Chapter 20 - Ancient Beast

The core disciple stared at the old man in the eyes trying to figure out his intentions “I see, you’ve assisted to everything that happened since my arrival here. Your vision is worthy of praise. About your questions, I can affirm in all integrity that I have not lied in the slightest, each word of mine stays true to my principles. But I fear I cannot disclose the reasons behind my beliefs”.

“I understand, everyone has his secrets in this world. Young one, pay attention to what you let others see. Every action and choice we make tells something about us… out there experts of every level and background are in search, as hunters in a dense forest. Do not let them see your back”.

The old man in front of him was short, bent, with white short hair and a shaggy beard. He wore common vestments and had an amiable expression. But now he seemed an inscrutable mystery, a deep abyss without light.

The youth had this ominous feeling by his speech, as if each word he said agitated the laws in the room, permeated in Dao truths. This Old Blade Master wasn’t an ordinary Palace Master, Falven was sure of that.

“I thank Senior for the wise advice, your enlightening words won’t be forgotten by this young one”.

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Falven went back to Soaring Hill, resuming his cultivation. Another month passed by, he had kept circulating his chi accumulating and compressing the chi flame, but more importantly he had made progress in understanding the ancient bone won at the auction.

First thing, it was certain that it was the bone of an ancient beast of a past era, a high graded one at that. Its resistance was formidable, hard and unbreakable. Besides, this was not the major discovery the youth made.

Falven had this feeling of familiarity with the bone, he felt something inside him was resonating with it. A call from his bones and blood tried to desperately communicate with the bone, as if they were part of the same bloodline.

After more research on the bone, the disciple came to two major assumptions. The first one was that the bone originated from a legendary true Black Dragon. The reason for that was simple: in the past the Asura Tower had used a black dragon marrow to upgrade Falven’s constitution because the Asura laws were highly compatible with black dragons and these legendary creatures were of the highest grade, thus providing the perfect upgrading material. According to a past legend Immortal God Asura had gained some insights by analysing true black dragons and then used these insights in the process of creating the ominous Asura Art.

The second discovery was even more astonishing: the bone was somewhat “alive”. The youth could feel something inside the bone slightly resonating with his call, as if a soul lied dormant inside the bone, struggling to not disperse and die forever.

Light steps calmly approached Falven’s accommodation “This disciple greets you, senior” the youth nodded his head seeing elder Devil Destroyer.

“Fate Destroyer, it’s good to see you faring well. I got news of your significant feats, congratulations for gaining Crimson Bloodlust as your weapon. Regarding the resources for this month, is there anything particular that you need?”.

“Thank you senior for your kind words. Actually I have just prepared a list of materials I’m in need of, I hope the sect can secure them. I’m quite surprised for you to personally come here to talk about this, please no need to beat around the bush, is there anything else on your mind?”

The elder had a tired expression and started answering while absent-mindedly reading the list “In truth there is a burden on our shoulders these days. There are different opinions on whether you should get involved or not… this list, why do you need such materials?”

“I understand your reaction, they’re all very precious and highly researched by cultivators who’re ending their lifespan. I am willing to contribute as much as possible to the sect in order to secure them. I do need them, they’re necessary for my cultivation journey, although I’m not going to use them for increasing my lifespan of course”.

The elder didn’t say anything, pondering the issue. She had been very busy lately and had many things to care of.

“Is the previous matter linked to me being recognised by Crimson Bloodlust?” Falven asked with an enigmatic smile.

Lady Devil Destroyer was taken aback “How did you know… never mind, I guess you could somewhat deduce it, a quite keen perception you have. Yes, you’re right, but the issue isn’t related to any inner struggle, it’s something much more… profound”.

“As the master of Crimson Bloodlust I’m willing to be involved in this, I insist. If I can help you figure it out, whatever the issue may be, I request as payment for my contribution the materials in the list. What about this deal?”

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The elder had left to report to the core elder council. Later in the day Gentle Waters and Roaring Lion came to Soaring Hill to sincerely congratulate the new core disciple for his great success. The two youngsters were excited about his feat, he had been a true game changer.

The following day elder Devil Destroyer came back with the news, her look even more fatigued, as if she hadn’t slept at all in the previous days.

“Your deal has been accepted, after much debating the other elders were convinced. If you can successfully help the materials will be given to you as an additional prize from the sect reserves. Everything apart from the three drops of true dragon blood and the drop of Sacred Reviving Water is provided by the sect. I can take out the drop of Sacred Reviving Water from my personal possessions, I had it stored for when my lifespan nears its end. About the true dragon blood I suggest you try asking to the Shining Pillar Pavilion, they may have it”.

The elder made clear her efforts in this matter, his request was seriously expensive “I sincerely appreciate your goodwill and honest efforts, senior. I promise to not let you down, you can trust my words. In the future I'll make sure to personally repay you”.

“Fine, let’s go now, follow me”.

The two went straight to the Sectmaster Palace, entering a large room where a huge stone block in the middle served as table. The stone block gave a very ancient vibe, Falven deduced it originated from before this so called Heavens Punishment. Stone seats were lined up on two long sides of the ancient stone table, while a throne was placed at the head of it. The throne was empty, while the seats were occupied by five elders studying a stone tablet. This ancient thick tablet seemed to come out of the centre of the stone block.

Devil Destroyer explained “This is where the core elder council is held, at the moment the sectmaster is not in the sect, therefore each important decision is up to us”.

The Architect, one of the elders, greeted the duo “You’ve arrived. Junior Fate Destroyer, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you”.

“Let’s see what he can do. Junior, do you really think you can perceive anything from this tablet that the six of us couldn’t?” elder Mountain Slayer asked, without hiding his hostility.

Upon understanding the nature of the issue a large smile brightened Falven’s face “I’ll give it a try!”.