"Welcome to our Dalia City."
It didn't take long after Damien and Long Chen arrived at the city for someone to come greet them. Unlike the situation on the girls' side, everything here was still tame.
As the two men arrived further towards the center of the continent, the snowy plains gave way to a more mountainous region filled with large landmarks of ice.
These natural landmarks were shaped in such unique formations that they truly seemed man-made, but it was clear that it wasn't the case.
As for the cities in this region, most of them were built into the rough mountain terrain or within the safety of the deep valleys between them.
The Northern Continent was subject to a perpetual winter as well as winds that further decreased the cold, making it difficult for mortals to live here.
As for those that did, they came from tribes or lineages that evolved over time to be accustomed to cold. Due to this, the population of this continent tended to have a more rugged and muscular build, regardless of age and gender.
Even the woman in front of the two men at the moment was packed with muscle and boasted a height similar to theirs. Still, these features didn't ruin her beauty.
After a small introduction, the woman led the two to a large building in the center of the city where the Lord of the province resided.
When they arrived, they noticed that there was already a large crowd formed. These people had various different uniforms indicating the powers they came from, making it clear that help wasn't only requested from the Central continent.
However, the two of them were the only people present from the 5 major sects. The others were from various smaller powers. Even the beasts that stayed next to them indicated this fact.
From the front door of the residence, a large man walked out. He was essentially a giant, being roughly 7 feet tall with a body that would put those strongest men on earth to shame.
He wore a cloak and pants that seemed to be made from the hide of some beast, but even these couldn't hide the massive muscles beneath them.
This man was Shen Li, the patriarch of the Shen clan.
"Good evening everyone. Let me start by saying, thank you for your willingness to help our Shentian province in its time of need."
His voice was booming, not even needing mana amplification to reach the ears of everyone present. He continued with light pleasantries for a few minutes before his face became serious.
"In recent times, the Beguiled Devil Sect has become more and more brazen. Not only that, their disciples seem to be crazed.
"It isn't a matter of sustenance nor greed that seems to drive them, but pure insanity and primal desire. Before, our Shen clan did what we could to quell them but didn't exterminate the source, fearing the repercussions that would come with such actions, but now we can no longer hesitate."
Before coming, Damien already knew that the reason the Beguiled Devil Sect was allowed to exist was due to the selfishness of those who ruled the region, but it seemed he had slightly misjudged.
Although conservation of forces and not wanting to lose power were indeed selfish reasons, Damien expected it to be some sort of scheme rather than a blatant action.
Shen Li's upfront acceptance of these actions painted him in a new light not just to Damien, but to many others in the crowd as well.
Schemes and ploys were common in a world where strength is king. Greed for power and status was a natural thing. However, most would rather die than lose face by admitting to it.
Shen Li seemed the opposite. He admitted it with confidence and still stood by his decisions, showing no ulterior motives in his admittance.
The Northern Continent was the most separated from the other 4 when it came to cultures. It was the only one that had to deal with the harshness of perpetual freezing.
The number of beasts here was much lower than any other continent, and those that did live in this harsh environment were much more powerful than those who didn't.
Due to this, food supply wasn't something easy to have. Neither was raising an army of powerful warriors.
Most conflicts in this continent were between humans for various reasons, but at the end of the day, they amounted mainly to power struggles and overpopulation.
Shen Li's decision was selfish, true, but his selfishness didn't come from greed or personal benefit. Being a good leader in such an environment forced one to partake in such actions.
Not many had the information to come to this conclusion, so only a minor amount of respect was earned, but for Damien and Long Chen who came from such a prestigious institution, how could they not know?
Both of them have deep looks toward Shen Li, paying much closer attention as he continued his speech.
"The Beguiled Devil Sect is a mid-level power like ours, so it's sure to have at least one Law Connection realm expert at its head, maybe even more. Unfortunately, we've never seen the Sect Master in person.
"However, it matters not. My people will join this raid with all of you, so it should be more than possible to finish it off.
"Causalities are all but guaranteed in an operation like this, but as long as we move with purpose, we should be able to minimize the damages.
"And since none of us know or trust each other well enough to have synergy, let us operate on one simple rule. Don't get in each other's way.
"The raid will take place in 2 days' time, so make any preparations you need before then. After that, we meet again at the South Gate of the city. I will see you all then."
With his final words, Shen Li returned to his residence, leaving a crowd full of hushed whispers in his wake.
"I guess we have two days to kill. Any plans?" Damien asked as he turned to Long Chen.
"None," he shook his head, "none of these people are worthy to form relationships with, so any talk is unneeded. I will take rest for the next two days as I wait."
Damien nodded, but a slight grin began to form on his face. "Hmm, would you rather rest, or finish what we started during the disciple examination?"
Long Chen's eyes flashed as he recalled that fight. It didn't take long for his fighting spirit to start burning. "Very well. However, we are on someone else's territory right now, so we hold back, unlike the last time."
Damien quickly agreed. He didn't want to pass out for another 3 days anyway. It was such a hassle to wake up after an incident like that.
He had experienced it twice already since he arrived here, and he didn't plan to experience it again:
With them having made an agreement, they quickly left to the outskirts of the city to begin their rematch. This time, with a much lighter tone than before.
