AI Cultivation: Reborn as a Sword

Chapter 70: Seven Killing Swords Sect (4)

My initial assessment that this Inner World layer is a recreation of memories is brought into question as Lan Xiaohui explores the other pavilions.

The interior of the Treasure Pavilion is a simple room with some display cases and a stele that lists the prices of the offered items. Theres only a dozen or so pieces of equipment for sale, armor and weaponry mostly, that can only be bought by exchanging Inner World Tokens. Even though the Pavilion is large enough to fit several thousand of my internal storages, the area inside is only a few times bigger than my tiny dimensional space.

The Mission Hall, Medicine Hall and Sect Exchange are the exact same. The only pavilions that actually resemble their function are the Forging and Alchemy Hall, complete with equipment and resources ready to be used, even though there is no Elder present to oversee the operations.

The Sect Hall is one thing Outer Disciples would rarely have had the opportunity to go there, or to remember finer details about it, so it made sense that what Lan Xiaohui and I witnessed did not really make sense.

Lan Xiaohuis suspicion that the other Halls may have been altered proves to be correct her intuition really is a terrifying power.

The Mission Hall, Sect Exchange and Treasure Pavilion are likely the places that Outer Disciples visit the most, including the Martial Hall. In hindsight, the Martial Hall also seemed rather odd considering how empty and simplistic it was. I have never seen the Seven Killing Swords Sect at least not consciously so I dont know if the Martial Hall was different from how it is supposed to be, but if it was, it would likely give Lan Xiaohui reasons to be suspicious about the other pavilions.

All of these things further hint towards the purpose of this layer, though the conclusion still evades me. I know that it is a test, but I am not yet sure what kind of test it is.

The rewards for the ranking suggest that the test is repeatable, with the first ranking likely allowing progress to the third layer. That seems fairly obvious, but what has my attention is the fact that rankings exist in the first place.

What would happen if, for example, Li Feng got first place? Would Li Fengs simulation move on to the Third Layer of the Inner World?

If that were true, then nevermind this second layer, what is the purpose of the Inner World Sphere?

I dont think it is very likely that its purpose is to create simulations, based on an initial imprint of someone I ate, and then refine them into ultimate forms of themselves.

Taking into account that this function can be accessed by Lan Xiaohui, I think the most likely scenario is that the ranking exists for other outsiders a function currently being executed by simulations due to lack of other intelligences inhabiting the second layer.

As I consider these things, Lan Xiaohui heads towards the Formation Pavilion and makes her way inside.

The Formation Pavilion at first glance appears to be one of the few buildings that should be true to their real world counterpart. The entrance is dedicated to a reception with several booths, and several doors lead deeper into the pavilion. I can see through walls with my absolute perception, so I know that beyond these doors are quiet chambers for drawing talismans, but there is also a rather unusual chamber that has multiple doors behind which are several glowing platforms.

Lan Xiaohui looks around, her gaze mostly drawn to the austere walls before eventually settling on the booths.

Even without her saying it, I know that this is not the Formation Pavilion that she remembers.

I find it odd that the sect itself is faithfully recreated at least according to Lan Xiaohui but not the interiors of such important buildings.

Perhaps it is not the Disciples wandering around that shape this place, but it is you, I tell Lan Xiaohui.

I am? Lan Xiaohui asks, heading towards a door on her right. But I remember what this place looks like. It is nothing like this.

It is likely that this layer still needs to perform certain functions, but it being set in this location is likely because of you, because you are the one operating the array of the Inner World.

Lan Xiaohui falls quiet, while her heart does the opposite. It is not strange at all that the last thing Lan Xiaohui wanted to hear is that it is possible that she wanted to see the sect again.

Even if that were true, in my estimation, it is only because she is entirely focused on achieving her objective of killing the Black Tiger an entity that is synonymous with this sect.

Perhaps, next time, I can pick the Forbidden Ancestral Hunting Ground instead, Lan Xiaohui says after a while with a hint of jest in her tone.

It is likely not something you did by choice, I explain. This layer has to perform functions related to the upcoming competition. In your memories, the sect provides the best location for such to seamlessly integrate these functions and perform the test.

My choice of words might be too difficult for Lan Xiaohui, but eventually she slowly nods. So if we only think about the pavilions that were altered, we can figure out what the competition is?

That is correct, I tell her with a hint of satisfaction in my tone. My Lan Xiaohui is smart, indeed.

It will involve combat, that much is certain. The artifacts at the Treasure Pavilion are all about those two things. The Medicine Hall also has no cultivation pills, or medicinal pastes for improving physique only items related to recovery from injuries, Lan Xiaohui says as she walks down the many corridors.

On the other hand, the Sect Exchange was empty there was nothing on auction or immediately available for purchase. The Mission Hall stele, on the other hand, informed us that missions would only become available once the Challenge Stage has begun.

Everyone is so friendly, Lan Xiaohui says, her voice quieter than usual. This fact has been on her mind the entire time. Deep in her heart, I know that she desires to one day return to this life to be among peers that respect her and treat her as their equal. Maybe I wont have to fight them.

I consider telling her that she is talking about demonic cultivators, but I cannot deny that her point also holds some merit. Demonic cultivators would try to get whatever advantage they could, even before the test starts.

Finally, she makes her way to the chamber with the stele, where many doors lead to mystical platforms.

This time, the stele only has one line of text to show.

The following Formation has been reserved for your use: Icy Sword Waterfall.

The fact that it addresses Lan Xiaohui directly further implies that these steles and chambers are altered and part of a grander function.

Perhaps Lan Xiaohui has experience with steles like this, or its her intuition at work, but she places her hand on the stone surface of the stele and a voice rings out.

Time Dilation inside the Mystic Sword Formation will be: 3 times normal. You may use the formation for six hours before the Challenge Stage begins.

Lan Xiaohui tilts her head at the words.

It likely works in three hour increments, I tell her. Since theres just over two hours left here, you can only stay inside for six hours total.

Lan Xiaohui seems even more confused. Perhaps I will have to explain Relativity to her.

No, I understand how it works, I was just wondering if I should explore the area outside the sect, Lan Xiaohui says. It is not a bad idea, but ultimately I think it will be a fruitless endeavor.

You also want to see this Formation?

Yes.

Lan Xiaohui smiles and nods.

Just as Lan Xiaohui withdraws her hand from the stele, the door leading to her designated platform opens.

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