Anomalies in the Cultivation World

Hearing this, Ning Ri showed surprise and thanked them deeply, "Thank you, Elders."

Zhou Hai, after a moment of silent deliberation, cleared his throat and said, "You should primarily thank Elder Mo Cuidao. This was his suggestion."

Ning Ri was surprised again. So it was the bandit elder.

He couldn't help but express his gratitude, "Thank you, Elder Mo! And thank you, Elder Zhou!"

The conflicted Zhou Hai immediately smiled and continued, "Alright, what choice do you want to make?"

Ning Ri: "This disciple dares to ask, what are the benefits of entering the inner sect early?"

Zhou Hai: "In the inner sect, the most important things are a better cultivation environment and more generous mission rewards."

"Moreover, since you've already learned artifact refining, the inner sect is the place where you can maximize your skills."

"In the inner sect, contribution points are more valuable, prices are cheaper than in the outer sect, and there are more options."

"Additionally, after accumulating a certain amount of contribution points in the inner sect, you can ask us to search for spiritual herbs for you."

"However, the downside is that by entering the inner sect as an exception, the pressure you'll face will likely not be small."

"For example, you might face disdain and contempt."

Ning Ri pondered, "For this disciple, disdain and contempt are of no consequence, as I can simply ignore them. However, I believe this matter must be quite stressful for all the Elders..."

"Therefore, let's set aside the first choice for now."

Zhou Hai did not try to persuade or interfere with Ning Ri's decision. He simply nodded slightly, allowing him to make his own choice.

Actually, among these options, Ning Ri was most tempted by the direct improvement of his aptitude.

Now, with the complete Qi Refining Art, reaching the peak of Qi Refining was within easy reach.

To become Foundation Establishment, all he needed was to find a Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method, which would take mere minutes.

As for cultivation methods, he could earn contribution points by completing missions in the outer sect and obtain them.

As for the breakthrough timing, he would choose a moment to leave the Heaven Defying Sect, claiming he had a fortuitous encounter outside and luckily reached Foundation Establishment...

Although a bit far-fetched, it was plausible.

This way, he could also preemptively lay the groundwork for his "Lucky Brother" persona, letting them know his breakthroughs weren't due to cheating but luck. Then, any future heaven-defying feats would seem natural.

No big deal!

Therefore, what he wanted more was the elixirs!

Ning Ri asked, "Elder Zhou, regarding the second choice, this disciple wants to know, what risks will the Elders have to bear?"

Zhou Hai replied, "We will venture into an 'Anomaly.' This 'Anomaly' doesn't pose a significant danger, but we cannot guarantee that we can retrieve the elixir. It will likely consume a considerable amount of time."

Hearing this, Ning Ri was taken aback, "Elder Zhou, this 'Anomaly' is...?"

"'Anomaly'..."

Zhou Hai pondered, "You can think of it as a space with specific rules. Upon entering, you can only survive by fulfilling the rules. Then, by exploring the rules of the Anomaly, you can obtain its rewards or leave alive."

"The rules of Anomalies are bizarre and varied. Encountering an unfamiliar Anomaly is even more perilous, as one can easily die without understanding the rules."

"Precisely because of this, the Disciple Token also contains a method to avoid Anomalies."

Ning Ri picked up his Disciple Token in surprise, examined it from various angles, and then asked, "What method is it?"

Zhou Hai said seriously, "Don't go out."

Ning Ri: "?"

His face, previously full of anticipation, turned utterly speechless.

He first put away his Disciple Token and then forced a bitter smile, "Ahaha, yes, indeed..."

Zhou Hai was amused by his own sudden humor, "Haha, just a joke. But in reality, it's true. Places where a sect can be established are free of Anomalies."

Ning Ri curiously asked, "But haven't the Elders already swept away all the Anomalies?"

If you find this book to your liking, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

Zhou Hai waved his hand, "No, if there were Anomalies, we would have died. If we didn't die, it means there were no Anomalies."

After saying that, he was amused by himself again, "Hahaha, I made another joke. Sorry, sorry."

Ning Ri: "..."

I think you look like an Anomaly too.

Ning Ri asked, "Since this matter will take up some of the Elders' time, please let this disciple consider it. May I give you my answer tomorrow?"

Zhou Hai smiled slightly, "Of course!"

"Alright, let's put this aside for now. Is there anything else you wish to ask?"

Ning Ri pondered, "Hmm... I'd like to know, am I still in an illusion right now?"

Zhou Hai: "..."

"Of course not. The disciple trial has ended. You have already left the illusion... No, that's not right. The one you just entered wasn't an illusion at all. It was actually a tamed 'Anomaly'."

Hearing this, Ning Ri's expression turned to surprise, "So the trial with the bandits and the woman was an Anomaly?!"

"Correct."

Zhou Hai nodded and said, "That anomaly can amplify the desires within the hearts of those who enter."

"Because of this, it's a good choice for testing character. You see, the only one eliminated was exposed of their true inner desires under these circumstances."

"This also counts as us getting rid of a bad person for the sect beforehand. We cannot let someone like that enter the Heaven Defying Sect and ruin the environment."

"Of course, from this, we can also see that you are indeed a cultivator eager for knowledge."

Hearing Zhou Hai's words, Ning Ri chuckled sheepishly, "Elder Zhou flatters me."

Although Ning Ri's methods were a bit unconventional, all the elders were quite satisfied with Ning Ri's "desires."

The woman and the bandit were both under his control.

What to do with these two was entirely up to Ning Ri's whim.

But under these circumstances, this kid only wanted to look at some spells and cultivation methods...

He didn't even pocket the artifact refining techniques the bandit had given him...

Zhou Hai felt that his previous assessment of Ning Ri was completely correct.

This kid was truly a congenital cultivation sacred body!

Then, Zhou Hai glanced at his palm. He seemed to see something and mused, "I have something to attend to, so I can't chat with you any longer. If you have any questions, just ask your Disciple Token. The Disciple Token... well, it sort of has an Artifact Spirit."

Ning Ri was startled, "Artifact Spirit?!"

He looked at the token in his hand in surprise...

The artifact refining knowledge he had just learned told him how precious Artifact Spirits were.

These were high-end goods!

Only truly top-tier magical treasures could possess them.

A magical treasure with an Artifact Spirit was as good as alive.

And under these circumstances, the token that the Heaven Defying Sect casually distributed to outer disciples actually had an Artifact Spirit?

Was the Heaven Defying Sect really that heaven-defying?!

But Zhou Hai waved his hand, "No need to be so surprised. Strictly speaking, it 'sort of has an Artifact Spirit'."

"But it's not a real Artifact Spirit."

Only then did Ning Ri show a hint of realization...

It seemed this Artifact Spirit had some tricks up its sleeve.

He just didn't know if it was proper or not.