Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits...

The Royal Sacred Region sprawled across an unfathomably vast expanse of land, encompassing numerous sects, ancient kingdoms, and aristocratic clans. This boundless territory was ruled by the Royal Sacred Sect, the ultimate authority in the region.

Among the notable powers in this vast expanse, the most prominent were the nine sects, the seven clans, and the two great empires. The nine sects were the elite organizations under the Royal Sacred Sect, while the seven clans were ancient aristocratic lineages with millennia of history and immense strength. These clans weren't officially part of the Royal Sacred Sect, but their members considered it an honor to join its ranks. The two empires referred to Grand Shang and Grand Zhou, both regarded as first-tier powers.

In the past, there had been three empires, with Grand Xia included. However, Grand Xia had fallen into decline, and the Royal Sacred Sect had ceased to pay much attention to it.

The sheer vastness of this region was mind-boggling, teeming with countless experts.

Apart from the prominent powers, there were also second-tier sects, clans, and ancient kingdoms with formidable strength. If anyone among them reached the legendary realm, they would instantly become top-tier figures in the Royal Sacred Region.

Five thousand years ago, the Battle Sword Sect had not been one of the nine great sects. However, it had risen in prominence over time, securing a crucial position within the Royal Sacred Sect's hierarchy.

This explained why so many sects vied for talented individuals to join their ranks before they were recommended to the Royal Sacred Sect. Some second-tier powers, despite their comparable strength to the nine great sects, remained second-tier because they lacked influence within the Royal Sacred Sect.

As Qin Wentian flew on a sword beam, he was awestruck by the vastness of the landscape below. The Battle Sword Sect members deliberately flew at lower altitudes, providing him with a clear view of the thriving territories below. These places were far more prosperous and grand than the nine continents of Grand Xia. As they passed through different territories, Qin Wentian observed that the experts there could easily obliterate transcendent powers in Grand Xia. However, upon recognizing the Battle Sword Sect disciples, they respectfully let them pass.

Qin Wentian realized that the Battle Sword Sect had chosen this route to broaden his horizons, knowing he came from the desolate Grand Xia.

Throughout the journey, Lin Shuai and the others shared insights with him. Qin Wentian soon comprehended that, from the perspective of many experts in the Royal Sacred Region, Grand Xia was a desolate backwater. He understood why Jun Yu, a disciple of the Royal Sacred Sect, held such disdain for the people of Grand Xia. Most in the Royal Sacred Region hadn't heard of the Royal Sacred Sect, the Royal Sacred Region, or the existence of two other empires besides Grand Xia.

As he learned more, Qin Wentian's excitement grew, and his eyes sparkled with determination to prove himself on this grand stage. Qing`er, on the other hand, remained her usual composed self, icy and aloof, showing little interest in conversation. Even the efforts of the Battle Sword Sect experts to engage her in conversation were met with indifference. They understood her disposition and didn't take offense.

Finally, they reached their destination – the area where the Battle Sword Sect was situated, in the southern part of the Royal Sacred Region.

Contrary to Qin Wentian's initial expectations, the Battle Sword Sect wasn't nestled in a desolate wilderness or perched on remote mountaintops. As he arrived, a wry smile crept onto his face.

The surroundings were teeming with life. Just outside the Battle Sword Sect's entrance, an ancient sword was firmly embedded in the ground, marking its territory. Ahead, a colossal sword towered into the sky, with multiple structures resembling celestial palaces sprawled across numerous ancient peaks.

The Battle Sword Sect occupied several hundred square miles but was situated amidst a thriving community rather than in a remote wilderness. Streams of people flowed tirelessly outside its boundaries, all of them looking at the sect with reverence.

Lin Shuai, standing beside Qin Wentian, chuckled and asked, "Are you disappointed?"

Qin Wentian replied with a laugh, "Why would I be? I'm just pleasantly surprised that the Battle Sword Sect is located in such a lively area."

Lin Shuai explained, "Sword cultivators of our generation prefer to wander the world, following their hearts, and engaging with the mortal realm. We're not as transcendent as the rumors suggest. We do as we please—roaming, righting wrongs, and settling grudges. We answer to no one but our own hearts."

He continued, "The Battle Sword Sect doesn't impose many restrictions on its members, granting them significant freedom. Remember, since you've joined us, you don't need to follow any rules except your own. Follow your heart, and if you ever feel that the Battle Sword Sect no longer suits you, mount your sword and fly away. No one will hinder you."

Qin Wentian was deeply moved by Lin Shuai's words. It appeared that the information he'd heard in Xuan King City was accurate—the Battle Sword Sect was unlike any other sect. The sect's only requirement was for its members to stay true to themselves.

As they conversed, their swords carried them deeper into the Battle Sword Sect's territory. They entered a serene area with celestial palace-like buildings scattered about, surrounded by mountain springs, waterfalls, and pavilions where people laughed and sparred. The atmosphere exuded harmony.

Upon their return, several Battle Sword Sect cultivators noticed their arrival. Most of them were from the younger generation, and even those in their thirties or forties appeared much younger due to their robust vitality.

"The Seventh Senior has returned, and he's brought two new recruits. Are these the juniors who passed the recruitment selection?" a young man in white clothing asked with keen interest, staring at Lin Shuai and the newcomers.

"That maiden is incredibly beautiful. If she joins our Battle Sword Sect, she'll undoubtedly become the number one beauty here," the young man remarked, his eyes fixed on Qing`er.

A beautiful girl beside him snorted and retorted, "You're such a lecher."

The girl was tall and possessed exquisite curves, fair skin, and moon-like eyes. She radiated an air of heroism and had striking features. She glared at the young man in white and said, "Lecherous fellow."

The young man shrugged, unbothered by the accusation. "Well, one's appetites are only natural. Unfortunately, my junior sister here is too cold to me. If she'd marry me, I promise not to even glance at another woman."

"Get lost!" The woman shot him an intense glare.

Another slender cultivator, with a sword strapped to his back, chimed in, "Did Seventh Senior and the elders really come for these two? It's unprecedented for the Battle Sword Sect to recruit disciples in this manner."

"I have a feeling something fishy is going on here too. Oh, here comes Senior." The young woman nodded toward Lin Shuai and the others as they approached. The elderly man at the forefront commanded, "Lin Shuai, arrange for our new members."

"Of course," Lin Shuai replied, and the elderly man led a large group of people away.

"Seventh Senior, welcome back!" The girl approached Lin Shuai with a warm smile, a stark contrast to her treatment of the young man beside her.

"Junior sister's heart blooms like a field of flowers when she sees Seventh Senior return. Ah, my heartache!" The young man who had been called a lecher sighed dramatically. Then, his eyes brightened as he glanced at Qing`er. "I wonder if I have the honor of knowing milady's name?"

Qing`er gave him a cold look, ignoring him entirely. The people around the young man burst into laughter, and he wore an awkward expression.

"You better behave," Lin Shuai warned the young man before introducing the newcomers. "This is Junior Brother Qin Wentian, and this is Junior Sister Qinger. They will also be members of our Battle Sword Sect. Junior Qinger doesn't talk much, so please don't bother her. If you have anything to say, tell Junior Brother Qin, and he will pass it on."

Qinger had participated in the disciple selection event to protect Qin Wentian, and Lin Shuai had given these instructions because he had become familiar with Qinger's personality during their journey back.

"Understood, Senior," everyone responded respectfully.

Qin Wentian observed the scene silently, surprised by the respect shown to Lin Shuai. He had initially assumed that Lin Shuai was an ordinary disciple chosen to lead the group to Xuan King City.

He didn't realize that Lin Shuai held an extraordinary status because he was one of the personal disciples of the sect master, with exceptional talent and strength.

"I'm Lingshuang. In the future, you can address me as Senior Sister Ye or Senior Sister Lingshuang," the woman introduced herself with a smile.

"Jiang Huai," the slender cultivator nodded.

"Liu Yun," the young man added, still smiling.

Everyone introduced themselves, and Qin Wentian nodded politely in acknowledgment.

"Junior Brother, your pet is absolutely adorable. May I have a look?" Ye Lingshuang's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Little Rascal, who was in Qin Wentian's arms. She had slain many demonic beasts but rarely encountered such a cute one.

"Of course," Qin Wentian agreed, and Little Rascal promptly leaped into Ye Lingshuang's arms. Its swift movements elicited giggles from her.

Nestling its head into her bosom, Little Rascal expressed its enjoyment. It then spoke in a baby-like voice, "So...soft!!!"

Ye Lingshuang froze, her eyes wide as saucers as she stared at Little Rascal nestled in her embrace.

Qin Wentian was dumbfounded and had the sudden urge to pinch Little Rascal to stop it from talking nonsense.

"Cough... cough..." Liu Yun coughed softly and looked enviously at the puppy before turning his gaze to Qin Wentian. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Oh, Junior Brother, who would have thought we share the same interests!"