Chapter Fifty-Two: A New Power

Returning to the cave, Dao Sansheng saw the plump bird in the spirit beast chamber and walked over. The creature still hadn’t woken up; who knows what it ate outside to sleep so long.

Time slipped by unnoticed until Dao Sansheng opened his eyes, roused by the persistent knocking at the door that kept him from sleep. He opened it to find Chao Xiong and Li Zihong standing at the threshold.

“I’ve made up my mind. I’ll join the Artifact Refining Pavilion with Senior Brother Dao,” Chao Xiong declared as he stepped forward.

“I’m joining too,” Li Zihong said, looking at Dao Sansheng.

The three set out together up the mountain, led by Li Zihong. Somehow, this girl seemed intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of the place, a living map guiding them through twists and turns until they arrived before a palace. Three golden characters shone above the entrance: Artifact Refining Pavilion. Two inner disciples stood guard at the door.

“Non-pavilion disciples are forbidden from entering,” the guards announced, stepping forward to block their way with an intimidating presence that forced them to retreat.

“We’re new disciples, here to pay respects to the Pavilion Master. We hope to join the Artifact Refining Pavilion. We have neither influence nor authority, just like everyone else. Please let us in,” Dao Sansheng pleaded.

The blocking youth considered them, then pointed at Li Zihong and Chao Xiong. “You two may join, but we won’t accept him. Decide for yourselves.”

“If you won’t accept him, I won’t join either,” Li Zihong responded sharply, glaring at the youth and stepping back.

Chao Xiong, seeing Li Zihong’s stance, voiced his own. “If Dao Sansheng isn’t joining, neither am I.” His words were resolute, leaving the youth momentarily speechless.

After a moment, the youth produced a bottle of pills. “These are Hundred Flower Pills, typically used during the Foundation Building stage. Our pavilion distributes three per month. If you join us at the Qi Refining stage, you’ll receive ten Qi Supplement Pills each month—enough to speed up your cultivation fivefold.”

The offer was tempting, but Dao Sansheng urged the others for their opinions. Despite his persuasion, they remained unmoved and decided to try their luck with other factions.

They roamed the mountain, and by the time dusk fell, none of the other two factions accepted them. Returning to the cave, Chao Xiong and Li Zihong insisted on crowding into Dao Sansheng’s abode for a drink.

After several rounds of wine, Dao Sansheng seemed to reach a decision. He wiped the wine from his lips and launched into an impassioned speech.

“Starting from scratch… No one wanted me back then, so I struck out on my own…” He spoke of entrepreneurship and perseverance, but the other two listened in confusion. When his tale wound down, Dao Sansheng shifted gears.

“I, Dao Sansheng, am a product of higher education and refined training. I refuse to believe I can’t carve out a place for myself here. I intend to establish my own faction within the inner gate of the Sky-Tempering Valley. If you wish to join me, you’re welcome; if not, forget I said anything.” Even as he spoke, his resolve wavered.

“Great! I support you! I want in!” Li Zihong exclaimed, jumping to her feet.

Chao Xiong refilled his empty cup, drank it down, and showed Dao Sansheng the empty vessel. “Count me in. Whatever you say, I’ll follow.”

Thus, a new faction emerged within the inner gate of Sky-Tempering Valley. Dao Sansheng wasn’t the first to challenge the three major powers; lacking resources, most fledgling factions disbanded within a few years and merged with the big three. Such cycles were commonplace.

“What shall we call our faction?” the two asked in unison.

“We’ll call it ‘New Faction.’ What do you think of the name?” Dao Sansheng suggested.

The two were speechless—the name was odd but straightforward. Lacking better ideas, they simply agreed.

With everything settled, the trio dispersed. The other two returned home, leaving Dao Sansheng alone in the cave. He tidied up the aftermath, determined to reach the fasting stage soon; it would make things easier.

The next day, under the bright sun, the three went to the mountain palace to handle formalities. This time, familiar with the route, they quickly found the place, reported their information to the sect, and finished within minutes.

The New Faction was officially established. The three headed to collect supplies, excitement evident in their steps.

At the sect warehouse, Dao Sansheng approached a busy attendant. “Where do we collect supplies for newly established factions?”

The attendant ignored him, acting as if he hadn’t heard. They tried several others, but all claimed it wasn’t their responsibility—clearly, someone had warned them in advance.

Dao Sansheng conjured a wisp of flame on his fingertip, letting it grow larger and pretending to throw it. The warehouse attendants grew frantic.

“Senior Brother, this is a warehouse—don’t set a fire! Stop right now or face punishment under sect rules!”

“Sect rules?” Dao Sansheng retorted with a cold laugh. “If the rules matter, why withhold my supplies? Are you qualified to talk about supplies?” He made as if to toss the fire.

Seeing Dao Sansheng’s shamelessness, the attendants knew they couldn’t afford to offend Tu Tianxiong, but arson was grave; if the warehouse burned, they would pay with their lives.

“The supplies are ready. We’ll give them to you,” the warehouse manager finally said, stepping forward.

“I am the warehouse manager, Wang Xiangui. You may call me Manager Wang. Come take your things,” he said, turning to enter the deepest chamber.

Dao Sansheng followed him inside. Manager Wang took out a bronze token. “This is for a shop in Autumn Pool City, Fangtian Prefecture—a gift from the sect. But if your faction dissolves, you’ll have to return it. Here’s an inventory with prices for various magical tools and treasures, plus updates with the latest information. You’ll need it…”

Apart from these two items, the rest were insignificant odds and ends. Manager Wang finally allowed Dao Sansheng to leave.

After the trio departed, the other warehouse staff approached Manager Wang. He understood their concern—they feared offending Tu Tianxiong and wanted to know what he’d given Dao Sansheng.

“It’s an old shop in Autumn Pool City, Fangtian Prefecture. Business is terrible, the storefront is dilapidated; we gave it to him. Within a year, he’ll be back begging us.”

Hearing this, the staff relaxed. This would satisfy Tu Tianxiong; the shop was one the sect intended to close, their most disastrous loss. Giving it to this unlucky newcomer was fitting.

With their supplies in hand, Dao Sansheng crafted a faction token and gave one to each of the others. After they accepted the tokens, Dao Sansheng said, “I plan to go back and practice Levitation. The Cultivation Trade Fair is soon; once I’ve mastered the technique, I’ll call you both. We’ll head to Autumn Pool City, Fangtian Prefecture first. Afterwards, I’ll attend the trade fair alone.”

The two nodded. Chao Xiong also wanted to learn Levitation. Wang Xiaohong hadn’t cultivated before; she had been pampered at home and never traveled on her own.