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Chapter 41 - To Heavenly Demon Sect [1]-Sage's Cultivation: Mage in Cultivation World

Chapter 41 - To Heavenly Demon Sect [1]

While Lucas was deeply asleep, someone covered in black clothes infiltrated Lucas's room. With a dagger in hand, he slowly approached Lucas's bed and, slowly but surely, raised the dagger, ready to stab him.

The black human figure suddenly put down the dagger with extreme force, with the intent of stabbing Lucas, but to his surprise, it didn't penetrate. Instead, it was intervened upon by an invisible force coming from Lucas.

"Ho… an assassin? Tell me, where did you come from?" The assassin was taken aback by Lucas's sudden utterance.

Lucas's eyes were glowing red, intently glaring at the assassin with extreme killing intent.

In particular, Lucas was activating another ability of his eyes, an ability called the Third Eye. It was an ability to see through the emotions of his targets, and as Lucas was glaring at the assassin, he could see clearly that the assassin was surprised and slightly agitated.

"Die! Disgusting hypocrite!" the assassin roared and was ready to stab Lucas, but this time, his dagger was covered with blue light and made three images of daggers in his grasp.

Lucas frowned and started to move his fingers, making an invisible barrier to reduce the movements of the assassin.

"Why don't you learn? Even if you use your strongest attack, you won't succeed in killing me," Lucas merely said, and just at that, the assassin dissipated into ashes.

"Huh?" Lucas was dumbfounded to see the assassin disappear from his sight.

'Was it a movement technique? Or did he die into ashes?'

Lucas just didn't bother with it and just continued sleeping. As he was sure that there would be no one who could pose a threat to him in this realm, he became complacent and just didn't think about the person who ordered an assassin to kill him.

Surely, it was a big individual since the assassin barely escaped. If it was not, Lucas was sure that it wasn't a thing to be bothered with.

Nevertheless, anything shouldn't bother him.

Meanwhile, the assassin that barely escaped Lucas's trap was panting at the back of the building. With the use of an array drawn on the wall of the inn, he successfully escaped, but instead of being relieved, he was trembling in fear as he remembered how he saw Lucas earlier.

For him, Lucas was like a predator, looking at him with bloodlust. It was as if his pride of being an assassin was trampled, as that guy he attacked was someone powerful that he underestimated.

'I must warn the young master. That guy should not be offended. He was too strong that even while sleeping he could still create an array formation.'

Then he dashed through the shadows and headed to the location where his young master was.

The assassin thought that it was an array, but of course, Lucas wasn't an expert in arrays. It was merely a protection spell that he cast out of habit.

***

The next day came and Lucas finally had another day to look for the location of the Heavenly Demon Sect, but before he could ask another person, he was surprised that the Heavenly Demon Sect came to him themselves.

"Are you the one who was looking for the Heavenly Demon Sect? Why are you looking for us? State your name!"

Lucas was dumbfounded, looking at the five cultivators who were wearing a seemingly white uniform. At the left of their robes, a symbol was embroidered.

"Uhm… Are you sure that it was me?"

'They must be thinking that I am a mortal. Perhaps I overdid hiding my cultivation base. Well, let's slowly expose some of it.'

When Lucas started exposing some of his cultivation base, the cultivators that bombarded him slowly raised their eyebrows.

"You are a cultivator? Why didn't you tell us? We thought that a mere mortal would dare to bother our sect." Then they smiled with their heads slightly bowing and their heads on their nape.

Lucas was just speechless as to how their personalities turned 180 and became respectful in front of him.

As he was suspecting the sudden change of their attitudes, Lucas peeked at their cultivation bases.

'3rd level of the Apprentice Spirit Realm?'

He almost puked a mouthful of blood as he was suppressing his laughter. They were just youngsters. Lucas thought that they were respectable cultivators, yet they were just beginners who had little confidence in trying to bombard him.

Lucas just smirked and shook his head in amusement. He might have also leaked his cultivation base to a level higher than them.

"Well… Please be safe, brother! Let's go."

In the next few seconds, Lucas just realized that they had already left him, agitated that they had almost offended him unintentionally.

'They were clearly showboating.' Lucas thought as he noticed that people were watching them earlier.

Because of this, Lucas just smiled at them.

"It's okay. It was just a misunderstanding between cultivators."

After it, Lucas took a quick breakfast then left the inn afterward.

For this reason, he just implanted a tracking spell on the cultivators that were supposed to be disciples of the Heavenly Demon Sect. And since he already sensed them going in other directions of the city, leaving and going straight into the woods, still near the Great Cliff, Lucas was now sure to follow them around.

Meanwhile, in a dark room with barred steel. A man was beaten to the bones by the young man who was observing Lucas.

The man who was getting beaten was the assassin that failed to kill Lucas. The reason he was beaten like this was that he had just given them a warning that Lucas was a dangerous person.

"Do you think I give a shit? I am an inner disciple of the Heavenly Demon Sect and you dare to talk to me like I am weak? Know your fucking place, useless!"

As the young man exclaimed in exasperation, the man was beaten again by another guy. His arms were chained to the walls, giving him a helpless position.

"Please, young master… I… kuhk! only wanted to tell you that he was dangerous."

As the man was helpless in continuing to warn the young man, he gestured with his hands, swaying the air.

It was a sign to kill the man, and the other man who was the one beating the assassin raised his sword above.

In a split of a second, the head of the assassin rolled away from the body as blood splattered in the room.

"Tsk. Disgusting. Now, I am irritated that no one can do the right job. Prepare my gear.. I will be the one who'll take that hypocrite's head."

Chapter 42 - To Heavenly Demon Sect [2]

Lucas activated a spell to make him invisible and the next second he started flying to the location where the cultivators who paid him a visit were.

They were dashing through numerous rocks and trees. With exceptional speed, it was as if the air wasn't an opponent in their movements.

'Wow… For a 3rd level of Apprentice Stage cultivator, they are noticeably talented.' Lucas thought with a beaming smile as if he was looking at toddlers who were starting to learn how to walk.

And as Lucas was finally starting to see the sect from the direction where the cultivators were going, he headed first and went straight into the center of the sect.

Since no one would recognize him, and since he also didn't know how to enter by normal means, he just created a robe with creation magic just like the cultivators wore earlier.

After finally making one, he wore it and moved to an unknown place, then deactivated the invisible spell.

"Wow… it's truly magnificent. I thought that my third energy would not do the same as my mana, but surprisingly, I can produce almost the same result when I use mana."

Lucas started moving and, as he assessed things from his point of view, he sought a place where he could ask a question.

When he realized that there was no use in seeking one, he encountered one of the female disciples of the sect and asked her.

"Excuse me…" he slowly uttered in front of a young lady.

"Yes?"

At first, the young lady didn't have any particular thoughts when someone called her, but when she finally saw Lucas behind her, she was speechless as she saw a handsome young man in front of her.

She became shy and slightly blushed secretly while she was facing Lucas.

"Can I ask a question? Where can I meet the sect master?"

Why was he looking for the sect master and not just make his way to him by causing trouble? He wasn't that type of person. As such, he wanted things to be peacefully settled.

As he isn't a pushover, he thought of having a talk with the sect master secretly and not letting others know of his presence.

"Huh? Aren't you also an outer disciple? Why don't you know that outer court disciples can't meet the sect master on a whim?"

Lucas stiffened when he heard it, and sighed as he realized what he had done was wrong.

'I probably need to change into a core disciple robe. Should I just stealthily go to the sect master's room?'

"Can I ask more? Where is the sect master's personal room?" Lucas asked.

The young lady was starting to get suspicious as to why a disciple who was supposed to be knowledgeable of the sect's rules was asking her.

She looked doubtful in front of Lucas, and as Lucas noticed the different gaze coming from the young lady, he gulped.

"Are you having a hard time learning the Sect's Must Know Rules?" the young lady asked.

Lucas just nodded and smiled at her in some awkward manner.

"Yes, I am… Please can you tell me?" Lucas asked.

The young lady just sighed and felt dismayed as to why this handsome young man was surprisingly an idiot.

She pointed at the tallest part of the whole sect and Lucas followed where her finger was pointing. He saw a tall pavilion in the middle of the way to the top of the Great Cliff.

"Only elders and core disciples can go there. Since it's hanging on the Great Cliff, a person must know how to fly to get there, " the young lady said.

Lucas smiled once again and bowed slightly.

"Thank you very much!" Then Lucas walked away, leaving the young lady befuddled and slightly blushing.

'He's handsome and cute despite being an idiot.' Then she smiled and also continued moving where she was going.

Meanwhile, Lucas just activated his invisible spell again and flew straight to the pavilion which was stuck on the Great Cliff.

When he finally reached there, he slowly hid his presence and didn't deactivate his spell.

He went straight into the hallway of the pavilion and was led into a dead end. Surprisingly, the pavilion doesn't have any room. It was just a hallway.

"Hm…"

Lucas activated his eyes and started seeing everything pass through walls. He saw a space in the dead-end as if it was a secret door going straight to a room inside the Great Cliff's body.

Lucas just smiled and didn't bother looking for the hidden button for the secret door. Since he had more mana now, and also had unsealed some useful passive abilities, he started activating a spell that would make him pass through shadows.

When he finally activated one, he just started walking towards the wall and passed through it like it was even not existing in the first place.

As he passed through the wall, he ended up in the room which he thought was the room of the sect master.

"Now… Should I just wait for the sect master? Or should I check everything he was hiding?" He smiled, then faced the shelves on the walls that held the books of techniques the sect master had.

Lucas cheerfully went to the shelves and picked one. He opened it and started scanning it.

"HAHAHAHA! I got Tranquil Mind! I can easily memorize this! Wait… Or should I unseal the Picture Mind? In that way, I can just take a picture of the book, right?"

He just shook his head while smiling and started reading.

'I'm not stupid to risk my life over the greed of knowledge. I can hold onto this… That passive ability at least needed to activate with my core unsealed 80%.'

Then, Lucas started reading the contents of the book he chose. It was a movement technique, but in some ways, he wanted to know it despite the fact that he could use some motion spells that could help him without unsealing some of his core.

Even if he does not unseal his core, he can still use it with the use of his third energy. But the effect might also be weakened since some of his motion spells have some restrictions and requirements that require some of his passive abilities.

Nevertheless, it won't hurt to waste some of his time on a useful movement technique. Even if he can't use it regularly, he can use it as an inspiration or a reference to create his own.

As motion spells and movement techniques have quite a difference in their use, Lucas wanted to know how to create his own technique.

'Hm… Now next is a martial technique.. I wonder if there is any useful information here to strengthen the use or weaken the side effects of "Formless Art".'

Chapter 43 - Heavenly Demon Sect [1]

Lucas started reading another one after the martial technique he picked earlier. It was presently another martial art technique but as he already knew it, he couldn't use it to improve himself as it would be canceled out by the Formless Art.

'Do I really need to believe Felicity's words? Or should I perform what I've done with my core as well — sealing?'

But the question is, can he seal the connection between the technique and his dantian.

'I'll know if I try.'

And so, as if there's no tomorrow, Lucas started reading everything inside the room. From martial arts to movement techniques, he didn't ignore even normal mystical arts that have low effects and use. Lucas used every opportunity he had until the sect master arrived.

The door or the wall of the dead-end opened with the sect master appearing before the door. He was an old man, who typically had a long beard and aged grey hair. He also wears a red-colored robe with golden linings, and his hands are at his back.

When the sect master entered the room, Lucas noticed that the sect master didn't know about his presence.

"You seem to be complacent, sect master." Lucas suddenly said, alarming the sect master, who staggered backward.

'I didn't sense him!' the sect master cried inwardly as to why he didn't feel Lucas's presence as if he was in front of a cultivator who had been an expert ever since.

"S-Senior!"

The sect master had no choice but to clasp his hands since he didn't know the identity of the person. Since he doesn't know if he was powerful enough to hide his presence, he just paid him with respect to avoid unnecessary conflict.

'But his cultivation base is at least at the Master stage. Does he have a unique cultivation base that hides his presence or was he just intentionally hiding his real cultivation base?'

Lucas just smiled and stood up. As a result, he exposed his face as well as his robe.

'Outer court disciple? Is he an outer court disciple? It was impossible for him to reach this place if he was.'

"Hm… You are looking at my robe. Did you perhaps think that I was a disciple of your sect?"

"N-No… I was surprised as to why you were wearing it, Senior." the sect master respectfully answered with his body standing straight.

"I see… Don't worry, I am not a disciple, so don't need to worry.

As the robe was created by magic, he can manipulate it again, but in a limited way, since it will degrade its quality if he overwrites the magic again and again.

Lucas swiped his robe back into the previous one or appeared in a similar manner. Then, he approached the sect master slowly.

The sect master who just saw it didn't react at all. It could be a treasure that changes into different styles or colors that may lead to the purpose of playing him.

As he was proud of his status as a sect master, he didn't show any surprised expressions.

"I came here from the Flower Dark Sect."

As soon as he heard it, the sect master moved backward and prepared his weapon that was hidden behind his robe. It was a short sword.

"You… forget about me being respectful to you. Are you the ancestor of the Flower Dark Sect?!"

Lucas shook his head.

"I am not. I came here to clear up some misunderstandings. Why did you attack the Flower Dark Sect?" Lucas asked with a slight domineering aura exuding from him.

The sect master glared at him and didn't waste any effort in attacking him.

But for some reason, he was unable to move. Lucas had already created a restraining spell for the sect master that was powerful enough to hold a King Spirit Realm cultivator.

The sect master widened his eyes in surprise, seeing the restraint in his legs that held him to the ground.

"This isn't enough!"

The sect master swung his sword and, coming from the sword, a beaming dark violet arc of powerful energy exuded.

Lucas merely stood as he already knew what the technique was. Strikingly, it was a good decision to read all the techniques inside the room. It gave him an idea of how to negate each attack from the sect master.

However, even if he doesn't know what the technique was, he can still protect himself from it. He just chanted some words and a barrier of strong light covered his whole body.

The barrier protected him from the attack, but the result was still inevitable. The surrounding area became destroyed and the sound of an explosion was heard from below. Everyone in the sect looked immediately to the sect master's house.

"You are not respectful as you were earlier. Too bad, I really didn't come here to fight, so at least, can you put down your sword or I'll immobilize it like your legs."

Seeing how he easily defended himself, the sect master became dispirited and depressed, seeing his efforts become useless.

"My sect is doomed…" the sect master mumbled in despair and dropped his sword in defeat.

Lucas just raised his eyebrow and said, "What are you talking about? I am not here to fight with you, as I said, nor do I have any interest in destroying your sect. I am here to fix what you did to the Flower Dark Sect."

'What's with the name of that sect anyway? It's too horrible to pronounce as if my mouth would degenerate.'

The sect master looked at Lucas with a surprised expression, and as Lucas saw it as annoying since the sect master looked like an immature geezer, he removed the restraining spell.

"See. I am not here to fight with you. I came here to settle your grudge. You attacked them because you thought I was from them and also assumed that they were planning to attack you?" Lucas asked but the sect master didn't reply.

As Lucas waited for a reply, when no words came from the sect master's mouth, he sighed.

"What's your name?" Lucas gently asked.

However, the sect master was supposed to be so stubborn that he didn't answer Lucas.

"What is your name? Because if you don't answer me, I will kill you literally." Lucas pushed once more, but this time he was leaking some killing intent to intimidate the sect master.

"I am Jeric Long."

"Jeric. Now tell me, why did you attack the Flower Dark Sect?"

"It was because of the intel that the Flower Dark Sect was preparing to attack us with the help of a powerful cultivator. And as I checked it and confirmed, I mobilized my men to create a surprise attack on them."

"And it resulted in Thomas being bedridden. For goodness' sake, did you listen to that intel? What was your grudge with the Flower Dark Sect again?" Lucas asked.

"They killed my son in exchange for their worthless disciple. I couldn't accept it, so I asked for the sect master's head. And as a result, we have a long time grudge."

'I see… I know now why I haven't seen his sect disciples near the Flower Dark Sect, as the first team that attacked was a surprise and had a goal of damaging the sect master. Then, after successfully doing it, they will gather an appropriate number to attack the sect.'

Lucas sighed after concluding some things that he had so far known. Then, he just spoke again to Jeric.

"Thomas didn't plan to kill your son, nor a plan was created," Lucas said with a hint of grumbling behind his words.

'So far, I know now where these things are going.'

"Lies!"

'Lies!'

"Obviously he lied!"

'Obviously, he lied!'

Lucas was guessing what Jeric would say, and precisely, he hit each of them.

"He didn't lie. I know that he didn't as I can see through emotions to know if they lie. Now tell me, why are you an idiot?" Lucas asked.

Jeric was just stunned after hearing it, couldn't understand what Lucas said.

"Don't you know that this is a scheme? This is a conspiracy by someone to make two great sects fight with each other."

Chapter 44 - Heavenly Demon Sect [2]

Lucas thought about it. If Thomas wasn't lying about the incident 100 years ago, then someone must have started the feud between the two great sects. Though he still doesn't know the ranking of powers in this realm, he is sure that someone with power would do this scheme.

"You are stupid."

Not just assuming it, Lucas noticed that cultivators tend to be cunning or power-hungry. Just as he somehow experienced a little bit of the true side of cultivators, Lucas knew that nature would still be in nature. Hence, human nature won't still be gone to cultivators.

"What are you talking about?" Jeric asked as he was feeling a bit agitated about Lucas's words.

"You didn't know? It's common for a fight between two parties that neither of them would benefit is someone's conspiracy. " Lucas merely said.

Jeric was stiffened after hearing this. It was true that the Flower Dark Sect wouldn't benefit from killing his son. And as he slowly took into account every word Lucas said, he gritted his teeth.

"This is made by the Su family! I knew it was suspicious that they were offering us their assistance."

Lucas raised his eyebrow after what he just heard.

'Su Family? Isn't Sora Su one of them?'

Lucas asked, "Who are these Su Family?"

"Su Family is one of the 5 Great Families in the continent and was based in the northern region. As they've been wanted to reign in the eastern side of the region, perhaps they wanted to take down our sect by making a war prepared for my sect and Flower Dark Sect."

'Now that I think about it, I met Sora Su in the eastern region. Perhaps it's just a coincidence or she was part of a branch since the people following her aren't that strong.'

Lucas crossed his arms and lifted Jeric's body to stand up.

"Forget about it. Just settle with the Flower Dark and look at that family's actions if they really are the ones who conspired this. Contain your anger. You have people following you. Don't think of them as an object, they are your subjects." Lucas said in a meaningful way as if he were a father teaching his son.

"Yes, Senior," Jeric uttered.

"It's Lucas. I don't have any family name in particular as I am a rogue cultivator."

Jeric widened his eyes in surprise.

"You are a rogue cultivator? You are not from the Flower Dark Sect?"

"I already said that I am not. Didn't you hear that I am rogue? So why would I be associated with them? After all, I was just resting above their lands unintentionally and just did them a favor for my unthoughtful manner."

Nothing but awe and admiration were what Jeric felt. How could this kind of person still exist?

'He is so righteous! There is no way he could have lived this long without being arrogant of power.'

Jeric didn't notice that he was spaced out for a moment while still looking at Lucas. And because of it, he snapped him back to reality by pushing his head.

"Don't look at me like that like I'm sort of a benevolent God. It's just a chance that I am different from you all." Lucas sneered and stared at the wall behind him.

"Look. Aren't you bothered that your techniques are all gone?" he asked.

It was also fortunate for Lucas that all of the techniques are highly graded. If not, he wouldn't even dare to be dismayed by the loss.

As Jeric finally realized it, he ran to the shelves and cried before the destroyed pieces of his books.

"No way! I haven't learned everything yet!"

Lucas just snorted, suppressing his laughter.

'Too bad. I won't tell you that I read all of it as it will be troublesome to write all of it,' he thought while keeping his laughter hidden.

Moments later, a few cultivators started to appear in front of the hallway. They were all panting and gasping for air, some of them had swords by their side.

"Master! Are you okay?!" They all asked and looked for Jeric.

However, when they all saw an unknown person wearing an outer court disciple robe before the damaged scene, they all pointed their swords at him. Well, Lucas intentionally returned it to its original appearance.

"What have you done here?! Where is Master?!"

Lucas raised his eyebrows in amusement as all of them had a domineering aura, but not enough to intimidate him.

He just scoffed, then peeked at each of their cultivation bases.

"5th level of the Master Spirit Realm, 3rd Level of the same stage as well as that guy with long hair. The peak of the Warrior Spirit Realm…" And so Lucas continued calling their cultivation bases, leaving them all speechless and agitated.

"How could you know our cultivation base?! A mere outer court disciple?!"

"No. You're a spy who is slandering our robe! Be prepared to die!"

When all of them were about to attack Lucas, who was just nonchalantly looking at them, a sudden pressure exuded from behind Lucas, emanating from Jeric.

"All of you stand down! There's nothing to be worried about!"

All of the cultivators stiffen as they wait to see their master. And as Jeric appeared before them, they all trembled in joy.

"You are alright, master!"

They all cheered, but when they realized that Lucas was still in front of them, they all tried to push him. But, alas, their efforts were useless as Jeric kicked the disciple who dared to push Lucas.

"You don't disrespect a senior. Remember the honor!" he roared into the cultivator.

"S-Senior?" Then they all looked at Lucas, and immediately clasped their hands and bowed.

Lucas just remained silent while smiling.

"Ha… It's too good to be a leader, huh."

The one who got thrown also clasped his hands as he stood up. All of them didn't question the authenticity of it as long as it came from their master's mouth, even if it was an evil god. For all of their care.

"Jeric, why don't we go to the Flower Dark Sect, right now?" Lucas asked, making the cultivators surprised, but they didn't bother to show their expressions.

"Please forgive me if I'll be frank. You might be a senior, but I still don't trust your words. Maybe if I go there, everything you said will turn out to be lies and I'll be dead without noticing it." Jeric respectfully said.

"But I can kill you right now if I want to. Why would I drag you there just to kill you."

Jeric was just speechless and just made a mouthful gulp.

"I'm just joking. If you are not satisfied, I will bring Thomas here for you to be complacent. He will listen to me, even if I don't try."

Jeric clasped his hands before Lucas and said, "Thank you for sparing my life, Senior Lucas."

Lucas just nodded, activating a reverse spell fueled by his third energy. As soon he activated it, everything went back to normal except for the burned books. As this spell was still weak since it's a time-reversal spell and also being weakened by the third energy's effects, only natural objects were brought back to normal, for example, a naturally built rock by nature.

When everyone saw it, they could just remain in awe, and even Jeric wasn't spared.

"Now. Enough with it. How about I go now? I'm done with here, right?" Lucas said, but before he could leave, Jeric interrupted him.

"Please Senior Lucas, have a day inside of our sect."

Lucas instinctively turned his face back to Jeric.

"For what reason?"

"I would like…" As bashful as it seems, Jeric just ignored it. "I want to learn from a person like you! I want to know how you remained youthful despite living a long life!"

Lucas was just dumbfounded by what he heard. Though he wasn't sure what to say, he just accepted it as there's nothing wrong with being friendly.

'I still feel bad being called a 'Senior' even though I am still ignorant of the cultivating norm.'

"Don't call me senior. Just Young Master is enough."

"Eh?"

Chapter 45 - Heavenly Demon Sect [3]

Sometime later, Lucas and the rest started descending from Jeric's pavilion. And before they did it, Jeric had already hushed his disciples to not let a word of what happened slip.

Before they could descend to the ground and be visible to the cultivators below who wore black robes, Lucas left a word to Jeric.

"I'll still follow you, so don't worry if you don't see me in the next few seconds."

Jeric was simply stunned, and as he was unable to respond, Lucas had already vanished.

"So that was what he meant."

Lucas activated an invisible spell as he thought that it would be somehow bothering him.

When everyone finally descended, every cultivator in the area, who were all core disciples, approached Jeric, clasping their hands.

"We greet the Sect Master!"

Jeric just nodded and continued walking. Everyone else made a path for him to walk down.

Even though they were still curious about what happened, they couldn't bring the courage to ask Jeric, as they were only mere core disciples. They should wait for themselves to become an elder before being formally associated with him.

Well, there are some instances where a disciple can have a talk with the Sect Master, but it will be limited to the pretext that the Sect Master wanted to talk to them.

When everyone finally dispersed, Lucas returned to his casual robe then deactivated his invisible spell.

According to what he saw, Jeric is a well-regarded and respected Sect Master, and because of this, Lucas couldn't help but notice some similarities between how a Guild Master is greeted in his previous world.

"You seem to have a wide range of people following you," Lucas said out of nowhere.

Jeric just nodded, but he wasn't actually proud of it.

"They were just here for the knowledge. Sooner or later, their loyalty will be proven if they want to fight for the sect. The people I gathered to attack were the only ones I trusted and were truly loyal to me in this sect."

"Don't make it sound like it's the end of the world. At the very least, you have those kinds of people. Trust is hard to earn, you know." Lucas said as if he was a wise hermit.

"You seem to be old to sound so meaningful, Young Master." Jeric casually said, as if the pressure from Lucas was finally gone.

The reason he was limited talking earlier was that he was a little bit intimidated by him. But now that Lucas has started to show some of his jolly sides, it would be rude to kill the joy.

"I am old but not mature as I have secluded myself from society." Then he giggled.

"By the way, where are we going?" Lucas asked.

"I don't have particularly in mind earlier. But after realizing that you'll be here for only a day, I think I might take the chance to show 'it' to you." Jeric said, taking Lucas's curiosity.

"What's the 'it'?" Lucas asked.

"Please follow me to the Treasure Hall."

And as inevitable as it seemed, Lucas just sighed and followed him. There were still cultivators following their backs, and as Lucas looked at the colors of their robes, all of them had white linings.

'Perhaps they were Sect Elders. They also seem to appear older than the general population, ' Lucas thought.

After some time, they all arrived at the Treasure Hall, which had a wide door that was always open.

"This is the Treasure Hall? But why is it left open?" Lucas asked on a whim.

"It is because there were disciples who needed to exchange their points for treasure. Let's say it has a purpose as a shop for disciples." Jeric explained.

"But what if things get stolen?"

"Every treasure has display glass that can't be destroyed by a mere punch or even the strongest attack in the whole realm. Let me inform you, Young Master, our sect has a long history, so the treasure gathered and prominent here isn't simple. We used the best security to provide the best environment for the disciples."

"I see… that makes sense. But how will you open some?"

"By robes. If the display glass can recognize you as someone who's approved to open some, the display glass will open."

'Then, only those who are watching over them must be trustworthy. And also, if it's by a robe, then this place is only for core disciples, and there's a different Treasure Hall for inner and outer court disciples.' Lucas thought as he soon realized that the cultivators inside only had the same robes to wear.

As soon as they set foot inside the Treasure Hall, everyone inside stopped what they were doing and greeted Jeric.

"We greet the Sect Master!" Everyone had clasped their hands.

Jeric just nodded and before he could introduce Lucas, Lucas cut him.

"Don't mind me. Let's continue." Lucas whispered.

Jeric was just left with no choice and just nodded to Lucas. And as everyone was still looking at them, they could only be curious about who it was that seemed to be close to the sect master.

If it seems like that, does it mean that they have equal standing since the sect master doesn't really walk with a person beside him unless they are also a sect master from other sects?

'Who is that handsome?'

'That bastard? Just look at how proud he is? Is he a child of the sect master?'

Everyone was curious about Lucas's identity, but Lucas just didn't mind it. Even their curiosity resulted in gazing at him.

"So… where should we go, Jeric?" Lucas asked and everyone heard about it.

'He called the sect master's name casually?! Now that I've fantasized about him, I shouldn't dare to talk to him later!' Females who saw Lucas had already removed the fantasy of having a conversation with Lucas since they realized that Lucas had equal standing with the sect master.

"We shall go to the highest floor."

"Okay."

Then, after climbing a long spiral staircase, they finally arrived at the uppermost floor of the Treasure Hall.

Jeric just continued walking and went straight into the end of the whole floor. When he arrived there, there was only one object there covered with wide cloth. Also, the sect elders behind them earlier didn't follow them as they were restricted from entering that floor.

"What's this?" Lucas asked.

"This is a treasure of the treasures of the sect. Ever since, 1000 years ago, the ancestor left this treasure before he ascended. But for some reason, no one knows how to use and take the stone."

"Stone?" Lucas asked.

"It will be better to let you see it," Jeric said and then finally removed the cloth.

As he removed it, it revealed a display glass with an item inside. It appears to be a small dagger but with the hilt of a sword. However, the catch is that it was stone into a small rock as if cemented in it.

Jeric started by opening the display glass and taking what was inside. He handed it to Lucas afterward.

"Since I can't waste my time, I want to at least try to understand how this treasure became the treasures of the sect," Jeric said.

Lucas just looked at the item on his hands, and as he was curious what it was, he instinctively pulled the dagger from the stone, and in an instant, it was removed.

"I knew it would work! I knew you could take it, Young Master!"

Chapter 46 - Heavenly Demon Sect [4]

As Lucas removed the sword from the stone, he was just left speechless and dazed. It was as if he wasn't expecting something like this to happen, and as Jeric put it, this treasure is supposed to be hard to remove from the stone.

"Are you sure that no one got to remove this dagger from the stone? It felt too easy to remove." Lucas bluntly said, still in disbelief of what just happened.

However, on the other hand, Jeric was containing himself.

"It was amazing, Young Master. I was right all along. Perhaps this dagger only listens to the most powerful cultivator in the realm, and it was you!" Jeric exclaimed in a bit of a proud manner.

"Cut the crap. I am not the strongest cultivator in the realm. And you know that."

"No, no, Young Master. You are the one who's strongest as you are not only reasonable and benevolent but also have strong prowess."

Lucas just scratched his nape and just looked at the dagger in his hands. The dagger was a little bit rusty to look at, but in reality, it was smooth as if it had been maintained. The carving in the hilt was specially made for a sword, and so because of it, Lucas could only wonder why the blade was so small if this was supposed to be a sword.

In that case, he couldn't think of any other term and just called it a dagger.

'Perhaps this is something exponential that has secrets to use. Let's see… Maybe Analyzing Eyes has something to learn.'

Lucas's eyes lit up in different colors, but the result was futile. Even with the use of his eyes' ability, he still couldn't see the value of the dagger.

"Are you sure that this is a treasure? This feels worthless as my eyes can't comprehend the use of it." Lucas said.

Now that Lucas said it, Jeric couldn't spare but to also ponder as he looked at the dagger.

"The previous sect master before me said that this was a treasure among the treasures of the sect. And from what I think about it, I think they are wrong."

'So he thinks of it too.'

"Never mind, just put this back on the display glass and I'll think of coming back to analyze it if I have a chance. I still have much to learn in this realm, so let's not be hasty." Lucas said.

"You are right, Young Master. Well then, I must assist you to your room. The elders had already prepared one for you." Jeric said in a respectful tone.

"How did you order them?"

"Through Mind Communication. Why do you ask?"

Lucas just shook his head and said, "Never mind."

'So telepathy is possible here as well. I am becoming more interested in the cultivation world.'

Jeric just didn't mind Lucas's question and just assisted him to his room in another building. When they finally went down the floor, the disciples were still looking at them with curiosity and as they left the Treasure Hall, everyone's eyes were still following.

And as they went straight to a district inside the elders' district, everyone in the Treasure Hall immediately gossiped about what happened.

Lucas noticed that the disciples inside began talking, and as he was following Jeric, a smile appeared on his face.

'It was fortunate that I cast illusion magic to alter my face from their perspectives.'

Inside the Treasure Hall.

"Hey. What do you think about the identity of that person that the sect master was talking to? Isn't he handsome and have an otherworldly aura?"

"Are you dreaming? He seems to be an arrogant young master to me."

"Eh? Why would you look at him like he's arrogant?"

"I don't know. It feels like he is too confident like he is from a greater family."

"Maybe he is. He had power, so he was confident."

"Enough with it! I don't care! He. is. hand. some. period."

"Yeah. You handsome freak."

As everyone was talking with each other and producing an irritating sound like a mosquito, inside a room on the ground floor of Treasure Hall, an elder who was in management slammed the door, opening it violently.

"Can't you at least try to be quiet?! I am maintaining a treasure here, so why don't you scram if you don't have anything good to offer."

The manager of the Treasure Hall was a sect elder who seemed to be in his late 40's. However, as angry as he appeared, the core disciples inside just snorted at him.

"The geezer doesn't know what happened here."

"Yeah, right."

The manager became flustered and retorted.

"What happened here?!"

"Well, the Sect Master came here with a mysterious young man. Too bad for you, perhaps you'll be scolded because you didn't greet the sect master." one of the core disciples sneered as if they had a casual relationship with the sect elder.

However, the manager doesn't ignore such a disrespectful attitude. As a result, he threw a daggering eye at the one who spoke, making him gulp.

"F-Forgive me."

"Tsk. Tell me. Who was the mysterious young man?" the manager asked one of the core disciples who was just near him.

"I don't know. He was perhaps a guest from the Five Great Families? We don't know."

The manager narrowed his eyes at the disciple to see through if there was information left behind. However, as he felt that there was nothing more, he just sighed and ignored the disciple.

"Get back to your business. The sect master didn't call for a meeting, so it's not important."

"Eh? But they were casually talking. Maybe you don't know that there was one or you were just an outcast." A sudden voice resounded.

"Who said it?!" the manager suddenly roared, but no one answered or didn't point one out.

He just clicked his tongue and looked at his assistant, who was also a core disciple.

"Manage things while I am gone. I will look for the sect master!"

'There's no way my brother would leave me behind on important matters!'

***

Inside the 10 Judgement Hell's Path.

Felicity, who had been jolted awake by a bright light, found herself standing on top of a pillar. It was a pillar from among plenty of pillars, and the bottom was a dark abyss; nothing could be seen.

As she inspected the surroundings, a smile emerged from her face.

"As expected. I can finish this in a month."

Felicity already knew the test, but there was something inside her system that told her that she forgot to do in the Mortal Realm.

As he thought about it, she suddenly groaned and clenched her fist.

"I forgot to tell Lucas about the tests. Tsk. How careless of me!"

But as nothing could be undone, she just shook her head and put her trust in Lucas.

"I know that he'll be able to pass through the trials and tests without my help. He is someone who's greater than me after all."

And so, Felicity moved from her standing position and leaped to another one. As the skies were so brightly blue, she grasped tightly at the ring that Lucas gave her.

'I will surely save you, Mary.. Just wait.'

Chapter 47 - Shadow Movement

Lucas had already seen his quarters. It was a wide room with a wheeled screen divider in the middle of the room. Also, his bed has a canopy that he seems to find amusing because of how it was designed.

'Even though I have looked at it many times, I still can't comprehend the uniqueness of their art. This world will surely bring me joy different from my world.'

As Lucas also felt that there was nothing happening that seemed to be repetitive or similar to his previous life, he tried to accept this realm.

So, instead of rushing to Immortal Heaven, why not spend some of his time here in this world applying his previous world knowledge? It wasn't bad.

In his previous world, he hadn't had the chance to create his own guild or to be precise, a solely managed guild that no one built by inspired by him.

In his prime in his previous life, he became immortal, and because of that, he didn't have the chance to really want to start his own guild, as, at that time, he was an advisor to a country.

Well, it doesn't mean that he didn't think of it. He just doesn't have the inspiration since he knows how tiring it is to become a leader of a group of people.

But what if he changes his mindset right now? Instead of ignoring things that he finds too bothersome, why doesn't he try to experience them?

"How about I make my own sect? Right. I haven't tried a guild in the past, so maybe this time, I can accomplish one!"

Lucas stood up from the bed, as he had sunk himself earlier when he entered his room.

He went outside of the room and went straight to find Jeric. But as he realized that there was no need to really look for him or ask for his permission, he just smiled and activated a spell to create an inner court disciple robe.

"I've already seen core disciples. And from what I've seen, they had plenty of privileges compared to the outer court. How about I look at the inner court?"

Then, he swept his feet off the ground and passed through walls.

Of course, he doesn't intend to be invisible but still had to be invisible. As he wanted to change his mindset, he'd try to see things in public and also try to socialize if there was someone who wanted to talk to him.

Then, after some time, he felt that he had already left the most privileged place and saw the difference between the buildings and the difference in the robes.

He saw some cultivators wearing grey robes, and just as he expected, they were inner court disciples.

"Sweet! I'll try walking with them."

Then, he descended into the shaded part and deactivated his invisible spell.

However, as he didn't expect it, someone saw him and called him out.

It was also an inner court disciple who was a male and wore eyeglasses.

"You are an amazing brother! You already grasp the understanding of the Shadow Movement? You are amazing!"

Lucas was startled for a second as he didn't realize that there was someone. According to his suspect, this person may also have a technique for lessening his presence.

Lucas smiled at him and just didn't try to expose himself.

"Y-Yes… It was a pretty amazing experience."

"By the way, brother, I don't see you regularly. Are you new here or were you intentionally hiding your presence to practice Shadow Movement?"

"Oh crap. You are right. I was practicing it. You know it too, right? I didn't feel your presence, or I must say, I didn't realize that the presence I felt was a human."

It was absurd that Lucas wouldn't feel a presence. That's why he chose this place because he knew that there was no human presence here. And also, he doesn't always use his eye ability to check things. He is confident in his senses.

"Oh… You knew it. I was practicing the second form of Shadow Movement. It was Fake Presence."

'What a self-explanatory movement technique.'

"That's amazing. By the way, who's the brother I am talking to?"

"Ah! I am Oliver Yang."

"Oh… Oliver, I am Claus White." Lucas said.

"White? Or Wei? Please enlighten me, brother Claus."

"Right. It is Wei. I am Claus Wei."

Oliver smiled at him and then led him to the street.

"Why don't we try to get an assessment together? Actually, I haven't taken an assessment since I learned about Shadow Movement because I was afraid that no one in my batch had learned it. I was afraid to stand out." Oliver said in a somewhat less energetic tone.

"Don't worry, Oliver, I'll come with you," Lucas said with a smile as if he was a brother who was giving his sibling confidence.

"Really? Thank you very much!"

"Then, lead the way."

Lucas doesn't know what he should do next. But as he wanted to know what the disciples do in their casual times, he followed Oliver in a direction where a wide arena was. As he still doesn't know what and how they will be assessed, he just didn't bother with it.

'I could care less. It won't matter anyway, at least I can encourage this person before me.' Lucas thought, as he was following him, that it was solely for the purpose of encouraging him. Even he doesn't know if it will result in greater things, the decision was from Oliver.

"We are here," Oliver said.

'Now, that I don't know what to do. Should I just go first? Hm… I'll cast an illusion on that observer.'

"Excuse me, we are here to take an assessment."

Lucas faced Oliver as there was a question he hadn't asked earlier.

"By the way, why do we need to take an assessment test?" Lucas asked.

"Are you trying to joke with me, brother Claus?"

"Just Claus is okay."

"Okay. But I'll just play with your joke. We take an assessment test to gauge our progress and give us points if we truly learned our lessons. It was something that every disciple should do so that they could put some credibility and achievement into their records."

Lucas just nodded after Oliver explained.

Some moments later, Lucas stepped forward before Oliver.

"Let me go first, Oliver so that you'll never feel that you stand out," Lucas said to him, and just as Oliver heard it clearly, his eyes widened.

"You are kind, Claus."

"I know."

Lucas just snickered then stepped forward. He looked at the observer with some kind of look and, as there was no time for them to talk since disciples should just put their hands on a totem to check their registry, Lucas activated a series of spells.

'Look here, mister observer."

The observer's eyes widened as he heard someone talking to his mind.

'Mind Communication?!'

As Lucas had already cast an illusion spell to alter his appearance to the observer, he confidently talked to him through telepathy.

'Don't be obvious. I already passed this assessment, so there's no need for me to touch the totem. Can you do that favor?' Lucas asked.

'Well, if you can use Mind Communication, there's no need for me to doubt your credibility. Go on.' the observer replied.

'Thank you very much.'

And thus, Lucas started stepping into the arena and started showcasing his abilities.

As Oliver didn't mention any differences, Lucas just kept in mind that the movement technique was supposed to work in shadows, as the name suggests. So he just went into an artificial tree in the middle of the arena and activated his invisible spell.

Meanwhile, from a distance just above the arena and on the benches in the audience, a young man was looking at Lucas with disdaining eyes. Inside him, he was clearly contemptuous of Lucas for some reason.

'I found you. You are also a disciple of the sect, and still taking an assessment for a crappy movement technique. Lucky for me that I can easily kill you without wasting any efforts..' Then a sinister smile followed after his thoughts.

Chapter 48 - Deathmatch

As Lucas had already finished taking the assessment test, he left the arena and nodded to the observer, gesturing thanks.

And Oliver prepared himself because he was the next one to take the assessment. Lucas just smiled at him when they ran into each other, as he also patted Oliver's shoulders.

"Good luck." Lucas unconsciously said and it wasn't even needed.

"Thanks."

"By the way, I'll be going now. I think I still have things to do." Lucas said and Oliver just nodded at him.

"Sure. Thanks, by the way."

Lucas waved his palm above his head level as he also turned back to get outside the arena. However, before he could leave, someone barricaded his path.

It was a young man who was wearing the same robe as him and was supposed to be an inner court disciple. He was looking at Lucas with a glare.

"I challenge you for a deathmatch."

As soon as those words came out of the young man's mouth, everyone around them gasped in surprise and looked at them like some sort of play was on.

"Uhm… Do I know you?" Lucas asked.

There's even no need to ask. Lucas doesn't know this young man, and in the case of conversation, he just asked him.

"Hypocrite. I want you to battle with me in a deathmatch. You can't escape because you're going to die anyway." Then a sinister smile followed that bothered Lucas in some way.

'Deathmatch? I found it a life-staking match. Do I need to agree? If that be, I should kill him.'

Lucas couldn't think of an answer. And as time goes on, the young man laughed.

"You are scared of a deathmatch? Perhaps you are a coward and a hypocrite. I follow the rules that say if not in a deathmatch or a normal duel, one can't hurt his fellow disciple. But I don't think you are going to follow the rules. If someone challenges you, you must accept it. Being a disciple of the Heavenly Demon Sect is a pride!"

Hearing about it, Lucas couldn't help but feel disgusted inside. Not only he was talking too much, but he was also being unreasonable. Why should he challenge someone that he doesn't know?

Lucas just shook his head in dismay as he also slowly stepped forward.

"Who are you?" Lucas asked with an intimidating voice, but he was looking at his pressure to not accidentally leak.

"He doesn't know Richard Li? How come that he became an inner court disciple if he didn't know the inner court's pride?"

Lucas accidentally heard a whisper and because of it, he raised his eyebrow.

'This one is a popular kid. But I don't really remember offending anyone who had a face like him.'

Lucas just sighed and raised his arms in the air.

"Okay. I will be accepting your challenge. But let's not make it a deathmatch. A regular duel will suffice."

"Tsk. Coward." Richard Li sneered.

As Richard made it sound disdainful, everyone around him jumped on the bandwagon and trash-talked Lucas as well.

"Okay… I am a coward, I admit it. So let's settle this calmly if you have any problems with me. You don't need to make it worse." Lucas said with his head closed.

"Tsk."

Right, Lucas was doing reverse psychology. As Richard called him 'coward', Lucas was just admitting it to mess up Richard's thoughts.

Richard was just gritting his teeth. Unexpectedly, Lucas accepted it without any worries.

Was it just because he doesn't know him or he's just courting death? For some reason, Richard is confused.

"Let's go?" Lucas asked as if tempting him instead of being threatened.

"Tsk!"

"MOVE THE WAY! VACATE THE ARENA! A DUEL IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!"

As someone suddenly shouted like a lion's roar, everyone in the arena looked at them with anticipating eyes.

Everyone who knows Richard already thought that he'd win. As for him, he was the pride of the inner court; hence, he was also one of the strongest in the inner court.

However, those who really didn't like Richard were hoping to be beaten by Lucas. Even though they didn't know Lucas, they were rooting for him.

The observer in the arena was ordered to halt the assessment and vacate the arena immediately.

This isn't new to Lucas. In his previous words, he was used to getting challenges even if he didn't know them. However, this case in this world is different as he doesn't really have any reputation or name that is known.

On the other hand, Richard was anticipating. He was going to blow the shit out of this hypocrite before him. Why did he hate him? Because he hates cunning people who are also sly and act like an incarnation of kindness or benevolence.

He wasn't enraged about his face, nor the other features Lucas had. But for some reason, he doesn't like those who act kind to others.

This is the cultivation world and every cultivator must be self-centered to improve. If they can't do it, they won't break through the base they want.

It was, indeed, the main point if you wanted to cultivate quickly, become strong, and be respected. However, Richard still doesn't know the whole surface of the cultivation world. He was just at the bottom, having not even faced the peak yet, but for him, he was supposed to be right.

But, how can he become like this? Because he's self-centered and thinks everyone should be self-centered.

"Now. How should we start with this duel?" As soon as they steeped their feet in the middle, Lucas uttered

Lucas was a bit dazed about what to do next, but as he remembered a particular greeting that they did, Lucas immediately clasped his hand and bowed.

Richard, who noticed it, didn't ignore it. Even with his personality, he still respected the greeting.

"Let's start?"

"I'm going to beat the shit out of you, hypocrite! Don't think that you are too kind!" Richard exclaimed as soon as the duel started.

But for some reason, Lucas, who had been feeling a little off since earlier, now remembered the reason behind it. When he heard Richard say 'hypocrite' earlier, he had this feeling that he seemed to have a familiarity with the word.

"Aha! You were the one who wanted me assassinated!" Lucas now knew that Richard was the perpetrator. And because of it, he didn't think of letting Richard go.

If you let one go, it will happen again.

"Manifesting A Mountain Into A Sword!"

Richard immediately swung his sword and from it, extreme energy exuded that destroyed the floors of the arena.

But, as quick as it appeared, those who could think and react quickly sighed.

"This kid is going to die. That is a signature move of the Li Family."

"No shit. I am out. The debris will be extreme at this moment."

However, as they anticipated that Lucas would be defeated as soon as he got hit by the attack, Lucas disappointed their expectations.

"Blocked! Hahaha! Nice move!"

Richard dropped his jaw in an instance with a slight annoyance behind it.

Chapter 49 - I Hate Slavery

Lucas already created a barrier in front of him, protecting him from the impact.

Around him was a crater, but only the location where he was standing was completely fine. Because of it, Richard couldn't help but be more irritated.

'How could he protect himself from my attack? Just earlier, he was taking an assessment for that crappy movement technique. That means he is behind me! But how…'

As Richard was having deep thoughts, he stopped attacking after the first one. A smile appeared on his face as he thought of something that might be the reason why it happened this way.

"You… You are hiding a treasure, huh? Don't think that you can survive the next attack because I know that protective treasures are only able to be activated once! " he exclaimed with an overjoyed face.

'Yes! Be humiliated!'

Lucas widened his eyes and thought of playing with Richard. And as Richard said, Lucas rode with the bandwagon.

"H-How? Y-You already saw my tricks! I was about to boast about it, but you… you see through me?!" Lucas said hysterically as if it was real.

Lucas was great at acting as he garnered different types of social skills, in particular, escaping conversations so acting is one of them.

When Lucas noticed that Richard took his acting, he just smiled secretly. 'Yes, these kinds of people are idiots. Self-centered idiots that couldn't see through others' mindsets.'

Another attack was launched, just the same as before, and this time, Lucas snorted before creating a barrier.

'Do I really need to create a barrier? It feels like I don't really need it as this attack is just hoeing to cement.'

The attack hit Lucas's position again, and as the dust disappeared after the attack, everyone was astonished at how Lucas still survived after that attack.

"NO! THE SECOND TRY OF MY TREASURE?! HOW CAN I ESCAPE FROM YOUR ATTACK?!"

'H-He survived that? Don't tell me he has a powerful treasure?'

"You… You are rich enough to spend on that kind of treasure. Are you that weak?!"

"Y-Yes… I am just weak. I was just confident earlier because of my technique. So please, spare my life." Lucas acted with his eyes starting to materialize tears.

The audience was just speechless at how cowardly Lucas was. But they couldn't also ignore the fact that it was Richard who challenged him. Does that mean Richard Li can only challenge those he can defeat and even bully them just to show off?

Lucas noticed the pitying gazes from above. As he thinks about it, his plan was to have an effect. The reverse psychology wasn't just for Richard, but also for the audience, who took their pity.

'Sympathize bitches!'

Richard, who looked at Lucas shedding tears, couldn't ignore the fact that he was bullying a weak person. Even if it was just a little bit, he was bothered by it as he was expecting more from what the assassin had told him about Lucas.

Where is the powerful person that his best assassin couldn't kill?

It was absurd that perhaps his assassin misunderstood a treasure as a technique. But still, this result isn't reasonable.

'Right. Perhaps that idiot just misinterpreted it. He's an idiot anyway!'

"Okay! I will spare your life. But before that, you have to be my slave for your whole life." Richard exclaimed, and next to it was a light laugh.

However, Lucas didn't reply; instead, he just looked down with a solemn face.

"Are you finally realizing it? Too late! I will have your life!" Richard exclaimed again.

And as the audience watched, mosquito sounds could be heard because of their talking. They are particularly pitying Lucas. His life in the sect is doomed.

"Does that mean you'll own my life?" Lucas suddenly asked, but his voice was somewhat different. Rather, it was hoarse and intimidating.

'What's with this bastard?'

"Yes! Now! Give me your life-!"

Before he could continue, a sudden beam of wind from Lucas's position moved towards him. He only realized afterward that Lucas had abruptly appeared before him.

"Too bad. I don't want to become your slave."

And in the next moment, Lucas swayed his sleeve above, giving Richard a punch from below. In an instant, it hit Richard's stomach, causing a ripple effect of an invisible force.

And the next second, Richard flew a few meters away from Lucas, and, as well as in the air, he passed out.

Everyone was surprised and silent at the moment they didn't notice everything. In just the blink of an eye, Richard was already a few meters away from Lucas. Even those who are confident in their reaction time were dumbfounded as they didn't see that one coming.

"Too bad, I hate slavery," Lucas said before changing his robes back into his casual attire.

'Tsk! Playtime is over. I'll just settle things with Jeric after this.'

Everyone was still silent. They didn't know how to react.

Was what they'd just watched just an act? How can that make sense when no one in the inner court was supposed to be this strong?

And obviously, looking at Richard's body, he could be seen already dead.

Lucas just glared at Richard's body and threw a small amount of energy from healing magic.

"That'll be enough to fix your bones," he mumbled at the moment he fixed Richard's bones.

A few seconds later, another beam of wind appeared, but it wasn't from Lucas this time. Rather, it was coming from the skies that directly descended on Lucas's position.

"Young Master! What have you done?! What happened here?!" Jeric hysterically asked as the condition of the arena was atrocious.

Lucas shrugged and pointed at Richard.

"Ask him. I was just doing my observation when he instantly asked me for a fight. Maybe he thought I was a disciple here because of my disguise. What a pity… I was thinking of seeing everything in the inner court, but my mask was removed. Even if I make illusions again, it will be too boring again."

'Though, it was my fault for not letting him go.' Then, inwardly, he snickered.

"Right. I can fix the arena if it's naturally built, but from what it looks like, I don't see any hint that I can reverse it at the moment."

"Don't worry about it, Young Master. They can fix it. Instead, why don't we go for a meal? I've prepared a special set for you." Jeric said with a proud smile on his face.

As weird as it seems when watched normally, it is reasonable when looking under pressure. If someone had the ability to see this, they would instantly think that Lucas was the older one because of the mature and stronger pressure around him.

"Is that so? Then I won't be humble. I'll eat."

Jeric just nodded and started flying towards the direction of the innermost sect.

And as they had already left, everyone in the arena was left dumbfounded… again.

"Did the sect master just call him Young Master?"

Chapter 50 - Settlement

"Why were you walking down there, Young Master?" Jeric asked while they were on the way to the most inner part of the sect.

However, Lucas was in deep thought. In particular, he was thinking of how a sect must work. Does having a sect master that bows to anyone were okay? He doesn't know, as, in his previous world, the weaker country is obliged to be respectful to the stronger one.

In some cases, a strong country doesn't particularly look down on a weaker country. If they have the same ideas, even without a proper alliance, the stronger country will willingly assist the weaker country.

But in this world where cultivators and sects basically had different ideas about each other, Lucas wanted to know how a sect master should act and think.

"Jeric, why are you calling me 'Young Master'?" Lucas suddenly asked, dumbfounding Jeric.

"Eh? Because you asked me to." Jeric answered.

"But why did you listen to me? Does it hurt your pride?"

"In particular, it hurts my pride, but you are strong, so it is okay to be humble to you."

From what Jeric said, although a bit vague, he just listened and followed Lucas's words because he was strong. Hence, it could mean that he was only obligated to follow him because of fear.

"Then, if we are equals. How should you address me?" Lucas asked.

"Uhm… Fellow Daoist Lucas."

Lucas sighed in the realization that he'd just done it wrong. Since he really didn't know the principles and practices of cultivators, he thought that calling him 'Young Master' like he was when he first visited Arthur Lim was okay.

However, upon realization, he was wrong and almost trampled on someone's pride.

'For mortals, they say, 'You can't put food on the table with your pride'. For mages, 'Pride doesn't bring intelligence'. However, I still don't know what's the pride of cultivators.'

"Then, if I address you, should I say Fellow Daoist?" Lucas asked.

"Yes, it makes me feel we are equal. But it depends on you, Young Master."

Lucas just shook his head.

"Call me Fellow Daoist this time. I should've learned it sooner." Lucas said, making Jeric dumbfounded again and become silent for the whole flight.

'So it was like that. Cultivators take pride in being recognized.'

***

The next day.

As Lucas had already finished his time in the Heavenly Demon Sect, he was prepared to return to the Flower Dark Sect. However, he still feels that he only had a little time to get to know how a sect operates.

As he wanted to solely know it by experience and not by words, Lucas sighed in the realization that he needed to fully grasp it on different sides in this manner.

If he acts like a normal 18-year-old cultivator, what type of sect should he join?

'If I want to start my own sect, I should study more and fully grasp my nature.' Lucas thought.

And thus, after saying his farewell to Jeric, he flew back to the Flower Dark Sect at a speed that can't be fathomed. And just a few seconds later, he arrived at the sect, landing directly in front of the pavilion of the sect master of the sect.

"Welcome back, Senior Expert." A group of cultivators greeted him. They were at least in the Master Spirit Realm and were supposed to be sect elders of the sect.

"Where's T-, Fellow Daoist Thomas?" Lucas asked.

"The sect master is in his quarters."

"I see." Lucas just nodded and went straight to Thomas's quartes. After he arrived, he knocked on the door.

"I'm back with some news," he said to the other side of the door.

In a few seconds, the door opened with Thomas respectfully greeting him.

"Welcome back, Senior Lucas."

Lucas just looked at him with no particular expression. Then, he nodded and sighed.

"It will be Fellow Daoist now. Greet me as an equal, not as a senior."

Thomas was surprised at first. However, after a fragment of a second, he nodded in acceptance of Lucas's words.

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Lucas."

Lucas walked right into the room and sat before a table. He lowered his body and crossed his legs.

On the other hand, the sect elders left the room, and even behind them, no one was standing to overhear their conversation.

"What news have you brought, Fellow Daoist Lucas?" Thomas asked.

"It's about the settlement with the Heavenly Demon Sect. We've finally made a conclusion that someone might have conspired the grudge between you two. And so, the grudge was finally okay. " Lucas said, leaving Thomas dumbfounded just after he sat.

"I-Is that true?" Thomas hesitantly asked.

"Yes, it is. Because of that, I want you to go to their sect to show your sincerity that you didn't plan on killing his son. After all, I know that you're sect won't even benefit from killing him."

"T-That's right. But why would I be the one to go there? They were the ones who assumed and attacked us." Thomas uttered his words with a hint of irritation behind him.

Lucas shook his head.

"No. You have to. Since I went there from here, Fellow Daoist Jeric doesn't trust my words. So, it will be a gesture that shows sincerity."

"It is reasonable, but what if I am attacked there?"

"Silly."

Lucas just sighed again, but this time there was a snort in between.

"Don't worry. You're as good as dead before I came here. So, just go there. I'll be spectating the whole meeting, so don't worry. I also feel that Fellow Daoist Jeric took a liking to me." Lucas said with confidence.

'After all, he showed me the supposed treasure among the treasures of their sect.'

"I-Is that true? Did the sect master of the Heavenly Demon Sect, who is known to be self-centered, take a liking to someone? Ah. It's you, so it might be reasonable." Thomas said.

'So he had that kind of reputation. That might also be why the disciples of his sect had some ego baked inside their heads.'

Lucas just scoffed and then continued talking with Thomas pertaining to the plan for how they'd meet Jeric.

***

After three days of his fight with Lucas, Richard finally woke up. But he just abruptly stood up from his bed, as he had just had a nightmare.

He looked at his body with perplexity and looked at his surrounding.

"What happened to me?" he mumbled and tried to stand up, but alas, his strength didn't come back successfully.

Because of it, he was tempted to gather his Qi and put it in his muscles, but for some reason, he was unable to gather it.

"What happened to me?"

"Your dantian was destroyed, so it will be futile to circulate your Qi."

Hearing that, Richard became silent and slowly looked at the person who was talking.

"Patriarch!"

He suddenly kowtowed, even though he was just sitting.

"You might be confused about what happened to you. The sect master of the Heavenly Demon Sect sent you back after you attacked a guest. And as he was really offended by it, he asked me to destroy your dantian just to forgive our family."

Hearing all those words, Richard seemed to have become a statue, unable to move his muscles because of fright.

"And also, at this moment, we don't need useless trash like you. Prepare your things, you'll be sent to the military."

And at this moment, everything flashed back to Richard's memory.. Starting from the start, when his assassin warned him about Lucas until Lucas's sinister face before punching him.

Chapter 51 - Someone Conspired This

After a few days, Lucas and Thomas, with some of his sect elders were on their way to the Heavenly Demon Sect. However, they were flying, and Lucas was the only one who wasn't using any treasure. The rest, they had flying treasure.

'It will be a long-distance flight, so I used a flying treasure. But how about Fellow Daoist Lucas? Can he keep up with that distance?'

All of them were just amazed at how easily Lucas could fly without any flying treasure or having difficulty circulating his Qi.

Unbeknownst to them, Lucas wasn't actually flying using his Qi. He was just using his third energy to activate a flight spell. Because of it, he wasn't having any difficulties, since he had an affinity with the wind.

Sometime later, they finally arrived at the gates of the Heavenly Demon Sect. Since it is rude to land inside if you are only a visitor, unannounced, they all landed in front of the gate.

But their descend doesn't have any kind of result. As others were wearing their sect's robes, the guard of the gate became alarmed and positioned themselves in battle position.

'Jeric didn't notify them that we'd be arriving?' Lucas pondered the reason that his words might have been useless.

"We are here to have an audience with Fellow Daoist Jeric. You don't need to point your weapons at us." Lucas said as he was in front of the group. But the guards just eyed him with an unpleasant gaze.

"Kids these days are bold. This is a matter for adults, so stay out of it!" the guards sneered.

Because of it, hearing the unpleasant words, Thomas was a bit irritated and was about to pull out his weapon.

"Don't bother. They are just weaklings, so hold onto me."

'I am not going to use it, but since it has become troublesome, I will try to use this spell for the first time with the use of third energy. I hope the amount of energy will suffice.'

Everyone held onto Lucas's shoulders, and the next moment, they all disappeared in the visions of the guards, dropping their jaws in surprise.

"Where did they go?!"

Meanwhile, Lucas had already activated his teleportation spell. And as he really didn't know if the Jeric's pavilion was already fixed, he teleported everyone to the quarters he used to sleep in when he came here.

After the next second, they finally arrived at the quarters, and everyone had just become statues, thinking that they'd just seen an unbelievable feat before their eyes.

"F-Fellow Daoist Lucas. Was that a spatial movement technique?" Thomas hesitantly asked because he was surprised.

"Ah, that? You can call it like that."

The teleportation spell, equivalent to cultivators, is a spatial movement technique that can move through space without any limitation to the objects in the area. However, this kind of feat is known that those who can use it are those who were at the peak of the Emperor Spirit Realm, and because it wasn't that common, it was deemed only a legend.

"Good heavens."

They all expressed their emotions and thoughts about the teleportation spell Lucas activated. But as Lucas didn't really have any interest in their talks, he just used his time to look for Jeric using his eyes that could see through walls.

After a while, Lucas finally found Thomas, who was in the plaza in the most inner part of the sect, talking to someone.

"Wait here," Lucas said to them before opening the doors, but as he thought that it might be dangerous if someone saw them, he cast an illusion spell in the area that made them invisible to others' eyes.

Lucas got down from the floor and headed outside. Also, he activated an invisible spell to make it easier to move and avoid unnecessary socializing with people.

As he arrived at Jeric's location, he was already done with talking to a cultivator before him.

"Fellow Daoist Jeric," Lucas called him.

And in an instant, Jeric tried to find Lucas.

"Fellow Daoist Lucas?"

Then, Lucas revealed himself under a shadow with his hand on his forehead, as if saluting casually.

"Yoh. The sect master of Flower Dark Sect is already here. How about a private meeting?" Lucas said.

Jeric widened his eyes.

"They were here? But why didn't the guards notify me?" Jeric wondered.

"Well, you didn't notify them to greet them respectfully. And as a result, I just sneaked them in. They are inside of the quarters I used a few days ago."

"I see. I understand."

Then, Lucas just followed Jeric to settle with the cultivator he was talking with and then headed to the living quarters Lucas used.

When they arrived, the door slide opened and a moment of silence filled the room as soon as Jeric entered the room.

"Greetings, Sect Master of Heavenly Demon Sect."

'He really is here. I thought that fellow Daoist Lucas wouldn't be able to persuade the arrogant Thomas.'

As well, Jeric greeted him by clasping his hands. After it, they sat down around a square table with only the three of them. The sect elders of the Flower Dark Sect were just behind the divider of the room.

Even if they overhear the conversation, it won't be that bothering if they settle things appropriately.

"So, how about you start with what happened 100 years ago?" Lucas said, with both of them still silent after greeting each other.

"Let's start with the Sect Master of the Flower Dark Sect. What is your defense against the accusation."

Thomas nodded after Lucas's words and started telling the side of his story.

And as the story goes on, it was still the same as what Thomas said to Lucas, but there was more detailed information like who was chosen to fight with Jeric's son was a talented cultivator who joined the sect just a few months before the friendly match.

After it, there's nothing noteworthy.

"Then how about the Sect Master of the Heavenly Demon Sect? Why did you come to the conclusion that they killed your son intentionally?"

And so, after Lucas's question, Jeric started telling his story. As there were notable parts that might contradict Thomas's words, Lucas intervened before Thomas could react.

"Someone came that said he was a disciple of the Flower Dark Sect, also one of those who helped with the planning of killing my son. And after it, he revealed everything to me. From what he said, the Sect Master of the Flower Dark Sect wanted to put me into Qi Deviation from the loss of my son. And for that reason, their sect will bloom and will absorb mine, as there was no other strong cultivator in the sect that deserved to be next in line."

The explanation continued until recently when someone again gave Jeric a word about the Flower Dark Sect's new plan. And for the whole session, Jeric sounded like a pushover and an idiot who always listened to any word without checking it.

But Lucas understood it, as Jeric might have loved his son so deeply that through the whole hundred years, he was still on the edge, wanting to take revenge for the reason his son died.

"And so it is clear that someone tried to have you two fight. It is clear that all of that was just a misunderstanding, and for you, Fellow Daoist Jeric, try to assess and investigate things. Also, you, Fellow Daoist Thomas, try to clear up the misunderstanding by explaining things thoroughly." In the midst of the two sect masters' silence, Lucas spoke up.

Then he continued, "Fix every misunderstanding. And if someone gives you evidence that comes from outside of your sect, don't listen to them."

The room was still silent. Both of them were still gathering the courage to face the shame they had just made through the whole hundred years. And as the two of them finally understood each other, they apologized to each other.

"I don't want to meddle with your problems after this. But let me give a piece of advice on how you can catch the perpetrator of this incident. Don't announce that you have already settled. Allow the perpetrator to believe that you are both playing on his palm. And after this, become silent again. Fellow Daoist Jeric, I am sure that they will approach you again to fuel the fire.. And that way, you can find some hint as to who really was the one who conspired this."

Chapter 52 - Looking For A Sect [1]

After a few days, the relationship between the two sects became stable. Although they were secretly exchanging messages, they still kept a lookout for the start of the fire.

While Lucas, who remained aimless again, was left with two options. Should he instantly create a sect or find a sect to study how a sect works?

He particularly doesn't feel like joining one of the two sects since he would feel off. And so, with the decision to join a sect, he now chooses what type of sect he should join.