Chapter 65: Boarding inside.

(Sorry I couldn't upload yesterday, I wasn't in the right state of mind, so here is a longer chapter than normal, again sorry!)

"So, are we taking the carriage, like last time?" Jun asked, falling into step beside Elder Lili.

Elder Lili nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly as you suggested. But this time, we'll have company from all over the continent joining us once we arrive at the event."

Despite her attempt to appear unfazed, Elder Lili's heart raced. This event not only signified Scarlet Sect's official elevation to a 7-star sect, but it also marked the opportunity to connect with other sects at the same level.

Two scenarios lay ahead: either they forge alliances and establish relationships, or they risk becoming isolated from other sects. While this may appear insignificant to an outsider since the sect has been doing just fine alone.

Many are unaware that even though overlords of specific regions wield control over vast resources within their territories, not all necessary resources are readily available locally.

Therefore, sects rely on trade networks to fulfill their needs, facilitating the exchange of goods and resources between different regions. This intricate web of trade is made possible by Heaven's Eternal Alliance, as without it, trade would likely devolve into conflict and bloodshed.

Should they become isolated, it would sever their access to vital resources needed for their growth. While they might persist in their current state, their potential for advancement beyond a 7-star sect would be forever stunted. Heavens eternal alliance endeavors to foster growth, yet acknowledges the inherent challenge of enforcing this mandate to its fullest extent.

"Is the sect master coming?" Yinling asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Stopping abruptly, Elder Lili shot Yinling a sharp glance, her expression betraying a hint of exasperation.

"Of course, he's coming," she replied briskly, her tone clipped. "With such an important time for the Scarlet Sect, how could he not be present?" Without waiting for a response, Elder Lili turned on her heel and marched back the way she came.

Yinling was left in awkward silence as she watched Elder Lili's retreating figure. Jun approached her, offering a comforting pat on the back, but his suppressed laughter bubbled beneath the surface.

"Che- Cheer up, Yinling," Jun began, but his words were interrupted by his sudden eruption of laughter.

Ignoring Jun's laughter, Yinling realized she had asked a dumb question. With a sigh, she followed after Elder Lili, Jun's laughter slowly subsiding as they went.

On the way, Jun noticed they hadn't encountered a single fellow disciple, the path eerily deserted, resembling an abandoned sect.

"Elder Lili," Jun queried, his voice breaking the silence. "How is it that we haven't come across any disciples along the way?"

Elder Lili, seemingly unperturbed, simply shrugged in response and continued onward.

"What's her deal?" Jun pondered silently.

As they trailed behind Elder Lili for several more minutes, Jun and Yinling eventually emerged into a spacious clearing, dominated by a grand domed structure with a colossal entrance.

Inside, rows of carriages resembling the one they arrived in were parked, albeit not as grand as it, they still maintained an air of luxury.

"What is this place?" Jun asked, his voice tinged with awe as he gazed at the impressive structure.

Elder Lili couldn't help but smirk slightly, a hint of pride evident in her demeanor. "This, my dear Jun, is where we service and maintain our carriages."

"Service? Like, repairing them and such?" Jun questioned, his confusion evident.

Elder Lili turned to Jun, a faint concern flickering across her features. "Are you feeling alright, both of you? You're acting like wide-eyed children experiencing the world for the first time. Of course, that's what it means," she replied with a shake of her head, disbelief coloring her tone, before striding purposefully towards the building. 

Since when did the immortal cultivation world start needing maintenance on their immortal carriages? Weren't they supposed to be indestructible and last for ages?

But then again, Jun reasoned, it's possible that some parts might eventually wear down or sustain damage from attacks. And who knows, accidents happen – disciples could have inadvertently damaged the carriages, or worse, soiled them, requiring thorough cleaning.

Approaching the building, Jun's eyes widened as he finally laid sight on numerous disciples bustling about. Inside, some were diligently working on the carriages, while others were engaged in the task of cleaning them.

Although Jun had never pondered much about the logistics of the cultivation world, the scene before him began to make sense. After all, they would undoubtedly require modes of transportation to transfer or trade resources with others.

Once inside, Jun and Yinling trailed behind Elder Lili until they reached a conspicuously grand carriage, larger and more luxurious than Elder Lili's own.

Nearby, a group of disciples in uniform were meticulously inspecting various components of the carriage, while 8 other disciples stood with a noble air to them. However, it wasn't these figures that caught Jun's attention, but rather a tall, middle-aged man standing with his eyes closed, exuding an aura of quiet confidence.

Before they knew it, they were in front of the crowd.

Elder Lili approached the middle-aged man with a slight bow, leaving Jun and Yinling slightly puzzled as to his identity.

Observing the evident confusion in Jun and Yinling's eyes, Elder Lili stepped forward.

"Allow me to make introductions," she said, gesturing towards the middle-aged man. "This esteemed individual is none other than the patriarch of the Scarlet Sect."

At the mention of his title, Jun and Yinling's pupils dilated unconsciously, surprised at how casually they were meeting the patriarch of their sect.

"So, these are the two little geniuses you recently took under your wing, Elder Lili?" the patriarch remarked, stroking his beard adorned with streaks of grey adding a touch of elegance to him. "I must say, if these two are wearing masks, they might not be the most handsome disciples you have."

Chuckling softly, Elder Lili replied, "You flatter me, patriarch. While they may not be lacking in looks, we still have some catching up to do compared to the disciples you've selected."

Receiving only a knowing smile from the patriarch, Elder Lili wisely chose not to press further.

"Although both of you are undoubtedly prodigies," she continued, turning her attention to Jun and Yinling, "strength alone won't be the sole measure of success in these games."

Jun could already discern from her explanation that adaptability and resilience would play crucial roles. While he acknowledged the merit in this approach, he couldn't help but wonder: didn't raw talent hold the most sway?

Hadn't they heard the adage that absolute power crushes any cunning schemes?

"Yes, sir!" Jun exclaimed, offering a military salute, confusing the patriarch and the others present.

"Um, well, why don't you three head inside the carriage? I believe it's time we set off," the patriarch suggested, his expression slightly puzzled as he gestured towards his carriage.

Nodding in agreement, Jun and Yinling followed Elder Lili inside the carriage, eager to seize this opportunity to rest before the big event.

Once settled inside, Jun noted the familiar interior of the carriage, albeit with a few additional occupants. These disciples exuded an air of refinement and arrogance, their demeanor setting them apart from the others.

Shaking his head, Jun couldn't help but wonder if they could actually live up to the expectations or if, like in so many novels, they would end up humiliated at the event. Jun settled back into the corner seat beside the window, Yinling seated right beside him.

"Yinling, can I lay my head on your lap?" Jun's sudden request caught Yinling off guard.

Though surprised by the request, Yinling didn't hesitate to oblige, welcoming him with a gentle smile. As Jun rested his head on her lap, Yinling used her special ability to transfer her thoughts to him, allowing him to instantly understand her unspoken questions.