Cultivation Technique Dilemma, Deciding to Raise an Army

On the second day, Li Qing rose early.

He arrived at the Archives Hall once again to chat with Elder Huang, exploring the various questions weighing on his mind.

From Elder Huang, he had already gained some understanding of the world's Dao Lineages.

This world was divided into numerous Dao Lineages; behind almost every city, especially the major ones, stood the influence of one or several of these lineages.

Dao Lineages varied in size, primarily categorized into the Six Paths—Monster, Ghost, Buddha, Dao, Confucianism—and the Hundred Schools of Thought.

These Dao Lineages held the keys to cultivation methods beyond the True Method Realm.

Most of the various techniques practiced by Rogue Cultivators had trickled down from these lineages.

However, the span of time was vast, with some techniques dating back thousands of years.

Part of the purpose behind these techniques was to scout for individuals with talent.

The techniques themselves contained immense karma; practicing a specific one meant being influenced by that sect.

Once one survived the Human Tribulation, they would step into the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Such individuals would attract the attention of the corresponding sect and were often subjected to various trials.

If they passed, they would be brought into the sect to cultivate.

Therefore, the first choice when practicing a Foundation Establishment technique was crucial.

If one were unfortunate enough to choose a minor sect, it almost meant their potential was locked.

In the world today, it was said that only the most orthodox lineages—the Six Paths and the Hundred Schools of Thought—could lead one to the highest realm of cultivation.

All other minor sects could never reach the pinnacle of the path.

The news heard from Elder Huang made Li Qing's heart feel somewhat heavy.

So the techniques of this world contain karma, and one can even be monitored by these sects.

I have no desire to invite such trouble; the path I am walking is the correct one.

Through the fusion and modification of the Jade Tablet, all this karma should be severed.

However, the techniques I can obtain from the outside world seem to only reach the True Method Realm at most.

Anything beyond that is troublesome. If I am to synthesize all techniques and carve out a path of my own, it will be even more difficult.

"Elder Huang, is there truly no other way to obtain techniques besides joining these sects?"

Elder Huang glanced at Li Qing, pondered for a moment, and spoke.

"It is not absolute."

"Since ancient times, countless cultivators from various Dao Lineages have fallen in the wilderness, leaving behind all sorts of legacies."

"Some lucky individuals obtain these legacies and carve out a place for themselves."

"However, if the legacy is not powerful, they will eventually stop at a certain realm, unable to advance further."

"But it is, at the very least, a path."

"The most important point is that in the way of cultivation, having too many impure essences is a path to self-destruction."

"This is something no one can reverse."

Hearing Elder Huang's words, Li Qing nodded slightly, his eyes filled with contemplation.

The road ahead of me is not easy to walk.

I wonder if the myriad essences refined by the Humanity's Overview Technique can simulate the essences of other techniques.

Could I then infiltrate other Dao Lineages?

As he pondered this, a figure emerged from a dark corner.

"Elder Huang, Li Qing, the Commander wants to see you."

Li Qing's brows twitched. "Understood."

After Elder Huang tidied up the archives, he and Li Qing left the hall and soon arrived at the small pavilion within the Demon Extermination Hall.

When they entered the pavilion, Li Qing was surprised to find Elder Fang there, along with nine figures shrouded in black robes.

Commander Huang Tairen watched them arrive, his voice low and heavy.

"Everyone is here. Let's go; I fear a bitter battle lies ahead."

Huang Tairen produced a black orb from his hand. The orb emitted a hazy radiance that instantly enveloped them.

Immediately, the surrounding air began to ripple, and the previously dark environment became blurred.

After a few breaths, the scenery outside became clear once more.

They seemed to have arrived in a bright room.

Li Qing was utterly shocked. "This is? An ability akin to spatial teleportation?"

Elder Huang, standing to the side, saw the surprise on his face and whispered.

"That is the Commander-in-Chief's magical artifact—the Shift-Positioning Orb."

"It can swap positions at will within a radius of a hundred miles; it is a treasure for making an escape."

Seeing the effects of this artifact, a flash of envy crossed Li Qing's eyes.

The nature of this artifact was clearly more powerful than the Spirit Summoning Tablet in his own hands.

Huang Tairen's voice rang out, low and deep, "You are all people in the Demon Extermination Hall who can be absolutely trusted."

"I have already sent word to the Mission Hall that an extermination mission will be issued this evening at dusk."

"The cultivators of the Demon Extermination Hall will all swarm out to wipe out the rebel troops, Northern Barbarians soldiers, and Blood Demon Sect cultivators who have entered the city."

"Our mission is to take care of Wang Jie; there will be a banquet held here this evening."

"For now, we shall wait here quietly."

"Prefect Fang Qingyu is hosting Wang Jie, and the signal will be the smashing of a cup."

"Yes!"

The group replied in low voices, each finding a spot to sit down.

Li Qing and Elder Huang sat to one side, beginning to quietly conserve their energy while they waited.

I must be careful tonight.

In the Garrison barracks, Wang Jie sat inside his military tent, looking at the invitation in his hand with an unreadable expression on his face.

Beside him, a handsome young nobleman sat.

"A letter from the Prefect; he is hosting tonight and has invited me to the Yellow Flower Pavilion at dusk."

"He says it is to thank me for helping him resolve the matter at the Refugee Camp last time."

The handsome nobleman pondered for a moment, "Fang Qingyu met with someone a few days ago; my secret agent sent word."

"He has also been searching extensively for notorious bandits these past few days, but that is merely an excuse; he seems to be investigating something."

"It is certain that we have been exposed."

"This letter is not as simple as it seems."

Wang Jie's expression turned slightly gloomy, "What do you suggest we do?"

"He likely has no evidence in his hands; perhaps he is just pressuring me, forcing me to raise the banner of rebellion."

"Then, he can arrest me in broad daylight."

"If I go, and he has no concrete evidence, he wouldn't dare lay a hand on me while I am the Garrison Commander-in-Chief."

The handsome nobleman fanned himself with a folding fan, a cold sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth upon hearing Wang Jie's words.

The folding fan in his hand snapped shut, "No evidence, heh."

"At least a hundred people have been exposed over these past few days; the existence of these people is enough to prove that you have something to hide."

Wang Jie turned his gaze toward the noble young man, his eyes revealing a hint of coldness.

"Heh, there is no need for you to pull such petty tricks. From the moment I stepped onto this path, I never intended to turn back."

"I had originally hoped to delay for a few more days to prepare, but they have come too quickly."

The noble young man gave a cold laugh, "You have no room for choice, and you should not harbor any delusions of luck."

"Since they have invited you tonight, it means they have already made all the necessary preparations."

"Pass down the order: rise up at dusk and take Jade City in one fell swoop."

"Since they are at the Yellow Flower Pavilion, then we shall hold their funeral at the Yellow Flower Pavilion."

The noble young man said with a sneer.

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