Chapter 80: The Sovereign Is the One and Only
“Did you see that? The Power of the Divine Repository is generated from within the body and then returns to it. By repeating this cycle, one can accumulate it bit by bit, strengthen oneself, and make it one’s own,” Real Person Feng demonstrated the correct method of obtaining the Power of the Divine Repository.
To the others, it truly seemed as though the power was produced within the body. However, Jiang Li saw something different—he witnessed Karmic Virtue Power emerging from the void, attaching itself to Real Person Feng before finally merging into his body and becoming his strength.
It was precisely the process of Karmic Virtue Power descending, as recorded in ancient texts.
This process wasn’t something an ordinary cultivator could perceive—only a Tribulation Stage expert who had touched upon the Immortal Dao could glimpse it. Moreover, Karmic Virtue Power couldn’t be transferred to others; it was exclusive to its recipient. No wonder the followers of the Divine Repository Sect firmly believed that this power originated from within them.
They could only see the final result.
Someone in the group turned pale upon witnessing the scene and immediately tried to flee.
He had committed countless murders and robberies outside, making many enemies. He had come here only because he had heard of a powerful and mysterious organization and wanted to join for protection. As for the so-called Divine Repository Sovereign, he had scoffed at the idea. Who would have thought they had such an absurd way of verifying faith?
He was confident in his expertise in escape techniques—even other Soul Formation cultivators wouldn’t be able to stop him.
Yet, the nearby sect members immediately acted. Using the Power of the Divine Repository at the Soul Formation Stage, they swiftly captured the fleeing cultivator and killed him on the spot, sharing his divine power among themselves.
Seeing that two people had been killed so decisively, the remaining initiates hesitated, unwilling to step forward. Just as Real Person Feng was about to pull someone out at random, one person finally decided they truly believed in the Divine Repository Sovereign and had no doubts.
He killed someone—yet still didn’t receive the Power of the Divine Repository.
“I—I really do believe in the Divine Repository Sovereign!” the person declared in panic.
“Merely believing in the Sovereign’s existence is not enough. You must recognize that the Sovereign is the one and only. Faith cannot have any blemishes,” Real Person Feng shook his head regretfully, then patted the man’s shoulder.
“But don’t worry—the Divine Repository Sect is not an evil demonic sect that kills indiscriminately. We believe you just need some time to adjust. For now, you will serve as an outer member. This is the Sovereign’s test for you. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Real Person Feng smiled warmly. “Stand aside and wait for the third stage of the ceremony.”
Jiang Li could tell that the sect members standing to the side had used Sound Transmission Threads to relay instructions to Real Person Feng, telling him whom to kill and whom to keep.
Using Sound Transmission Threads in front of Jiang Li was no different from shouting into a loudspeaker—he heard everything loud and clear.
“Little Feng, kill this one.”
“Little Feng, keep that one.”
These Soul Formation priests were experienced—they could instantly tell who had wavering faith in the Sovereign and who outright didn’t believe.
Four more people attempted the ritual, all without success. However, they were merely considered to have insufficient faith and were placed as outer members for further development.
The first stage of the ceremony had indeed been useful.
Then came Cheng Ziqi’s turn. Before killing, he asked, “Real Person, earlier you said we must believe that the Sovereign is the one and only. What does that mean?”
Real Person Feng pressed his palms together in prayer, bowed to the towering bone statue of the Divine Repository Sovereign, and explained, “Sleeping, eating, marriage, wealth, cultivation—everything must revolve around the Divine Repository Sovereign. Everything is a manifestation of the Sovereign’s will. The Sovereign is your everything.”
“Even hosting this initiation ceremony right now is the Sovereign’s will?”
“Everything is a manifestation of the Sovereign’s will.”
Jiang Li frowned slightly.
The requirements to join this sect were really high—this level of spiritual devotion was required? Even if someone genuinely believed the Divine Repository Sovereign existed, how could they think that everything they did was inseparable from Him?
And why was Karmic Virtue Power only obtainable through this so-called Divine Repository Sovereign?
Just who was this supposed Immortal?
Jiang Li suddenly had a bold suspicion—so bold that even he didn’t want to believe it…
Cheng Ziqi seemed to come to an understanding. Without hesitation, he killed someone. Golden light enveloped him.
He was the first among the initiates to obtain the Power of the Divine Repository.
The Soul Formation priests smiled. It seemed they had found a promising recruit.
Next in line was Jiang Li.
The priests had already determined that this “Long Li” fellow had absolutely no faith in the Sovereign—not even a pretense of belief.
However, the ritual had to continue. The priests had already secretly decided that the moment he finished his kill, they would immediately strike him down—this faithless heretic would not leave here alive.
Good… he killed someone… now they would act…
…Wait.
Where did his Power of the Divine Repository come from?
For the first time, the priests doubted their own eyes.
This “Long Li” had obtained divine power after killing someone?!
Of course, Jiang Li had Karmic Virtue Power—he had taken quite a bit from the old man who exploded into a golden sphere. He couldn’t use it, but he could at least pretend.
And what about the little girl?
During the first stage of the ceremony, she had been drawing pictures, playing string games, and even napping. There was no way Ji Kongkong’s faith in the Sovereign was as strong as they claimed!
The priests widened their eyes, scanning her with their divine sense.
They had to see her fail.
They refused to be fooled twice.
Then, right before their eyes, the Power of the Divine Repository manifested, wrapping around Ji Kongkong.
“You… passed,” Real Person Feng said reluctantly, looking at Ji Kongkong.
Ji Kongkong was confused.
She hadn’t even managed to hold the knife properly—how did she pass?
Was it because she was cute?
“Hehe! This is called Boundless Illusion Tribulation. It can trap those undergoing tribulation in an illusion of my choosing,” the Ruyi Gourd proudly transmitted to her via Sound Transmission Threads. “I made them see you receiving Karmic Virtue Power.”
“Amazing, Gourd!” Ji Kongkong’s small mouth opened in awe, and she patted the purple-skinned Ruyi Gourd.
“I’m telling you, as long as you follow me, you can go anywhere in this world and do whatever you want!”
“Are you as strong as Jiang Renhuang?” Ji Kongkong’s eyes sparkled.
Her greatest wish was to become as powerful as Jiang Li.
“…Why do you think I’m not with my master right now, but here instead?”
Real Person Feng had the true believers, the five temporary followers, and the two fake believers step forward to stand under the gaze of the Sovereign’s statue.
He then took out eight bowls filled with an unknown liquid.
“Now begins the third and final stage of the ceremony—The Oath of Water.”
“This is holy water personally received by our sect leader from the Sovereign. It has been blessed by the Sovereign and contains the power to silence and bind. Upon drinking it, you will be unable to reveal any information about our sect by any means.”
“Cheng Ziqi, Long Li, Long Kongkong—you three have demonstrated undeniable faith in the Sovereign and are qualified to become preachers.”
Real Person Feng separated three of the bowls. “These three are different. After drinking them, you will be allowed to reveal some sect information. Do you have any questions?”
Jiang Li smiled kindly, raised his hand, and asked,
“No other questions—just wondering, where exactly is our sect leader?”