Sunlight City
After Xian extracted the core and stowed the body of the Felroar Lion in his storage ring, he retrieved a Health and Stamina potion and downed both in a single gulp. He then assumed a lotus posture to allow the potion to take effect more efficiently.
'Tsk, 57% purity, what a joke,' Karsha chuckled inwardly as he observed the potion. For some unknown reason, he could discern the purity level with just a glance. 'Wait, how did I know that?' he pondered internally once again, quickly attributing it to the memories inherited from the Old Man.
The legacy not only encompassed the teachings of the Divine Alchemist but also contained memories and adaptations from Rizz Trinity's journey to prominence. Karsha possessed knowledge of various approaches to the same task, and based on what he knew so far, the potion Xian had consumed ranked among the lowest.
He could tell that the young man lacked the means to acquire a higher-tier potion, given that even his sword was of common rank. Karsha had inherited more than he could have hoped for. Apart from the alchemical knowledge, he also possessed insights into various aspects of cultivation.
Like names of monsters, weapons, techniques, skills, and many more, he could still feel he had more to learn from the small knowledge he had access to, but since he would soon be going back to human civilization, he knew he would have all the time in the world.
Of course, the fear of not being able to enter the city because of the slave Mine issue still hangs on his neck. Back on earth, whenever fugitives escape, the borders and roads of a whole town, if not cities, will be closed, preventing the fugitive from running away. He knew the same thing would be happening here.
It was also part of why he had spent nearly a month in the forest, hoping for the heat to die down. But now that the time had come for him to transition into a more hospitable area, he knew he had no choice but to comply.
'One step at a time. If the borders are closed during the day, I'll sneak in at night,' he resolved. One way or another, he would find a means of entry. There was no turning back now.
"Brother Karsha, we can begin moving now," Xian announced as he rose to his feet and started heading north. "Brother Karsha, you seem lost in thought. Is something troubling you?" Xian queried, noting the perplexed expressions on Karsha's face. It was evident that he was troubled.
"Would they request my identification details before permitting entry into the city?" Karsha voiced his concern.
"At first, they didn't, but a few weeks ago, the slave mine in 'Drono City' nearly collapsed, resulting in the escape of hundreds, if not thousands, of slaves. As a precaution, officials in Sunlight City now mandate that everyone possess and present their identification cards at the main entrance before entering or leaving the city.
However, if Brother Karsha lacks his identification, he can obtain one upon entry. You'll need to pay 10 Gold coins at the Identify Guild for your personalized ID," Xian provided additional information beyond what was asked.
"Is that so? Then please guide me to the Identify Guild once we enter the city," Karsha responded with a sigh of relief. He had anticipated a more rigorous approach from the city guards, but Xian's explanation eased his worries. Once fully integrated into the city, the likelihood of anyone identifying him as a former slave would diminish.
'One step at a time,' he reiterated to himself inwardly. "Tell me more about Sunlight City," Karsha prompted.
Eager to please his savior, Xian launched into a detailed description of the city, depicting it as magnificent and grand. Sunlight City stood as one of the four major cities within the Drono Kingdom, which itself was the smallest among the Central Continent's realms. The populace of the Drono Kingdom primarily consisted of traders, hunters, and blacksmiths, predominantly humans.
"In the Central Kingdom, there are three kingdoms, each governed by a Legacy family," Xian continued. "These families wield significant influence, overseeing the kingdom's daily affairs and holding sway in various enterprises. Their reach extends far, and no endeavor goes unnoticed by the Legacies."
Then there are the Great Families, comprised of powerhouses who pledge their allegiance to the Legacy families, dedicating their lives and souls to serving them. In return, they reap considerable benefits. As these families expand, they seek connections with Legacy families, recognizing the advantages of such affiliations.
These Great Families play a crucial role in the daily operations of the kingdoms, ensuring their smooth functioning. Sunlight City, in particular, is under the dominion of three Great Families, all ultimately answering to the Drono Legacy family. Leading these families in Sunlight City are the Sunlight Great Family, alongside the Varon and Uzi Great Families. Their influence permeates throughout the city, with their businesses spanning various sectors. Additionally, they hold significant shares in the Kingdom, with one of the largest sects in the entire Drono Kingdom bearing their name.
The Sunlight Sword Sect stands as one of the foremost sects in the Central Continent. Renowned for nurturing numerous prodigies, they annually accept a new cohort of talented cultivators, further solidifying their strength. While they may not be deemed the best, as per Xian's assessment, their influence within the Drono Kingdom is undeniable.
Of course, seeing the chance to sell his sect to Karsha, Xian went ahead and explained everything there is to know about the sect.
"The Sunlight Sect comprises three stages: the Outer Stage, the Inner Stage, and the Core Stage. Upon passing the entrance exams, cultivators are placed in the Outer Stage, where they undergo studies. After reaching the Grandmaster stage, they are eligible to take the Inner Stage exams.
In the Inner Stage, numerous benefits await. In addition to weekly perks, cultivators can undertake missions with varying levels of difficulty and rewards. After completing a mission, you will be allowed to take a new one. There are danger levels to the type of missions you can pick.
Moreover, the Inner Stage offers opportunities for exploration, including ruins and dungeons. Exceptional disciples may even accompany the sect on ventures to conquer gates and explore tombs. Gate conquests are common in the Inner and Core Stages of the sect.
Upon gate conquests, contributors are duly rewarded by the world. Consequently, our sect elders stipulate that promising disciples must conquer at least two gates annually. However, this is not mandatory; some opt to remain in the Inner Stage, focusing on dungeon and ruin exploration. Others venture into the outer reaches of tombs.
Then there is the core stage. To get to the core stage, you have to fulfill one of three tasks, which is a set of tasks that is mandatory in all the sections in the Central continent. The first task is to conquer at least 10 Tier 8 gates.
The gates can be conquered in teams. However, the one breaking into the Core stage should be the one to land the final blow on at least two of the final bosses of each gate. This is considered the easiest method.
The second way is to go to the inner section of the dark forest and hunt for a specific monster that will be communicated to you by the sect masters. It may seem straightforward at first, but to be able to enter and leave the dark forest, you will have to battle many monsters, which mostly leads to the death of many promising talents.
So because of this, the sect master doesn't mostly recommend this. The last way is challenging the nine-star pagoda. Nobody knows what goes inside since those who ventured in returned with their memories wiped. Nobody was ever able to clear it, making it the only trial that hasn't been used before to break into the Core stage." Xian said, completing his speech.
Karsha, who had been paying close attention, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It seemed challenges awaited him at every turn. His ambition to become a Core disciple now appeared more daunting after hearing Xian's description. However, as they neared the city gate, he refrained from asking further questions and readied himself for what lay ahead.
"Look who's back. If it isn't the youngest prodigy of a no-name family," one of the guards jeered as he approached Xian, who seemed to have a friendly rapport with the guard.
"At least I'm an Inner Stage disciple. The same can't be said for a mere gate guard like yourself," Xian retorted, eliciting laughter from the other guards.
"And who's your friend? He looks unfamiliar," the guard inquired after his laughter subsided.
"His name is Karsha. He's a wanderer who happened to pass by and saved me from nearly being eaten by a Felroar Lion," Xian replied nonchalantly. He and the guard are friendly. They always jab each other when ever they get the chance.
"Is that so," the guard said, scrutinizing Karsha, who maintained a neutral expression despite feeling intense fear inwardly. "You can enter, but make sure you get your ID before heading out again. There are fugitives running around, and we wouldn't want you to be mistaken for one," the guard warned, giving Karsha a slight push on the back of his head to usher him through the gate.
'I am letting you go today because you saved Xian. Don't make me regret this, slave,' a voice echoed in Karsha's mind as he took a few steps through the gate. Panic surged through him, but he maintained his composure, continuing to walk forward. The guard, noticing his reaction, smirked at Karsha's efforts to appear unaffected.