Chapter 385: Splitting Up

Everyone had gained immense benefits throughout the one month they had been cooped up within the mountain cave.

Xue Wei had focused on his thunder and lightning elemental affinity first, followed by his Qi levels next.

He had consumed numerous treasures like the Black Scorpion Lily, which increase one's Qi levels. The last week of their closed-door cultivation, Xue Wei had stopped consuming herbs and other resources, and instead focused on getting rid of impurities and stabilizing his foundation.

Hei Gou, Bai Tianyi, Luoluo, Wang Xiaoyun, and Lin Xiao were the same. All of them had consumed lots of resources, but the final week they had all stopped, only to consolidate their gains.

Although their strength had risen, and even though they had consumed many resources, their ranks had not leaped.

Xue Wei's Qi level was still at the ninth layer Heavenly Knight rank, Lin Xiao was still at the seventh layer of the Ordinary Saint rank, while Hei Gou was at the Earth Saint first layer. Wang Xiaoyun's strength was also still at the ninth layer of the Ordinary Saint realm.

Even though this group had not risen their strength, they had gotten much more than the ones who rapidly rose in ranks, bringing with them a shaky foundation.

Amongst the Vermilion Birds, one of them, a prince, had reached the Earth Rank, while the others were still Heavenly Knights or Ordinary Saints.

The Chang'an group had also advanced at a rapid pace; everyone had at least risen by one layer, a few even by a few layers.

All of them were bursting with satisfaction and pride, especially the prince of the Vermilion Bird clan.

He looked at Xue Wei with disdain. Now, why would he ever take orders from a measly little Heavenly Knight?

While the person was filled with self-righteousness, Xue Wei was considering the gains he had gotten. Although he had not returned to being an Ordinary Saint, he was very close to the breakthrough, and his current combat ability was far better than ever before.

Having realized this, he felt that the danger within the Blue Phoenix Manor had lowered significantly. Even if they could not defeat all teams they encountered, they could at least escape alive.

Straightening his back, Xue Wei looked at the many people who were within his make-shift cave, and he smiled. Although they had to share the treasure, more treasure was always to be preferred.

He did not currently lack anything as he had all the resources from Thunder Twilight Zone and the underground palace, but realizing that his group was in need of numerous resources, he knew that this chance was not one he could miss.

"We are leaving for the Blue Phoenix Manor tomorrow morning," he declared, "those who want to come with us are welcome to do so, those who do not wish to come with us can either stay here within the cave and cultivate, or try their own luck as they travel around the Asceded's Realm."

"Who do you think you are, wanting to lead a group of Saints with your strength as a simple Heavenly Knight?" The prince had been waiting for a chance to complain about Xue Wei, and now was the most suitable opportunity.

"If you don't want to follow my lead, no one is going to force you," Xue Wei said casually, too lazy to argue with the person. "I will be leading a group; what the rest of you does has absolutely nothing to do with me. It is not my responsibility to worry about you, so pick what you want to do yourself."

The prince paused and contemplated for some time before he haughtily raised his chin. "I am leading a team to the Blue Phoenix Manor," he suddenly said, "my team will be led by an Earth Saint, rather than a Heavenly Knight. Those who want to get a chance of the treasures, would you prefer following a weak Knight, or an illustrious Earth Saint?"

His words were very simple, and the others were moved. Especially the group who had teamed up with Xue Wei multiple times. Although they had benefitted so far, they were realistic. Xue Wei was merely a Knight; he would not be able to stand out, whereas these Vermilion Birds were much stronger over all.

Seeing their dodging expressions, a sneer appeared on Xue Wei's lips, turned out he had been friendly towards a snake.

"If you feel that way, then just pick whatever group you wish to join," Xue Wei said without a care in the world. The two groups were actually dragging him down in a way.

While they would have a more significant intimidating power, they would be an obstacle if it really came to a fight.

With fewer people, it would be easier to escape; it would also be easier to go all out in battles.

Not long after, the people from Chang'an also started feeling slightly worried. The Chang'an group was the weakest amongst them all if Xue Wei lost the help of the majority, would he be able to keep them safe?

As such, they decided to stay in the cave. All apart from Wang Xiaoyun would stay behind and use the many treasures they had already gained while she would follow Xue Wei to the Blue Phoenix Manor.

In the end, the three groups had been formed. Xue Wei's group had narrowed down immensely, from before where everything had been considered his group, to now where it consisted of Lin Xiao, Hei Gou, Wang Xiaoyun, Bai Tianyi, Luoluo, and himself.

The biggest group was, without a doubt, the combined groups of their previous allies and the Vermilion Bird Clan.