The Rise of the Black Plain

Two months passed in the blink of an eye...

Minos and his wives traveled in this period from Payton to the region where the headquarters of the Gray Clouds Sect was, in the southeasternmost part of the Flaming Empire.

In the meantime, the most relevant fact of their trip was not possible battles or problems they could have on their way. No, they did not face much of that since they had taken care to protect their identity due to this part of the state having more movement of Saints Killing Sect forces. But the most striking thing about this period was Gloria's 'advancement' to the peak of the 7th stage.

She had not advanced in level. After all, her pregnancy prevented her from advancing since spiritual cleansing could endanger the life of the baby in her womb. But still, Gloria had managed to reach the absolute peak of level 69, and now all that remained was for her to give birth to her daughter in order to advance a step.

Meanwhile, while Abby struggled to reach level 62, Ruth was almost at level 63 and has significantly improved in the intervening period.

Only Minos was far behind in his advancement since he had just achieved something like this before arriving in the Empire's capital.

In any case, during this period, when they peacefully traveled and got to know the Flaming Empire more, the actions on the borders of this state had taken the 'shape' desired by Minos. The four states were constantly alert because of the Empire's tests, worried about a possible war.

Along with this, Vogel was slowly showing its future with the formation of the assembly suggested by Minos, which was already holding meetings to organize this state.

The Church was still in charge of that kingdom, but the assembly was already performing to gather the noble houses and even ascending powers to unite for the sake of Vogel's existence.

And with that, the idea that Minos would become King of such a place within months or years had already spread throughout the region, impressing and startling many in the Empire and those four states.

Few knew of Minos' agreement with the imperial family, so many sects reacted to such news with concern in the Flaming Empire. King Stuart was not great, but the existence of a leader in Vogel was terrible news.

At the same time, many already suspected future problems involving the Gray Clouds Sect, which could lead to the destabilization of an essential power in the Empire.

In any case, the news coming from Vogel was worrying for these local organizations, especially the Saints Killing Sect!

This organization had a history of hostility with the Gray Clouds Sect and was even at war with such an organization. But at the same time, such a sect had already tried to kill Minos in the northern region of this continent. So the fact that this young man, son of the Coleman family, was rising in power in Vogel was already seen as a big negative point for this sect.

On the other hand, although the influential families of the other three Vogel allies felt humiliated by their situation, they received this news positively.

Everyone was preparing for war and afraid of not having as many of their allies as possible. Thus, it was positive to find out news about the royal succession in Vogel and the distancing of this state from a civil war.

Amidst all this, the Black Plain had been the only state to receive only good news in this period. Not only had it gained more leverage to negotiate with these neighboring states, but it was already beginning to receive the benefits of soon having its royal family as the sovereign of Vogel.

There was no need for Minos' group to wait for Church's departure and his officialization as King of Vogel. With Elen in such a state, several agreements had already been signed, things that would strengthen the economy of the Black Plain!

And so, Minos and his wives arrived in the territory of the Gray Clouds Sect in a great mood due to the favorable winds for their plans!

...

Upon arriving in the vicinity of Clouds City, Ruth took the lead of their group to direct them to where the Gray Clouds Sect's headquarters was.

Minos and his wives were there to do business and visit this organization, so even considering the lack of sentimental ties between him and the Coleman family, there was no reason for him to delay his meeting with Maisie's family.

And honestly, Minos was somewhat curious about this place, considering that he had hated such a sect for several years when he was a child.

Then, without further ado, Ruth led her family to the entrance gates of the Gray Clouds Sect, through which disciples and visitors had to pass to access that organization's headquarters.

Upon arriving at that place on Maida's back, they were stopped by the guards on the outskirts, high-level Spiritual Kings, and some Spiritual Emperors.

"Identify your identities and purpose in coming here!" One of the guards who was ready to meet Ruth's group shouted, obviously not recognizing this woman.

Ruth was from one of the noble families behind the Gray Clouds Sect, but she was only one of the hundreds of young people from those families. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of people were in the sect, and the guards constantly changed roles in this post. Hence, such a person did not recognize her.

She then introduced her group. "We are here for family matters. My name is Ruth Miles, and this is my family."

"Miles?" The guard opened his eyes in surprise. "From the Miles family of our sect?"

"Yes." She said.

"Can you hand me your identification?"

"No, I haven't been part of the sect for a few years now." She said, causing that man to frown and look at them strangely.

It was infrequent for someone to leave the sect. And usually, when that happened, it was through punishments relating to crimes committed by such people. So this man immediately thought that Ruth had done something heinous and perhaps her presence was not welcome.

"That... Well, without an ID, you can only access the headquarters as business visitors." He seriously said, not turning them away immediately.

There were two areas in this headquarters. One for sect members only, and another for allies, friends, service contractors, etc., to do business.

This man pointed out such an option to them since it was better not to allow a potentially troublesome woman into the exclusive area for members of this organization.

Ruth frowned her eyebrows as Gloria and Abby looked at her and Minos at that man.

"You see, I wasn't kicked out of the sect. I just left my family to marry my husband, the current King of the Black Plain." She pointed to Minos, explaining the situation to that guard.

"The King of the Black Plain?"

...