The group descended to the nearest cliff near the hanging city, where one of the thick metal chains was tethered. Once they were on ground level, the scale of things became a lot clearer. The metal chains that were able to Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform.
Everyone in the group, except Yan Gao, couldn’t help but gawk out the window of the Skyrunner as their vehicle descended down the metal chain. It was literally like a metal bridge with no railings. They curiously peered down to find the dark chasm and failed to see the bottom. It progressively got steeper the further away from the cliff it went until there was only pitch darkness. It threatened to pull any onlookers down if they stared too deeply.
“I assume flying directly into the sect isn’t an option?” Li Lang asked their guide once they had some time to process all the new scenery.
“That’s correct. The barrier protecting our sect doesn’t allow anything to pass through. The only entrances are through the ends of the Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform.
His words caused Li Lang to cast an inquisitive gaze at the chain they were riding on. There weren’t any visual traces of the barrier, but he was confident it was there. It would just be too stupid of the Radiant Wing Sect if they didn’t defend the literal lifeline that Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform. No sane sect would make it that easy for malicious parties to target these connections to drop their island.
It was something to think about as his own island was still in its nascent stage. There was a lot of work to be done and even more room for improvement. So far, every sect had headquarters that were easily defensible, but also breathtaking. It made Li Lang ponder if the current mountain range surrounding the perimeter of his island was the right choice.
The trip down the colossal metal chain didn’t take that long, and they soon arrived at the gates of the hanging city. There were proper city walls and gates protecting the island, with a security checkpoint up ahead. The gate they were headed to was already wide open, with a dozen people standing there awaiting them.
Seeing how there wasn’t anyone else entering the city through this path right now, it was safe to assume they were there for the Star Gem Academy visitors.
As expected, Yan Gao steered them toward the welcoming party before disembarking to join them. After exchanging a few quiet words, he turned back to Li Lang’s group before they all clasped their fists in unison.
“Welcome to the Radiant Sanctum. On behalf of our sect, we welcome you.”
Li Lang swiftly returned the gesture in kind.
“Thank you for welcoming me.”
“This is our duty,” Yan Gao replied mechanically.
“Of course, I don’t doubt your sect’s sincerity. I’ll try not to be a bother and just ask a few questions before going on my way.”
“Let us go to the reception room first, then.”
The whole entourage from the Radiant Wing Sect tailed them to one of the buildings by the gates. There was a sign that read ‘Guest Reception’ over it, but it was otherwise similar to the rest of the city from the exterior.
Perhaps it was because Li Lang’s arrival was scheduled, he didn’t see a lot of disciples going about their day. The section of the city around him was quiet. Numerous houses filled the two sides of the streets, with no flashy structures except for the main one at the center of the island. It was naturally the most eye-catching building, strangely shaped like a cube, and was absolutely massive. It was visible from the periphery of town. The dark brown color glistened in the sunlight, but it was hard to decipher what it was made of.
“That is our main sect hall,” Yan Gao explained, seeing Li Lang standing still, looking at the impressive landmark in the distance. “We can take a tour of it if you would like. The sect leader is currently unavailable, but many elders would be willing to welcome you.”
“Maybe in the future. I don’t plan on taking up too much of your time today.”
Li Lang was then led to a room with a large round table filled with food and refreshments. Two other disciples followed Yan Gao, sitting to his side as Li Lang and Jun Ziyan were seated on the opposite side.
“I assume you will be the representative for the dealings between me and your sect?” Li Lang asked once they got seated.
It appeared the Radiant Wing Sect judged it best for him to deal with someone he was most familiar with. Li Lang only met Yan Gao today, but he was acquainted with his daughter, Yan Ruolan.
I hate that I have to carefully ponder the political considerations of each meeting before we even begin. Maybe I should find someone more politically savvy to recruit and have them take care of it? Well, I doubt I’d find a politically savvy ten-year-old, though.
“I’ll be direct, then. I request that the Radiant Wing Sect provide any clues, no matter how small, they have on the whereabouts of the Abductress. Then, I would also like your permission to recruit students on behalf of my Star Gem Academy.”
Yan Gao slowly nodded, as if he had known what his requests were.
“Information we can provide, though we have nothing concrete so far. Otherwise, we would’ve reported it already. As for recruiting, do you have a specific number in mind?”
“Less than fifty for sure, and likely less than thirty.”
“And the specifications?” Yan Gao asked, while his aides raised their eyebrows at Li Lang’s words.
“Specification? Oh, we don’t have a strict guideline. We don’t only recruit based on aptitude. I’m sure your sect has heard of the stipulation my academy has agreed to. Natural aptitude has no bearing on demonic cultivation.”
None of the orthodox disciples bothered to hide their disgust upon hearing about demonic cultivation. An awkward moment passed in silence before Yan Gao held up a hand, returning their expressions to neutral.
Despite the pause, Li Lang didn’t mind at all, as having a justification for recruiting low-aptitude children worked in his favor. His Cleansing Drug was an advantage he would like to hold on to for as long as possible. He knew that it would be revealed sooner or later, as his nascent organization drew more attention, but the more time he delayed the inevitable, the more prepared they would be in dealing with the storm to come.
“Understood,” Yan Gao broke the silence after wordlessly discussing with his peers for a moment. “As long as the number does not cross a hundred, you can do as you please. However, you must ensure your new students do not practice any demonic cultivation techniques while in our territory. We will not stand for any barbaric acts of Qi plundering, even against mortals.”
“No problem. It is not our intention to start training them until we return. Anyway, about the information on the Abductress?”
“Our sect has deployed in numbers to search for clues after the conference on Sword Saint Isle. We’ve managed to root out some unruly demonic cultivators hiding in our territory, but found no traces of any large hideouts within the Vermillion Dragon province. The only place we’ve yet to fully search is the newly discovered crypt, as we are leaving that to our younger generations to deal with. Other than that place, our members are still actively on the lookout.”
“You think the Abductress, a high and mighty cultivator in the Spirit Divide Realm, would hide out in some tomb of a Violet Core expert?” Jun Ziyan chimed in from the side.
“As I said before,” the Radiant Wing elder defended. “We have no concrete leads. We cannot completely discount the possibility of the Abductress hiding in such places, though. It would be a good cover for a base if she managed to overcome the self-destruct mechanism left behind. The Abductress’s mastery over mechanical contraptions is known to be unrivaled within Violet Isle, so it is quite possible.”
“Self-destruct mechanism?” Li Lang asked with a frown.
“Correct. These inheritance realms usually have such things to prevent their treasures from being stolen through brute force. Their purpose is for the younger generation to inherit their legacy, so they do everything in their power to ensure only people who fit their criteria are allowed to enter. It is much like your Crucible, which had only allowed those below the age of fifteen to enter.”
“And what are the conditions for this new inheritance crypt you uncovered?”
“Below the age of thirty and in the Foundation Establishment Realm.”
Li Lang brought a hand to his chin as he deliberated about the news. It was quite convenient that he fit such conditions. In fact, maybe too convenient that he thought of the possibility of it being a trap.
However, upon some contemplation, he couldn’t find a motive for such a trap, either. None of the big sects and organizations would benefit if he or other members of the Star Gem Academy died in their territory. It would only give leverage to their rivals to use against them. As for the Abductress’s faction itself, they wouldn’t need such a roundabout trap to capture him.
In the first place, this entire inheritance thing likely had no connection to the elusive Abductress. Still, Li Lang did plan on exploring it, though. It paid dividends to be thorough, and the resources that could be found would be invaluable to his forces, which only had Foundation Establishment cultivators. Just the possibility of obtaining a Core Formation Pill made the journey more than worth it, as he doubted even the generous Nightmoon Valley would be willing to trade such a precious resource for just spirit crystals.
But first, he should complete his main objective of recruiting students.