Chapter 43: Chapter 43 The Current Situation of Red Maple City
As dawn began to break over the horizon, a faint light bathed the Meditation Garden in a gentle glow. The first rays of sunlight touched the leaves, casting intricate shadows that danced with the morning breeze. Shangguan Yi sat cross-legged in the center of the garden, his eyes closed in deep concentration.
Inside his Sixth Sense Realm floated forty wisps of white flame, the spoils from his previous night's visit to numerous families. These wisps were not just flames; they were core essences of Cultivators, waiting to be harnessed. Shangguan Yi activated the Everlasting Firmament Flame Technique, a cultivation method that allowed him to absorb and refine these flames into his own core essence.
The process began slowly, the white flames flickering and dancing in the air. With each breath, Shangguan Yi drew them closer, guiding the wisps with his powerful will. One by one, the flames merged into his core, became one with his own essence. The air around him shimmered with energy as the flames were refined and absorbed.
For six hours, he remained in this state of deep cultivation, completely focused on the task at hand. The garden was silent, save for the faint hum of energy resonating from his form. As the last wisp of white flame was absorbed, Shangguan Yi opened his eyes. They gleamed with a newfound intensity, reflecting the power he had just gained.
Checking the system, he noted the progress. His cultivation had increased by 20%, adding to the 5% he had previously accumulated. Now at 25%, he felt a surge of satisfaction. Though the road ahead was still long, this was a significant step forward.
Shangguan Yi's mind raced with possibilities. With each increment in his cultivation, he drew closer to his goals. The enhanced core essence within him was denser and more potent, a testament to the effectiveness of his cultivation techniques. But he knew he could not rest on his laurels; there was much more work to be done.
His thoughts drifted briefly to the future. He envisioned himself standing at the pinnacle of power, his enemies vanquished, and his influence spreading far and wide. But for now, he focused on the present, on the progress he had made and the steps he needed to take next.
With a deep breath, Shangguan Yi rose from his meditative stance. The morning was still young, and there were many more flames to conquer, many more essences to absorb. His journey was far from over, but with each wisp of flame, he drew closer to his ultimate goal.
…
Meanwhile, a storm was brewing in Red Maple City. The dawn had barely broken when warrants began circulating through the streets, carried by swift messengers and posted on prominent notice boards.
The warrant described a demonic Core Formation Cultivator who had been wreaking havoc throughout the city. Although the true identity of the culprit remained a mystery, many witnesses had described the masked figure and distinctive suit style to create a recognizable image. This led to an immediate and widespread panic.
In Red Maple City, Core Formation Cultivators were incredibly rare. Aside from those aligned with the great families, great sects, and the City Lord Manor, there were no known Core Formation Cultivators within the city's myriad smaller forces. The sudden appearance of such a powerful and destructive individual threw the entire city into chaos.
The great families and sects quickly convened emergency meetings, summoning the smaller families and factions under their influence to discuss strategies and form plans. Fear and uncertainty hung in the air as patriarchs and elders debated their next moves.
In one such meeting, the atmosphere was tense. Fu Bo, the City Lord, stood at the head of a large hall, his expression grim. "We cannot allow this demonic Cultivator to continue his rampage," he declared, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Every family must be on high alert. Pool your resources and intelligence. We must find him and bring him to justice."
Across the city, similar scenes played out. In the halls of the Zhao Family, one of three great families, patriarch Zhao Wei addressed his gathered clan members. "This person threatens our very existence. We must be vigilant and united. Send scouts, fortify our defenses, and prepare for anything."
Even the lesser-known families, who typically kept to themselves, were dragged into the turmoil. They had no choice but to heed the calls of the higher authorities, lest they be caught unprepared by the next wave of destruction.
The city, which had been relatively peaceful, now buzzed with activity. Cultivators of all levels prepared for the worst. The streets were filled with an undercurrent of fear and anticipation.
Back in the Meditation Garden, the tranquility of Shangguan Yi's cultivation was eventually interrupted. By evening, Xia Feng, the patriarch of the Xia Family, and Xia Kun, the great elder, had naturally heard of the warrants circulating through Red Maple City. Although the Xia Family operated independently and wasn't under any high-grade family's direct influence, they were still informed of significant events within the city.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden, Xia Feng and Xia Kun made their way to Shangguan Yi's secluded spot. The air was thick with tension and unspoken questions as they approached the pavilion where Shangguan Yi sat in meditation.
"Great Ancestor," Xia Feng began, his voice tinged with urgency as he and Xia Kun bowed respectfully. "We have received alarming news about a Core Formation Demonic Cultivator causing chaos in the city. The warrants are everywhere, and the entire Red Maple City is on high alert."
Shangguan Yi opened his eyes slowly, his expression calm and inscrutable. "Tell me more," he said, his voice even and measured, as if discussing the weather rather than a potential threat.
Xia Kun stepped forward. "This Cultivator is described as wearing a mask and a distinctive suit. His actions have caused widespread panic, and now every major family and sect is mobilizing to hunt him down. There is fear that he could destabilize the entire city if not stopped."
Shangguan Yi's eyes flickered with a hint of amusement, though he maintained his composed demeanor. "And what do you propose we do about it?" he asked, his tone calm yet inquisitive.
In fact, when Xia Feng and Xia Kun first heard about the warrant for the demonic Cultivator, they initially felt fear and a sense of threat. But upon reflecting on Shangguan Yi's capabilities, their confidence quickly resurfaced. However, alongside their confidence, they couldn't help but entertain suspicions. The methods employed by this demonic Cultivator seemed eerily familiar, reminiscent of Shangguan Yi's own ruthlessness they had witnessed during his dealings with the Zhang and Guan families. Despite their suspicions, they refrained from voicing them directly, choosing instead to report the situation and observe Shangguan Yi's reaction keenly.
When Shangguan Yi posed his question, they proceeded cautiously, expressing their thoughts on the matter. Xia Feng spoke first, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "Great Ancestor, the city is descending into chaos. Families are fortifying their defenses, and alliances are being hastily formed. If this Cultivator continues unchecked, it could lead to widespread conflict."
Xia Kun added, "We are also mindful of our own standing within the city. This situation may draw unnecessary attention to us. It's crucial that we remain vigilant and prepared for any potential repercussions."
Shangguan Yi listened attentively, nodding slightly as they shared their insights. He understood their concerns, sensing their unspoken suspicions. Despite knowing that he was indeed the target of the warrant, he saw no need to confirm their suspicions outright.
Shangguan Yi reassured them, his voice calm and assured. "Do not be worried. We have a level 3 array protecting us," he stated firmly. "Continue to monitor the situation closely and report any significant developments to me. Our focus remains on cultivation and progress. The stronger we become, the less we have to fear from external threats."
Xia Feng and Xia Kun nodded in agreement, their expressions serious yet resolute. "Understood, Great Ancestor," Xia Feng replied. "We will maintain our vigilance and keep you informed of any developments."
Shangguan Yi looked at them and said, "Hmm, I have been refining pills recently. I've instructed everyone to gather information and report to me. Those with useful information will receive essence pills."
Hearing this, Xia Feng and Xia Kun couldn't help but be excited. The essence pills were highly beneficial to them, significantly aiding their cultivation. Previously, the essence pills given by Shangguan Yi had even helped some elders sense their breakthroughs.
"We will inform everyone and gather the latest information about the situation outside," they replied eagerly.
Shangguan Yi then handed them another two Information Pearls. "They can also exchange the array materials and pill ingredients inside for essence pills."
Both of them accepted the pearls and read through them with their Divine Sense. The contents made their expressions serious; all the materials and ingredients were unique and rare.
Currently, Shangguan Yi had plenty of materials and ingredients, but he lacked some unique and rare ones. He didn't have high expectations from the Xia Family in this regard, but he didn't want to dismiss the possibility entirely either.
"If there's no anything else, you may leave," Shangguan Yi said simply.
Xia Kun was momentarily stunned by Shangguan Yi's attitude, but Xia Feng didn't hesitate any longer. He bowed respectfully and left.
Weekly Power Status
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