I Bit Everyone and Became the Strongest Zombie Cultivator

Apparently, or should I say, obviously, the main building of the Gulong Household is situated at the top of the rock formation and that was where we're headed. It is one hell of a climb though, and I thought why not just make an elevator the Wind Element or something of the sort?

That's when I saw the people who were climbing up the stairs. Just like Yan Sun and his grandfather, all of them wore black hooded robes. And it seemed as if they were struggling in climbing up the stairs.

"Every Household's main building is located on top of these rocks. It is almost similar to the Inner Court of a Sect in comparison to the Lower Plane. As for the Outer Court, they're all located as rest stops while climbing the ladder." Yan Sun explained as he craned his neck, looking up at the rock formation which belonged to their household. "The reason why they're not similar to Inner and Outer Courts is that only those worthy could set foot in the main building. In simple terms, only those with decent Qi Control or Cultivation level could go up and earn a place in the main building. As for those who joined the Sect and couldn't reach the top, they can stay in the Outer Courts. In total, there are Ten Outer Courts. As I mentioned, one cannot really climb the stairs in a short span of time. And that's why the Outer Courts are made. Technically, those staying in the Outer Courts are still a part of the Gulong Household, but as long as they don't reach the top, they'll forever remain in the shadows of those who did."

After taking it in, I decided to spectate the other nearby rock formation, and just as he said, every household has those outer court thingies as well. And not only that, hundreds upon hundreds of people in total are climbing through the multiple staircases on each rock formation.

"Also, just in case you were wondering why they're already wearing every household's robes before they could even climb up... that's because they were already accepted into the household. And if someone attempted to join another household, they won't be able to. But then again, everyone has equal footing since every staircase is of the same levels." Yan Sun said.

In other words, it's your typical cliche climb-the-stairs-using-your-Qi-Energy challenge. How novel.

"As for you,  Rui-rui. You don't have to join our household. You can join any household if you want, we won't force you. Even though we're basically the ones who got you out of that hellhole of the Middle Plane, we're giving you a choice... our household is not that great anyway." Yan Sun regrettably said as he heaved out a sigh of disappointment.

"Allow me to explain, Rui-rui." The grandfather spoke up after softly clearing his throat. "Yan Sun did mention something about two clans existing here in the Higher Plane before, right? For millennia, these two clans have coexisted with one another, until our Yan Clan took hold of greater power and drove out the other clan. Although a few of us households were against that idea, the majority voted for the other clan to be banished into the lower planes. And now, we're reaping what we sow. Because of what we said back then, our supreme leader of the Yan Clan decided to cut our shares from the resources they got from the other clan after conquering them;. And now, we're barely getting by. We only rely on these monthly tournaments to stock up on resources."

"We're also under constant surveillance, in case we rebel against our supreme leader. Not that we'd do it though. But because of that, other households started targeting us as well. Now it's only a matter of time before our household disappears for good." Yan Sun continued on, slightly interrupting his grandfather.

"That's why we don't want to tie you down. Our household is already hanging by a thread as it is. If our household were to fall down after you just joined it, I'm afraid there's nothing we could do about it. That's why, while you still have the chance, you're free to check out other households."

Even though these guys tried to attack the Quetzalcoatl while controlling the Flying Meatpiles they have under their jurisdiction, and even though they tried to eliminate the entire Sky Knights while I was nearby, I don't think they're entirely a rotten bunch. They did have an insufferable arrogance that came with their strength, and they were always quick to act without even knowing the full situation. But ultimately, they were against the idea of war between the two clans. With a little bit of help, they might even be invaluable allies for me.

Never forget, Yongrui, your priority is to buy as much time while everyone trains in the Middle Plane. And while doing so, you should at least climb up and gain reputation in the Higher Plane. To me, it seems like these two would prove to be useful in the long run. It'd be best if I suck it up to them for now, and then release my actual strength later on.

"By any chance, do I have to climb a few steps up first before I could obtain that black robe, or do I need to sign up a few papers first?" I asked with a slight smile on my face.

Judging from how I was feeling, I could tell that my body had completely adjusted to the atmosphere of the Higher Plane. I'm rather surprised that Hui-ying and the System could do so much in such a short span of time. If I were to climb up the stairs to the main building of the Gulong Sect right now, I know I'd be able to do so without much difficulty. At most I'd be able to reach the top in a few months, if everything goes well, that is.

"Sweet! Do we have your word that you're joining our Gulong Sect right now?" Yan Sun enthusiastically asked as his eyes darted from me to his grandfather. He was probably signaling at him to get a black robe for me right away. Or at least, that's what I perceived.

"Yes. After all, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth if I don't return the favor you bestowed upon me. Thank you for bringing me to the Higher Plane. It's an honor."

"Cool! Now we must not tarry. The Black Spirit Tournament is due tomorrow! We'd have to do all the preparations we can before the deadline!"

"I'm sorry, what?!"