"The Sect Competition of Misrds State?"
Carson Flores blinked, "What’s that?"
Killian Jaramillo knew that Carson had not been in the Cultivation Realm for long and was unaware of many things, so he explained in detail, "The Sect Competition of Misrds State happens once every fifty years. Sects from all over gather, each sending their most outstanding young disciples to compete. The winner receives powerful magical treasures, superior elixirs, and other rewards. The winner’s Sect also garners massive benefits."
Carson laughed, "Let’s not talk about my strength for now, I haven’t even joined a Sect, whom would I represent?"
Killian Jaramillo chuckled lightly, "You are Cameron Hunter’s junior brother, so you can represent Nutwood Heavenly Cave."
Carson seemed puzzled, "What about you guys?"
Killian Jaramillo smiled, "We naturally represent our respective Sects. It seems you haven’t quite understood the relationship between the Cave Heaven and the Sects. In the Cave Heaven, the Cave Master is the most powerful, right?"
Carson nodded, "The Cave Master is the lord of the Cave Heaven, naturally, he is the most powerful."
Killian Jaramillo explained, "The Cave Master is the lord of the Cave Heaven, which means that the whole Cave Heaven is under his control. Whichever Sect he allows to enter, that’s the Cave Master’s privilege. The Cave Master and the Sects within the Cave Heaven do not have a hierarchical relationship but more like that of a landlord and a tenant. Do you understand now?"
Carson had a sudden realization, "Master Campbell is the landlord, and the Four Great Sects are like external tenants, renting space within the Cave Heaven?"
Killian Jaramillo laughed lightly, "That’s right, but even landlords need tenants. After all, a spacious Cave Heaven without enough Cultivators won’t be able to carry out many activities, so the Cave Master needs Sects to reside there. The Four Great Sects, in turn, respect the Cave Master. That’s how their relationship works."
"In most Blessed Land of Cave Heavens, the Cave Master is often a powerful member of a Sect, naturally making that Sect the most dominant one within the Cave Heaven. However, Master Campbell is a little different in background and character. He has only accepted three disciples and keeps to himself, usually in closed-door cultivation. His elder and second disciples are both wandering outside. Cameron Hunter has also inherited his character, and Flying Waterfall Mountain Peak has never been established as a separate Sect. It’s a place where anyone can go, develop freely, and take care of their own affairs."
"In the past Sect Competitions, Nutwood would be represented by warriors from the Four Great Sects, as Nutwood Heavenly Cave itself had no representative. The Great Sects also did not dare to represent Nutwood Heavenly Cave. Now that you’re here and fit the age requirements, as long as the Cave Master agrees, you could represent Nutwood Heavenly Cave in battle."
Carson suddenly felt embarrassed, "I’m merely at the mid-stage of the Golden Core; wouldn’t representing Nutwood be embarrassing for them?"
Killian Jaramillo smiled, "By the time your Sword Bone has achieved some success, your Combat Power won’t be low. There’s still time; you can ask then."
Carson was quite interested in this Sect Competition of Misrds State. He might not get into fights, but at least he could go see the spectacle.
Killian Jaramillo inquired, "What are you planning to do next?"
Carson hesitated, "I’ll stay in White Wave City for a while; after that, I want to visit Mount Kahdas Cave Heaven."
Killian Jaramillo was surprised, "That’s quite far."
Carson chuckled, "It is quite far, but I’ll just treat it as a journey. I know too little about this world; it’s good to travel around a bit. I can’t forever just stay put and work in isolation."
Killian Jaramillo nodded, "That makes sense. You could take a merchant ship. The shipping routes are comparatively safe, and they all come with onboard guards. It might take a little longer, but it’s much safer. Plus, on the ship, you can cultivate without being disturbed."
Carson smiled, "That was exactly my plan. I certainly don’t want to end up as a feast in a demon beast’s stomach."
Killian Jaramillo stretched out his fair hand, "We’ll meet again at the Sect Competition in a year."
Carson reached out and shook hands, "Alright!"
Killian Jaramillo’s hand was soft, tender and smooth, comfortable to hold, but Carson did not linger, politely withdrawing after a brief touch.
Killian Jaramillo walked away a few steps, then turned back suddenly, "Next time we meet, can you not be so formal with me and call me Miss Killian?"
Carson was taken aback, "Ah?"
Killian Jaramillo smiled gently, "We’ve been through difficulties together several times now, so we’re friends, aren’t we? You can call me by my name. If three syllables are too much, you can simply call me Killian..."
With an air of ethereal grace and a soft smile in his eyes, Killian Jaramillo’s gaze carried a faint, unspoken anticipation.
Carson instinctively nodded, "Alright... Killian."
Killian Jaramillo’s smile deepened noticeably, looking quite pleased as he waved to Carson, then mounted his sword and left on Branson Jaramillo’s Flying Boat, quickly departing from White Wave City.
Carson felt a subtle stir in his emotions.
She broached the subject herself, which suggested she had quite a fondness for him.
Francisco Smith had courted her for a long time, only to be firmly rejected. She had always kept her distance, yet she allowed him to address her so intimately?
Could she have fallen for him?
The thought crossed Carson’s mind, and then he had to laugh at himself. Perhaps he was overthinking.
In life, one of the greatest delusions is thinking ’I feel like he/she likes me.’ He shouldn’t flatter himself.
Mary Jimenez and the others were still waiting for him.
He needed to first focus on becoming stronger; only through strength is the one true path!