With the demonic beast now dead, Xuan looked at the cultivators with even more respect and fear. Such power was... otherworldly.
The massive ice spire that rose due to Jade's attack disappeared, disintegrating into blue dust that drifted away with the wind.
Jade, satisfied with her work, turned to Lloyd and Xuan. "Alright, we can return now. Grab Xuan, Lloyd."
She said. Lloyd nodded as Xuan was suddenly enveloped in a warm golden aura, before being suddenly lifted in the air. He couldn't really resist. Yeah he could move around but he couldn't break free.
"Let's go."
Jade said before suddenly disappearing from the area, causing another massive deafening sonic boom that flattened the nearby trees. Curiously however, Xuan didn't actually hear the sonic boom, he just saw the after effects.
Lloyd took off after Jade at similar speeds, Xuan following suit. The golden aura seemed to stem from Lloyd, making sure that Xuan followed the cultivator wherever he went.
The duo soared through the air at breakneck speeds, the winds roaring at them. Yet still, like before, Xuan couldn't hear them. The wind also didn't affect him, none of his clothes were messy, his face wasn't messed up, he was completely fine. He figured due to the sheer speed he would've been turned to paste. Turning to look at Lloyd, he too hadn't been by the immense speed and the wind produced. The only visible effects were on his hair, which waved slightly, and on the loose portions of his clothes.
The presence of a faint golden aura about Lloyd was the indicator that he was using Qi to protect himself and Xuan. The latter didn't know for certain as he didn't know much about Qi, but he assumed that since Qi was basically energy it could be used for anything and everything.
The scenery shifted around the trio, the massive forests below them gradually shifting into a massive plain. And into the distance, Xuan saw it. Jingzhou mountain.
The massive mountain extended from the ground till 12 kilometres into the air. Standing alone amidst the plains, it stood as an oddity. All around it was flat ground, but suddenly there's a singular mountain, higher than any other. It was strange yet beautiful at the same time.
"It is said that the Sect Master of Eternal Skyfire sect, Sect Master Gral, created Mount Jingzhou. Carving it from the earth, using his Qi to stabilize it and blahblah."
Jade said. Surprisingly he could hear her, unlike the rest of the surroundings. The trio continued to make their way towards the mountain.
As they approached, Xuan could vaguely make out a bustling town at the foot of the mountain.
"Geizhi town. It has flourished underneath Mount Jingzhou. The sect act as protectors of the town, while the town itself provides us with entertainment and stuff. Cultivation can get pretty boring at times." Jade said, her gaze locked in the front.
She said. Xuan turned to Jade. Xuan thought for a moment. He has heard of Geizhi before, a town at the foot of Mount Jingzhou, but he naturally hadn't ever gone there.
"Sister Jade, how many disciples are present within the sect?"
He asked her. "About 500. We don't accept alot of disciples. Many come to participate, but few make it." Jade said. Xuan nodded.
"What about the entrance exams? Can you tell me about them?"
Jade shrugged, pointing at Lloyd. "I kinda forgot about thay. Better to ask him." Xuan turned to Lloyd and the male Cultivator spoke up."The first test is the aptitude test. It will be held in secret so that no one else knows about it. I've seen many a 'Young Masters' bully those with lesser aptitudes and this is to prevent such things from happening."
"Is there a set aptitude level to join the sect?"
Lloyd shook his head. "Nay. Unless your body is literally incapable of cultivation you will be allowed to join regardless of aptitude."
Xuan was surprised. From what he had heard, most sects eliminated alot of people based on aptitude. Why didn't the Eternal Starfire sect?
"I can sense your confusion and surprise. It's because of elder Galr. It is said that in the ancient days, Elder Galr didn't have much talent for cultivation. Yet he persevered and now, he stands at the top. Due to this, the Eternal Starfire sect accepts anyone regardless of talent." Lloyd explained.
"But the other trial is what really eliminates them."
Xuan gulped.
"Only one major trial exist within the Eternal Starfire sect. Personality. You will be interviewed by one of the minor elders or even an inner disciple. If they see you as unfit for the sect, they will eliminate you. If one of the high elders discover you trying to bribe the lesser elders, they will beat the everloving hell out of you before letting you off."
He said. Xuan sweatdropped. Thankfully he wouldn't do anything that stupid.
"The 2nd trial isn't really a trial per say. It's a small tournament for all the people who have gotten accepted during the interview. It's not compulsory and generally held for fun and to build camaraderie. Lesser elders and inner disciples monitor the tournament to prevent any mishaps from happening."
Lloyd fully explained. Xuan was about to say something but was stopped as Jade spoke up.
"We are here."
The trio were currently flying overhead Geizhi. The sprawling city was covered in oriental architecture. Most of the buildings were painted red. The sky above them was bright and clear. The occasional cherry blossom, the windy sky, the fresh air and the not-so-uncommon sight of the disciples of the Eternal Starfire sect whizzing by at high speeds gave the town a mystical appearance.
"We are going to drop you off in an inn Xuan. There's still a few days before the entrance…I think. I'll see you there." Jade said as the Bubble that held Xuan was lowered to the ground. Xuan nodded. "Thanks for your help Brother Lloyd, Sister Jade."
The Cultivators smiled slightly and nodded, before leaving, Lloyd tossed a small bag towards Xuan.
"Here. It contains silver coins. Gold coins are only used for large purchases so it should suffice you. I'll see you at the entrance ceremony."
He said before disappearing alongside Jade. Xuan couldn't even thank him for the coin.
Xuan continued descending before finally reaching the ground, landing in front of an inn. The sign beside it read "The Sleeping Dragon Inn."
"Did this man just get dropped off by Sister Jade and Brother Lloyd?"
Xuan heard from the distance. Bystanders were whispering to one another in surprise. It was natural, afterall, not everyday do you see someone get dropped off by the two most talented disciples in the Eternal Starfire sect.
"Is he someone of high background?"
"Nonsense, the Eternal Starfire sect doesn't care for background."
"Besides, he looks like a beggar more than anything with his clothes."
Xuan ignored the chatter and walked inside the inn.
As soon as Xuan entered the building, the fresh scent of incense filled his nostrils. The floor was made of finely layered stone, the wooden walls trapping the sweet aroma of the incense. The inn itself was two stories tall. It had a large floor in the middle and two adjacent staircases in the sides. Numerous tables were present, with all of them except for one being filled.
The people present inside the Inn didn't pay any attention to Xuan and Xuan didn't pay any attention to them. He walked towards the Innkeeper and placed 3 silver coins down. It was still noon and he wasn't feeling sleepy. He was however, hungry. "I'll have whatever is most popular." He said.
The Innkeeper looked at the coin for a moment before nodding and taking them. It made sense to use Silver coins. Copper was abundant everywhere and could easily be forged into duplicate coins. Silver was rarer, but not so rare that it couldn't be mass produced. Especially for a town as prosperous as Geizhi.
Xuan went to the empty chair and sat down heavily, his muscles and body still sore from all the fighting he had done. He was recovering astonishingly quickly however.
The Innkeeper soon arrived with Xuan's order. A huge plate of steamed rice, honey glazed chicken, smoked pork and dry aged beef.
Xuan's eyes widened in glee as he gorged himself. Being a country boy, he didn't have much table etiquette. Thankfully the others didn't seem to mind, some merely chuckling seeing the action.
Suddenly, amidst his feast, the inn door swung open to reveal a man. Standing at a height of 5'6, his hair was jet black, his eyes silver. He wore the robes of a cultivator, white tunic over which a blue garment was fastened. His hair was tied in a ponytail. His face was young and pale, holding an inexplicable sense of superiority and arrogance. Behind him, 5 other people, who appeared to be his servants or lackeys stood. Once again, everyone turned their heads for a brief second before continuing in their merry. Xuan didn't even bother to look.
The man gazed upon the tables, trying to find a place to sit. Upon seeing that no table was empty, his face morphed into one of annoyance. The man's gaze then reached Xuan's. A smirk formed on his face.
"You, country boy. Scram."
He commanded. Xuan however was too busy eating to notice. This angered the young man.
"You! I'm talking to you!"
He shouted. Xuan finally turned around, noticing the young man.
"Oh? You're talking to me?"
Xuan asked. The man's eyebrow twitched.
"Yes. Scram, I want that table."
Xuan glanced between his food and the young man. His food was nearly done, there wasn't really any reason to argue.
"I'm about to finish eating, just wait a seco-"
"You dare not obey Young Master Yi Seng!? You're courting death!"
One of the lackeys said as he stepped forward and tried to punch Xuan infront of everyone. Perhaps he wanted to impress his younger master. Regardless he failed spectacularly as Xuan caught the man's fist with one hand.
"You really gotta learn your manners *boy*."
Xuan said menacingly. Gone was the friendly aura from earlier as he tightly gripped the man's hand, causing immense pain. The man grunted, trying to free himself. That's when he noticed how gigantic Xuan was, as well as his monstrous build. He didn't even reach Xuan's shoulder for god's sake!
Yi Sen, the original perpetrator, placed his hand on Xuan's.
"Let go now."
He said threateningly. Xuan turned to Yi Sen, towering over him, before letting go of the man's hand. The said man quickly retreated to lick his wounds.
"You sure are brave country boy…I won't forgive this transgression. Bow down and I might make sure your corpse is intact."
Xuan deadpanned. Was this person an idiot? He couldn't help but sigh. This would be a long, long day.