Chapter 44: The Eternal Tower
In the dimly lit chamber, the voice spoke again, sounding serious, "This is the Eternal Tower, Jiang Lei. If you place the pearl inside it, no one will detect the Bloodfiend Pearl's aura, and you'll be safe. Those who want the pearl are really far away, so don't worry. You're safe as long as you keep it in the pagoda."
Jiang Lei looked really sad and asked, "Is there no other way? I don't want to carry this dangerous pearl."
"No, there's no other way. But, I must say that your sad face is truly unbearable. If they were to look at your present expression, they would either kill you or explode in anger. What a pity, the majestic Bloodfiend pearl has fallen to the point where even a mortal cultivatior is looking down on it."
Even after listening all this, Jiang Lei's face stayed bitter. He didn't want to carry this dangerous thing with him.
"You are acting like this because you don't fully understand its power, do you? Do you know why everyone is after this pearl?"
Jiang Lei, with a lack of curiosity in his tone, responded, "Why?"
"You've already witnessed its ability to consume blood and energy and then share it with its wielder, but that's just its basic ability, something anyone can use. The true, extraordinary powers and abilities can only be harnessed by its master."
Suddenly, the voice took on a more serious tone, "Have you ever checked your body?"
Jiang Lei, filled with worry, asked, "My body! What's wrong with my body?" He began checking himself frantically, fearing that this pearl has grown him a tail.
"Huh, you never learn to be serious. Let me show you the changes."
As the voice spoke, a bolt of energy appeared in the area, illuminating the dim surroundings once more.
It was exactly like the bolts he had faced during the trial, but the aura it emitting was far more menacing than any he had encountered before.
"No, no, no, What are you doing", Jiang Lei tensed up, sensing the immense power within the bolt. It shot toward him, and he instinctively tried to dodge, but before he could react, the bolt collided with his body.
CLANG!
The sound of impact echoed in the chamber, it was like two metals are colliding. Jiang Lei, who was expecting severe injuries, was shocked to find himself completely unharmed.
"When did my body become so strong." He muttered in desbelief.
"When you were severely injured after the fight with Wu Xiu, it was this pearl that helped you recover. And not only did it heal your wounds, but it also made your body so strong that you can even endure the attacks of Core Formation Stage Cultivatior without severe injuries.
You see, many body cultivators search far and wide for precious herbs or body-refining techniques to enhance their strength. And you just need the blood and energy of other cultivators to refine your body. And that's not even one of its main abilities."
The voice stopped before continuing with a hint of envy, "Its main abilities are far more stronger than all of this. I'll admit, even I'm quite envious. If it were possible, I'd consider trying to take it from you, even if it meant killing you. But unfortunately, even if I did so, this pearl would never recognize me as its master."
As the voice revealed its envy and mentioned the possibility of taking the pearl, Jiang Lei immediately went on high alert. His guard was up, and he was ready for any threat. However, seeing his heightened state, the voice couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't worry," the voice reassured him, "after receiving the Phoenix Bloodline, you are now one of us. I won't harm you just because of a pearl."
Jiang Lei relaxed slightly but didn't let go of his guard completely. He responded cautiously, "Okay, I agree to keep this pearl with me. Can I go now?"
"Yes, you can go. But before you leave, there's one last thing you must remember." The voice responded but it was with its rare cold voice.
Jiang Lei understood the gravity of the situation and asked earnestly, "What is it?"
"Never break the barrier, Jiang Lei."
Jiang Lei voiced his confusion, "Barrier, what's that barrier for? What use does it have? It can't even stop the monsters from coming inside. It just stops the villagers from fleeing, and they end up waiting for the monsters to kill them. I can't understand why that barrier is there in the first place."
The voice replied with a hint of mystery, "It has its purpose, Jiang Lei. I can't explain it to you now, but before you go, I want to offer you one last piece of advice. Your compassionate nature is admirable, but remember, people like you don't always survive long in this world. If you don't change your behavior, you might one day meet your end because of your willingness to help others."
Jiang Lei nodded in understanding and replied, "Yes, I've been thinking the same lately. I shouldn't trust anyone too easily. I'll keep your advice in mind. Now, please tell me how to leave this place."
"You just need to touch the wall behind you, and you'll return to the place you came from."
Jiang Lei looked suspiciously at the wall, "Just touch it, and that's it?"
The voice confirmed, "Yes, but before you go, make sure to place your pearl in this tower. Otherwise, you'll perish as soon as you leave this place."
Jiang Lei immediately got scared listening this and cursed the 'damm pearl' before focusing his consciousness within his body and communicating with the pearl, urging it to enter the tower.
To his surprise, the pearl responded to his voice. At first, it seemed hesitant, lingering in his sea of energy. However, after a moment's hesitation, it emerged from his body and glided directly toward the tower, as if compelled to enter.
The voice sounded again, "This is the Eternal Tower, Jiang Lei. It earned its name because it defies the laws of time. It consists of nine levels, and you can only access the first level for now. Here, one day inside equals three days outside."
"What the..."Jiang Lei was taken aback by this astonishing information, and he couldn't hold his excitement. If this tower held such miraculous effects, it meant that cultivating here for one day was equivalent to cultivating for three days in the outside world. This could greatly accelerate his cultivation.
He hurriedly bowed to thanks,"Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I'll make the most of it."
The voice simply said, "Okay, you can go now."
Jiang Lei nodded but he thought of a problem suddenly that he got the tower, but, how should he carry it with him?
However, before he could say anything , the tower suddenly shot towards him and fused into his body, as if it possessed its own intelligence.
The voice sounded in again, explaining, "Jiang Lei, as you can say that this tower also possess intelligence as your pearl so if you want to fully utilize this tower's abilities, you will need to gain its agreement."
Confused, Jiang Lei asked, "How do I do that?"
"It will happen on its own; there's nothing you can actively do."
"En", Jiang Lei nodded, saying, "Alright, I understand. thank you for everything, I will take my leave now."
"I hope Jiang Lei, we will meet one day, and you won't be lost with many of the heroes with the passage of time.
"Sure." Jiang Lei smiled and with that, he turned towards the wall behind him.
"I hope Jiang Lei, she will never get you." The alluring figure appeared again, watching Jiang Lei disappearing in the wall, with worry in her eyes.
Author's Note- Friends, I have my exams on Monday and Tuesday without break, so sorry I can just upload one chapter per day, but when it will end, (10 October) I will upload two chapters per day as promised.