Chapter 671: The Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect (Extra Update)
In the vast Suiyan mountain range, there were numerous powerful demonic beasts of Sequence 6, dominating their territories. Some slept, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth (mana); others roamed around, eyeing their neighbors; still, others searched for similar companions to propagate their lineage.
Amidst this dense and perilous mountain range, Lolan Hill relied on her extraordinary perception to navigate through the dangers. She carefully avoided regions where powerful demonic beasts were active, easily maneuvering through the Black Soil Volcano Range.
As she approached Huilu Continent, greenery gradually appeared on the horizon.
After crossing several volcanoes, Lolan Hill arrived at a high cliff, gazing down at the verdant forest below. Her vision stretched further, seeing sparse trees in the wilderness, with some structures and signs of life faintly visible in the distance.
She estimated she had traveled about 500 miles west since leaving Yan Yao Continent. In two more days, she would completely exit the Suiyan mountain range and enter Huilu Continent.
The Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect was located in Huilu Continent. As a prestigious sect here, it should be easy to inquire about. All she needed to do was find its entrance.
Thinking this, she took out the token she carried, infused it with magic power, and felt a burning sensation, roughly pointing her in a certain direction.
Having chosen her direction, she lifted the wicker box and leaped off the cliff, diving into the vast world. A gentle breeze brushed past her ears, bringing a comfortable sensation.
The two birds beside her flew with her, occasionally creating gusts that supported the young lady, keeping her at a steady height.
Unlike the orange-red foliage in Yan Yao Continent, the forests in Huilu Continent remained green. However, the fallen leaves in the forest caught her attention. They were not the usual withered yellow but a tender yellow. Even when dry, they did not turn black or dark, remaining a light brown.
Perhaps this was a unique characteristic of this land. The young lady flew toward the setting sun.
Three days later, a young lady dressed in azure robes walked through the bustling streets of a city in Huilu Continent.
This was a city near the Suiyan volcano range. It was quite prosperous, with various visitors on the streets. Some wore fur vests, others sheer gauze dresses, and some deep blue flowered fabrics. There were also visitors from the West Continent, dressed in mage coats.
Though she hadn’t spoken to the mage, his seashell pendant hinted he might be from the Southern Islands, as mages there often wore such attire.
Not long after entering the city, Lolan Hill looked for a place to stay. Several well-dressed young men and women approached her, noticing the beautiful fox fur in her hand, assuming she was a disciple from a small sect returning from an adventure in the Suiyan mountain range.
“Are you selling this fox fur?” They pointed and approached the masked young lady.
Lolan Hill turned her gaze, looking at them and then at her hand, blinking. “I didn’t say I wanted to sell it.”
“This isn’t for sale,” the young lady shook her head.
Hearing this, some of them showed disappointment and prepared to leave. But one seemed displeased, wanting to show off in front of his companion, stepping forward again.
“Name your price. We can afford it, so you don’t need to hawk it in the market,” he thought she wanted to sell at a high price.
“This really isn’t necessary,” Lolan Hill thought, wondering if this would lead to a cliché plot. She was new here, unfamiliar with the place, and didn’t want any trouble.
Hearing her melodious voice, those standing nearby shifted their attention to her. Her slender and graceful figure immediately drew their attention.
“Don’t make things difficult for her, perhaps this is part of her mission,” a tall young man intervened, smoothing things over. They were all from prominent local families and knew each other.
Seeing him step in, the young man who had spoken earlier took the opportunity to back off, as he too found the girl intriguing. As for the fur, they could obtain it, though the quality might differ.
“Miss, my name is Lu Bushang. Are you new here?” The tall young man wore sky-blue robes and held a paper fan.
“Yes, just arrived, looking to join a sect and learn something,” Lolan Hill looked at the seven people before her, both male and female, mostly around 20 years old. Five were Sequence 3, two were Sequence 4, which was rare for their age.
Those two Sequence 4s could have ranked among the top 200 in the Great Selection of Lei Xiaze. After all, it was a joint event from seven continents, and thus held weight.
“Ah, we happen to be locals and know the area well. Why don’t we guide you around?” He continued, and the others agreed.
“Well, okay,” Lolan Hill thought for a moment and nodded. If they were genuinely helpful, it would save her trouble. If they had ulterior motives, she could detect them early and leave. She had confidence in her perceptiveness.
Seeing her agree, some of the young men cheered up, as it was common for people their age to appreciate attractive strangers.
“Then let us guide you. By the way, what’s your name?”
“I’m Jialan,” Lolan Hill continued using this name.
“Jianxia and Youlan, such a beautiful name,” the others chimed in, introducing themselves and asking questions as they walked and talked.
At first, they were merely being friendly, but as they conversed, they became increasingly interested in her.
Her tone was neither servile nor arrogant. Her speech revealed her knowledge, and her demeanor was refined. Had she not mentioned her ordinary background and traveling alone, everyone would have assumed she was a noblewoman from Luo Capital.
“Miss Jialan, which sect are you planning to join? Juanzhu Pavilion, Youtan Valley, or Yanjin Gate?”
Compared to the remote and poor Cile Seven Continents, Huilu Continent was much more prosperous and suitable for living. With a large population and many sects, there were three major sects alone, and numerous mid-tier ones.
Listening for a while, yet not hearing the name of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect, Lolan Hill asked curiously.
“I heard Huilu Continent has an upper-class sect called the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect,” she asked casually.
“Ah, the only upper-class sect here is indeed the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect. But…” a few people seemed helpless.
“However, ordinary people shouldn’t even think about joining the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect. They admit disciples very strictly. If you want to join their main gate, it’s best to first study under other major sects. After all, these major sects are branches of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect.”
“So does that mean the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect dominates Huilu Continent?”
“Pretty much. Most sects in Huilu Continent are either branches or offshoots of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect, and they generally don’t recruit outsiders. Instead, they select outstanding disciples from other sects to promote to the main sect.”
“If Miss Jialan wants to join the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect, it’s best to first join another major sect and demonstrate exceptional strength. Then, the senior masters of the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect will come forward to take in students.”
“So that’s how it is,” Lolan Hill felt the token in the box.
“Is there no one who can directly enter the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect?”
“Not that I’ve heard of. At least not that I know of,” several shook their heads, but one pondered deeply.
“There might be, but their stories rarely spread outside. My grandfather once told me that if a sect elder favors someone, they might give them a token and set them a challenging test. If they pass, they can directly enter the main gate.”
“Such disciples often become true disciples, truly inheriting the sect’s legacy. Each generation’s leader is chosen from the true disciples.”
“But this is just hearsay. Actually, entering the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect is already impressive. Before the world changed, the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect had three ninth-level Immortals, highly renowned among the thirty-six upper-class sects.”
His voice was filled with nostalgia and pride for his home continent’s upper-class sect.
(End of Chapter)