While Julius waited for the expedition, he took some time to finish up his projects and settle his other plans. To his immense pride, he was finally able to figure out that stupid little cube he had gotten. For the past several weeks, he hadn’t been able to open the damn thing. But after a lot of stubborn nights and a little luck, he finally managed to get a reaction out of the cube.

The cube in itself was a puzzle. One that was purposefully designed with that in mind. The conditions to open it were simple: a shit load of his aura and being able to finely manipulate his authority.

It reminded him of Freya’s training rod, but only specialized for authority. Once he got it open, he was presented with two things. One was a note that explained the cube's function. The other was a small ring that connected his mind and soul to the cube.

The cube was essentially an overengineered training device. The good friend she was, Reinera had correctly assumed that Julius didn’t really need treasures or skill-improving potions. What he desired was a way to improve his overall capabilities, and this cube was the perfect thing for it.

He had been playing around with authority ever since he had advanced to Tier 4. The results were varied. He had improved, but authority didn’t act in the same way as mana. Because of this, he hadn’t been able to cultivate his new Ruinous Phoenix Core, nor the ruinflames that came with it.

He had come to the conclusion that he was doing something wrong.

Because his authority was different from his mana and aura, his usual exercises didn’t work. He had attempted to work around this problem by observing other authorities and trying out new things. For example, he tried to replicate how that monkey had been able to reinforce its body with authority, and even Cassandra had lent a hand, but there was only so much that could help him and his specific authority.

This cube sounded like it would solve his issues. With the help of the ring, the cube was able to “key” into his Seed of Ruinous Phoenix and craft a custom training regimen for him. He had shown Cassandra the artifact, and even she was stunned by its capabilities.

Apparently, she had never seen something like this outside of a custom rift reward.

He was very happy with the cube; the only problem was that it was ridiculously difficult to use. With the added challenge that he wasn’t used to manipulating his authority, it was like using a totally new part of his body.

So for the next week or so, when he wasn’t teaching his classes, he was holed up in the Sunfire Pavilion, taking full advantage of this cube. Even his life technique was put on hold as he played with his new toy.

On another note, the disciples who had abandoned him were properly punished. Well, some of them. Apparently, the leader, Ruilo, and one of the other inner disciples had escaped in the middle of the night.

Additionally, the sect hadn’t found out who leaked Julius’s location to the Heavenly Crane Sect. But Cassandra told him to be cautious and that it was likely a disgruntled disciple or an elder of the sect who wanted him gone.

For what reason, he had no clue. It wasn’t like he had offended anyone since he got here. All of his victims were willing participants.

Speaking of his victims, he spotted Maya heading toward him. She was one of the few people who could access the Sunfire Pavilion.

“Still using that cube, huh?” she asked upon her approach.

“Yep,” he said while popping another chip into his mouth. “So what do you need? If you didn’t know, I am a very busy person,” he said while crumbs fell off the corner of his lips.

She hummed sarcastically. “Yes, I can see that. But if you must know, I am here because the expedition is ready to set off. However, if you are too busy, then I can tell Elder Huan that you are indisposed and won’t be able to make it.”

Julius shot up to his feet and shoved the rest of the snacks into his mouth. “I’m- mfff, comi- mfff,” he said in a hurry.

She laughed and escorted him to the Mission Hall, where he was greeted by a large group of people. At the helm of this group was Elder Huan.

She shoved him toward the elder and went over to greet her friends. Maya wasn’t coming along with him, but she wanted to say goodbye to them before they left.

“Ah, Julius, it’s good to see that you decided to come with us,” Elder Huan said brightly, a weird expression on the otherwise stoic man.

“Are you okay, sir?” he asked carefully.

Elder Huan frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You seem different. Almost like you are… happy.”

Julius staggered from the sudden smack on the back of his head. Elder Huan was faster than he anticipated. “Don’t ruin my mood, boy. I haven’t experienced a good adventure in several years. Let me enjoy the moment.”

He rubbed his head and stared back at the elder. He had gotten to know Elder Huan during the past several weeks he had been at the sect. The elder, while not the friendliest or warmest, was always fair. And for some reason, Elder Huan seemed to allow Julius a lot more freedom than he did with other disciples, entertaining him when others wouldn’t.

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“Why not? Couldn’t you take a mission or go off on your own whenever you want?”

Elder Huan rubbed his beard. “I’m not sure. Laziness? Contentment? It’s hard to say, but I suddenly felt motivated to change my usual routine. I tried to get Elder Malric to come with me, but apparently, the Sect Leader said it was too dangerous a mission to risk the old bastard.”

“Is the Scorched Wastelands really that dangerous?”

“Dangerous is an understatement. There will inevitably be a few deaths among the inner disciples. The wastelands are not a kind place, it rewards the strong and punishes the weak. One mistake and you’re dead. I almost died the last time I went there, but that was a while ago, back when I was Tier 4,” Elder Huan said with a chuckle. “I’m actually surprised that Vice Sect Leader Cassandra is allowing you to join this mission.”

“The Scorched Wastelands is part of the reason I came to the sect in the first place. So it wouldn’t make sense if she prevented me from going.”

Elder Huan made a weird face. “Hmm.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Julius narrowed his eyes but left it be. “If it's so dangerous, why are there so many people coming with us?”

“Why else do people do anything? Greed and arrogance.”

“Greed and arrogance?” he repeated with a skeptical look.

“Yeah, they are all hoping to find some priceless treasure or some amazing opportunity that might help them advance. Most of them will fail to find either of these things, and they know this, but they understand that they will gain experience and at least a large amount of sect points. Why are you coming along?”

Julius tapped his chin thoughtfully and eventually smiled widely. “Fun.”

Elder Huan looked at him weirdly again. “Fun?”

He nodded more confidently. “Fun.”

“You were dropped on your head as a babe, weren’t you?”

Julius shrugged. “I don’t know about that, but I got punched and kicked in the head a lot during training if that counts.”

“Do you ever not train?”

“What do you mean?”

“Whenever I see you, you are training. Even now, while we stand and talk, I can tell that you are training some kind of weird technique with that life mana of yours.”

“You can sense it?” Julius asked curiously. He had his Umbral Loom Necklace active, so he would have thought his life technique was hidden from people. But it would seem it wasn’t enough to hide it completely from someone like Elder Huan.

“Yes, and from what I hear from others, this isn’t unusual for you.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? I enjoy it.”

“Not everyone is like you. I have a feeling that the Scorched Wastelands isn’t going to be like what it's like for everyone else. People like you are always the ones who thrive there rather than suffer.” Elder Huan said with a smirk.

Julius was about to ask what the man meant by that, but a person approached them, entering the sphere of isolation Julius had set up beforehand.

“Elder Huan, everything is ready. You simply need to do the final checks before we head out.” Unlike Elder Huan, this man looked quite a bit younger. He had a sharp face and looked like he was carved out of stone. The man was also Tier 5.

“Thank you, Leon. Can you find Amara while I do that? I want to talk to the two of you before we leave,” Elder Huan said.

“Of course, sir.”

“Good man,” he said with a firm nod and turned to Julius. “You should head for your group. I know you don’t have any missions or responsibilities like the others, but please help out where you see fit. If there’s nothing to do, then do as you wish.”

Julius nodded and watched as Elder Huan went over to check a list of materials and potions. As for him, he went over to where the other Tier 4s were gathering.

But he froze where he was, stunned by what he saw. Before his very eyes was the most beautiful ship he had ever seen. Made up entirely of gold and crimson red wood. Every surface sparkled as if it were freshly polished.

The ship itself was massive. Easily the size of a large yacht from his old world and larger than most planes. It was by no means aerodynamic, but he had a feeling that wouldn’t matter with magic aiding it.

Large groups of people were moving things on the ship, and Julius basked in the moment, enjoying the feelings of wonder and amazement as he looked upon the airship. He had seen some of them from far away, but he now realized he had underestimated them. It was seriously impressive.

“Pretty cool, right?” Maya said to him.

“Yeah, are all airships like this?”

She laughed. "Gods no. But the sect can’t look bad when it flies through other territories. Everyone needs to know the might and power of the Burning Sun Sect,” she said with a shake of her head. “Thankfully, you get to experience this for yourself, at least for a little while.”

“Only a little while?”

“Yeah, airships can’t handle the harsh environment inside the Scorched Wastelands. Some of the more powerful ones are able to, but the sect won’t allow one of those to be taken out of the sect so easily.”

“That’s a shame. Are you sure you don’t want to come with us? I’m sure that I can convince Cassandra that it’s a good opportunity for you.”

Maya glared at him. “Don’t you dare. Knowing you, she might actually listen. Not to mention, the Scorched Wasteland is stupidly dangerous for Tier 3s like me. If I go, I will likely be monitored by several bodyguards.”

“You didn’t have any bodyguards when you went to the Empire, though,” he noted.

“I’m pretty sure that having a Tier 6 with me is more than enough protection. If anyone can get past her, then no amount of bodyguards would change that,” Maya stated with a scoff.

He chuckled, not being able to argue with that.

“Well, if you change your mind. You know where to find me. Oh, and don’t forget about your willpower training. I left Sarei some instructions for you all. I expect you guys to improve while I am away. I can give you some quick tips or new training exercises before I leave, then I help you with that,” he said with a cheery smile.

Though for some reason, she suddenly had a pained expression on her face.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked worriedly.

“No, no, no. Nothing's wrong. Oh, look, I think you guys are leaving!” she said in a rush.

“What? I don’t think—” However, before he could finish, she was already turning around and running away from him. She even enhanced her body with mana, which meant she was moving pretty fast.

He looked at the cloud of dust she left in her wake with a confused expression. She must have really not wanted to hear what kind of training exercises he had in store for her.