The first night in Dragon City was unusually quiet. Lian sat with the mercenary group around a small fire in a corner of an abandoned tavern. Zan had insisted on explaining the rules of the world Lian now found himself in.
Zan (calmly speaking):
"Before we embark on any adventure, you need to understand something important about this world, Lian. Power here is not just in the sword or in Qi, but in the alliances you make. The farming sects rule this world."
Lian raised an eyebrow in interest as Zan continued:
"There are nine main farming sects. Five of them are known as the righteous sects, while the other four are demonic, each with different goals and methods."
Jian (in a stern voice):
"Know this well, because a wrong alliance could lead to your end."
The Righteous Sects
1. White Dragon Sect:
Symbol: A white dragon surrounded by golden light.
Specializes in spiritual farming using the energy of the sun and purity.
Known for seeking peace but will not hesitate to defend their interests by force.
2. Silver Cloud Sect:
Symbol: A cloud glowing with silver light.
Focuses on farming through the control of wind energy.
Believes in the balance between spirit and nature.
3. Heavenly Tree Sect:
Symbol: A massive tree with roots extending to the earth and branches reaching toward the sky.
Specializes in farming through the power of plants and nature.
The wisest of the sects.
4. Blue Star Sect:
Symbol: A glowing blue star in the sky.
Focuses on farming by absorbing spiritual energy from the stars.
Known for producing the strongest warriors at night.
5. Eternal Purity Sect:
Symbol: A blooming white flower.
Believes that inner purity is the key to spiritual power.
Often operates in the shadows, protecting the weak.
The Demonic Sects
1. Crimson Blood Sect:
Symbol: A drop of blood emanating dark energy.
Uses blood of living creatures for spiritual farming.
Known for their brutality and lust for absolute domination.
2. Hellfire Sect:
Symbol: A black flame.
Uses cursed fire to enhance their power.
Known for random destruction and spreading chaos.
3. Eternal Ruin Sect:
Symbol: A black skull surrounded by a blue aura.
Destroys the spiritual energy of their enemies to increase their own strength.
Feared for their leaders, who are said to be immortal.
4. Dark Demon Sect:
Symbol: A black eye with a red flash in the center.
The most dangerous of the demonic sects, using black farming to summon demons from other worlds.
Known for working in the shadows and corrupting pure Qi, causing spiritual decay.
Mi (quietly):
"But remember, my child, good and evil here are not as they seem. Sometimes, the righteous sects commit horrible acts to protect themselves, and sometimes the demonic sects have reasons you won't understand."
As the group spoke, a stranger entered the tavern. He wore a gray cloak that concealed most of his features, and his eyes pierced through the darkness under his hood. He slowly approached Zan and whispered a few soft words. Lian tried to catch any words but only heard a few vague phrases:
"Shipment... Silver Cloud Sect... under surveillance... great danger."
Zan suddenly stood up, his face shifting to a mix of seriousness and tension. He turned to the group and said in a low but clear voice:
"We've got an unexpected change. The shipment we thought was from a demonic sect is not. It belongs to the Silver Cloud Sect."
Jian (angrily):
"The Silver Cloud Sect? Have you lost your mind, Zan?! How can we dare confront a righteous sect? This could make us enemies of everyone!"
Zan (with determination):
"Calm down, Jian. It's not as simple as it seems. The client who hired us said the shipment was taken illegally. There's something suspicious about it. The righteous sects are not always as they seem, and some use the cloak of righteousness to hide darker intentions."
Mi (worriedly):
"But the Silver Cloud Sect is not an ordinary foe. They are known for their mastery of spiritual defense techniques, and they supposedly use combat methods that control water and air. Have you thought about what could happen if we clash with them?"
Zan turned to Lian, his gaze carrying both challenge and encouragement:
"Lian, this is your first real mission with us. I know things seem confusing, but you've chosen this path. In this world, there is no black and white. If you want to be part of us, you have to face this reality. Are you with us?"
Lian felt the sword he had recently purchased. Memories of his destroyed village and the pain he had endured never left him. He knew that his decision now could shape his future, but he was also filled with doubt. How could a righteous sect be involved in something illegal?
Jian (interrupting):
"Even if we want to carry out the mission, we need to know more about the shipment. We can't face the Silver Cloud Sect's guards without a solid plan."
Zan (with resolve):
"We won't face them directly. We'll observe first. The client gave us some details about their movements, but we have to stay alert. Lian, the sword you bought will be very useful, but don't rush. A fight isn't always about weapons. Sometimes, you just need to think one step ahead."
Lian felt a growing sense of unease inside him, but he also felt a sense of excitement. This was his chance to prove himself.
Mi (cautiously):
"Before we move, I want to know more about this client. I didn't like his appearance or the way he spoke. He seems to be hiding something. What if this mission is a trap?"
Zan paused for a moment, then looked toward the door where the mysterious man had exited.
"It could be a trap, or it might not be. But if we don't act, we'll never know. Either way, we'll be ready for anything."