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"My old sect, the Dark Shadow Sect, was completely annihilated by that monster... He's one of the most dangerous Immortal Beasts in Murim. And the Murim Alliance does nothing about him because he mostly roams the Thousand Mountains," Elder Wu explained.
"Another Calamity, huh? Sounds interesting," Partner said. "Are there more for us to hunt?"
"There are quite a few. Calamities aren't as rare in this world as you might think. Sotis, they even force the Murim Alliance and the Demonic Cults to join forces," Elder Wu continued. "From what I rember, the Azure Qilin Sovereign, the Heavenly Red Tiger, and the Abyssal Tomb Tortoise are among the known Calamities roaming our world—each in a different region."
"You've got four Calamities and you're all still standing?" Alma asked, surprised.
"Murim is a vast world unlike any other!" Elder Wu said proudly. "Above all, we are born and raised to fight and survive. This is a world of warriors and immortals, young lady. Sure, we have our differences—and honestly, we try to kill each other almost every day—but I'm proud to say Murim can take care of itself."
"Even though you're on Floor 40? That's not as high as the others..." Partner pointed out.
"That's because our floor ranking has dropped... well, we've been unable to defeat the current Calamities," Elder Wu sighed. "But that's beside the point, young lady."
"Alright, Wu, enough prattle. Can you tell us what that city is over there, the one we saw through the mist?" Maria asked, pointing into the distance. "We want to find a good inn, try the food of Murim, and then get so sleep."
"A city in the mist?" Elder Wu echoed. "Ah, yes. That must be Kunlun City. It's owned and managed by the Murim Alliance and the White Mist Sect. They're known for their neutral stance within the Thousand Mountains. You're in luck—it's a decent place to rest."
"Alright, let's go then," Maria nodded.
The group began making their way toward the city, but the white mist constantly tried to lead them astray.
"What's with this annoying mist?" Partner grumbled.
"It's a Protection Array designed to stop intruders from entering the city from the sky or from behind," Elder Wu explained. "You're supposed to enter through the gate at the base of the mountain..."
"We don't have ti for that, Wu!" Maria said, clapping her hands.
FLASH!
A shockwave of energy burst from her clap, and the mist suddenly dissipated. Cracks ford in the formation. Maria flew into the city, with the others following behind, landing in the middle of the city square. The commotion quickly escalated as people gathered around, staring at them in awe.
Most of the onlookers appeared Chinese or Korean. No westerners were in sight, aside from the occasional Player—but they never stayed long.
"Who are those people?!"
"It's a huge group!"
"Invaders?! Demonic Cultivators!"
"How did they break through the Protection Array?!"
"Where are the soldiers when you need them?!"
"Can't a Player do sothing?!"
As Maria tried to apologize for the disturbance, over ten Martial Artists stepped forward, pointing their spears at her throat. They appeared to be the city's guards or warriors tasked with maintaining order.
"Don't move, intruders!"
"You think you can just walk into a Murim Alliance-controlled city?!"
"You must have a death wish!"
"Do we even look like we're from your world, you idiot?" Partner groaned, kicking one of the spears aside. "We're Players who just arrived!"
"Is this how you treat tourists? What terrible hospitality," Maria added.
"Well, you're the one who destroyed our formation to enter from the sky!"
"Can you bla us for being alard?"
"You may be Players, but I see so locals among you."
"Who knows? Maybe you're here to destroy our sect!"
The soldiers were tense, eyeing Maria's group with suspicion. Sweat beaded on their brows. They had only felt a fraction of the group's power, but it was enough to know these people were not ordinary.
A group of this size and strength could cause serious chaos if they intended to attack. Even if the soldiers managed to suppress them, they knew so of their own would die in the process.
And if they failed to contain the situation, the punishnt from the White Mist Sect's Elder would be far worse.
Maria was about to slap them aside—she had no patience for this nonsense.
But Elder Wu stepped forward, stopping her before she acted rashly.
"Leave this to , master," he said, turning to the soldiers. "I sincerely apologize for their ignorance, noble soldiers of the White Mist Sect. We ca seeking lodging and food. We're weary from a long journey through the tower and, truthfully, we can barely stand. We are completely at your rcy. As you can see—aside from this reckless youngster—we pose no threat to you, nor do we harbor any killing intent."
"..."
The soldiers exchanged glances, still wary of Maria's group. But they preferred a peaceful resolution over a fight with such a large and unpredictable band of Players—especially ones who had descended from higher floors.
"Lower your weapons, n. That's Elder Wu you're pointing at. He's the Sect Master of the Blood Demon Sect. He could drain the blood from your bodies and leave you as dry mummies."
A jovial voice rang out from behind the soldiers. They quickly stepped aside, revealing an old man with a sharp gaze, gray eyes, and a long white beard. His bald head glead under the light. He wore gray and white robes adorned with cloud and mist patterns, and in his right hand, he held a small golden pipe that constantly released smoke.
"Hello, Wu. How are you, old demon?"
"Ahh! I didn't expect to see you here, Yoomyung, my old friend!"
Elder Wu smiled and rushed toward the man, bowing deeply. The old man laughed, taking another puff from his pipe before glancing at Maria and her group.
"Where have you been all this ti, old demon?" Yoomyung asked with a sigh. "I see you've brought quite the party. Who are these young Players?"
"They're good people. They saved our lives," Elder Wu said. "I owe them, so I brought them here to repay the favor."
"Oho, even as a demon, you've always had a very orthodox code," Yoomyung chuckled. "Just like your father."
"A-Ah..." Wu fell silent, and Maria noticed the sadness in his eyes.
She quickly realized that the old man had hidden far more about his past than she had imagined.
"Ahem. Well, I suppose we should move sowhere more private. Too many eyes on us," Yoomyung said, exhaling smoke. "But first, where are my manners? Welco, travelers. This is Kunlun City, ho of the White Mist Sect. I am the Second Elder of the sect. A word of advice—please don't enter our city the way you did. There's an entrance at the base of the mountain. Breaking through a city's formation barrier is considered a declaration of war in most countries..."
He paused, smiling.
"But it's also an incredible display of raw power. Naturally, we were a little on edge. Only a Quasi-Immortal or higher could pull off what you just did, young lady."
"My apologies. We didn't know about the hidden entrance," Maria said. "We were tired and a little desperate. I thought the mist was just... mist—not a formation."
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