Chapter 747

Chapter 747: The Crimson Tower Sword Duel in You City

Upon returning to the Xiangyu Sect, Lolan Hill stayed there for nearly two months.

During this time, she exchanged insights with the few remaining senior elders of the Necromancer Sequence and jointly established cultivation methods for the sequence within the sect.

While maintaining the original characteristics and abilities, they also incorporated some strengths from the Yama Palace and Zhaoye Palace. Now, the sect’s scripture pavilion had seventeen new books that could cultivate up to the sixth rank of the Necromancer Sequence, and six additional books that could reach the seventh rank.

Compared to the other two sequences, this made the Necromancer Sequence much richer. As a result, the once cold sequence flourished within the sect.

During this period, Jin Hua had Lolan Hill publicly teach her insights on cultivation in the Lecture Hall, attracting a large crowd and filling the hall to capacity.

Watching the sea of faces below, the young lady did not panic but gradually adapted after initially feeling constrained. She patiently answered questions and discussed various difficulties encountered during cultivation, even addressing how to face mental barriers.

“Alright, that’s all for today,” Lolan Hill announced at dusk.

The crowd thanked her and bowed respectfully as they watched her, a seventeen-year-old girl.

After a day of teaching, Lolan Hill stepped out of the hall, taking a deep breath.

Though she was no longer afraid, being under so many eyes still made her nervous. It would have been more comfortable to be alone.

Soon, she would head north to Luo Capital and then to the Western Continent. She recalled a past promise to cultivate a sacred tree for the elf princess. The seed she planted had grown into a three-meter-tall sapling in the courtyard.

【Moisi Hongkou Tree · Initial Growth】(Golden Grade, Perfect): A growing forest elf sacred tree that currently improves the region, stabilizing and enriching mana around it, increasing the chances of extraordinary crops.

Three green buds had already formed on the tree, and if well cared for, they might bear fruit in a year or two.

She wondered what plans the current dynasty had for the Endless Sea. If the fleet was swift enough, she and Aitexi might return before the tree bore fruit.

Regardless, it was wise to first nurture the young tree.

After handling the sect’s affairs, Lolan Hill met several familiar fellow disciples. Among them were Han Zhen, Wu Feilian, Yu Tingyu, Qu Xinyuan, and others. They had known each other since joining the sect.

Han Zhen, who used to wield an ice blade, now cultivated the Magic Sequence. Wu Feilian practiced the Dragon Sequence, Qu Xinyuan the Necromancer Sequence, while Yu Tingyu cultivated the Primal Sequence.

(Reflecting on it, the different terms for Eastern and Western continents seem somewhat disjointed and awkward. From now on, they will all be referred to as XX Sequence instead of XX Path. Regarding realms, they will all be called Sequence X, rather than climbing the ladder to stage X.)

They gathered at the same tavern by the mountain stream, now hosting over forty people, including Lolan Hill.

On the smooth redwood table, various delicacies were served alongside soups in white porcelain bowls. There was grilled meat seasoned with pepper and salt, fish with rich broth, and colorful stir-fried dishes.

A tall, muscular man sat at the center, his collar open, his hair tied into a yellow scarf, exuding a rugged heroism.

This formidable figure was Gu Lie, the second master of the Xiangyu Sect, practicing the Dragon Sequence. Known for his immense strength, he was unbeatable within the sect.

“Come, everyone, drink!” His voice thunderous yet clear, drawing everyone in.

The crowd raised their cups and drank.

“Haha, good wine.”

He surveyed the room with a joyful expression, encouraging everyone to eat and drink. Once the scene became lively, he sat down contentedly.

“Does Sister Lolan find the banquet satisfactory?”

Lolan Hill sat beside him, quietly enjoying some of her favorite dishes. Compared to Gu Lie’s massive muscles and physique, Lolan Hill’s waist seemed slim, almost disproportionate.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Lolan Hill nodded and replied softly.

“Haha.”

Gu Lie laughed heartily. He had spent years away, battling fierce creatures and exploring perilous lands, rarely seen in the sect. Now that Lolan Hill had returned, he had specially come to meet her and socialize. Regardless, they would soon lead the sect together with Jin Hua, so it was essential to maintain good relations.

Gu Lie enjoyed battles, often challenging other sects’ experts and venturing into wild regions to hunt monsters, honing his skills.

Though he appeared rough, he was quite cultured, having visited many major sects. Many sects knew of his reputation, even if they didn’t know Jin Hua’s name.

These disciples were the cream of the crop of the current generation of the Xiangyu Sect. Seven were true disciples of the sixth rank, about twenty were close to breaking through to the fifth rank, and the rest were elite inner disciples. Two notable figures stood out in the middle: Gu Lie, the leader of the Dragon Sequence, now at the seventh rank, and Lolan Hill, the fifth rank in the Necromancer Sequence.

Eastern sects, due to their dense dragon veins and frequent natural disasters, had closer relationships among members compared to the more loosely-knit Western sects. In ancient times, major forces organized extraordinary beings to leave their posts and train, leading to tightly-knit sects.

Western sects, strengthened by the Mercury Dynasty, kept other races weak and did not want any single sect to become too influential. Thus, although they exchanged skills, they were less cohesive.

Some Western sects evolved into bonds between nobles and merchants, like the White Cross Sword Sect, while others became scholarly organizations, such as the Alchemy School in Rourna, or religious groups like the Church of the Holy Land and shamans of the grasslands.

In the West, dynasties came first, followed by sects; in the East, major sects formed alliances before the unification of the dynasty.

Amidst the lively chatter, people discussed recent events and eventually turned to the biggest event of the year.

“In two months, at the Mirror Lake in Luo Capital, the decade-long Crimson Tower Sword Duel will take place.”

“Heroes from across the land will attend. The victor will be invited to the Lantern Festival’s Burned Tail Dragon Banquet and receive a Purple Tassel.”

“I wonder who the remarkable talents of today’s world will emerge.”

“I heard someone in the Hundred Barbarian Continent could slay an eighth-rank giant dragon with their bare hands, dragging it for miles, instilling fear in ten thousand people, perhaps the top contender.”

“Or perhaps the Western Sea Lord of Longquan Bay, with his vast wealth and countless resources, could vie for the top spot.”

“Have you heard of Zoudeng Lou, the prodigy of the Qinglian Xijian Palace? He is the current Sword Master and the leader of the sword sects. Truly, he is the one to watch.”

As they discussed the talents of today’s world, someone proposed another perspective.

“Second Master Gu Lie, who has traveled far and fought the elites of twenty-four major sects without defeat, should be recognized as a heroic figure. How can you ignore such valor?” A disciple stood up, recounting Gu Lie’s feats, including his battles in the mountains, his travels across the land, and his trials of various techniques.

The audience listened intently, their gazes changing as they looked up at the speaker.

Finally, everyone raised their cups to Gu Lie, who gratefully drank and responded cheerfully. Several rounds of fine wine later, the discussion continued until nightfall, when the crowd gradually dispersed.

Lolan Hill sat by the railing, holding a large gray-blue cat, watching the mountain night scene. Lanterns reflected in the river, and occasionally, a breeze would rustle the copper wind chimes under the eaves, creating a cool sound.

She was not particularly interested in the Crimson Tower Sword Duel or becoming the top contender. Instead, she thought of acquaintances from her days in the academy, wondering if any of them were in Luo Capital.

“Lolan Sister, enjoying the night view?” The banquet winding down, Gu Lie walked over with a cup of amber wine in hand.

“Mm, Second Master Gu Lie hasn’t finished drinking yet,” the girl turned, her silver hair sliding over her collar, answering softly.

Looking at the serene girl, Gu Lie felt slightly sobered. He brought a wooden chair and sat opposite Lolan Hill, gazing at the night scene outside.

“Beautiful night view.”

“Actually, I haven’t returned in years. This time, I’m coming back because of you,” he leaned back in the chair, placing his cup on the railing, speaking slowly.

“Has Lolan Sister been to Luo Capital?” Gu Lie asked again after a moment.

“Not yet, I hear it’s very bustling,” Lolan Hill looked down at the big cat in her arms, stroking its fur gently. The cat purred contentedly.

“Meow~”

“This time, our sect will participate in the Crimson Tower Sword Duel, likely led by me,” Gu Lie said regarding recent arrangements.

“You should go with us. With sect disciples accompanying you, the royal family in Luo Capital wouldn’t dare bully you.”

“Is the imperial family’s reputation poor nowadays?” Lolan Hill stroked the cat’s head, then set it down, watching it stretch lazily and run off.

“It’s hard to describe,” Gu Lie lifted his cup and took a small sip.

“Just like there are good and bad people in the world, not all royal descendants are excellent. Some are spoiled and arrogant.”

“You may not know, but the current emperor has over a hundred children, including princesses and princes. There are also several kings among his peers, with numerous princesses and princes.”

“So…”

Lolan Hill curiously looked at her senior brother.

“So, some might envy and trouble you,” Gu Lie guessed, knowing the behavior of these royal families.

“Don’t overestimate those royal families. There are plenty of incompetent ones,” he chuckled, seemingly recalling past experiences.

“Senior Sister Jin Hua worries about you going to Luo Capital alone, unfamiliar with the place. She instructed me thoroughly before you left.”

“Because you prefer quietness and don’t talk much, which isn’t necessarily bad. But in those idle, pleasure-seeking noble circles, they might think you’re powerless and easy to bully.”

“What benefit would bullying me bring?” Lolan Hill’s eyes shimmered in the lantern light.

“That’s their boasting material. Without their own abilities, they only highlight themselves by stepping on others. Otherwise, how would these noble heirs find their place? Born into nobility but lacking the abilities of Jixia Academy students and the extraordinary strength of our sect disciples, they must find other ways, like playing with birds, competing with insects, or seeking amusement in the streets.”

“The dynasty, flourishing for a millennium, has expanded its royal family exponentially. Now, it’s uncontrollable.”

Gu Lie stood up, finishing his drink and setting it down, watching the night breeze.

“Thus, to this day, the current emperor rarely grants titles. Despite over a hundred descendants, only Dai Wang, Huainan Wang, Snow Frost Wang, and Qingbo Princess have received titles.”

“Before, only Dai Wang had his own kingdom, considered a crown prince candidate, with officials following suit. Only recently did Huainan Wang receive his own kingdom, balancing against Dai Wang.”

“Perhaps it’s the emperor’s strategy, not wanting to rely on a single person but hoping for competition among two, observing their strengths and weaknesses.”

“Lolan, be cautious when you go to Luo Capital. Don’t get entangled in their disputes.”

“And as long as we don’t intervene, they won’t dare escalate the conflict to you.”

“After all, a thousand years ago, the Red Phoenix and the celestial beings of the world made a pact. The sects were respected by the dynasty, each responsible for suppressing the vortex seals, and the dynasty wouldn’t interfere excessively with internal sect matters.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother,” Lolan Hill blinked and nodded.

Then, they continued chatting about trivial matters of the sect, with Gu Lie recounting his early days in the Xiangyu Sect.

“By the way, Senior Sister Jin Hua was just like you, preferring to stay indoors and not play outside. No wonder she likes and cares for you so much.”

Gu Lie’s laughter echoed through the mountain night, startling birds that scattered into the forest.

(End of Chapter)