As the lightning began to diminish, a figure could be seen seated cross-legged on the mountain summit. The fading storm cast an ethereal glow on the figure, highlighting the contours of his serene countenance. his presence exuded a sense of tranquility, yet his eyes sparkled with intensity and anticipation.
Suddenly, like the awakening of a slumbering beast, the figure opened his eyes and focused his gaze in the distance. A flicker of worry passed over his face, causing his brow to furrow in concern. It was as if he sensed the approach of another, someone drawing closer with every passing moment.
As the figure drew nearer, his presence became more tangible, causing the man’s worry to deepen. With each step, the invisible weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The lines on the man’s forehead grew deeper, etching a map of his unease.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough, Brother Kai," a voice echoed through the stillness, its familiarity piercing through the mounting tension. Hearing this voice, a twinge of recognition flickered in Liang’s eyes, narrowing them ever so slightly.
Why would this person be here ? I am afraid he has been there all the time observing my breakthrough, Liang thought silently to himself, even though he was apprehensive he decided not to act rashly.
"Fellow Daoist Zhuo? It’s a nice coincidence to see you here."
Zhuo Li, his lips curling into a mischievous smile, "There is no such thing as coincidence, Brother Kai."
Liang couldn’t help but wonder what Zhuo Li meant by these words, but he chose to remain silent, his caution heightened to its utmost degree. Something told him to be prepared for the unexpected.
Amused by Liang cautious demeanor, Zhuo Li chuckled, attempting to ease the tension. "There is no need to be so on guard, Brother Kai. In fact, you should be elated."
Intrigued, Liang observed as Zhuo Li produced a polished jade slip from his robe. Approaching him with outstretched hands, Zhuo Li presented the jade slip.
Feeling no malevolent aura emanating from Zhuo Li, Liang’s expression relaxed slightly. He cautiously extended his hand and accepted the jade slip.
Injecting his qi into the jade slip, Liang watched as it began to emit a radiant golden light. Slowly, the slip disintegrated into tiny particles, dispersing into the air. But instead of vanishing, the particles started to coalesce, forming intricate scripts before Liang’s eyes.
As Liang read the words before him, his initially tensed face contorted with a mix of emotions, a subtle blend of strangeness and confusion crossing his features.
The words etched on the page were plain and straightforward yet carried deep implications. It was an invitation letter, inviting Liang to join the esteemed Mortal Ascension Legion.
Taking a moment to ponder the potential consequences, Liang turned his gaze towards Zhuo Li and spoke, a tinge of uncertainty lacing his voice. "It appears that you, Fellow Daoist Zhou, are a..."
"A member of the Mortal Ascension Legion, indeed," interrupted Zhuo Li, exuding pride in his tone.
He paused momentarily before continuing,"We have already been investigating you for a while now, Fellow Daoist Liang."
Liang’s brows furrowed deeper, a hint of dissatisfaction surfacing. "If you have truly investigated me, then you should be well aware that my alignment may not align with the philosophy of the legion. While I was once a mortal in the earlier stages of my life, I have no desire to reimmerse myself in the mortal existence."
Zhuo Li burst into laughter, his amusement filling the air. "Ah, but you are still a mortal, fellow Daoist Liang."
Liang’s expression remained stoic, with a mixture of curiosity and caution flickering in his eyes.
"Fellow Daoist Liang, much like the ferocious lightning tribulation that mercilessly razed the once-thriving village nestled beside the towering mountain, a looming tribulation of immensely powerful cultivators could potentially spell the annihilation of our very world."
Liang’s lips twitched involuntarily as he thought of the implications behind Zhou’s statement. With a composed yet thoughtful demeanor, he replied, "I comprehend the essence of your words, Fellow Daoist Zhou. In truth, the desire to avoid being entangled in such perilous situations is one of the paramount reasons why I embarked upon the path of immortality."
Zhuo Li burst into yet another hearty laugh, his laughter echoing through the vast mountains. "To be immortal, is it fellow Daoist Liang?"
Liang nodded in response, his gaze fixed on Zhuo Li, mirroring the same fascination and curiosity that filled his counterpart’s eyes.
Zhuo Li’s smile widened as he replied, his voice brimming with a hint of mystery, "It seems like there are still many things you do not yet grasp, fellow Daoist Liang. However, now is not the time to delve into those matters."
Leaning closer, his eyes twinkling mischievously, Zhuo Li continued, "Well,There’s more to the legion philosophy to be understood, fellow Daoist Liang."
He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing in a steady tone. "But there’s also a multitude of benefits, like radiant jewels waiting to be discovered, that you will acquire upon joining the Mortal Ascension Legion."
Liang’s eyes sparkled with interest," What kind of benefits are we discussing here, Fellow Daoist Zhuo?"
Zhuo Li couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth at the sight of Liang’s fervent expression.
"Well, fellow Daoist Liang," Zhuo Li began, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and anticipation, "one of the greatest benefits of joining the Mortal Ascension Legion is access to ancient cultivation techniques and secrets that have been passed down through generations of immortal cultivators."
Liang’s eyes flashed thoughtfully."That’s indeed what I need right now," he murmured to himself.
Zhuo Li nodded, his smile a knowing one. "Indeed, fellow Daoist Liang. The Mortal Ascension Legion holds within its vast archives a wealth of knowledge that surpasses any of the four factions. Cultivation techniques, secret arts, and profound insights into the mysteries of the universe await those who join our ranks."
Liang’s thoughts raced, his curiosity fervently burning.
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"And that’s not all," Zhuo Li continued, his voice filled with excitement. "Members of the Mortal Ascension Legion also gain access to cultivation resources, treasures, and rare elixirs that can greatly enhance their progress on the path to immortality."
"Additionally," Zhuo Li added, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "The Mortal Ascension Legion offers protection and support. In times of crisis, you will have fellow cultivators standing by your side, and I firmly believe that Fellow Daoist Liang would greatly benefit from such camaraderie and reinforcement especially now."
Liang took a moment to let the weight of Zhuo Li’s words sink in. It became evident to him that Zhuo Li had likely become aware of his conflict with the Starry Sky Alliance, and that was likely the underlying message behind his words.
Zhuo Li paused for a moment before adding, "And of course, joining the legion does not mean you have to abandon your own path of cultivation. It simply means you will have access to additional resources and opportunities to enhance your own cultivation."
Liang pondered Zhuo Li’s words, weighing the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties.