Lassim returned to the sect under the cover of night as he departed from the destruction he caused in the Southern Territory nearly 4 hours ago.
After he had calmed down from the attack, he followed the instructions on the parchment to send a special code that signaled the completion of the mission’s objectives to a specific area channel on his communication disc.
The parchment stated that a sect elder working as an investigator would confirm the mission’s success out in the field once they had time to check the area, but the mission’s specific completion code would make them aware they needed to check the area sooner rather than later.
The sheer scale of the destruction he had unleashed was still a bit hard to process. He had leveled an entire outpost with a single blow, his power far surpassing his expectations.
"What level of power do I have now? Is it still in the Spirit Transcendent stage or…?" Lassim whispered to himself as he flew through the storm cloud region above the heart of the Lightning sect.
Touching down lightly in the courtyard, he found the sect entrance turn unusually quiet as several eyes honed in on him.
The next moment after Lassim landed, an Inner Sect Disciple with their purple and silver accented martial attire approached him, his expression one of urgency. "You’re Lassim correct? You must be since you’re the only initiate rank disciple at the Spirit Ascension stage…. Anyways, the Sect Elders have called for you," he commanded. "Your presence is requested at the Inner Hall immediately."
Lassim nodded, hiding his bewilderment.
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He had expected word of his actions at Thornbush to be confirmed quickly, but to be summoned so soon meant that something about the situation wasn’t going to go as smoothly as just collecting merits and moving on to the next war mission.
Without a word, he followed the senior disciple through the streets of the sect that led to the Grand Hall’s Inner Hall. He’d been to the main area of the Grand Hall once before for his first assessment against the Lightning construct, so he was familiar with the direction they were heading.
As they walked, however, Lassim’s thoughts churned as he wasn’t even aware there was an ’Inner Hall’ portion of the building.
They entered through the main doors and then took a staircase up four flights of stairs where they then arrived at the entrance to the Inner Hall, where two guards stood at attention.
They nodded curtly as the Inner Sect Disciple flashed a token with Lassim following behind, and then pushed open the heavy doors to allow him entry.
"This is where we separate, as only you were called. I have some other missions to handle, so please excuse me." The disciple gave a quick bow with his fists together before returning from where they came.
Lassim entered and went in by himself as the doors quickly shut behind him.
The Inner Hall beyond the doors was a vast, open space, its walls lined with intricate tapestries depicting various Lightning Sect techniques and their creators.
At the far end, a large table dominated the room, surrounded by the sect’s most powerful and influential members, the Sect’s War Council that gathered in times of peril. The only one not present was the Sect Master, Volten.
As Lassim approached, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him. The highest ranked Sect Elders were seated at the head of the table, their expressions grave. The lower ranked elders of varying teaching disciplines and logistic positions filled the remaining seats, each wearing a similar look of concern.
"Lassim," The one seated at the head and clearly the most senior of the Sect Elders, called out as Lassim approached. His voice, deep and resonant, carried the weight of authority. "My name is Head Elder Zhan, please join us."
Lassim stepped forward, inclining his head respectfully as he took the empty seat that had been left for him. He could feel the tension in the room.
"Lassim," Elder Zhan began, his piercing gaze locking onto Lassim’s. "We have received word of your victory at Thornbush Outpost. It appears that you not only succeeded but did so with a level of force that should not be capable at your current stage and level of cultivation.
Are you willing to confirm in front of all of the Sect Elders today that it was indeed your own ability that allowed you to defeat the outpost like that?"
There was a murmur of agreement of concern from the other Elders and disciples present.
Lassim met Elder Zhan’s gaze steadily. "I did in fact cause that damage with my [Hydroburst] technique. The Endless Sun Sect had fortified the outpost with a powerful barrier, but my attack was enough to overwhelm it in one go. The outpost and all of its defenders were completely destroyed."
A stern woman with sharp features, leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Hello, I’m Elder Mei, and I manage the Sect’s Guards. Your strength is remarkable, Lassim. I was surprised when I was informed by the Sect Master that you had a run in with some of my members when you first arrived. While powerful, it is also… concerning.
The scale of destruction you described… We have never seen such power from one at your level."
Lassim held back a sigh, knowing that his rapid advancement, secret divine mana and the power he now wielded were bound to draw even further suspicion. "The advancement to the Spirit Ascension stage has greatly increased my abilities," he explained, keeping his tone measured as he tried to not show any nervousness in front of the elders.
"Even before, when I was still at peak Spirit Transformation, with the power of my two elemental spirits I was able to create an attack that bested an Outer Sect disciple that was in the Spirit Transcendent stage. It should be in my records, as I remember hearing about it from one of the mission hall clerks.
Since that duel, I’ve also learned new techniques that have enhanced my offensive capabilities. The destruction at Thornbush was unintentional, but it was my first time seeing how strong I’ve gotten after the advancement to Spirit Ascension. I know I’m a special case, but is it that unbelievable?"
Elder Zhan nodded slowly, his expression contemplative. "Your actions have dealt a significant blow to the Endless Sun Sect, and for that, we are grateful. But we must also be mindful of the implications of such power, especially in the hands of someone so young and newly advanced at the initiate disciple rank.
I don’t know what the Sect Master’s situation is regarding you, but your power puts you on the level with some of the Sect’s Elders at this point. It’s concerning. What should we do with you?"
Lassim’s jaw tightened slightly at the implications of his newfound strength, but also slightly angered at his situation that he even had to explain himself. "I understand your concerns, Elder Zhan, but I can’t help it if I’m being so favored by the gods. They have a plan that I can’t talk about, but it’s true that I’m still growing into my power.
Honestly, what does it even matter to you all if I have the strength of a lower ranked sect elder or even just a regular inner sect disciple? To be honest, all I want to do is collect merit points and eventually join the God’s Trial’s next opening since I wasn’t allowed to participate in this year’s. The sect hasn’t even really helped me at all since joining, so what’s the point of my actual rank?"
A more amicable looking figure among the council, spoke up, his tone more encouraging. "Politics my boy. Your actions have undoubtedly strengthened our position, Lassim, and for that I, Scribe Elder Yan, and the others at this table, are thankful. With Thornbush out of the way, the Endless Sun Sect’s grip on the southern territories has been weakened.
This could be the opportunity we need to push back. However, for this aid to come from a former sect servant, now initiate disciple, it seems like the optics won’t be very good once word of this spreads. It’s clear you may not have the best interests of the sect at heart and that is very unbeatable. You’re right, the sect hasn’t done much for you at all.
Those more kind hearted in nature among us at this table feel like the sect should treat you better despite the Sect Master’s lock on your rank."
The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement, and Lassim could see that the council was split—some viewed his power as a valuable asset, while others saw it as a potential threat to have someone not even remotely care for the sect’s situation, and the last group didn’t want to disobey the Sect Master’s directions.
"We cannot ignore the fact that the Endless Sun Sect has initiated a sect war," Elder Zhan continued, his voice cutting through the discussions. "Their use of Sun Drops to motivate their disciples has given them an edge, and they have timed their attacks perfectly when we’re busy with disciples in the God’s Trial.
We can’t expect to have the best of our forces return for at least another month or two depending on how long they spend in the trial. It’s clear that they have been planning to destabilize our sect and seize control of the Southern Continent for quite a while now."
Lassim nodded and continued listening.
Elder Mei exchanged a glance with Elder Zhan before speaking. "Which is why we’ve decided to take a more aggressive stance in this conflict, with you possibly at the center. The Lightning Sect cannot afford to be on the defensive any longer. We need to strike back and weaken the Endless Sun Sect’s hold on the region."
Elder Zhan turned his attention back to Lassim. "Lassim, your new strength and unique situation where you didn’t attend the trial makes you an ideal candidate to lead a series of critical missions until more of the most powerful inner sect disciples, personal disciples and the Heaven’s Chosen ranked disciples make their return.
We need you to target the Endless Sun Sect’s supply lines and outposts, striking swiftly and decisively. Your success at Thornbush has shown us what you’re capable of, and we believe you can continue to deliver similar results in place of the other elders that are currently stretched too thin."
Straightening his posture, he continued, "As the Head Elder, if you are able to succeed in these missions, I and the others that come to see your value, will approach the Sect Master and petition to give you an appropriate rise in rank and position within the Sect. Also, we’ll appropriately reward you with any cultivation resources you need; within reason of course.
We’ll discuss the specifics and actual value amount you’ll be able to exchange for after this is all over… That is, if you’re willing."
Lassim felt a bit annoyed at the situation of being so blatantly used, but he did appreciate the sect’s attempts to possibly fast track his rank and give benefits as an apology for everything up until now. "I accept the assignment, Elder Zhan."
Elder Mei then handed him a map, its surface covered with markings indicating key locations. "In addition to Elder Zhan’s words, regardless of the outcome, I’ll personally request that your rank be raised to Skilled Sect Disciple rank at the bare minimum when all is said and done. Now, take a look at the map. These are the targets we’ve identified.
Each one is the most critical to the Endless Sun Sect’s operations in the southern region. Most of them are logistics hubs that carry supplies and the Sun Drop resources for distribution to the disciples so that they don’t have to go all the way back to their Sect Headquarters. This allows them to stay out in the field much longer and have been a real headache so far.
We want you to lead a team and take them out, one by one."
Lassim studied the map, noting each location. The targets were spread out across the southern territories. If he went to each one, he’d be taken to virtually every corner of the entire Southern Continent. He was slightly taken aback by just how dominant the Lightning Sect’s control over the entire continent was.
"Please accept this rune. Use it as your point of contact for all mission requests, status updates and competitions. It is the war council’s rune and all of us in this room will receive your messages." Elder Yan handed over a token with two lightning bolts clashing on it to Lassim. He then took out his own communication disc and tapped the token onto it to accept the messaging rune into his list.
He realized he had several missed messages from Sanvra, his mother and surprisingly a new rune had been added that was tagged as ’Sirium Giffard’. He smiled briefly and made a mental note to check the messages as soon as he left the meeting.
Elder Zhan spoke up seeing the rune transfer successfully into Lassim’s communication disc, "With that, your presence here is no longer required. When you’re ready, please send a message to that rune stating you’re prepared to begin. We’ll relay the details of the meeting point with your assigned assault team.
I only request that you inform us as soon as possible as every second you delay is most territory and sect member’s lives lost."
"Understood. I’ll head back to my room for a moment to prepare as something just came up, but I’ll be ready within the next two hours. Please excuse me." With that he bowed to the elders of the War Council and made his way back to his room at the Initiate ranked disciple’s residences.