What Apex had told the disciples turned out to be complete lies, except for its name and physical form.
If Apex could provide them with rewards, it definitely would, as it would enhance their loyalty.
The claim of killing them was untrue as well.
Apex had no intention of engaging in the very act it sought to prevent, especially not against children.
As Apex led them back to the sect, it informed them that in a week's time, it would return to pick them up at the same time as tonight.
During that encounter, Apex hoped to see them with offerings such as cultivation books and techniques, herbs and materials for pills, and monster cores.
When asked why someone from the Upper Heavens would require such items, considering its access to far superior resources, Apex fabricated a quick lie. It claimed that it desired the united sect to possess techniques from every sect, ensuring that knowledge wouldn't be forgotten and that everyone could benefit from them.
The disciples instantly believed Apex, but even if they didn't, they wouldn't dare confront Apex about it. They were aware that doing so would result in their demise. As Apex dropped them off, it issued another warning.
The disciples heeded the warning and began preparing for the takeover of the Lower Realms.
A week had passed, and today was the day when Apex would collect them for a meeting to discuss their findings.
Throughout the past week, Apex had observed them from the shadows, ensuring that they didn't divulge any information to the sect's elders or the sect master.
At night, while the disciples were asleep, Apex would spend 4-5 hours hunting spiritual beasts. This endeavor resulted in approximately 28-35 hours of hunting, elevating its cultivation base from stage 6 to stage 8.
Advancing in cultivation had become increasingly challenging for Apex due to the scarcity of higher cultivation spiritual beasts. Many sects were exterminating them to obtain their dantian.
Most of the forests housing spiritual beasts with high cultivation bases were monopolized by powerful sects, and Apex wasn't prepared to confront them just yet.
Hence, during the past weeks, Apex had encountered spiritual beasts mostly at stages 1, 2, and 3. While there were a few instances where Apex encountered stage 4 and 5 beasts, they were primarily at the lower stages.
Additionally, the three disciples had refrained from informing any elder or the sect master about Apex and its plans.
At present, it was morning, and Apex had approximately 8 or 9 hours before it needed to gather the disciples for an update on their assigned tasks.
Since Apex still had some time, it decided to make its way to the nearest city, Tang City.
Opting to walk, Apex intended to explore information about pills. This was because the herbs and materials it had requested from the disciples were not for its own use but rather a reward for the disciple who performed the best. This was a means for Apex to maintain their loyalty.
Apex possessed knowledge of pill-making techniques up to the Immortal stage, the highest level attainable.
However, the herbs and materials required for an Immortal-grade pill were exceedingly rare. Just a single ingredient cost an exorbitant amount of gold, affordable only to the highest-ranking families in the heavens.
Furthermore, finding an alchemist capable of producing such high-level pills was even more challenging.
Upon spotting the gates of Tang City, Apex's metallic body started glitching and gradually transformed into the image of a 17-year-old human with black hair and golden eyes.
Apex approached the gates and joined a line, which took approximately 15 minutes before entering.
According to Apex's processor, Tang City derived its name from the Tang Family, one of the most influential families in the lower realms.
Once inside, Apex headed towards a well-known establishment called the Black Pearl, which was renowned for its rare items available for purchase.
This was the primary reason why Apex sought entry into the establishment—to enhance its cultivation significantly.
Upon reaching the 10-story building outlined in green and black, Apex proceeded to the front of the store. However, before Apex could enter, it was intercepted by a guard stationed at the entrance.
The guard, a peak Spirit Apprentice appearing to be around 40 years old, halted Apex's progress and extended his hands, expecting Apex to present a pass.
"No entry without a pass, little boy. Do you possess one to enter the Black Pearl?" the guard inquired.
Apex replied, "No, I don't. However, I'm here because I aspire to become a disciple of the Black Pearl Master!"
With an enthusiastic and childlike voice, Apex made a bold claim, adhering to the plan devised by its processor.
[Becoming the disciple of the Black Pearl Master will provide you with incredible resources to boost your cultivation. Convince the Black Pearl Master.]
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By causing a commotion, Apex aimed to attract the attention of the Black Pearl Master or someone closely associated with them.
"Get lost, kid! The Black Pearl Master isn't accepting any disciples, and even if she were, you wouldn't be worthy of being her disciple!" retorted the guard with a disrespectful tone directed at Apex.
A crowd began to gather, witnessing the unfolding spectacle with excitement and astonishment.
"I am more than qualified for such a position! With my talents, I can surpass anyone in the Lower Realms within a couple of years, including you!" Apex proclaimed, deliberately provoking the guard to engage in a fight.
Veins bulged on the guard's forehead, fueled by anger.
Apex deliberately sought to enrage the guard in order to defeat him, showcasing its power, capabilities, and potential.
"How dare you speak such words! I tried to let you off lightly, but now you must face the consequences for disrespecting your elders!" the guard exclaimed.
The onlookers could only offer pity towards Apex as it was about to be crippled or possibly even killed by the guard.
As the guard lunged forward, delivering a powerful punch aimed at Apex's head to deliver a lethal blow, Apex analyzed the guard's body, scrutinizing the movements of his muscles and bones, and anticipated the punch.
With fluid and agile movements, Apex employed a martial arts technique demonstrated by its processor, deflecting the punch into the air.
The guard's eyes widened in astonishment, attempting to strike Apex with his other hand, only to witness Apex swiftly ducking beneath it.
Fear gripped the guard as his vulnerable body was exposed.
Desperate to create distance and regain his footing, the guard swiftly retreated, but Apex instantaneously reappeared above him, delivering a punch that sent him hurtling towards the ground. The impact generated a cloud of dust, leaving a massive crater with the unconscious guard lying at its center.
The onlookers stood in shock, their jaws dropped in disbelief.