Chapter 316: Beast Tribulation

Chapter 316: Beast Tribulation

The rest of the trip through the Halls of Exalted Purity is a relatively calm one.

Contrary to that strangely rare moment of silence and inactivity earlier, when Wei and I were talking, this area never stops moving. Even as the sun has gone down, there is constant movement and action from those all around us. Like the inner and outer city, theres always work to be done, at all times of day and night.

Thus, both Wei and I have been seeing an interesting aspect of the sect that occurs on the ground. Bright light is on all areas of the ground, keeping everything clearly seen and lit.

Thats not the interesting part, though. With my senses, I can see the additional purpose of this setup.

From time to time, cultivators that are flying on swords pass from area to area, holding bundles on their backs and in their arms. With the lights below, it enables them to swiftly move down, drop things off, and leave.

Considering that this is using Foundation Establishment cultivators to do this each of those packages must be of significant importance. A reminder of the constant passing of secrets and goods that happen within the sect.

One thing that is easy to take for granted is the rank of Foundation Establishment cultivators in a sect.

A Qi Condensation cultivator at the late and peak stages would actually be considered an expert or specialist, outside of the sect. And once they reach the Foundation Establishment realm, they would be eligible for an elder position in a small sect.

Just reaching Qi Condensation adds 50 years to your lifespan.

The realm after?

200 years.

And for the majority of cultivators, they would spend most of that time reaching those heights. Fighting life and death battles, while gaining impressive knowledge and experiences through it.

That doesnt include the level of power that they hold. With many of their abilities being able to level a city block. My fight with Ao Jin, the demonic cultivator whose family Im now transporting, only went so well because his abilities were specialized in 1v1 attacks. If he was more standardized in his techniques, I wouldnt have been able to use the swarm tactics as effectively. Maybe even at all.

Even in an above average sect like this, while cultivators of that realm may not have the same status as they might have outside of it, it doesnt change the level of respect and strength they hold in general. The level of a tactical leader.

So, to have them deliver items like this shows the importance of those items.

As these thoughts cross my mind, I sense a blur of movement behind us. Suddenly leaping onto the back carriage.

But I feel no panic, as I know what or who they are.

I take a casual glance behind us and see the black panther licking its paws near the back of the carriage caravan. Acting as if it was always there.

Its eyes raise up to meet mine, staring at me, as it gives another slow lick to its paw.

this thing. Its been following me everywhere, but staying just outside the range of my normal scan. I feel like it takes enjoyment in trying to evade my sight. Of course, my pulses always catches it.

But this is as good a time as any to do what I wanted to earlier.

A glance at my side, toward Wei, shows that shes taken the opportunity to get some rest. A normal thing, as this will be a several days long ride.

I wait a bit longer, until there are only a few people around, before saying a small whisper.

Fingers of Life.

Out of my body rises slivers of healing qi. Unlike the time at the hospital, I dont make it generate visible light.

The targets of my ability are the Qi Condensation spirit beasts that have been hidden on my body since I left the taming guild area.

But even so, I have to check.

A slight opening is made in the worm armor around me. Poking my arm through, I wave it in front of her face.

Nothing.

I poke her cheek.

Still nothing.

how could a person with a spiritual sense as sensitive as hers fall and stay in such a deep sleep? Though, I guess everyone has their weaknesses.

Ah, right.

I havent healed her yet.

Ill do it when we get back to the tower. Might as well let her get some sleep now.

It only takes a few minutes for the light to dim and the large qi flow to slow.

Both the spirit beasts and I finally relax as they settle back into their normal positions. The spirit beast's form of tribulation finally completed.

They can come in different forms, but mainly involve two things: a noticeable amount of qi inflow and becoming vulnerable to attack by other spirit beasts. Which is why the others defending them was such an important change.

However, since we were not in a forest or an area with hostile spirit beasts, the tribulation passed uneventfully, despite the visible light. Even the eyes watching speedily looked away when they saw the situation.

In fact, there were even a few nods of approval as we passed.

This is why I joined the sect.

Here, we are all generally on the same side. There will be conflicts, issues, and fights. Definitely betrayals. But within this sect, a standard and a shared side exist.

Another cultivator in the sect having their tamed spirit beasts increase in power is both a point of envy, but also an opportunity for admiration and hope.

I wont have to worry about much here.

As the claps fade in the distance and the night grows darker, my mind shifts to other subjects and plans. Specifically one that I've deeply discussed with Sister Nuan.

A glance at the sleeping Wei shows that I have another golden opportunity in front of me.

Something Ive been waiting to do since Ive entered the Halls of Exalted Purity.

Hmm While we travel, I might as well go treasure hunting.

Time to grab some forgotten caches on the way back. Ill just view it as things that will be great for rewards back at the tower.

An evil grin crosses my face.

Providing a slight lifting of spirits from this grim carriage ride.