The trio walked through the city, people parting in front of them, some even bowing to the Immortal, mostly Martial arts practitioners. Kenta had already relaxed, talking relatively freely, "And if I am already going to the Sect I don't think I need to learn Martial Arts, not like that... I mean not like Lady Sana." Kenta caught himself before he was disrespectful in front of the Lord Immortal.
Sana scoffed, "Just because you want to stay inside all day and read books, doesn't mean no one wants to become stronger or even just simply improve." Sana tensed up again when she felt like she was watched by hundreds of people. She already associated this feeling with Lord Immortal's closed eyes resting on her.
Lord Immortal chuckled, "Now, now, Martial Arts aren't useless especially since they allow young Sana to get some combat experience. But reading books also isn't a waste of time. After all, truly understanding the world starts with knowing about it." Both friends blushed and simply answered, "Yes, Lord Immortal."
"Since we are going to be disciples in the same sect, how about you just call me Senior Brother Imalia."
Sana perked up and said with a smile, "Thank you, Senior Brother." She continued a moment later, "If it isn't too much of a bother, can you tell us what the Sect is like?" Kenta perked up at that question.
Imalia's smile broadened, "The Sect is on Seacloud Mountain, a mountain constantly surrounded by a sea of clouds. This sea separates the top and bottom parts of the mountain into two entirely different worlds.
"The bottom part is the only part normal people are allowed to step foot in. The top part is divided into four different peaks, three of them inhabited by different factions. Those three surround the central peak where the Sect Master, Sect Master Cario Patro, stays.
"Though, even if I say factions, they generally get along pretty well. Since we are the only Sect between the Boiling Ocean and the Twilight Lands we also don't have any conflict with other Sects. We mostly protect the cities in our lands from beast tides and the various dangerous things coming out of the Twilight Lands." Senior Brother Imalia stopped talking and then waited for them to ask more questions.
Kenta quickly asked, "I've read about the Twilight Lands but are the spirit beasts really such a problem? I mean even Martial Arts practitioners are capable of slaying them. Why do immortals need to deal with them?"
"While normally it is true that we aren't needed," Imalia answered, "It is always possible that there are too many spirit beasts for one city to deal with by themselves. The worst possibility is that a spirit beast has grown into a demonic beast. In that case, it is impossible for even dozens of Martial Kings to harm it.
"Demonic beasts can also wander in from the Twilight Lands in search of new Territory. That is why we constantly monitor the border regions."
"Senior Brother, have you ever fought against a demonic beast?" Sana asked excitedly after Senior Brother Imalia stopped talking. When he mentioned that even people as strong as her parents couldn't fight against demonic beasts, she got incredibly excited at one day facing something like it.
Again the focus of Senior Brother Imalia was on her causing her to shiver unconsciously before he answered, "I have indeed fought and even slain demonic beasts before. While they are incredibly strong, most are barely more intelligent than normal spirit beasts."
"Most?" Kenta asked by reflex before he could catch himself. He flinched when he realized he had interrupted an Immortal.
Imalia didn't seem to take offence; instead simply turned to him, "Yes, ape-type beasts become a lot more intelligent when they become demonic beasts. Almost at the level of a five or six year old child. Luckily their strength doesn't increase as much as their less intelligent counterparts.
"You should always be careful when dealing with ape-type beasts." he trailed off and stopped in front of a building.
Sana was startled and looked around, quickly realizing that they had arrived at the City Lords manor. Just seconds later the gate to the manor was thrown open and Lord Tekiel together with Lord Mara and a few other city officials stepped outside.
They stopped in front of Imalia, Lord Tekiel in the front, and bowed, "Welcome, honored Immortal. I see young Sana and young Kenta have already met with you." Sana's uncle said after righting himself.
"I did not expect an Immortal from the Cloudseas Sect to visit our city today. What can we do for your honored self?" he asked respectfully.
"I was tasked to examine the two prospects from this city." Imalia answered. "As luck would have it I met both as soon as I entered the city. I have to congratulate you, City Lord, your city will soon have two more members of our Sect."
"Thank you, honored Immortal." Lord Tekiel said, bowing once again. "We are proud to contribute to the Cloudsea Sect once again. We have prepared a banquet in celebration of your arrival and would be honored for you to attend."
Imalia seemed to consider the invitation for a little while and eventually accepted, "Very well." He turned to his two companions and said, "Junior Sister Sana, Junior Brother Kenta, it was interesting talking with you. We will see each other another time. Farewell." With that, he strode through the gate into the manor.
The officials quickly made way and then followed him inside. Sana's uncle stayed behind with Sana and Kenta. He turned towards them and nodded at Sana, "Very well done. You shouldn't expect your parents to be home any time soon, both will attend the banquet as the two strongest warriors in the city. You might as well go with young Kenya to the library. I will tell your parents where to find you after Lord Immortal has left."
With that he turned around and strode through the gate. It shut behind him and two of the cities Martial Knights were posted as guards in front of it.
Sana and Kenta sped to the library, excitedly discussing their first meeting with a real Immortal.