Eternal Temptation: Awakening Sinful Desires

After taking note of the surrounding environment, Asher noticed that there were a few small buildings located nearby, each housing different groups of people who wore uniforms with different insignias on them. He deduced that these must be the other guests from the different clans and sects invited by Twilight Mist Sect, waiting to witness the recruitment trials.

There were also several young men and women dressed in luxurious black robes who stood in line behind the stage, awaiting further instructions. These people had a unique aura about them. One could tell from their expressions and posture that they belonged to the sect and were proud of it.

Upon closer observation, one could discern that these black-robed individuals had been chosen by the sect elders to act as guides during this event. Each of them possessed an exceptional level of cultivation compared to the participants present. It was apparent from their demeanor that they were confident in their abilities, as they were all in the Core Formation Realm.

They exuded an air of arrogance, showing off their status as core disciples of the sect.

Some of these core disciples had even reached the peak stage of the core formation realm. Such a high cultivation base showed their prowess as members of a prestigious sect that could afford to nurture so many elite talents.

Once everybody had gathered, Elder Harrius cleared his throat and addressed Asher and others, "Young Master Asher, this year, we decided to hold the disciple recruitment trials through a special method.

Instead of selecting those who pass our regular examinations, we will have all those who wish to join the sect participate in a test that involves defeating monsters and passing through a misty bridge. Those who succeed will be granted entry as outer disciples of the sect."

"I see. What about inner disciples and core disciples?" Asher inquired with a curious expression on his face.

"Well, there are certain requirements needed to qualify as an inner disciple or a core disciple. For instance, in order to enter the inner sect, one needs to possess a high aptitude for cultivation. They have to be able to absorb spiritual essence from heaven and earth faster than others.

Moreover, they have to possess sufficient talent and potential to become strong enough to advance to higher realms in the future. Since cultivation talent is based on our spirit, the higher your spirit's rank, the easier it is for you to achieve breakthroughs."

Elder Harrius paused for a moment before continuing, "Let me explain to you the rankings of the Spirit. It starts with the common rank spirit, followed by the uncommon rank spirit, rare rank spirit, elite rank spirit, epic rank spirit, supreme rank spirit, legendary rank spirit, mythical rank spirit, and last but not least, divine rank spirit.

However, divine-rank spirits are considered myths, and it is said that the one who possesses such a spirit will become invincible and will rule over everything, becoming the ultimate being. However, this is just a rumor.

Even among ancient sects, we have never heard of anyone who has a mythical ranked spirit, let alone a divine ranked spirit, but the names of those sects were lost along with the legends of their rise and fall."

The Elder then smiled as he said, "With the right cultivation techniques and efforts, one can grow the rank of their spirit. However, it requires an immense amount of resources and hard work. Moreover, even if one manages to raise the rank of their spirit, it is still a long path towards the next breakthrough.

Therefore, those who manage to awaken a spirit with a higher rank at the start have an advantage over others as it allows them to reach higher realms faster."

Elder Harrius sighed and then continued, "So those with a rare rank spirit can become an inner disciple of the sect, while those with an elite rank spirit can become a core disciple.

As for those who manage to awaken an even higher ranked spirit, they will be given special privileges along with unique resources and opportunities to allow them to break through faster, helping them climb to even higher positions within the sect hierarchy."

"Oh? So all the disciples in the outer sect have the potential to become inner and core disciples in the future? Interesting." Asher noted with an intrigued look on his face. "And how about those who don't awaken a spirit? What happens to them?"

Elder Harrius chuckled and answered, "They aren't allowed to take part in the recruitment trials, as they would remain as ordinary mortals. As you may already know, most of the mortals remain in the city, protected by various forces. And work as ordinary people without worrying about cultivation, fighting for resources, etc.

Some of them also became great inventors or researchers in various fields and became famous and well known. In fact, many of the well-known alchemy pill recipes and artifact schematics were researched and developed by them. So even though they cannot advance in cultivation, they can still make a fortune through their knowledge and skills.

Although this path is tough to walk on, as they lack any protection. That is why powerful forces recruit them, nurturing them as their own and keeping them safe from harm. Not all mortals are born equal in this world, just like cultivators, who also differ in their talent and potential.

Those with higher potential and talent awaken a spirit and become cultivators, while the rest end up working as servants for the powerful ones."

"I understand." Asher replied with an understanding look on his face. "Thank you for clarifying all this for me, Elder Harrius."

Elder Harrius shook his head and chuckled, "Hahaha. Young Master Asher, this is the least I can do for you. Besides, you are going to be part of the sect; hence, it is natural to clarify things for you beforehand. I am sure you have heard about this from someone before, but I hope it helped in understanding better."

Asher laughed and replied, "Of course it did. Thank you."

Just as Asher finished speaking, he sensed movement behind him, prompting him to turn around and find a beautiful woman dressed in blue silk robes walking towards him. Her long blue hair flowed down her back, and her sparkling aquamarine eyes sparkled under the sun as she approached him. When she neared him, Asher couldn't help but notice a pleasant scent wafting from her body.

"Greetings, Young Master Asher. My name is Lei Liwei. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She introduced herself while extending her hand towards him with a warm smile plastered across her face.

Asher glanced at her hand and then back at her face before grabbing it in a firm handshake, replying, "Likewise, Miss Liwei. Nice to meet you. Are you also joining the disciple recruitment trial?"

"Hehe. No need for formalities, please. Just call me Liwei." She stated with a laugh, her voice sounding melodious in Asher's ears. "And yes, I am indeed taking part in the trials today. After all, I've heard a lot about the Twilight Mist Sect and its reputation. So I can't miss this opportunity to join one of the best sects on the continent."

"Right, I'm looking forward to your performance. And you can also call me Asher." He replied with a slight smile on his face.

"Thank you," Liwei responded, flashing a radiant smile towards Asher as she held his gaze for a moment before looking down at his hands, which still held hers. "Oh, my. It looks like you enjoy holding hands, huh?" She commented with a teasing tone.

"Hmmm..." Asher let out a low hum while tilting his head to one side as he inspected her slender fingers wrapped around his palm. "Well, who would refuse holding hands with such a beautiful lady like yourself?" He joked with a playful smile on his lips and let go of her hand, saying, "However, I didn't realize that I was holding your hand for too long."

Liwei giggled and shook her head before replying, "Hehe. You are quite forward with your words, aren't you?"

Asher grinned and answered, "Indeed. A man has to be bold if he wishes to acquire what he desires, and you, Liwei, deserve all the compliments you receive. So, thank you for taking the initiative to greet me."

Upon hearing Asher's reply, Liwei's cheeks turned crimson red, and she let out another giggle before saying, "Haha, you sure know how to make a girl blush, Asher. I like that. Maybe we should talk more after the trial ends. Would you like to join me for a meal once it finishes?

After all, you seem like someone with a great background from how the elder treated you, and we could get to know each other more while talking about various interesting topics. What do you say?"

Asher chuckled and agreed, "Sure. Why not? It sounds like fun."

Liwei's smile grew even wider as she clapped her hands in excitement and exclaimed, "Great. It's settled, then. After the trials finish, come and look for me. I will wait for you."

At that moment, Scarlet looked at Cecil and rolled her eyes, causing the latter to stifle her laughter as they listened to their conversation. "Look at him. He's already after a new woman as soon as we've given ourselves to him. Ah, what a sinful man he is." Scarlet remarked, shaking her head in exasperation as she spoke.

Cecil let out a small giggle while covering her mouth with one hand and responded, "Oh, Scarlet. Don't be jealous. I'm sure he won't forget us just because he found another beauty to court. Asher is not that type of person."

Scarlet frowned and retorted, "As if I'd ever feel jealous of anyone! I know that Asher would never abandon us. Still, it's irritating to see him flirting with every female he encounters, don't you think?"

Cecil smiled and replied, "Then why don't you stop him from doing so?"

Scarlet froze for a second before clicking her tongue and huffing, "Tch, whatever. It's not like there is anything I can do anyway. I'll just make him spend more time with us when he comes back." She grumbled as she folded her arms across her breasts and stared at Asher, who was conversing with Liwei while laughing.