Eternal Emerald Dragon

Chapter 526 - 525 - Strange Attitude

The Sylvan Wing appeared over the newly sprawling city.  The city once had a name under the old Warders but Arianna insisted it have a new one.  It marked the passage of the old ways and marked the rise of the new.

Saisei City now had fully mapped out streets, quarters, and everything a metropolis would need.  Cultivators already had set up stalls for their wares and the once bursting taverns and inns were making excellent business.

The high security areas for the mansions, courtyards, and so forth were done long ago but the interiors were still being worked on.  The same with the massive arena where the competition would be held.  It had filled out inside to the point resources could be stored there but the seating and VIP areas were still under construction.

There were also the many formations and protections being worked on for when the competition occurred.  The envoys were able to view it with their personal displays setup in their cabins.

The ship was stunning in its abilities but a few of the sharp eyed Sky Realms noticed the weavings that made it all possible. The sigils were not hidden entirely as they were needed to allow them to use some functions.

It told them one of the professions needed was clearly under the purview of Moebius Sect.  While the lower branch had been testing disciples, weavers were very rare.

The Floating Isles were only abundant because the original village on Yinande had been training them even while stuck at tier 3 of the Sky Realm.

They looked at the massive city in awe as they knew it had only been started 5 years ago yet it was already functional.

The walls had only started to be erected in various areas but there was none around the city.  Were they not worried about attacks or beasts?

Kexin guided the vessel to a landing area by the Moebius Sect area.  The massive complex took up most of the area to the north of the arena but few argued its need for size as they saw massive aether beasts moving around.

"I feel the need to remind you all.  The aether beasts you see are disciples of the Moebius Sect.  They are neither servants nor beasts of burden.  Do not think of them as you would the beasts from the lower world."  Many nodded but a few humans frowned at such words.

Still, they were guests so they followed their hosts' rules.

Once they emerged, they realized the ship had allowed them to acclimate to the higher density Qi of Saisei City.  Compared to where they ascended, they were on a much more powerful island but the trip let them easily move around without having to adjust their cultivation.

They expected to be led to new quarters but were stunned when Lind Frey stood before them!

His dark green eyes and dirty blonde hair was well known but his crimson robes were also a clear homage to his clan.  The golden Moebius strip on his right breast also was clear as being the Sect Master.

While it was odd, it was still in line with his known character to welcome even those well below his status.  His aura was much stronger than senior Kexin, for instance, so they knew he was likely near the peak of the Sky Realm.

Who was next to him was far more shocking.  There were older men and women who experts could identify as higher experts of alchemy, refining, and so forth all round him.

They felt weird as much more powerful cultivators bowed low in greeting them but Lind Frey broke the tension.

"Welcome!  We have much to discuss but first know that before you leave, I will be sharing some discoveries I have made since ascending that I think will help your disciples and promising seeds."  Shock flooded them but Kexin had to suppress the need to laugh.

All Lind was doing was leveling the playing field a bit but only 5 years to comprehend and incorporate them would be asking a lot from anyone.

Still, the group followed Lind to a massive hall near the center of the grounds and all took in the fine stone work lined with profound formations and jewels acting as eyes for them that put them at the peak of Heaven grade 5!

Even their more powerful counterparts showed an approving nod but then odd things happened again.

The more powerful beings politely waved them in and the lower world envoys felt a shiver up their spine as they did not understand why they were being honored so much.

It was not wrong to expect the Floating Isles members to be arrogant, disdainful, and dismissive of them, but instead they seemed happy to see them and very polite!  It felt very strange!

Kexin following behind could almost read their minds but knew the lower powers were unaware of the strategic coup Romana pulled off.  It made all the guilds and other powers much more careful around Lind.

It was clear he would not tolerate anyone working behind his back, or at least that was what the world thought he had done.

Lind had accepted it as it made a lot of headaches vanish.  Romana, however, had not dared to come in range of his senses in the last 5 years.  It showed she was avoiding the inevitable confrontation.

It also gave Kexin pause that if even a Star Tier would be wary of Lind at tier 8, what was he capable of?

The massive hall was created for future meetings but it glowed with golden drapes along the ceiling and peak grade 5 materials making up the chairs and table!

The dark wood seemed to have striations of metal mixed in but all recognized it as pure darkness Qi stone!

It was from the Heaven Realm!  It was known as shade wood due to the fact darkness element cultivators could use it in their armor or weapons but was harder than most metals!

It also could take formation arrays at an extremely high density of Qi compared to other materials.  It was being used as a table spoke volumes of the investment Moebius Sect was putting into the project.

Kexin saw Lind's face schooled to a rather more blank look than normal but knew he had been worked around while he had been creating all the rewards for the current competition.  The builders were trying to impress him but he wanted them to simply stick to his plans!

Still, the impression for the Floating Isles experts was again a master stroke as the chairs were a simpler affair save one.

Lind was clearly counting numbers or some other calming method as an ornate chair of all 6 elements was at the head of the large table.  In fact, it was clear that the chair position was made the center of the arrangement.

The table was essentially a large curved side leading to a flat side that jutted out to the main chair.  Lind swiftly moved in front of it as the rest of the envoys and members moved.

Once more, the Floating Isle powers allowed the lower world to sit near Lind which was yet another effort to clearly show they were willing to meet on fair terms with Lind's expectations.

The meeting began with simple introductions and Kexin moved behind Lind but both knew it would be a long meeting.  Despite all generosity, neither were fooled that the Floating Isles would like what Lind was about to say.

"Now that we are all here, I want to make one thing clear about this competition."  Lind saw all faces turn to him before he spoke next.  "Unless a competitor agrees and their power concedes, there will be no poaching of anyone until that is met."

Grumbling came from the other side of the table but the lower powers clearly favored it.  It was not impossible that there were competitors that could pull the eye of a higher power they wanted to grab for their own.

"Master Frey, while during the competition that is perfectly natural, what happens after is not your business, correct?"  Master Ye was not being difficult, he was honestly asking.  A World Realm could be a very good seedling and stunning results in the competition could prove them worthy of staying in the Floating Isles.

Lind did not even pause.

"I will be clear.  I am issuing the invites to all powers.  All your members will return home to those same powers unharassed.  The Babylon Guild can be appealed to for negotiations but they must be in good faith with all parties involved."  That little addition made several auras flare but no one could deny it was perfectly legal.

It meant the Babylon Guild was behind the rule as well.  The lower world powers were mystified but could see their counterparts were not too upset.

"What if one of them expresses the desire to join us despite their power's objection?"  Lind resisted the urge to punch the demon that asked that question.

"Lord Argus, as I just said, the Babylon Guild will be happy to act as mediator for negotiations.  After this meeting, you are all invited to see their chosen representatives."  The meeting finally moved on but while the rules and prizes barely caused an issue, there was an issue most would not let go of.

"Surely we can reserve VIP seating or have it constructed for us?"  A human male from one of the newer high powers, Ulta Kingdom, spoke up.  The seating was where things began to break down.

Many assumed they would have private box seats, which many did, but others wanted the same treatment.

"As stated, there are those that have invested resources as well and also covered the cost of construction.  On top of that, there are powers that clearly administer all of you.  Are you really going to tell me to go bring their representatives here?"  Lind was reaching the end of his patience.

Some blanched at his words as 3 powers came to mind, one of which was rumored to now follow his sect!

The idiot from Ulta Kingdom did not seem to grasp the area he was stepping into.

"We are a high power, one step below the supreme powers, surely we are strong enough to demand such a concession?"  Not only Master Ye, but the lower powers looked at the man as if he was insane.

Lind suddenly smiled wide and all felt a shiver down their spines.  It was not a smile of warmth or indulgence. It was the smile of death.

"Kexin, inform Queen Yana that we will need a new envoy."  Before anyone could take those words in, an aura slammed into the man and crippled him!  It was not Lind that did it!  It was a Star Tier!

No one felt a thing and had no idea where it came from but then a demoness appeared and all the Floating Isles representatives bolted up and bowed.

"Lady Char, you did not have to do that yourself, but I thank you for your restraint."  Lind bowed to her but she waved him off while ignoring the rest.  The lower powers instantly followed suit to bow.

"His power has done nothing to aid this contest nor have they given any manpower to the Warders.  Pure benefits are fine but know your limits if you do not work for a result."  Many shivered at her cold words but put it to heart.

VIP suites were for those that participated and the supreme powers.  It was much like an auction in that sense so even the others who quietly disagreed no longer entertained any thought of resistance.

The rest of the meeting was very quick after that and the envoys were led to appropriate quarters.  The moment they were back they sternly warned their headquarters not to antagonize Lind Frey during the tournament!

Few could cultivate after that but all got the message.  Nothing is free and rule breakers will be punished!