With all that said, the guard turned and left, leaving the disciples behind. They quickly streamed into the building, and each disciple claimed a room to themselves. The rooms were quite basic, but were more than enough for the few days they would be staying here.
After getting settled in, John and the rest of his group gathered outside the building, discussing everything that had happened.
"This city is incredible," Adam couldn't help but exclaim. "Did you see that formation covering the entire city? It was beyond amazing. I wonder how large and intricate the formation base is. If only I could study it!"
"While I don't care for the formations, I agree that this city is quite impressive. How about we explore it for a bit?" Chase chimed up cheerily.
"Sure. Let's find a restaurant to eat at. I'm quite hungry," John replied. He had not eaten at all during the trip, and although Meridian Forging experts could go months without food, it was only at the Heaven Tribulation Realm that a cultivator could forgo food entirely.
"Let's do it. I'm quite famished myself," Iris replied.
The group began to meander through the district, coming across many interesting sights, such as trade halls, entertainment districts, and the disciples of the other sects. When passing by each other, the disciples would examine those of the other group, gauging their cultivations and powers as best as they could.
Most of the other disciples who observed the strength of John's group scoffed in amusement before walking off. Most of the sects seemed to have sent Heaven Tribulation disciples only, and even amongst the Heavenly Lightning Sect group, John, Adam, Chase, and Iris were the only non-Heaven Tribulation disciples. As such, their cultivations stood out quite a bit.
At the same time, John and the rest couldn't help but be impressed at the cultivations they saw and auras they felt. When comparing the average disciple they saw to their sect, John surmised that the quality of the Heavenly Lightning Sect disciples was above average, but not by much.
"The disciples from the other sects are quite formidable," Chase chimed up, slightly intimidated by what he saw.
"You'll be alright," Iris consoled Chase. "Just trust in your own strengths."
"Oh? The she-beast can be nice when she wants to?" Adam chimed up.
Bang!
"Ow!" Adam cried out in pain as Iris kicked his shin, causing him to fall to the ground.
"You never learn, do you?" John scolded while shaking his head. Even he knew Iris was easy to anger, and that Adam's insults always received retaliation, and yet he continued to insult her unprovoked.
"Just you wait, I'll have my revenge eventually," Adam grimaced at Iris.
"I welcome your challenge at any time," Iris replied uncaringly.
"This looks like a good place to eat," John stopped and called out.
They had arrived before a five story restaurant, which seemed quite upscale. A rich fragrance wafted from within the restaurant, nearly making the group salivate from its intoxicating aroma.
"It looks quite expensive. Can we afford it?" Chase asked with his voice lowered. He did not have an incredible amount of money, and so was hesitant to spend it on such a thing. An upscale restaurant in a city like this would surely cost a fortune.
"Don't worry about it. It's on me," John replied with a smile as he began to walk up the steps towards the restaurant. The rest of the group happily followed behind upon hearing the meal was on John.
The attendant at the front of the restaurant took note of the group's arrival.
"Oh, some disciples from the…"
"Heavenly Lightning Sect," John replied.
"Ah yes, the Heavenly Lightning Sect. We have special seats reserved for such esteemed guests. If you'll follow me."
The attendant turned and walked towards the internal stairs of the building, and quickly escorted the group to the fourth floor. Each floor was incredibly luxurious, and the group was able to see all sorts of delicious looking dishes being served. The sights only made them hungrier, and John couldn't wait to dive into some food.
Upon arriving at the fourth floor, the attendant began walking over to an empty table. Most of the other tables were already occupied by other disciple groups, making the floor quite lively with activity.
While on the way to be seated, John paused and turned around to look at Adam, who had suddenly stopped in his tracks. Adam's gaze was locked onto one of the occupied tables, and without warning, he quickly turned around on his heels and left.
"Adam? Where are you going?" John called out, catching the attention of the the others in the room as he quickly followed Adam. The rest of the group did as well, while Iris apologized to the attendant before leaving as well.
Adam quickly left the building, and John caught up soon after. He raced up to Adam and caught his arm, turning him around.
"What's going on? Why did you just leave like that?" John asked, as he could tell something was wrong. Chase and Iris arrived at this time as well, and grouped before Adam.
"Did you know those disciples?" John asked after being met with silence.
"Let's just leave," Adam replied as he tugged his arm free and turned to leave.
"Of course he knows us," a voice from behind boomed out. The group all turned to look at the one who had spoken. It was one of the disciples from the fourth floor, who was joined with the other four members who had been at the table as well. It was a group of two girls and three boys, each with their cultivation in the Early Heaven Tribulation Realm.
They appeared to be seventeen or eighteen years of age, at the same age as John's group or just slightly higher. John narrowed his eyes as he stared at the youths, who seemed to have a rather weak aura for the type of arrogance they were emitting at the moment.
"And who would you be?" John asked as he watched the group approach and stop before them.
"Oh? Has Adam truly been so cold as to not tell you about his own family?" the boy replied smugly while gazing directly at Adam. "Since Adam won't introduce us, I'll do it myself.. My name is Rydan, of the Starforge Clan…the one Adam was exiled from."
