Chapter 294: Flying Ship (2)

The flying ship cut through the sky with impressive stability. The wind howled around the protective barrier, but on the deck the air remained calm, almost serene. The Verdant Sword Sect had long since disappeared beyond the horizon. Below them, mountains covered in dense forests, winding rivers, and deep valleys passed by like a blur of green and brown.

Kyrian sat in one of the side seats, his eyes fixed on the horizon ahead. He did not speak. He did not need to. The constant motion of the ship and the soft hum of the flight runes created an almost hypnotic rhythm.

Feng Yuan, seated at the control position at the front, kept one hand on the ship’s control core. Mei Ran was beside him, her posture as elegant as ever. The others occupied the remaining seats, each absorbing the experience of flying in such a rare treasure.

After nearly an hour of silence, Feng Yuan finally spoke, his voice firm and clear enough for everyone to hear despite the wind.

“The Gathering of Domains takes place every ten years. Always in the same location. The Ancient Forest Domain.”

He did not turn his head. He continued looking forward while controlling the ship.

“The Ancient Forest Domain is controlled by the Ancient Forest Sect. They are a force that is very close to the fourth level. Among the fifty minor domains, they are considered the strongest. They control the central territory of the region and possess resources that most sects can only dream of having.”

Mo Tianhai, who was leaning back with his arms crossed, leaned his body forward.

“Master, what rank do we hold among the fifty domains?”

Feng Yuan let out a low, humorless chuckle.

“We have always been in the lower ranks. The highest position the Verdant Sword Sect has ever achieved was nineteenth place… and that was more than two hundred years ago. Since then, we have fluctuated between twenty-fifth and thirty-fifth. In the last fifty years, we have consistently remained between twenty-eighth and thirty-second.”

Silence fell for a moment. Mo Xia was the next to speak, her voice filled with practical curiosity.

“How exactly does the gathering work? If it’s just one-on-one fights with so many disciples from all the domains… it will take forever.”

Feng Yuan nodded, as if expecting the question.

“There is usually a first trial to eliminate the weakest. The trial changes with each gathering. Sometimes it is a hunt in an illusory forest, sometimes a test of comprehension of an ancient formation, or even a survival trial in a hostile environment. You will only find out when we arrive. The important thing is that the disciples who pass this initial phase will be the ones who truly represent their domains in the later stages.”

Shen Yu, who had remained silent until then with his eyes half-closed, opened them fully and asked in a calm voice.

“What exactly is the objective of the Gathering of Domains besides the distribution of resources?”

Feng Yuan thought for a few seconds before answering, choosing his words carefully.

“Many fourth-level forces send envoys to observe the gathering. They look for talented disciples to recruit. Young people who stand out in the Gathering of Domains have a chance to be invited to powerful sects or families that control places further south in the Northern Territory, other larger domains. This is a rare opportunity. Even if the disciple is taken, the originating sect gains prestige, connections, and sometimes indirect rewards. It is a way for the minor domains to show their value.”

Mo Tianhai’s eyes shone with restrained excitement. Mo Xia exchanged a quick glance with her brother. Long Xue lightly clasped her hands in her lap. Even Wu Jian, usually quiet, raised an eyebrow.

Kyrian remained impassive, but he registered every word. He had already passed through the Blood Court. He knew how the world above functioned. Even so, hearing Feng Yuan’s confirmation made everything more concrete.

Long Xue, with her soft and hesitant voice, spoke next.

“And which are the strongest domains? Which ones should we be most careful of?”

Mei Ran, who had only been observing until then, turned slightly in her seat. Her voice was clear and serene but carried authority.

“The five strongest domains at the moment are. The Ancient Forest, which leads by a large margin, then the Flaming Sword Domain, the Celestial Clouds Domain, the Shadow Valley Domain, and the Golden Mountain Domain. These five usually remain within the top five positions in almost every gathering. Their sects possess ancient inheritances, abundant resources, and disciples who are born with significant advantages.”

She paused briefly, allowing the information to settle.

“You should be especially alert with the disciples of the Ancient Forest and the Flaming Sword. The Ancient Forest controls the location of the gathering and usually has an advantage in the initial trials. As for the Flaming Sword, they cultivate an extremely aggressive path. Their disciples are known for not fearing injury or even killing in ’friendly’ matches. Do not underestimate anyone, but these two domains are the ones that cause the most trouble.”

Feng Yuan added, without taking his eyes off the horizon.

“Besides them, there are neutral or hidden forces that appear from time to time. Some fourth-level sects send disguised observers. Others send young people disguised as minor disciples to test the level of the new generation. Do not trust appearances or uniforms alone. Anyone can be a threat.”

The flying ship continued its journey at high speed. The clouds passed quickly above and below the protective barrier. The sun was already high in the sky, warming the deck despite the cold wind.

Mo Tianhai broke the silence again, with a challenging smile.

“So… if we stand out enough, we can be recruited by a fourth-level force?”

Feng Yuan chuckled softly.

“It is possible. But remember, being recruited is not the only objective. You represent the Verdant Sword Sect. Every victory, every position achieved, raises the sect’s name. Even if some of you are taken away, the sect gains valuable connections for the future.”

Mei Ran added, glancing at Kyrian for a brief moment.

“And not everyone needs to be recruited. Some talents choose to remain or return. The important thing is to show enough strength so that no one underestimates us.”

Kyrian listened to everything in silence. He had already been taken once by the Blood Court. He knew that the world out there was much larger. The Gathering of Domains was just another step. A small step compared to what would come next.

The ship tilted slightly, adjusting its course. The landscape below changed again, now showing vast plains interspersed with ancient forests and distant mountains.

Feng Yuan spoke once more, his voice lighter.

“The journey will last about twenty days. Use that time to rest, meditate, or talk.”

Mo Tianhai leaned back again, his eyes shining with determination.

“Twenty days… enough time for me to prepare.”

Long Xue smiled timidly. Shen Yu closed his eyes again. Wu Jian held the hilt of his heavy sword as if already imagining future battles.

Kyrian looked toward the endless horizon. The wind struck against the invisible barrier. His mind was clear.

The Gathering of Domains was approaching.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep