Ethan walked toward the southern palace, where the sect competition was about to take place.
Following the map he had purchased from the sect shop, which contained the layout of the entire sect very precisely, Ethan ran to the southern palace, but he didn't go to the public area where the facilities of the southern palace were located.
Instead, he went to the outer layer of the southern palace, located between the southern palace and the western palace.
This outer layer was a heavily protected area because it acted as a buffer where people monitored the movements of monsters and mutated beasts that thrived in the forests.
Most of the sect's territory was covered in forest, and every part of the forest had monsters and mutated beasts.
However, the forests stretching from the northern palace and the top western palace to the southern palace were much richer both in quality and quantity, mostly because of the sea on the other side of the western palace's forest.
The sea contained many monsters, mutated beasts, and naturally formed resources, which the monsters used to evolve and grow stronger, mostly by preying on other monsters.
Ethan soon reached the place where the rules of the competition would be revealed.
He calmly entered the crowd with the summer sword and winter sword sheathed on his back, forming an X, and the dagger of Nuada hidden inside his clothes.
That was all he chose as equipment; he really didn't need much, and he could see most of the other members had all sorts of gear.
"One shouldn't depend too much on equipment..." Ethan muttered.
He silently merged with the crowd.
After experimenting a couple of times with the shadow essence, Ethan discovered its effects on him.
First was [Shadow Travel], similar to Kagetsu Ethan.
He could use shadow to travel between the shadow dimension and, from there, to almost anywhere, since the shadow dimension was connected to all parts of the universe.
But right now, he could only travel between the Dancing Library and the Shinmya, only one-way travel.
The second ability was [Shadow Creation].
He could manipulate the shadow essence to create solid structures and constructs; the solidity and hardness of the constructs depended on how much energy was spent and his cultivation level.
The third ability was [Shadow Skin].
This was a passive effect; it created a layer of shadow skin beneath his visible skin to add another layer of protection.
To put it simply, if someone without sufficient strength stabbed him with a knife, they would only pierce his visible skin and not the shadow skin underneath.
The strength of the shadow skin depended on his cultivation level.
There was also another effect of the shadow skin, which significantly reduced how much of his presence leaked out of his body.
Not completely, but enough that others could not see through his true power level.
Even with the shadow skin's masking effect, he still attracted a lot of attention, mostly because of that weird feeling everyone near him felt that made them unable to ignore him.
It was the aura effect of the [Eyes of Truth] that passively made his existence more attractive.
"Yeah, I know. Ignore them for now," Ethan said. He also ignored them.
There was no use being concerned; they were in public, and they wouldn't act on their hostility now.
Ethan watched as the vice sect master took the stage.
The vice sect master observed the large group of sect members gathered with a scrutinizing gaze.
"It's been one week since the new sect members were given cultivation techniques and permission to officially start cultivation, and it should be enough to surpass human limits by now," the vice sect master said.
"The requirements to enter the sect are quite high, and everyone who tries to enter would have trained hard from a young age, hoping to pass the entrance test. They would already be in peak physical condition, and the initial stage of cultivation is the fastest."
"In fact, I'm sure I'm even slower than some of the members since I spent a lot of time training and in the Dancing Library, or I would have even reached the Seed of Domination level."
"Plus, I'm sure those from distinguished backgrounds would have used many treasures and resources to break through levels much faster," Ethan sighed, shaking his head dismissively.
One should never use treasures or resources that give a large amount of energy in one go and use them for cultivation, especially in the initial stages.
Cultivation is a means to grow stronger and extend lifespans; it has a spiritual meaning.
A cultivator, regardless of their cultivation path, must use their own capabilities, such as bloodlines, abilities, talents, and skills that they are born with or inherit, to cultivate.
Failing to do so would be like disrespecting the act of cultivation itself.
Yes, you can easily break through multiple levels in a short time using such methods, but it will undoubtedly be a hindrance to your future growth.
Your affinity with the act of cultivation itself will slowly decrease, and it will cause problems like unbreakable bottlenecks and unlucky encounters.
On the other hand, if you respect the act of cultivation, the cultivation will show respect in return by making your progress easier.
Ethan always wondered whether this was why ancient families or other established forces often vanished.
They always wanted to stand at the front line and wouldn't mind using disrespectful methods to grow stronger quickly.
By contrast, people with poor backgrounds, no resources, or limited talent and potential could become much more powerful simply by respecting the act of cultivation.
In cultivation, talent is important, but it's not everything, and not everyone possesses talent.
Even those without talent can match the talented with persistence and perseverance.
So what if it takes time?
So what if the fruits of your efforts are small?
Persistence and perseverance are what matter in cultivation.
Ethan understood that very well.
The vice sect master continued, "Before I tell you about the rules of this competition, let me tell you about the requirements."
"Only those of you at system level 18 to level 30 are eligible for this competition, and the competition isn't restricted to just the new sect members."
"Hm, that means we will be competing with seniors who have yet to pass level 30," Ethan rubbed his chin in thought.
The vice sect master and the sect members rested for a few minutes before continuing. "Now let's talk about the rules."
"There are two rounds for this competition. The qualifiers from the first round will advance to the second and final round."
"The first round is monster hunting, and the second round will be one-on-one combat."
"For the first round, you will enter the forest and kill monsters as proof. You will have to collect the tags that each monster carries. Collect as many tags as you can," the vice sect master continued.
"The top 100 participants who collect the most tags will be considered qualifiers for the next round."
"You can do anything to collect tags from monsters, and if you intend to use this chance to kill your fellow participants, don't forget that participants are not allowed to kill each other."
"If found to be a killer of participants, serious consequences will undoubtedly follow."
"Even if killing another person is against the rules, that also means anything other than death is very much within the rules. I'm sure those bastards I offended will come seeking trouble with me, but it's also a chance for me to put them in their place when they do." Ethan smiled.
"The participants will have three days inside the forest to kill as many monsters as possible. They will not be allowed to bring food or any consumable resources, except for the equipment they carry," the sect master continued.
Then, the instructors arrived and inspected everyone participating in the competition to ensure they complied with the stated regulations.
Once they were deemed eligible, the participants were instructed to stand before the entrance to the grand forest.
"You have seventy-two hours to kill as many monsters and collect as many tags from them as possible," the vice sect master announced.
He struck the high bell beside him, signaling the start of the competition.
As the loud sound of the bell echoed through the area, hundreds of sect members immediately rushed into the forest.
Within minutes, they vanished into the dense woodland that stretched for several kilometers in every direction, each heading off with their own goals and intentions.