448 Gifts (1/2)
”Congratulations to you all. The ten of you are now formally Outer Disciples of our Ancient Elysium Sect. And since that's the case, I'll be your Senior Brother from this day onwards...”
Henry's words shocked the remaining participants. Some of them looked cautiously around, trying to assess the situation. But it seems that aside from a few, the rest were also surprised that they were welcomed by the Envoys of the sect.
”Let me explain in order to clear the confusion.” Henry spoke, ”Out of the remaining forty or so participants, only the ten of you got in. This isn't because there is a limit on how many of you we can receive, it's because only the ten of you remained. Meaning that the others who went in with you before, are all dead.”
Now that was another shocker for the remaining participants. But they soon got reminded of what they experienced inside the Devil Emperor's Pagoda and suddenly felt that it all made sense.
Looking at their miserable appearances currently, it was clear that whatever happened within the pagoda was something that they won't be able to forget. Well, all of them except for Raven.
In truth, due to his current condition, he unknowingly fitted in with the overall looks of the remaining participants. He didn't what to feel about this at all. This wasn't something that he planned, all of it were just purely coincidence.
”The sect did not urged them nor invited them to participate. They joined the disciple recruitment at their own will. I believe that before you entered the Devil Emperor's Pagoda, the assigned Elder to you reminded you that there is a risk of dying, yet all of you still entered. Therefore, our sect won't be held accountable for their deaths.”
What Henry said makes sense. Before they entered, they were given a choice to forfeit due to the risks of the Smelting Trial, some who were luckier even got to be disciples of the Twin Star Academy and obtain additional benefits. But of course, there are some people who weren't tempted by such offer and still ended up entering the pagoda even after knowing the risk. All in all, they made their decisions, which is why the sect won't be held accountable for their deaths.
”And now, since it's only you ten who managed to remain alive until the end, that's enough for you to qualify.” Henry told them, ”Actually, I was expecting to return with at least twenty more disciples with me, unfortunately only you guys remained so you'll do.”
There was a noticeable pity and a condescending feeling on his tone, causing the remaining disciples to have mixed reactions. Raven on the other hand remained calm and only listened.
”Since you people are disciples of the sect. You'll receive some welcoming gifts from us.” After saying this, Henry waved his hand, causing several beams of light shooting towards the participants.
Raven held out his hand and the light turned into a set of clothes that fell onto his arms, he also received a pile of books and a couple of maroon colored bamboo jade slips.
”Those clothes is the uniform of our sect. From now on, unless you were ordered to do so or you are in an undercover mission, make sure to always wear your uniforms. These clothes possesses unique qualities but more importantly, it is a sign that you belong to our sect. Just wearing them will allow you to enjoy numerous benefits.”
”Additionally, make sure to never lose your badge.” Henry reminded sternly. ”Those badges that we wear are the main tool for our communications. It's also one of the ways on which we could prove your identity. The rest of the badge's functions are listed on the books that you received.”
”Speaking of books...” Henry continued, ”Make sure to memorize the books I handed to you. That'll help you understand the sect even better. Additionally, it will help understand our rules and the punishment you'll receive should you break the said rules.”
”The jade slips on the other hand, are my gifts to you.” Henry informed, ”Each jade slip has different benefits. One will allow you to enter any Law Cultivation Environments for 14 days. One will allow you to pick Monarch-ranked Battle Arts. One can serve as a pass, gaining you entry to listen to the sermons of our Chief War Gods. And the last one will be useful once you become Inner Sect Disciples, so make sure to keep them well.”
The new disciple listened very closely and remembered everything that Henry told to them. Raven placed his stuff inside his spatial ring and waited for further instructions. The rest of the remaining participants also had the same idea.
”Alright, now that the ceremony is out of the way, then let's proceed to the next topic.” Henry informed, ”I know that you guys want to rest badly so I'll make this quick.”
”Who's going to join the Tournament?” Henry asked, causing the new disciples to be taken aback. Henry looked at them one by one and said: ”Like I said before, surviving the Smelting Trial will already allow you to enter the sect, and I have no plans on taking that back. Nevertheless, you may also want to participate on the Tournament as well.”
Listening to him speak, one of the disciples raised his hand asked: ”Will there be prizes for the Tournament? If there is, what are they?”
Henry smiled and said: ”Yes, there will be prizes for the tournament. I'll bestow you a ticket which you can use to exchange for a Spiritual Treasure that suits you. As for the value of the Spiritual Treasure, it'll depend on your ranking on the Tournament. I'll have you know that the first place will receive a ticket which could ne exchanged for a Perfected Deity-ranked Spiritual Treasure.”