Heretic In The Heavens - Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Demonic Way Sect

A blur shot across, all the way through Lotus city, out of Zin country, and kept going, for thousands upon thousands of miles, all that were near this figure which was going inconceivably fast were astonished. Some were even knocked back by the shockwaves he was sent off, even some of the mortals were killed! He ran all the way through Zin Country, to the bordering Azure Sky Empire, through the Azure Sky Empire, all through the whispering wood, finally he arrived at the lands of the chosen, the greater heavenly way, or what people call the lands of the heavenly way.

After entering the lands of the heavenly way, he chose to go even deep, until he finally arrived at a place where the sky was scorched, there was lightning cascading from the skies, ripping the land asunder, there were abysses as far as the eye can see. In there was a large onyx-like castle in the middle of the land, it was huge, and couldn’t even be called a castle. It was larger than ten Lotus Cities.

Outside the castle prowled great beasts, demon beasts. There were all kinds, but all are vicious, and the smarter ones are the real problem though. Once they reached a certain level of cultivation they can transform into humans, and when that’s done, they will run amok in society, causing all types of trouble, but that won’t happen here. If a beast gets to gutsy here, they’ll eliminate the threat. The only reason they keep them here is to use as a cultivation resource.

As the man in a cloak rushed pass all the beasts, they cowered, they obviously recognized this man, he was Ji Peng. He was in possession of the Roc spirit, which was another great spirit. Full of sweat, he stopped at the gates of the great castle. And knocked so that the door thundered. Afterward, a portal opened, taking him straight to the centre of the fortress.

He reappeared in a huge sanctum, it was cold, damp, and dark. The roaring of flame torches could be heard, as they danced in the shadows. As he quickly walked, the sounds of his steps echoed, disturbing the surreal silence, of the empty place.

He then came to a huge stone door, which was illuminated, with great opalescent gemstones, encrusting the door. These gemstones formed a runic symbol. It was of a great horned beast, with a crown of cracked bone upon its head. It was an ancient demon of the way.

As Ji Peng laid eyes on this great beast it made him shiver. Although it was his sect’s namesake, it still filled him with fear.

As he shook, the door started to rumble, and grind, as it slowly descended to the floor, scattering dust everywhere. “Enter.” An old hollow voice called out.

As he entered the room, Ji Peng could barely take the stench. With all his willpower, he still found it hard not to vomit. The room was decorated, with corpses, some of which were rotting, and others already faded into dust. A hundred, a thousand, maybe more. The corpses didn’t discriminate either, men, women and children.

Albeit for only a few seconds, Ji Peng realised he was staring. He dropped down on his hands and knees, “Forgive me sect master.” He said in a soft voice, which you would address a child or monster.

The old being snorted. “Why have you disturbed my meditation, Apprentice Ji. You may be a core disciple, but you” the old one smirked, “you know what happened to the last person to disturb me without need.” An old withered finger pointed at a corpse in the corner, wearing the same badge as Ji Peng.

Seeing this Ji Peng gulped, while sweat poured down his face. The corpse was one of his senior brothers, who had the bright idea of trying to question the sect master, he thought he was important because his father was an elder. Well, neither father or son reside in this place anymore, well not entirely. There souls and essence consumed, and body left to rot.

“Sect master. This really is an important matter, I swear.” Ji Peng said urgently.

“Then what is this important matter.” The old one said, whilst tapping long decrepit fingernails on the side of the throne.

“There’s a boy sect master, well actually there’s a lot of very talented people that I’ve found.”

“Oh, really how talented?” the old one’s eyes suddenly opened, and there the red pupils dilated.

“Sir there’s, there’s, one girl, with the ice phoenix ”

The old one suddenly stood up, “An ice phoenix, you say. Well. Not bad, not bad at all I’ve decided not to kill you, Apprentice Ji. An ice phoenix is a heaven level spirit, a level eight one at that.” The owner of the archaic voice said as it paced around the room. “Congratulations, you get to continue, your meaningless existence another day.” The old one chuckled to itself.

Hearing this Ji Peng took a deep breath, and his face regained some of the colour which had been ashen. “There are also some others, which are quite good.” Ji Peng said in a bolder voice.

“Oh, go on” the voice said in a cold voice.

“There was also someone with a pure yang spirit.” Ji Peng almost licked his lips after saying this, “I’m bound for a reward from the sect if they find these people!” Ji Peng was ecstatic just thinking about the possibility. Perhaps he could finally get what he’s always wanted, his mouth started to slightly salivate just at the thought of it.

“What form was the pure yang spirit in?” The old voice asked hurriedly, wanting to get all the information form such a prospect.

“Sorry, there wasn’t any form sect master.” Ji Peng readily replied.

“A formless Yang spirit, a pure one at that very good, probably fire or a battle spirit, in terms of cultivation, he can be used in both dual cultivation, or the Dao of flame also, it would make an excellent alchemist.” The old one said with a very satisfied look.

“Two people from one place, intriguing, very intriguing.” The sect master scratched the old chin.

“Tell me, Little Peng, why have you not brought this young genius’ back?” The sect master looked at him with sharp eyes, that pierced the soul, and gave a wicked grin.

“Apologies Sect Master!” Ji Peng quickly pleaded.

“But but”

“But what?” The old one yelled, standing over the pathetic man ready to end his meaningless existence at any moment. “Tell me, what does a petty Roc have in comparison to an Ice Phoenix Little Peng?” yelled the sect master who was furious.

As blood poured out of Ji Peng’s ear and held back his sobbing, he slowly whispered, “L Lo Lotus City, Sect Master!” As he said this all the pressure was instantly released, and the sect mater was again, sitting upon a throne of bones.

“Lotus City” The sect master chuckled, in a nervous manner.

“That’s a city that has been sleeping for a long time Say, Little Peng, do you know who Lotus City was founded by?” The old voice slithered out like a curious serpent.

“I, I’ve only heard rumours, oh great one!” Ji Peng said as he’s once frantic breathing stated to steady.

“Well, you wouldn’t have entered there if you knew the truth.” The old voice said. “Anyway, you have disappointed me. You will now serve penance, stand watch, outside Lotus City for the next Century, and don’t get caught. Now leave” The old decaying hand waved him off.

“Oh, lord. 100 years! my cultivation will fall behind senior brothers then”

[Can anyone think of more adjectives for old?]