East Mesa City was built into the side of a massive mesa made from some kind of pale red stone. Or perhaps carved was a more accurate way to put it. The city was comprised of seven terraces, with each one serving as a distinct district. The bottom one was called the Seventh Terrace, while the top one was called the First Terrace. The ones in between were similarly named, depending on their position. The top of the mesa itself remained unoccupied.
The bottom four terraces were open to everyone. There were no restrictions at all. Anyone could come and go as they please. There weren’t even any flying restrictions over the bottom four terraces, though most preferred to walk around on foot. However, the top three terraces were a different story.
The Third Terrace was where some of East Mesa City’s most premier shops, restaurants, and auction houses were located. In order to enter, one either needed the right connections or needed to pay a hefty fee. The First Terrace was reserved for the city lord and the more powerful clans that made East Mesa City their home. In essence, it was the noble district.
The Second Terrace was where the Thousand Blade Sect, the Ancient Blood Sect, and the Dawn and Dusk Sect had set up their branch offices. The Violet Desert hidden realm, the only source of Violet Sand, was located near East Mesa City. Since Violet Sand was a precious material used to refine magic treasures at the Foundation Establishment and Golden Core levels, it made sense for three of the Seven Great Northern Sects to have a presence in the area. Other sects had branch offices in East Mesa City as well. However, they didn’t have an entire terrace to themselves.
After we left Clear Basin City in the Sacred Ironwood province, it only took us a few days to reach East Mesa City using the teleportation array network. However, we stopped along the way to change out of our disguises and return to our true identities. I felt a bit sad about this. I enjoyed being Flamewind. Perhaps I would take that as my actual cultivator name. I didn’t know yet. Regardless, it was something to consider.
Still, it felt good to wear my leather gauntlets again, as well as the crimson and gold robes that Second Master gave me. The former was a high-grade Foundation Establishment magic treasure, while the latter was a mid-grade one. If I had worn both during the fight with the Ancient Blood Sect disciples, I would have had an easier time.
I also returned to using my Demon Form. When I did this, I noticed a difference in the way people treated me. They regarded me with fear, disgust, and even hatred. It was something I had forgotten during the years I spent in the Dawn and Dusk Sect. However, I paid them no mind. As long as the people I cared about accepted me, that was all that mattered.
It was mid morning when our group arrived at East Mesa City. The teleportation array leading into the city was located on the Seventh Terrace. After some discussion, we decided to walk up to the Second Terrace instead of flying there. Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin wanted to get a feel for the city, since they would be spending the next five years here. Despite my impatience to see Ellen, I was also curious about East Mesa City.
The first thing that struck me when we first arrived was everyone’s skin color. My kin in Clan Wind Dance, and most of the people in the Dawn and Dusk Sect, were pale-skinned. I was used to having darker skin than everyone else wherever I went. However, that wasn’t the case in East Mesa City. Almost everyone had brown skin, dark hair, and dark eyes. I couldn’t help but stare. For the first time in my life, I found a place where my appearance wouldn’t stand out. Well, my human form at least.
I also noticed that the style of clothing preferred by the natives of the Howling Desert province reminded me of the style of clothing preferred by the disciples of Flame Fiend Hall. So much so that I doubted it was a coincidence. Putting all this together, I suspected that Nova, or her main soul, came from the Howling Desert province. I didn’t know for sure, because I never looked into it, but it would make sense.
After we left the teleportation array, our group walked towards the Second Terrace. Despite how different the people looked and dressed, East Mesa City seemed similar to the other cities we visited. It was hotter and dustier, but that didn’t mean much to cultivators at our level. To my complete lack of surprise, all of the buildings were made from the same pale red stone as the mesa.
Cultivators from all walks of life roamed the streets. Vendors hawked their wares and shopkeepers shouted out prices to attract customers. Laughter, arguing, and a myriad of other sounds filled the air. The scent of cooking food and spices teased my nostrils, stirring my hunger. I bought a few skewers of grilled meat and ate as we walked, though it took me two tries since the first vendor I visited ran away at the sight of me.
When I took my first bite from the skewer, unknown but delicious flavors filled my mouth. It tasted so good that I ended up moaning. This earned me some odd looks, but I was used to it by this point. The rest of my group grew curious and bought some skewers of their own. They ended up enjoying the food as well.
We bypassed the fee to enter the Third Terrace by pulling out our sect crests, showing that we were disciples of the Dawn and Dusk Sect. The guards at the gate leading to the Third Terrace saluted as they let us pass. Others in the area noticed this as well. They pointed and whispered when they realized that we were disciples of the Dawn and Dusk Sect.
There were several differences between the Third Terrace and the bottom four terraces. For one, the buildings were of a higher quality. Two, there were less people. Not only that, but most of them belonged to the more prominent clans and sects in the area. Most of the people in the bottom four terraces were rogue cultivators, or members of smaller clans and sects. We also saw several disciples from the Thousand Blade Sect and the Ancient Blood Sect. To avoid causing any trouble, we ignored them. They did the same with us.
Entering the Second Terrace wasn’t difficult. Like with the Third Terrace, we just had to show our sect crests and the guards let us through. The Thousand Blade Sect, the Ancient Blood Sect, and the Dawn and Dusk Sect each had their own territory within the Second Terrace. At the center of these territories were enormous compounds with multiple buildings. From my perspective, they looked more like sects in their own right than branch offices.
Our group headed to the Dawn and Dusk Sect branch office. Instead of guards, a pair of puppets protected the entrance. They looked like lions made from some kind of wood and exuded an aura similar to that of mid Foundation Establishment cultivators. The lion puppets started snarling when we approached. However, when we showed our sect crests, they stood down and allowed us to enter.
Most of the buildings within the Dawn and Dusk Sect branch office were just one-story tall. Based on the smoke billowing out from chimneys and the sound of hammering filling the air, it appeared that the majority of them were workshops for refining magic treasures. That made sense. Most of the disciples assigned to this branch office belonged to Myriad Treasures Pavilion and Puppet Master Pavilion, like Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin.
The six of us headed towards the only two-story building in the branch office, which we assumed was the main building. Unlike the other buildings, which bustled with activity, the main building seemed quiet and peaceful in comparison. Inside, we found a single disciple sitting at a desk. He appeared to be doing paperwork.
When we entered, the disciple stood up and approached us with a smile on his face. He was short and stocky with a muscular build. Based on his appearance, he seemed like a native of the Howling Desert province. In terms of cultivation, he was at peak Foundation Establishment, which put him just above Elliot.
“Greetings, fellow disciples of the Dawn and Dusk Sect.” The disciple said. “I am Archer, the vice branch head of the East Mesa City branch office. How may I help you?”
Elliot stepped forward. As the leader of this mission, he spoke for all of us.
“My name is Elliot, and these are my companions,” he said, “Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin…” He gestured to the two of them “… have been assigned to this branch office, and we were tasked with escorting them here.”
Vice Branch Head Archer looked delighted by this.
“Ah, yes,” he said, “We received word of this some time ago.” He frowned. “Though, you arrived later than we expected. Did something happen on the way here?”
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Elliot nodded.
“Yes.” He said. “We ran into some trouble in the Sacred Ironwood province, but it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle.”
Vice Branch Head Archer seemed curious about this, but refrained from asking.
“I see.” He said instead. “Well, regardless, you fulfilled your task. That’s all that matters.” He gave Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin. “Welcome to the East Mesa City branch office, Junior Sister Rexanne and Junior Brother Albin.”
They both gave him a martial salute.
“Thank you, Vice Branch Head Archer.” They said in unison.
The vice branch head gave each of them a jade slip.
“This is a map of the branch office, as well as East Mesa City as a whole.” He said. “Head to the northern dormitories. Someone there will help you get situated. Spend the rest of the day however you wish. You’ll begin your duties tomorrow.”
They saluted him once again, before turning to the rest of us.
“This is where we part ways.” Cultivator Albin said, smiling. “It was a pleasure to meet you all. I hope our paths cross again some time in the future.”
Cultivator Rexanne nodded.
“If you’re ever interested in trading insights on refining magic treasures, come see us.” She said. “We’ll be sure to give you a few pointers.”
They headed off after we all said our goodbyes. I felt a bit melancholic. Despite our short time together, I had grown fond of those two. As Cultivator Albin said, I hoped our paths crossed again in the future.
“Now then,” Vice Branch Head Archer said after they left, “With your mission fulfilled, let me give you your reward. Would you prefer contribution points or spirit stones?”
All of us picked contribution points. Vice Branch Head Archer transferred the points into our sect crests.
“While the four of you aren’t assigned to this branch office,” he said afterward, “Feel free to stay here as long as you like. You can stay in one of the dormitories here, though the rooms there are rather spartan.” He gestured to the rest of East Mesa City. “Or you can stay at one of the inns within the city. The choice is yours.”
I frowned.
“I prefer an inn within the city.” I said. “This is my first time in East Mesa City, and I want to spend some time exploring it.”
The others expressed similar sentiments.
“In that case, I suggest staying at the Sleeping Sand Beetle Inn.” Vice Branch Head Archer said. “While it is more expensive than most other inns within the city, the price is well worth it.”
Elliot smiled.
“In that case, we shall follow your suggestion, Vice Branch Head Archer.” He said. “May we also have copies of the map you gave to Cultivator Rexanne and Cultivator Albin? That way, we don’t lose our way while exploring East Mesa City.”
“Of course.”
Vice Branch Head Archer gave each of us a jade slip.
“Do you have any other questions?” He asked afterward. “Otherwise, I shall return to my duties?”
I nodded.
“Do you know where we can find Ellen?” I asked.
Vice Branch Head Archer frowned at me.
“No disciple named Ellen is assigned here, as far as I know,” he said.
My heart fell when I heard this. However, just before I could panic, Elliot spoke up.
“She might go by the name Water Fang.” He said. “I’m her brother, Sand Fang.”
Vice Branch Head Archer’s eyes lit up with understanding.
“Oh, you mean Junior Sister Water Fang!” He said, looking Elliot up and down. “No wonder you seemed familiar. You and your sister looked alike. I’m ashamed that I didn’t realize it sooner.” He gestured to the jade slips with the map of East Mesa City. “Junior Sister Water Fang manages our shop on the Third Terrace. Some of our disciples earn spirit stones by refining magic treasures and selling them. You can find her there.”
I gave him a martial salute.
“Thank you, Vice Branch Head Archer.” I said. “May we be dismissed?”
He smiled and nodded. With that, the four of us left the main building. I looked up. It had taken us a few hours to reach the Second Terrace, so it was about early afternoon by this point.
‘I thought Sand Fang was a false name you chose for yourself.’ I asked Elliot through telepathy.
‘It’s the name I adopt when I want to hide my true identity,’ Elliot responded. ‘Water Fang is the name Ellen uses.’
“Shall we go to the inn, Young Master?” Elliot asked out loud. “Or would you like to see my sister first?”
Now that we had completed both parts of our mission, Elliot wasn’t the mission leader anymore, so he returned to addressing me as “Young Master”.
“What kind of question is that?” I asked with a scoff. “We’re going to see Ellen, of course.” I looked at Willow and Cultivator Isabel. “What about you two? What are your plans?”
“I’m going with you.” Willow said. “Part of the reason I came here in the first place was to meet this Ellen of yours.”
Cultivator Isabel rolled her eyes.
“I guess it falls on me to be the adult here and secure rooms for us at the Sleeping Sand Beetle Inn.” She said. “Someone has to take care of practical matters.”
Elliot nodded at her.
“Thank you, Cultivator Isabel.” He said. “You have been a great help over the course of our journey, and we all appreciate it.”
Cultivator Isabel scowled at him.
“I didn’t do it for you.” She said, jerking a thumb at Willow. “Someone has to look after this one while she’s being all moon-eyed for your young master.”
“Hey!” Willow protested. “I’m not that bad.”
Cultivator Isabel snorted.
“Sure, sure.” She said. “Anyway, I’ll see you all at the inn. Take care of Junior Sister Willow for me.”
With that, she walked off.
“Condescending know-it-all.” Willow muttered, pouting.
I touched her arm and gave her a smile.
“She means well.” I said.
Willow sighed.
“I know.” She returned my smile. “Shall we go see Ellen now?”
I nodded. The three of us headed off towards the Third Terrace. My heart pounded in my chest, since my long-awaited reunion with Ellen was at hand.
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The shop owned and operated by the Dawn Dusk Sect branch office in East Mesa City was located near the center plaza of the Third Terrace. This was where the more prosperous businesses were located. We had actually passed through the central plaza earlier, but we hadn’t noticed the shop because we were too focused on reaching the Second Terrace.
The shop was a two-story building made from the same pale red stone as the rest of the city. However, the front had been carved with intricate designs and images of strange looking creatures. I didn’t recognize most of these creatures, though they looked intriguing and mysterious. Based on how many people were entering and leaving the shop, it made brisk business. A wooden sign above the front entrance said “Dawn and Dusk Treasure Hall - East Mesa Branch.”
“Does this mean the Dawn and Dusk Sect has other shops like this?” I asked.
The three of us stood some distance away, studying the shop.
“Yes.” Willow said with a nod. “One for each branch office. However, the items available differ for each one. Some specialize in pills and spirit herbs, while others sell talismans and so on.”
I realized in that moment that the Dawn and Dusk Sect had far more reach and influence than I expected.
“Shall we enter, Young Master?” Elliot nodded.
I swallowed and nodded, though I couldn’t help but feel apprehensive. Over the past five years, I thought of Ellen every day. My heart ached for her. However, what if she didn’t feel the same way? What if she had fallen out of love with me during our time apart? It was a silly fear, considering our shared past, but a real one nonetheless. Still, it was better to march forward and face the truth rather than stand around doing nothing.
The three of us entered the shop and found an unoccupied corner to stand in before looking around. The interior was large and spacious. Shelves lined the walls, occupied by all kinds of magic treasures. None of them were above mid-grade Foundation Establishment. Powerful arrays protected these treasures from theft. At the far end of the room was a staircase leading to the second floor. I assumed that was where we could find the more powerful magic treasures.
In the center of the room were three display mannequins wearing armor magic treasures. No, not mannequins. They were humanoid puppets pretending to be mannequins. I didn’t sense any aura from them, so I didn’t realize what they were at first. However, they looked similar to the humanoid puppet that Cultivator Albin wielded during our fight with the Ancient Blood Sect disciples. I wondered if anyone else realized what they were.
The shop was filled with people. There were several customers, all being helped by shop assistants. To both my relief and disappointment, I didn’t see Ellen. However, both were short-lived when I saw a familiar figure walk down the stairs leading to the second floor. My breath caught in my throat when I saw her.
She looked as remembered her: tall and slender, with long black hair and androgynous features. She wore black robes embroidered with snake imagery that accentuated her figure.
Ellen.