A bright orange-coloured bracelet appeared in Bryan's inventory. The bracelet looked like two interweaved tiny chains with a shiny dark-orange gem on the center of the bracelet.
Bryan took the bracelet out of the system and immediately knew it was unordinary just from touching it. Ray and Ash could somehow feel a familiar aura wafting from the bracelet.
"You lucky dog!" Ash was keenly observing the bracelet.
Bryan wore it on his right hand and checked it out, "Looks cool on me, doesn't it?"
"Yeah man!"
"Whatever you say!"
The two chuckled at his expense but Bryan didn't care and enjoyed looking at the bracelet on his hand. It somehow felt it was right for him to wear it.
"So, Ray got a teleportation amulet and Bryan got a defensive bracelet. Let's see what I'll get!" Ash muttered and prompted the system.
[Request Received]
[Opening Lucky Bag…]
[Vial of Purgatory x1]
[Vial of Purgatory: Created from the between and the grey, one drop speaks volumes. Consume the vial to attain the power of the Illumination Realm for a limited time.
Uses: 1
Duration: 5 minutes
Side-effect: Unconscious for 24 hours]
The room was silent for a whole minute before Ash dazedly asked the system, "System, where does the Illumination Realm stand?"
[The Illumination Realm is the 7th cultivation realm practiced by all humankind, right after the Prime Obelisk Realm.]
"Holy shit…" Ash muttered in jitters.
Ray and Bryan looked at each other in immense shock. That vial is a true treasure. The fact that it can increase a person's cultivation realm all the way to the Illumination Realm is beyond wonders.
"Ash, you may be our lucky star…" Ray happily smiled.
"That's your life-saving card now, Ash." Bryan nodded with a smile.
"No no, we now each have a life-saving card." Ash swiveled the vial before storing it back in the inventory.
The vial was an ordinary looking vial but the liquid was pure black in colour. It looked ominous but if the system described it as a life-saving treasure, then Ash didn't care about its appearance nor its colour.
"Great, we're off to now a great start thanks to the system." Ray spoke up and continued on.
"Alright, let's see. There's the Wandering Cliffs, the Violet Ravine, the Mystery Cove, the Underwater Ruins and so on for us to check out but as of right now, we're still weak."
"All our other fellow cultivators, especially the Prime Disciples, have started cultivation at a young age so they have a massive advantage over us. We need to ramp up our cultivation realms as soon as possible so we need to take unguided risks."
"Also, let's not forget that we have been bestowed with the position of a Prime Disciple by the Ancient Elder. So, there's bound to be conflicts in the future concerning our actual status and with our pitiful strengths, we will be choked and buried in the sand."
"I researched a few books in the Library Hall and discovered that there are places in the world that are considered as a treasure trove by the people. These places as a collective are called the Seven Forbidden Lands of Verna." Ray stretched it out.
"Seven Forbidden Lands of Verna? Why does it sound dangerous?" Ash scrunched his face.
"It's as exactly as you say. These lands are extremely dangerous in terms of environment and the monsters that dwell in it. There's a reason why they're called the Forbidden Lands."
"But most of all, it's the other cultivators that you have to worry about." Ray answered patiently.
Bryan commented, "Greed has no reason."
"Ugh, of course, greed." Ash rolled his eyes.
"Although the risks are extremely high, the corresponding treasures are equally rewarding." Ray said with narrowed eyes.
Bryan nodded and said, "We need strength but along with that, we need the necessary experience as well. Our fighting experience back on Earth isn't going to last us for that long."
"We were lucky to meet the old man in the middle of the forest otherwise we would be slightly fucked." Ash still completely trusted in themselves regardless of the situation.
"Of all the Seven Forbidden Lands, there are three of them that I think that we can explore within our limits." Ray raised his fist and opened his index finger.
"The first one, the Chaotic Forest Forbidden Land. This should be fairly easygoing for us, especially if we just adventure on the outskirts of the forest. If we go any deeper into the boundless forest, then we may encounter powerful beasts' way beyond our league."
"So, what's so special about this Chaotic Forest?" Ash asked.
"Just like the name, the environment in the forest is unpredictable. The book didn't say much but all I know is that because of the chaotic environment, treasured plants and herbs have appeared that would greatly benefit our body." Ray scratched his chin.
"But at the same time, that would mean the beasts' of the forest have also adapted to the chaotic environment and have gotten stronger compared to the beasts' that we fought back in the village." Ash contemplated.
Ray nodded, "You're right."
"Interesting! I sure love me a challenge!" Bryan smiled.
"Crazy guy…" Ash muttered.
Ray pulled out his middle-finger and continued, "The second one!"
"The Illusory Snow Region is another Forbidden Land that we can explore. It's snowy and cold all the time which we like and according to the book, the Illusory Snow Region can give amazing benefits to our mental strength."
"I heard snow and I already wanna go there…" Ash rubbed his hand. The three have never experienced true snow back on Earth. Artificial snow was the closest experience they had but even then, the thirst in their hearts couldn't be quenched.
"I'm tempted too!" Bryan said with shining eyes.
Ray chuckled and pulled out his ring-finger, "The third one!"
"This is a unique one and the most famous of the Forbidden Lands, the Gods' Ruin. It's a massive desolated area that is filled with treasures. The people call it the Treasure Trove of Verna and it is with reason. Of course, as long as there is a treasure, there will be dangers around."
"What a mighty ass name though! The Gods' Ruin!" Ash exclaimed.
"Hmm, that's very thoughtful of you, Ray." Bryan smirked.
Ray cocked his head, "What do you mean?"
"Body strength, mental strength and finally, the treasures. Each of the Forbidden Lands that you have listed deal with one aspect." Bryan explained.
"Hahaha, that's right. I gotta think ahead, you know?" Ray chuckled.
"I'm glad I don't have to use my brain for all that stuff…" Ash patted Ray's back.
"Yeah, because all you think about is stupid unicorns and ice-cream." Bryan mocked.
"What the fuck? Ice-cream, yes but fucking unicorns?!" Ash grumbled in irritation.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" Both Ray and Bryan laughed at his expense.
"Alright alright, I'm sorry!" Bryan hung an arm around Ash's shoulder.
Ray coughed lightly to gain their attention and said, "So, we have the Chaotic Forest, the Illusory Snow Region and the Gods' Ruin. Which one do we go for?"
"Hmm…"
"How about this? Why don't we explore all three of them?" Ash suggested.
Bryan nodded, "I'm down for that."
"Me too but we will have to inform Inner Elder Maxim about our plans." Ray said.
"That's fine but I think we got ourselves an adventure, guys!" Ash had a wide smile on his face, affecting the other two.
Ray stood up and suddenly remembered something, "Oh right, I have to give that kid a sign or something."
"The village kid?" Ash asked.
"Yeah." Ray nodded, "I'll be back."
"Sure, take your time. We'll cultivate in the meantime." Bryan waved his hand.
Leaving the Zero Mansion, Ray made his way over to the Accommodation Hall.
The Accommodation Hall dealt with miscellaneous necessities and residential slots. There are three floors in total, with each floor being dedicated to the Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples and finally, the Prime Disciples. There is an elder presiding over each floor.
The Prime Disciple section is at the top-most floor of the Accommodation Hall.
"Good afternoon, elder!" Ray greeted the elder.
"Afternoon, young one." The elder had an amiable smile on his face.
"Elder, can you give me a badge or something similar to my status?"
"Hmm…" The elder rummaged through his desk and fished out a purple badge rimmed with golden lines.
"Here you go!" The elder tossed the badge to Ray.
Ray caught the badge and inspected it. The word 'Prime' was engraved on the center of the badge and underneath it was his name, 'Ray', signifying his ownership of the badge.
"Thank you, elder." Ray slightly bowed in gratitude and left the Accommodation Hall.
He sped towards the Forsha Village on his fastest speed, not bothering to stop on the way.
Soon enough, the village appeared in front of him. The village was livelier compared to before and everyone had smiles on their faces.
Ray smiled at the scene and thought, 'It feels good…'
Ray entered the village and the villagers witnessed his arrival. They of course recognized him since it was not that long since the beast was terrorizing their village.
"THE HERO IS BACK!!"
One of the villagers loudly shouted, garnering the other villagers' attention. Eventually, Ray was surrounded by the villagers, adults and children alike.
"Welcome back, young hero. How can we help you?" The Village Chief made his way through the crowd and asked him.
"I'm glad to see everyone is doing well."
"I came here to give something to Liah." Ray said and tried to find her.
"I'm here, elder brother."
Ray looked down and saw the same bright young girl right next to his leg.
Ray smiled and rubbed her head, "How are you, Liah?"
"I am fine, elder brother."
Ray took out the badge from his pocket and instantly, everyone's eyes were glued to it.
Ray crouched down to Liah's level and gave her the badge.
"Keep the badge with you. When you turn 15, come to the Celestial Nirvana Sect and show them this badge." Ray explained.
The Village Chief trembled and cautiously asked, "Young hero, what does the badge mean?"
"She will be a future disciple of the Celestial Nirvana Sect and consecutively, my junior." Ray smiled.
Liah's eyes were shining with stars as she tightly held the badge. The surrounding villagers were gobsmacked and congratulated her.
"Keep her safe. I'll get going now."
Ray waved the villagers a goodbye and set off back to the sect. Liah's eyes were glued to the departing figure and clutched the badge.
The sudden change of her destiny will lead to an unforeseen event that shook the Mighty Gods themselves.
-Back in the Zero Mansion-
All three were gathered in the living room.
"Well, my side-mission is all done. I gave her a badge and in 2 years' time, she will be accepted into the Celestial Nirvana Sect." Ray breathed out.
"How do you know she'll be accepted?" Ash asked.
"Because of the badge. The elder in-charge gave me a badge solely meant for the Prime Disciples and I'm pretty sure being a Prime Disciple gives us enough authority to get someone in." Ray shrugged.
Ash gave him a thumbs up, "Nice one."
"If it doesn't work, we can always ask the Ancient Elder." Bryan said on the side.
"Nah, it will work." Ray assured them.
"Let's cultivate for the day and go tomorrow to ask for a leave." Bryan suggested.
"Sounds good to me." Ash gave a thumbs up.
Ray nodded, "Alright!"
Meanwhile, in a pure white room not far away from the Zero Mansion, the Ethereal Fairy sat cross-legged in the center of the room. The room matched her temperament and grace, which was ever so slightly aloof.
"They are perfect for me…" Her calm and emotionless voice echoed the room.
"But it will be difficult until they venture out of the sect."
"This is vital for me…"
"This is my chance to break my chains…"
She opened her eyes and a sharp glint flashed across them.
"I need to do it…"
"No matter what the cost!"