My brother was remarkably prudent to break the key in two to prevent the other sects from easily gaining access to the Sanctuary. But I'm afraid only he knows where the other half is.
You have served me well! Now we still have two more important tasks to finish. I think you won't disappoint me with your abilities.
Yaksha, Mahiraga, the Sanctuary is about to manifest. You must find my brother and retrieve the other half of the key! If you come across the traitors, kill them!
Yes!
Xuanming Zi, go to Central China and subdue all those unruly sects. You'll decide how many assistants you need.
Yes, my lord! I will not disappoint you!
Jing Ji, Shi Di Fen, follow Xuanming Zi. I have great hopes from you two.
Yes!
...
If you have no more questions, you may proceed with your preparations!
Right. It's time I told you about it. According to the legend, The Nameless One was last seen in the Sanctuary. It is said that the place will not appear unless the sun and moon switch places and the seven stars form a line.
Over 20 years ago, the Sanctuary briefly manifested in this world. Recently, we've observed astronomical changes that point towards the return of the Sanctuary once more. And we'll need the key to open its gate.
If we miss this chance, no one knows when the Sanctuary will appear again. Therefore, our cult must open the key as soon as possible to open the gate and retrieve the Nameless One's relics.
Hahaha!
What are you laughing at?
I just think it's hilarious that you actually believe in these stories. They sound like made-up tales for children. You're not trying to trick me, are you?
Do I sound like a trickster to you? Hahaha!
But do you really believe the rumors of this Sanctuary?
I'd rather believe and be fooled now than watch the chance of acquiring the relics slip away. Although it does sound like fiction. Let's just say that the only thing that turns a story into reality is evidence. So let's take no chances and keep searching.
Hmph! I don't care if it's true or not. I'd rather trust and rely on my own strength than those fantasy relics.
Hahaha! Ji, what you said just now should be kept only between us. Don't let anyone else hear that!
Bah! Let's get back to the main issue here. Lord Nagaraja wants us to subdue all the sects in Central China. How should we start?
Sects of Central China are led by Shaolin, Wudang, and the Beggars' Sect, with each of them being renowned by their numerous disciples and their long lineage of martial arts knowledge. For so many years the Cult has been in conflict with those sects and still cannot prevail. It's not going to be easy to defeat all of these Sects at once.
Tell me about it. Even a child knows that. say something we DON'T know.
Ji, sounds like you already got a plan. Why don't you tell us about it? Don't tell that you're going to wipe out the Shaolin and raze Wudang with brute strength because it'll make me laugh so hard.
You!!
Haha, both of you should calm down. Of course, I wouldn't have accepted such an impossible task if I had nothing planned out.
Oh, do tell.
What do you think is the most effective way to control a person?
You beat him until he cries and begs to follow your command.
You threaten him with his weaknesses?
Exactly. To control a person, you must know his weakness first. Let's take Fang Yunhua for example, this lad craves for fame and power and all he ever thinks is to become the leader of the martial arts community. This unbridled greed made it easy for me to manipulate him.
You want us to be spies, find out all of the Sect Masters' weaknesses and then threaten them?
That will not be necessary. Most people have one common weakness. Can you guess what it is?
Stop keeping us in suspense, out with it!
The fear of death. Many people consider themselves heroes and warriors, but how many of them can face death with bravery and serenity? Very few can do that.
Well said, but only half true. Death might be dreadful indeed, but suffering from endless torture and anguish while not being able to die is a dozen times for horrifying than death.
So you've concocted this special kind of poison?
Haha! You do know me very well! That's correct, I have figured out the formula for the most insidious poison in the world, "The Pellet of Absolute Obedience".
After consuming this, the person must take the antidote twice every year. Otherwise, the venomous insects hiding n the pellet will break out and start devouring the host's viscera, releasing lethal toxins at the same time.
In the next 49 days, the host will completely lose the ability to do anything but feel the excruciating pain. Viscera, muscles, and bones will be consumed slowly by the insects. I'm afraid no punishment in hell is half as terrifying as the one waiting for you.
Does it really work as well as you said?
This ultimate poison can't be detoxified with any other way except with my special antidote. Even if you have accumulated hundreds of years of inner force, once the venom breaks out, only desperation and agony awaits.
Isn't it too cruel to control all the sects with that kind of poison?
Remember my words, the one who achieves greatness, does not pity. Extreme circumstance calls for extreme measures. Only through this philosophy we can settle conflicts, reunite the shattered community and recreate peace in the martial arts world.
Moreover, as long as they listen to us, it's not like we aren't giving them antidotes. It's more efficient to check them in this manner.
I see.
Hmph!
You may dislike my methods, but don't forget you're part of the Cult now. There's no turning back. After Shaolin Temple, do you think those sects are willing to forgive you? Think, lad. Is it possible for a whore to maintain her chastity?
Pah! Anyway, I'll take care of the fighting. You force them to take the pellet.
Jing Ji walks away.
One day he'll understand.
So have you already succeeded in making these pellets?
Not yet. But I have mastered the formula. It is part of ancient witchcraft practice in the Miao territory, originating from the legendary Compendium of Toxicants.
There are a few essential ingredients, one of them is the Seven-colored Overlord. The Poisonous Dragon Clan considers it to be the incarnation of the spirit of their ancients. To obtain this, we must pay a trip to the Poisonous Dragon Clan.
(The Seven-colored-Overlord... that sounds familiar. That poison girl. Could she be related to the Poisonous Dragon Clan?)
What's the matter?
Nothing, when do we leave?
This matter can be delayed no more, let us go now.