Chapter 36 – Reaping the Rewards

Somewhere inside the Sect Leader’s Palace:

A small council of the sect’s core leadership had gathered to discuss the events of the blood moon’s inheritance trial. Five elders sat drinking tea and discussing the fate of millions.

“We have suffered debilitating losses! Over a hundred disciples lost! That’s 1 in 3! We were supposed to build up our strength while letting others take the fall! Vice-Sect Leader, you must give us an explanation!”

The vice-sect leader serenely sipped her tea before replying.

“We all knew this was going to be a dangerous trial. If you recall, I had suggested we let the Hidden Sea Sect take the brunt of the damage by going first. How was I to know that those maniacs were going to act out?”

The vice sect leader wasn’t as calm as she appeared. To those who knew her, she appeared almost nervous. But then again, why wouldn’t she be? This mistake could be laid squarely at her feet.

“You… You! I warned you all that they had demonic influences! Witness accounts have them using the techniques of the blood moon elder almost as soon as the trial began! It’s clear that they have some prior connections. It explains why they were so desperate to join this time. You brought us this option. You should have known better!! Those demons ruthlessly gave bones to take flesh, and it could not have come at a worse time!”

There were angry murmurs to back up the Hall of Discipline’s Elder. The sect leader cut in to prevent further quarreling.

“Elder Jiao Yue, you have inspected all the techniques retrieved from the trial. Please present your findings. Perhaps we will understand then how the Hidden Sea Sect is linked to this trial.”

The alluring elder spoke up. “Indeed I have gone over all the findings from those who approached the final mountain. And young Li Feng was the one closest to the trial’s core when it concluded. Elder Sha, I must commend you for nurturing such a talent for our sect. His reports corroborate much of what the other disciples have found. It appears that the Blood Moon elder was trying to attract the comet to condense it in the basin of the central mountain of the subspace. The goal was most likely to cultivate using the incomparably powerful blood as a resource. For anyone with attainments in the dao of blood, it would have been invaluable, equivalent to jumping over the dragon’s gate.”

“I have concluded the trial has failed because the slaughter trial failed to reach its culmination. It is unknown if it will repeat, but I suppose it doesn’t pertain to us anymore even if it does. As for the Hidden Sea Sect, I estimate they are somehow the descendants of the Blood Moon elder. The most troubling part is how they found out about the trial in the first place!” She said with a bitter expression.

Elder Sha nodded to acknowledge the compliment towards his disciple. He then addressed the others. “The events of the past cannot be changed. We must look to the future. Sect Leader, you know the upcoming tournament is but a sham. We must collect the recompense we are owed no matter who wins. Only then can we consider this chapter closed.”

The wizened sect leader put his cup down with a clink. “A sham but a necessary one. Our alliance must not be seen as weak, for there are other threats out there that can interrupt our plans. The celestial instruments sect has already offered to provide the rewards of the tournament along with further compensation. This relationship is already soured, so even if we ask for more, we likely won’t get it. Furthermore, they might sense something is wrong if we continue to push. So we must give them face.”

“As for the Hidden Sea Sect, they have fewer than 10 disciples remaining. Whatever their gamble may have been, it has failed, and they have surrendered to their fate. They have offered the Endless Depths Iron, and I will be accepting. Although I suspect the Celestial Instruments will take their pound of flesh for their losses. We may have to placate the Golden Light Monastery, but I deem it to be an acceptable exchange. Their golden dharma trial remains our final opportunity to grow our strength, and it must not escape our grasp.”

The seated elders begrudgingly accepted the decision. What was done was done. Now they had to prepare for the future. Everyone knew Elder Yun’s report. They had even less time than predicted. The calamity would soon be upon them.

“Finally, like seeds after a rain, a number of talented sprouts have appeared. We must ensure they flourish. A storm is coming, and we elders have a duty to provide shelter to our sect’s young talents. Dismissed.”

Everyone slowly dispersed to continue their preparations.

Elder Sha lingered to privately address the sect leader. “A final matter. Little Yue is right. The only way the Hidden Sea Sect could have known about the trial in time would be because someone told them. They approached the Celestial Instruments sect at almost the same time we informed them. It couldn’t have been them. We have a traitor in our midst.”

The sect leader felt the weight of expectations more keenly than ever. “I know. But I cannot afford to dig any further. No matter what, the results speak for themselves. We have gained much this time. The Azure Mountains may just have to knowingly swallow this poison. However, if we can uncover them before it’s time, then I would be glad, old friend. That information would prove useful. You are the only one I can rely on. And it pains me to say this, but I fear you must start with the vice sect leader.”

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“However, I would rather you focus on Li Feng’s growth. He might just be exact genius that person may be interested in. I will do what I can to curb the Zhen and Jian families’ plans in the meantime. Our branch’s best chances lie in the talent we can offer to the main sect.”

Elder Sha didn’t envy his friend when it came to such matters. Things were certainly far too complicated at the top. Man proposes and Heaven disposes. The sect was undergoing a dangerous tribulation, and he would do his best to ensure they survived.

Zhao Ren tried to calm his racing thoughts. While he didn’t expect such results, they spoke for themselves. If the challenges he set up affirmed his dao to the extent that he could tangibly feel the effect of providence, then he had to continue! Ideas on how to build on its current momentum were springing up by the dozen.