Ready for everything that the insides of the sect could hit me with, I patiently waited when the guards went to talk with the sentries of the gate. After just a single moment, the massive doors suddenly started to move, revealing the deserted streets and parks filling the entire field of one's view.

What was there to be wary of? It's just nice scenery!

"Don't let this calm before the storm to lower your guard. We managed to arrive while all the outer disciples are training, while inner and core disciplines are listening to the lectures. All the horrors will begin when those activities will be over."

Probably noticing the curiosity on my face, one of the escorts lowered his head and whispered to me before we stepped inside. As the guards affiliated directly to the Heavenly Sword Sect, unless they were the ones invited, they were not allowed inside the other sect premises. That already spoke wonders about their past when they actually got inside!

"You came here to visit Neterian, am I right?"

As soon as my foot touched the ground on the opposite side of the line made by the usually closed sect gate, a young man in a whiteish, one-piece robe appeared out of nowhere before my eyes.

"Yes, Heavenly Sect Elder Venna prepared the invite for me."

Passing out the token that I received yesterday, back in the auction house, I observed the face of the guys in front of me, looking for something that would hint at the reason why everyone was soo wary of them.

"Good. Follow me."

Without any other spare words, the robbed person turned around and guided me through a complicated net of small streets and corridors. At some point, I even started to wonder whether this whole chaotic guidance wasn't aimed at confusing my sense of direction as to make me unable to record the position of anything inside the massive compound.

"We have arrived. Please, enter. When the meeting will be over, Neterian will guide you back to the gate."

Without further ado, the mysterious person suddenly disappeared, as if disregarding the fact that with my system abilities I should be able to track him with ease! I guess just offensive and defensive abilities won't be enough. I need to make sure to harvest as much Yin essence as I can to get some supporting abilities!

"Welcome to the Natural Edge Sect. I'm sorry in advance for the rough treatment that you received by our guides. Most of the outer disciples tend to be jealous of the treatment that other outer disciples receive in diffrent sects, not realising how beneficial it is for their cultivation. Please, sit down."

Inviting me in, the familiar guy that I met back in the arena smiled lightly and moved to the back of his small hut, resembling the houses build on the trees by the groups of kids with the help of their parents.

Despite the entire place being made out of the wood, the very middle of the room housed a big firepit, over which a small pot with a boiling hot and pristine clear water was placed. Noticing my full of curiosity eyes, Neterian only smiled and explained some of the more interesting things.

"You don't need to worry about the fire spreading out to the entire place. I know there is a variety of rumours about our sect, but even we are not as careless to just make everyone live in simple, wooden houses with a big fire located in the middle of each of them. It would take only a single clumsy or unresponsible person to eradicate our entire sect if that was the case. This wood is fireproof, no matter how ridiculous that sounds."

As a blacksmith, I was more focused on the metal and crystals than any other materials, but I assumed that there was just as much depth to rare and interesting things in other industries. Looking how close everyone in this sect was to the earthy understanding of nature, I guessed I could make some sweet deals with them if I ever turned out to be interested in making medicines or connocting pills!

"To not take much of your time, let me get straight to the point. I will avoid trying to hide my intentions as well. Seeing how earnest you were with answering my small questions, I think it would be insulting if I tried to act like a shrew merchant here."

Taking a small sip of the insanely delicious tea that Neterian brewed from the water that I saw right when I entered, I allowed the rich aroma to overwhelm my senses for a moment, before killing the excitement that sprouted up when I focused on the effects that this tea induced to my body and going back to the main track of the talks.

"I came here to present you the sword. The same one that I lent you back in the arena. I hope to gain your sect's goodwill with that and secure your presence in the nearing auction of the newly established house. While it's true that we will be mostly focusing on trading with the common resources and materials, there is some stuff that I want to get rid to gather a lump sum for my fresh start in the new sect. I hope I don't need to mention anything further…"

My words practically explained the whole idea to the guy. Even if he wanted to stir some troubles, he could only inform the Dracons and Katenaris about the importance of the auction, but he couldn't change the fact that if they dared to attend it, not only would they lose their face by going back on their own word, but I would have more than enough ways to make things hard for them.

On the other side, if he had any shred of intelligence inside his head and the influence of such a genius like him could allow him to get a short talk with some elder responsible for procuring various rare resources, I could get them in the ride as well!

"While I can't promise you anything, if my elders won't be tempted to come, you can surely count on my presence at the auction. As for whether this gift could garner the goodwill of the entire sect…"

After a moment of thought, Neterian finally spoked up, ending on a rather hesitant note. Just as I was about to receive his refusal, he surprised me once again today!

"... are you serious? This kind of sword can be considered one of the greatest treasures of the sect! While I would love to keep it, I'm sure that the sect leader herself will snatch it for herself! While I can't say outright how it will end for you, you don't need to worry about our sect trying to mess up your plans!"