The Elder stared in silence at the Vice-Sect Leader, thinking of what to do next. As an Elder of the Supreme Battle Sect, he was used to getting anything he wanted by pure brute force. However, in the face of the Vice-Sect Leader, such a thing was impossible.

Even the Sect Leader of the Supreme Battle Sect would have to give the Vice-Sect Leader respect in battle, let alone himself.

He contemplated arguing back, but eventually decided against it. If it was a regular disciple of the Heavenly Lightning Sect, he would argue that their sect's alliance was more important, but since John was her direct disciple, there was no way he would convince her.

After a brief moment of silence, the man took to the skies. His body reached incredible speeds in an instant, and he quickly disappeared over the horizon.

"Amazing!

" Leah suddenly exclaimed in an excited voice. All eyes looked to her, and were surprised to see that she had dashed directly towards the Vice-Sect Leader and stood before her.

"You're so amazing. That man was so strong, and yet you handled him so easily. You're incredible,

" she excitedly exclaimed.

"I hope to be like you one day! Strong...and unafraid!

"

The Vice-Sect Leader stared at Leah, and a small smile broke out on her face.

"You sure know how to flatter, unlike this brat over here,

" she replied as she looked towards John.

John took a step backwards instinctively as she looked at him, but the Vice-Sect Leader did nothing and looked back towards Leah.

"John and I have some important business to attend to, but I've taken a liking to you. Report to the War Hall, and find Elder Thame. Tell him that I personally instructed you to have one of our Heaven Tribulation Elders welcome you as their direct disciple. If he has any questions, he can report to me later.

"

Leah's eyes nearly popped out of her head, while John, Adam, and Elliot smiled at the news.

"Congratulations, Leah,

" John congratulated her, with Adam and Elliot doing the same.

'Hopefully with this new master of hers, she will be able to shed her timid shell and become a true battle hardened cultivator.'

Leah started to tear up at the news, both shocked and happy at the same time. The Vice-Sect Leader patted her on the shoulder, before looking towards John.

"We have business to attend to. Follow me.

"

She instantly took to the skies, and began to fly in the direction of the Heavenly Lightning Palace.

John had a feeling that his training was over, and that his mission was to begin soon. He looked to his three friends before him.

"Well friends, I have some things to take care of. It may be a while before we see each other again, so while I'm gone, do not slack off on your training.

"

His eyes locked onto Adam hard at the end, suggesting that he meant his words to Adam the most. Adam smiled wryly as he heard John's comment.

"Don't worry, when have I ever slacked off,

" Adam replied with a pride smile on his face.

Bang!

"Ouch!

"

Adam cried out in surprised pain as John slammed him on the back with quite some force.

"When I return, if you haven't improved by leaps and bounds, well...I'm sure you can fill in the rest,

" John said to Adam.

He knew Adam would slack off if he was not here, and so decided to remind him with one last warning not to do so. John valued Adam as a friend and a formations cultivator, and did not want to see him fall behind and become useless.

Adam gulped in fear, as he could guess what John was talking about.

"Don't worry, when you return, you'll be the one looking up to me,

" Adam replied, his smug pride still as strong as ever.

"Good, make sure its so,

" John replied. He said a few parting words to Leah and Elliot, before he took to the sky and quickly caught up to the Vice-Sect Leader. Their destination was clearly the Heavenly Lightning Palace.

"Is it time?

" John asked curiously.

"It is,

" the Vice-Sect Leader replied.

John's face became stern as he heard this, and he followed her to the Heavenly Lightning Palace in silence. When they arrived at the top balcony, the Sect Leader was sitting there, once more sipping tea.

He glanced up, and spoke to his two new arrivals.

"Have a seat, we have much to discuss.

"

John nodded his head and quickly took a seat at the table. A fragrant aroma filled his senses, one which he recognized.

'Seems like the Sect Leader is still enjoying that tea of mine.'

"How has your training been these last few weeks?

" Sect Leader Thunderzen asked, snapping John out of his thoughts.

"Brutal nightmare,

" John instantly replied, not mincing any words. The Vice-Sect Leader frowned as she heard this, but said nothing.

Thunderzen smiled at John's reply, and clarified his question.

"How have your improvements been these last few weeks?

"

John thought about the question for a moment before replying.

"As much as I hate to admit it, my battle prowess has improved substantially over the last five weeks. If I fought myself from before I started this training, I would dominate my past self without any question,

" John replied.

"Good,

" Thunderzen replied, his smile lingering on his face for a moment before turning into a look of seriousness.

"The Bloodfiend Sect is becoming more and more brazen with their actions, and I believe whatever they have planned for this continent will be carried out within the next half year. As such, there is no more time to dawdle. You will begin your mission today, of infiltrating the Bloodfiend Sect and finding out exactly what is going on,

" Thunderzen explained.

John's face turned serious as he heard this, but a bit of excitement welled up inside him as well.

"So the time has finally come, huh? Good, that means I can start getting closer to my one true mission of drowning the Bloodfiend Sect in their own blood.

"