The Gods' Decree 210 Burn Ou

At the lower end of the spectrum were disciples with not much hope for making strides within their cultivation and in a wider perspective the sect.

Their quarters are known by the masses as "The swamps", and similar to the known status they were located at the base of these eskers.

Sometimes it can be said that sight can be a blessing, but in this case it only brought pity. Within the swamps hundreds of board houses were overcrowded with sometimes up to ten disciples living in one room.

Its name was earn due to being quite susceptible to the element. Such was the case that whenever it rained all the water would settle on the roads and sometimes even made its way into their rooms.

Thinking themselves a bit more fortunate were those slightly above those of the swamp. These were disciples seen with average talent.

Usually, they were referred to by those higher as 'Mods', short for moderates. Being slightly upward on the slope there was no fear of becoming victims of the elements.

 So it can be said that their living conditions in comparison to the swamp were an improvement.

As dwellings were made of concrete and housed up to no more than three occupants. Though, side by side with little to no room between residence.

Next there were those viewed with potential by the sect. Potential in this sense meant it was quite possible for them to arrive at the ninth stage of the qi realm. Their chances of above that were quite minimal to say the least.

Following tradition they were also given a nickname, "Pots" which was not that cleaver by any stretch of the imagination[1]. 

This was where status was displayed as a huge difference could be seen in dwellings. Also the residents of Luke, Lovren, and Cameron were all located within this region. 

No longer were houses shared with each disciple showcasing their independence. Each having their own private residence, though not grand, this in itself spoke volumes.

Yet similar to those below, when staring above they were reminded how small they truly were with hundred of mansions scouring the ridge sides.

Of those mansions, the courtyard alone could house their residence. This was where all the ninth stages and those with extreme talents resided, nicknamed "Saints[2]".

Which of course included both May and Taf. So vast was this area the two would hardly see some of their compatriot excepting Ava and Malnor.

Though their friends might not be called as extremely gifted. Arriving at the ninth stage of the qi realm was paid nonetheless.

This gave a motivation for all sects disciples to strive for this peak in order to reap rewards.

It was an incentive which was quite understandable as though the sect's strongest members were obviously Lords and Martial kings. They played an integral role in the overall strength of the sect.

This might seem absurd with being flying threw the air having the ability to trample those below with a mere wave of a hand. Yet this is one instance in which strength in numbers truly counted.

A lord by his lonesome is able by himself to trample upon a group of ninth stage cultivators but becomes fearful of these lower being is one scenario.

This is when seeing an organized gathering utilized formations that neutralized some of their abilities. Giving them collectively as a group the ability to challenge a lord toe to toe. 

Usually such formations are formed by a collective of fifteen persons which translated to three squads. However the strength of the formation is dependent on the strength of the group.

For instance, a formation put in place by a group of fifteen (15) ordinary ninth stage qi realm cultivators would not yield the same strength as a group of peak ninth stages.

Still this did not diminish the usefulness of them. As with the increase in number the disparity can be made up.

Thus it can be seen how essential ninth stage cultivators were to a sect as sometimes the tides of a battle can be changed due to this one particular variable.

So in order to keep these assets happy while giving them an incentive to work hard on a yearly basis an annual tournament was organized.

This tournament provided a means for disciples to showcase their worth as well as gauge their strength in comparison to their counterparts.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Now prior it was explained that disciples were separated into five different regions, yet only four were mentioned.

Regarding the four it was disclosed that the last was one in which disciples lived in mansion as was the case with both Taf and May.

The question then became if there was a fifth, how could they possibly live a more extravagant lifestyle?

Well at each of the peaks of these ridges was one residence with each having acres upon acres of secluded land. Privacy is regarded highly by all cultivators as each person has his or her secrets which they hoped to keep from prying eyes.

This made such places as the peak of the ridges prime estate and the ultimate goal of all disciples.

It is said these are the residence of the top ten within the disciple rankings. The true elites of disciples and the darlings of the sect. They were not nicknames as it was simply beneath them to referred to as anything but "Divine child".

In one of these massive estates, there was a man with dark black hair in white robes.

His face was strong and defined, with features as though they molded from granite sculpted by a master sculptor. He was an Adonis among men with no seeming equal.

He wore a pleasant smile as four others surrounded him. There were two women each a beauty in their own right. Judging by their appearance they were in their mid-twenties.

Completing the gathering were two other males seemingly in their thirties. In comparison to the adonis they were seemingly the difference between day and night.

Yet both carried themselves with such assurance as though his presence did not lessen theirs. Still there was evident respect in their eyes when they viewed him.

"This mouse is quite the funny character isn't he?" The handsome man uttered having heard some news he was just briefed on by his squad. 

One of the female members of the squad uttered while she read from a stack of white parchment,

"Yes he seems to have some talent indeed. Yet it is pitiful Darwin had not intervened in the battle earlier. Perhaps there was a need for his flames to be doused.

Sometimes there is a need for persons to know where they stand on the grander scheme of things."

Hearing her word the beauty to her side who wore her red hair in a bun shook her head,

"I disagree Camie, A budding new talent actually brings me a bit of intrigue. Seeing the same faces for the last five years have been a bore.

Sure he is a bit overbearing still we were all the same at his age."

"I don't know if it's your ego Mia, but at his age none of us came close. We fought the mid-level eighth stage with those of the peak trampling us. At this rate he is bound to exceed all of us,even.."

One of the men spoke, he was of gigantic stature towering overall in the room. Even Malgrey who was quite a large fellow would feel somewhat small in comparison. Yet he subconsciously stopped before finishing his statement.

He and the rest of his squad looked to the handsome fellow who held his hand to his chin seemingly intrigued while previously listening to the back and forth arguments.

It can be said he had a truly carefree attitude but somehow held an aura of supremacy.

"Even me right, Davis?' He finished the guy's statement.

"Jason [3]I didn't mean anything by my comment." In a bit to clear the air Davis once more interjected.

"Why not you are right? Sadly It seems the boy has peaked earlier than the norm which truthful might be detrimental to his future accomplishments."

With Jason's words it was hard for anyone to find a plausible counter. This was the only explanation they thought as to why a nobody could be excelling at a rate exceed the monster that sat before them.

"His burnout is inevitable. Such a shame, I had actually hoped I would have a worthy challenger when it came time my leading both the Zaro clan and the Dark Ablis sect into its golden era."

As he spoke it could be seen he saw it quite amazing the mere mention of a competitor.

In his mind, he thought this Sir Mouse emergence could be used as teachings in the future of what not to do. Perhaps it was his ego but he could not fathom a superior existence to himself.

He then muttered,

"Such a foolish child."

Unedited version

To be continued..

[1] Shamelessly walks away cough cough

[2] I need to come up with better names these are just blah. Remember future self to change these.

[3] So we finally get to see this Jason who from to time has been mentioned. What will he bring to the story I wonder

Chapter end