บท 7: Registration

Raju observed the transition in Rana's expressions, from confusion to clarity. He found it amusing how the minds of powerful individuals worked.

'They don't rush to conclusions. They analyze the situation, consider various outcomes, and then respond accordingly,' Raju mused.

After a few moments of contemplation, Rana spoke up, "What exactly do you want from me? I can't commit to something beyond my capabilities."

"Don't worry. What I seek is well within your ability. I trust you. So, do you agree?" Raju countered.

Rana took a deep breath, weighing his options, before responding, "Yes, I accept."

Raju, having gauged Rana's state of mind effectively, produced a Rainbow Dragon fruit and a Supreme Golden Core Ascension Pill. He conjured them as if summoning from thin air, a feat befitting of a deity. In a normal setting, Rana might have caught the subtle hints, but his current mindset left him slightly off-balance. This gave Raju the pleasure of seeing a genuine look of astonishment on Rana's face.

"That's a wise decision on your part. Here you go, a Rainbow Dragon fruit and a Supreme Golden Core Ascension Pill. Consider them an advance," Raju declared.

"What?! A Rainbow Dragon fruit is exceedingly rare, and a Supreme Golden Core Ascension Pill even more so. Are you truly just handing them to me? I can hardly believe it," Rana exclaimed, taken aback by the sheer value of the items presented.

"Do not doubt my generosity, Rana. My intentions are genuine. What I ask of you in return is straightforward. Establish a sect called the Eternal Shadows Sect within the Suryavansha Kingdom and ensure there's an Abhijit Hall within it," Raju instructed.

Rana pondered over Raju's demand for a moment before asking, "Why choose me for this task? Why can't you create it yourself?"

"I cannot descend to this world. My presence alone would cause it to crumble; this realm simply cannot withstand my energy. Therefore, I need an intermediary. This isn't some capricious request—it's for a disciple of mine who has come to this world seeking mortal experiences," explained Raju, maintaining his godlike demeanor.

"My Lord, I understand now. I am honored that you trust me to establish this Sect for your disciple," Rana said with genuine respect, dropping to his knees in reverence.

Raju was taken aback by Rana's sudden show of deference, but he didn't let it show.

"Rise," Raju commanded. "I will provide you with the necessary resources to not only establish the Eternal Shadows Sect but to elevate it as one of the supreme powers in this realm." With that, Raju produced a ring—a spatial storage device—filled with an assortment of pills and artifacts.

The ring floated from Raju's hand towards Rana, who accepted it with the reverence one would reserve for a sacred relic.

With the exchange concluded, Raju felt confident Rana would uphold his end of the bargain. And why was he so certain? Because he discerned that Rana genuinely saw him as a god, one who sent his disciple to this world for a brief vacation.

Raju surmised that Rana accepted the proposal because he believed refusing it would mean losing his memories and returning to his previous state. But cooperating might propel him to advanced cultivation stages with far less effort. To Rana, riding the coattails of a perceived deity seemed an advantageous deal.

'Where benefits beckon, people yield. A prime example indeed,' Raju mused.

"Do not forget your promise, Rana. Break it, and the world will forget you," Raju warned, his voice carrying an ethereal weight.

Rana quivered slightly, replying with utmost respect, "I wouldn't dare, my Lord."

"Then you may depart." With a wave of his hand, Raju dismissed Rana, who vanished instantly.

Gazing at the space Rana once occupied, Raju murmured, "A risky game, Raju. This move could either build or break you. Time will reveal its outcome."

Though he played the role of a god, Raju was all too human. If Rana chose to abscond with the ring brimming with resources, there was little he could do.

"I'll leave it to destiny." With that thought, Raju decided to rest. He could have delved into cultivation, but impersonating someone so contrary to his nature had sapped him emotionally. And now, genuine sleep beckoned.

———

The next morning, on the Eastern Side of Sunset City.

Rana stirred from his sleep at the break of dawn. Before he even sat up, he glanced around, finally resting his gaze on his hand. The ring bestowed upon him by the deity was still there.

'Was it all real then? Even a Golden Core cultivator like me was summoned to a god's realm. How mighty is this deity? Wait, I never inquired about his or his disciple's names. I'll have to remember for the next encounter,' Rana mused.

After reflecting on the previous night's events, Rana freshened up and proceeded to his study.

'Time to fulfill the deity's request. If I don't, I might not even realize what brings about my end,' Rana pondered. He sketched out plans for the inception of the Eternal Shadow Sect. The Abhijit Hall would serve as its primary Hall. In essence, one might even regard the Abhijit Hall as its own Sect.

Rana's next course of action was to visit the Sect Committee office in Sunset City to formally register his new Sect. Such a move was bound to send ripples throughout the city, some of which might escalate beyond his grasp. However, he took solace in the belief that the 'God' would safeguard him.

Yet, before delving into these affairs, Rana sought to achieve the Perfection-Stage of the Golden Core stage using the Rainbow Dragon fruit. Afterward, he'd attempt to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. While the Supreme Golden Core Ascension Pill could offer a surge of power, cultivating a nascent soul demanded more than mere accumulation and channeling of Prana.

But that would come later. First, Rana focused on breaking through and stabilizing his newfound power before heading to the Sect Committee office.

Upon his arrival, the bustling atmosphere of the Sect Committee office enveloped him. The place wasn't just a hub for Sect-related matters; it doubled as a gathering spot for cultivators seeking employment opportunities. In many ways, it resembled an adventurer's guild. Given its affiliation with the Suryavansha Empire, it held a trusted position among cultivators.

Rana's entrance didn't go unnoticed. Word of his presence spread quickly through the office, a proof of his reputation. Having been introduced by the Mayor as a Golden Core cultivator, his status in the cultivation circles were well-known. Particularly in a modest city like Sunset City, a Golden Core cultivator was a rarity.

After a moment, a representative approached him. "Greetings, Sir Rana. How may we assist you today? Perhaps you're here for the auction?"

"No. I wish to meet the branch office manager. There's an important matter I need to discuss," Rana replied.

Guided to a private chamber, he didn't have to wait long. A man, appearing to be in his early 40s, stepped inside.

"Greetings, Rana. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?" The man inquired.

"Hello, Nathan. I trust you're doing well? I'm here to establish a sect under my name," Rana cut straight to the point.

Nathan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Are you certain about this? Has the Mayor given his blessing? The last thing we'd want is to create any complications for him."

"Don't worry about it. Just help me with the necessary procedures," Rana said with assurance.

"Very well. But remember, I can only assist up to a point," Nathan cautioned. His hesitation wasn't due to personal ties; rather, he understood the unpredictable nature of political waters and had no intention of getting caught in a potential maelstrom.

"To begin, we need a symbol for your Sect. Additionally, I'll need you to fill out and sign this form." Nathan procured the required document and handed it to Rana.

Recalling the emblem on the divine figure's attire, Rana hesitated. "I haven't prepared a Sect symbol yet, but I can sketch it out for you. Would that work?"

"That's acceptable, though it will increase the fee," Nathan informed him.

"Cost isn't a concern. I want nothing but the best," Rana responded.

"As you wish. You're well aware that we pride ourselves on providing top-tier services," Nathan remarked with a hint of pride.

Rana then drew the symbol—a black phoenix. Unlike typical representations of phoenixes, which often radiate hues of red and orange symbolizing life and rebirth, this one was entirely black. It was intricately detailed, but uniformly dark.

Observing the unusual emblem, Nathan raised an eyebrow but held his tongue. His years of experience taught him never to pry, but a gut feeling hinted that this seemingly modest symbol might send ripples across the cultivation world in days to come.

With the design completed, Rana quickly filled out the form and handed it back to Nathan.

"'Eternal Shadow Sect' with a Black Phoenix as its emblem. We'll process everything within an hour. The total fee comes to 10 High-Grade Spirit Stones," Nathan declared.