NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24 - "The Mighty Vajra Sect and the Rising Challenge!"
Chapter 24: “The Mighty Vajra Sect and the Rising Challenge!”
The tension in the air at Black Rock Town’s threshing ground was palpable. Villagers, who had lived under the shadow of terror for months, finally found a glimmer of hope.
As Xiao Yu stood amidst the gathering, the system’s calm, mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
Ding!
“Host successfully checked in at Black Rock Town. Reward: Obsidian Spirit Stone.”
The Obsidian Spirit Stone was a rare and powerful resource, revered even by Nascent Soul cultivators. It boasts extraordinary applications:
Cultivation Aid: Refine and absorb its vast spiritual energy to fuel breakthroughs.
Weapon: A hard, dense projectile for devastating strikes.
Formation Core: Amplifies the power and stability of defensive or offensive formations.
Holding the black stone, Xiao Yu marvelled at its intricate design—golden streaks within an obsidian body, glowing faintly with latent energy.
“This is no ordinary stone,” he mused. “Its energy could hasten my breakthrough to Nascent Soul. For now, it’s better reserved for the right moment.”
He carefully placed the Obsidian Spirit Stone into his storage pouch and turned his attention to the commotion ahead.
The old town chief addressed the gathered townsfolk.
“Fellow villagers, for decades, Black Rock Town has thrived. Our prosperity drew admiration from neighbouring villages, and we became known far and wide as a symbol of fortune.”
“But now…” His voice faltered, heavy with sorrow, “Months ago, two vile creatures emerged from the mine outside town.”
“They raid our homes at night, devouring chickens, ducks, and livestock without mercy. If this continues unchecked, it’s only a matter of time before they turn their attention to us!”
The gathered townsfolk erupted into a clamour of despair.
“What can we do, Chief? These monsters are invincible!”
“Immortals are the only ones who can save us, but how will we find one? They don’t care about us commoners!”
“Perhaps it’s time to abandon the town entirely…”
The chief raised a trembling hand to silence the noise.
“Last night, I decided to issue a public notice. If any passing warrior or cultivator defeats the beasts, they will receive a reward, funded by our collective contributions.
This is our only hope!”
As the chief concluded, a booming voice rose above the crowd.
“Let me handle it!”
The villagers turned to see a towering man striding forward. His massive frame and rippling muscles exuded raw power. Upon his shoulder rested a fearsome wolf-fang club, its spikes glinting menacingly in the sunlight.
“Who might you be, brave hero?” the chief asked, eyes wide with hope.
“Call me Vajra,” the man replied in a rumbling baritone. “I am a disciple of the Mighty Vajra Sect. My master taught me that cultivators must uphold justice and vanquish evil wherever they find it. Consider your monster problem solved!”
Though impressed, the chief remained cautious, “Hero Vajra, may I ask about your techniques? How do you plan to defeat the monsters?”
Vajra grinned, lifting his wolf-fang club high, “I cultivate the Vajra Art!”
He channelled golden spiritual energy into the weapon, which began to radiate an intense glow. With a loud cry, he swung it against the old wall behind the chief.
BOOM!
The wall crumbled instantly, sending debris flying. The villagers gasped in awe.
“When I find those monsters, I’ll smash them just like that wall!”
The villagers broke into cheers, their spirits lifted by Vajra’s overwhelming physical power.
“Hero Vajra, you’re our saviour!”
“Finally, someone who can take on the beasts!”
Even the chief allowed himself a small smile.
As the applause died down, another voice rang out:
“Chief, I’ve studied the immortal arts as well. Perhaps I can help.”
The crowd turned to see a serene young man step forward. Clad in simple yet elegant robes, with a sword strapped to his back, he exuded an aura of confidence and mystery.
“Another cultivator?”
The chief squinted at Xiao Yu, his calm demeanour contrasting sharply with Vajra’s boisterous presence.
“And you are…?”
“Xiao Yu,” he replied simply, bowing politely.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Though Vajra’s strength was undeniable, there was something about Xiao Yu’s composure that inspired quiet confidence.
Vajra sized him up, his tone curious rather than hostile. “Brother Xiao, you don’t look like a fighter. You sure you can handle those beasts?”
Xiao Yu smiled faintly. “I believe in precision and strategy over brute force. Let’s see whose approach proves more effective.”
The town chief, caught between two powerful figures, hesitated before speaking.
“Both of you are welcome to help. If the monsters are slain, I will personally ensure you are both rewarded.”
Xiao Yu nodded, while Vajra grinned, tightening his grip on his club.
“Then it’s settled,” Vajra declared. “Let’s see which of us takes down more monsters!”
Xiao Yu’s expression remained calm. “It’s not a competition. The safety of the town comes first.”