Rise of the Midnight King - Rise of the Midnight King – Chapter 59

Sending Bao bi to a small realm was very risky, especially when Tigra wouldn’t be there to protect him. This would be the first time he was ever outside of her protective range for more than a few hours. She was extremely nervous, but Midnight had already given her explicit permission, so she went ahead with it.

The space inside had strict conditions on who was permitted to enter. These restrictions existed on both age and cultivation, and those restrictions almost perfectly matched the Xaoi sect’s rules of admittance. That explained why they had chosen such standards.

Of course, Tigra had already known about his final competition and had investigated this pocket dimension, yet she was unable to access it. The pocket dimension they spoke of was extremely feeble for someone of her power level. If Tigra piloted Liao An into the world, or tried to enter herself, there was a good chance that the entire world would collapse and kill everyone on the inside, as well as whatever goodies there were. She had become more wary of such things after crushing the original Liao An’s mind.

Of course Tigra was interested in something that went to such lengths to keep her from seeing inside. Such mysterious locations often had all of the best stuff. It must have come from a higher plane and fell to this one, only for the Xaoi sect to gain access to it later.

“Do we know anything about this place?’ The redheaded Tian Mei from group one asked.

“Every time people are sent through, they end up in a different place. All we know is that it is called the Midnight region. You will have 72 hours to survive and try to gather whatever you think might have value.”

“How will this determine the ranking?” Xie Mingyu took the opportunity to ask. “How do you decide if someone has what it takes to be an inner disciple?”

“Our sect has always worked on a contribution system. You will be awarded contribution points based on what you acquire in this realm. This will immediately put you all in a position far better than any of the other disciples out there.” He gestured to the group of spectators in the distance. “It will be months if not years before they’ll be able to earn any contribution points. These can be traded for advanced techniques, medicines, and recipes allowing you to jumpstart your cultivation and leap ahead. This is merely your fortune for being the top winners.”

As he spoke, several of the top ten contestants grinned. It was like they could already see themselves spending their contribution points on stuff.

He continued. “In this one case, a set number of contribution points could be spent, allowing you to become an inner disciple.”

“You buy your position?” One person blinked.

“This region is very important to us. It can only be opened once a year, and it will only allow the passage for youth at your relative cultivation levels. Thus, if someone makes a large enough contribution to the Xaoi sect, the kind of contribution that secures our future, the least we could do is allow them to become an inner disciple.”

By the tone of his voice, it was clear that contribution points were all one could hope to obtain. If someone discovered a treasure within the region, there was no hope they’d be able to pocket it themselves. In the end, it was a harsh method that the Xaoi sect used to extract resources, but they had organized it in such a way that despite a hundred thousand contestants and witnesses, only a handful truly understood what was going on. To the masses, danger was only natural when seeking immortality, and it was a privilege for anyone to risk their lives in the Midnight region.

So, why did Tigra allow Bao bi to become a contestant? Strictly speaking, he didn’t even need to be in the Xaoi sect at all. She was only using the sect to help him develop because it was convenient, but it wasn’t necessary. Of course, she was allowing him to face some danger for the same reason that the Xaoi sect had orchestrated these disciple trials and sent their best new recruits through. It was for opportunity!

This was an unknown region, and who knew what was inside it! Even Midnight herself was curious about it, which was why she had quietly allowed it. Tigra wondered how Master would act if she knew that this region shared a similar name, although it seemed unlikely that something found in this backwater hole would have any connection to the most powerful woman in the universe. She’d more likely be offended.

Even still, cultivation couldn’t be forced. Risks needed to happen and Bao bi needed to face at least some adversity. This world was a good opportunity. Although the elder had made the place seem dangerous, their tract record with it had been fairly good. They only lost a few disciples every year.

“If there are no further questions, then the disciple selection has come to an end.” The elder spoke this part allowed, dropping the barrier that blocked the words he spoke to the disciples. “The final results will be revealed in three days once the top contestants have returned. Those of you who are now outer disciples, please cross the bridge to your right. You will be with a few of your seniors. They will escort to the Xaoi sect where you will be settled. To the top contestants, join me and I will take you to the rift.”

The elders words ended the disciple selection like a bucket of cold water. Tigra naturally wouldn’t let Bao bi go unprotected. Before Liao An parted with the rest of the disciples, she imparted some wisdom Bao bi’s way, as well as some protective charms in case things went south. The exchange was so swift that noone but Bao bi noticed, but he took it in stride. In short, after considering her options and taking into account Bao bi’s ability, she was willing to allow him to take the risk.

The disciples who had gained the right to enter the sect began moving toward the new bridge that appeared, but as it passed the platform with the final contestants, many couldn’t help but look on enviously at the group at the top. It was only natural for them to envy the winners, who would have a chance to not only gain resources, but become inner disciples. If they knew the risk to their lives they’d have to take for that opportunity, many of them wouldn’t have taken it, but it was still in their nature to be jealous of those that had opportunity and the strength to seize it.

The guests and spectators also began to disperse. Feeling that the end was anticlimactic, there were a few that grumbled about being sent away. Of course, no one wanted to sit around for three days with nothing happening, but they were still displeased that there was no great finale. They didn’t complain for long though. Those who had gone to previous selections were aware of how it ended, and quickly quieted the others down and they all left without incident. Since the orders were given out by an immortal elder, it wasn’t like they had room to complain anyway.

The elder who had been announcing everything at this point turned and walked away. The outer disciple Chen Bao immediately followed him. The other ten final disciples looked at each other and then followed behind. It seemed to happen naturally, but they ordered themselves by their age groups. Xie Mingyu and the other eldest were at the front while Bao bi’s group nervously followed in the back. Xie Mingyu seemed to have formed a feeling of competitiveness with the top outer disciple, and tried to walk alongside him directly behind the leader as if to say they held the same position. The other boy merely smiled with his hands in his robes and said nothing.

“Master Qiu, is there truly nothing we’ve gained to increase our likelihood of survival traveling to the Midnight zone?” Chen Bao suddenly asked.

Xie Mingyu frowned at this subtle flex. Unlike him, Chen Bao had already spent some time in the Xaoi sect. This unnamed elder was someone he personally knew. Furthermore, he would have had the advantage of speaking to other outer disciples who had gone on the journey to learn more about this place on the other side. In fact, for all the other disciples knew, he had been a contestant on previous years. If he had become the top contestant his youngest year, but didn’t bring enough back to become an inner disciple, yet over the course of two years rose to be the top outer disciple, then this could be his second or even third chance. It was no wonder he didn’t look as nervous as the rest, as he had all the cards in his pocket.  

“We have attempted to get maps of the zone in the past, but every time we’ve send someone in, the terrain is completely different. To this day, we have never managed to collaborate any of the maps. This has given us the impression that terrain changes between every visit.”

“Could it not be that the place is simply too large and you’re never sent to the same place twice?” Bao bi asked.

His words caught everyone’s attention, and all of the eyes looked back at him. Some were curious, while others looked at him with disdain. He was the outlier in the group, the eleventh person. He was also from the younger group. It was mostly assumed that their involvement during this competition would amount to very little. They were to keep their heads down and possibly learn a thing or two.

If they were smart, they’d latch on to one of the older kids and become their subordinate. This was part of the reason the Xaoi sect was structured this way. Younger kids became followers of the older kids, creating a hierarchy that worked well. There were advantages to such a relationship either way. It was a bit surprising that one of the younger kids was speaking out.

Dian Ai was glad he had spoken, since she had been wondering something similar. Jiang Bo could only scratch his cheek. He knew that Bao bi was simply that kind of person. Qi Xue looked at him with a frown, feeling a bit inferior after seeing the other boy his age with the guts to speak up.

Master Qiu quirked an eyebrow. “The zone has a very distinct border. Students have been able to cross from one side to the other in 72 hours, as well as gain vantage points that examined the entire terrain. Similar areas are discovered sometimes, but they have always been changed in some manner. Furthermore, every area is marked with a very particular tower. It’s the direction that all contestants usually head. There is a belief that if you can reach the top of the tower, you’ll gain an incredible inheritance. No one has ever been able to make it to the top in the three days given.”

“Thank you for answering.” Bao bi nodded his head.

Master Qiu’s lips quirked slightly. He didn’t dislike a boy who was properly respectful. Besides, Master Li had shown a great deal of interest in this boy, even altering he rules to allow him entrance. Master Li’s cultivation wasn’t necessary stronger that Qiu’s, but he had a long history there as well as many connections. At the very least, he saw no reason to not show him an ounce of favor. He was clearly not on the side of those who wished Bao bi harm.

“Come, we’re almost there.”

Everyone’s attention shifted back to Master Qiu. Only one person’s eyes lingered on him slightly longer. It went unnoticed by the group as he turned away. His fingers felt a note that had mysterious appeared in his pocket a short time before. Its contents had been extremely clear. It was the boys first official orders through the Xaoi sect. It was an order for Bao bi’s death. The young man didn’t know why someone in the Xaoi sect wanted Bao bi dead, but since Bao bi was in the youngest group, it should be rather easy. People died in these kinds of trips all the time. Why, he might not even need to do anything while Bao bi died by accident. Since the awards would likely be great, he continued to plot to himself quietly.

Everyone else was focused on their own plans. They would each likely approach this differently, and choosing the right approach could mean the difference between life and death. Such a competition was the first step toward their path toward immortality, and they could either be at the head of the pack or forever racing behind if they made the wrong choice. It put a lot of pressure on such young children.

“The tower is always present. Is there anything else you can tell us?” Xie Mingyu seemed emboldened by the other two boys talking to the elder and so he pushed for information as well.

“Just this… you all must be extremely careful. There are many creatures in that place. There are spiritual beasts and even other things, things that have reached even the Mortal Revolution realm.”

“The 5th realm?” Qi Xue cried out in a hoarse voice, receiving several harsh stares and immediately blushing.

He immediately blamed Bao bi for speaking out earlier, which was why his voice had loosened. Who could speak up to these older disciples. They were his older brothers at best, and he had to treat them all with respect. Then again, he had been greatly shocked by the potential to run into a Mortal Revolution. What kind of concept was that?

Such a creature could threaten an entire nation. Entire armies had been slain trying to take one down, and nations had fallen because a Mortal Revolution spiritual beast decided to make their territory its home. Even the sects would choose to keep a wide berth from such a powerful creature’s domain. The most powerful man of the Xaoi sect was only in the early stages of the Mortal Revolution, and spiritual beasts were often stronger than their human counterparts due to their innate traits.

The one thing that often-allowed humanity supremacy over animals despite their enhanced physical traits was that animals often lacked intelligence. Yet, by the time a beast reached Mortal Maturation, its intelligence would increase. A Mortal Revolution would be as smart as a human, and some might even be able to speak!

“Most beasts of that strength will ignore someone of yours. As long as you stay away from their nest and do no cause any trouble, you shouldn’t face any trouble with them. Besides, there has only been two reports of beasts of that level. Most of the beasts are second realm or lower.”

Bao bi felt like there was something off about that. If they had so few reports of high-level beasts, isn’t that because the disciples that encounter them usually die? He decided not to mention that though. It wasn’t like he couldn’t read the room, and the elder’s words had already done a good job frightening them.

The one who appeared the most frightened was Dian Ai. No one else had noticed by Bao bi, but she was shaking. Although her silence seemed stoic to other people, Bao bi didn’t see her in the same light, and thus he could notice how frightened she had been. Her silence wasn’t a form of strength, but came from her being somewhat scared.

“It’s alright.” Bao bi reached out and grabbed Dian Ai’s hand. “We’ll watch out for each other.”

He had spoken quietly, so the only ones who had noticed were Jiang Bo and Qi Xue. Both of them could only stare in shock. Dian Ai herself was alarmed. No boy other than her brother had ever touched her so intimately, yet Bao bi had just reached out and grabbed her hand like that. Her heart couldn’t help but flutter. She wanted to pull her hand away, but she really had been scared by the elder’s words, and his warm hand felt sturdy and strong. She looked into his eyes, and she didn’t see any perversion or disgust.

After a few moments of panic, she allowed him to keep holding her hand, but she didn’t respond to his words either. He smiled at her, and for some reason she felt her face heating up. If her brother saw her in that moment, he would have exploded with rage and torn Bao bi apart. He wasn’t the only one. Dian Ai had no shortage of supporters and fans. If it wasn’t for her young age, many would have already tried to become closer to her. That’s when she remembered that Bao bi’s age wasn’t much different than her own. If anything, that seemed to make him holding her hand feel even more taboo. Her hand shook again, but he squeezed it sincerely, and she forced herself to relax.

The two other boys who were witnessing this couldn’t believe it. Jiang Bo was wondering just when Bao bi had grown so close to Dian Ai. He worried about his sister and how she’d react to such a lovey dovey scene between Bao bi and another girl. He also thought that seeing as how incredible Bao bi was, there might not be a better match for Dian Ai than him. Yet, his loyalty to his sister won out and he glared at Bao bi. Qi Xue also glared, but his mind was filled with disbelief.

They had finished walking down a long tunnel. It had started out appearing just to be part of the coliseum where all of the platforms had been erected, but it had turned into an underground tunnel at some point. It was strangely lit, even though there were no discernable light sources. They continued to walk for about ten minutes until coming out into a large cavern. Was the cavern constructed specifically for this event, or had they somehow traveled farther than it appeared. It was hard to say.

As they entered the larger room, Dian Ai finally took the opportunity to pull her hand away. Bao bi smiled at her again before turning away. She bit her lip, but kept silent. Her shaking had completely disappeared though. Had that been his intent from the beginning? She could still feel the warmth of his hand on her finger tips. Why was she feeling warm?

“We have reached the rift.” Master Qui declared. “Please step on these runes, and I will send you.”

“We’re going now?” One of the contestants asked in surprise.

The elder smiled. “There is no time like the present, and immortality waits for no one! This is the path you have taken, so seize your opportunities.”