Chapter 18: Reliance Sect

Chapter 18 - Reliance Sect The Reliance Sect. Nestled deep within the cradle of ancient forest and mist-wreathed peaks, the sect's name evoked little pride in most cultivators. A third-rate sect by most standards, it was more often mentioned in ridicule than reverence. Yet to Hei Long, standing at the base of its massive, vine-wrapped stone staircase, it held a peculiar appeal. After all... A certain person was here... Who would lead this very sect to the top... Hands clasped behind his back, Hei Long tilted his head up, gazing at the endless steps that spiraled up the mountain like a coiled dragon. Moss had claimed the edges, birds flitted in the trees, and the occasional cultivator zipped past in the air, trailing robes and spirit energy behind them. Some flew overhead on swords, others on spirit beasts or artifacts. Most paid no mind to him. Hei Long started walking. Each step echoed faintly against the stone. He glanced around with curiosity, taking in the simple, worn banners that fluttered lazily near the top. There were no grand statues, no ornate gates. It was humble. At the summit, just before the arched entrance to the sect proper, a sharp voice rang out: "Stop right there!" Hei Long slowed, lifting a brow— A young man in dark blue robes stepped in front of him, hand outstretched in a commanding gesture. His hair was tied in a high ponytail, and an iron badge rested on his chest — the symbol of the Punishment Hall. Hei Long pointed at himself, as if unsure. "Me?" He looked around innocently, feigning confusion, then fixed his gaze forward: "You're serious?" The Punishment Hall disciple crossed his arms, eyes narrowing with suspicion: "Dead serious. Who are you, and what's your business with the Reliance Sect?" Hei Long blinked, as if the answer was obvious. "I've come to join." There was a pause. Then came the deadpan reply, voice dry with disbelief. "You... want to join this sect?" Hei Long grinned, showing white teeth. "Why not?" The young man looked him up and down, mouth twitching: "You've got the confidence, I'll give you that. But this is a third-rate sect. Full of washouts and weirdos. You sure you didn't take a wrong turn somewhere?" Hei Long's smile didn't fade. "Sounds like my kind of people." Before the young man could snort in response, a blur of motion shot between them like a whipcrack. SMACK! The Punishment Hall disciple let out a sharp grunt as he was effortlessly swatted to the side like a fly, his body hurtling several meters before crashing against a boulder with a dull thud. Dust and leaves fluttered in the air as he groaned from the ground, stunned. A young woman now stood where he once did. Tall and graceful, she wore a flowing violet robe that shimmered faintly. Her short hair was a striking shade of plum, cut neatly at her jawline, with angled bangs that framed a face both elegant and sharp. Her light-purple eyes glimmered with faint amusement and patience. She bowed slightly: "Please, forgive my junior brother. His mouth runs faster than his brain. He doesn't know what he's talking about." Hei Long chuckled, unfazed: "That much was obvious." She straightened, her smile gentle but shrewd: "Welcome to the Reliance Sect. We may be small, but we are sincere. If you truly wish to join, I'll be happy to show you around myself." From the side, a pained groan rose. "Big Sister..." the young man limped back over, clutching his side: "You're seriously trying to recruit him?" She ignored him completely. "Come," she said, gesturing toward the courtyard beyond the gate: "The sect may lack prestige, but we take pride in our freedom. No rigid hierarchies, no soul contracts, and no elders breathing down your neck. If you're strong enough to stand, you're welcome here." Hei Long tilted his head, amused. "No rules? Sounds dangerously appealing." She grinned. "Only one rule: Don't bore me." Hei Long laughed under his breath. "I think we'll get along just fine." As they walked through the winding stone paths of the Reliance Sect— Hei Long's expression remained unreadable. He took in the scenery — modest pavilions, a few faded banners fluttering in the breeze, training disciples sparring on cracked tiles — but his mind was elsewhere. He already knew who this young woman was— The one showing him around. Yue Yu. She walked a step ahead of him, pointing out various parts of the sect like a courteous host. Her voice was soft and pleasant, like a stream flowing over polished stones. But Hei Long wasn't listening. Not really. In another life — or rather, in the life that this world had written for her — Yue Yu was nothing more than a stepping stone. Not a heroine. Not a villainess. Just another name meant to be discarded. In the harem novel: Yue Yu would make the protagonist fall for her, draw him in with that delicate charm of hers. They'd train together, share meals, maybe even exchange a few heartwarming conversations under the moonlight. Then she'd betray him. Classic cultivation... Yue Yu would steal the spirit stones he worked tirelessly to gather. Leave him bleeding and broken... Of course, her betrayal wouldn't lead to much. She'd be exposed not long after. Cast out of the Reliance Sect. No allies. No power. Wandering the forest alone, until a demonic beast — tore her to pieces. It was pathetic, really. Hei Long glanced at her as she turned slightly, her voice still airy and bright as she pointed out some garden used by the alchemy hall. He didn't even pretend to care. 'I'm not here to save you,' Hei Long thought, coldly. 'But you'll be a great sex slave. Pleasuring me and doing some tasks is a nice life to have.' "Are you even listening?" Yue Yu asked suddenly, tilting her head with a hint of suspicion. Her light-purple eyes narrowed as she stopped in her tracks and looked up at him. Hei Long blinked, then gave a small shake of his head. "To be honest? No." There was a pause. Then Yue Yu laughed — light and amused — covering her mouth with her sleeve as her shoulders shook: "Wow. Just like that? You're actually being honest?" Hei Long shrugged, letting a small smirk tug at his lips. "Lying wastes energy." "Well, I like that," she said, turning around again and continuing forward. Her steps had a subtle bounce to them now: "Most of the new guys who come here pretend to be all noble and quiet. It's exhausting." Hei Long followed, his pace slow and measured: "I'd appreciate it if you could take me to your Sect Leader. I'd like to formally join as soon as possible." "Oh? So you're serious." Yue Yu glanced over her shoulder, raising a brow: "That's surprising. We haven't had anyone seriously try to join in... I don't even know how long. Besides that one weird guy..." She snapped her fingers: "What was his name again? Lin... Lin Fan!" Hei Long's expression turned sadistic at hearing the name. Yue Yu rolled her eyes playfully: "That guy just joined a little bit ago and he's already trying to flirt with every girl in the sect. Can you believe he even hit on me?" Hei Long gave a dry scoff. "He must be desperate." "Right?" Yue Yu said, laughing again: "He even tried the 'my cultivation technique is lonely' excuse. Like, seriously? Who falls for that anymore?" "And what did you say to him?" Hei Long asked, amused. "Hm? Oh, I told him to go flirt with the pigs in the forest. They're less likely to fall for it, but more likely to enjoy his company." Hei Long actually chuckled at that. "Careful," Yue Yu said with a teasing smile: "If you keep laughing like that, I might think you're actually enjoying my company." "I enjoy the quiet," Hei Long replied calmly: "You just happen to be here." "Ouch," Yue Yu grinned, hand over her heart like she was wounded: "I'm going to pretend that didn't sting." As they passed through a shaded bamboo corridor— Yue Yu suddenly slowed. Her voice grew a little more thoughtful: "Still... if you really want to join, the Sect Leader will probably ask for a small demonstration. Nothing too crazy. She's mostly concerned with whether you'll cause trouble." Hei Long's eyes flashed. "And what if I do?" Yue Yu smiled, her gaze flickering back to him: "Then make sure it's the kind of trouble worth remembering."