Return of the Mythic Bloodline-Chapter 336: The Core-Disciples

"Disrespecting the Treasure Hall Master and engaging in combat with Thunderbanes, whom you will one day serve as your masters, on your very first day here," Master Robert muttered, his sharp gaze piercing into me.

"Prepare to answer for your actions, Lucifer Morningstar!"

"Master Robert, they were the ones who attacked me," I said, my voice steady. "I merely acted in self-defence."

After a brief pause, I continued, my eyes narrowing and my voice turning cold. "Besides, you are misunderstanding something. I did not join the Thunderbane Sect to serve them as my lords. I am only here to learn the techniques of the most renowned sect for the lightning attribute."

"So you are saying you came here to take from us without offering anything in return?" Master Robert retorted. "In that case, would it not be better to throw you out rather than waste our precious techniques and resources on you?"

Releasing a tired sigh, I replied, "You are misunderstanding my words again, Master Robert. I will serve the Thunderbane Sect, but not those arrogant brats."

The heavy pressure around him vanished. A moment later, he declared, "You will still be punished for injuring Thunderbanes. The hierarchy must be maintained."

"Ugh. Why are these old men always so inflexible and stubborn?" I muttered inwardly, while keeping an unreadable expression.

"You will participate in the Core Disciple Selection Competition held next week. If you fail to become a Core Disciple, you will be expelled from the sect."

Without waiting for my opinion, he vanished instantly. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Tsk. Another side quest," I clicked my tongue, lying back on the bed.

For a few minutes, Master Robert continued observing me with his senses, but eventually gave up when I did nothing more than turn around on the bed.

"Finally, he’s gone," I sighed. "I haven’t even done anything yet, and he’s already so suspicious of me."

If Cedric and his group heard what I had just said, they would probably vomit blood in rage.

"Vivi, activate Vyaghra’s Blessing."

"Initialising host request..."

"Activating Blessing of Vyaghra..."

From my forehead, a dark tiger spirit emerged and spread over my body, covering me completely.

"Blessing activated.

The host’s presence cannot be detected by any sensory organ, skill, or equipment.

Note:

Sudden movement or strong interaction with the environment may deactivate the skill.

A person whose realm tier exceeds the host’s by two may still sense the host’s presence."

Once my presence was fully concealed, I left the sect and reached the staircase leading toward the Royal Gates at the mountain’s zenith.

Upon reaching the top, I realised the entire area was sealed by a massive barrier rising from the surrounding walls. This was a security measure meant to be activated only during emergencies. Seeing it active now only deepened my suspicion about what, or whom, they were hiding inside.

"Vivi, activate Eyes of the Fallen."

"Initialising host request..."

"Eyes of the Fallen activated."

The golden glow of my eyes replaced the crimson tint of the face mask as the skill activated. Looking at the sealed gate again, I could now see numerous complex patterns and interconnected magical circles. Just by observing them, I knew that opening the gate was far beyond my current abilities.

"Should I seek help from the expert?" I murmured, my gaze settling on Ume’s ring.

"Vivi, activate Heart’s Summon."

"Initialising host request..."

The pink gem embedded in the ring began to glow, but moments later, the light faded.

"Error. Skill activation failed.

The Goddess has denied the summon request."

"Denied? Is she also being monitored?" I sighed. "Looks like I’ll have to wait."

Casting one final glance at the Royal Gate, I turned around and returned to my chamber.

---

The Next Day

"Eligibility to enter the Core Disciple Selection Competition," I read, standing before the bulletin board.

"First, the participant must be an Inner Disciple. Isn’t that obvious, considering the board is placed inside the Inner Court?" I sighed before moving on.

"Second, the participant must be a mid-tier cultivator.

Third, the participant must possess at least a calamity-class lightning attribute.

To enter the competition, register at the Martial Hall."

"So you decided to enter the competition," a familiar voice spoke from behind.

"Do you have nothing better to do than stalk me, Rowan?" I retorted without turning around.

"Ack. As rude as ever," Rowan gasped, stepping beside me. "Do not misunderstand. This is merely a coincidence."

"As you say," I replied, continuing on my way.

"Hey, where are you going?" Rowan called, quickly following me. "Aren’t you curious why I’m here?"

"Nope," I replied, my eyes scanning the surroundings as I walked along the stone path with hesitant steps.

"At least try to be courteous," Rowan sighed.

"Well, I came here to read about the competition because..."

His voice suddenly grew louder as he spread his arms wide. "I will also participate!"

"..."

"Hey, say something!" Rowan shouted, feeling both embarrassed and furious at being ignored.

"Where is the Martial Hall?" I asked a moment later, having failed to find any signs.

"Come this way," Rowan muttered softly, a tear forming at the corner of his eye from being repeatedly ignored.

Although the sect did not house many disciples, it was still the Thunderbane Sect. Its territory was as vast as Forlorn City, encompassing the Outer Court, Inner Court, and Core Court. The mountainous terrain only made navigation more troublesome, especially without a map.

Following Rowan, we walked for a few minutes before stopping in front of a grand structure that looked more like a towering spire due to its sheer size. Above the entrance, the words "Martial Hall" were engraved in intricate calligraphy.

"They really need signboards and maps for this place," I sighed in frustration.

Just as I was about to enter, a heavy voice rang out behind me. "Stop right there."

Turning around, I saw a handsome young man who appeared to be in his late twenties, wearing a white silk robe adorned with intricate cloud patterns. Beside him stood a beautiful woman of similar age, dressed in the same attire. The man had long blue hair, and his appearance felt vaguely familiar. The woman had deep black hair, and her blue eyes studied me with curiosity. Both bore diamond-shaped slit marks on their foreheads.

"G-greetings, Seniors!" Rowan bowed deeply, nervousness written all over his face.

"Greetings," the man replied, while the woman simply nodded in acknowledgement.

The man then turned his sharp gaze toward me and spoke. "I am one of the Core Disciples, Thorin El Thunderbane. Are you the Lucifer Morningstar who dared to raise his hand against a Thunderbane?"