Seeking Immortality in a Bizarre World-Chapter 572 - 567 Return to the Lingbao Sect, Xiezhi Seal_1
"Take!"
The soul of the Seventh-order Tiger Demon, its Demon Core, and its Demon Beast Flesh were all collected.
Jia Ren had slain a Seventh-order Demon Beast for the first time. Such a creature’s entire body was a treasure trove: its flesh could be used in Talisman Crafting and Alchemy, and its skin, bones, and claws were suitable for Artifact Refining. Materials from a seventh-order tiger demon could be used to craft Spiritual Treasures, with the most quintessential parts being materials for Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures.
The Nightmare Tiger was different from ordinary tiger demons; its claws and teeth were inferior to those of other tiger demons of the same order, but its pair of tiger eyes were exceptional treasures. These were used for crafting the rare heart-mind class of Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures.
If Jia Ren had not been protected by the Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure, the Soul-Shaking Bell, even a cultivator at the Late Stage of Void Refinement would have had to take a detour upon encountering the Nightmare Tiger. Once caught in its forceful dream, within that nightmare, the tiger demon was a nearly invincible existence.
Jia Ren collected all usable items and, after checking the battlefield, headed back towards the Second Spirit Treasure Sect. Along the way, he encountered many cultivators from the Second Spirit Treasure Sect, who all nodded and greeted him, "Hall Master Jia."
Jia Ren had not been gone from the Source Treasure Cave Heaven for long; four to five years was a trivial amount of time for cultivators at the Divinity Transformation and Lianxu Stages.
"Come to the main hall. I have something to discuss with you in detail."
Sect Master Yun Hu’s voice rang out. Jia Ren couldn’t afford to exchange pleasantries with the fellow sect members he encountered and headed straight for the main hall.
The main hall was shrouded in mist. Only Sect Master Yun Hu was present, his gaze towards Jia Ren complex and indescribable. The commotion from Jia Ren’s battle with the Nightmare Tiger had been significant; it might have been concealed from others, but not from him.
For someone who had joined the Lingbao Sect and entered the Source Treasure Cave Heaven not long ago, to achieve the ability to slay a Seventh-order Nightmare Tiger was truly unfathomable. As long as he grew stronger, the Lingbao Sect needn’t worry about a lack of top combat power. However, the biggest problem was Jia Ren’s sense of belonging to the Lingbao Sect... which was not very strong. He was even wary. Indeed, there were significant differences between disciples who joined the sect midway and those cultivated by the sect from a young age; this could only be addressed gradually.
"I plan to leave the Source Treasure Cave Heaven after collecting the once-a-millennium wondrous items. What do you think, Sect Master Yun Hu?"
Jia Ren intended to stay in the Source Treasure Cave Heaven for a period, using the opportunity to obtain resources for cultivation and enhance his Cultivation Level by devouring Spiritual Treasures with the Spirit Devouring Treasure Art. Once a certain amount of Essence of Spirit Source was collected and the Source Spirit Water was refined, his Cultivation Level could be rapidly improved. With this, reaching the Body Integration Realm soon would not be a problem. Returning to the Lingbao Sect with the strength of the Body Integration Realm would mean he had the power to deal with any unexpected occurrences. This was the best method.
Sect Master Yun Hu shook his head. "I’ve already negotiated a few years for you; I can do no more."
Jia Ren sensed something unusual. "Sect Master Yun Hu, can you reveal what exactly is going on? Why must I, a mere early-stage Refinement Void junior, return? Isn’t this disrupting the plan for the Lingbao Sect’s Fire Seeds?"
Early-stage Refinement Void? Keep pretending! You think I’m an old man easy to deceive? Sect Master Yun Hu gazed at Jia Ren and mumbled, "The Lingbao Sect is a reputable and upright sect, acting with open and honest practices. If you trust me, go back obediently this once. If there’s a real issue, it can be clearly explained."
As soon as Sect Master Yun Hu spoke, Jia Ren knew he could not delay any longer. Not knowing why the Lingbao Sect was summoning him back was indeed troubling. Jia Ren thought of the three Virtual Spirit Pills he possessed, along with his other means of self-preservation. Considering this, he nodded with a smile. "I trust you, Sect Master Yun Hu. I apologize for troubling you with this matter."
Since matters had come to this, his return to the Mysterious Realm was certain. He nodded earnestly.
"Come with me!"
An intangible wind rose, and the two flew towards the sky. The clouds and mist shrouded everything, also blocking the detection of spiritual senses; no one noticed anything amiss. Huge Formation patterns emerged, and the familiar Teleportation Array materialized out of nowhere, gradually taking shape.
"Activate!"
Sect Master Yun Hu took out a Token, injected a spell into it, and quietly waited for a response from the other side. To ensure safety, the Teleportation Array in the Source Treasure Cave Heaven could not be used simply by activating it; it required activation from the other side to open a two-way channel before transport was possible. A unilateral activation would not be met with a response from the other side. This ensured the maximum security of the Lingbao Sect’s Fire Seeds, guaranteeing they would not be disturbed in the Source Treasure Cave Heaven.
"Finally, it’s time to return to the sect..."
Jia Ren stood alone on the Teleportation Array, holding a teleportation Token. When they had arrived, there were more than a hundred people; now, only he was returning. I wonder what sort of stir will a person resurrected from the dead cause upon returning to the Lingbao Sect?
The Formation activated, and Jia Ren disappeared without a trace. The familiar sensation of teleportation assailed him as he embarked on the lengthy journey.
Jia Ren opened his eyes, staring into the boundless darkness. If I use the Demon Fusion Technique to transform into the Human Dragon state now, could I use Void Wandering to leave? After hesitating for a moment, he chose to trust the Lingbao Sect. The Lingbao Sect had always treated him well. Without the care of the sect and his master, he would not have grown safely to his current state. Having become one of the Lingbao Sect’s Fire Seeds, he indeed harbored the thought of rebuilding the Lingbao Sect should it ever be destroyed. If the sect treats me well, I will naturally see it as home and repay kindness with kindness; the reverse is also true.
"I hope the Lingbao Sect does not let me down."
The long transport came to an end, and a wave of dizziness washed over him. Using the Star God Art to recover, Jia Ren waited for his surroundings to stabilize, finding himself on a cloud mass high above the Lingbao Sect.
A Nascent Soul period cultivator with graying hair stood to one side, his expression cold as he scrutinized Jia Ren. Ninth Elder? In an instant, Jia Ren felt as if his entire being was laid bare before those eyes. Jia Ren had only met this person once, on the battlefield where the Lingbao Sect clashed with the Xuantiandao Sect. The Ninth Elder had wielded the Heavenly Origin Divine Lock with consummate skill.
"Follow me!"
Whether it was the Ninth Elder’s natural disposition or if something had indeed happened, the thought of following him made Jia Ren uneasy and apprehensive. Following behind the Ninth Elder, the two made a beeline for the Lingbao Sect’s main hall.
Atop the Lingbao Sect’s main hall, over a dozen cultivators had gathered. The Sect Master of the Main Sect, Tian Lingzi; five Nascent Soul Stage Elders; and the Peak Masters of the four peaks were all present. In addition, there was... Ma Tianbao. The Lingbao Sect’s top powerhouses had assembled.
After several years, Ma Tianbao had reached the peak of early-stage Refinement Void and greeted Jia Ren with a smile. Ma Tianbao had always been groomed as the future of the sect, so his presence here was not surprising.
"Greetings to the Sect Master, greetings to the Elders, and greetings to the Peak Masters. Where might my master, Ancestor Ji Kong, be? Where has he gone?"
Many high-ranking members of the Lingbao Sect were present, yet Ancestor Ji Kong was conspicuously absent. The last time, Ancestor Ji Kong had been severely injured facing Qingxuan Zhenjun and had fallen into the Void. He had learned through Zhuo Chengdao that his master was still alive, which had eased his worries. Could something have gone wrong this time, seeing as his master wasn’t here? Or had they intentionally arranged for Ancestor Ji Kong to avoid this?
"We will discuss your master later. Jia Ren, do you know your crimes?!" Tian Lingzi’s typically kind and compassionate face was now grave. The other Elders and Peak Masters also wore serious expressions, creating an atmosphere that signaled an impending storm.
Jia Ren held his breath, ready to respond. He said, neither servile nor arrogant, "This disciple is unaware of any wrongdoing. I implore the esteemed seniors of the sect to enlighten me."
"You secretly fled the Source Treasure Cave Heaven, colluded with Sinful Denizens, and together destroyed the Sealed Land. Your deeds have been exposed!" The Heterodox Peak Master suddenly bellowed. He used some sort of Divine Skill, and his voice carried an immense divine might that shook one to the core. Any ordinary cultivator, upon having their hidden secrets suddenly exposed, would surely be overcome with panic and unease.
Jia Ren was filled with questions. Was he summoned back to the Lingbao Sect just for this? It was true that he had fled the Source Treasure Cave Heaven, but what was this about colluding with Sinful Denizens and destroying the Sealed Land?
"I did indeed leave the Source Treasure Cave Heaven by unique means..." As a Sky-Reaching Level Artifact Refiner, Jia Ren had long been familiar with the catalog of Sky-reaching Spirit Treasures and recognized at a glance the Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure on the table as the Xiezhi Seal. Within this treasure’s area of effect, lying was impossible; only the truth could be spoken. He could, at most, modify minor details. "But colluding with Sinful Denizens and destroying the Sealed Land is utter nonsense! I have a deep-seated enmity with them and even once thwarted cultivators from the Hidden Cultivation Sect who were causing destruction everywhere..."
The Xiezhi Seal showed no change, as if corroborating Jia Ren’s words. After all, he truly was not lying. He had slain a Nascent Soul stage Bizarre Cultivator from the Xuantiandao Sect, a person of significant status within the Hidden Cultivation Sect. He had indeed made efforts against the Hidden Cultivation Sect.
The onlookers exchanged glances, each using different methods to discern the truth of his words. Ultimately, they confirmed there were no issues.
"By what means did you leave the Source Treasure Cave Heaven? And why did you go to the Sealed Land?" The Lord of Zhenxie Peak seemed to have thought of something and asked.
This question truly struck at a vital point. Jia Ren certainly couldn’t reveal the True Dragon, could he? Nor could he openly admit he went to the Sealed Land to capture Bizarre Demons. The True Dragon was of immeasurable value; if its existence were disclosed, unforeseen complications would surely arise. Going to the Sealed Land would also mean revealing his most crucial treasure: the Demon-Sealing Spirit Tower. This was a question that could lead to certain death, and he dared not answer it.
Jia Ren’s gaze swept across everyone’s faces, his tone filled with indignation, his words resounding and forceful. "Esteemed seniors, why do you look at me as if I were a criminal? From where did you hear these rumors that lump me together with those who released Bizarre Demons?! Am I, Jia Ren, so contemptible in your eyes?! Or is it because Ancestor Ji Kong is not here, you think I have no backing and am easy to bully?!"
Jia Ren dared not answer the previous questions; his only option was to turn the tables. Having passed the Xiezhi Seal’s test, which confirmed he was not lying, his suspicion was somewhat cleared. He aimed to overpower them with his aura, avoiding the criminal-like interrogation he had faced at the beginning. Not seeing Ancestor Ji Kong all this time, Jia Ren strongly suspected that they had not informed Ancestor Ji Kong of this matter, deliberately keeping his master away. Otherwise, given Ancestor Ji Kong’s protective nature, it was impossible for him not to come.
The crowd fell silent. The Xiezhi Seal had, to some extent, cleared Jia Ren of suspicion. Everyone had secrets, and continued intense questioning was indeed inappropriate.
Tian Lingzi was the first to break the silence in the main hall. "The sect has received news that among the Sinful Denizens, a faction called the Hidden Cultivation Association has been established. A supposedly dead disciple of the Lingbao Sect, Jia Ren, is reportedly among them, wantonly slaughtering cultivators. Most crucially, the sect received information that you were the primary contributor to the destruction of the Sealed Land—a spy planted by the Sinful Denizens within the Lingbao Sect."
Jia Ren’s face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. This was a black pot the Hidden Cultivation Association was maliciously trying to pin on him. What insidious treachery! This move was intended to sow discord between him and other cultivators. The Lingbao Sect might still investigate to confirm the truth, but cultivators of the Body Integration and Mahayana Realms from other sects... would likely pursue and kill him on sight. Suddenly implicated in this manner, Jia Ren would be doomed to die an obscure and unjust death.
