Curse of the Supreme Blood

The great bell of the Xiang Sect rang out with a deep, resonating chime, drawing the attention of every disciple scattered across the vast sect grounds. It was a sound that heralded important announcements—a call no one dared ignore. It must be something concerning every member of the sect, since announcements for each level was posted on their notice boards. This must be something huge, mused the disciples as they thronged towards the central courtyard.

Disciples of all ranks gathered swiftly in the central courtyard, thousands of them wearing green, dark blue and light blue robes. The sect could boast of disciples of all ages ranging from the very young at four years old to those in their thirties and elders. The air buzzed with curiosity as they speculated on the purpose of the summons.

At the forefront stood the Sect Elders, their robes shimmering with embroidered sigils of power. Elder Han, his expression serious yet composed, took a step forward, his voice amplified by spiritual energy making it possible for him to be heard all over the courtyard.

"Disciples of the Xiang Sect!" he proclaimed. "The annual Emerald Leaf Harvest mission is upon us. As tradition dictates, the sect will send a team to the Qinghe Forest to gather rare medicinal herbs for the Medicine Pavilion."

Whispers rippled through the crowd. The Qinghe Forest was a mystical, sprawling woodland filled with spiritual plants—and peril. Known for its abundant but fiercely guarded resources, it was a place of opportunity and danger in equal measure.

'I have totally forgotten' an inner sect member facepalmed as he heard the elders words 'I gained one hundred and fifty sect points from it two years ago'

'Wow! Are you serious, senior brother? Asked an outer sect disciple standing beside him.

'Yes, I used the points to buy cultivation resources that made me broke through to the Qi controlling real' he boasted, pushing out his lean chest.

'Then I must also participate so as to gain sect points and buy cultivation resources' the newbie said causing the boastful inner sect disciple to look at him in disdain as he scoffed.

Elder Han continued, "Participation in this mission will earn sect points based on contributions. The more valuable the herbs you bring back, the greater your reward. Remember—sect points and spirit stones are the pillars of survival and advancement in the cultivation world."

The disciples straightened at the mention of sect points. Spirit stones fuelled cultivation, but sect points were the currency of power within the Xiang Sect. They granted access to rare cultivation manuals, better quarters, and even personalized training from elders.

Excitement surged through the gathered disciples. Missions like this were coveted—a chance to strengthen one's cultivation while gaining riches and recognition. Eager conversations broke out among them.

"We have to sign up!" exclaimed Jiang Mei, an ambitious inner disciple. "I heard there are Celestial Blood Flowers deep in the forest!"

"Only fools chase something that rare," scoffed her sparring partner. "But… the rewards are tempting. Remember that most of the more precious medicine plants are guarded by ferocious beast that will not bat an eyelid to rip you to pieces"

'So? asked Jiang Mei 'How can we hope to progress in the cultivation world if we allow doubts and fear to control our actions? There is no reward without risks and in this instance, the rewards may even surpass the risk'.

'I know. I am only trying to remind you of the danger of over ambition' her partner replied sarcastically.

'Does that mean you wont participate? Jiang Mei asked, incredulous

'Of course I will, I am only stating a fact of the cultivation world'

As the crowd buzzed with enthusiasm, Li stood quietly at the edge of the courtyard. His piercing gaze remained fixed on Elder Han, considering the implications of the mission.

The mysterious power in his blood still haunted his thoughts. Restless nights and vivid dreams of ancient battlefields weighed on his mind like a curse. Perhaps a dangerous mission would give him clarity—or at least a temporary escape. He needed something to take his mind off the constant worry and anxiety that had been plaguing him of late. Maybe this sect mission would do the trick.

Before he could voice his thoughts, Zhang Wei appeared at his side. His sharp, protective eyes immediately caught the calculating look on Li's face. He could directly guess at the direction of Li's thoughts.

"You're not going," Zhang Wei stated firmly. "You don't need sect points. Let the others risk their necks."

Li frowned. "It's not about sect points."

"Then what?" Zhang Wei challenged. "Why seek danger when you do not need sect points. Are you a narcissist?"

'No, I'm not. But as a member of this sect, I think I deserve to participate in ALL of the sect activities whether dangerous or not. How do I raise my head against people like Bai Chen and countless others who feel that I am not deserving of my position as disciple to sect master? Li asked furious at the way Zhang Wei was always being too protective of him

'I still insist that you are not going' Zhang Wei replied

'Then I'll need to speak with Elder Han seeing that my master is not around to give his permission' Li declared resolutely as he walked towards elder Han.

'I'm sure elder Han will agree with my decision' Zhang said as he walked along with Li to where the elders were standing

Before they got there however, Elder Han approached them, his presence commanding but calm. He regarded Li thoughtfully, as if seeing beyond the boy's youthful appearance into something far greater.

'Junior sees elder' Zhang Wei and Li both chorused respectfully

'hmmm' replied the elder with a nod

'Elder Han, Li wants to participate in the sect mission and I said but he insists on coming to ask your permission. Please elder, tell him how dangerous the mission is as not all participants make it back' Zhang Wei pleaded

"Zhang Wei," Elder Han said evenly, "your concern is commendable, but Li must learn through experience. Cultivation isn't just about meditation and manuals—it's about facing the unknown."

Zhang Wei's jaw tightened, but he bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder."

Elder Han turned to Li with a faint, knowing smile. "Your destiny is still unwritten, Li. Perhaps the Qinghe Forest holds answers that even you are unaware of."

Li inclined his head, determination burning in his eyes. "I'll do my best."

Two days later, the disciples that voluntered for the mission gathered at the southern gate of the Xiang Sect. Clad in practical battle robes reinforced with defensive talismans, they carried spiritual pouches, weapons, and storage rings for gathering herbs.

The air hummed with anticipation. Groups of outer, inner, and even a few core disciples exchanged last-minute strategies, determined to outshine their rivals.

Li adjusted the simple yet well-crafted sword strapped across his back—a gift from the Sect Master himself. Beside him, Zhang Wei checked his own gear, still wary despite Elder Han's reassurance.

The forest lay far beyond the rolling hills visible from the sect gates, shrouded in a perpetual mist that concealed its secrets. Some called it The Whispering Veil due to the strange murmurs said to echo through the ancient woods.

Just as the group prepared to depart, a familiar presence lingered at the edge of the crowd—Lu Heng. His expression was serene, but his dark eyes glinted with hidden malice. He smiled faintly when he saw Li. Anticipating how he was going to execute his plans with Li out of the sect grounds and the sect laws no longer strictly adhered to. The dark energy within him had grown as he had killed and devoured two other disciples' essence after the first one.

"I didn't expect him to join," Zhang Wei muttered, keeping a watchful eye on Lu Heng's every movement.

Li, however, remained unfazed, aware of the various plots of Lu Heng against him and the many times he had been thwarted by Zhang Wei. "Let him come."

With the final roll call complete, the mission officially began. As the great gates of the Xiang Sect creaked open, the gathered disciples marched forward.

'Wait' a loud voice halted the disciples as they made to head out the sect gates

Looking back, the disciples saw that it was elder Jiang of the martial pavilion.

'We just discovered that a practitioner of the dark arts has infiltrated the sect. Elder Yin was found dead in his quarters a few minutes ago' he said

'What!!!!!!!' everyone exclaimed

'The sect mission has therefore been canceled as we do not know how many the infilterators are or where they are in the sect. you disciples must be kept safe, especially the younger ones with lower cultivation.

'Noooooooooo' protested the disciples as they heard what elder Jiang said.

'Please go back to your various quarters while we continue investigating." Elder than instructed the disciples.

The disciples thronged back in a dispirited manner as the heard the command of the elders.

Elder Han and elder Jiang moved closer together to confer on the matter, calling three other elders to join them.

'I think we should let them go' said elder Lin