Aditya flew the boat towards the central city's arena, encountering other cultivators along the way, they were travelling using the flying swords, or flying demonic beasts, or flying artifacts. Many were accompanied by Spiritual Ocean cultivator elders, granting them the privilege of flight within the city.
Aditya also sensed a potent divine presence briefly scanning his group, sending a shiver down his spine. He couldn't identify the entity, but if he had to guess, it might be one of the city's authoritative cultivators with a cultivation in the Heaven realm. Fortunately, the divine sense didn't prevent him from continuing to fly.
"Aditya, are you sure we can fly inside the city?" Chikni asked from behind.
Aditya nodded in response.
Her eyes sparkled with amazement, while Sheila, though sporting a cold expression, couldn't hide her underlying excitement.
Aditya steered above the central layer's boundary wall, and the guards stationed there didn't intervene. After a while, they reached the arena where the sect competition would be held.
Aditya surveyed the surroundings and spotted a suitable spot for the boat. Descending a few feet above the ground, he ceased supplying spiritual energy to the vessel.
"Alright, ladies, we've arrived. Let's disembark," Aditya announced, leaping down. The women followed suit, and he stored the flying boat in his system space.
"Wow! There are so many cultivators here," Chikni exclaimed as she gazed upon the thousands gathered outside the arena.
Aditya also observed the diverse crowd. Many young cultivators had assembled, some in groups, while others were accompanied by powerful cultivators. Among the cultivators, both human and monster species cultivators mingled.
Aditya had learned about the monster species from Sonia. She had explained that in the Eastern continent, there were primarily three species: Humans, Monsters, and Demonic Beasts. The Monster race encompassed Cat, Fox, Elves, Goblin, Mermaid, Butterfly, and more. Aditya found the revelation fascinating.
In front of him, he spotted numerous Monster race cultivators. Their cultivation manuals and techniques diverged from those of Human cultivators due to their distinct spirit veins and physiological anatomy.
Aditya's gaze shifted to the colossal arena. The arena's walls soared to a height of approximately 50 meters, with several open gates allowing access.
Turning his attention to the girls, Aditya grasped Riya and Siya's hands. "Alright, let's go," he cheerfully declared, leading them towards one of the arena's entrance gates, with Chikni, Sheila, and Sonia trailing behind.
They joined a long queue of over 200 cultivators. In about 10 minutes, they gained entry to the arena. A spacious hallway with stairs on both sides led to the arena seats. Ahead, a pathway extended to the arena grounds.
"Those who wish to participate in the sect competition, proceed to the arena grounds; other cultivators, head to the seating area," a voice resounded.
"Aditi, go to the seating area with Aakansha, Diana, and the guards. Be cautious; there are many Spiritual Ocean realm cultivators here," Aditya advised.
Aditi nodded, ready to follow the stairs on the right. However, Aakansha appeared unhappy and quickly approached Aditya, pleading, "Big brother, I also want to participate. You promised to take me to the sect."
Aditya gently caressed her head. "Aakansha, be a good girl. You can't participate in the sect competition; your cultivation hasn't reached that level. But don't worry, I'll find a way for you to join the sect."
Reluctantly, she moved away with her mother, Diana, and Aditya's four guards. Aditya watched their departing figures with concern; it was a new city with many formidable cultivators, and he hoped for their safety.
Turning back to Riya and Siya, he took their hands once more and proceeded to the arena grounds. Behind him, Chikni, Sheila, and Sonia followed closely. Upon reaching the arena grounds, they discovered a multitude of cultivators already present. Aditya glanced behind and noticed Aditi's group seated in the third row; he nodded in their direction.
The arena itself was enormous, boasting a radius of approximately 3 kilometers. At its center stood a square stage, where numerous powerful cultivators in Mystic Mountain sect attire were seated. In front of the stage, several transparent gates enveloped in blue energy were positioned. Aditya wasn't sure of their significance, but there were more than 20 of them. Additionally, large white pillars, each adorned with numerous horizontal markings, stood beyond the gates.
The stage hosted 20 cultivators, all possessing a cultivation level of Spiritual Ocean realm. About 200 cultivators in Nascent Soul realm, all in Mystic Mountain uniforms, encircled the stage. Still, there was an hour remaining before the competition would commence.
Half an hour later, a voice called out, "Aditya."
He was engrossed in conversation with the girls, offering them words of caution, but he turned upon hearing his name and found Rahul, Piyush, and Mradul. Aditya had met them in the Dueling arena in the Sun city and had formed a friendship with them. They had even ventured to the Nile Beasts Forest and fought together for several days.
"Namaste, brothers. It's great to see you here," Aditya greeted them. They exchanged greetings, moved closer to each other, and embraced, patting each other's backs.
Aditya used his soul energy to check their cultivations and noted that all of them had reached the Core Condensation realm. Mradul was at the 4th level, Piyush at the 2nd level, and Rahul at the 1st level. Rahul had a robust physique and a sharp intellect, Piyush was tall with a muscular build, and he enjoyed fighting and wielding his spear. Mradul, though quiet and thin, was the most dangerous among them; a sword cultivator and the prince of the Star Kingdom, one of the five most powerful kingdoms in the Eastern continent.
"Congratulations on reaching the Core Condensation realm, Rahul and Mradul," Aditya congratulated them, genuinely pleased with their progress.
"Thanks, Aditya. I've only advanced by one realm, but Mradul made several breakthroughs in the last few weeks," Rahul cheerfully shared.
Aditya nodded and smiled, knowing that Mradul, as the prince of a prominent kingdom, had ample resources to aid in his rapid growth. The conversation continued until Rahul noticed the beautiful women accompanying Aditya. All five of them were stunning, chatting and laughing with each other, and Rahul could see that when he arrived, Aditya was already encircled by them.
"Brother Aditya, who are the lovely ladies behind you?" Rahul asked Aditya in a hushed tone, hoping to garner the attention of at least one of them. He presumed that Aditya might have one or two of the girls as his girlfriends.
An irritated look crossed Aditya's face as he replied, "They are all my women, so don't entertain any thoughts about them, or you'll have to face me in a duel."
Rahul nervously gulped, having witnessed Aditya's formidable cultivation, which was at least at the Peak Nascent Soul realm. He hastily nodded. Aditya brought the boys over to meet Riya's group, and introductions were made.
Another half-hour passed.
On the stage, the 20 cultivators stood up, and one of the elders, employing spiritual energy to amplify his voice, addressed the entire arena.
"Greetings, everyone. My name is Luo Mingyu, an elder of the Mystic Mountain sect. Today, we will be conducting the test for joining the Mystic Mountain sect. There will be three tests, and cultivators must be below 20 years of age with a minimum cultivation level of Core Formation realm."