Chapter 272: Experience

Chapter 272: Experience

After leaving Firewell Market, Meng Zhang rode the Crimson Feather Eagle and flew towards the direction of the Flying Swan Sect. As the ruler of the Endless Sea of Sand, the Flying Swan Sect theoretically controlled all the land in the region, except for the Northern Desert Qi Family's territory.

The Flying Swan Sect's territory could be roughly divided into three categories. The most prosperous area in the Endless Sea of Sand was directly governed by the Flying Swan Sect, which included every spirit vein and oasis, all belonging to the sect itself. Surrounding the Flying Swan Sect's direct territory were the lands of vassal families closely associated with the sect. These families were subject to the Flying Swan Sect's control and enjoyed its trust, serving as a defensive buffer for the sect.

In the remote regions, far from the Flying Swan Sect and located on the edge of the Endless Sea of Sand, were territories belonging to sects such as the former Twin Success Valley. These sects nominally pledged allegiance to the Flying Swan Sect but maintained a strong degree of independence. While they paid tribute and answered limited calls to serve the Flying Swan Sect, their loyalty was not unwavering. Generally, unless necessary, the Flying Swan Sect refrained from interfering in the internal affairs of these sects. However, they did establish commercial outposts through organizations like the Flying Swan Building, extracting substantial profits from these territories. In secret, they also deployed spies to monitor these sects' every move.

Certain sects like the Forest Spring Watch, Liu Family, and Earthfire Sect, which were originally part of this category, gained recognition as Gold Core sects and were considered independent from the Flying Swan Sect in terms of occupying territories. Taiyi Sect, a vassal of the Forest Spring Watch, was no longer under the direct management of the Flying Swan Sect.

The flight speed of the Crimson Feather Eagle was swift. In just half a day, Meng Zhang had left Firewell Market far behind and exited the Earthfire Sect's territory. Earthfire Sect shared borders with the Flying Swan Sect, and after leaving its domain, they entered the vast territory of the Flying Swan Sect, the most prosperous area within the Endless Sea of Sand.

Even in the desolate desert, this land was dotted with oases and frequented by numerous mortal merchants and travelers. In remote areas like Earthfire Sect and Forest Spring Watch, mortals dared not venture alone. Without the protection of Cultivators, they were unable to defend themselves in these oases.

As Meng Zhang continued his journey, he passed through numerous oases that had already turned into ruins. He wondered if they belonged directly to Flying Swan Sect or were under the control of vassal families. Even the oases that managed to resist the sand monster army suffered heavy losses during the battles. While the sand monster chaos had been quelled, these weakened oases became targets for various loose cultivators, especially bandits.

Flying Swan Sect's direct territory fared better, but the weaker vassal families suffered greatly. Hordes of loose cultivators swarmed in, with some resorting to extortion and blackmail while the bolder ones directly broke through the protective formations and plundered everything.

The recent natural disaster was barely over when they faced this predicament. The people living in this land were truly unfortunate.

As Meng Zhang passed by one oasis, he encountered a group of bandits robbing it. Initially, he didn't want to get involved and planned to leave. However, upon witnessing the bandits not only robbing but also killing both Cultivators defending the oasis and ordinary people, his sense of justice was stirred.

As the Sect Master of Taiyi Sect, a reputable orthodox sect, Meng Zhang couldn't tolerate such actions. Thus, he took on the role of a righteous hero and swiftly dispatched the group of Refining Qi stage bandits, leaving them dead. Ignoring the gratitude and bowing from the oasis residents, Meng Zhang departed as though he were a true wandering hero, leaving behind a taste of hidden greatness and humility.

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