Chapter 18: Reliance Sect
The Reliance Sect.
Nestled deep within the cradle of ancient forest and mist-wreathed peaks, the sect's name evoked little pride in most cultivators.
A third-rate sect by most standards, it was more often mentioned in ridicule than reverence.
Yet to Hei Long, standing at the base of its massive, vine-wrapped stone staircase, it held a peculiar appeal.
After all...
A certain person was here...
Who would lead this very sect to the top...
Hands clasped behind his back, Hei Long tilted his head up, gazing at the endless steps that spiraled up the mountain like a coiled dragon.
Moss had claimed the edges, birds flitted in the trees, and the occasional cultivator zipped past in the air, trailing robes and spirit energy behind them.
Some flew overhead on swords, others on spirit beasts or artifacts.
Most paid no mind to him.