Kael stepped into the treasury, rolling his shoulders. That formation was too complicated for a sect like Serpent Fang, he thought. I presume they probably invited someone from afar to set it up for them. Isn't that right, Jin Mu?
Jin Mu, who had disappeared after the explosion to who knows where, came out from behind a pillar. "The formation was a grade 3 formation, the kind that only grade 3 or top-notch peak grade 2 formation masters can set up. It must have cost them a fortune to invite a formation master to set it up for them," Jin Mu replied.
"Formation masters are anything but impressive. I've barely been here a month and look at how many formations I've dismantled," Kael said.
The moment the words left his mouth, Jin Mu flared up. "You think formation masters are like cabbages on the street? Just a grade 1 master is enough for foundation establishment cultivators to practically worship the ground they walk on. Additionally, they are so rare that you can only find one formation master in about ten thousand cultivators. For grade two and grade 3 formation masters, even Nascent Soul cultivators at the peak of the realm will have to show them the utmost respect and honor," Jin Mu said, his nose flaring. He was basically huffing and puffing due to how agitated he was.
Kael was so shocked at Jin Mu's reaction that he could not help but stare at him for a very long time. Jin, being stared at like that by Kael, began to feel awkward.
"Why are you staring at me like that? It's as if you're seeing me for the first time. I understand how abnormally talented you are, seeing what you have accomplished and the number of formations you've casually dismantled during the course of our conquest, but you have to understand, not everyone is as talented as you. We don't all view the world from your lens as a demon-level genius. So please, for the sake of us normal cultivators, have some awareness, or quite frankly, you are going to drive me nuts," Jin Mu said.
Kael quickly recovered after hearing Jin Mu. He smiled. "My bad, I guess I was really insensitive there. But if you are reacting like this, it means formation masters are quite a big deal, huh? Apart from formation masters, are there any other professions I should know about?" Kael asked.
"Oh, you mean auxiliary paths. There exists the path of alchemy, which involves concocting pills, pastes, and elixirs to aid in one's cultivation or for other tasks. It is a very lucrative profession. The only downside is that it costs a lot of resources to embark on the path of alchemy. The higher you go, the more resources you require, which makes it quite difficult for those without backing to get into it. There is also forgery, which involves creating artifacts like weapons, shuttles, and other things. Forgery is not as difficult to practice as alchemy, as the talent and resource requirements are considerably lower than for alchemy and formation mastery. This doesn't mean that they are lesser than the other two. It just means that there are considerably more blacksmiths than alchemists and formation masters. Last but not least is formation mastery, which we've just spoken about. It involves the use of an inscription pen to create formations using special techniques and methods. It is just as expensive to dabble in, if not more so than alchemy."
Kael listened attentively, absorbing the information Jin Mu had just given him. He fell into deep thought, trying to plan his future progression and how he should walk his path of cultivation.
Meanwhile
Far to the north, within the sacred halls of the Celestial Dao Sect, an ancient figure stirred. Seated atop an intricately carved jade throne, Elder Zhao Heng opened his eyes, a flicker of celestial light flashing within their depths.
"The heavens tremble," he murmured, his gaze shifting toward the distant horizon. "A new variable has emerged."
The chamber, illuminated by floating lanterns carved from spiritual jade, was filled with powerful figures. These were the arbiters of the Celestial Dao Sect—elders whose wisdom and might had shaped the sect's dominance for centuries. Each one cultivated an aura that could suppress mountains and part the skies.
One of them, a middle-aged man with an air of solemnity, frowned. "Zhao Heng, what disturbs your meditation?"
Zhao Heng's voice carried the weight of prophecy. "An anomaly. A cultivator whose presence could disrupt the status quo. The heavens themselves shift at his every step."
The gathered elders exchanged glances. For such words to come from Zhao Heng—one of the most venerated figures of the Celestial Dao Sect—this was no ordinary matter.
"Who is this cultivator?" another elder asked.
Zhao Heng closed his eyes briefly, his divine sense stretching across vast distances. Images of a battle-worn stronghold flickered through his mind, of disciples crushed under an indomitable force, of a lone figure standing amidst the wreckage—Kael Varian.
A slow breath escaped him. "His name is Kael Varian."
Murmurs broke out among the elders. A name that came under scrutiny only after he defeated Luo Qiyan of the serpent fang sect. it seemed to be carrying an aura so profound that even the heavens acknowledged it. This was a rarity—a deviation from the natural order.
A younger elder, sharp-eyed and shrewd, spoke up. "If his growth continues unchecked, he may become either a pillar of our sect or a threat beyond measure. What is to be done?"
Zhao Heng's fingers tapped against his jade throne, his mind calculating the possibilities. "We observe, for now. Fate is not yet clear on whether he shall be ally or adversary." His eyes narrowed slightly. "But we must ensure that his path intersects with ours."
Another elder, dressed in flowing golden robes, exhaled. "And if he refuses our hand?"
A knowing smile played on Zhao Heng's lips. "Then we shall decide whether to tame the beast… or slay it before it devours the heavens."
The chamber fell silent, the weight of destiny pressing upon their gathered forms.