The originally white jade-like sword body emitted an eerie red glow.
The light grew increasingly intense, almost as if it were a demonic weapon. Involuntarily, everyone present began to recall their most detested enemies, a surge of murderous intent rising within them.
Their killing intent was entirely absorbed by the Birthless Killing Sword and infused into its body.
CLANG!
The Birthless Killing Sword suddenly flew up, soaring toward the high heavens.
Before the Heavenly Tribulation could even fully coalesce, it was already impatient, eager to confront the divine calamity.
The sight left the crowd astonished.
They marveled at the Birthless Killing Sword’s Spiritual Nature and were awed by its domineering presence.
Most Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures passively awaited and endured the Heavenly Tribulation; those that actively challenged it were few and far between.
Such Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures were, without exception, infamous and fierce weapons.
With all eyes on it, the Birthless Killing Sword charged into the high skies, its crimson Killing Sha resembling a scarlet storm as it slashed at the thunderclouds.
The thunderclouds sensed the provocation and ceased accumulating tribulation power. A bluish, dragon-like lightning bolt, appearing to gnash its teeth and brandish its claws, fiercely struck the Birthless Killing Sword.
BOOM!
The body of the Birthless Killing Sword staggered, nearly falling from the sky, its red glow dimmed by a third.
Before an even stronger second bolt of lightning could strike, the sword had already flown into the midst of the tribulation clouds.
The scarlet radiance and bluish lightning continued to collide, setting off a vast series of sonic booms.
In just a few breaths, the tribulation clouds were torn apart by the Birthless Killing Sword, its sword cry piercing the heavens.
Threads of lightning poured into the Birthless Killing Sword, and its Spiritual Nature grew progressively stronger. All of its spiritual light burst forth, slowly condensing into the form of a blood-haired child.
It was crimson like blood, with a pair of cold and merciless eyes.
At the moment the sword spirit was born, the full power of the Birthless Killing Sword vanished into thin air. It fell dimly from the sky, piercing straight into the stone slabs of the Refining Workshop, leaving only the hilt exposed.
The cultivators of the Combat Law Sequence had arrived at the Refining Palace at some point and witnessed the spectacle of the sword cleaving through the tribulation clouds.
Their gazes simultaneously fell on the Birthless Killing Sword, their eyes burning with unconcealed desire.
Even a fool knew it was a peerless, murderous divine weapon, a treasure countless people dreamed of possessing.
Many turned their gazes toward Jia Ren.
If he could refine one Birthless Killing Sword, crafting a second Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure wouldn’t be difficult.
From then on, another Heaven-reaching Refiner would emerge in the Lingbao Sect.
"Hall Master, have I passed the assessment?"
Jia Ren’s question broke the long silence in the great hall as his eyes turned to Elder Qing.
"Congratulations, Junior Brother Jia, on becoming a Heaven-reaching Refiner. Truly a refining genius."
"Do you wish to become the Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall?"
Junior Brother?
As Jia Ren listened to Elder Qing’s words, his expression turned strange.
I’ve only refined a Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure; how has my seniority changed?
Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall?
Does this mean I can switch from a disciple’s monthly allowance to receiving a regular stipend?
"Hall Master, may I continue to participate in the Refining Sequence competition?"
The rewards for the Refining Sequence, including Heavenly Spirit Materials, were indeed very enticing, and he didn’t want to give them up unless absolutely necessary.
If he were to become the Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall and could no longer take part in the Refining Sequence competition, the position was not worthwhile.
Upon hearing this, the crowd couldn’t help but show peculiar expressions.
The other Artifact Refiners, in particular, looked as if they were constipated.
Have you no shame?!
You’ve already become a Heaven-reaching Refiner, and you still want to compete with us for resources?
The crucial point was that if Jia Ren entered, he would aim for second place, and no one else could take first.
From then on, first place in the Refining Sequence competition would become Jia Ren’s exclusive reward.
Elder Qing showed surprise, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
The Second Spirit Treasure Sect revered the struggle for resources. To obtain more cultivation resources, one had to compete with fellow sect cultivators, battle Demon Cultivators, and slay Magical Beasts.
"You cannot participate in the Refining Sequence competition; the Sect must continue to cultivate new Heaven-reaching Refiners..."
The Artifact Refiners’ faces showed visible relief.
Cao Shenggui’s face lit up with joy. Without Jia Ren looming over him, first place in the Refining Sequence was all but guaranteed.
"The Sect will not mistreat talent. The reward for first place in the Refining Sequence will be permanently reserved for you, and you will also gain access to the cultivation resources of the Deputy Master of Refiner Hall."
"Would you be willing to become the Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall?"
Jia Ren, hearing that the resources were reserved for him and that he wouldn’t need to participate in the artifact refining assessment, instead becoming an examiner, naturally saw no reason to refuse.
"I am willing to become the Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall."
With that, the matter came to a close, and the Second Spirit Treasure Sect gained a new Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall.
"Greetings, Vice Hall Master Jia."
"Greetings, Martial Uncle Jia."
The crowd wore odd expressions. They had all entered the Source Treasure Cave Heaven together; how could the gap between them be so vast?
In less than a century, while they had been treading water, Jia Ren had climbed above their heads and become... their Martial Uncle.
"This sword must belong to the Refining Palace!"
Elder Qing raised his hand and cast a spell, attempting to take the Birthless Killing Sword, but the sword showed no reaction.
Jia Ren personally used a spell and successfully collected the Birthless Killing Sword, then cast a restrictive spell to limit its power.
This was to prevent the power of the Birthless Killing Sword from leaking out and affecting the others.
Jia Ren felt no reluctance in handing this Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure over to Elder Qing.
Having crafted his first Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure, he had gained a deeper understanding of artifact refining, and the quality of the next Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure he would create would surely be even better.
The dust settled on this matter, yet some still cast lingering glances.
Finally, someone couldn’t hold back and asked Elder Qing, "Hall Master, how might one obtain this Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure as a reward?"
The Birthless Killing Sword shattering the tribulation clouds had left a profound impression on many. Numerous cultivators in the Combat Law Sequence set their sights on obtaining this Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure as a goal to strive for.
Artifact Refiners pursued the crafting of Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures of such quality.
Elder Qing’s gaze swept over the pairs of hopeful eyes, his mood considerably brightened.
The young people were full of vigor; they were the hope of the Lingbao Sect.
That the first Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure was born from the hands of those who inherited the legacy marked a brand-new beginning; these inheritors had already shown impressive prowess.
"It shall serve as an incentive!"
"Whoever first advances to the Body Integration Realm will be awarded this Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure."
Body Integration Realm?!
That realm was too distant for the cultivators who had not yet reached the Lianxu Stage; their eyes dimmed.
By the time they advanced to the Body Integration Realm, the opportunity would be long gone.
Even the few Lianxu Stage cultivators weren’t very enthusiastic, with Ji Ning looming large above them.
Cloud Tiger had appeared at some point, or perhaps he had been present for a long time.
As soon as Elder Qing finished speaking, Cloud Tiger continued, "Every cultivator who advances to the Body Integration Realm will receive a Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure!"
"The Second Spirit Treasure Sect will spend all its resources to refine the Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures you desire."
"Whether or not you can obtain the Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures you yearn for depends on whether you can reach the Body Integration Realm."
The words "Body Integration Realm" and "Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure" echoed in many hearts. Without another word, many resolutely returned to their Cave Heavens to go into seclusion.
The Body Integration Realm was far off, but at least they now saw hope.
For the Lingbao Sect, mid-level cultivators weren’t significant; only cultivators at the Body Integration Realm and Mahayana Realm possessed the strength to establish a foothold in the Mysterious Realm.
Should the Lingbao Sect fall, it would need a Mahayana Stage cultivator to lead its resurgence.
As long as a multitude of Body Integration Realm cultivators emerged, what did it matter if the Sect exhausted its reserves?
With enough Body Integration Realm cultivators and a little luck, Mahayana Stage cultivators would surely come forth.
At that point, what belonged to the Lingbao Sect would be reclaimed!
Cloud Tiger’s gaze swept over Jia Ren, his mood exceptionally good.
"My judgment was not wrong; you truly are a genius in the path of artifact refining."
"I wonder if your talent in combat equals your skill in refining?"
Cloud Tiger had not given up on turning Jia Ren into a Combat Law Sequence cultivator, his eyes still filled with anticipation.
"Ahem, Cloud Tiger... Senior Brother, I am a Heaven-reaching Refiner, and it is my duty to continue the Lingbao Sect’s refining legacy."
Now that Jia Ren was a Heaven-reaching Refiner and the Vice Hall Master of Refining Hall, it was proper for him to address Cloud Tiger as Senior Brother.
Cloud Tiger’s expression stiffened slightly; he was clearly still adjusting to Jia Ren’s change in status.
After a long while, he sighed deeply before speaking, "Artifact refining is indeed the main focus of the Lingbao Sect. During peaceful times within the Sect, this poses no problem."
"Currently, dark undercurrents flow among the various Sects, and battles rage ceaselessly. Without sufficient power to defend oneself, even a Heaven-reaching Refiner is but meat on someone else’s chopping block."
"Since you have become a Heaven-reaching Refiner, if you can spare the time without neglecting your refining work, it would be entirely beneficial for you to invest a bit more effort in combat and cultivation."
Jia Ren’s status had changed. As the Deputy Sect Master of the Lingbao Sect, Cloud Tiger had no power to force him into becoming a Combat Law Sequence cultivator.
The Lingbao Sect would not risk a Heaven-reaching Refiner by having him fight enemies.
Cloud Tiger could only try to persuade him with earnest concern.
This was also for future considerations.
Jia Ren gave his assurance that he would strive to advance equally in refining, combat, and cultivation level; his future looked promising.
Though he couldn’t compare to the founder of the Lingbao Sect, he represented a version of that ideal, albeit on a smaller scale.
Once he advanced to the Mahayana Realm, restoring the Lingbao Sect to glory would be no difficult task.
"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Cloud Tiger; I will keep these words in my heart."
Jia Ren was aware that Cloud Tiger’s words were accurate. The Cultivation World was a place where the weak were prey to the strong; without sufficient Cultivation Level and protective power, one was at the mercy of others.
It was indeed time to find ways to enhance his own strength.
