As Rhydian soared through the sky, the girls of the Battle Maiden Sect exchanged conversations about the recent events. The journey back to the main Sect was uneventful, and soon enough, they landed at the base of the familiar mountain.
Upon their return to the main Sect, they were met with a flurry of activity as disciples bustled about, preparing for the upcoming war. Most had just received news of one of the Branch Sects being attacked, causing everyone to realize that they really were in the midst of a war.
However, as soon as they landed, an elder approached them and immediately led them to Sect Master Aelina's quarters, where she awaited their report.
Sect Master Aelina's room was a spacious chamber adorned with exquisite tapestries and elegant furniture, starkly contrasting the tense atmosphere that filled the room. Her piercing gaze fell upon the team as they entered, and she gestured for them to sit.
"Welcome back, everyone. I assume your mission was a success, considering you all came back in one piece," Aelina said as if she didn't already understand what was happening.
It would be foolish to think Aelina would send her top disciples to protect a mere branch of the Sect without some form of backup.
"That's correct, Sect Master, but there were a few unexpected events that almost caused us to lose our lives." Nova stepped forward and said.
"Oh?" Aelina raised an eyebrow.
Now that came as a surprise to her.
"Do tell."
Nova nodded and began retelling the events that had occurred earlier today.
She detailed the ferocity of the attack, the cunningness of the opponent's general, the use of poison, and their ultimate victory over the Crimson Slayer Sect. Throughout the account, Aelina's expression remained stoic, though her eyes occasionally flickered with a mysterious light.
Once the retelling was complete, Nova reached into her storage ring and carefully retrieved the vials of poison. Her face was grim as she presented them to Aelina, understanding the significance of the deadly substance.
"These are the samples of the poison used by the enemy. Elder Leona hopes you can research more about it and develop an antidote."
Aelina took the vials from Nova, her fingers brushing against the cold glass as she examined the sinister liquid within. Her eyes narrowed, and she set the vials on the table beside her. "Thank you for bringing this back. I will see what I can do regarding an antidote, but you have to know that creating an antidote for a poison is much harder than creating the poison itself."
Nova and the others nodded.
As the saying goes, "It's easier to destroy than create."
They understood this principle. So did Leona, and that's why she wanted to get this sample back to Aelina as soon as possible.
With the report given and the poison samples handed over, Mira paused for a moment before speaking up. "Sect Master, I have a request."
Aelina turned her attention to Mira, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "What is it?"
"I need to go to the Forbidden Forest," Mira said. Though, from her tone, Aelina could tell that it wasn't a request. She was simply notifying her about what she was going to do.
Knowing Mira would go there without reason, Aelina asked, "Why?"
"I have reason to believe that the treasure needed to save my disciple, the Celestial Nectar, is hidden there," Mira said, staring straight into Aelina's eyes.
Nova and the others look at Mira in surprise, but not because she wants to go to the Forbidden Forest.
'She had a disciple?!'
They couldn't see Mira having a disciple. She was a bit too indifferent toward those around her. Hell, they could barely break through that cold outer shell of hers.
However, suddenly, the image of a golden-haired beauty appeared in their minds, and they sighed.
'I guess if she already has a wife, then it would make sense that she has a disciple too.'
Thinking about Mira already having a wife almost made them feel as if they had somehow lost, but they got rid of those useless thoughts and focused on the conversation before them.
Aelina regarded Mira thoughtfully, weighing her words before responding. "The Forbidden Forest is a dangerous place fraught with danger. You might experience poisons worse than the one you faced earlier as well. Not to mention, the Toxic Blade Sect is around that area. Are you sure you still want to go?"
Mira nodded without hesitation. "I can't let Dominique suffer any longer."
Suddenly, Everly, who was beside Mira, spoke up, "I wish to join Mira as well! She saved my life before this; it's only right that I help her when she's in need!"
"Me too!" Eden raised her hand and exclaimed.
"Screw it! If you all are going, I might as well join too." Seraphina smiled, also wanting to repay Mira.
"If the Sect Master would allow it, I would also like to help Mira," Nova said, but she was more professional about it. Although she wanted to help Mira, she understood that they were in the middle of a war.
Who knows when she might be needed?
Rayna nodded lightly and opened her mouth, her tone soft and robotic, "I'll accompany Mira."
The whole room went silent after she spoke, awaiting the Sect Master's words.
Aelina studied the group, sensing their unwavering determination to help their friend. After a moment of contemplation, she finally agreed. "Very well. You have my permission to venture into the Forbidden Forest."
The group smiled, but Aelina's next words caused them to pause.
However, "I want you to investigate the Toxic Blade Sect while you're there. Gather information about their numbers, strength, and any details about the poisons they create. I have a feeling that they may be an unknown variable in this war."
The girls exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of this additional task. They knew that the Toxic Blade Sect's knowledge of poisons could be a serious threat to their own Sect in the ongoing war.
"We understand, Sect Master. We will do our best to gather the information you require," Nova assured, her voice steady and determined.
Aelina nodded, satisfied with their response. "I trust you will be successful in both of your missions. Be cautious and look after each other. The Forbidden Forest is not a place known for its kindness and scenery."
"Also, be wary of the plants."
***
Inside Mira's bedroom, Mira silently stood at the doorway and examined Dominique from a distance. She could see that her condition was slowly but progressively getting worse.
The poison had spread throughout more of her body as if it were eating her alive.
Every now and then, Dominique's body would tremble, but she never once woke up. The deep, unconscious frown on her face told Mira everything she needed to know.
Hana was sleeping on a bed next to her friend, with Elenei curled up at the edge.
Mira seared the sight into her braining, reminding herself what she was fighting for and that she needed to return with an antidote.
'If I can't find the Celestial Nectar, then I'll just have to raid the Toxic Blade Sect until I find something or someone that can help.' She clenched her fists, leaving an indention on the side of the door.
She could use the Firmament to obtain the Celestial Nectar, but since it deemed it as a rare resource that was several Realms above her cultivation, she needed to go through another 500 Abyssal Torment Steps while also completing a subsequent trial.
It was honestly more efficient to try and find the treasure herself, especially since she knows where it is.
'More importantly, I'm not even sure if I can complete so many steps without raising my cultivation.' Mira thought.
While strength didn't matter on the Abyssal Torment Steps, breaking through the Realms of cultivation and experiencing life as a cultivator did help to sublimate her mind and body. Not to mention, the Steps also messed with her soul.
What if her soul wasn't strong enough to handle the torture, and she died on the spot? It was slightly unrealistic, but Mira didn't think it was impossible, especially since every section on the Abyssal Torment Steps was different.
Thus, Mira made up her mind and decided to save the Firmament as a last resort.
Mira sent a message to Elenei through their link, 'Make sure nothing happens to Dominique while I'm away.'
Elenei perked up and looked at Mira before nodding, 'Don't worry. I might not have anywhere close to my previous power, but you should never underestimate a dragon. Nothing will happen to Dominique as long as I'm here.'
Although Elenei wasn't exactly a dragon, Mira understood the point she was trying to make.
Mira nodded and turned around. Closing the door behind her, Mira walked away from her bedroom, her crimson eyes burning like a fierce flame.
The next morning, Mira, Nova, and the others gathered outside the Sect, each in battle-ready attire. They nodded at one another, hopped on Rhydian, and flew in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.
