The Gods Decree - Chapter 184 Thousand Year Genius

“Nothing like a man’s own castle.”

Taf pushed open the door to his manor as he strolled through. Having chosen not to have any servants the place was dark and quiet. Not that he would complain as this suited him quite well.

“I don’t like the thoughts of these devils, Taf.”

may uttered with a bit of unease in her voice. It didn’t take a genius to see how feared these individuals were by all.

“When I asked who was behind that whole ordeal, I must say I was quite startled at the grand elder’s response.”

Taf replied as he observed the space ring which the grand elder previously provided. He then continued by saying,

” Guess I was excited about meeting these banes of our world. After all, I too would fall under this bracket.

Maybe there are quite a few questions that are in need of answers in my mind. For instance, why are they despised as they are? More importantly, is this an inherent trait that all who possess the affinity are fated?”

“Brute how could you have such a future with me by your side. I would freeze you into beautiful ice before that happens.”

May bounced jokingly against Taf with her shoulders as she chuckled. She then also summoned her space ring scanning its interior with her senses.

“Now let’s see what our duties entail.”

With some curiosity, she summoned a parchment to her hands after deciphering its contents the two subconsciously gazed at the other…

“What the heck is this crap?!” Taf could not help but exclaim as he read.

{All elders are required to conduct a quota of two lectures per month. This is specific to their proficiencies in the field.

Topics to be covered include and are not limited to Prehistoric battle tactics and their applications in modern society, Qi Deficiencies & efficiencies, Body limitations… }

“I’m sure we are exempted from those activities.”

Taf no longer persisted with the lecturing items before scrolling down the list.

{Availability for mentorship programs – Note to qualify for the mentorship program a disciple either needs to exhibit great talent, arrived at the ninth qi condensation or being a member of a three-star squad or higher} for visiting.

“Pass!”

Taf unwilling stated. After all, they had limited knowledge themselves. What could they possibly offer?

May apparently didn’t share his opinion as she replied…

“Don’t dismiss it just yet. Perhaps this is our best means to act the roles of actual elders in order to limit suspicions. Interestingly, I’vealways fancied being a mentor spreading my knowledge to those in need.”

Hehe!

” Fake it until make it huh? I guess you do have a point miss.”

A smirk was seen on Taf’s face as he continued,

“Well at the very least with the identities of elders our goal might not be as far fetched in the near future. According to this as newly recruited elders, we are guaranteed a sum of two million each.”

After speaking Taf suddenly looked at a pouch filled with qi stone running his senses through as slowly a new revelation dawned upon him.

He then hurried questioned May,” Wait.., how many do you have in your space ring?”

“Two million and yours?” She replied.

With a wry smile displayed on his face, Taf could only utter,

“Two…, no wonder she was so cooperative prior. It seems we unknowingly negotiated for what was to be ours.

Hmmm, well played old Perth…, well played.” Taf could only shake his head as he conceded his defeat.

A few days after returning to the sect Taf sat lazily with a few others of squad Malgrey. Being a part of the group from time to time he listened to Lovren’s boasting.

It seems after the events of the Starlight City he has finally made some progress in his cultivation.

“Just in time for the yearly tournament. Last year they all laughed as I was kicked out in the preliminary match but this year…, this year I will show them.

After what I have done, what fears could I have for others at the eight-stage?”

He firmly molded his hand into a fist as crunching sounds could be heard coming from it. Obviously his memories of the previous sect tournament were not fond ones.

By the expression of the others that sat with him, it was apparent they too had similar experiences as their faces showed signs of reminiscence. They were Cameron and Luke the other members of squad Malgrey that were engaged in conversation.

Then Luke observed Taf who didn’t seem to care one bit about what was going on around him as he reclined in his chair. With some curiosity he questioned,

“Surely neither yourself nor May will be participating in the annual tournament, right?”

Based on what he knew of Taf for him to have any seeming interest in anything there would have to be some form of gain. Whether intrigue, challenge or remunerations, to be honest, he would be somewhat surprised if the sect didn’t outright ban their participation.

“Nah that won’t be any fun. However, I wouldn’t mind viewing it. When will this take place?”

Taf asked awkwardly realizing he had not read all of the entry-level materials when joining the sect. He had no recollection of any tournament being mentioned.

“The tournament should take place in a month’s time. It is usually a great showcase for the true geniuses of the sect. Within the sect, there is a top one thousand ranking system. However, to be deemed a true genius of merit one has to arrive in the top one hundred.”

There was some excitement in Lovren’s voice as he spoke. It could be seen that he too aspired to ascend into this prestigious rank. As a matter of fact, they all did as this meant status and a shot at achieving Arts, Qi stones and best of all a chance to call an elder master.

This was one of the main benefits that all disciples strived for. To be under the tutelage of one in the realm of Lord is a life changer for most.

Imagine the benefit of someone guiding them on their path. It’s hard to move from one stage to the next and sometimes thing that might seem trivial can be detrimental to one’s future.

A simple case of focusing mainly on absorbing world qi and not giving the dantian its proper nutrition can halt one’s progress for months, even years.

Even the selection of the art one develops should be taken seriously when selecting. Some elements can be a double-edged sword to those in the qi realm.

For instance, the use of the fire element though one of the most powerful elements takes an excessive toll on the body.

If it is continuously used the body degrades at an excessive rate. The only remedy to counter this is to have an abundance of qi to burn or cultivating at a fast pace which enables the body to be reinvigorated with each leap in strength.

“So where does Ava, Malnor, Malgrey, Niesha, and Selena fall in this ranking?” Taf enquired. Based on their ranking he could then determine the strength of those above.

Surprisingly it was Cameron the introvert who responded to Taf. It seemed Luke and Lovren weren’t as enthusiastic to mention this small detail.

“They are all talented without a doubt.., but none cracks the top one hundred. The highest is Malnor and he is 125th in the ranking.”

“125th huh? How about the top ten. What strengths do they possess?”

This Taf asked knowing that all three squad captains were at the peak of the ninth rank. It was thus understandable his surprise at such a disparity in rankings from them and the top.

Noting his confusion the green-haired Luke interjected.

“All within the top ten are disciples of high ranking elders. Therefore they are on another level compared to the rest. In fact, it is rumored that of the top three one is already on the cusp of a breakthrough arriving at the lord realm.

An accomplishment that if it were to be achieved, would make him the youngest to arrive at that elusive realm in the sect within the last thousand years.”

The admiration was obvious in Luke’s words as he spoke of this disciple. Evidently this person was one that all aspired to be….

To be continued..

Unedited Version