While the elders and disciples who were about to depart from the sect towards the gathering location of the annual sects competition, Ace was still in the last stages of his seclusion.
Unlike the initial flames which were gentle and cooling to the touch, the flames right now were full of life, dancing around in their own haven with the intention of destroying the outsider who was devouring their descendents.
The roaring flames took on life, forming mythical creatures and beasts which made Ace wonder if they truly existed.
There were snakes that were flying around with wings that shouldn't exist, there were dragons which were formed by the scorching flames, there were also majestic elephants that attempted to trample him.
But Ace remained unfazed in the face of such surreal illusions, he continued to absorb the element of heat, his cultivation base benefitting from this at the same time.
Not only that, he could sense his mental energy increasing.
The process continued on, a young boy facing merciless flames that held no physical means to harm the boy that was feeding on their life essence.
In past times, just the flames alone were enough to ward off any approaching enemies, but this was different, the flames were actually being treated as food right now.
While Ace was adapting to the changes of the flames which was making it more ferocious than how it was before, the Nirvana Sect members had already left the sect a few hours ago and arrived at the gathering area.
The gathering area was fixed every year at the gigantic colosseum due north of the Nirvana Sect which should have been a two days one night trip even if they rushed there.
But due to some unforeseen circumstances and reasons based on the organising parties, the designated gathering area this time has been changed to the Nebula Kingdom.
The strongest kingdom which was recognised by other forces in the Holy Land, this was because of their king who had strength equivalent to that of first-class experts in the Holy Land.
Not only that, they were trusted and renowned for being upright in their actions, which was why all other forces were fine with them organising this annual sect competition event. Especially when they were the only kingdom who had strength comparable to those Dragon forces.
Arriving at the area, Cidd who was authorised to be in charge of the Nirvana Sect while Ace was away, headed towards the registration area to receive a token.
On the token itself was the emblem of a ferocious wolf with silver furs. The token was pentagonal in shape with a silver borderline as well.
"Excuse me, but may I know what the different emblems mean?" Cidd asked out of curiosity when he noticed a middle aged man holding a rectangular token with the emblem of a sheep. The border was copper in colour, which was different from his as well.
The man who had just registered the name of the Nirvana Sect, took his time to explain. "Due to some unforeseen changes as our kingdom has mentioned, the tokens are given out according to the surface strength of a certain cultivation force.
The ranks and tiers of the forces begins from the Sheep Tier, which then progresses to the ranks of a Wolf Tier force, followed by a Tiger Tier force and last but not least the Dragon Tier Force.
With the increase in each rank, the shape would have an extra side to it with a change in colour which shows the difference in nobility and reputation as well. Which is why some forces might still have the colour from the previous rank due to either a notorious reputation or poor reputation which the force shouldn't have considering their strength."
"I see, thank you for the explanation." Cidd gave his sincere thanks before bidding farewell from the man who was helping the next cultivation force with their registration.
Cidd understood one thing from the brief yet detailed explanation from the man's explanation of the different tiers and the use of the word 'force' instead of the word 'sect'.
Even though this was still an annual competition as per past years, there was one major factor which has already been changed. It wasn't just cultivation sects that were participating in this annual competition anymore, it was cultivation forces from across the cultivation world.
Cidd was strolling back to where the sect members were waiting for him slowly while consolidating his thoughts when the angered voice which was somewhat familiar pulled him back to reality.
"Return to your sect, I don't wish to create conflict between our sects just because of this." The person speaking to another youth from an opposing sect with Arith who had pulled Clarissa into his embrace.
"Who the hell do you think you are? Yours is just a sect which has only existed for less than a year, how are you going to compete with a sect like us which has already existed for tens of years?" The youth, who didn't know what trouble was, was acting all arrogant.
In terms of cultivation, he was only in the late stage Martial Master realm which was why no one in the sect wanted to be bothered with him. But the fact that he actually tried to offend Clarissa has caused this trouble.
The elders from his sect were behind him, spectating this scene as though it was a commonly appreciated play they have been watching for years.
There were a few sects that wanted to stand out and help the Nirvana Sect, but because they were only of the Sheep Tier or the low end Wolf Tier, they backed out in fear of creating potential threats for the upcoming competition that can be avoided.
The members of the Nirvana Sect understood the reason for their actions, which was why they held no grudge against the other sects either. Afterall, it was a fair competition and one less competitor might tilt the balance of the upcoming competition in one's favour.
"Young man, let me warn you again, just back off and I can let this matter slide." Arith said towards the young man again, his brows furrowing in annoyance.
Cidd understood the reason behind this conflict and was about to intervene, only for someone to step in before him.
"Young man, why don't you leave now before it's too late?" The man who was speaking was from another cultivation force, in his hand was the same wolf token as the cultivation force the young man was from.
The young man was a disciple of the Blossom Valley which held a notorious reputation because of one reason, disciples of this sect would resort to any methods to rape women or seduce man to either gather their yin or yang energy for cultivation purposes.
To make matters worse, they weren't afraid of any trouble and the actions of these disciples were supported by even the Valley Master himself.
"Who are…" The young man rebutted immediately, only to keep his mouth shut when he saw the token that man was holding out.
It was a token pentagonal in shape, the emblem was a wolf and if there was one thing that stood out, it was the golden coating on the borderline.
Without a doubt, this was a cultivation force which had a reputable reputation and is recognised by even the Nebula Kingdom.
"Senior, I understand that you have the intentions to help this sect out, but please do not interfere with the Blossom Valley for dealing with a low end sheep tier sect."
"You might want to take back your words." Before the young man from the Blossom Valley could hurl in any other unreasonable criticism or remarks, Cidd stepped in with the token in his hand.
The young man was about to rebut back again, but when he and the elders behind him noticed that it was a second wolf emblem, they had no choice but to step back for now.
Even though they could handle just one Wolf Tier force alone though it might get tricky, two at once would be more than just a hindrance during the annual sect competition.
"I am sorry for the trouble my disciple has caused, please forgive him for being disrespectful."
The elder who had been watching from behind just a moment ago stepped in at this moment, making a quick and insincere apology before bringing his disciple away with him.
Seeing that the problem was settled, everyone heaved a sigh of relief as they remembered the attire of that particular cultivation force.
Even though it was a hassle, none of them would mind teaching them a minor lesson during the annual sect competition.
"Thank you for the assistance just now." Cidd walked up to the man who had the courage to intervene and help the Nirvana Sect with the situation.
"It's fine, it's just a usual matter to settle after all. Speaking of it, are you interested in working together during the annual sect competition?"