Xiao, having finished his questioning, now faced a pivotal decision. He could continue with his original mission which was to head to the Frost Wind Clan to exact revenge for the wrongs done to the previous owner of his body.
But as he reflected on the recent struggles and revelations, a sense of hesitation crept in. 'Was now truly the right time for vengeance?' He could always take revenge later, and perhaps doing so with greater power at his disposal would make it all the more satisfying.
What Xiao needed now wasn't to settle old grudges but strength. His thoughts turned toward the future. "A sect would be far more beneficial than relying on a clan," he mused aloud. "But the question remains: which sect should I choose?"
This question weighed heavily on him. While joining a sect would offer vast resources, techniques, and allies, Xiao's experience as a former sect master had revealed the darker side of such affiliations.
Sects, by their nature, were often restrictive, binding their disciples with lifelong contracts and strict rules.
Most sects employed the Dao of Contracts, a binding spiritual agreement that ensured disciples could not leave without severe consequences.
While these contracts appeared to give disciples the freedom to leave, severing such a contract would destroy their dantian, rendering them unable to cultivate ever again. This was an unspoken yet ever-present threat that kept sect members loyal and obedient.
The Dao of Contracts was usually reserved for inner sect disciples, as managing the thousands of outer sect disciples individually was impractical. But those who advanced in rank and gained the trust of the sect would inevitably face this pact.
To Xiao, this was nothing more than a cleverly disguised cage and one that he wished he had imposed on his own disciples back when he was a sect master.
Back then, Xiao believed that granting freedom would allow his disciples to grow more rapidly, unfettered by the politics of sect life.
Yet after being betrayed by those closest to him, those he trusted with his life, his perspective had shifted. Now, he understood why so many sects used these contracts: loyalty was priceless, and betrayal was far too common.
Still, Xiao wasn't entirely convinced. He needed more information before making any decision. He turned to Jing, the demon currently occupying Yan's body.
"Tell me more about your sect," Xiao demanded, his eyes sharp as they bore into Jing.
Jing looked momentarily confused, as if uncertain where to start. "What would you like to know?"
"Let's start with the basics. How does your sect compare to others? And why is it considered unorthodox instead of orthodox?" Xiao clarified. He knew that asking vague questions would only lead to muddled answers and that it was better to be precise.
With this clearer direction, Jing began to speak. "The Sheanmen Sect is unorthodox because we don't follow the rigid traditions of the orthodox sects. Orthodox sects restrict the techniques you can practice, enforcing strict rules to guide disciples along a controlled path of cultivation."
Xiao nodded, familiar with the suffocating rules of orthodox sects. Jing continued, "Our sect is different. We allow our disciples to train in any technique they choose, regardless of how dangerous or frowned upon it may be.
There are no limits on who can join and whether they're human or demon, so long as they pass a test of strength or character."
Xiao found this intriguing. Most sects would never admit demons, given their chaotic and dangerous nature. The fact that the Sheanmen Sect allowed demons was a testament to its unorthodox methods.
"As for our standing, we're strong," Jing added, pride creeping into his voice. "Probably in the top ten sects in Qingyunguo. But unlike the orthodox sects, we don't seek fame or glory. Our strength comes from the flexibility of our disciples. We measure success by accomplishment, not reputation."
Xiao absorbed this information, considering the advantages such a sect might offer. Flexibility in training was a rare and valuable quality, especially for someone like him who preferred to walk his own path.
"What about the contracts in your sect?" Xiao pressed. "How do they work?"
Jing paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "Our contracts aren't as strict as the orthodox ones.
We don't destroy dantians or kill those who decide to leave. Instead, we take something of equal exchange.
If someone wishes to leave the sect, the contract erases their memories of any sect-related knowledge which could be techniques, secrets, locations. That's how the sect protect itself and doesn't let information about it be released."
This piqued Xiao's interest even further. A sect that didn't bind its disciples with life-destroying consequences? It seemed too good to be true. Yet, if it was indeed true, this could be the perfect place for him to grow stronger without being shackled to a single path.
But Xiao was far from naïve. "Why are you telling me this so freely?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "Shouldn't your contract prevent you from revealing such information?"
Jing, as if expecting the question, replied smoothly, "Our contracts aren't overly restrictive, as I said. I can share information as long as I provide something of equal value. Besides," he added with a sly smile,
"I'm telling you this because I believe you would be a valuable addition to our sect. We need people like you, who are mysteriously strong with secrets."
Xiao remained cautious. Jing's sudden cooperation was suspicious. Just moments ago, Jing had been erratic, attacking him without warning.
Now he was speaking like an eager recruiter. The influence of the altar, Xiao suspected, had likely played a role in Jing's recent behavior.
Still, Xiao pressed forward. "Why would they send someone as weak as you to search for something in that forest?" he asked, perplexed that a mere Qi Condensation stage cultivator like Jing would be entrusted with such a mission.
Jing's expression darkened. "The sect didn't value me. Even though they allow demons, some of the higher-ups don't trust us. They sent me on this mission to get rid of me, or at least test my loyalty. I was just a pawn and expendable for this mission."
"Then why take the mission at all?" Xiao questioned. "If your sect is so free, why didn't you refuse?"
Jing sighed. "I heard rumors that there was something in the forest that could make me strong enough to be the greatest. And I feared what would happen if I defied the higher-ups. I regret it now, though as I realize I was nothing more than an expendable tool. Still I believe that I will be compensated if I bring back information from this village."
Xiao considered Jing's words carefully and not even caring about him sharing the information about the village. Xiao then started thinking about joining the Sheanmen sect.
Joining the Sheanmen Sect might offer a path to greater power, but it was not without risks. The sect seemed to harbor its own internal corruption, and the fact that Jing had been treated so poorly didn't bode well.
Yet Xiao couldn't deny the allure. If the sect truly operated on an equal exchange basis, as Jing claimed, then Xiao could join, grow stronger, and leave without being bound for life. All he needed to do was offer something of equal value in return.
There was danger, of course. But Xiao knew that without taking risks, he would remain stagnant. Stagnation meant death in this world.
Having made up his mind, Xiao removed the restraints from Jing who was still in Yan's body and gestured for him to stand. "Lead the way to the Sheanmen Sect," Xiao ordered.
And so began Xiao's journey to the Sheanmen Sect, a place where power and freedom might come at a price yet to be determined.