Nameless Region Chapter Thirty-Seven: Sect Arrangements

“Now, I will announce the candidates who will enter the Minor World tomorrow: Xu Zhen, Wang Li, Liu Xiaoling, Xu Jian, Xia Wenbo, Guan Pengfei, Su Yixuan, Shu Baixuan, Yan Lingxiang, Wang Dabao, Chen Yukun, Chen Fengtian, Jiang Lingxian... Xu Biao, Kong Xiaori, Kong Xiaoyue... Lan Fei, Su Chen, Ji Duan!

These fifty people have earned a spot to enter the Minor World. However, given the extreme danger of this expedition, the sect will not force anyone to participate. If you have objections, raise them now. Those who agree to enter the Minor World, stand in the center; those who do not wish to enter, stand to the left; those who wish to enter but lack a spot, stand to the right. We will reconsider the final selection for entry. Disciples not involved, please leave the Martial Platform.”

The disciples began to move; the inner sect disciples and those uninterested in entering the Minor World withdrew from the Martial Platform, though none descended the mountain, all eager to witness the proceedings.

Xu Biao and the Kong siblings stood in the central area, joining thirty-five others. Thirteen stood to the right, while two had not arrived that day.

On the right, twenty-nine stood, all outer sect disciples hoping for a chance to enter the Minor World. Their cultivation generally exceeded the eighth layer of Qi Refining. Most were older, some resembling elderly men, their faces wrinkled, hair sparse, with no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment.

The importance of cultivation talent is profound. Had their talent sufficed, they would not need to compete for these spots now, grasping at the faint chance for advancement within the Minor World.

With their strength, had they left Xingyan Sect for the mundane world, they could have lived as kings. Yet, after decades in the realm of immortality, their hearts yearned only for the path of the immortal, indifferent to worldly matters. Their greatest ambition was to travel further upon this path.

Of course, not all were old cultivators; among the twenty-nine, ten were young, vigorous Qi Refining disciples. Some had not realized the danger, others were simply ambitious. Though not as strong as Wang Li or Xu Zhen, their abilities were not lacking, and their potential could well lead to Foundation Establishment. Thus, these ten were excluded from the preselection.

Xu Yuan's decision was straightforward: select the fifteen oldest among the remaining nineteen, a task easily accomplished by scanning their bone age with spiritual sense—something Foundation Establishment cultivators could do effortlessly.

She observed that Zhou Xuanhong's bone age was merely eighteen; whatever secrets he carried would hardly stir much trouble.

The fifty final candidates were led by Xuan Qizi to the Xuanqi Hall atop the Sect Master's Peak. Xuan Qizi sat at the head, elders each in their places. Below, Zhou Xuanhong, Wang Li, Luo Tun, Jiang Ti, and other personal and final disciples stood in a row, with the fifty Minor World candidates behind them.

Xuan Qizi, solemn, addressed them: “I need not elaborate on the dangers of this Minor World. First, let me impart some essential knowledge:

Tomorrow, when the Minor World opens, a passage will form, ending in a teleportation array that can send you randomly to any location within the Minor World. To form teams, simply maintain physical contact; you will be teleported together.

Aside from a select few, most of you have roamed the immortal world for decades. The sect’s purpose is not hidden: to wear down the strength of the other three sects. Your abilities are likely inferior to theirs, but in a true life-and-death battle, it is not certain you will be the ones to perish. Your experience and judgment can prevail in mortal danger.

Beyond threats from the other sects, native spirit beasts of the Minor World pose significant danger. Most are Qi Refining beasts, but exceptions exist—some with potent bloodlines can barely break through the world’s restraints and reach Foundation Establishment.

Similarly, those like Wang Li and Xu Zhen at the peak of Qi Refining, half a step into Foundation Establishment, may swiftly break through, gaining absolute advantage in the Minor World.

One thing must be emphasized: if you encounter disciples from the Five Spirit Pill Valley, cooperate if possible; if not, at least avoid offending them. As for the Yin Corpse Sect, there is nothing to discuss—kill them if you can, flee if you cannot. As for the crazy swordsmen of the Song Mountain Sword Pavilion, their numbers will be few—twenty at most—but each is formidable. You know their strength from previous encounters; they rise through bloodshed, their temperaments eccentric and arrogant. Best not entangle yourselves with them.

Given the Minor World’s rich spiritual energy and resources, each of you will receive a storage pouch containing a Foundation Establishment Pill and a powerful talisman. If your life is at risk, use the talisman to perish alongside your enemy.”

Everyone took their storage pouches. Most showed joy, save for a few indifferent ones. A Foundation Establishment Pill—worth nearly one hundred spirit stones on the market—was invaluable to them.

As for the talisman, inscribed with destruction runes, everyone shuddered. This was the sect’s true intent: to sacrifice them while inflicting greater losses on the other sects.

Clearly, should the talisman be detonated, even peak Qi Refining cultivators would die with regret. Yet its destruction was indiscriminate—likely, the first to die would be the user themselves.

Xuan Qizi sighed: “Though this is an opportunity, it is fraught with peril. If you survive, the sect promises: any treasures or resources gained in the Minor World are yours; not a single blade of spiritual grass will be claimed by the sect.”

This declaration brought renewed joy to the old cultivators. Now, they could enter the Minor World without any worries. If they survived, the resources could truly help them reach Foundation Establishment.

They gambled.

The helplessness of the humble is tragic. Even as pawns, give them a little benefit, and they will bow and scrape. Were their cultivation not arduous? No—they labored as hard as any genius. Yet the world is unfair: their toil brings not progress but endless bottlenecks. For the geniuses, such obstacles are mere bumps easily overcome.

Cultivation is about refining body, mind, and character. Whether in the immortal or mortal realm, stagnation leads only to disappointment.

As for the prodigies like Wang Li and Xu Zhen, Xuan Qizi’s words meant little. Foundation Establishment Pills were easily acquired. What mattered to them was the battle with other sects—their own growth would be more evident through combat.

Xuan Qizi seemed to recall something and added, “Given the current situation, internal strife must cease. Stand united against outsiders. If anyone is found harming their fellow disciples upon return, they will be expelled from the sect. Do you understand?”

“We understand!”

All disciples cupped their hands and bowed, outwardly united. Yet, what would occur in the Minor World remained uncertain.

“Very well, go and prepare for tomorrow.”

The disciples were sent from the Sect Master’s Peak, leaving Zhou Xuanhong, Wang Li, Xu Zhen, Luo Tun, and the Kong siblings behind.

Xuan Qizi smiled kindly: “You two children need not enter the Minor World at all. If you need any resources, simply ask me.”

Kong Xiaori shook her head. “Thank you for your kindness, Sect Master, but my elder brother says that relying on oneself is the path of the strong. External aid is always just that; only by our own strength can we stand atop this world.”

Xuan Qizi clapped and laughed. “Excellent, worthy seedlings chosen by that person. Your future is boundless. Alas, if you hadn’t been earmarked by such a powerful figure, I would devote all the sect’s resources to nurturing you. The future of Xingyan Sect would be immeasurable!”

Kong Xiaori simply cupped her hands and said nothing.

Then Xuan Qizi addressed Wang Li, Xu Zhen, and the others: “After entering the Minor World, if you encounter the Kong siblings, do everything in your power to ensure their safety. If anything happens to them, you will cripple your own cultivation.”

His calm words brimmed with goodwill toward the Kong siblings. The intention to curry favor was obvious. No one doubted that, should anything befall Kong Xiaori and Kong Xiaoyue, Xuan Qizi would indeed enforce self-crippling.

Wang Li, Xu Zhen, and the other two Qi Refining direct disciples were startled. They had heard from their elders never to provoke the siblings, but had not realized the consequences would be so severe. Wang Li had planned to kill Xu Biao and then teach the Kong siblings a lesson, but now their backing was too immense to contemplate. Any petty schemes vanished instantly.

Xuan Qizi sent Wang Li, Xu Zhen, and the Kong siblings away, leaving Zhou Xuanhong, Luo Tun, and three Foundation Establishment direct disciples behind.

Xuan Qizi’s goodwill toward Luo Tun was evident, though less than toward the Kong siblings.

“Luo Tun, as the senior disciple of Xingyan Sect, you bear great responsibility. When the other three sects arrive tomorrow, the Minor World will be a battlefield. Foundation Establishment disciples will have their own arena. Our sect’s mid-level strength has suffered greatly; the Yin Corpse Sect will certainly try to suppress us. You must withstand the pressure—do not let our sect’s reputation suffer. Take Xuanhong, Zhuge, Ziyu, and Yi Xue to the inner sect and seek experts like Li Li. Tomorrow, guard the Martial Platform—do not let the Yin Corpse Sect trample us!”

“Yes, Master!”

Luo Tun turned and flew from the Sect Master’s Peak, sword in hand, followed by Zhou Xuanhong, Zhuge Yukun, Ran Ziyu, and Qiao Yi Xue, heading toward the inner sect residence.

The remaining elders were all at the Golden Core stage. Xuan Qizi, expressionless, said to Liu Su: “Have your father leave seclusion. The Second Elder is gravely injured and unable to fight. He must come out. This is an order!”

Liu Su smiled slightly and cupped his hands. “Yes, Master!”

Xuan Qizi then told Xu Yuan: “Guard the sect tightly; no one is to leave. I worry some disciples may flee in fear and leak our plans.”

“Understood!”