The Art of Chaotic Divinity-Chapter 1328: The Black Abyss Executioner

Within the Dongling Immortal Pool, the eight floating immortal islands of the Heavenly Realm were vast beyond measure. Correspondingly, the Earth Realm below covered an equally immense expanse.

Led by Feng Ling, the group spent nearly half a quarter hour traveling from the outer sect disciples' living quarters before finally arriving at the Dan Ding Grand Hall[1] of the Earth Realm.

"This is where you will carry out your daily tasks from now on," Feng Ling said as they walked. "Once you confirm your assignment, you are not allowed to change it for three months unless there is a special reason."

She led Ling Feng and the other two to the front of the Dan Ding Grand Hall, continuing her explanation as she went. "The daily work in the alchemy room mostly involves handling spirit herbs and cleaning furnace ash. However, all cultivation supplies for the Earth Realm are distributed from this hall, so the workload here is relatively heavy. Once you begin your tasks, you will understand."

By the time she finished speaking, they had already entered the Dan Ding Grand Hall. Aside from a few stewards and managers, most of the ordinary disciples inside looked thin and listless, as though their vitality had been drained.

"Because the work here is demanding, the elders sometimes summon menial disciples to help," Feng Ling said, pointing toward a group wearing green robes. "They are the menial disciples. Each month, they receive only one fifth of the cultivation resources given to outer sect disciples, yet their workload is even heavier. Their numbers are also about ten times greater than those of the outer sect. One could say that the Earth Realm is filled mostly with menial disciples, all striving for the unrealistic dream of someday becoming outer sect disciples again."

Ling Feng rubbed the bridge of his nose. This was reality laid bare.

He had thought life as an outer sect disciple was already harsh. He had not expected the menial disciples to live in conditions even more miserable.

When Ling Feng and the others entered the hall, the busy disciples did not even have time to make jokes. Every one of them worked cautiously and nervously, terrified of making a mistake.

Alchemy was meticulous work. A single misstep could ruin an entire furnace of pills, which would silently increase that day's workload.

"Ling Feng, since you look so full of energy, I will assign you to help in Master Ye's alchemy room," Feng Ling said, glancing back at him with a faintly mischievous smile.

"Hm?"

The moment the words Master Ye were spoken, the expressions of the nearby disciples subtly changed. It was as though they had heard the name of an evil spirit. When they looked at Ling Feng, there was even a hint of sympathy in their eyes.

If working in the Dan Ding Grand Hall already felt like hell to them, then Master Ye's alchemy room was the eighteenth layer of hell itself, a true abyss of despair.

Ling Feng did not understand how he had offended this woman enough for her to target him so deliberately. Still, as long as he was in an alchemy room, he was in his element!

Even if this so-called Master Ye were a flood or a ferocious beast, he would eventually tame him!

"Whatever," Ling Feng said calmly and nodded.

The surrounding outer sect disciples shook their heads and sighed softly.

Another youth was about to be ruined!

At that moment, a middle aged alchemist hurried out from the inner hall. He clasped his fists toward Feng Ling in salute and said with a warm smile, "I did not expect Lady Feng to personally deliver the disciples this time. Forgive us for the poor welcome."

"It is no trouble," Feng Ling replied, waving her hand lightly. "These two junior brothers can be arranged as you see fit, Manager Sun. As for Junior Brother Ling Feng, send him to Master Ye to help."

"Master Ye?"

A flicker of something unusual passed through Manager Sun's eyes as he looked Ling Feng up and down. With a trace of sympathy, he nodded and said, "Very well. Since this is Lady Feng's arrangement, we will do it this way."

"Ling Feng, do your tasks well here. I will come see you again in a few days," Feng Ling said, giving him a meaningful look before smiling softly and turning to leave.

Only after Feng Ling had left the Dan Ding Grand Hall did Manager Sun turn back to Ling Feng. After a moment's thought, he pointed to one disciple and said to the other two new arrivals, "You two go with him to Master Wu. As for you, come with me."

Ling Feng said nothing and followed behind Manager Sun.

As they walked, Manager Sun thought, this boy must have offended Feng Ling. There's no other reason she would send him to Master Ye. Master Ye was infamous for having the worst temper in the Dan Ding Grand Hall. One wrong move, or even the wrong look, could get you beaten and berated.

No one had ever lasted a full three months under Master Ye. After repeatedly failing to complete their tasks, they would be sent into the Black Abyss.

Because of this, Master Ye was known as the "Black Abyss Executioner".

There was no denying it, however. Among all the alchemists of the Earth Realm, Master Ye's alchemy technique ranked at the very top.

"Hey, kid."

Halfway there, Manager Sun suddenly stopped and turned to look at Ling Feng. "Cherish this last stretch of road. Your nightmare is about to begin."

"Is that Master Ye really so frightening?" Ling Feng asked casually, raising an eyebrow.

Seeing Ling Feng's unconcerned expression, Manager Sun shook his head inwardly. This boy really has a big heart. But he'll soon see how terrifying the so-called "Black Abyss Executioner" truly is.

"It is not just frightening," Manager Sun said. "It is a living nightmare!"

He gently patted Ling Feng on the shoulder. "Kid, endure it for a month first. Once you come back out of the Black Abyss, you can start over. If you cultivate diligently, there might still be a chance. But you are only at the early stage of the Spiritual Sea Realm, so I am afraid..."

Manager Sun shook his head and did not finish his sentence.

He did not need to. Ling Feng understood. After a year, he would either be expelled or reduced to a menial disciple.

At last, Manager Sun pushed open the bronze doors of a great hall ahead of them. From within, Ling Feng felt a suffocating pressure surge outward.

The bronze doors were like the gaping maw of a demon, opening wide to devour any living spirit that stepped inside.

"Master Ye, this humble one is Sun Pei. This is the outer sect disciple newly assigned to assist you. I leave him to your guidance from now on," Manager Sun said respectfully, standing at the entrance with not the slightest hint of negligence in his tone.

"Oh? You finally sent someone to me again?" A booming voice like muffled thunder exploded from within. "The previous ones were all useless already!"

A moment later, a man strode out from the inner chamber. He was incredibly tall, well over two meters, with his upper body bare. His entire frame was covered in scars and bulging veins, radiating a savage and violent aura.

Ling Feng's pupils contracted sharply, and his mind went blank for a brief moment.

This guy is an alchemist?

1. Was using Pill Cauldron Grand Hall, switched back to Dan Ding for more flavor :D ☜