After clashing with the four maidens, Shu Han had confirmed the potency of his Thunder Summoning Banner.
Without a doubt, that enigmatic Thunderstone was a treasure. It could effectively draw natural lightning, greatly enhancing the Green Thunder Tribulation Formation. Coupled with the benefit of the Chaotic Immortal Stone, the power of the descending Chaotic Thunder Tribulation rivaled that of a quasi-core cultivator!
However, the spiritual power required to summon the Chaotic Thunder Tribulation was immense. With Shu Han's current reserves, he could only manage it once. This power came with its pros and cons.
Shu Han pondered, that if he were to advance in his cultivation, even a quasi-core cultivator might have to retreat before the might of his Chaotic Thunder Tribulation.
At that moment, Xiao Zian approached, wearing a beaming smile. "My friend, your abilities are indeed vast and mysterious! Pleased to meet you, I am Xiao Zian, a cultivator from the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect."
"I am Shu Han, an independent cultivator."
Turning to Xiao, Shu Han inquired, "Friend Xiao, being from the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, have you heard of the incident at the Immaculate Realm five years ago?"
Treading cautiously, Xiao Zian whispered, "You've heard of it too? It seems that news has spread far and wide. The incident was simply too significant to contain."
"Nobody from my Fiery Cloud Instant Sect made it out alive from the Immaculate Realm five years ago. Rumor has it other sects suffered the same fate. I wonder what horror unfolded within the Immaculate Realm."
He continued, "Judging by your appearance, you seem to be a dedicated cultivator who has been in seclusion. Perhaps you aren't aware that the situation in the North of Great Cloud has drastically changed. It's no longer the tranquil North of Great Cloud we once knew. You must tread carefully in the days to come."
"Oh? What happened to the North of Great Cloud?"
Xiao Zian explained, "It's the eternal struggle between righteousness and malevolence. After the Immaculate Realm incident, the righteous leader, Green Thunder Sect, suddenly announced they would no longer shield the vast regions of the Purple Sun Sect and the Rainbow Light Sword Valley. Seizing the opportunity, Devil Music Sect made their move. Now, both the territories of Purple Sun Sect and Rainbow Light Sword Valley are under the control of Devil Music Sect. The entirety of the North of Great Cloud is divided and ruled by these two major sects!"
Hearing this news, Shu Han was not entirely surprised. After all, the Nascent Soul cultivators of these two major sects had joined forces in the Immaculate Realm. Redividing their territories was expected. However, the fall of the Purple Sun Sect was beyond his anticipation. Fei Zhengyang was still within the Purple Sun Sect.
"How fares the Purple Sun Sect now?"
Xiao Zian queried, "Do you have acquaintances within the Purple Sun Sect?"
Shu Han nodded in affirmation.
Xiao Zian began, "The situation for Purple Sun Sect is bleak. Rumors suggest they didn't immediately submit like the Rainbow Light Sword Valley did. Led by Sect Master Purple Sun, they used their Sect's protective formation to resist the demonic cultivators. However, when the Nascent Soul master of Devil Music Sect intervened, he shattered the grand protective formation. Sect Master Purple Sun was gravely injured and fled, while many of the Core Formation elders were slain. The Purple Sun Sect has been thoroughly transformed."
Seeing the grave expression on Shu Han's face, Xiao Zian clapped him on the shoulder, comforting, "Worry not, my friend. We're near the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect here, and still under the protection of Green Thunder Sect. The demonic cultivators wouldn't dare act recklessly. Furthermore, our Sect Master is soon to make a breakthrough to Nascent Soul. With another Nascent Soul cultivator on the side of righteousness, we'll surely scatter those demonic cultivators and drive them out of the North of Great Cloud."
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Shu Han raised an eyebrow, "Your Sect Master is advancing to Nascent Soul?"
"Indeed! Our Sect Master is a prodigious talent of our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect. Already at the pinnacle of the Core Formation's latter stage, he's recognized as the foremost under Nascent Soul in the North of Great Cloud. Once our Sect Master achieves Nascent Soul, our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect will rival the stature of Green Thunder Sect!"
Shu Han's gaze flickered, "I've heard that the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect is renowned for its Heavenly Fire and artifact forging. Is that true?"
Xiao Zian looked at him with surprise, "Of course. Who in the North of Great Cloud doesn't know that our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect was built upon Heavenly Fire? Unlike other sects that rely on Earthly Fire veins, all cultivators in our sect use the Heavenly Fire tributaries for alchemy and forging. Naturally, the quality of our creations is unparalleled."
With that information, Shu Han saw potential for his control over the Black Abyssal Fire. He pressed further, "I've heard that Heavenly Fire is extremely difficult to control. How does your sect train disciples to use it for alchemy and forging?"
Xiao Zian chuckled, "My friend, you really have been in deep seclusion! You've not heard of this?"
He elaborated, "Heavenly Fire tributaries are controlled through formations, making them as docile as Earthly Fire. Moreover, our sect's 'Instant Fire Manipulation Technique' is inherently attuned with the flames. It's hardly a challenge for us."
"Fascinating!" Shu Han amiably clapped his shoulder, praising, "A conversation with you is more enlightening than a decade of study. Your insights are truly profound. An exemplary figure for our generation!"
Flattered by such admiration from a powerful cultivator like Shu Han, Xiao Zian swelled with pride. Shu Han continued, "Tell me, what exactly is this Heavenly Fire of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect?"
"It's the Earth Dragon Fire, born from the magma of the Earth. A well-known fact in the cultivation realm."
Shu Han sighed deeply, "I must confess, I too am an alchemist, always struggling with the impurity of my alchemical flames. I've long hoped to harness the power of Heavenly Fire."
Xiao Zian proposed, "A formidable independent cultivator like you could easily join our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect. Once you surpass the Core Formation stage or make a significant contribution to the sect, the Sect Master himself will reward you with the essence of the Heavenly Fire."
"Really? Your Fiery Cloud Instant Sect gives out Heavenly Fire as a reward? Aren't you concerned about depleting its essence?"
Xiao Zian elucidated, "Why worry? The Earth Dragon Fire has been nourished in the volcano for over ten thousand years, and its essence has long been profound and potent. Every Core Formation elder in our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect possesses the essence of Earth Dragon Fire, and even exceptional Foundation Establishment late-stage disciples might obtain it."
Shu Han pressed, "Given how difficult Heavenly Fire is to tame, your Fiery Cloud Instant Sect must have a technique for it?"
"Indeed. We possess a confidential technique, the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art.' With mastery over this art, even the wildest Heavenly Fire becomes as docile and flexible as pill flames, taking on countless forms and making it nearly impossible for adversaries to counter."
A gleam of intent shone in Shu Han's eyes. The 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art' was precisely what he lacked. It seemed that if he wished to strengthen and control his Black Abyssal Fire, a trip to the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect was imperative. Perhaps with the assimilation of the Black Abyssal Fire, he might even break through the latter-stage barriers. After all, breakthroughs weren't just about isolated intensive cultivation. Moreover, the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect was renowned for alchemy and artifact forging; it would be an excellent place to refine his skills.
"You, Brother Xiao, with your level of cultivation, must have practiced the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art,' right?"
"Ah!" Xiao Zian waved off, "How could a mid-stage cultivator like me access such an advanced art? In our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, only those who possess the Earth Dragon Fire's essence are qualified to learn it."
Shu Han chuckled, "Hearing you speak of your sect makes me yearn to join. Does the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect still recruit independent cultivators like myself?"
Xiao Zian clapped his hands in excitement, "Absolutely! We would be honored to have someone as skilled as you, Brother Shu, in our Fiery Cloud Instant Sect!"
He then hesitated, "However, please understand our caution. Due to fears of ill intentions from independent cultivators, our sect's elders usually conduct an extended period of scrutiny and assessment. During this period, you might not receive the standard privileges..."
"No issue at all!" Shu Han laughed heartily, "Being an independent cultivator, I'd be grateful for the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's acceptance. I'm confident that my loyalty will soon win the trust of the sect's elders!"