Chapter 393: Parasites
Spiritual energy cultivation, while offering strength hundreds of times greater than martial arts, demanded a significant cost. After Phoenix's departure, Jared turned his attention to the bags of century-old herbs and the thousand-year-old ginseng. These resources, he hoped, would enable him to reach the Foundation Phase. This represented only one level of advancement, but it would dramatically increase his power. Only by reaching the Foundation Phase could one truly become an energy cultivator—what the people called an "immortal!" He was ready to transcend his current limitations.
Jared summoned Tommy for assistance. Reaching the Foundation Phase would take days, and interruptions were unacceptable. His vulnerability during this process demanded protection; Tommy was tasked with guarding him until its completion.
"Don't worry, Mr. Chance. I won't let anyone interrupt you, even if it means sacrificing my life!" Tommy vowed confidently.
Jared patted his shoulder. "If you encounter trouble, ask Phoenix for help. I'll be relying on you for the next few days."
Jared then instructed Josephine to spend the next few days with Lizbeth in Summerbank, citing pressing business. Josephine, understanding the implicit urgency, simply reminded him to stay safe.
Having made his arrangements, Jared locked himself in a room. He ignited a small ball of fire, using it to encircle the herbs. He needed to create energy-condensing pills and consume them to begin cultivation.
It took a full day and night to transform the herbs. He consumed all the pills at once, and as the spiritual energy surged, he immediately channeled the Focus Technique to refine it. Mini cyclones of spiritual energy whirled around him, shrouding the room in a faint white fog. Tommy, guarding outside, was startled by the fog.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Crescent Sect's hall, eight individuals gathered. Their leader, cloaked in a robe and brass mask, remained unidentifiable. This was Fabian Quillen, the sect's head, whose true identity was unknown.
"Mr. Quillen, Venicus has been gone for days. I can't reach him. Do you think he absconded with our herbs?" one asked.
"Impossible. He wouldn't dare. He may be a pervert, but he lacks the courage to betray me!" another countered.
"Then why can't we reach him?" another pressed.
Silence fell.
"Venicus is dead," Fabian stated, producing a small black bottle. He removed a six-inch black centipede—dead. "Venicus's parasite is dead. Therefore, he is dead," he added calmly, discarding the centipede.
In Crescent Sect, each member had a parasitic implant. These parasites existed in male/female pairs. The female was implanted in the member; the male was kept in a bottle by Fabian. The death of one parasite instantly killed its mate, regardless of location—Fabian's method of control.