Cultivation, at Any Cost

According to the asura scripture, the Spirit Palace Xiao Ning was about to construct was no ordinary foundation.

Unlike traditional palaces formed from spiritual energy and willpower, this one would be forged from resentment—the boundless hatred of the dead. Its pillars would be made from compressed souls he had collected, each one acting as both anchor and fuel. This palace was meant to serve as his spirit's lair, amplifying his connection to asura qi and dramatically enhancing his cultivation.

Closing his eyes, Xiao Ning visualized it taking form within his mind.

Walls of pitch-black stone rose in the void, faintly etched with pulsing crimson runes. Four massive pillars anchored the corners, each one carved from the wailing souls of the dead.

But such a construct came at a steep price.

The Asura Scripture was clear: to stabilize the Spirit Palace, a sacrifice was required—either ten Foundation Establishment cultivators or ten Spirit Palace cultivators. The method was brutal, but unavoidable. Without it, the structure would collapse, possibly destroying his dantian along with it.

In this cultivation world, breaking through the Spirit Awakening Realm forced a choice between two divergent paths: Foundation Establishment or Spirit Palace.

Those who followed the Foundation Establishment path developed vast internal reserves of qi. Their bodies became deep wells capable of storing immense energy, making them formidable in direct combat. More qi meant more strength, endurance, and explosive power—an attractive option for most martial cultivators.

In contrast, those who pursued the Spirit Palace path focused on cultivating spiritual sense. They developed sharper senses and gained the ability to perceive hidden forces, detect danger, and subtly manipulate the world around them with more ease.

Though less potent in raw battle, this path offered advantages in formation control, spiritual combat, and long-term enlightenment—benefits that only truly revealed their worth in the higher realms.

At lower levels, the difference between the two was minimal. But once cultivators stepped into the Divine Transformation Realm, the gap became stark.

In the outer realms, the majority favored the Foundation Establishment path. Its promise of rapid strength and fast progression had made it the dominant tradition across countless sects. Qi was power—and most cultivators wanted power now.

Xiao Ning acted without hesitation.

He withdrew his sect token and issued a mission across the Shadowclaw Sect's internal network:

"A reward of one top-grade Mundane cultivation technique for anyone who delivers the souls of ten Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators. You have three days.

Such techniques were no small prize—they granted practitioners the ability to cultivate all the way to the Divine Transformation Realm, an achievement that many could only dream of. Even within prestigious sects like the Shadowclaw Sect, these kinds of cultivation methods were exceedingly rare, often reserved for only the most esteemed disciples.

The offer was tempting, its value undeniable. For many ambitious cultivators, the chance to possess such a powerful technique might outweigh even the moral cost of obtaining it. Xiao Ning knew this well, and he hoped the promise would attract those willing to do what was necessary—or ruthless enough to act without hesitation.

It wasn't long before the mission spread throughout the sect's network, moving with the speed and intensity of wildfire.

News of the reward—a top-grade Mundane cultivation technique capable of granting access to the Divine Transformation Realm—ignited a fervor among the disciples.

By the end of the first day, the entire sect was whispering about the offer. The reward was too great to ignore. Even if the mission sounded dark, there were always those willing to take the risk.

But no one approached Xiao Ning immediately. Whether it was fear, caution, or preparation—he didn't care.

He remained within the Blood Meridian Valley, meditating as yin qi churned around him like a ghostly tide.

On the second day, three figures arrived.

They were all Core Formation cultivators, standing just beyond the barrier of the valley. Each one held a vial glowing faintly with soul essence— ten Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Their hands trembled slightly as they stepped forward.

"Here are the souls, Sect Master," one of them said, bowing deeply. "May we now receive our rewards?"

Xiao Ning opened his eyes and rose slowly. His gaze swept over the trio—measuring not just their strength, but their ruthlessness.

"State your names, positions, and current cultivation techniques."

The first spoke with surprising calm.

"Zhou Qi. Junior elder, Outer Sect Enforcement Division. I cultivate the Abyssal Phantom Technique, a mid-grade Core Formation method."

He met Xiao Ning's eyes briefly, as if gauging his reaction.

The second, a composed woman from the Alchemy Division, stepped forward.

"Lin Wei. I practice the Devil Flame Refinement Art, also a mid-grade technique. I've long sought a better method that won't destabilize my foundation."

The third introduced himself in a rough voice:

"Ma Feng. Commander of the Border Patrol, Battle Division. I use the Ironclad Shadow Body Technique—decent, but I've hit a wall."

Xiao Ning listened quietly, his expression unreadable. After a moment, his lips curled into a faint smile.

With a wave of his hand, three scrolls materialized in the air, glowing with dim, otherworldly light.

"Your efforts have been recognized," he looked pleased with them "These cultivation techniques are powerful—treasures few ever lay eyes upon. But I trust you understand the value of silence."

He handed the first scroll to Zhou Qi.

"The Infernal Soul Scripture. A top-grade stealth technique, perfect for one who walks in shadow. It will refine your spiritual presence and render your movements undetectable."

Zhou Qi accepted the scroll with reverent hands, bowing deeply.

"Thank you, Sect Master. I will not fail you."

To Lin Wei, he gave a second scroll.

"The Infernal Cauldron Fusion. It will transform your inner flame into a corrosive force that can melt even top grade spirit metals. Your alchemy—and your combat power—will reach a new level."

Lin Wei's expression lit with fire. She knelt with grace.

"This gift is beyond anything I imagined. I am forever in your debt, Sect Master."

Lastly, he turned to Ma Feng.

"You, a warrior who's honed his body through battle. Take the Diamond Soul Forging Scripture—it will temper your flesh and spirit into an unbreakable fortress, If by lock your manged to reach the Divine Transformation Realm, I believe that no one within the Outer Realms will be able to break your defence."

Ma Feng's eyes lit with awe. He clenched a fist.

"You have my loyalty, Sect Master. I'll make this power count."

Xiao Ning gave them a final nod.

"You may return and inform the others—the mission is complete. No further submissions will be accepted."

With that, he turned and vanished into the mist of Blood Meridian Valley.

Behind him, three ambitious cultivators clutched the scrolls that could reshape their fates.