God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 541: Guild Dinner

The grand gates of Tianlan creaked open with a slow, deliberate pace as Liang took the lead. Behind him, a long line of groups followed, each faction sticking close to their own members while keeping a watchful eye on others. Sentinels, standing at attention on either side of the entrance, observed every outsider entering their city with sharp gazes and rigid postures.

Gabriel walked alongside ChaosKnight, his strides measured and unhurried. The instant they passed through the gates, the scenery within the city transformed dramatically.

This city presented a stark contrast to Stellar City. Towering edifices stood shoulder-to-shoulder with structures of a more traditional design. Stone pathways meandered between areas meticulously arranged with wooden halls and training grounds. Some rooftops featured elegant upward curves in classic styles, while others incorporated modern elements of glass and metal into their architecture. Within the city walls, mountains rose not by nature's design, but were artfully shaped and preserved as integral components of the urban landscape.

Several individuals surveyed their surroundings with palpable interest. Ragnarok99 slowed his pace slightly, tilting his head upward. "This place..." he murmured.

Cassie also cast her gaze about, her eyes shifting from the diverse buildings to the sculpted mountains. "It feels different," she commented.

Bunny quickly chimed in with a nod. "It’s not entirely modern."

Unlike the others, Gabriel remained remarkably unimpressed. In his previous existence, Tianlan had consistently maintained this unique blend of old and new. It wasn't merely for aesthetics; it was a deliberate choice.

Liang, continuing his walk at the front, spoke as if anticipating their reactions. "Tianlan cherishes its heritage. We do not cast aside what came before us. The subsequent generations must witness it, train with it, and come to comprehend it. Strength here is not solely acquired through systems or artifacts. It is forged through unwavering discipline and relentless repetition."

He cast a glance backward. "If the foundation is weak, no structure built upon it can endure. That is the principle we impart."

The procession advanced deeper into the city, and the surrounding atmosphere began to subtly shift. The citizens started to take notice of their arrival. Locals lined the streets, some armed, others clad in simple training attire. Their gazes swept over the newcomers with undisguised judgment.

One man wrinkled his nose subtly. "What is that scent?"

Another muttered, just loud enough to be heard, "Outsiders."

A woman positioned near a shop observed a member of ChaosKnight and let out a dismissive shake of her head. "Weak," she declared.

These pronouncements were not uttered in hushed tones; they were spoken openly. Even some players who had selected Tianlan as their starting point stood amongst the locals, their demeanor mirroring the judgmental attitude. They regarded the non-cultivators with evident disdain, as if they had already fully assimilated the prevailing mindset.

Ragnarok99's expression darkened considerably. His jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists at his sides. "What did he just say?" he growled.

Bunny moved forward a half-step defensively. "Let it go."

"I'm not letting that slide," Ragnarok99 retorted, his voice low and strained.

One of the Tianlan locals let out a soft chuckle upon witnessing Ragnarok99's reaction. "You are in our city. Conduct yourselves appropriately."

Ragnarok99 took another step forward, his face flushing red with barely contained fury.

Before he could advance further, Sophie raised a hand slightly. "Stop," she commanded.

Her voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority. Ragnarok99 froze mid-motion, his shoulders remaining tense, but he did not take another step. He held his gaze on the locals for another beat before exhaling sharply and stepping back.

"We are guests," Sophie stated quietly, lowering her hand. "Do not instigate any trouble before the mission commences."

Ragnarok99 merely offered a nod, though his barely suppressed anger was evident. As they resumed their walk, the scrutinizing stares from the citizens persisted, but no one else intervened. A palpable tension lingered in the air as they traversed the streets.

After a period of walking, Liang guided them towards a substantial edifice. It stood conspicuously taller than the surrounding structures, constructed with a combination of stone and polished materials. Its design echoed the city's prevailing aesthetic, a harmonious blend of traditional form and contemporary refinement. Guards stood sentinel at its entrance, and the grounds around it were immaculately maintained and serene.

"This is your temporary lodging," Liang announced. "You will reside here throughout your stay in Tianlan." He gestured towards the entrance. "Rest and make yourselves comfortable, but refrain from venturing too far. Tianlan is not a place where outsiders should wander without caution."

The groups proceeded to enter one by one. Inside, the main hall was expansive, with reception desks positioned at the forefront where attentive attendants awaited. Everything was impeccably organized, clean, and clearly prepared for their reception. The check-in process commenced without delay, with each group stepping forward in turn. Gold coins were placed on the desks, counted silently by the attendants, who then issued keys and room assignments.

Gabriel observed the proceedings quietly. A fleeting thought crossed his mind regarding New Dawn and their leader, Damien, who was currently managing their initial encampment. He recalled finding a chest brimming with gold and entrusting it to Damien. Gabriel pondered whether Damien had already converted those coins into valuable treasures or usable currency.

However, it was a fleeting thought, quickly dismissed as he entrusted Damien with the task.

Once the procedure was concluded, he retrieved his key and proceeded to his designated living quarters without a word.

Time flowed by in a peaceful manner.

Later, positioned at an elevated vantage point within the structure, he surveyed the cityscape. The vista extended to the horizon, a tapestry of edifices, practice grounds, and verdant mountains, with a bustle of activity unfolding below. Figures were engaged in various pursuits—some diligently training, others strolling, and a few locked in open combat.

Unbeknownst to any observers, Gabriel’s senses unfurled, expanding gradually. They swept across adjacent thoroughfares, crested rooftops, and traversed the training arenas.

"Adequate... they all possess considerable strength," he murmured, a flicker of admiration in his tone.

The individuals present here exhibited a higher caliber of power. It wasn't merely one or two exceptional figures, but a significant number. The baseline martial prowess within Tianlan surpassed that of Stellar City, and the disparity was quite pronounced.

His eyes narrowed subtly.

The underlying cause was rather straightforward. Stellar City had prioritized technological advancement, systematic integration, and rapid development. In contrast, Tianlan adhered to traditional methodologies, emphasizing rigorous training, strict discipline, and repetitive practice. One focused on swift construction, the other on enduring solidity.

Gabriel’s perception retracted deliberately after completing its comprehensive sweep.

Just as he began to disengage from the panorama, a distinct knock echoed from his doorway. He approached and unlatched it.

ChaosCleric stood on the threshold, his customary nervous demeanor on full display. He invariably appeared ill at ease when facing Gabriel.

"The evening meal is prepared," he stated, his voice tinged with apprehension.

"Hmm, I shall be there shortly," Gabriel responded with a slight nod.

ChaosCleric lingered for a moment, then added, "However, we will not be dining in solitude."

"What is the meaning of that?"

"All the other factions will also be in attendance."