“Asherah” was a treasure of such a level that Xiao Shun could not describe it with his limited vocabulary. He only knew one thing: if he could obtain the complete “Asherah,” he would have the chance to become part of the “Ascendant Coven.” What was the “Ascendant Coven”? It was inherently closer to the path of cultivation than ordinary practitioners, thus facilitating the practice of Ethereal Ascension. However, talking about it now was useless to Xiao Shun, as he had only recently stepped onto the path of cultivation, despite being invincible at this stage. But when it came to the journey of Ethereal Ascension, he was just starting!
Carrying an irrepressible excitement, Xiao Shun approached the hedged garden. When he looked inside, his heart sank immediately because the “Asherah” in front of him seemed different from what his master had described years ago. In places where spiritual energy condensed, miraculous items would emerge, possibly rare treasures or spiritual roots of the earth, and “Asherah” was born from this. It was said that this object would only condense a leaf every thousand years and mature after nine thousand years. After accumulating over millennia, it would produce a fruit known as “Celestial Kernels”! Consuming this fruit could transform an ordinary being into a genuine ascendant, paving the way towards Ethereal Ascension, a feat incredibly rare throughout the ages.
Xiao Shun was puzzled as he observed the “Cerulean Asherah” in front of him, its entire body shimmering like crystal clear waters, with nine branches stemming from its trunk, looking utterly majestic and mature. But crucially, where were the “Celestial Kernels”? After all, the most important part of this spiritual root was its fruit; without it, the root was useless. Was he expected to take it home and wait another ten thousand years for it to bear fruit again? That would be absurd!
Xiao Shun slapped the nearby hedge in frustration, realizing that he was dealing with an “Asherah” whose fruit had been plucked by someone else. It was a bitter disappointment. At this moment, the contrast in his emotions was hard to articulate. However, he took solace in one thing-the soil in which this “Asherah” was planted was indeed the genuine “Hallowed Chromatic Earth.”
Just then, Xiao Shun felt something burning hot in his pocket! With a puzzled expression, he pulled out a pitch-black object. This item, the “Antarctic Directive,” was something he had acquired from inside a golden Buddha not long ago. According to Ning Zhiyuan, this object was ominous, a sentiment Xiao Shun shared as it always brought a foreboding feeling to his heart. But now, what was happening?
The temperature of the “Antarctic Directive” continued to rise as Xiao Shun noticed that the closer it got to the “Cerulean Asherah,” the hotter it became. “Could it be that these two items, both originating from the Antarctica House, are linked in some way?” he murmured to himself. Pushing open the gate of the hedge, he stepped onto the “Hallowed Chromatic Earth” and approached the “Cerulean Asherah” with the “Antarctic Directive” in hand.
These three items were all once possessed by Damian Southcastle, the former head of Antarctica House. After more than five hundred years, they were united once again! Suddenly, a strange transformation occurred in the scorching black metal in Xiao Shun’s hand. Fine lines began to emerge on the surface of the palm-sized “Antarctic Directive,” quickly forming a map. As the map took shape, the temperature of the directive abruptly cooled down, leaving it icy to the touch.
Staring at the map, Xiao Shun exclaimed in shock, “What is this?” As soon as he spoke, he noticed that the “Cerulean Asherah” beside him was beginning to wither and age rapidly, turning into a pile of mud that disappeared into the “Hallowed Chromatic Earth.” Xiao Shun cried out in disbelief, “What on earth is going on here?”
Truth be told, his heart was bleeding. Although the fruit only matured once every ten thousand years, if his descendants flourished, someday one of them might consume a “Celestial Kernel” and begin an era of unparalleled legend. But now…
He looked almost tearful, clutching the object in his hand tightly. “Wait,” he suddenly thought, speaking to himself. “Could the place marked on this map be where the ‘Celestial Kernels’ are located?” For some reason, as soon as this thought emerged, it took root deeply in his heart, relentlessly compelling him.
…
A sudden heavy snowfall had draped Cliffside in a layer of pristine white. “Mr. Xiao!” Amid the chilling wind and falling snowflakes, Gao Qiu and others had been waitingfor Xiao Shun to descend from the mountain summit. His expression seemed a bit off, marked with an indelible gloom. Observing several old members of the Old School Society, looking like snowmen, Xiao Shun gave a desolate wave, acknowledging their presence. His mood wasn’t particularly bright, as he struggled to pinpoint the exact location marked on the mysterious map. After all, Wradeogon was replete with mountains and rivers, making it a daunting task to locate one specific spot.
Curiously eyeing the dispirited Xiao Shun, Gao Qiu spoke, “These seniors staying behind with me intend to join the New School Society. I have worked alongside them for many years, and I hope Mr. Xiao will accept them!” As he finished speaking, the seniors bowed respectfully to Xiao Shun.
“There’s no need for such formalities,” Xiao Shun responded with a smile. “From now on, we are one entity, and the New School Society is our home. Those who contribute more to our family will earn more allowances, and vice versa.” Hearing this, the seniors looked at each other, seeing a glint of joy in each other’s eyes. They were reassured; Mr. Xiao was indeed as fair and just as rumors had suggested. Under such a wise and egalitarian leader, why worry about fair treatment?
With that thought, a senior decisively removed his Old School Society badge. In the bitter cold of Cliffside, he made a resolute statement without a second thought. Xiao Shun naturally wouldn’t refuse such a favorable turn of events. The New School Society was in dire need of skilled managers. With Song Ling’er and others lacking organizational experience, the addition of these seniors significantly alleviated some pressing concerns.
“Fellows, at this critical moment when the New School Society needs capable hands, your decision to join us is something I value deeply. If you are free, head to Harrow sooner; I will contact them in advance,” Xiao Shun said cheerfully.
“Of course!” The seniors nodded, then one by one bowed and took their leave from Xiao Shun.
Watching his colleagues depart, Gao Qiu gave Xiao Shun a thoughtful look. “You assign important tasks as soon as we arrive. Aren’t you worried that someone might have ulterior motives?”
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