They also blamed Wisteria Cloud Valley for the losses they suffered at the hands of Althea.

"Be calm in everything. Without the Black Demon Sect, we can still annex the Azure Origin Dao Sect, but it will just take longer," Obsidian Howl reminded with a calm but authoritative tone.

"I understand," Wisteria Gale replied with a long breath, harboring a hint of displeasure. The Black Demon Sect's disappearance had cost them dearly.

"The Black Demon Sect is nothing more than a bunch of trash. Even Althea can deal with it."

Kai's voice was cold and confident as he declared, "Give me another twenty years, Seraphina, Lyralei, and Ethan—who ranks second among geniuses in the Skyreach Territory—will all be surpassed by me. That will be the day their precious Azure Origin Dao Sect falls!"

"As for the Black Demon Sect, they will also pay for their betrayal!"

His words were void of emotion, yet carried the weight of unwavering determination.

"Well, you are indeed my good disciple!" Obsidian Howl laughed heartily, pride resonating in his voice.

After a brief moment, the group made their way into the heart of Noble Sun City.

"The treasure appraisal conference won't start for a few days. Let's head to the Blood Tavern first," Obsidian Howl suggested.

"Let Kai try to secure an invitation letter. If Wisteria Cloud Valley can gain favor with the Blood Tavern, our influence in the southern Skyreach Territory will significantly increase," he added pragmatically.

"Don't worry. With my talent, getting an invitation will be easy," Kai replied with an air of supreme confidence.

They arrived at the bustling center of the city and soon found the Blood Tavern.

Obsidian Howl paused, raising his gaze to the tavern's wooden plaque. His senses reached inward, sweeping over the interior.

He immediately detected several terrifying auras inside—all far stronger than himself, exceeding the six-turn Mahayana realm.

His expression tightened, and he quickly withdrew his perception to avoid alerting those inside.

"If the others notice us now, trouble is all but guaranteed."

"Master, let's go in," Kai urged impatiently.

"Don't speak freely once inside. Follow my instructions carefully," Obsidian Howl warned sternly.

"Isn't it just a tavern? Why so cautious?" Kai questioned, bewildered.

"The Blood Tavern wields immense power. Don't mistake it for common fare. One misstep could cost us dearly," Obsidian Howl said gravely.

Kai nodded, still not grasping the gravity of the situation.

The two stepped through the heavy wooden doors.

Inside, the tavern appeared unassuming. Six tables dotted the spacious lobby, occupied by only five patrons.

Two conversed amiably over tea.

By the window sat a lone figure, silent and still. A heavy sword rested behind his back, never leaving his side even as he sipped his tea.

"What an unusual man," Obsidian Howl murmured, captivated by the aura radiating from this person.

That presence was the strongest in the room by far—stronger than all others combined.

"Eighth Turn of Mahayana realm?"

Obsidian Howl guessed correctly.

"Master, the man with the sword is truly formidable," Kai whispered, eyes wide.

"Shh, use voice transmission," Obsidian Howl instructed.

"Understood, Master," Kai replied quietly.

Their entrance drew attention from those inside.

The two talking men eyed Obsidian Howl and Kai closely, glancing them up and down with undisguised skepticism.

Magnus, the sword-bearer, merely glanced at Kai.

He noted the purity of the boy's spiritual energy and found it unusual but decided not to focus on it.

Closing his eyes, he slipped quietly into meditation.

Obsidian Howl turned toward the counter, where Rain and Solara chatted softly, covering their mouths to hide smiles.

Rain's eyes flicked up when she sensed movement.

"You two," she said with icy disdain, "do you not know the Blood Tavern's rules?"

"Non-members may not enter at will. Those who break the rules leave their arm and leg behind."

Obsidian Howl's face shifted slightly in surprise.

Such harsh rules showed the tavern's ruthless reputation.

He folded his composure and spoke respectfully.

"We come from Cloud Valley in the southern Skyreach Territory. We are new here. If we have offended, please forgive us."

"I've heard your invitation letters are valuable, so I brought my disciple to seek one."

"Wisteria Cloud Valley?" The middle-aged man in white set down his tea deliberately.

"Second-rate sect, right? Compared to the nearby Azure Origin Dao Sect, your sect is over a star and a half weaker. How dare you enter our Blood Tavern asking for invitations?"

His name was Raze, a seventh-turn Mahayana poison master infamous for insidious and deadly poison techniques.

Kai felt provoked, stepping forward with a spark of pride.

"Why not? Isn't the invitation just for geniuses?"

Rain chuckled softly, eyes glinting.

"True, the invitation is for geniuses. Which one of you qualifies?"

"It's me," Kai responded confidently.

His body surged with spiritual energy fluctuations, energy cresting at the peak of the Tribulation Transcendence realm.

His spiritual energy was unlike any they'd seen; pure and intense beyond typical cultivators of his level.

Witnessing this, the tavern's atmosphere shifted; subtle expressions grew serious.

"I am Kai, disciple of Wisteria Cloud Valley," he announced proudly.

"I'm here to request an invitation. What are the requirements?"

Silence fell.

Kai basked in the awe, standing tall with arms folded.

"Ah, so you possess the Pure Spirit Body—the first of the ten ancient spiritual bodies," Rain mused.

"No wonder you hold such confidence."

"However," she continued, "the Blood Tavern cannot simply hand out invitations on that basis alone."

"You may participate in our assessments, complete three bounty tasks, or gain approval from our members. Only then will you receive an invitation."

"But if you fail..."

Rain's voice grew cold, "Then you two will leave with one leg and one arm."

Obsidian Howl sighed quietly.

This was their chance.

He trusted his disciple implicitly.

Kai was bold, reckless even, but his talent and strength had no equal.

Especially with the Pure Spirit Body awakened.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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