As they walked toward Flat Sand Prefecture, Zhu Zhongye said with a smile:
"From here, it's about three days on foot to the Vajra Sect."
"I'm sure you've noticed that once you reach roughly Late Core Formation, carriages are practically useless."
"They're too slow. You're better off walking."
"But the Vajra Sect has some beasts that can serve as mounts. If you have the fortune to obtain one, traveling between places will be much faster."
Wan Ling looked interested.
"Mounts? I thought beasts were only good for eating."
"Since we have time, why don't you tell us about the Vajra Sect, Peak Master Zhu?"
Li Jingci nodded as well.
"Our understanding of the Vajra Sect is still quite shallow."
Li Chuan chimed in too.
To him, the Vajra Sect was still little more than a sketch on paper.
He knew only that it was powerful and possessed vast resources.
But he had no clear picture of what it was actually like.
Zhu Zhongye laughed.
"I was just about to."
He rubbed his bushy beard.
"You all know we live in the Liyang Dynasty."
"The Liyang Dynasty is divided into seven provinces. Each is governed jointly by the imperial court and a sect."
"The Vajra Sect is the sole Upper Sect of Flat Sand Prefecture. It has held that commanding position for many years."
At this, Zhu Zhongye grew serious.
"Over the years, countless factions have sent their Heavenly Prodigies there. Many failed to stay, but many others remained."
"Those who stayed often came to hold important posts as elders or stewards."
"You should understand what that means."
Li Chuan nodded.
"The people calling the shots come from different factions. Their interests are tangled together."
Zhu Zhongye gave him an approving look.
"Exactly. And the great families of Flat Sand Prefecture