After leaving the mountains, three venerable elders headed towards a sect in the south to complete their mission. Their task involved not only suppressing and destroying the stone titan but also monitoring the sects under their control.
They flew between the towering mountain ranges, half-covered in lush green forests, high enough to touch the clouds. Finally, near the peak of one mountain, they spotted several buildings and structures.
One of the seniors remarked, "So the Mist Sect is over there."
The Mist Sect was one of the immortal sects, home to many cultivators. While it wasn't as grand as the major sects, it was certainly not weak.
The highest cultivator there was slightly weaker than the venerable elders.
When they arrived at the Mist Sect, several cultivators flew to welcome them, forming a reception committee of seven, which included the three main elders and four top disciples of the sect.
They flew without any spiritual tools.
"Greetings to the venerable elders!"
The elders waved and smiled in acceptance of the warm welcome.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable," one of the elders said, and they all flew towards one of the halls.
"Venerable elders, thank you for visiting our sect," one of the Mist Sect elders said.
One of the venerable elders responded with a smile, "It is our duty to help each other in times of difficulty."
Another senior from the Mist Sect gestured towards the hall entrance, saying, "Please come this way."
One of the disciples immediately bowed and opened the wooden door to the hall.
From the outside, the Mist Sect had only six buildings, but it was merely the outer sect. The outer sect was responsible for guarding the surrounding and monitoring the entry and exit of cultivators and guests.
The main sect was located elsewhere.
One of the seniors approached and showed his token to the registration officer.
"Yes, Mr. Su. You may proceed. I will open the gate for you."
Elder Su, a middle-aged man with graying hair, thanked him and took back his token. He turned to the venerable elders and said, "You must be exhausted after dealing with the crazy titan right after leaving the Supreme Moon Sect and handling the spiritual energy fluctuations in the northern region. Please bear with us a bit longer, We will soon enter the main sect."
He guided them toward another path.
Some moments later,
Upon passing through a gate, they entered a large corridor illuminated by shining stones. These stones were arranged at regular intervals along a considerable distance.
After a while of walking, they reached the main area of the Mist Sect.
The Mist Sect was built inside a great mountain. The hanging temples carved into the walls dazzled the eyes at first glance.
At the lowest level, where they currently were, a large market was bustling. Cultivators and merchants traded their spiritual products such as herbs, pills, weapons, and more.
The market was an extensive stretch with hundreds of merchants actively engaged.
At the end of the market, they took another path and reached the first hanging temple through a stone staircase. This was the First Gate, where outer disciples trained.
Next to it, another path ran alongside. This path was a stone bridge that led upwards to the Second Gate, where inner disciples were taught.
At the entrance, two statues of a devil and Buddha symbolized the pitfalls in the path of cultivation.
From there, another path branched off into another corridor that extended within the mountain and then reappeared at a higher point. This was where the largest hanging temple stood, serving as the seat of the sect leader and the great elders.
Each of the temples had its own entrance and comprised several small and large buildings.
The mentioned temples included a complete set of training grounds, dining halls, dormitories, blacksmiths, pharmacies, public baths, restrooms, and more. Thus, each had an indescribable grandeur and housed several hundred disciples.
The venerable elders, guided by Senior Su, passed through the First Gate. They crossed the bridge and reached the Second Gate. From above, the market appeared like a colony of ants, and even the training ground of the first temple was visible.
Several disciples were performing synchronized movements in orderly lines.
Senior Su grinned and said to the three venerable elders, "As you can see, thanks to the unwavering support of the Supreme Moon Sect, we have been able to flourish significantly."
"We have taken control of the spiritual markets in this region. Each year, during a ceremony, we attract promising mortals destined for immortality."
One of the three venerable elders looked at him and asked, "Is there anyone worthy of joining the Supreme Moon Sect?"
Elder Su forced a smile and scratched his head. "My insight isn't very deep. I'm sure the seniors can see the potential in talented individuals better."
"Is that so?"
Elder Su felt uneasy internally while flattering them throughout the journey.
[The Supreme Moon Sect sees us as its cash cow. They constantly try to extract tribute from us under various pretenses. Once it's for protection, once for land restoration... now they want to steal our geniuses.]
[The only difference between them and demons is that they rob you with a smile. If we were under the watch of demons, at least we'd know we were dealing with who and could expect any behavior, but the sects of the righteous path are demons dressed as angels. They truly are wolves in sheep's clothing! They smile but simultaneously empty your pockets. These bastards have their swords sheathed but slit your throat with cotton.]
Just then, they arrived at the Second Gate.
Now they had to head towards the final corridor that led to the last hanging temple. Suddenly, one of the venerable elders, watching the inner disciples practice from above, pointed to one of the female cultivators and said, "That girl seems to have some talent. Perhaps if she comes to the Supreme Moon Sect, she could discover her true potential. Staying in such a small sect is just a waste of talent."
"Haha... you're right, brother. She might even find a good dao companion. After all, we have no shortage of geniuses in the Supreme Moon Sect. This could help strengthen ties between our sects. Sects that establish familial bonds tend to help each other more in times of hardship. Haha."
[What? You want to make the best disciple of my sect the bride of one of your useless disciples?? No way!!]
But elder Su merely gave a half-hearted smile and said, "Esteemed seniors, that girl is the best disciple of our sect. She trains under the sect leader, and only the leader can decide her future."
The three elders nodded and smirked.
"Yes, that's true. We should get permission from the sect leader."
And they proceeded towards the corridor.