[Notification: 150 Cultivators in Foundation Realm entered the Dungeon as guests. The Master Dungeon received 1,500 Qi Points.]
[Notification: 9 Cultivators in Golden Core Realm entered the Dungeon as guests. The Master Dungeon received 450 Qi Points.]
[Notification: 3 Cultivators in Nascent Soul Realm entered the Dungeon as guests. The Master Dungeon received 300 Qi Points.]
2,250 Qi Points were added to his assets, increasing his net worth to 52,050 from the original 49,450 Qi Points.
He spent 350 Qi Points on seeds and a few changes of clothes from the system. Although he could have asked Jin Boqin to bring him clothes, the soothing effect of the clothes from the system made them worth every penny.
Akira brings himself to the first floor of the Dungeon seeing the notification prompted by the system.
It had been a week already.
Today is the day Jin Boqin promised to give Akira a series of information and a few secrets surrounding the Tower.
Akira saw Jin Boqin, Great Elder Qi Long, and Fairy Xi Niu at the entrance of the first floor.
The three cultivators bowed their heads in unison.
"Greetings, Dungeon Master," they said.
Akira nodded in acknowledgment.
Jin Boqin glanced at Great Elder Qi Long, who then flicked his hand, causing three opaque containers to materialize.
Akira stared at the containers, noticing the tower's brand embedded in them.
"These were the information the Dungeon Master requested. All events are dated small or momentous."
Jin Boqin then handed a couple of scrolls to Akira.
"These scrolls contained all classified information hidden from the public's knowledge and thousands of clans and sects."
Akira noticed the scrolls were embossed.
"Excellent. You can invite your disciples inside. The rest of you follow me."
Akira turned around.
Fairy Xi Niu had grown accustomed to Akira's cold attitude, unlike Great Elder Qi Long, who still got secretly mad from time to time.
She transmitted her thoughts to the inner elders to guide the disciples inside the dungeon.
Akira, Jin Boqin, and the Great Elders arrived at the entrance of Wukong's Temple.
Jin Boqin still felt weary as they approached the temple, while Fairy Xi Niu seemed dreamy. The temple was so impressive that even tens of Sky Heaven Piercing Sect wouldn't be enough to buy it.
"What I'm about to offer is both lucrative and dangerous. You are welcome to listen and decide if you want to participate or not."
Jin Boqin didn't hesitate to step in.
"I owe the Dungeon Master so much that I don't care how dangerous the mission might be," Jin Boqin said. Then he turned around and added, "I won't force the elders and the disciples of my sect to step into a perilous mission. I alone can do this. Do not try to stop my decision."
Fairy Xi Niu and Great Elder Qi Long became anxious.
"Sect Master, that is precisely the reason why we should stop you. Do not act recklessly!" Great Elder Qi Long exclaimed.
"Sect Master, think this through or at least listen to our advice," Fairy Xi Niu persuaded.
They had just gone through hell to look for and discreetly bought the most protected information on the continent as payment for healing Jin Boqin. Any small mistake could expose them to the Tower.
These past few days had been the most anxiety-ridden and exhausting for the Sky Heaven Piercing Sect.
There was no way they wanted to go through that again.
Jin Boqin shook his head. "You don't understand. I should be sulking in my room right now after failing my ascent, but the Dungeon Master not only saved me but also gave me a new purpose to look forward to. The mission, though dangerous, would expand my understanding of reality and reveal hidden truths."
The two were at a loss. Once Jin Boqin made up his mind, there was no changing it.
Jin Boqin then turned to Akira and said, "I apologize for the outburst. Let's continue with the task at hand."
Akira glazed over. "There are many dangerous and delicate situations involved, so I won't force you to take on the mission. But first, let me ask you this. How far are you willing to go to exterminate your enemies? I'm speaking to you morally."
Jin Boqin and the others were baffled by the question.
Up until now, they thought it was morally right to defend themselves even to the extent of killing the enemy as long as they are the enemy.
However, as they pondered it, they began to consider it deeply.
"Killing someone over trivial matters is morally unjust and repugnant. However, if it's a matter of honor, the lives of those you care for, or your own life, it may be a justifiable reason to eliminate an enemy. Morality should guide our actions in such situations."
Fairy Xi Niu answered.
"Even to the extent of cleaning the slate of the enemies? Regardless of age and who is involved?"
Jin Boqin's brows furrowed.
"Are you suggesting that we wipe everyone involved?"
Akira nodded in response.
"In that case, I must respectfully decline to participate in this mission. I have no qualms about killing, but I draw the line at involving innocent children. I am not a monster," Great Elder Qi Long declared.
"Sect Master, our Sect does not condone the bullying of the weak and innocent. I urge you to reconsider this mission," Fairy Xi Niu added.
Jin Boqin fell silent.
He was expecting a dangerous mission, but it turned out to be even more dreadful than he had anticipated. His admiration for the Dungeon Master diminished reasonably.
"Good point. But have I ever told you who our enemies are? It's a demonic sect, the Snake Devouring Sect," Akira said.
The three of them frowned.
"Although the Snake Devouring Sect is unorthodox in some ways, they do not condone practicing demonic cultivation. Even if they do, the Tower should be aware of it by now and demand that they stop before it's too late for them to change their ways."." Fairy Xi Niu.
Akira turned to pick up the scrolls resting on the steps of Wukong's temple.
"According to the information in these scrolls, no one would suspect that they practice demonic cultivation. They are clever and cunning in many ways. They have even managed to deceive the Tower. Why is that?" Akira paused and tossed the scrolls to the three of them, who caught them.
"Because what they practice is a much more sinister and ancient form of demonic cultivation that is unknown to the tower and possibly even to this world."
The three of them were surprised.
"More sinister and ancient? As far as we know, there are only two paths in cultivation: through meditation or by absorbing the blood of ordinary people and cultivators." Jin Boqin.
"Open the scroll. I have highlighted all the information that led me to conclude that they practice ancient demonic cultivation. I only have proof of what was available, but you are welcome to investigate further to prove me wrong. Regardless, they are a harmful presence that leaves desolate lands robbed of life in their wake hidden from the public and the prying eyes of the Tower."
They opened the scroll and saw many highlighted paragraphs and sentences.
"Take your time before you decide, but I suggest doing it quickly."
"Even if it's true, we cannot include the younglings living in the dominion of their Sect!" Great Elder Qi Long added.
Akira fixed his eyes on him and replied, "As I said, you are welcome to investigate further. If you have ways to save them, then do it."
"If there was no way to save them, what then?" Fairy Xi Niu added.
Akira just stared at them before turning around.
As he walked inside Wukong's temple, his voice reached them. "Well, I guess you'll cross that bridge when you come to it, won't you?"
Akira was usually emotionally detached but not morally ignorant. He believed that the young disciples of the Snake Devouring Sect had been corrupted by their cultivation methods and were beyond saving.
He carefully studied the information they provided, uncovering the dark secrets behind their practices. It matches up with the information provided by Wukong little by little.
The cultivation methods had become like parasites, deeply ingrained in their bodies and minds.
Akira needed concrete evidence, so he requested further investigation. However, he knew that the outcome was out of his hands.
His footsteps echoed in the dimly lit, cold hallway.
Fire torches hung side by side on the walls.
In the past few days, Akira was aware that Xu Xena and Gu Ryu had tried various methods to keep the fire from dying out until they found a solution.
The torches were flawed but good enough for them.
Akira suspected that the reason they couldn't maintain the fire might be due to the defense mechanism of Wukong's temple, designed to greatly hinder any potential enemies.
The two are currently busy exterminating beasts using only their bare hands and small weapons as part of their compensation for their troubles.
Akira provided guidance through Wukong, but in order to receive their reward of elixir, they must eliminate beasts in the northern section of the first floor using only their bare hands and handmade weapons.
They are forbidden to use any Spiritual Qi, and Wukong's guards are closely monitoring them to ensure compliance.
Akira believes that this raw training will strengthen them, as he does not believe that cultivation is the only miracle in this world.
And Wukong is in a great mood, his Great Hall is free of dirt.
Only one remaining debt to be paid.
Meanwhile, away from Mount Apo, in the eastern part of the Carrion Kingdom, the Three Head Snake Sect was situated near a vast jungle and the newly explored Low Spirit Stone Mine.
However, they were not the only ones vying for ownership of the Spirit Stone Mine. On the other side of the border, the Snake Devouring Sect also had their eyes set on the mine.
The names of their sects clearly indicated their intentions.
The Three Snake Head Sect was known for its expertise in poison and assassination techniques.
They were a secretive and reclusive sect, rarely interacting with the outside world. Their members were highly skilled in the use of various toxins and venoms, and their assassins were feared throughout the region.
The sect was led by a mysterious and beguiling figure known as the Venomous Master Yu Yuria, who was said to be a master of poisons and a deadly combatant.
The sect's headquarters were located deep within the dense jungles, hidden from prying eyes and protected by deadly traps and poisonous creatures. Only the most skilled and determined individuals could hope to find their way to the sect's stronghold and survive the encounter with its deadly disciples.
Whereas the Snake Devouring Sect boasts its healing capabilities and immunity against toxins and venoms.
They are also known for their exceptional combat skills and agility. Members of the sect are trained in the art of anti-snake style, which emphasizes swift and precise strikes, as well as evasive maneuvers.
Their unique fighting style, combined with their knowledge of poisons and antidotes, makes them formidable opponents in battle.
The Snake Devouring Sect is a force to be reckoned with, both on the battlefield and in the realm of healing.
The Two Sects are in past negotiations and now vying to wipe each other.
In a grand temple, a captivating woman wore a tight crop top that revealed her toned chest and stomach. Her hair was dyed a lush, vibrant shade of green, accentuating her azure eyes. She was the Sect Master of Three Head Snake, Venomous Master Yu Yuria.
Behind her is another attractive woman. Contrary to Yu Yuria who exudes sexiness of maturity, Jie Qianzhie was young and vibrant.
She had a lively personality and a mischievous glint in her eyes. Her long, flowing hair and delicate features made her the center of attention wherever she went.
"Master, we have lost many disciples this time," Jie Qianzhie said.
Yu Yuria clicked her tongue in frustration. "This wouldn't have happened if we knew how they were able to neutralize our toxins and venom. But fret not, we will definitely win this battle!"
I'm not sure if my story is engaging or immersive to readers since there have been no comments. Please leave a comment and share your thoughts.