These four major factions were the Blissful Immortal Garden, the Upper Mound Commerce Association, the Life-Ending Society, and the Hezhen Society, to which Chu Mo belonged.
Yuan Bai said, "The Blissful Immortal Garden indulges in dual cultivation and harvesting others to replenish themselves, drowning in the ebb and flow of the sea of desire. Most within it are cultivation cauldrons for others; few are the cauldron masters.
The Life-Ending Society delights in killing. Its methods are brutal, taking slaughter as pleasure and destruction as its path. As for the Upper Mound Commerce Association, Youxuan, you have experienced its ways firsthand. It specializes in lending at usurious rates and bleeding people dry, profiting at others' expense."
"As for our Hezhen Society," Yuan Bai's expression turned solemn, "our fellow members all uphold the ancestral master's teachings, working diligently in the myriad arts and paths, striving ever for greater mastery.
All we seek is to fathom the principles of creation, protect our Dao Path through our skills, and pass down our legacy with an artisan's devotion."
Somewhat puzzled, Chu Mo asked, "Senior Brother, what does any of this have to do with the Profound Sun Realm?"
Yuan Bai smiled faintly and explained, "By the sect's usual practice, control over a small world we have gained an initial hold on is generally entrusted to one faction.
The Profound Sun Realm is different. Traces of a 'method' lie within it, giving it extraordinary significance and drawing the attention of several Golden Core True Persons in the sect."
He continued, "Thus, the factions have agreed to hold a contest in one of the sect's grotto-heavens. Each faction will organize its Foundation Establishment disciples to participate, determining who will control this realm in the future."
"A contest?" Chu Mo raised his brows in surprise. "We actually need