War.
"Bloom? What does that mean?" Alex asked, his confusion evident. He hadn't been aware of doing anything to trigger the blooming of his element.
--
[Elements blooming occurs when an element reaches the limitation of its current power. It then transforms into a more powerful variant of the same element.]
--
The system explained the concept behind element blooming.
Alex's confusion persisted as he inquired, "Yes, I understand that. But why did it happen? Did I do something to cause it? or how do i activate it" Alex tried clicking the 'Blooming' Button on the prompt but nothing really happened.
However, the system remained silent this time, leaving Alex to his musings.
Sighing, he looked up at the sky. The dawn was breaking, and the sun was visible on the horizon.
"Whatever. I guess I should return to the sect," he muttered, turning back and retracing his steps.
--
Back in the sect.
A hidden tunnel connected various parts of the inner sect in the deepest undergrounds. A young man with distinct golden hair descended through the concealed sewer system into a specially created tunnel.
With a firm pat, a hidden wall slid open.
Beyond the wall, an altar stood motionless, emanating an eerie aura.
The young man carefully laid a small 12 - 13 year old kid, lifeless body on the altar. Blood dripped onto its surface.
BOOOOOOOM!!!
The altar erupted in golden light.
Bowing reverently, the young man addressed the glowing altar, "Master."
A burly figure formed from golden energy appeared on the altar.
"Xu Rongjin, how is your mission progressing?" the golden figure inquired.
"Master, it seems our plan is working. The sect is feeling pressure and has announced a competition for the younger disciples," Xu Rongjin reported.
BOOOOOOOM!!!
The entire chamber trembled as the surroundings responded.
"Seems like they've improved their formations. Remember, Xu Rongjin, this plan's success depends on you. If we fail, we'll inadvertently create an opportunity for a demonic sect's revival, they will have hope that we sacrificed so many people to extinguish... Considering how we've treated them, they won't hesitate to retaliate," the golden figure warned.
"I understand, Master," Xu Rongjin replied solemnly.
The golden figure began to fade.
"Remember, don't underestimate them. Even with their power reduced by 90%, demonic sects still command respect. Now, go. this altar; it will be destroyed soon."
With a swift motion, the golden figure vanished.
Xu Rongjin nodded, acknowledging the command. He swiftly moved to leaving.
"Pathetic ants. Powerful? They can't even compare," he muttered with disdain as he departed.
Ten minutes later.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
The room was shattered from outside.
Old Chang and several elders entered, witnessing the altar with fury.
"DAMN THEM!" Old Chang's anger roared as he clenched his fist.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
His aura erupted, causing the room to tremble.
--
Meanwhile, Alex continued his journey, humming a tune
"This is going to be a Great Day." He smiled and smelled something.
He encountered another berry tree, savoring its delicious fruits.
Approaching his house, he observed the changes he'd requested, everything was fixed, even bamboo garden was fixed right now, Alex wasn't really fan of the style of this world's buildings but this was really nice, and well made building, he complimented the builder and.
"Much better than before, although the bamboo motif is a bit overwhelming," he commented as he stepped inside.
He rushed to a room, his anticipation palpable. Upon entering, he was greeted by a king-sized bed.
It was specially decorated with many different things mythological creatures, Alex smiled.
BSHH!!
He leaped onto the bed with unadulterated excitement.
"SO COMFY!" Alex exclaimed, savoring the comfort. his love for sleep has not deteriorated at all, he wanted to take a nap right here and there.
Before he could relax further, an announcement caught his attention, a voice appeared in the sky and said something that made Alex very confused, this voice was quite an old man sounding...
[Attention, all disciples. A tournament to select participants for the Crimson Battle Gate will commence in three days. Prepare yourselves for combat.]
Alex frowned. "What the Fuck? Weren't they supposed to train us first?"
He sighed and left his room.
--
"Why is this happening so soon? We've barely been here a year."
"Yeah, it's rushed."
"I wonder why."
Alex surveyed his fellow disciples, all sharing the confusion. As Chang Li approached, he struck up a conversation.
"Brother Li, did you hear about the tournament?"
Alex turned to Chang Li and responded, "Yeah, it's strange."
"No one's had time to retrain. I'm curious when they'll start training us," Chang Li said with evident concern.
Alex regarded Chang Li seriously, asking, "Do you want to participate, Brother Chang?"
Chang Li's gaze met Alex's. "Yes, I'll participate. I'll do anything to become a core disciple. and the thing we discussed before- never mind you don't remember."
Alex was confused "Why?"
"Why do i want to participate?" Chang Li responded with a question.
"No, why do want to become a Core Disciple, even my dumbass knows core disciple path is filled with blood and danger, and from what i saw it you are not really that courageous and brave Brother Chang..." Alex said this but then he remembered "(AH SHIT!!! I TALKED TOO MUCH!!!)"
Alex found himself in a delicate situation. He chuckled awkwardly. "HAHAHAHA, OF COURSE, IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A CORE DISCIPLE, I'LL SUPPORT YOU. IT'S YOUR CHO—"
Chang Li interrupted with a grin, "You're right, Brother Li. I'm a coward. When danger comes, I freeze up. I'm weak in the world of cultivators. But... BUT I WON'T GIVE UP! Before I... before I save—" He paused abruptly.
BOOOOOOOM!!!
Thunder clouds loomed above, and a commanding voice appeared.
"Diciples, Go to the Training Arena."
Clouds disappeared after that swift.
"Let's talk later, Brother Chang. For now, let's not keep our instructors waiting," Alex said with a knowing smile.
Chang Li watched Alex walk away, wiping a tear from his eye.
"Of course."
--
In the training arena.
Old Chang's exuberant voice resonated through the area. "We've declared war on the Shadow Carnage Sect!"
Alex's incredulity was written all over his face. "What the heck?"
End Of Chapter.