Chương 37: 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." The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"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. But for some reason, he hesitated. Something felt wrong about this approach.

Ren tried to understand his tumultuous emotions to find the cause of his discomfort. He gradually narrowed it down and found the trap. It was because he was getting ahead of himself. The goal wasn't to seek the reward of providence. The ultimate goal was to follow his dao. If he simply got to pursue his path, then whether the rewards appeared was inconsequential. But if he did it for the wrong reasons, then he would be betraying his dao. He didn't want to tempt fate.

If following your dao led to fortune, then at best betraying it would mean nothing, and at worst, he would be inflicted with heavenly misfortune. Zhao Ren slowly started to focus not on the feeling that saved his life from Mo Ying's attempt but on how he could use the trials to further his dao. He had begun all this with a desire to leave the world a better place than he found it. What better way to spread his understanding than through this new medium that people valued?

'Yes. This feels right. I should use this chance to let more people assist me in this endeavor. Maybe this way, others can see the value of my path." Before leaving the Hall of Contribution, he purchased a list of names of the ones who didn't make it through the trial. For some reason, he felt a vague sense of dread when he held it. He couldn't bear to look at the list just yet and put it off until he could meet up with his friends. On the slow walk back he tried to prioritize his plans for the hectic days to come.

By adding the creation of more challenges to his already busy schedule, Ren would have to balance his ambitions. First and most importantly, he needed to research everything he could about the treasures he had come to possess. He needed to know their exact value if he wanted to make plans based on them. Two days should be enough for that, especially as he would have access to the upper floors of the hall of scripture as an inner disciple. Next he had to choose an abode in the inner regions.

Once he examined his new home, he could further grasp his next tasks. Hopefully, he could do so in time for the merged market day. That would be his best opportunity to exchange for the treasures he would most definitely need to set up a new cultivation abode. Finally, he wanted to at least attend the auction and the tournament even if he wouldn't be able to participate. He had never been one to aim for the top, but it couldn't hurt knowing what was out there. Well, he hadn't been one to aim for the top.

He didn't know if it was true anymore. Like that moment when he earnestly wanted to compete with Xi Yuan. Zhao Ren could feel himself changing constantly. Maybe that was just growing up?

"Putting that aside, all this has to be accomplished in the upcoming weeks! There is just so much to do and with so little time!" He said to himself. But no matter how he grumbled to himself, he couldn't deny the sense of excitement burgeoning in his heart. After the other sects left, things would slow down significantly. Then he could focus on building up his wealth once more to create more challenges. Not to mention how he could obtain new techniques and resources to hone his strengths and cover his weaknesses.

He couldn't help but look forward to his future growth! As he walked towards Mei Ling's house, he encountered Bao Hua. Turns out they had missed each other's visits and coincidentally made the same choice. Bao Hua already looked fully recovered, his robust physique not one to be suppressed. They knocked on Mei Ling's door, and Zhao Ren had to lock his body to avoid jumping back in fright when it opened. He had forgotten about Mei Ling's Silent Jade Spider, which had grown over the months he hadn't seen it.

It was now the size of a small dog and still clinging to her shoulder! He didn't exactly detest insects or anything, but those beady eyes always appeared to be calculating where the softest place to bite would be.

"Er… I've brought some meat and wine." Said Hua awkwardly. Ren knew from the tone that he had had the exact same reaction.

"And I've got some news to share." Said Ren.

"Come in, come in. Don't mind little Ziyin. She just missed me a lot." Mei Ling looked less like a host apologizing for a naughty pet and more like the witches that his mother used to scare him with as a child. The jade-like beauties with terrifying pets. And he knew the spider would just keep getting bigger if raised well. Her manor also looked as sparse as his own currently did. They were all preparing to move to new abodes in the inner sect after all. Only the pool with lotuses remained.

They started to prepare the food as Ren shared what he had learned about the sect's upcoming events. A few hours later, they were discussing their experiences after splitting up at the camp. They all had their own fortuitous encounters and adventures to talk about.

"You should see me wield my heavy blade now! Nothing beats practical experience, and I was soon taking on those slasher beasts head on!" said Hua, looking mighty pleased. Ren was amazed. Even at the end, he was only able to take those beasts down with the help of formations.

"Good weapons are indeed true companions. Ren, you'll have to help me with mine next! I found these thorny vines that'll be perfect for a whip. They were so hard I couldn't even cut them! I only managed to bring them away by taking the boulder they were growing on. They can still grow further, but I'll be relying on you then."

"Naturally! I'm so glad you both managed to find spatial pouches too. Aren't they the most useful tool ever made?" It only occurred to him after he spoke what it implied. The jovial mood was brought down a little. Ren sighed at his own clumsiness.

"Might as well get it over with. I got a list from Hu Yan of those who didn't make it back. I haven't been able to look at it yet but maybe we could together?" Hua reassuringly patted his back and nodded. They started down the list. Ren was forced to confront the fact that being a popular disciple meant knowing a lot of people. He could almost imagine threads connected to him being snipped away with every familiar name.

And there, near the end, was one that could have been represented by a thick rope instead of a thread. Ren sucked in a cold breath of air. That vague sense of dread he'd felt earlier calcified into a rock in his stomach. His Uncle Tao was no more.