“However, the sect is not without compassion. The residences of the sect leader and the sect elders are permitted to be retained for a period of 50 years after their passing,” Gu Ji casually mentioned. “Consider it part of the legacy they leave behind.”
“As for the homes of division heads, protectorates, and special grade custodians, they can only be retained for ten years after their retirement,” Gu Ji added.
Wu Yuan nodded slightly, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.
Within the Cloudstride Sect, the highest ranking first-rate Adepts were the fifteen division heads of the five halls, followed by the numerous protectorates. Division heads and protectorates were typically individuals with great strength or those nurtured from the core of the sect. The remaining first-rate Adepts were all special grade custodians, like Guan Zishan of Li City, who had once held the position before retiring and returning to his hometown. As for second-rate Adepts, they were collectively referred to as custodians within the sect.
“Young Master, are you asking these questions because you wish for your family to establish itself in Cloudhill City?” Gu Ji asked.
“Uncle Ji, you’ve hit the nail on the head,” Wu Yuan laughed.
“Unless one becomes a Land Ranker, it is impossible to secure a permanent residence within the eastern region,” Gu Ji shook his head. “Since the founding of the sect, there have only been a dozen or so families who managed to produce Land Rankers. Even among those, several families have completely crumbled, leaving behind only the fading glory of their ancestors.”
Wu Yuan reflected silently. The Cloudstride Sect, with its 300 years of history, had only produced a handful of Grandmasters. One could only fathom the arduous path that led to the emergence of a Grandmaster. It was also difficult for a Grandmaster’s family to maintain its status for a long time.
“With your talent, the path towards becoming a Grandmaster is within your grasp,” Gu Ji remarked. “However, a more prudent approach would be for you to acquire property in other areas of the city after you graduate from the academy.”
“Many experts of our sect often purchase additional mansions in the city for their families. However, the property tax is exceptionally high; only the wealthiest families can afford to reside here long-term,” Gu Ji added solemnly.
Wu Yuan nodded in agreement. The concept of property taxes was not new to him. The Human Federation in his previous life heavily levied these taxes in the three provincial cities, while only collecting them modestly in the county cities.
In Wu Yuan’s understanding, aside from the collection of silver, the Cloudstride Sect had set such a rule with another crucial purpose in mind – balance!
Flowing water never grows stagnant, and a well-used door hinge remains uncorroded. Only by maintaining fluidity at the center of power, and constantly encouraging the rise of new and powerful families into the upper echelons, can the Cloudstride Sect thrive in the long run.
The long-term maintenance of this system was not due to the selflessness of the Cloudstride Sect’s successive leaders. Rather, it was the external environment that forced their hand.
Any sect or kingdom that fails to uphold its strength and prosperity is destined to crumble. Wu Yuan recalled the ancient texts he had read.
The Middle Land was vast and boundless. Over thousands of years, no one had ever truly unified it. The top martial powerhouses could alter the course of the world single-handedly. Therefore, every faction must perpetually increase its strength, birthing powerful individuals generation after generation to ensure their heritage endured. The same principle applied to families. Regardless of the glory of their ancestors, if they did not produce strong martial artists, they would soon plummet from their current status.
This was why all major powers placed immense importance on building martial academies. It was the most effective way to unearth potential martial prodigies.
“Uncle Ji, when will you depart?” Wu Yuan asked.
“I will leave after midnight,” Gu Ji replied. “The eastern region of this city is very safe, protected by a Savant expert and numerous first-rate Adepts, as well as a large number of soldiers equipped with powerful crossbows. Apart from a Land Ranker, no one would dare to stir up any chaos.”
Wu Yuan nodded in agreement. If one were to think of the safest location within the territory of the Cloudstride Sect, one would first think of the sect headquarters, followed closely by the eastern region of the Cloudhill Provincial City.
“Take care, Uncle Ji. Thank you for your guidance throughout this journey,” Wu Yuan expressed his gratitude with a respectful bow.
Gu Ji replied nonchalantly, “No need to mention it. I hope that you will achieve great success in martial arts, and that your name will reverberate throughout the world.”
“I will strive to do so,” Wu Yuan affirmed, “And I will not forget the promise I made to you, Uncle Ji.” If he had enough strength, he would liberate Gu Ji. This was a promise he made in exchange for Gu Ji’s third-grade Divine Weapon Token.
“Ji thanks Young Master.” A rare trace of happiness surfaced on Gu Ji’s face. He couldn’t help but worry that Wu Yuan would conveniently forget about their agreement. However, Wu Yuan’s actions over the past few days had instilled some confidence in him, and Wu Yuan’s proactive affirmation eased his concerns.
…
When Wu Yuan emerged from his mansion the next day, Gu Ji had already departed, vanishing without a trace.
Accompanied by Gao Yu and a few other core disciples, Wu Yuan mounted his horse and left the city, following the official route towards Cloudhill. Twenty li might seem far, but in reality, it was very close. In the blink of an eye, the group arrived at the base of the mountain. Looking up at the towering mountain, Wu Yuan’s breath was stolen. Cloudhill was grand and majestic, resembling a celestial peak.
Eight-Sided Cloudhill truly lives up to its reputation.
Cloudhill was not a range of mountain peaks, but a singular grand mountain rising from the plains. Upon its slopes, a vast and relatively level wilderness stretched for dozens of li, home to tens of thousands.
It was a naturally defensible terrain, one difficult to assault. Of the eight sides of Cloudhill, six were steep cliffs, challenging to climb even for first-rate Adepts. Only two sides were of a gentler incline, offering paths up the mountain. As a result, the mountain was often described as: ‘Eight Sides to Cloudhill, Six Sides of Peril’.
“What’s that?” Wu Yuan spotted a sprawling military encampment near the mountain foot, the distant echoes of battle cries faintly audible.
“That is one of the 1000-soldier battalions of the Cloudstride Army,” Gao Yu explained. “The 6000 soldiers of the Cloudstride Army are divided into six major camps. Each of the two main paths up the mountain is defended by a 1000-soldier battalion, and there is another battalion on the mountain itself. The remaining 3000 soldiers are stationed in the three major provincial cities.”
Wu Yuan nodded slightly. The large barrack was built along the mountain’s contours. Although only 1000 men strong, each soldier was an Adept expert, which meant that a single battalion could triumph in a battle against 100,000 elite troops.
As for the remaining six sides of Cloudhill? Aside from a handful of soldiers on alert, no sizable army was stationed for defense. After all, anyone capable of scaling hundreds of meters of sheer cliff to reach the summit was undoubtedly a martial arts powerhouse; ordinary soldiers would not stand a chance.
“Let’s go!” Gao Yu declared.
After passing the large military camp, they dismounted to have their identity tokens verified. Then, they continued along the Winding Mountain Path for dozens of li. Thankfully, they were all skilled martial artists and made fast progress. But even so, it took them about a quarter of an hour to finally reach the summit.
Suddenly, a breathtaking panorama unfolded before their eyes. It was a tapestry of mountains, forests, fields, and misty clouds, with many compounds and towers faintly visible in the distance. It resembled a palace fit for immortals.
A colossal hall stood on the peak, around 10 li away. That was none other than the Cloud Hall. Numerous training grounds sprawled between the halls and towers, with disciples of the Cloudstride Sect coming and going.
“Can you sense anything special about this mountain?” Gao Yu asked with a smile.
Wu Yuan took a moment to contemplate before replying softly, “The temperature. The temperature in Cloudhill City was not high, and our elevation has increased by a kilometer. Logically, we should be feeling a bit cold. Yet, I find the temperature very comfortable. This is illogical.” He shook his head.
“Correct! Cloudhill has a spring-like climate all year round, with a consistent temperature that deviates from the norm of other mountains. This is precisely why our sect’s founder chose to establish the sect here despite the tremendous challenges,” Gao Yu explained with a faint smile.
Wu Yuan listened attentively.
“What else do you find different compared to Cloudhill City?” Gao Yuan asked with a smile.
“Different?” Wu Yuan couldn’t help but look back at the vast Cloudhill City below.
“It’s much quieter, far removed from the mortal world,” Wu Yuan murmured.
“Mm,” Gao Yu nodded. “Most martial sects in the world don’t establish their headquarters in big cities. The mortal world is noisy and full of conflicts, temptations, and disturbances that are not conducive to cultivation.”
“In the end, martial arts cultivation is about honing one’s skills, mastering one’s body, and reaching the limits of the human physique. Cultivation of the mind is very important.” Gao Yu sighed wistfully. “Each time I return to Cloudhill, I feel a genuine sense of tranquility and gain new insights.”
As Wu Yuan’s gaze wandered across the mountain, the diverse landscapes of Cloudhill seemed to soothe and settle his emotions.
The Cloudstride Sect prospered for hundreds of years, there were naturally aspects that made it extraordinary.