A hail of arrows landed outside the Crimson Trail Sect, spelling out a clear message. Yet not the one that would have been assumed from arrows. Instead, it simply stated, “Just want to talk. May we approach?”

Whoever shot all of those arrows was courteous enough to even consider the angle from which it might be read, making sure there was no ambiguity. The guards manning the walls didn’t really know how to respond, and quickly moved to find someone both higher ranking and more qualified to provide a response.

Ultimately they made the assumption that the mysterious archer probably wouldn’t require a response in kind. Given the distance the arrows had come from, they barely were able to sense Life Transformation experts present, the Crimson Trail Sect who only had a small number of such high ranking cultivators couldn’t be expected to respond with actual arrows. Instead they did something much easier, which was to form their energy into a pattern that would spell out the response more simply. “Yes.”

They were somewhat apprehensive about letting powerful cultivators approach in the current times, but if they were truly intent on attacking, asking to approach seemed rather silly. Unless they just wanted to put them off guard for an attack…

The Crimson Trail Sect did recognize the aura of the Order of the Ninety-Nine Stars whose reputation was somewhat assuring. Even so, they intended to remain safe behind the defensive formations on their walls.

A small group approached within visual distance, with one of them breaking away from the others to come all the way up to the walls. The old man stood only a short distance back, at a point it was easier for them to see each other. “Thanks,” he said. “As I’m sure you can tell, we’re not from Facraona. The Order of the Ninety-Nine Stars from Graotan, just in case you’ve forgotten. We were wondering about the local’s aversion to… well, us. It’s generally rather simple to tell the invaders apart from us…” the old man paused, “Though don’t forget to check for members of the Twin Soul Sect. Anyway, that implies some other trouble. Am I correct on that count?”

The elder who had been called over nodded her head. “Yes. There have been troubles from other sects. Not just the invaders or remnants of their allies, but more. Specifically, we are aware of the Eternal Sword Hall taking advantage of the chaos to conquer other sects.”

“That… they were actually involved with the Flying Blood Cult and the Heavenly Lion Sect, but weaseled their way out of being annihilated by blaming their actions on personal grievances. I’m not surprised to hear it, though, based on how they acted.” The old man waved, “Thanks for the information. If there’s anything else you can tell us, we’d love to hear it. Then we’ll be on our way. Things like invaders, the Eternal Sword Hall… anything like that.”

-----

The interaction with the Crimson Trail Sect illuminated the pieces that had been missing. Several sects in Facraona had taken advantage of the opportunity, either because they had made some sort of deal with the invaders or because they simply thought they could get away with it. Facraona likely wasn’t unique in having sects that wanted to do the same, but so far Graotan and Ofrurg had avoided that actually happening. Then again, Graotan had basically been under the Order’s control and watchful eye while Ofrurg had undergone some… restructuring. The complete annihilation of several powerful sects and the slaving industry would tend to create at least a few decades of change.

Timothy shook his head as Anton explained the details. “Whether they’re directly siding with the invaders or not, they’re just as much enemies that need to be dealt with.”

“It would explain why Paradise hasn’t done anything though. If they don’t have traces of ascension energy… they don’t stand out as unnatural. Or whatever criteria he must be using.” Anton tried to recall if he made use of any ascension energy while present on Paradise. He didn’t really have cause to, so the only time would have been the battle with the kraken where there was a physically much more imposing enemy to deal with. Or lunch. And Anton didn’t have lingering traces of ascension energy since it was pulled from… wherever it came from. The invader’s world, presumably.

“I assume they weren’t interested in an alliance, then?” Catarina asked.

Anton shook his head. “There’s a bit too much danger and distrust at the moment. I did suggest the matter, though, and how we intend to attack the invaders. Everyone was clean of Twin Soul Sect influence, at least, and I sensed no other sorts of deception.”

“That does lead to some problems,” Timothy commented. “We can’t exactly defeat a sect with just the three of us. And guests. Not one capable of causing serious trouble, anyway.”

“I do believe the Eternal Sword Hall had groomed a small handful of Life Transformation experts as of late,” Anton nodded. “That said, we could majorly swing any situation they became involved in. If their Life Transformation cultivators were matched by us, another sect could stand against them. Their numbers also have to have suffered some if they’re attacking other sects. Though we certainly couldn’t handle the dozens of Essence Collection cultivators that would come with them, or the hundreds of others.”

Even as they spoke, the group had subconsciously continued further into Facraona, specifically southeast towards where the last news of the Eternal Sword Hall was. Catarina commented, “We can at least check them out. They’re all just over the border of Life Transformation, right? Even if we say they’re our equals, we have the Great Queen to sway that tide. If she will help.”

Upon being mentioned, the Great Queen displayed herself more prominently, signing her willingness to assist them. Even against those who weren’t invaders. While the other queens might not wish to get involved in sect affairs, the Great Queen got along with them personally.

“That makes things easier,” Catarina said. “And there’s no way they notice us before you spot them, right grandpa?”

Anton frowned, “Well, maybe.” He looked at the swords the two of them carried. “It depends on whether they have the unnatural sense for weapons that some people possess. Even then, I should match them. It’s just that your current weapons are quite fine specimens.”

Everyone had equipped themselves to the best of their abilities for the invasion, and while Timothy and Catarina’s swords couldn’t rival what a proper swordmaster would covet they were still quite exceptional.

“They are the sword-crazy kind,” Timothy commented, “But I don’t think they have the same… conviction that Chikere does. Their whole feud with her started because she won a tournament and they refused to give up the prize. I doubt Chikere would do that.”

“What, lose a probably rigged sword tournament?” Anton grinned.

“Well,” Timothy shrugged, “I meant go back on a promise. Even if it was to give someone a sword she liked.”

“I agree,” Anton admitted. “The Million Sword Vault has the same sort of honor about them. Though even those lacking morality can have strength, firm convictions of some sort make for smoother cultivation. Even those who are dead wrong, like the Flying Blood Cult.”

“They did have one of the few ascenders,” Catarina commented. “Or… half of one? Regardless, someone who was at the peak here, and moved on.”

“Then was killed by returning to seek vengeance. Is there a lesson there?” Timothy asked.

“The lesson is that this world isn’t good for those with ascension energy,” Anton shrugged. “Which might be the only reason it or any other ‘lower realm’ exists. Though we also needed proper warning and anti-ascension techniques and just the right amount of cooperation to make it as far as we have.”

“And teaching everyone to cultivate,” Catarina pointed out. “That’s literally millions of Body Tempering and Spirit Building cultivators that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.”

“And that,” Anton agreed. “Though I would have much preferred if people just going about their lives didn’t need to protect themselves.”

Without further discussion they continued their travels with the intent to help resolve the situation. Without armies they couldn’t resolve anything themselves, but they could be the catalyst for some part of Facraona to begin triggering their own comeback.

-----

Just in case the Eternal Sword Hall could sense swords, Anton kept the sword-bow from the Million Sword Vault stowed, and the other two did the same with their weapons. Anton presumed that there was some way to determine their presence even inside a storage bag, but it wouldn’t be so easy. If an enemy were able to ambush them to the point they had no time to reach into a storage bag to retrieve their weapons, they would likely be dead anyway. Especially since Anton was continuously improving his sensing abilities. He could sense a narrow strand about a hundred kilometers distant if he focused, but he could detect pretty much any concentration of natural energy within ten or twenty kilometers in all directions which was more than enough for common interactions.

By following the signs that the Eternal Sword Hall left- either battle damage or simply the march of many people- they were able to track down their location. At first it hadn’t been completely clear if it were the Eternal Sword Hall or some other group acting similarly, but it didn’t really matter. It was confirmed when they came to Dralens, a moderately sized city that had seen the Eternal Sword Hall pass. The people of Dralens weren’t exactly welcoming, but they were confident enough in their remaining strength after being attacked early in the invasion to allow the small group to approach. Unfortunately they couldn’t be convinced to go after the Eternal Sword Hall in any force, but they would have likely slowed down the ‘trio’ anyway.

Anton finally spotted them in the vicinity of the Pink Pollen Sect, at least that was the only group in the area their information told them about. There was… nothing particularly impressive about the Pink Pollen Sect. They made use of various poisons in combat, but their reputation was not bad. They were just eccentric herbalists. As the trip approached a bit closer Anton detected what he presumed were the plants after which they named themselves. Colors weren’t directly visible to energy senses, but he could easily surmise that the fields of large flowers were the namesakes in question.

“They seem to be gearing up for an attack,” Anton commented. “Battle hasn’t broken out quite yet, but… it likely will.” They continued closer, with Anton constantly attempting to judge the two sides. The Eternal Sword Hall should be stronger according to their records, but whether their group could make a big enough difference was the key point. “Should we approach closer, or…?” Anton looked over at the others.

There was no question about whether they would get involved. It was merely related to how much of the enemy’s attention they intended to draw. Anton could pester them from where he was, and if their Life Transformation cultivators gave chase they could either flee or do a fighting retreat. There was just the possibility that Anton alone would be ignored, at least for long enough for the Eternal Sword Hall to break through the walls. At that point Anton might not be able to do much, and if they focused on taking out the Pink Pollen Sect he probably couldn’t stop them. Oh, he could make their lives terrible- maybe even kill one of the Life Transformation experts- but they wouldn’t be stopped.

That result wouldn’t be too bad, but it would mean the Pink Pollen Sect might be destroyed. After that, they would have to wait for another chance to further involve themselves, assuming they were able to keep themselves hidden. If not, they might be tracked down. The trio was quite confident that they could at least escape from the Life Transformation experts, but if more of the army somehow got close they could cause problems. It wasn’t likely, but they had to consider it.

“There’s a good spot for me to set up closer,” Catarina commented. “It will either allow us to fight their elders more safely or at least give us an opportunity to retreat.”

Timothy nodded, “I’d rather not let them have any more victories, if we can help it.”

Obviously, Anton agreed as well. “It is a bit riskier, but that’s just how it will have to be. I just have a strange feeling…” he swept his senses over them but felt nothing different.

“Is it a bad one?” Catarina asked. “I’d trust your instincts.”

“It’s not bad,” Anton shook his head. “But we shouldn’t reveal ourselves too early. If they begin the assault when we attack from the rear it will be more difficult for them to react… and we can see if they’re hiding anything. There’s also a small chance no conflict happens, and I’d hate to provoke it if it’s unnecessary. Though we really can’t risk letting them move on to another weaker sect, either.”

What was it? Anton couldn’t quite tell, though he swept his senses back and forth through the area. It strangely felt like something familiar, but he couldn’t lock onto it. Was it Velvet for some reason? He didn’t know any others who were particularly stealthy, but if she was close enough for him to sense she might as well have revealed herself to them. No, that wasn’t it- but he’d keep an eye out. It would be a shame if he missed something critical to their survival. Anton wouldn’t mind dying to save a large group of people but it would be worthless to die and not save them.