The group followed the disciple of the Ancient Forest Sect along floating paths of living wood. The floor seed to breathe slightly beneath their feet, pulsing with ancient and dense Qi. Suspended bridges swayed gently in the wind, connecting gigantic platforms that orbited the central Ancestral Tree.
They climbed higher and higher.
After almost twenty minutes of walking, the disciple stopped in front of an enormous secondary tree, almost as impressive as the main one. Its trunk had more than three hundred ters in diater, with branches as thick as towers extending outward, supporting elegant constructions of wood and green crystal. Glowing formations covered the bark, maintaining balance and stability.
"This is the Verdant Sword Tree, designated for your domain." Said the young man at the peak of the Core Formation with a neutral, almost bored tone.
"Each minor domain receives a tree as accommodation during the Gathering. You are allowed to circulate freely throughout the city, but avoid restricted areas marked with seals. The opening ceremony will take place in a month, at dawn, on the Central Plateau."
Feng Yuan nodded, showing no emotion.
"Thank you for the courtesy."
The disciple gave a shallow bow and left with his companions, disappearing among the floating bridges.
As soon as they were alone, the group entered the tree through a large natural door ford by the wood itself. The interior was impressive. A vast central hall opened before them, illuminated by luminous crystals embedded in the walls. The air slled of ancient wood, fresh resin, and pure Qi. Spiral staircases climbed along the inner trunks, leading to dozens of rooms distributed among the branches.
"Each of you choose a room." Said Feng Yuan.
"Rest."
Kyrian calmly climbed one of the staircases. The living wood floor was soft and warm under his feet. He chose a room on the third floor, with a wide window overlooking the floating city. The room was simple but refined. A bed of spiritual wood, a ditation table, a small bathroom with running spiritual water, and a private balcony suspended over the void.
He looked carefully at the room and then left to explore the rest of the tree.
Mo Tianhai was already walking through the corridors with curiosity, knocking on the walls as if testing their resistance.
"This is insane... the whole tree feels alive. I can feel the Qi flowing as if it were a living being."
Long Xue observed everything with wide eyes, lightly touching the glowing crystals. Mo Xia chose a room near her brother’s. Shen Yu and Wu Jian occupied rooms on the lower floor, closer to the main hall. i Ran stayed on the highest floor, beside Feng Yuan.
After half an hour of exploring, the group gathered again in the central hall. Feng Yuan gave a few quick instructions about schedules and rules of the Gathering, then withdrew to his room. i Ran did the sa.
Kyrian was about to return to his room when Mo Tianhai approached, with an excited smile on his face.
"Hey, Kyrian. You’re not going to lock yourself in your room again, are you? We’re in a giant floating city, full of things we’ve never seen. Let’s go take a look?"
Kyrian thought for a second. He really had nothing to do at the mont. His mind was rested after the long journey, and curiosity about the Ancient Forest Domain was also bothering him slightly. Exploring the environnt could be useful to better understand the place where they would fight.
"Alright." He replied simply.
Mo Tianhai broke into a wide smile.
"Great! Let’s go."
The two left the Verdant Sword Tree and descended along the suspended bridges. The city was a living spectacle. Floating platforms of different sizes drifted slowly through the air, carrying rchants, disciples, and dosticated beasts. Shops sold everything. Rare herbs, spiritual weapons, pelts of ancient beasts, and even luminous fruits that floated on their own.
The air was dense, almost sweet, filled with Qi so pure that even breathing gave a slight sensation of strengthening.
They walked without a defined destination. Mo Tianhai talked the entire ti, comnting on everything he saw.
"Look at that crystal! It must be worth a fortune... And that beast over there, it looks like a wooden dragon. Do they sell those?"
Kyrian listened in silence, but his eyes recorded everything. He observed the disciples from other domains, so with oppressive auras, others with luxurious uniforms embroidered with flaming or shadowy symbols. So looked at them with curiosity, others with clear disdain upon seeing the simple robes of the Verdant Sword Sect.
At one point, they stopped in a large floating square where several youths trained openly. A group from the Blazing Sword practiced strikes filled with red flas, while another from the Celestial Clouds floated in the air, executing light and graceful movents.
Mo Tianhai crossed his arms, analyzing.
"They’re strong... but nothing we can’t face."
Kyrian did not respond. He simply observed. His special eyes captured the flows of Qi, the intentions behind the strikes, and the subtle weaknesses. He morized everything.
They continued walking. They bought so sweet spiritual fruits from a street vendor and stopped on a high bridge to observe the Central Plateau in the distance. The enormous floating stage was already being prepared, with gigantic formations being activated by elders of the Ancient Forest Sect.
"Looks like the Gathering is going to be intense." Murmured Mo Tianhai, biting into a fruit.
Kyrian nodded.
"It will."
They stayed there for so ti, in silence. For the first ti in weeks, Kyrian felt sothing close to tranquility. The city was grand, full of dangers and opportunities, but he did not feel anxious. Only his usual cold calm.
When the sun began to set, painting the sky in orange and purple, the two returned to the Verdant Sword Tree.
Mo Tianhai gave Kyrian a light slap on the shoulder before they entered.
"Thanks for coming. It was good to get out a bit."
Kyrian simply nodded.
Back in his room, he sat on the balcony, looking at the city now glowing with thousands of spiritual lights. The gentle wind swayed the branches of the tree. He closed his eyes and regulated his breathing.
Soon, the Domain Gathering would begin. And he was ready.
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