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Chapter 9: Someone Save the Disciples! Oh Wait, That's My Job...
🕑 Added 2023-09-29 01:40:16 +0000 UTCElder Olakin's voice boomed, echoing through the air like thunder. "The Black Rose Sect has truly crossed the line this time!" His face contorted with anger. "To think that your master, a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, dared to kidnap my precious daughter?"
With each word he spoke, the trio of disciples felt their chests tighten. An invisible pressure weighed them down, making it hard to breathe. But when the word "daughter" escaped Elder Olakin's lips, it was like a boulder had been dropped onto them. They collapsed to their knees, gasping for breath, while the village leader, standing nearby, simply exploded, leaving nothing except a mist of red.
Of course, Master would be the one to kidnap the daughter of an Origin Realm expert, Caelum thought, a bitter smile twisting his lips.
Hughie's thoughts raced frantically, Just my luck! Getting bullied by an old man!
Amelia, on the other hand, seemed genuinely surprised. Master kidnapped someone? That's new. He usually just… kills them.
Elder Olakin continued, "You will remain here while your master returns with my daughter." With a wave of his hand, three Nascent Soul cultivators appeared beside him in the sky, bowing deeply. "Send word to their sect."
One of the Nascent Soul cultivators hesitated, voice trembling, "My lord, what if the Black Rose Sect sends reinforcements?"
Elder Olakin chuckled. "Do you truly think the Black Rose Sect would risk war for an elder on his last breath? No, he shall be their sacrificial lamb."
The Nascent Soul cultivators nodded in agreement, vanishing as quickly as they appeared.
Elder Olakin then turned his gaze back to the fallen disciples. "As for you three, you can only blame your own master for the fate that awaits you."
The Elder then raised his hand, and the very earth seemed to respond to his will. Vines erupted from the ground, shooting towards the disciples like green serpents.
"Awaken, Bloodthorn,” Caelum whispered urgently.
His blade, bathed in a familiar demonic glow, lashed out at the encroaching vines, trying to sever them. But it was all in vain. Even a casual move by an Origin expert was too strong, too overwhelming. Before the other two could even react, the vines coiled around them, holding them in place.
Satisfied, Elder Olakin closed his eyes, sinking into a meditative state as he waited. But only a few moments later, he suddenly tensed. A disturbance in the heavens above caught his attention. Opening his eyes, Elder Olakin saw the silhouettes of two figures locked in battle. "Astral Awakening realm…" he whispered, a hint of envy in his voice.
What are they doing here? he pondered. Such beings usually prefer secluded, closed-door cultivation. Something significant must've occurred to draw them out.
His thoughts were interrupted as the two figures above clashed, sending a stray streak of white fire plummeting towards him. Elder Olakin's eyes widened; he shifted to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the inferno. The fire streaked past him, missing him by mere inches. Beads of sweat materialized on his brow as he realized how dangerously close he had come to death.
By the time the white fire reached ground level, it had diminished to a mere spark.
Hughie, constricted by the vines and entirely helpless, watched the spark approach him with a sense of impending doom. Closing his eyes, he braced for the end. But the end never came. When he dared to open his eyes again, he found the vines that had bound him reduced to mere ashes. Miraculously, he himself was unscathed. He was free!
Wasting no time, Hughie shouted, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister, I'm going to get help!" Without a backward glance, he made a mad dash away from the scene.
Elder Olakin's eyes locked onto Hughie's retreating form. "You think you can escape, boy?" With a burst of energy, he surged forward, determined to capture the escaping disciple. But as if the heavens themselves intervened, another radiant streak descended from the celestial brawl above, a blazing white fire even fiercer than the previous.
"Not again!" Elder Olakin spat, desperately trying to evade the oncoming onslaught. But this time, he was a fraction too slow. The fire struck him squarely on the back, sending him tumbling out of the sky and crashing into the ground, where he formed a small crater upon impact.
Lying there, Elder Olakin desperately called upon one of his strongest defensive measures. "Aqua Barrier Cascade!" he coughed out. The air around him moistened as a swirling barrier of water formed, enveloping him in its embrace.
However, the celestial white fire seemed to scoff at his defenses. It lapped hungrily at the watery shield, threatening to evaporate it entirely as it continued its relentless approach towards the elder.
How can this be? Elder Olakin thought in disbelief.
But as abruptly as the attack began, it subsided. The ethereal flames dissipated, leaving a charred and shaken Elder Olakin amidst the ruins.
Slowly, very slowly, he rose to his feet. He chose not to pursue Hughie, at least not for now. Twice in such a short span? Is this mere chance or... His eyes darted to Hughie's receding figure, suspicion brewing. That boy... Could he...?
He cast a wary glance skyward, worried that he, an Origin Realm expert, would be killed as collateral damage.
"Such power..."
Slifer was engrossed in conversation with Morvran and Val when a sudden message interrupted his thoughts.
Ding!
Warning
Your Disciple Amelia Is In Mortal Danger
Slifer's eyes widened in shock. He had only sent Amelia and the other disciples on a task of Core Formation difficulty. What could've gone so wrong?
Another two notifications popped up in quick succession causing his heart to drop.
Ding!
Warning
Your Disciple Hughie Is In Mortal Danger
Ding!
Warning
Your Disciple Caelum Is In Mortal Danger
Slifer's eyes narrowed as he tried to piece together the puzzle. Given the life-saving treasures they possessed, bestowed by the original, only cultivators of the Origin Realm or above had the power to endanger them. Could it be... did the bandits have a backing even the sect wasn’t aware of?
Without hesitation, he asked the System, Where are the disciples now?
Error
Increase Disciple Loyalty To 95% Or Upgrade Disciple Management Panel To Obtain More Information
With no time or credits to worry about upgrades, Slifer sighed. I need to go to Lushan Village.
Ding!
New Task: Save Your Disciples From Imminent Danger
Reward: 1000 Karmic Credits
The sight of so many credits up for grabs made Slifer's face turn pale. The System wouldn't offer such a prize unless the danger was sky-high. Am I walking into my own grave?
He shook his head, banishing the dread that crept into his thoughts. Credits or no credits, I'd go save them. They're not just disciples; they're my lifeline. No disciples means no credits, and no credits means a short life for me.
A smile crossed his face as he thought of Hughie. That boy has protagonist level luck. If the Heavenly Tribulation Strike reaches Astral Awakening or even the Ascendant level, we just might stand a chance.
Ding!
Your Disciple Hughie Is No Longer In Mortal Danger
Seeing the notification, Slifer’s smile faltered, he decided to wait for a few more seconds to see if the situation had resolved itself, maybe he wouldn't need to interfere after all.
However, seeing no further notifications, a frown appeared on his face. Should I be relieved or worried? If Hughie isn't in danger, can I still count on his protagonist-level luck to aid me?
He sighed, the weight of uncertainty pressing on him. Why won’t the System let me see my own stats? Knowing my own luck could ease my mind or...make it worse.
"Master?" Morvran's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "You seemed disturbed. Is everything okay?"
"The disciples are in danger," Slifer revealed with a heavy sigh, "I must go save them."
Morvran's eyes widened slightly. "Could it be that one of their life-saving treasures was activated?”
Slifer blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the plausible excuse Morvran provided. That's... a better explanation than anything I could have come up with.
"Yes," he replied with a firm nod. "That's exactly what happened."
Morvran's face took on a determined look. "Master, is there anything I can do to help?"
Slifer forced a smile, though his worry was clear in his eyes. "Prepare a grand feast for my return." If I return, he added in his thoughts. Just then his belly gave an inopportune rumble, and a hint of embarrassment crossed his face. With everything going on, I think a feast is the least I deserve.
Val, having overheard, approached him with large, worried eyes. "Master go? Val help?"
He smiled at the tiny dragon. "Yes, Val. I need you to change into your bigger form. Will you give me a ride?"
Val nodded energetically. "Yes, Master! Val be big and fly!" With that, she darted out of the cave. In moments, her smaller form was replaced by the magnificent sight of her large, majestic size.
Slifer couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. Riding a dragon... It's the stuff of childhood dreams.
As he prepared to climb onto Val, he noticed Fenlock descend from the clouds. "Master! I've set up the Master-Disciple ceremony!"
Ding!
Task Complete
You Have Gained 10 Karmic Credits
Slifer quickly waved him off. "Your senior brothers and sister are in danger, the ceremony can wait." Without waiting for a response, Slifer leaped onto Val, who readied her wings for flight.
Fenlock stood still for a moment, processing the situation. But then, his face broke into a grin. "This means... more time with Junior Sister Lenvari!" With newfound energy, he dashed off, shouting joyfully, "Junior Sister! Wait for me!"
Flying high in the sky, Slifer's sharp eyes scanned the landscape below. In the distance, he spotted a small figure hurrying away from Lushan Village. Wait a minute... Isn't that... Hughie?
He decided to activate the Insight skill to confirm.
Name: Hughie
Realm: Late Core Formation
Known Techniques: N/A
Known Affiliations: Black Rose Sect
Disposition: N/A
"Val, let's intercept Hughie," Slifer ordered.
Val tilted her head, "Huwie there? We say hi-hi!"
With a burst of enthusiasm, she swooped down, her vast shadow casting a dark veil over Hughie, who was so wrapped up in his own world that he nearly leapt out of his boots when Val landed in front of him.
"Holy dragon scales, Val! You nearly gave me a heart attack," Hughie exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically.
Val giggled, "Oopsie! Val scared Huwie!"
Then, lifting his gaze, Hughie spotted Slifer. "Master!" he exclaimed in relief. "I was heading to the Black Rose Sect to find you. Some creepy old man attacked us, and he's taken Senior Brother and Senior Sister hostage. I was taken too, but... well... I managed to escape." He finished with a sheepish laugh.
Slifer's eyes narrowed. As I suspected, Hughie's high luck stat saved him. "Get on, and show us the way," Slifer instructed.
Scratching the back of his head, Hughie pointed towards Lushan Village. "They're that way. It's really not that far, Master. I'm sure you could find it yourself."
Slifer scrutinized him, With a luck stat of 8, there's no way I'm letting you go. His face hardened. "What kind of Junior Brother are you, refusing to aid your Seniors?"
Hughie's head dropped as he realized that his plans of escaping were exposed. "I... I thought I'd be in the way," he mumbled.
Slifer dismissed his excuse with a shake of his head. "Just get on. And make sure to stay close to me the whole time, no matter what happens."
Hughie hesitated, then nodded. Urgh, why is Master punishing me? he thought, misunderstanding Slifer’s instructions.
Slifer smirked inwardly. I don't know if luck is contagious, but having Hughie near me certainly can't hurt.
"Me fly fast! Hold strong!" Val chirped, her wings spreading wide as she sped towards the village.
Elder Olakin, hovering in the air, felt the weight of the world lift slightly with the departure of the Astral Awakening seniors. His gaze drifted to the two struggling disciples, their will unwavering despite their dire circumstances. A glint of admiration sparkled in his eyes. In another time and place, perhaps they would have been worthy of being my disciples.
His gaze then darted in the direction of the Black Rose Sect. Any moment now, his servants would reach their destination. He didn't expect the sect's elder to face him directly; after all, challenging an Origin Realm cultivator like him was akin to courting death. But he did expect that the foolish elder would hand over his daughter without resistance. The captured disciples below were just the price to be paid for their master’s audacity.
A frown creased his brows. But if he dares to harm even a single strand of her hair... The heavens themselves won't be able to save him.
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the unmistakable silhouette of a dragon, cutting through the skies. Squinting, Olakin's enhanced vision focused on the figure of Elder Slifer and that annoying disciple riding the mighty beast. Where is she? What has that demon done?
Hughie, seeing the elder staring at him, gave an uncomfortable wave, his expression screaming 'I'd rather be anywhere else right now'.
As for Slifer, he calmly met the elder’s gaze. So, another old man with a grudge. But which of the original’s enemies could this be?
Insight!
Name: N/A
Realm: Late Origin Realm
Known Techniques: N/A
Known Affiliations: Black Heart Sect
Disposition: N/A
Late Origin Realm? Slifer pondered his options, he would rather save his cards if possible. Talking my way out would be the best course here, but demonic cultivators are rarely the diplomatic type. I shouldn't get my hopes up.
He then looked down to see two of his disciples bound by vines.
Caelum shook his head in disbelief, “Why did master come? He can't possibly best an Origin Realm expert.”
Amelia, never one to hold her tongue, smirked at her captor. "Well, now that our Master is here, you'll soon be begging him to spare your pathetic life, old man."
Do all disciples nowadays take courses in 'Courting Death 101'? Slifer's heart nearly jumped out of his chest at her bold proclamation. And she's trying to take me down with her!
"Slifer," Olakin spat out "Where is my daughter?"
Daughter? Origin Realm expert… Slifer's thoughts raced, connecting the dots. Elder Olakin!
If I had known it was him, I'd have brought the girl. But as he recalled the wounds Morvran had inflicted on her, a chill ran down his spine. Then again, given her current state, that might've ended badly for me anyway.
Clearing his throat, Slifer spoke with feigned calm, "She is currently a guest at our sect."
A mocking laughter escaped Olakin's lips. "Guest? You expect me to believe you'd kill Nascent Soul experts just to accommodate a Core Formation cultivator?"
Slifer didn't respond. The biting truth in Olakin's words made him inwardly curse the original Slifer for getting him into such a predicament. Gathering his courage, he proposed, "Return my disciples, and I'll ensure your daughter's safe return."
Olakin shook his head dismissively. "You misunderstand, Slifer. I’ll personally retrieve my daughter. As for you and your disciples, you won't live to see another day.”
As Slifer opened his mouth, searching for the right words to defuse the volatile situation, Elder Olakin suddenly attacked. "Emerald Vine Strike!"
The technique burst forth, a verdant vine shot directly at Slifer with breathtaking speed, too fast for his eyes to track. Only the Critical Block card can save me now, he thought frantically.
Val let out a panicked, "No hurt Master!"
She swiftly tried to dodge, but the vine's relentless speed caught her off-guard and the sharp tip grazed her flank. "Owie!" she cried out as she began to lose control and spiral towards the earth.
As she descended rapidly, both Slifer and Hughie clung to her desperately. The wind whipped past them, roaring in their ears. But just as the ground seemed ominously close, Val's large form began to shrink.
In this moment of crisis, Hughie's reflexes kicked in. He reached into his storage ring, drawing forth his sword. With a nimble move, he landed on the flat of the blade, suspending himself in mid-air. Looking quite pleased with himself, he exclaimed, "Well, that was close!"
Below, Slifer's heart raced. As Val continued to decrease in size, he managed to grab hold of the now tiny dragon, wrapping her in his arms. He braced for impact, tucking and rolling to distribute the force of their landing.
Breathing heavily, he examined the tiny dragon, he noticed that her orange scales were tarnished by a dark, oozing wound on her flank. "Val, are you okay?" Slifer asked.
Val sniffled, her large, teary eyes looking up at Slifer. "Val hurt, but Val strong." she whispered.
I don't have any pills that could heal a dragon, Slifer thought bitterly, a sinking feeling gripping his chest. The sect was the only place with the resources to heal a dragon.
"Rest now, Val," he whispered tenderly, cupping the baby dragon's face. "I'll be back soon."
Her eyes, misty with pain, gazed into his. She nodded weakly, her trust in her master unwavering.
Seeing little Val like this caused something to snap inside of Slifer. Gazing at the sky, his face twisted with hatred, Damn you, old man. You just signed your death warrant.
He had been sympathetic toward Elder Olakin, understanding that the original Slifer was the one that kidnapped his daughter and caused all this. But the moment the elder injured Val, all bets were off. Despite their short time together, he had developed a fondness for the little dragon that he simply couldn't ignore.
Activate Heavenly Tribulation Strike Card
Ding!
Heavenly Tribulation Strike Card Activated
Randomising Power Level
......
Power Level: Origin Realm
Slifer clenched his fists. Please let this be enough, he thought.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The sky turned an ominous shade of grey as storm clouds rapidly converged. A deafening rumble of thunder echoed, chilling the very bones of those who heard it. Elder Olakin's initially smug expression morphed into one of grave concern. Sensing the potent aura gathering above, he prepared himself.
"Golden Shield Array! Spirit Wind Cloak! Earth Essence Guard!" Olakin chanted, summoning layer upon layer of defence around himself. Each protective aura was distinct: one a golden barrier, another like an ethereal cloak of wind, and the last a sturdy shell formed of condensed earth essence.
Witnessing the impending catastrophe, Hughie's eyes widened with fear. Without a second thought, he descended rapidly, seeking safety from the storm.
With a blinding flash, the thunderbolt descended. It tore through the sky with unmatched fury, smashing through Elder Olakin's defences one by one. The sheer force sent him hurtling backward, crashing into the ground with a colossal impact, and a thick cloud of dust rose from the newly formed crater.
Slifer's eyes widened, his heart pounding. Was it enough? Did I...?
But his heart sank when he saw a bloodied hand emerge from the dust, followed by the battered figure of the old man as he pulled himself out from the crater. His aura, although weakened, still resonated with the overwhelming power of the Origin Realm.
Managing a weak chuckle, Olakin spat out a mouthful of blood. "Impressive, Slifer. You've managed to keep your breakthrough a secret." Pausing for a moment, his eyes narrowed and darkened, "But that was your only chance. I'm done playing around."
The elder's words sent a chill down Slifer's spine. W-What do I do now?
