The air was filled with a refreshing scent of petrichor, marking the beginning of another day.
A prominent peak, known as the Turquoise Peak stood proudly among the nine peaks representing the esteemed Celestial Ascendancy Sect. In charge of the peak was an elder of great renown, nicknamed Venom Blade, a widely recognized figure in the western continent.
He was one of the best poison masters in the world, causing the deaths of thousands upon thousands of humans, monsters, and demons with his deadly poisons.
In the end, the sect master, the highest and most powerful figure in the region, personally recruited him. No one discovered what happened in their meeting, but rumors spread like wildfire. Some claimed an unimaginably powerful battle took place, resulting in the creation of the infamous Death Valley.
Others speculated that the sect master simply made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
Having successfully brought Venom Blade to the sect, the sect master appointed him as the head elder of the Turquoise Peak, granting him full authority over its affairs.
The once-desolate peak had now become one of the most powerful factions in the sect. It had gained a nefarious reputation because of it's an eerie atmosphere, and crazy disciples, There was an aura of unpredictability surrounding those people, a sense that at any moment they could veer off into an entirely different reality.
Another reason people hated them was due to their excellence in the art of assassination and poison. Many regarded their methods as despicable and shameless, claiming their path was no different from that of unorthodox cultivators.
Meanwhile, Cheng Xiao slowly opened his eyes in a room emanating solitude and peacefulness. His gaze reflected confusion for a moment.
"Where am I? This place looks familiar," he thought as he attempted to sit up, only to be seized by a sharp pain coursing through his body. The surroundings were suffused with a solemn and oppressive air, and Cheng grimaced as he examined his body.
Countless external wounds marred his flesh, presenting a grotesque sight. However, what shocked him most was the wound on his shoulder. Upon removing the cloth covering it, he cursed under his breath.
"Damn it, this scar seems like it will never heal."
The wound was a terrifying sight, with cracks running through his skin and muscles, leaving a disgusting hole . It seemed as though the cells had ceased regeneration, leaving him marked with a permanent void on his shoulder.
"At least I'm alive. If it weren't for Yan Xin, I would have perished," he thought, his emotions entangled in a web of complexity. He felt gratitude, yet he couldn't bring himself to admit that he owed her.
She was the one responsible for the deaths of his friends, family, and neighbors. Though she hadn't personally murdered them, she was undoubtedly the cause of their demise. His precedor had spent years of effort and planning trying to get close to her, After all Knowing ones enemy make it easier to get his revenge.
"I'm not him, I'm Derek. I can't let his emotions influence me," he reminded himself.
He didnt care if she did harm to his precedor, at this time she was a valuable asset.
"He has been in the sect for 3 months and he did not even manage to test his attitude much less start cultivating, what a useless fellow.
Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a figure appeared before him.
"Yan Xin!"
The girl standing before him possessed a captivating beauty and moved with grace as she approached.
"Are you okay, Cheng?" she inquired briefly.
"Yes, but what happened?" he questioned in return.
"Shouldn't that be my question? You came to my place in the middle of the night, covered in blood, tell me what happened," her hair fluttering as she sat down on a nearby chair.
"Well, that's the problem. I was attacked by some assassins for no apparent reason," Cheng paused for a moment before continuing. "By any chance, do you know why they ambushed me? You are one of the few people who know of my existence."
Yan Xin's face remained unchanged as she responded, "No idea, but I will definitely investigate this."
A suffocating silence enveloped the room, and neither of them uttered a word. Suddenly, Yan Xin stood up, her sharp gaze piercing through Cheng's body, causing him to shudder for a moment. She reached into her robe and pulled out two manuals, handing them to him.
"The Diamond Core Conditioning... Cursed Lotus," Cheng's eyes focused on the names reflected in the manuals.
"These two techniques will allow you to temper your body, gather spiritual energy into your dantian, and completely get rid of the poison if you have any attitude in cultivation." Yan stated before leaving the room.
As Cheng watched her depart, he found it difficult to discern her true emotions and intentions, yet he detected a hint of guilt in her eyes. "Finally!! that was close. I truly didn't expect poison to be on the arrow. If I had known, I could have dodged it," he thought, scratching his head. "At least the plan worked, but it was too risky. I could have actually died."
Examining the manuals before him, Cheng felt a sense of satisfaction. Everything was now within his control. Initially, he deduced that the assault was undoubtedly related to his master, which led to a plan forming in his mind. He was her underlling after all.
In the past, no matter how his predecessor schemed, he couldn't directly ask Yan Xin to provide him with immortal techniques to become a cultivator. She would undoubtedly be furious that a mere servant was asking for something so unreasonable. This girl was naturally extremely paranoid and cautious.
This was his only chance, his biggest gamble. He intentionally got injured, showing her how weak and pathetic he was, and only hoped she would help him, but who woud have expected she would give him something so valuable.
Clutching the manuals tightly, his eyes brimming with endless ambition .