Eternal Temptation: Awakening Sinful Desires

A young man with a strong physique, fair skin, and a handsome face walked through the forest far away from the capital city. He was dressed in an expensive-looking silk robe decorated with intricate patterns of silver and gold thread, which matched well with his gray hair and red eyes. He had a confident gait, and he looked like a rich nobleman who belonged to an illustrious clan.

However, his face was marred with a frown. "What is that guy doing in this backwater region? It's been several days since he disappeared without informing anyone. I can understand that he needs some time for himself, but this isn't the way to treat one's friends." He muttered to himself as he kept walking.

He soon found a cave hidden among the rocks and trees, which was his destination. "This is the place, huh?" He murmured before he entered the cave. As he went further inside, he noticed a faint light flickering in the distance, so he quickened his steps toward it.

When he looked at the source of the illumination, he saw blue crystals that had dimmed down to a soft glow embedded on the walls of the tunnel.

'These crystals are filled with spiritual energy, but they have lost most of their power already. Just what are they being used for?' He wondered as he moved forward, following the tunnel that led further underground.

He soon arrived at an opening where there was a natural array formation that also seemed to have dimmed a lot from its former glory. There was a person sitting in the center of the circle, cultivating while absorbing the remaining energy from the formation.

When the young man saw this scene, he was shocked to discover that his cultivation was much higher compared to a few days ago, when he last met this individual.

'His cultivation level is already in the Middle-Stage of the True Spirit Realm? But I thought he was still stuck in the Spirit Foundation realm not so long ago. This must be because of the natural array formation... I guess his luck is as heaven-defying as always,' He thought as he stared at the cultivator cultivating.

The cultivator opened his eyes after sensing someone enter the chamber. "Oh, it's you, Jacob. How did you find me? And why are you here?" The young man he addressed as Jacob was none other than Jacob Gray.

Jacob smiled at him and answered, "Hey, buddy! Did you forget that I am the heir of the Gray family? I have a treasure that allows me to track people using their spiritual imprint. And since your spiritual imprint is the most familiar to me, it was easy to find you even if you went into seclusion in this remote location."

The young man raised his eyebrows upon hearing Jacob's reply and chuckled before shaking his head. "Well, I guess that makes sense. Anyway, are you here to talk about something important?"

Jacob's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "Argon, the new disciple recruitment trials of the Twilight Mist Sect will begin in the afternoon today. Since you wanted to join them, I came to inform you about this matter. After all, there's only a few hours left before the event starts. I don't want you to miss it."

Argon furrowed his brows and stood up. "Is that so? I didn't know about this. I thought I'd have more time before the trials began. Well, whatever, I've already used up this natural formation's power anyway. Thank you for telling me this, Jacob.

I appreciate it." He thanked him as he stepped outside of the array formation and stretched his limbs.

"Sure thing, but are you sure you want to participate in the Twilight Mist Sect's trials? You can still join Heaven's Glory Palace. After all, there's no lack of resources or opportunities for growth there. And you can become a core disciple right away without needing to take the entrance exam. Why do you want to enter that sect?"

"Hmm... Although joining your sect sounds great, it would also mean that I am taking advantage of your status and relying on you. That doesn't sit well with me, and besides, I want to challenge myself and prove my abilities. Therefore, joining your sect would make me feel like I was cheating. Don't you agree?" Argon responded with a faint smile, causing Jacob to sigh in frustration.

"I understand, Argon. But it won't be an easy path for you in the future if you join this sect. After all, you won't have any backing there."

Argon shrugged his shoulders. "What's so bad about that? I prefer a simple and straightforward life over being pampered by others and having too many restrictions placed on me. Anyway, are we going to the Twilight Mist Sect or not? The last thing we want is to miss this opportunity due to idle chit-chat, right?"

Jacob shook his head. "Alright, alright, I get it. You're determined to join this sect, no matter what. I won't stop you. Come on, let's go then. It will be interesting to watch the trials of the Twilight Mist Sect." He said as he patted Argon's shoulder and guided him out of the cave.

Soon, they exited the cave and entered the forest again before making their way towards the Twilight Mist Sect.

—

Similar situations occurred in many places, where the various factions gathered to send their young generation to compete for a spot in the Twilight Mist Sect. It was a prestigious sect that was famous for nurturing the talent of every path of cultivation with a myriad of resources and training grounds.

In addition, it had an excellent reputation among the various forces due to its fairness in handling disputes and its impartial treatment of everyone, regardless of their background or status.

It was also a good opportunity for the new generation of the various forces to interact with each other, learn more about the various aspects of cultivation, and form friendships with others of similar interests and goals.

This is why the various factions sent their talented members to participate in these recruitment trials. However, it wasn't just the younger generation from prominent clans or families coming to the sect trials.

There were also many rogue cultivators from various regions who hoped to join the Twilight Mist Sect and reap the benefits it offered. Because the sect was open to everyone regardless of their background or origins, they considered the chance to train here a blessing that could change their lives forever.

Although they had to compete with other cultivators who had better resources and support from their respective organizations, it didn't deter them from attempting the trials. After all, many of the most powerful cultivators of the current generation were once ordinary people who had nothing but their willpower and determination to succeed.

As long as they had the ability and drive to keep trying, they might one day rise above their peers and achieve greatness beyond their wildest imaginations.

So, despite being unable to receive assistance from anyone and lacking access to high-grade cultivation techniques and pills, these individuals were still willing to put their lives on the line in order to enroll in the Twilight Mist Sect. As they say, fortune favors the bold, and sometimes the weakest seed can grow into the mightiest tree if given enough time and proper nourishment.

The Twilight Mist Sect was bustling with activity today. Several thousand prospective disciples were climbing the mountain along the winding stone pathway leading towards the sect's main gate.

However, there was a clear distinction between the two groups of applicants. A majority of them consisted of rogue cultivators, but they didn't dare walk next to the young masters of various factions and even gave them a wide berth as they passed by. Meanwhile, the latter group acted as if they owned the world, walking with their heads held high and paying no heed to anyone else around them.

After all, rogue cultivators knew their place in society. As the saying goes, 'the strong devour the weak', and they didn't want to provoke the wrath of those who possessed superior backgrounds. Yet, there is always someone who does not mind the rules and prefers to live life according to their own standards.

"Hahaha... What are you guys scared of? Just because they wear expensive clothes doesn't mean they're any better than you. Don't forget that we're cultivators as well! We shouldn't bow down to others just because they are born with a golden spoon in their mouths. If you don't stand up for yourself now, then how can you expect to improve and rise above your current position?

The strong rule this world, not those who have inherited their parents' wealth!" A muscular youth who appeared like a giant among the crowd shouted out loud with a booming voice that resounded throughout the surroundings.

His body was massive with bulging muscles, which showed off his powerful physique. He was holding a large hammer that was resting on his shoulder. Its head was round and thick, with runes engraved all over it. It looked heavy, but the young man carried it like it weighed nothing.

His words echoed deep within the hearts of those who heard him speak, stirring up the fire of passion burning within their souls. It brought courage into the hearts of those who feared retribution from those who had a background.

However, as soon as his words left his mouth, one of the young masters present sneered. "Oh? Did you hear that? How impudent! Do you think we care what a bunch of losers like you think of us? Go ahead and keep dreaming.

We'll crush you all when the time comes, haha!" He mocked him with a contemptuous grin plastered on his face.