Chapter 26: I'll Find a Way

Iwao remained silent. From Rana's words, it was easy to tell that she held a great deal of respect and admiration for her grandfather. Even though they both called him "gaffer" or "Adino," perhaps that was their way of interacting. Iwao couldn't understand why his grandfather acted that way. Five years ago, when he was around twelve or thirteen, his grandfather had "faked his death" and left the family. No one knew where he had gone. It wasn't until three years ago that he rushed to the Fiery Fire Sect and became Rana's teacher in the field of Spirit Mark. Then, a year ago, he disappeared again, and no one knew where he had gone. "You'll enter the Fiery Fire Sect as the number one champion of the Great Cyan Empire's arena. According to the rules, you'll become an Outer Sect Disciple. Are you content with that?" Rana asked casually. "I have no complaints," Iwao replied with a smile. "Although I'm only an Outer Sect Disciple now, there's still a chance for advancement." "Not a bad attitude," Lilly remarked, glancing at Iwao, though it wasn't clear if she was praising or mocking him. "What level have you reached in Spirit Mark proficiency?" Iwao couldn't help but ask again. Spirit Marks ranged from the First Level to the Tenth Level, with a transformation occurring beyond the Tenth Level. "I'm only at the Third Level for now," Rana replied, slowly shifting her gaze away and looking outside the carriage, her eyes growing even lazily as if she didn't care about anything. "Third Level!" Iwao was amazed. A Third Level Spirit Mark Master was already highly skilled. At least in the Land of the Five Kingdoms, few could compare to her. Unexpectedly, not only was she the top talent of the Land of the Five Kingdoms, but her proficiency in Spirit Marks was also extraordinary. Whenever he thought about this, Iwao felt a bit frustrated. Since Adino was so skilled, why didn't he teach Iwao Spirit Mark in the first place? After all, learning more skills wouldn't hurt. If he had also learned Spirit Mark, perhaps his achievements wouldn't be inferior to Rana's now. Of course, that was just wishful thinking. "Iwao, now that you're getting started, let me inform you of some things," Magar said as he drove the carriage. "The Land of the Five Kingdoms has a total of seven sects. Our Fiery Fire Sect is undoubtedly the strongest, followed by the Wind Sword Sect. All these seven sects are only third-tier sects, but in the coming year, there will be an opportunity to compete for a spot in a second-tier sect, which is the goal of all sects." Iwao nodded. Even though they were only third-tier sects, they were already dominant forces. As for the opportunity to compete for a spot in a second-tier sect in the future, if they could seize it, their status would be even higher. To completely unify the Land of the Five Kingdoms! And so, the group continued their journey towards the Fiery Fire Sect in two carriages. The Fiery Fire Sect was located in the center of the Land of the Five Kingdoms, bordering the Great Cyan Empire and the Syton Kingdom. The Land of the Five Kingdoms spanned vast territories, with some regions having unique sects, and the Fiery Fire Sect stood out as one of the most prominent among them! After a day's journey, the carriages entered Fiery Fire City. Near the Fiery Fire Sect were several cities, with Fiery Fire City being the largest among them. In Fiery Fire City, it was common to find independent cultivators or disciples of sects residing there. Some young people lived in the city long-term, taking the sect exams every year. While determination was crucial, if their talent was lacking, they couldn't make it into the sect no matter how hard they tried. Fiery Fire City was bustling, surpassing even the Imperial City of the Great Cyan Empire. As the carriage bearing the Fiery Fire Sect emblem passed by, many independent cultivators on the streets looked on with envy. Built against the mountains, Fiery Fire City had a separate area reserved for the Fiery Fire Sect. At the end of the main street, a road paved with white jade came into view, adorned with numerous black jade pillars. Ahead stood the grand entrance of the Fiery Fire Sect—a majestic gate in crimson, with two flames burning fiercely above it. A stone stele in front bore the words "Fiery Fire Sect" engraved. The carriage stopped in front of the gate. Rana put away her wine gourd and stepped out of the carriage. After taking a few steps forward, she seemed to recall something and turned back, her pretty face calm. "I'll find a way to help you with your influenza," she said, addressing Tammy. Tammy was taken aback. She hadn't spoken much during the journey, so she hadn't expected Rana to offer to help her with her influenza before leaving. "Th-thank you," Tammy replied softly, lowering her head. Although she was as beautiful as Rana, she lacked the latter's demeanor. Rana had delicate features and a demeanor that seemed indifferent and lazy as if she didn't care about anything. The most striking aspect was her eyes, containing an indescribable sense of mystery and depth. Iwao was also surprised. "How did you know my sister had influenza?" He had indeed wanted to ask for help, but the problem was he hadn't even spoken yet, and Rana already knew! "Adino told me," Rana said, turning to walk into the sect. "Senior," some disciples on either side of the sect greeted respectfully. Rana held a transcendent status in the Fiery Fire Sect. Although she was young, her extraordinary talent warranted such respect. "Miss, how many times should the bell ring later?" Lilly caught up and asked. "Normally, for an Outer Sect Disciple, one bell is enough as a formality. But considering his talent, even directly entering the Inner Sect would be more than sufficient. Inner Sect Disciples are determined by talent, and the bell rings two to four times. But..." she paused, unsure. "Let it ring five times," Rana said without turning back, her voice indifferent. Lilly was momentarily stunned. Five times? But since Rana had said so, she could only obey. Watching Rana's departing figure, Iwao pondered, "It seems my grandfather's relationship with her must be significant, or else she wouldn't have offered to help my sister with her influenza." However, he still couldn't understand why his grandfather hadn't intervened personally. "With the skills of a Spirit Mark Master like Rana, driving away influenza should have been easy, right?" In the end, Iwao could only shake his head in resignation. His grandfather's actions remained perplexing, but there must have been a reason behind them. Iwao carried Tammy and followed Magar into the sect. Once inside, Magar addressed the disciple guarding the gate, "He's the champion of the Great Cyan Empire arena. When the bell rings, it signifies welcome!" The guard looked hesitant. "Elder Sexton, Elder Larson has already given orders..." "Oh, then let's go with what she said," Magar replied, not dwelling on it. Lilly's full name was Lilly Larson. She used to be Rana's mother's handmaiden and had been by Rana's side since birth. Lilly was strong and didn't mince her words with anyone. Doom! Suddenly, a bell rang within the sect! It was ancient and melodious! Then another followed! Doom! Doom! Doom! Doom! There were four... Five in a row! The bell rang... five times!