Plans for the future

With Cidd as the centre point, spirit energy from around the area was being sucked into his body like a whirlpool, forcing all spirit energy to gather into his body as Alice pulled away from Cidd.

Being a cultivator who has made it this far, she was certain that Cidd has entered a state of enlightenment.

Even though she was disappointed that she couldn't spend more time with him before this happened. She was still glad for Cidd, he was her man after all.

The man who had once vowed to protect her, stepped onto the path of cultivation which he has been avoiding his entire life. Not because he changed his mind, but because he wanted to keep her safe from harm even if it means losing his life.

The spirit energy around the area was rejecting Cidd, not because they were unwilling to be absorbed, but because Cidd's spirit energy capacity had already reached the limit.

Cidd understood this fact better than both Alice and Ace, however, this was a risk he must take regardless of the possible consequences.

For Alice, I must do this. Cidd repeated in his mind, again and again despite the fear of losing to his heart demons. I need the strength to defeat that man, not only for my own pride, but also for Alice who has been waiting for me.

*Whirr*

*Swish*

The amount of spirit energy that was flowing into Cidd's body could only be described as insane, but when Alice and Ace saw the soul spirit of Cidd which was a devilish violet, they couldn't help but be shocked.

It was a zither, surrounded by a devilish violet aura visible to the naked eye. The zither was coming to life, its menacing aura threatening to destroy, but deep within the zither, one could also sense the peace that it evoked and seeked.

It was a zither that could differentiate between kindness and evil, similar to the eyes which Alice possesses. Maybe that was the reason why Alice was attracted to Garen.

The two of them had a pure heart that rejected all evil, yet they could blend in with them without their true hearts being affected. Maybe, this was a sign of something.

"Alice, please keep this a secret from our disciples and the others. As for the marriage destined by Garen and Grace, we shouldn't confirm it with them yet. Matters of the younger generation should be handled by themselves after all."

"I understand, I'll speak to Malene about this. At the very least, we should let them know about this, as for the final decision, we shall leave it up to them." Alice nodded her head in approval.

By the time Cidd finished the sudden state of enlightenment, the moon was already hanging in the velvety night sky.

Ace had already left to cultivate whereas Alice was leaning against a tree, asleep with a smile plastered on her face.

Walking up to Alice, he carried her carefully and brought her into his own room.

Placing her onto the bed, she covered her with a blanket before retreating from his room.

"Wait."

Alice grabbed Cidd's palm the moment he turned back, which made Cidd look back at her.

"What's the matter?"

"Stay with me tonight, will you?" Cidd wanted to reject her, but when the word left his mouth, it became a yes.

In the meantime, Ace understood that there wasn't much he could do in this one month and for this reason, he planned out a vigorous training schedule.

In the morning, he would train with his sword in the courtyard. The early birds who woke up could be seen searching for food as well, managing to fill their empty stomachs while those who woke up late, were left searching for food.

Accompanied by the joyful chirps of the early birds, Ace would enter a state of tranquility when training with his sword, which he found extremely beneficial towards his mental state in calming the slaughter law.

In the afternoon, in the sweltering heat, Ace would sit in the open space, near the lake to cultivate. During that point of time, he would cultivate by absorbing spirit energy to further nourish his soul spirit and even though his strength wouldn't increase by much, strengthening his foundation was a must.

In the night, where the cultivation world is once again silent and peaceful, Ace would make use of this window of time to cultivate his mental energy in a soulful state of meditation where his wild thoughts would settle down.

After that, the sedative effect would somehow induce him to sleep in peace, waking up early the next morning feeling refreshed to start the brand new day in the same routine.

After a week, his strength didn't increase much, but it allowed him more time to better understand himself and the duties he had to fulfill.

There was still something the Nirvana Sect lacked. Business relationships with other forces or sources of income out there. Such as auction halls or even academies.

Auction halls were able to generate a high source of income and all the Nirvana Sect has to promise is to help them deal with any potential enemies or those out to cause trouble.

In return, they would offer a small percentage of their annual earnings to the Nirvana Sect at the end of each year.

Even though it was only a minor amount compared to their yearly profit to the auction hall, it was a reliable and mass source of income for the Nirvana Hall.

Also, any missions put up at the Nirvana Hall mission board can be taken by the disciples as a mission to earn contribution points. Further, any additional rewards given to them by the auction hall could be kept by themselves/

It was both a cultivation experience and way of obtaining cultivation resources for the disciples while being a constant source of income for the Nirvana Sect.

As for the reason why academies that guide the younger generation in the early stages of their cultivation is important, it's because it'll help to nurture the next batch of cultivation talents for the cultivation world.

But most importantly, these youths nurtured in the academy will be reserved for the cultivation force or sect which is in charge or in control of the academy.

For this, there were two different approaches that could be taken.

The first was similar to the course of action to be taken for the auctions halls, but slightly different in terms of the approach to take.

The academy, just like the auction hall, would be under the protection of the Nirvana Sect.

The difference would be with the Nirvana Sect sending their disciples to guide those below fourteen years of age in their cultivation.

That was the new rule he was going to impose.

Instead of having the disciples graduate at the age of thirteen after awakening their foundation tower, which would definitely be made possible by the Nirvanna Sect, they would be guided for another year in their cultivation.

After that, those who at least step into the Martial Master realm at that point of time will enroll into the Nirvana Sect, while those who are still in the Martial Apprentice realm will be dispatched to manage a city.

While they are the city lord, those who step into the Great Martial Master realm one day can appeal to be promoted to a royal city under the name of the Nirvana Sect.

If they do step into the Martial Lord realm one day, the Nirvana Sect would then promote them to the ranks of a kingdom which is recognised by the cultivation world.

In return, these city lords will contest to offer the best gift to the Nirvana Sect so as to gain the attention of the Nirvana Sect and contest against the others.

It would be a friendly competition between the forces managed by the Nirvana Sect which would only help the Nirvana Sect to prosper and develop.

Knowing that there was still no time to waste, Ace began to formulate his plans deep in the night after ending his cultivation and three days later, he finally finished his planning.

But seeing that it was already late, Ace decided to rest for the night.

When he woke up again, he realised that it was already afternoon.

Walking out of his own room to the courtyard after a brief wash-up, he did some light stretching before heading onto the streets.

His first destination would be the Peacock Auction Hall which was currently facing a crisis, the lack of items that could compete against other auction halls in the Nebula Kingdom.

Without fail, they were the weakest of the three auction halls in the Nebula Kingdom, but this only happened ten years ago when the in charge of the Peacock Auction Hall suddenly vanished after leaving to gather a rare herb based on some rumors he heard.

Even until now, that man has yet to return, but it wasn't part of Ace's plan to save that man whose whereabouts and life and death are unknown.

His plan was to provide alchemy formulas and rare blueprints unique in the Nebula Kingdom area including the energy pistols and spirit explosion elixirs.

However, the formulas and blueprints from the basic alchemy and basic blacksmithing knowledge he has wouldn't suffice.

Which was why this led to a major decision which Ace decided as worthy of the price after a look period of pondering.

"500 system points have been deducted in order to purchase the intermediate alchemy knowledge and blacksmithing knowledge bundle."

This left Ace with 1000 system points, but it was fine if his plan works out.

Instead, the investment he made could be treated as a free gift if things go according to plan.

"Help!"