I had to set several plans in motion before I reconnected with my prime. He was still in recovery. Of that I was sure. Performing the spells that moved the fragment into the vessel that became me took quite a toll on the prime.
So there was no need to rush to get to any level, particularly when It just might slow down the recovery of the prime. Now was the time to set the foundation of my existence within the sect as more than just a mysterious figure.
Luckily there were teleportation arrays inside all of the Grand Elders disciples mansions, which was very handy. I didn't have to worry about possible attacks from any of the others in the Grand Courtyard, where challenging fellow disciples was perfectly legitimate. So before I could wreak havoc at that level I would have to build a far firmer foundation within the Sect.
Arriving at the quest area for the foundation building area was quite mundane compared to some of the other areas of the sect.
A simple meeting point and billboards with information crystals where you could sign up for any number of missions for the sect. Ranging from simple gathering, to the extermination of bandits or Demonic sect members.
The line for random team joining was surprisingly long. Still I left it up to luck and destiny. This would put me into a team that needed members around my level of strength who have already picked out a quest.
From here I could build a reputation. From that I can build my own little team and power base in the sect.
That was essential to my greater plans of untold destruction.
Finally getting to the front of the queue. The crystal recorder there measured my approximate strength, which read as Mid foundation building. Then sent me off to a section off the Mission area, where I would meet my crew for the Mission.
I did get lucky. My first quest was to take out minor members of Doom Hair Sect. A little Sect that had the weird fetish with Hair and all the rituals around it. It was quite disturbing to be honest. Still some of their elder practitioners with their autonomous hair, were quite an issue to deal with. The younger members however, were really nothing special.
Moving towards the area. I quickly saw my new team. The mission was for ten members. So far there were 8 people waiting in the small area. None seemed particularly special. In fact I would rank the second highest judging by the aura coming off each of them. Only one being slightly stronger than me.
A slim young looking woman who was glaring at pretty much everyone that passed by.
Not the best first impression by any means.
Still I was confident I could become the defacto leader within a few minutes. I was wearing the simple robes of a prime Outer disciple. Hiding my status would be the prudent thing to do until after the mission where I could perform a grand reveal.
"Greetings, fellow disciples, I am joining your group in the hunt for the Swine of the Doom hair sect. I am looking forward to your assistance."
Most of the other cultivators bowed to return the greeting. Except for two. The confrontational woman who had caught my eye earlier. Plus another girl who I just noticed. far and away the weakest member here, but looked very similar to the so called strongest one in the team.
"Finally, one more weakling and then we can start. My name is Bin Ji, you will be under my lead for the next few weeks."
"I was unaware that the leader had already been selected, very well, what is your history of leadership and success record."
She was taken aback by that. Obviously the other weaker members had just rolled over to her decision. I would not be so easy a person to resolve
"You don't have to know such trivial things, my sister is one of the head disciples under Elder Flod, you would be wise not to go against her"
The pipsqueak of a foundation building cultivator, decided she could get in on the conversations of her betters. The gaze mixed with a tinge of my aura quickly put that notion out of her head.
"I would never question the honor of a great disciple of an Elder, but the utmost efficiency and strength of character is needed to face the scourge of the Doom hair Sect, so I would appreciate if you provided further proof of your qualifications for undertaking such a dangerous mission under your leadership."
"Very well, this may be my first official mission as leader, but believe me I have had the utmost success in every mission I have undertaken so far."
I sighed and made my way towards the rest of the group. She filled up with pride, as did her sister. Thinking they had won over someone with an actual bit of power. Not some yes men following behind her name as a disciple of an elder.
"We at least need a proper veteran for our last member which such a green team.""
The little sister seemed to bristle at that. Luckily Bin Ji seemed slightly more agreeable.
"Should I increase the split to attract some more veterans?"
The sister seemed prime to object but I quickly shut her down with a glare.
"No that won't be necessary."
Looking around I quickly parsed through who were actual threats and who were just pretending to be someone.
Looking through the crowd, I quickly discovered someone in the back just staring at the crowd. Catching his eye. With a few simple nods he made his way over.
"We have our final member."
Both sisters looked at each other in surprise, the other members seemed equally confused.
That was until the man I had chosen made his way over, then fear started to overtake them.
"I am joining you rookies?."
He didn't seem best pleased that I called him over to join a team of greenies. Especially with his power of a peak foundation building cultivator. Meeting each others eyes
He tried to dominate in the competition of auras.
He would never be able to beat me with his small level of experience. He was quicker to give up the I was expecting.
"Very well, what is the mission?"
Like that we had our team.