The Emperor of Cultivation Prediction

Chapter 9: Chain Reaction

That morning, the Sky Sword Sect's outer disciple canteen, usually rowdy with crude jokes, suddenly fell silent as a young man in a pristine white robe with silver embroidery on the collar stepped inside. That robe was a symbol of Inner Disciple status—a sight impossible for anyone who knew Dexa three days ago.

"Is that... is that really him?" whispered a disciple in the corner, his hands trembling as he held his chopsticks.

"Don't point! Do you want your finger broken? Didn't you hear what he did to Elder Gao's Dantian?" his friend replied in a voice that was barely audible.

Dexa ignored the whispers. He walked toward the food distribution counter. The disciple on duty, who used to throw bowls of cold rice at Dexa, now bowed so low his forehead nearly touched the table.

"G-Good morning, Senior Brother Dexa! This... this is the best bird's nest porridge and venison we have. Please, enjoy!" the disciple said in a hoarse voice.

Dexa stared at the bowl flatly. "Just put it there. And call me 'Senior Brother' one more time if you want your tongue to taste the coldness of my sword."

"I-I'm sorry, Lord Dexa! Forgive my insolence!" the disciple trembled violently.

Dexa took his bowl and sat at the center-most table, a spot that used to be reserved only for Lian Xing and his lackeys. Not a single disciple dared to sit within a five-meter radius of him.

[Beep! Local Reputation Analysis: 'Trash' status has been completely erased. New Status: 'Mysterious Monster.' Collective Fear Level: 94%.]

"Only fear? No genuine admiration yet?" Dexa thought as he ate his porridge.

[Answering Host: Admiration is only born from power that can be understood. Your current strength is perceived as a terrifying anomaly. It is recommended to perform a 'Strategic Act of Generosity' to balance public perception.]

"No need. Let them fear. Fear is a cheaper form of control than loyalty," Dexa replied internally.

Suddenly, graceful footsteps approached. Leriana appeared in travel clothes that were more casual yet still radiated an aura of luxury. She sat directly in front of Dexa, ignoring the shocked stares from everyone in the canteen.

"You know, Dexa? You've just become the hottest topic in this entire region in less than twenty-four hours," Leriana said with a thin smile.

Dexa didn't lift his head. "How hot?"

"Hot enough to have messenger birds from the Sky Dragon Clan flying back and forth over our sect's skies since dawn," Leriana took a piece of bread from the table. "They're wondering how a third-rate sect like Sky Sword could produce a genius capable of destroying a high-level Elder."

"Genius? I'd rather be called a 'problem' for them," Dexa replied coldly.

"Problem or not, your reputation has now spread beyond the borders. My second brother in the Holy Phoenix Faction must be breaking his teacup right now knowing his plan failed completely," Leriana chuckled. "He's definitely sending more spies now."

"System, provide data on the spies around the canteen right now."

[Beep! Scanning area... 7 observation targets found.] [3 from the Sky Dragon Sect, 2 from the Holy Phoenix Faction, 2 from independent factions.] [Suggestion: Provide false information through open conversation.]

Dexa put down his spoon, his voice slightly raised so it could be heard by the sharp ears around them. "Princess, you don't need to worry. The inheritance I received from Senior Han isn't just about physical strength. There is a 'Star Prophecy' technique that allows me to see anyone with ill intentions within a ten-mile radius."

Leriana was stunned for a moment, but she quickly caught Dexa's drift. "Oh? Star Prophecy? No wonder you knew about that tea yesterday. Does that mean you also know who is eavesdropping on us right now?"

"Of course," Dexa glanced toward a disciple who was pretending to clean the floor near them. "For example, that disciple. He carries the scent of 'Dragon Aloeswood' incense, which is only used by spies from the Sky Dragon Clan. Isn't that right, friend?"

The cleaning disciple froze. His face turned pale instantly. Without wasting any time, he dropped his broom and ran out of the canteen as fast as lightning.

"One ran, six more are still holding out," Dexa murmured calmly.

"You really don't give them any room to breathe," Leriana shook her head. "But Dexa, a reputation that grows too fast also means a bigger target. The Sky Dragons don't like new powers they can't control."

"Let them come. I need more destiny points, and large factions are fertile fields for points," Dexa stood up. "Come on. The Sect Master is waiting for me. We have access to claim."

In the Sect Master's private study, the scent of sandalwood incense filled the room. The Sect Master sat behind his large desk, staring at Dexa who stood calmly before him.

"Sit down, Dexa. And you as well, Princess Leriana," the Sect Master said in a tone much warmer than their previous meetings.

"Thank you, Sect Master," Dexa replied as he sat down.

"News of Gao's fall has reached the Regional Governor's ears. He sent his congratulations for 'cleansing' a traitor," the Sect Master observed Dexa. "But he also asked who this new inner disciple with such extraordinary abilities is."

"I only did what had to be done to survive, Sect Master," Dexa replied flatly.

"Don't be too humble. Breaking an Elder's Dantian when you've just reached the fifth layer... that's not just survival. That is dominance," the Sect Master leaned back in his chair. "The outside world is getting restless. Sky Dragon, Holy Phoenix, even the Black Sword Alliance. They are all sending envoys. Do you know what that means?"

"It means they fear the order they created will be disrupted," Dexa interrupted.

"Exactly. And our sect is too small to withstand pressure from all of them if they decide to unite," the Sect Master took a deep breath. "However, I see potential in you. Potential to bring the Sky Sword Sect to a higher level."

"What do you want, Sect Master?" Dexa asked directly.

"I will give you access to the 'Ancient Meditation Cave' at the Hidden Peak. That is where our sect founder achieved enlightenment. Only selected Inner Disciples are allowed to enter," the Sect Master pulled out a black jade medal. "But there is also danger there. The formations inside are very unstable."

"I accept the challenge," Dexa took the medal.

"One more thing," the Sect Master looked at Leriana. "Princess, your presence here is both a blessing and a curse for us. The Holy Phoenix Faction has sent a letter of protest, accusing us of kidnapping you."

"Kidnap? I am here of my own free will!" Leriana exclaimed angrily.

"I know. That is why Dexa will accompany you to give an official statement to their envoys who will arrive tomorrow," the Sect Master said. "Dexa, use your current reputation. Make them understand that Princess Leriana is under your protection, not just the sect's protection."

"I understand. I will make sure they go home with a clear message," Dexa replied.

After leaving the Sect Master's room, Leriana pulled Dexa's sleeve. "Did you hear that? Sky Dragon and Holy Phoenix will send envoys tomorrow. This will be a disaster if we say the wrong thing."

"A disaster for them, not for us," Dexa looked at the jade medal in his hand. "System, simulate the outcome of tomorrow's meeting with the envoys."

[Beep! Starting Simulation...] [Scenario A: You act politely. Result: They will pressure the sect and try to take Leriana by force. War breaks out in 7 days.] [Scenario B: You act dominant and show strength. Result: They will hesitate and retreat to investigate further. Provides an additional 30 days for preparation.]

"Scenario B is the only choice," Dexa muttered.

"You're talking to yourself again," Leriana scolded. "So, what's our plan for tonight? Are you going straight to the Meditation Cave?"

"Yes. But you can't come inside. You must guard your pavilion. I feel the Shadow Elders won't stay quiet after losing their colleague," Dexa looked at Leriana seriously. "Use the technique I gave you last night. If anyone approaches within a twenty-meter radius, you will feel it."

"I understand. But Dexa... be careful. That Ancient Meditation Cave... I heard many genius disciples went mad after coming out of there," Leriana looked worried.

"Mad? They just couldn't handle the truth shown by the formations there," Dexa smiled thinly. "To me, it's just a data library waiting to be read."

Dexa walked toward the Hidden Peak. Along the way, every disciple who crossed paths with him immediately stepped aside and bowed. His reputation had grown into something almost mythical.

[Beep! Destiny Points collected from the 'Chain Reaction' in the canteen and hall: 800 Points.] [Total Destiny Points: 2300.]

"Simulate the entry path to the Ancient Meditation Cave. I want to know what the sect founder was really hiding there," Dexa commanded.

[Starting Simulation...] [Year 0, Hour 20: You enter the cave. The 'Mirror of Destiny' formation activates.] [Text appears: You see a future where the Sky Sword Sect is burned to the ground by the fires of the Sky Dragon.] [Year 0, Hour 21: You find the 'Primordial Sword Core' embedded in the cave wall. This is the sect's original energy source.]

"Primordial Sword Core? Interesting," Dexa quickened his pace. "If I can absorb it, my peak fifth layer will immediately break through to the sixth or even seventh layer."

As he reached the mouth of the cave, two high-level guards stood tall. They saw the medal in Dexa's hand and immediately opened the heavy stone gate.

"Good luck, Inner Disciple Dexa. Remember, do not stay for more than an hour if you start hearing voices," one of the guards warned.

"Thank you. But I think those voices are the ones who should be afraid of me," Dexa replied as he stepped into the darkness.

Inside the cave, the air felt very thick with spiritual energy. The walls glowed with pulsing ancient symbols. Dexa could feel his system vibrating violently.

[Warning! Detected energy frequency compatible with Cosmic Codex fragments.] [Synchronization starting... 1%... 5%...]

"So this is the real reason my system reacted to this place," Dexa sat cross-legged in the middle of the cave. "This isn't just a meditation spot. This is a failed laboratory of destiny."

Suddenly, a light projection appeared in front of him. An old man with a massive sword on his back stared at Dexa with hollow eyes.

"Who dares disturb my slumber?" the voice echoed directly within Dexa's soul.

"I am the one who will fix your mistakes, Sect Founder," Dexa replied without blinking.

"Arrogant! You are but an ant at the Qi Gathering stage!" The projection swung its hand, releasing spiritual pressure capable of crushing an ordinary disciple's bones.

Dexa only smiled coldly. "System, use 500 points. Activate 'Architect's Dominance.' Suppress this projection!"

[Beep! Executing Architect's Dominance...]

Blue light from the system exploded from Dexa's body, enveloping the entire cave. The spiritual pressure from the sect founder was instantly shattered into pieces. The old man's projection widened its eyes, his body of light beginning to crack.

"This power... this does not belong to this world! Who are you?!"

"Me?" Dexa stood up, his aura now surpassing everything inside that cave. "I am the Architect who will rewrite the destiny you failed to build. Now, hand over that Sword Core to me, or I will erase the remains of your soul from history."

The projection trembled, then slowly bowed its head. The cave wall behind it opened, revealing a golden energy orb spinning with immense power.

[Beep! Primordial Sword Core found.] [Absorption process starting. Estimated power increase: 7th Layer Qi Gathering.]

Dexa closed his eyes as the golden energy began to flow into his body. Outside the cave, the night sky was suddenly filled with silent flashes of lightning—a sign to the entire world that something terrifying had been born.

"This chain reaction has only just begun," Dexa whispered amidst the energy storm. "And tomorrow, the envoys of those great factions will realize they are not dealing with a disciple, but with the new master of their destiny."

Dexa's reputation was no longer just growing; it was evolving into a legend that would haunt the dreams of every cultivator in this realm.