Extra's Strategy: Cultivate Protagonists, Become Invincible

The firelit assembly barely lasted ten minutes, partly because a new fog tide was approaching the field, and partly because there wasn’t much to announce, really.

Sect Master Xuan Zi didn’t even bother to consult the Elders. He revealed most of the contents of the envoy’s message right away, loudly reading from a scroll.

Three of the most powerful sects on their planet had come together to hold a cross-continental tournament among all recognized sects!

Typically, this tournament was held once every ten years. And the last time it had been held was just six years ago.

Why had it been pushed four years forward, then?

The message simply provided two words: "Unavoidable circumstances." Sect Master Xuan Zi either did not know what the circumstances were, or was not keen to explain.

Of course, standing in the crowd, Han Xuhan felt like he had a good idea why this was happening. Didn’t every cultivation novel have a dozen similar subplots?

Whenever the protagonist joins a sect, be it big or small, righteous or demonic, either a calamity befalls them, or a disastrous tournament appears like a star of misfortune. Lazy authors love to abuse these plot devices the most!

A pushback of four years was nothing. He even recalled reading one novel where a once-in-a-five-hundred-year tournament was inexplicably scheduled within three months of the protagonist’s entry into a sect.

As far as Han Xuhan knew, the Beasthaven Sect, the Abyss Guild, and the Forestheart Foundation—these sects were known as the big three on their planet. Each of them had a rich history and elusive origins, tying them with many unsolved mysteries. The most significant element of mystery, perhaps, was their location.

The Beasthaven Sect’s main territory was rumored to be hidden beyond an uncrossable chasm of the Poison Ocean. Trying to find them was a guaranteed method of courting death!

The Abyss Guild was said to be hidden in the deepest pit of this world’s oceans. With a bit of digging, any resourceful cultivator could figure out where the pit was. But to dive underwater and travel miles deep into the ocean?

Please find a less painful way to die in your next life.

As for the Forestheart Foundation, this sect could be summarized in one sentence. It was home to some of the most deranged, borderline demonic experts of the cultivation world. Even if its location was known, a rational person wouldn’t dare walk into their den unless desperation drove them there.

Naturally, none of these sects was going to host the tournament themselves. The venue of the tournament would be a neutral area unfamiliar to all participating sects.

In fact, not just the venue, even the mode of the tournament, the prizes, the timeframe, and critical details like the requirements for the disciples participating were kept a secret. The message claimed that this had to be done to maintain fairness and reduce opportunities of cheating.

And all other sects of similar caliber had actually agreed to this bizarre, mystical arrangement. Perhaps the manner of sending that ’envoy’ to pass on the message had something to do with their unconditional agreements...

At the end of the announcement, Sect Master Xuan Zi declared that, abiding by the rules, he was going to reveal the information step by step to help the outer court disciples prepare for this generational event.

A few hours later, alongside the morning sun, crimson flags embossed with snow patterns rose all over the Crimson Snow sect. The tense air of the night seemed to evaporate as a festive mood wrapped itself all around the mountain peaks.

The outer court disciples were no longer fearful, but excited!

A tournament to compete with the best of their generation!

A competition to prove their potential and showcase their talents!

An opportunity to broaden their horizons and meet foreign friends!

To be renowned across the realm within just a few months of their entrance into the world of cultivation... Who could resist this incredible fantasy?

Amidst the excited celebrations and preparations, no one had any idea that a certain fellow disciple of theirs was wailing inside his hut since that announcement.

"Good heavens, give me a fucking break! No wonder things were advancing way too smoothly for me these days! All that good fortune was making way for this disaster!

If I’m not careful, I’m definitely going to end up being crippled by some asshole. I’m so close to so many protagonist level figures. Everything that harms me can be turned into a motivational arc for those guys, right?"

Zhanxian and Tun Shi Tian exchanged flabbergasted looks while listening to their master’s incomprehensible rambling. They could understand some of his concerns, but the underlying logic and the terminology he used...

Wasn’t quite familiar.

What was going on in his mind? Did he get frightened to the point of retardation?

Just then, Han Xuhan stood up, wiping off some sweat from his temples. A resolute look appeared in his eyes.

"No-no-no, I can’t participate. I must not step foot into whatever trap this tournament holds."

"How do you plan to do that?" Zhanxian asked. "You heard the sect master. All outer court disciples of the current generation are bound by his orders to participate, right?"

"For me to be bound by his orders... I’d have to be there when he gives the orders, wouldn’t I?"

Zhanxian: "...."

Tun Shi Tian gasped. "Master, are you planning to run away from this sect? You dare?!"

Han Xuhan glared at the owl. He knew why this little brat would be upset by the notion of leaving the Crimson Snow Sect. The resources required for its cultivation would dry up if he really escaped.

That would make the owl’s plan to dominate Han Xuhan and Zhanxian with its cultivation an impossible dream.

"What are you really planning?" Zhanxian asked, probably realizing that Han Xuhan wouldn’t do something as stupid as running away from the sect.

Han Xuhan looked out through the hut’s window. "There’s this task I’ve been putting off for a good while. Its nature is such that if I request a leave from the sect on its account, not even the sect master can deny it. Coincidentally, the timing is just right if I want to leave now."

"What’s the task?"

A calculating look flashed across Han Xuhan’s eyes. "Pacifying my soul, gaining spiritual clarity, and sowing a foundation for the cultivation of the Monastic Path!"

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