Chapter 212: Martial Conference Begins (1)

Chapter 212: Martial Conference Begins (1)

For a month, there are no visitors or disturbances.

Lan Xiaohui never moves from her spot, on top of the stone platform, legs crossed and palms resting on her knees. Her meditation has her breathe in once every three hours, and in that breath, she consumes such a vast amount of air and qi that it significantly affects the ambient pressure of the large chamber.

Her cultivation is fairly rapid, even without my help. This improvement, over her previous achievements, is entirely because of the divine fire root she had received. Even by the backward standards of this eras cultivators, Lan Xiaohui can no longer be considered to have average talent. In the greater scope, there likely is not a single person on this continent who has a spiritual root of greater purity. The idiom: half the effort, twice the gain, can hardly apply to Lan Xiaohui; she exceeds the specific mathematics of that phrase by several folds.

Even so, the purity of the spiritual root can barely be considered half of the mechanism that improves ones cultivation. Opportunity and location are also important. The most elusive factor, however, is mindset. Again, even by the standards of this eras cultivators, Lan Xiaohui possesses an extremely focused mindset; whether this is because of her desire for revenge, or something more intrinsic to her, I am not certain. Extreme hard work can overcome even a talent disadvantage.

Cultivation is a long and arduous process. That is why, even after a month, with a pure root, and a focused mind, Lan Xiaohui still makes very little progress toward reaching the next stage of her development. If I were to use [World Eater], naturally, I could vastly improve her speed, but I refrain from assisting her.

The reason is because of the formation that permeates through this chamber. I do not understand its nature, but I can feel its influence. I detect a very mild suppression effect, but beyond that, I cannot determine the purpose of its influence. My soul is still damaged, therefore, my consciousness cannot penetrate through the thick walls to observe the nodes of the formation directly.

It is likely not intended to interfere with me, but I do not desire to take any risks, especially now, in my weakened state.

Suddenly, Lan Xiaohuis eyes snap open, and a flame flickers within them. She has been studying the [Salvation Ashes] manual, and allowing the scripture to shape her internal structure to accommodate its patterns.

She uncrosses her legs and sits properly on the edge of the stone platform, at the same time brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. She raises her hand to the side, and my floating form hovers into her grasp, and she gently places me across her lap.

The large boulder blocking the exit of the cave suddenly begins rolling to the side, and for the first time in a very long while, natural light floods into the chamber, illuminating it better than the small crystals, embedded into the walls, could.

Lan Xiaohui narrows her eyes, trying to shield them from the glare of the light as a figure stands at the entrance and then steps inside.

My owner might not be able to see her, but the glare of the light does not affect me and I can see her very well.

Lan Xiaohui narrows her eyes at the question.

Indulge me, Elder Qin says, noticing Lan Xiaohuis mild frustration. I will explain everything.

Lan Xiaohui nods. I am not certain what to think. I thought Xie Zhiqiang was honorable and straightforward. I did not expect him to suddenly attack me when I turned my back on him. He was like a completely different person then, driven by rage and hatred.

You are the first exception we have made, in the history of the sect, to allow someone who did not pass at least ten floors of the Pagoda of Introspection to join the sect, Elder Qin says. Xie Zhiqiang was the second.

Lan Xiaohui raises her head.

He passed only nine, Elder Qin says, anticipating Lan Xiaohuis question. However, Xie Zhiqiang was so talented that we simply could not overlook the opportunity to allow him to join. Even though he failed the most crucial step of the process extreme envy his demeanor was so mild that we did not anticipate that things could turn out this way.

Extreme envy? Lan Xiaohui asks.

Elder Qin nods. The tenth floor of the Pagoda shows a situation in which someone surpasses you in every way imaginable and, in essence, replaces you. The specifics are different for each person and how they solve the problem is also different, Elder Qin explains. The only failing condition is if you cannot accept the circumstances. It is considered one of the easier floors.

Lan Xiaohui nods. I failed to sever my attachments. Xie Zhiqiang could not accept being inferior.

Not quite, but something like that, Elder Qin says. Not being able to cross the tenth floor of the Pagoda simply means that, given the opportunity, one would reach for forbidden power, or sacrifice others for personal ambition, or resort to underhanded means. Not suitable for a righteous sect, wouldnt you agree, junior?

What does this have to do with my question? Lan Xiaohui asks.

Elder Qin smiles. Every inheritance in the Galaxy Sword sect is a demonic art, or derived from one, except for the Galaxy Sword Method.