7 Floating Cloud Sec

A month had long passed since Silver started living in White Lotus City. During that time, there was a rumor of a mysterious array master residing in the city.

An extreme-tier qi gathering array appeared as the final item shown in the Gold Spring Merchant Association auction. Chaos ensued from the mysterious super sects to obtain the precious array. Rarely did they bid during the auctions but they usually lounged around to see any items worth purchasing.

The final bid came from the number 1 powerful super sect, Nine Heavens Dragon Sect. They spent a whopping 285 millions sols for the Qi Gathering Array!

Immediately, after winning the extreme tier array, the Nine Heaven Dragon Sect including other well known super sects and large sects scattered in search of this mysterious "Master Void".

They even dared an attempt to pry such secret information from Manager Poe with numerous bribes. Despite their bribes, Manager Poe rejected their offers and only showed his usual smile.They couldn't resort to threats due to past events!

No sects, including the super sects, were willing to offend an entity like Gold Spring Merchant Association. An arrogant and powerful sect from another continent once destroyed a shop of theirs. They looted everything in sight and boasted their strength over the 9 continents.

Within an hour of such distasteful boasting, they were eradicated from existence. Even the disciples that didn't partake in the crime had perished along them.

An extremely well known super sect, including their land, wiped clean from the face of the continent. Since the incident, no sect would dare to offend the association and those working under them.

With such rumors floating about, many speculated that an old array master made an outstanding breakthrough in the field of Arrays somewhere hidden in seclusion within White Lotus City.

The theory was well received due to the eccentric natures of such array masters, since they always isolated themselves. Arrays were common as radishes, yet an accomplishment like the extreme tier Qi Gather Array were akin to a chance to win the lottery.

But this rumor was the least of 'Master Void' concerns as he open the doors of a shop.

Silver stepped into the shop and greeted Fei sitting at her desk. After a speaking a few words, Fei nodded in acknowledgment and brought him into Manager Poe's office. After finishing her task, she went back downstairs to continue her work at the shop's front.

Silver sat down in front ofManager Poe's desk as he turned around with a bright smile. If another individual who knew Manager Poe saw that smile, they would instantly swear silently at him to death.

"Ah, Brother, I see you finally came! A storm of rumors and commotions came from your alias, 'Master Void'. Even the city quakes in your foggy mystery," Brother Poe exaggerated bringing out a tea set.

He began pouring the warm tea slowly into the teacup, gesturing him to try the tea since it was another of his prized possessions.

"I didn't expect such an outcome, I'm lucky to have a brother like you," Silver replied taking a small sip. He showed a slight smile, enjoying the aroma and the simple yet deep flavor of the tea.

"This tea is rather exquisite, which individual did you scam this from?"

"I did not scam! It's merely a "fair" trade. It's called Dew Petal Tea. The petals must be steeped in warm water at the first sign of dew plucked from the flower itself. It's really hard to calculate and adjust the brew correctly. Guessing from the tea's relaxing aroma, I've finally perfected it," chorused Brother Poe sipping the tea with grace and glee.

"I'm sure you came here for the money? Where have you been?"

"I did come for the money but I do have matters to ask of you," Silver answered avoiding the second question.

"Is there a sect that focus on all aspect but not to demanding? And what of their library?"

"Hmmm... there is a few but why do you ask?" Brother Poe probed as he listed the sects with light demands and well-rounded knowledge.

"Well, I'm currently trying to break through in my array research, so I need a few books and study different arrays that would possibly enlighten me," Silver spoke half truthfully.

What he really need is more information of the King's Mark and other possible realms. He could only get such clues and possible resources if he were to join a reputable sect but little demands from the disciples.

"I know of a few but you need to pass a few criteria that the sect's have set up. Applying to them isn't easy but I can think of one sect. Floating Cloud Sect is the lowest of the 6 super sects, their battle prowess are lacking but they are generally made of the 6 factions within," Manager Poe explained with a pensive expression.

"They focus on the future of the city, albeit the weakest, they have the best talents in Alchemy, Formations, Inscriptions, Blacksmith, Talisman and Divinity. They're extremely known for their teaching in taking it slow and building a stable foundation. This sect, I truly recommended, without them, the recent assault several yearsago would've really devastated us.

Two thirds of the city's array master that ensure the arrays are functional are from there. They eve supply many healing pills, ailments, and other resources to aid the younger generation. Even our association felt respect towards them and gave them an extreme honorary 10% discount for materials."

"In time of need, even the most shrewd, would join and battle for their city, their birthplace and home. I truly admire such characteristics from this Floating Cloud Sect!" replied Silver deciding with a great passion welling inside.

Before this place, he too, was a disciple of a great sect. Despite their internal struggles, when an enemy attacked, they banded together with absolute loyalty and fought back.

Nothing can erase the indebted feelings to their masters, friends, family, parental figures and a place they call home.

"What are the criteria to enter the sect?"

"Well, anyone can join as long as they are at 2nd stage of internal realm, have basic knowledge of any of the 6 factions mentioned, and passed the 4 test assessing their talents," Brother Poe recalled.

"I believe the first test is to prove you're in internal realm. What comes after is a written exam testing your knowledge of the faction you're applying to. Right after is an illusion test to examine your will and intelligence, and the final exam is a mystery. But I have to warn you, their exams is strict and difficult. If you fail, you can't retake for another 2 years. Although they are weakest, they are the strictest when accepting disciples. They're basically riding on and backing up their reputation!"

"Thank you for your informational feedback brother, I will be applying to the Floating Cloud Sect then. The money from the auction, I would like to use them find these items" Silver mused as he handed over a rolled up piece of bamboo paper.

"I hope you can or at least find and gather most of these items for me."

Taking the list, Manager Poe nodded and read through the items listed.

"Most of these items are quite easy to gather, the last 18, with my resources I can get all but one" Brother Poe assured.

"The Stone of Emptiness is accessible but extremely hard to mine. The amount you need is rather high but it may take about 3 weeks to gather 100 kg of it. From the 285 million sols, based on the auction fee, your discount and the rest will be used to gather the materials you need. There is 72 million sols left in total."

"Thank you brother Poe, I will be back in 3 weeks time," nodded Silver gathering the sols into his VVIP card. He got up and said his goodbyes, walking out the shop as Manager Poe also left to find the items listed for Silver.

'Hopefully everything will be in order, I need to reform my body before the King's Realm, or I'll be stuck in the Origin Realm longer than needed,' Silver pondering over today's recent development.

Looking up, he began strolling down the streets, heading to the weakest yet strictest sect.

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I only made some minor changes in this chapter~