The weeks following the Outer Sect Competition were a blur for Emperor Defiance. His newfound status as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, combined with Elder Li's direct mentorship in Talisman-making, pulled him deeper into the Azuremist Sect's intricate workings. While outwardly he maintained his image of a diligent, if not exceptionally talented, disciple, inwardly, his cultivation was progressing at an alarming rate.
Elder Li, a Peak Foundation Establishment cultivator himself, was surprisingly patient. He provided Defiance with more advanced Talisman materials and more complex Spirit Runes to study. Defiance devoured the knowledge, his innate understanding of Spirit Runes – perhaps an early manifestation of his latent connection to the Primordial Godly Decree – allowing him to grasp concepts far beyond his apparent level. He secretly experimented with combining different Talisman types, a technique unheard of at his stage, leading to unexpectedly potent results he meticulously hid.
The true boon, however, was the month-long access to the Inner Sect's basic spiritual cultivation grounds. The spiritual energy there was astonishingly dense, almost visible to the naked eye. In the privacy of his assigned cultivation chamber, Defiance unleashed the Spirit-Gathering Jade. The dull jade now thrummed with a stronger, more consistent vibration, drawing in the abundant spiritual energy like a greedy vortex. Within his dantian, the refined energy swirled, pushing his Foundation Establishment cultivation steadily forward. He could feel the second layer of the Primordial Chaos Diagram within the jade beginning to stir, hinting at deeper secrets.
But faster progress also brought greater risks. Defiance began to notice subtle shifts in the sect's atmosphere. The casual conversations among disciples sometimes contained veiled remarks about "anomalies" or "rising stars" that burned too brightly. He felt the occasional, fleeting probe of divine sense – the spiritual perception of stronger cultivators – brushing against his aura. Each time, he instinctively pulled back, tightening the cloaking abilities of his Thousand Refinements Scripture and the protective essence of the Spirit-Gathering Jade, which seemed to inherently shield him from blatant detection.
One evening, after completing his training with Elder Li, Defiance was walking back to his cave when he overheard hushed whispers from a secluded alcove. Two disciples, both clearly in the Core Formation Stage – a significant leap from Foundation Establishment – were speaking in low tones.
"...heard it from Elder Liu," one said, his voice laced with disdain. "That new Foundation Establishment kid, Defiance. Elder Li seems to favor him. But he's just got average roots. Something's not right."
"Indeed," the other replied, a cold edge to his voice. "The Sect Master himself cast a glance at him during the competition. And I heard Deacon Xuan was making inquiries about his background. Could he be a spy from the Hidden Blade Pavilion?"
Defiance froze, blending seamlessly into the shadows. Hidden Blade Pavilion was a notorious Assassin Organization known for infiltrating sects and stealing cultivation methods or targeting key figures. The accusation was baseless, ludicrous even, but it sent a chill down his spine. The sect's internal politics were far more treacherous than he had imagined. This wasn't just about cultivation; it was about power, suspicion, and survival in a hostile environment.
He slipped away, his heart pounding. The danger wasn't just from outside the sect; it was within. His unique progress, born from the Spirit-Gathering Jade and his Thousand Refinements Scripture, was now a liability. He was a puzzle that powerful individuals within the sect sought to solve.
Days turned into a week. Defiance continued to cultivate diligently, honing his Talisman skills, but his mind was constantly working, analyzing, planning. He needed a way to deflect attention, to create a smokescreen.
An opportunity presented itself during a large-scale sect mission bulletin. A crucial Spirit Herb Garden on the sect's remote western border had been afflicted by a virulent spiritual plague. The plague, caused by a rare corrupted spirit beast, was turning the garden's valuable Spirit Herbs into toxic, useless husks. The mission was dangerous, offering substantial rewards for its cleansing, but it was shunned by most disciples due to the high risk.
Defiance felt the Spirit-Gathering Jade pulse faintly within him. A faint fragment of the whisper from the jade returned: "…purification… Root of Corruption… a test…". The fragmented message resonated with the mission. Could this be the "Root of Corruption" the jade alluded to? A potential step on the path to the Primordial Godly Decree?
He carefully considered the risks. The corrupted spirit beast would be powerful, likely far beyond his current Foundation Establishment capabilities. But the mission was remote, and its dangerous nature meant fewer eyes would be watching him. It was a chance to prove himself useful in a way that didn't involve flashy combat, allowing him to subtly utilize his unique abilities.
He approached the mission elder, a tired-looking man with a perpetual frown. "Elder, this disciple wishes to take on the mission to cleanse the Western Spirit Herb Garden."
The elder raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Are you mad, Defiance? Many Core Formation disciples have refused. The corrupted beast there is at least at the Late Core Formation Stage, possibly stronger. And the plague itself is highly toxic. You're barely in Foundation Establishment."
"This disciple has been studying Talisman Formations," Defiance stated calmly, "and believes he can create a specialized Purification Talisman Array that might be effective against the plague. I'm willing to take the risk." It was a bold lie, but rooted in his real Talisman skills. He would create such a Talisman Array, using his actual proficiency in runes.
The elder scrutinized him, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. He hesitated, then sighed. "Very well. But know this, Defiance. If you fail, the sect will not send a rescue party into a contaminated zone. Your life will be forfeit."
"Understood, Elder," Defiance replied, his voice firm. He bowed, turned, and walked away, a plan already forming in his mind. The corrupted Spirit Herb Garden was a dangerous gamble, but it was also a chance to clear his name, prove his utility to the sect, and perhaps, uncover more secrets of the Primordial Godly Decree. He was stepping into the unknown, a perilous new chapter, but for Emperor Defiance, to defy was to live.