Free Web NovelChapter 292: Southern Continent [1]
Just as Lucas returned to the Northern Continent with the additional force, he immediately went to introduce everyone to those he fully trusted. He then gave them equal duty and power, so that no one would stand above each other. Furthermore, he noticed how obedient they were, which made him relieved and complacent.
The next morning, he set out on a journey. He had no time to waste since every moment was crucial for him. Even though he wasn’t really quick, the mindset he had would be helpful for him since it was motivated and focused on his purpose.
He flew the skies since he hadn’t been to the Southern Continent. He also had to be extra careful with the presence he emitted, since he didn’t know what kind of divine beast was protecting the continent. However, he should not overburden himself by remaining silent to the point where they are less likely to notice him. Although he had to go in stealthily, creating a path for introduction would be useful at some point.
’If I introduce myself without being suspicious to them, they might not believe me. If I face them without hiding their defense, which was the swamp, they might be threatened by me and attack me without giving me time to explain my business here. Unnecessary fights are useless, I should be noticed when I fully arrive near their leader or leaders so that the process of meeting them will be short.’
Shortly, Lucas arrived at the swamps. It was massive. Nevertheless, he passed through it in the sky as he had been flying earlier. He had also noticed the red sky earlier but had dismissed it as some action of the Southern Continent.
Different monsters lurked in the swamp. Because it was uncultivated land and water, crocodile-like monsters and others were more prevalent. He simply gazed at them, peeked at their cultivation, and concluded that it was a good defense.
He also noticed some cultivators camping, as if they were appointed to secure the area.
’Their defense is not a joke. They might have learned something from the previous war.’ Lucas thought, then continued. ’Not only the swamp was a good distraction for a group that chose to go by land, and the monsters were also an added challenge to the suffering they might get. Furthermore, there were attackers in their respective posts who could easily attack the trespasser.’
However, there was one thing Lucas was curious about. If, by chance, a trespasser went by the sky, how would they protect their land?
And that question was already answered as he passed through the swamp. He sensed a grand array formation that might block his entrance to the continent. Just as he looked at it, he realized putting it down would alarm them. Hence, there was only one thing he could do: learn the condition of the array formation.
’This would take time...’
To learn the condition of a protective array formation, to be exempted from its purpose would take time and profundity. However, Lucas had them. He was profound, and he could handle time since he was already all-knowing in array.
"Spells and array formations are alike, as I always thought," he mumbled, then finally passed through the protective array formation after some sways of his hands.
Fortunately, Lucas had already imprinted additional characters that could make him exempt, which worked.
And now that Lucas has finally arrived at the continent, he should experience a few moments. Before stopping to talk to the leader or leaders, he should know what kind of continent the Southern Continent was. He must first comprehend them in order for the deal he proposes to go smoothly.
After a few hours, Lucas went to different places, inspected them, and concluded what he had learned.
Just like other continents, the Southern Continent is composed of cultivators and mortals. Those who had no potential to cultivate became average citizens. They mostly do the labor and other things that didn’t need cultivation or superhuman abilities. The cultivators, on the other hand, were just like mortals; they worked and sometimes had the task of fighting the monsters.
However, sects, families, and organizations were still present. There was still the arrogance of a cultivator in them, and also the privilege one person could get if they belonged to one that was respected. There was nothing different; it was only average, but in a more organized way than the Eastern Continent or the Northern Continent.
Now, what Lucas should have known was about the continent’s regulations. Were there families, sects, or organizations that held authority over the continent? Were they divided and only had a council to make decisions? Such information was crucial; hence, he should have learned it before proceeding with his plan. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
He landed at an inn. As a place where most people visited and also interacted with others. Moreover, he cast an invisible spell as he landed, then went to an alleyway nearest to the inn.
After doing the deed, he scuttled and went inside the inn. He looked in every direction before going to the counter.
"Excuse me, what kind of currency do you use?" Lucas asked.
It was an absurd question, he should not be worried since the money the Eastern Continent used and the Southern’s were the same. He should know what their currency was called.
"Huh? Are you stupid?"
"No need to insult me, I do really get that a lot since I always forget the name of the currency."
"It is Jin Coins." The innkeeper sighed and lowered his head. "I apologize if I offended you. I was just stressed. This day had been too stressful for me since people were visiting the inn nonstop."
Lucas then asked, "Why? I mean, is there any occasion or event?"
"It is because of the red sky. Mercenaries and hunters from different provinces had visited the capital to apply for the expedition team. I don’t know what the purpose of their expedition is or where they will be going since there wasn’t enough information posted. Just the payment was posted."
Lucas paused. What about that? The red sky wasn’t normal, and the Southern Continent was acting.
"Ah... where was the announcement posted?"
***
Standing with the crowd, Lucas read the contents of the announcement on the bulletin board. And as he read it, he couldn’t help but be silent. What he just read was confusing at some point.
’The red sky could bring calamity to the continent, so the 11 Elders are preparing the expedition team to set out on a journey to the Great Ming Mountain to learn about the red sky. Even though it wasn’t sure if it was the destination, it was better than to leave it blank.’
Hence, what Lucas just read contradicted what the innkeeper said. This one might be an updated one.
’100 people would be recruited once the examination occurs. Furthermore, the employer would be the Giant Tower, the 11 Elders.’
Now that he thought of it, the possible leaders of the Southern Continent were the 11 Elders. They might also be called the Giant Tower, or it could be the name of the place where they reside.
Lucas then went to ask some person without showing any hints that he was indeed ignorant. After some talking and a few moments, he was now certain that the 11 Elders were residing in a location known as Giant Tower, which was located in the heart of the continent.
Now, going back to the announcement, this could be a way for him to enter their ranks. Even though it was an already used method, it could still be useful since he couldn’t think of any way to approach the 11 Elders. And, he had no other way to learn each of them and to have some communication with them as well.
’Right now, what I should learn is the red sky. It could be the bridge that allows me to communicate with them without fear of being hostile to each other.’
"Are you thinking of joining the expedition team?"
Lucas was taken aback as someone spoke beside him. It was an old man, a mortal one to be precise. He seemed to be focused on looking at the bulletin board when he spoke.
The old man didn’t have anything suspicious or mysterious about him, which Lucas just nonchalantly ignored and answered his question.
"I am. Why do you ask, sir?"
"Hoho... You are a polite one, and a cultivator, young man."
"My parents took care of raising me as one."
"Hoho... Well, I might say that you have a small chance of applying. A thousand people had already signed up their applications for this expedition, and probably a hundred of them had already reached the standards that the 11 Elders’ have."
Lucas smiled, then shook his head. "The examination still has not started. We cannot say a thing about the results."
The old man then looked at Lucas with a mysterious gaze. He chuckled and said, "You are right. I apologize for being too negative about your dream. But, instead of wasting your time applying for the expedition for the red sky, I encourage you to search for better things to do. That red sky is not harmful."
