Seeing their shocked faces, Apex spoke to snap them out of their trance.
"After everything is done according to plan, you four will become the elders of the united sect."
Upon hearing Apex's words, they were even more astonished.
They believed that becoming elders in such a sect would be impossible. Elders are among the most powerful individuals in a sect, second only to the sect master. Being bestowed with such a position, despite there being more suitable candidates, was a great honor.
"Master, we assure you that we will not disappoint you. However, I have a question. Since there are outer, inner, and core disciples, what will be our role as elders for each group?" Ching Li asked curiously, wondering which group they would be assigned to.
Apex looked at Ching Li and replied, "That's a good question. There won't be any outer, inner, or core disciples. You four will each be elders of your own group of disciples. I don't want to create divisions and arrogance among the disciples by having different ranks. It's important to avoid a sense of superiority among them."
They looked at Apex with admiration, and their perception of it skyrocketed. They had expected Apex, being from the Upper Heavens, to be arrogant like other cultivators. However, Apex turned out to be a down-to-earth individual. They saw Apex as intimidating on the outside but kind-hearted on the inside.
They particularly appreciated Apex's stance because they had endured constant harassment from those above them, including the elders, while they were outer disciples. The elders were supposed to uphold the sect rules and support the disciples, but instead, they often mistreated them.
All four of them bowed down to Apex, including Du Lei, who was no longer as afraid of Apex. In unison, they declared, "We will live up to your expectations, Master!"
Apex gestured for them to rise and said one more thing before getting down to business. "You don't have to be so formal with me. Call me Apex, not Master. Let's think of ourselves as friends or family."
They looked at Apex with even greater admiration and respect, aspiring to become a being similar to it.
"One last question, Apex. Are you male or female?" Long Qui asked. This question had been on their minds, but they couldn't determine the answer. They had assumed Apex was male due to its deep voice and outward appearance.
Apex, too, wondered about its gender. Before its creation, it only had one image of its past self as a young man. However, its current form was not human and didn't fit into any category in the cultivation world.
"I don't have a gender. You can think of me as male, female, monster, or demon. But one thing I dislike being called is a cultivator. But enough of the small talk, let's get down to business. What did you all bring here today?"
Upon hearing Apex's words, they reached into their bags and presented their items.
Xu Sheng was the first to show his items. "Apex, this is all I could gather with my limited connections within the sect." He laid the items on the ground in front of him.
Apex examined the four items, and a name and description of each item appeared.
[2nd Stage Spirit Apprentice Core: Core left behind by a Rock Spider.]
[Spirit Leaf: Used in alchemy for Low-Grade Pills.]
[Soul Root: Used in alchemy for Low-Grade Pills.]
[Moonfire Herb: Used in alchemy for Low-to-Mid Grade Pills.]
Apex looked at the items, particularly the Moonfire Herb. It was a fairly rare find for someone who was only an outer disciple in a small sect.
"Very good, Xu Sheng," Apex praised, bringing a small smile to Xu Sheng's face.
Apex then turned to Du Lei, who had his items laid out in front of him. "I couldn't gather much since I was recruited only a day before," Du Lei said, sounding disappointed in himself.
"No worries, Du Lei. Any contribution is appreciated, no matter how small."
[Frost Lotus: Used in alchemy for Low-to-Mid Grade Pills.]
[2nd Grade Spirit Apprentice Core: Core left behind by a Fire Lion.]
Apex knew that the Giga Flower Sect specialized in alchemy, but finding Mid-Grade Herbs in a small sect with no connections to powerful figures was surprising.
"This is more than enough, Du Lei."
"Thank you, Apex!" Du Lei bowed in gratitude.
Apex then turned to Long Qui.
[Thunderroot Herb: Used in alchemy for Low-to-Mid Grade Pills.]
[Dream Leaf: Used in alchemy for Low-Grade Pills.]
[5th Stage Spirit Apprentice Core: Core left behind by a Poison Jade Frog.]
[4th Stage Spirit Apprentice Core: Core left behind by a Lava Snake.]
Apex noticed that Long Qui had obtained materials from relatively high-level creatures. This indicated that something was amiss within the Giga Flower Sect. However, before Apex could say anything, it was Ching Li's turn.
[Serpentbane: Used in alchemy for Low-to-Mid Grade Pills.]
[Essencebloom: Used in alchemy for Low-to-Mid Grade Pills.]
[Harmonic Fern: Used in alchemy for Low-to-Mid Grade Pills.]
[7th Stage Spirit Apprentice Core: Core left behind by an Iron Demon Leopard.]
Apex couldn't mistake the significance of the 7th Stage Spirit Apprentice Core. It confirmed its suspicion and indicated that the Giga Flower Sect was receiving help from a powerful figure.
"Has anyone suspicious been visiting the Giga Flower Sect recently?" Apex asked the four disciples, catching them off guard.
"Not recently, but a few months ago, a man in a robe entered the sect through the front gates. I caught a glimpse of his face," Ching Li replied as he packed all his items into his bag to hand them over to Apex.
"Can you describe his appearance?"
"He had long black hair, red eyes, and a very handsome face."
Apex searched through the information it had on people in the Lower Realm based on the description given by Ching Li.
Eventually, Apex found a match.
[Shen Tang]
[Physique: Iron Blood Body]
[Cultivation Base: 2nd Stage Spirit Lord]
[Head of the Tang Family]