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Chapter 100: The Piercing Heaven Sect
Vermilion City is located within the Piercing Heaven Sect’s domain, it’s also the closest city to the sect and the one with a teleportation station. The city is surrounded by a mountainous range, with some peaks so high they seem to pierce the clouds, as if trying to piercing the heaven.
The city’s name comes from the vermilion-colored diamonds scattered around its vicinity. At sunrise and sunset, the sun’s light causes these diamonds to radiate a beautiful glow, making the surrounding mountains appear like a sky full of stars.
Due to its proximity to the Piercing Heaven Sect, only a three hour journey by carriage, the city attracts many demonic cultivators who aspire to join the most powerful force in Demon Territory and seek opportunities. As a result, Vermilion City is a gathering place for powerful cultivators from various backgrounds, all seeking the opportunities provided by the city and the sect.
In conclusion, this is a city of both stunning beauty and a place to seek power. At this moment, four figures wander along the bustling streets, two men and two women. They are none other than Aldrian and his companions. Having arrived not long ago, they are now searching for an inn. The sun is already low in the western sky, and sunset is fast approaching.
"This place is really beautiful and peaceful. I’d love to experience living in this city if I could," Sylphia said.
"Yes, even though there are so many powerful people here, the city seems orderly," Eleine added.
"This city is under the Piercing Heaven Sect’s influence, and its proximity to the sect spells death for anyone who causes trouble here," Xin Haotian explained.
Aldrian looked at his surroundings—at the people, the energy in the air—and was amazed by the abundance of Heaven and Earth energy, as well as the high average cultivation level of the city’s residents.
"It’s really incredible. The energy of Heaven and Earth here is abundant, like I’m standing near the World Tree. Was this city built on top of an energy stone mine or something? No wonder the average cultivation here is so high, and so many people flock to this place."
He had visited many places within the Ivory Empire, and he had to admit that few could rival this city in terms of energy abundance and cultivation levels. Only places blessed by the presence of a mature World Tree, thousands of years old, could match the amount of energy here.
Their admiration and sightseeing were suddenly interrupted by a man blocking their path. He wore a black robe and had a young face, but his cultivation, at the Low King Stage, was evident.
"Young Master Aldrian and his companions, correct?" he asked.
"Yes. Who are you?" Aldrian replied.
"I am Ryu Dong-Geun, a disciple of the Piercing Heaven Sect’s master. I was sent by my master to greet you and bring you to the sect," he said, cupping his hands in respect.
"Oh, from Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae. Sure, please show us the way," Aldrian said, returning the gesture.
They were then escorted to one side of the city, where a vast field full of flying beasts awaited. They were led to a carriage, but this one was connected by sturdy materials to the bodies of four giant white cranes.
"Since the Piercing Heaven Sect is located high in the mountains, it’s more comfortable to use an air carriage rather than a regular one. Please enjoy the ride," Ryu Dong-Geun said, gesturing for them to enter.
Once inside, the four giant white cranes flapped their wings, creating a surge of wind that swept through the surroundings before they lifted off, pulling the carriage with them. Aldrian was amazed by how smooth the ride was, there was little shaking or vibration during takeoff.The mechanism of the carriage allowed it to remain steady, no matter how the beasts pulling it moved.
Aldrian had flown on a wyvern before, but this was a new experience for him, an air carriage where he didn’t have to worry about strong winds. The breathtaking scenery of towering mountains accompanied them on their journey, and after a few minutes, he spotted a flat expanse of land nestled between the mountains.
The flatland was home to many buildings, and numerous people could be seen training and cultivating. A thin mist surrounded the area, making it seem like a secluded dwelling of immortals, hidden from the mortal world.
"Everyone, welcome to the Piercing Heaven Sect," Ryu Dong-Geun announced.
They then landed in a part of the sect designated as a special area for avian beasts like the white cranes to land with their carriages. As Aldrian and the others stepped out, they were greeted by the smiling face of Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae, literally right in front of Aldrian. Ryu Dong-Geun could only smile bitterly at his master’s behavior, fully aware of his master’s high enthusiasm.
"Sorry, Sect Master, could you move back a bit? You’re too close." Aldrian said, looking at this weird man. He also noticed a few elders behind the sect master, whom Aldrian assumed were grand elders due to their Emperor Stage cultivation.
"Welcome to the Piercing Heaven Sect, Aldrian! I hope you enjoy your stay. Even though I only saw you a few hours ago, it feels like it’s been a long time," Ryu Hyuk-Jae said with a smile. His response gave everyone who knew him goosebumps. Some even began to wonder if this was a stranger disguised as their sect master.
Yet, those who understood the situation knew why the sect master was acting this way. Though there were many opinions on the fact that the Heavenly Demon’s scripture might be comprehended by someone from outside the Demon Territory, they kept their thoughts to themselves.
"Let’s go, don’t just stand here. I’ve already prepared rooms for you and your companions. You can relax and enjoy yourselves for now," Ryu Hyuk-Jae said, turning to lead the way.
Aldrian and his group followed the sect master through the sect grounds. There wasn’t much difference compared to other sects, but the density of Heaven and Earth energy here was far greater than in the city. Aldrian could also sense hidden presences scattered throughout the sect.
"So, when are you planning to visit the Temple of the Heavenly Demon?" Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae asked as they walked.
"Didn’t you just tell me to enjoy myself first? Now you’re already asking about the temple," Aldrian thought before replied with a light chuckle.
"To be honest, I don’t have a specific time in mind. I’m not sure what to expect, so I could visit the temple even now if needed."
"How about tomorrow morning? You can rest for now," Ryu Hyuk-Jae suggested.
Aldrian simply nodded and followed the arrangement. Some of the disciples they encountered immediately bowed to their entourage, or more accurately, bowed to the sect master. Although they had questions about the newcomer, they dared not approach with the sect master leading them.
Eventually, they arrived at a solitary guest pavilion on a higher elevation, offering a full view of the Piercing Heaven Sect. It was clear that the pavilion was strategically placed to showcase the sect’s grandeur and the breathtaking scenery surrounding it, a way of displaying its might.
"Please enjoy your stay here. I’ll notify you if anything comes up. For now, see you," Ryu Hyuk-Jae said with a smile, his gaze lingering on Aldrian. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away like a contented uncle. His disciple, Ryu Dong-Geun, could only twitch his mouth in slight embarrassment at his master’s behavior before turning to Aldrian, cupping his hands respectfully.
"I apologize for my master’s behavior. Ever since he returned from the Temple of the Heavenly Demon that day, he hasn’t quite been the same."
"Is Sect Master Ryu Hyuk-Jae really as fearsome as the rumors say? All I’ve seen is an enthusiastic uncle this entire time," Aldrian asked via voice transmission to Ryu Dong-Geun.
"What if I told you it’s true? He didn’t earn the nickname ’Mad Demon’ for nothing. Don’t be fooled by how he acts in front of you. His real personality is the one everyone knew before—before he changed overnight. Even I still can’t believe it. How could someone change so drastically? Maybe it was sheer happiness that altered his personality," Ryu Dong-Geun explained.
Aldrian nodded in understanding. The Heavenly Demon’s scripture clearly meant a great deal to Ryu Hyuk-Jae. For it to finally show a reaction would indeed be enough to thrill him beyond measure.
"Anyway, enjoy your stay, and we hope you succeed tomorrow," Ryu Dong-Geun added with a smile.
"Thank you for your company," Aldrian said, cupping his hands respectfully.
With that, they finally settled into the guest pavilion, awaiting the events of the following day. Aldrian couldn’t help but wonder what will happen tomorrow? Anticipation stirred within him as he thought of tomorrow event.
