They walked for a long time before arriving at a place that resembled an airport, except it was called a skyport.
Everyone stared with wide eyes at the sky, where skycraft flew everywhere. They hadn't expected Luocheng to have such a wondrous place.
Skycraft, numerous as they were, soared into the clouds, heading for unknown destinations.
"I never imagined Luocheng would have such a large skyport."
"It's so beautiful; this is much more interesting than airplanes."
"I've always wanted to ride a skycraft, but I never knew where to find one."
"Do you think skycraft are available just anywhere?"
Despite their astonishment, everyone knew about skycraft. However, ordinary people couldn't access them because they weren't open to the public, and the Divine Dragon Kingdom had strict regulations, forbidding private ownership of skycraft.
In contrast, foreign countries had many private skycraft, which unfortunately led to numerous criminals using them for nefarious deeds.
Lin Tan patted Zhou Yan's shoulder and said, "First time seeing this, huh?"
"Mhm."
Zhou Yan nodded, also surprised by the vast skyport in Luocheng. It felt like a different, fantastical world.
Lin Tan continued, "This is my first time seeing so many skycraft too."
Seeing Zhou Yan's puzzled look, Lin Tan explained, "Skycraft are not suitable for long-distance travel, and they aren't manufactured in the real world. They are built in the skycraft construction facilities of lord territories."
"Once these skycraft's durability drops, they can only be sent back to the lord's territory that owns the skycraft building for repairs. So, there aren't many of them worldwide. Moreover, they could be exploited by criminals, which is why, aside from a few cities, you won't see skycraft in our country."
"Oh, they are built by facilities? I've never heard of that before," Zhou Yan said, genuinely surprised.
"I've heard that many countries started researching these airships long ago, but I don't know if they've succeeded," Ye Bufan chimed in.
Curiously, the group followed their lead mentor through the guarded gates and onto the vast plaza where the airships were docked.
Unlike airplanes, skycraft were somewhat like helicopters; they didn't need runways, and their ascent was not accompanied by loud noises. They rose like great ships.
Ye Bufan also explained that airships required crystal cores for propulsion, and only attribute-less crystal cores could be used.
Wind-attribute crystal cores could also be used, but they were quite expensive, making it impractical.
The skycraft were of wooden construction, so their speed couldn't compare to airplanes, but they were quite good for short-distance flights.
They approached a skycraft belonging to Ziwei Academy, emblazoned with a large graphic of a crape myrtle flower.
The group ascended a wooden ladder onto the deck of the skycraft. The entire deck area was enclosed with glass, shielding it from rain and wind.
For most, it was their first time riding a skycraft. Lin Tan, though she had seen them, was also a first-time passenger.
Only Ye Bufan and his sister had ridden them multiple times. They mentioned that while skycraft rides were comfortable, their speed couldn't match airplanes, but the journey allowed for appreciating the scenery.
Once everyone boarded, the mentor instructed them not to wander around, as the skycraft would reach their destination in a few hours.
They were curious. Luocheng wasn't that large; how could it take hours to travel?
However, none of them asked, knowing that given Ziwei Academy's secretive nature, they wouldn't reveal the reason anyway.
Indeed, when a few curious students inquired, the mentor simply replied, "You ask too many questions."
That phrase felt so familiar.
It seemed the people of Ziwei Academy all favored an air of mystery.
This aspect, Zhou Yan found appealing.
As the skycraft lifted off, the passengers leaned against the sides. Since the entire craft was enclosed, there was no risk of falling.
They watched as the entirety of Luocheng rapidly shrank below them, eventually disappearing from view. The skycraft flew very high, entering the clouds. Whether intentionally or not, the skycraft was enveloped in mist, obscuring any view of the outside.
Disappointed, they moved to the lounge, where fruits, snacks, and drinks were provided for their consumption.
"The place we're going must be very secluded. This mist is deliberately arranged to prevent us from knowing our direction," Ye Bufan surmised.
"I guessed as much, but whatever the assessment, it won't affect us," Lin Tan said confidently.
Zhou Yan and the other two found a corner. Zhou Yan took out some spirit fruits and shared them with Lin Tan and Ye Bufan, saying, "Eating these is much more satisfying."
Both were surprised, especially Lin Tan, who slapped Zhou Yan's shoulder. "You're impressive, kid. You managed to get spirit fruits. These are hard to come by."
They didn't ask Zhou Yan where he obtained them, acknowledging that everyone had their own secrets.
Ye Bufan also accepted a spirit fruit. "These are indeed difficult to acquire, but we have channels to get them. However, supplies are limited, and we can only eat a few each day."
"Damn, I'm lucky if I get to eat a few in a month. You get to eat them daily; be content!" Lin Tan grumbled.
This exchange clearly highlighted the strength of their respective families.
"If I ever get my hands on a spirit field, I'll treat you guys to spirit fruits every day until you're stuffed!" Lin Tan declared.
Ye Bufan shook his head. "That's not easy. In the entire Lord's World, despite billions of lords, there are probably fewer than ten thousand who possess spirit fields."
However, he seemed to recall something and looked at Lin Tan. "You, however, have a good chance. I heard Ziwei Academy has channels to acquire them. You didn't come here just for that, did you?"
"Absolutely. Spirit fields are incredibly precious. They are S-grade buildings. Obtaining even one would bring immense benefits," Lin Tan affirmed.
Zhou Yan blinked. Were spirit fields that rare?
As long as he had the [Farmland] building, he could evolve as many as he wanted!
Furthermore, the [Spirit Field] buildings in his territory weren't S-grade; they were RRR-grade.
He couldn't bring himself to say this out loud.
It was already impressive for others to have one or a few S-grade buildings.
But for him, every building in his territory was at least S-grade.
The three chatted and ate spirit fruits, and time passed quickly.
Sensing the skycraft beginning its descent, they checked the time. It was almost time to reach their destination.