John raised an eyebrow at Adam's words, as he had not expected the Starforge Clan to be so powerful.
"What's makes them so strong?" John asked. "Is it just the cultivation levels of the strongest members?"
"No, it's not quite that simple," Adam replied while shaking his head. "While the clan does have the council, which is a council of the six strongest Elders, all in the World Expansion Realm, its strength also comes from its position in the formations world. The Starforge Clan is a neutral formations power, and makes some of the best formations throughout this world. As such, almost all other powers, regardless of alliances or races have an amicable relationship with the Starforge Clan. Otherwise, if they were enemies, the clan would not sell them the incredible formations they make, and no one wants that to happen. A lot of their power comes from being financially strong, as they are one of the richest clans on this continent, as well as their friendly connections to most other powers."
John fell into silent contemplation after hearing Adam's words. Adam spoke up after a short moment, breaking the silence.
"That's why I didn't expect to see them here."
"It seems the Honorable Alliance is getting desperate," John finally spoke up.
"How so?" Adam asked curiously.
"You said it yourself. The Starforge Clan is a neutral power, and yet they've been invited to join such an esteemed event reserved only for members of the Honorable Alliance. It seems as though the Honorable Alliance is doing everything they can to raise their power, including trying to cozy up to neutral powers, hoping to change their stances," John explained.
"That's never going to happen, at least as far as the Starforge Clan is concerned," Adam replied dismissively. "The Starforge Clan values money above all, and it would be too costly to take one side and shun the rest. Trust me, I know them better than most," Adam concluded with a self-mocking laugh.
"Well, if that's the case, then the Starforge Clan most likely accepted the offer from the Honorable Alliance with the intention of getting as many benefits as possible, all while having no intention of returning any favors. If that's the case, then that's a relief," John replied.
"Why is that a relief?" Adam asked.
"Because, if Rydan, or Kadin for that matter decide to do something to you, I don't have to worry about cutting them down," John replied. "If they were intending on joining the Alliance, we would have to lay back and not ruin such an opportunity, as it would be a great boon to the Alliance. However, if they are just mooching off the Alliance's good graces, then I won't hesitate to eliminate them if they step out of line," John explained.
"What?" Adam exclaimed. "If you kill Kadin, and the Starforge Clan finds out, they'll demand your execution. Even the Heavenly Lightning Sect wouldn't be able to protect you then!"
"Don't worry about it too much," John replied with a relaxed smile. "I wouldn't be dumb enough to kill the future Clan Leader of such a powerful sect out in public for all to witness."
Adam stared dumbfoundedly at John, before a serious look appeared on his face.
"If it does come to that, just be careful. The Starforge Clan has incredible formations at their disposal, and Kadin especially should be an incredibly formidable opponent. You cannot let your guard down around him, or the other strong members," Adam warned with a serious tone.
"I won't be careless," John replied confidently. "All we can do is hope they keep to themselves, and none of this will be necessary. However, if they do get overzealous, I'm afraid there won't be a good ending for any of them."
Adam stared at John for a while, unable to think of what to say next. To him, the Starforge Clan was an insurmountable mountain, one that would forever press down on him. However, John didn't seem concerned at all, which made Adam worried for him, but also relieved to have such a friend.
The two continued to have some conversations for a while before Adam left, leaving John to focus on cultivation once more. A sinister light flashed in his eyes as Adam left, as the thought of Rydan's threats from earlier in the day echoed in his mind.
"While Kadin may still yet live depending on his actions, I'm afraid your life is already forfeit, Rydan" John uttered softly before closing his eyes and falling into a meditative trance.
…
The next few days passed by quickly, as more and more powers arrived each day. The Disciple District was a hub of excited activity, as the disciples prepared as best they could for the realm opening to come. The markets were flooded with disciples buying powerful weapons, pills, and more, while others decided to relax and unwind in restaurants, sauna's, and with other forms of entertainment.
At the same time, many of the newly arrived disciples ventured over to the Honorable Alliances talent testing steps, taking it for the first time. The Honorable Alliance welcomed all who wanted to take it, as they wanted to identify as many future geniuses as possible.
Tens of thousands of disciples took the tests, and while most floundered, there were still quite a few that made waves with their performances. Many thirteen, fourteen, and even fifteen steps were achieved, shocking the Honorable Alliance world. In fact, there was one disciple who achieved sixteen steps, a fact that nearly sent the other disciples into a frenzy.
Were it not for the previous performances of the Soul-Sage and Asura, the sixteen steps result would have floored all who heard of it. However, sixteen steps was still an incredible achievement, and that disciple was the talk of the city at the moment.
"Tch. I can't believe that bastard Kadin achieved fifteen steps," Adam grumbled as the group walked through a market district.
"What's so impressive about fifteen steps?" John asked, unconcerned by such a fact. "There was that one boy that got sixteen steps."
"You don't understand," Adam replied, his mood sour. "Us formations experts focus on our formations talents, and shun things like combat prowess. There's no way he would have gotten fifteen steps without being ridiculously strong combat wise as well. That level of combat prowess combined with his formation talents…he just might be the strongest person to enter the realm. He's far more terrifying than I initially imagined. I can only imagine how many resources the clan dumped into him to get him to this level."
"Who knows who's the strongest," John replied with a shrug. "The talent testing steps test talent, but not absolute combat strength. We won't know who's the strongest until we enter the realm and find out for ourselves."
"I wonder who that sixteen step youth is," Chase chimed up. "I heard he comes from a rather small power, so his performance was rather unexpected."
"Who knows," Iris replied. "All we know is his name is Parker."
John's steps paused for the briefest of moments before returning to normal. The name reminded him of the traitor of the Fenix Clan, his cousin Parker. The only information John had of him was that he had been sent to the Divine Martial Continent by the Bloodfiend Sect.
Parker was part of the Forbidden Alliance, and so John knew this Parker couldn't be him. However, the name reignited a smoldering fire in his heart, a fire of vengeance. John relaxed himself after a moment and calmed his growing rage, as he would deal with that when he found out where Parker was.
"I just can't wait to enter," Iris replied with great enthusiasm. "I'm sure there's countless treasures hidden from the view of others that I'll be able to unearth."
"Just be sure to stay close to me, so I can partake in the treasure hunting as well," John joked.
"Naturally," Iris replied with a smile. "How else will I ensure that-"
Bong!
Bong!
Bong!
Three loud bongs from a large bell sounded out over the disciple district, stopping all in their tracks. Anxious and excited looks appeared on the faces of all, as they knew exactly what that sound represented. A loud voice, audible to all in the district, sounded out shortly after.
"The Jade Dragon Empire realm is to be opened in three hours.. All disciples are to gather in the main courtyard to be escorted to the entrance."