Void Cultivation

Chapter 357: Chapter 356- Paranoia (5)

Violet slowly rose from her crouching position and casually brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Her expression appeared relaxed and carefree, but the thoughtful look in her eyes betrayed the seriousness of her thoughts.

"We can’t completely rule out the possibility that something has happened elsewhere," she said. "The other sects may end up coming to Sky Mist City for assistance."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"Moreover, I doubt those old monsters lurking behind the scenes would allow another sect to invade Sky Mist City so easily. They’ve spent too much time building their influence to simply watch it be destroyed. Still, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious."

As she spoke, her gaze swept across the warehouse. Numerous artisans and craftsmen were busily working, moving between damaged vessels and piles of materials. The constant sounds of hammers striking metal and workers shouting instructions filled the air.

"Try to repair the magic ships as quickly as possible. If the worst-case scenario actually happens and there are no other options left, we’ll have to leave the sect."

The usually carefree captain spoke with an unusually grave tone.

Bao, who had been listening attentively the entire time, nodded immediately. The captain’s confidence seemed to ease the anxiety that had been weighing on his heart. The tension in his shoulders visibly lessened, and the rigid posture he had been maintaining slowly relaxed.

"Understood. I’ll get started immediately," Bao replied with a determined expression.

Even if a war truly broke out between Sky Mist City and another sect—or perhaps even another race—he doubted the upper echelons of the sect would simply stand by and allow themselves to be destroyed without resistance.

In the end, there was little he could do regarding matters at such a high level.

The only thing within his control was his own strength.

If he wanted to avoid becoming a nameless casualty in the coming storm, he needed to cultivate harder and prepare himself for whatever might happen. Only by becoming stronger could he secure a place among the living in this cruel world.

Seeing that Bao had regained his motivation and immersed himself in his work once more, Grey and Violet eventually left the warehouse.

As they walked away, Grey glanced back one final time.

Bao had not only begun working on their damaged magic ship, but he had also brought out his personal vessel. Judging from the various materials laid out around it, he intended to upgrade it as well.

Grey silently observed the scene before shifting his gaze toward Violet, who continued walking ahead with a slightly troubled expression.

Sensing his stare, she turned her head and revealed a somewhat forced smile.

"Don’t tell me you actually believe Sky Mist City is about to be attacked?" Violet suddenly asked.

"I don’t," Grey replied in a calm, indifferent voice.

The captain immediately grumbled.

"Aye, little Grey, you need to pretend to be surprised every once in a while. If you don’t, people won’t feel inclined to tell you things you’re not supposed to hear."

Grey merely stared at her.

After thinking for several seconds, his expression abruptly changed into one of exaggerated shock and surprise.

Violet’s eyes instantly lit up.

"Wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Now if only you could sound surprised as well."

She laughed before continuing.

"Anyway, another sect definitely isn’t attacking Sky Mist City. In fact, if there were going to be an invasion, I’d bet all my apples that Sky Mist City would be the one doing the invading."

Grey remained silent for a moment before asking,

"Why do you think so?"

Violet pointed an approving finger at him.

"Yes. That’s exactly how you’re supposed to respond."

As she spoke, she casually produced an apple from seemingly nowhere and took a large bite.

Crunch.

The crisp sound echoed through the street.

Quite frankly, the number of apples the captain consumed every single day was staggering.

Grey had long since stopped trying to understand where she kept finding them. No matter the situation, she somehow always had another apple ready. Whether they were traveling, fighting, discussing serious matters, or simply walking through the city, one would inevitably appear in her hand.

Even more baffling was the fact that she never seemed to grow tired of them.

At the Foundation Establishment Realm, food was no longer a necessity. Cultivators could sustain themselves entirely on the abundant spirit energy permeating the world around them. Most cultivators only ate occasionally for pleasure or out of habit.

Violet, however, appeared determined to consume enough apples to feed an entire orchard.

Grey genuinely wondered if there was some profound secret hidden within the fruit.

Unfortunately, knowing the captain, the answer was probably much simpler.

She likely ate them simply because she liked them.

"I heard from Caster that some of the major sects scattered across the continent will be sending representatives to visit Sky Mist City in a few weeks," Violet said casually. "I don’t know the exact date they’ll arrive, but I do know one thing—the people coming won’t be ordinary."

Grey’s thoughts immediately stirred.

He could easily imagine the scene.

Powerful cultivators from countless super sects descending upon Sky Mist City at the same time. Experts who stood at the peak of their respective generations and possessed backgrounds capable of shaking entire regions.

Such an event would undoubtedly create a massive commotion.

The ordinary disciples would become anxious.

The various departments would tighten their security.

Even the elders would likely become more vigilant than usual.

Most importantly, Grey did not know the true purpose behind their visit.

A gathering of so many powerful sects was never a simple matter. Every major faction had its own ambitions, interests, and schemes. Whenever numerous powerful organizations gathered in one place, there was always something hidden beneath the surface.

It was only natural for people to feel nervous.

"I also heard that some of the sects will be bringing their younger generations to display their talents," Violet continued. "If I had to make a guess, I’d say they’re planning to establish influence over Sky Mist City."

She took another bite from her apple before continuing.

"Maybe they’ll attempt to turn Sky Mist into a subordinate sect. Or perhaps they’ll recruit promising disciples directly into their own factions."

"Promising disciples..."

Grey’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The concept of recruiting talents was not unfamiliar to him, but it still surprised him somewhat.

As far as he knew, Sky Mist City did not possess any particularly famous geniuses.

At least, none that were publicly known.

The only person who truly came to mind was Caster.

However, after his banishment, discussions regarding him had gradually disappeared. Most disciples rarely mentioned his name anymore.

Grey had long since realized that cultivators were quick to worship success and equally quick to forget those who disappeared.

"What?"

Violet suddenly stared at him with exaggerated disbelief.

"You don’t know that Sky Mist City has plenty of talented individuals?"

She dramatically clutched her chest and pretended to stagger backward as if she had just heard something shocking.

Grey remained expressionless.

Seeing his reaction, Violet immediately lost interest in her performance.

She stepped closer and lowered her voice.

"Come here."

Grey instantly became wary.

The captain’s behavior rarely led to anything good.

Nevertheless, before he could move away, Violet leaned closer and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper.

"Let me tell you a secret."

Her voice dropped so low that it was barely audible.

At the same time, she casually leaned against Grey’s shoulder.

Grey’s expression darkened.

He strongly resisted the urge to shove her away.

Fortunately, Violet seemed completely unaware of his irritation.

"Sky Mist City has a habit of hiding its trump cards," she whispered.

"The old fellows running the place are experts at pretending to be poor while sitting on mountains of treasure. They’ve spent centuries perfecting that skill."

A mischievous grin appeared on her face.

"And their disciples inherited that habit."

She gestured vaguely toward the distant sect grounds.

"Most of the truly talented people rarely show themselves. They stay hidden, cultivate quietly, and only appear when absolutely necessary."

Grey listened silently.

The more he thought about it, the more reasonable her words sounded.

The sect was far older than most people realized.

It had survived countless crises throughout its history.

There was no way an organization with such a long legacy would place all of its hopes on a handful of publicly known disciples.

Violet suddenly pointed at him.

"You’re a perfect example."

Grey raised an eyebrow.

"Me?"

"Of course you."

Violet nodded confidently.

"At your age, not even Caster had reached your level."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"And I’m willing to bet there’s still a lot you’re hiding."

Grey remained silent.

His lack of response only seemed to convince Violet further.

"Hah. See? That’s exactly the reaction of someone hiding something."

She laughed before continuing to walk forward.

Her hands stretched behind her back as she leisurely strolled down the street, looking more like a tourist than a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke.

The bustling sounds of the city filled the silence between them.

Eventually, Violet slowed her pace.

Without turning around, she spoke one final sentence.

"Just don’t hide your strength too much when those people arrive."

Her voice was quieter than before.

More serious.

For once, there was no teasing hidden within her words.

Only genuine advice.

Before Grey could respond, she casually waved a hand over her shoulder.

"See you later, little Grey."

With that, she turned into a nearby alleyway.

Grey watched her disappear.

Her figure moved deeper into the shadows before vanishing entirely, as though she had never been there in the first place.

The alley became empty once more.

Grey stood silently for several moments.

His gaze lingered on the place where Violet had disappeared.

Then he turned around and continued walking.

However, Violet’s words remained in his mind.

The arrival of the continental sects and the hidden geniuses of Sky Mist City. The hidden schemes of the elders and the possibility that powerful forces were preparing to reshape the balance of power within the region.

It seemed that the peaceful days ahead would not remain peaceful for very long.