(23) The Sect Competition

The Sect Competition that many prepared for has finally arrived. This year, it took place within the Dark Ruby Sect, the winner of the previous Sect Competition. The Dark Ruby Sect resides in the far east, in the Ruby Island that could only be accessed through boating. The island's filled with lush, wise trees that grew red leaves, surrounding the sect's tall walls and buildings, making it look like it was always autumn there. The sect was planted with beautiful Crape Myrtle trees that bloomed vibrant red flowers in different spaces amongst their greener bushes and gardens as decorative pieces.

Morning has just arrived, and multiple boats have already started to stop by the Ruby Island, with different groups disembarking and entering the stone-made road towards the ancient and grand-looking buildings inside the sect.

Three big stages were aligned in the middle of a huge arena with two judges in each stage as different cultivators lined up to check their names. Seats within the arena were slowly being filled as different sects arrived and took their respective spots. Cultivators whose first time there looked around in fascination and stared at other disciples from other sects, trying to discern the faces and trying to get glimpses of famous cultivators that many looked up to.

The top ten major sects got the better and higher seats in order to better observe all stages should they want to and were separate from the lower seats. There were servants who were hired for this event, hosted by the Dark Ruby Sect, who were leading each sect to their seats and serving tea and snacks.

"Has the Moon Sect arrived yet?"

"Is their second direct disciple going to participate this year? I heard she became famous after dealing with the Story Illusion Demon with Kang WangYong, the Dark Hero of the Dark Ruby Sect!"

"Right, that was among one of the most dangerous and problematic events during that time, wasn't it? Back then, many sect disciples were trapped inside the demon's illusion and unable to leave. Only those below the Third Tier could enter, so defeating this demon was a challenge."

"I heard that not only is she a beauty but that she is also very powerful! Not many people have been able to get a glimpse of her."

"Look! Isn't that disciple from the Moon Sect?"

"Then that girl must be her!"

A group of twenty cultivators, dressed in elegant purple robes of different shades were walking slowly as they chatted among themselves. Sect Leader Wang led the group and stood out the most with his more lavish and flowy darker robes that resembled the darkest violet orchid petals, which he wore for this occasion. Beautiful prints of the moon, clouds, and leaves decorated his robes as his metal Moon Sect pendant hung from his waist alongside a jade embroidered tassel. All of his hair was in a high bun, neatly adorned with a fancy silver crown and a silver pin. On one ear was a stud earring that sparkled whenever he tilted his head slightly. His two disciples stood behind him, both dressed in almost identical dark purple robes, just a bit lighter than their master's.

Wu LiJing kept her gaze forward as she stood behind her master. One of the main servants noticed the larger crew dressed in lavender robes when they just arrived and quickly greeted them politely.

Lai RongYi dug his ears that had a black ear cuff as he heard others discuss his "junior sister". He glanced at Wu LiJing who didn't seem to care, or perhaps she just had a hearing problem. Either way, he found the chatters annoying but treated them like flies. He has already attended this Sect Competition once, so he wasn't as curious as he used to be and stood calmly. This year, he wasn't going to fight for their sect since he's already in the Immortal Realm so he was just going to observe the talents from other sects. He only came because his master wanted to show him off.

The purpose of this competition was for sects to show off their disciples and allow them collect fame, therefore only disciples below the Immortal Realm are allowed to compete because of the obvious gap in power between the tiers.

However, this big competition was also a way for the 10 major sects to show the other sects that they deserve their spot in the top ranking, thus everyone takes this competition seriously. Major sects who are very close in rank could also get switched around should many of their participating disciples lose compared to the other sects.

Disciples who are in or have surpassed the Immortal Realm are much stronger than those below them, thus these disciples usually fight in a battle in the upcoming Grand Sect Banquet to show off their skills and see who is stronger than who. But these battles only occur when one challenges the other and both sides have agreed.

The Grand Sect Banquet was a banquet that occurred every half decade and was for sects to get to know each other, chat, and have fun. Lai RongYi didn't attend the last one since he was out and about, but the upcoming one was in one year, meaning he may have to attend that one or his master wouldn't be satisfied with him.

"Look, isn't that man the first direct disciple of the Moon Sect?

"He's quite handsome," a girl whispered to her friend with a blush.

"I believe he's one of the top bachelors that got sixth place last year. The Flowing Wind Emperor."

"Yes, he's very strong!"

"And also very handsome. Look at how elegant he looks even with his slightly relaxed posture. Sigh."

"I believe he has already reached the Immortal Realm. As expected of the Moon Sect!"

"It's a shame we won't get to see him fight here. Perhaps during the upcoming banquet…"

Lai RongYi smirked as he followed his master to their seats.

Wu LiJing stood behind her master and her gaze flickered when she saw the incoming sect leader from the Dark Ruby Sect, Gao JinWei. The color of the sect leader's robes resembled the skin of an over-ripened apple and his long sleeves shuffled as he walked with strong strides, while emitting an awe-inspiring pressure. Half of his hair was tied back leisurely with an expensive embroidered ribbon containing golden strings that hung along with his flowing dark hair. Unlike Wang WeiYue who wore a silver stud earring, he wore a golden ear cuff on his left ear lobe. As he neared, his metal pendant containing a carved symbol of their Dark Ruby Sect glistened near his waist. He smiled when he saw Wang WeiYue.

"Sect Master Gao." Wang WeiYue saluted with a smile. "The competition is quite grand."

With a smile on his face, Gao JianWei returned the salute. "Thank you, Sect Master Wang. I hope you enjoy the food and snacks we are providing."

Wang WeiYue glanced behind Gao JianWei. "Is your disciple participating this year?"

"Of course. WangYong, greet Sect Master Wang."

Kang WangYong stepped up and saluted with a greeting.

Wang WeiYue nodded in admiration after quickly scanning his body. "Hm, you've improved greatly since the last time I saw you. You may even surpass your previous senior sister in the near future."

Wu LiJing glanced at her master for a moment and then looked at Kang WangYong, who seemed completely calm.

"Sect Master Wang is overpraising me." Kang WangYong saluted again with a slightly bowed head.

"Oh? Is that Wu LiJing behind you?" Gao JianWei noticed and asked with a smile.

"Yes, she is participating as well." He gestured for her to come forward.

Wu LiJing stepped up and saluted. "Greetings, Sect Master Gao."

Gao JianWei probed for her level and nodded. "Wu LiJing, you've surprised me once again. It's a shame I didn't find you before your master did."

Wang WeiYue laughed. "Gao JianWei, no matter what you say, my disciple will not change masters."

Gao JianWei sighed and waved his hand. "No matter, WangYong will be victorious in this competition." The master smiled as a challenge against Wang WeiYue. "I want to see how Wu LiJing will fight against my disciple compared to those years ago when they first met."

The edge of Wang WeiYue's lips twitched. "Though it may be a challenge, our sect can match up against your disciples. However, it is a pain to have such a grand title as the number one sect. That's the only reason we have stayed in sixth place. And your disciple should be alert, because he may be taken by surprise by my disciple's talent and skills, and lose by accident." He chuckled. "You can't complain then."

Both masters stared at each other with smiling eyes as their disciples sighed inside. Wang WeiYue and Gao JianWei have known each other for a long time and have somewhat of a 'friendly' rivalry between them. Only their direct disciples know what they really are talking about.

After all, when both disciples first met, they were forced to fight each other and compare skills to entertain their masters since they were only five years apart.

Gao JianWei turned to Lai RongYi, who had been neglected.

Although his posture was a bit lazy, Lai RongYi saluted respectfully.

"Lai RongYi, you too have already reached the Immortal Realm…" Sect Master Gao sighed and looked into the distance. "If Ying'er was still here, she would be around your level…" He shook his head nostalgically.

Wu LiJing lowered her eyes unconsciously and stared at the ground.

Gao JianWei turned to Wu LiJing. "Wu LiJing, if you ever get mistreated, my sect is always open for a new talent." He chuckled loudly and then walked away with Wang WeiYue giving him a side-eye.

Wu LiJing looked towards Kang WangYong, who broke away from his master to talk to a servant, probably to give some orders regarding the competition.

"Master, you go sit down first. I'll come in a bit."

Wu LiJing walked towards Kang WangYong and saluted, "Sir WangYong."

Kang WangYong turned around and saluted back. "Miss LiJing."

"How is it, hosting the grand Sect Competition?"

He nodded. "It's fine. Master has done this multiple times before, so he knows what to do."

"Are you looking forward to the competition?" she asked, slightly curious.

With the usual stoic face, "As Miss LiJing can probably guess, I am. In fact, I look forward to fighting you tomorrow." He then showed a small smile.

Wu LiJing smiled. "Yes, me too." She felt her heart flutter and her face start to warm up. Then she noticed that his attention was suddenly distracted as his gaze went elsewhere.

Recognizing that familiar gaze… her heart was beating louder than ever and her smile dropped. She followed his gaze and saw a girl in a light-green robe, printed with trees and leaves. She had a small and docile, pretty face, with big and bright, gentle eyes, helping her leave a good first impression to those who paid attention to her. However, what stood out was her alluring presence that made her seem more mature than her actual age - looking to be only in her teens. Even with a calm facade, she seemed to be looking around with curious eyes.

"You know her?" Wu LiJing asked, her voice quiet.

With a nod, he answered, "Yes. She saved me once."

Wu LiJing turned her attention back to him. Is that why he was interested in her?

The girl suddenly spotted them and walked over with a smile. However, when she saw Wu LiJing, Wu LiJing could tell that her gaze turned hostile and the girl's smile froze suddenly.

Wu LiJing's eyes flickered. And then her gaze went to the mole under the young girl's lips.

The girl saluted. "Sir WangYong." She turned to Wu LiJing and saluted to her as well. "Miss Wu."

"Do I know you?" Wu LiJing asked. She observed her face carefully with deep eyes. No, Wu LiJing didn't recognize her.

The girl shook her head. "No, but I could guess who you were because of your robes - Wu LiJing, Ice Goddess of the Moon Sect." She showed a polite smile.

Wu LiJing stared for a moment and then nodded. "And you are?"

"Oh! Excuse me for being impolite. I am Han YanLing, direct disciple of the Wonder Tree Sect, and heir to the Lily Clan." She bowed slightly.

Wu LiJing nodded. "I heard you saved Sir WangYong. I must thank you for that."

Han YanLing smiled. "It's only what I should do. Sir WangYong was heavily injured when I found him. Thankfully, I could be useful in that situation." She turned to Kang WangYong. "Sir WangYong, I apologize, but I must speak to you in private regarding a few issues…" She turned to LiJing, "Miss Wu, I hope you won't mind."

With a small nod, Wu LiJing watched as they walked away together. She stood there for a moment before she went to find her seat.

Kang WangYong looked at the pretty girl in front of him, who was pouting slightly.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing." She turned around.

"Didn't you have something important to tell me?"

She glanced at him. "Are you close with... Wu LiJing?"

She clenched her sweaty hands. If he was… then she might have to abandon him after using him. She didn't want to get involved with this Moon Sect disciple. It was too bad because she had started to like him a little more than before.

Kang WangYong pondered on it and shook his head. "No. But I admire her skills." He was good - no, he was probably one of the best cultivators out there. But even if Wu LiJing was younger than him by a few years, she was already catching up quickly, only being one stage behind him.

"I heard you used to go on a few missions with her in the past."

"That was because of Master," he replied. His master wanted him to feel challenged and get more motivated by seeing another talented and new cultivator. Also… there was another person who wanted to work with Wu LiJing, so he just followed along.

"So… you two aren't close?"

He shook his head.

"I heard you even defeated an evil demon together and became famous afterwards. I can't believe you really aren't close at all." She stared at him suspiciously.

He sighed. Why did this matter? "I don't remember much from the event," he admitted. "But Miss LiJing claimed I helped in the matter..." Why was he explaining this to her in the first place? He clenched his hands and the face of a gentle girl, grinning and wearing green robes flashed in his mind, causing his lashes to lower.

"I don't really like her," Han YanLing confessed with a hesitant voice. She quickly glanced at him.

He frowned. "Why?"

"I don't know… I just don't, okay? My instincts are telling me I can't trust her." She observed his expression carefully. "Can you not get close to her too?" She asked once she noticed he didn't get mad.

He was silent as he stared at her... Why should he care? He turned around and left her alone.

Han YanLing furrowed her brows slightly. Did he get mad? So he was close to her then?! He lied?! She pouted. Fine, then! She would leave him after she finished using him! She turned around and left. She promised herself that she wouldn't stay with those who didn't treasure her the most in this lifetime.

As Wu LiJing made her way back, she spotted QiaoHua looking around away from the group and walked up to her. She scanned her cousin's body and seeing no injuries, sighed in relief inside. "QiaoHua, are you looking for someone?"

Wu QiaoHua quickly lowered her head when she saw Wu LiJing and nodded. "Yes, a friend…"

There was a silence between them as Wu QiaoHua avoided Wu LiJing's gaze. Wu LiJing slightly clenched her robes and then let go.

"How are you, QiaoHua?" her voice was softer than usual. She hasn't seen QiaoHua since she went away to the Divine Emerald Sect.

"Fine," her cousin answered.

"I am going to save a seat beside me. If you want to sit closer to the front, just come over," she said and then left QiaoHua to herself.

Wu LiJing took her seat next to her master and observed as different sects and clans started to fill the lower seats. She glanced at the ten spots around the stadium that would allow others to see the top ten sects and their Sect Masters. This was one of the only times people would see the top masters gathered in one place.

The major sects contained ten sects that were considered the most powerful of all sects. First, the ranking depended on how many Fifth Tier masters there were in each sect and what stage they are in. The more masters there were, the higher their ranking. So far, the top six sects are led by a sect leader that is of the Fifth Tier, or in the Immortal Emperor Realm, and the other four are led by those of the Fourth Tier.

Unlike other realms, the difference of one stage in the Immortal Emperor Realm significantly elevates one cultivator's powers. That is why breaking through to the next stage is extremely difficult and can take tens to hundreds of years. So far, the top two sects are unrivaled when it comes to their overall strength.

The winner of the previous competition, the Dark Ruby Sect, is currently ranked the strongest sect and has a total of four masters who are in the Immortal Emperor Realm and another six who are in the Immortal Realm, with their sect master currently in the high-stage of the Fifth Tier. They are known to be unruly and extremely carefree, but in exchange, they also have extreme punishments should their rules be broken. They value high morals and strength, with their focus in cultivation leaning only towards swordsmanship, the weapon most cultivators use.

The second ranked sect that rivals the Dark Ruby Sect is the Blue Crane Sect, which also has a total of four masters in the Immortal Emperor Realm and six in the Immortal Realm, with their master being in the same level as the sect master of the Dark Ruby Sect. Their disciples are known to always look neat and tidy with their sect having a much stricter regime in their teaching yet are also known to be open-minded. They value order and justice.

These two sects, as two of the largest and strongest sects, keep each other in check, which also keeps the other major sects in check should they have any funny idea of trying to take over the world or trying to commit evil.

Thousands of years ago, there was a gigantic war between the orthodox and unorthodox sects and clans that lasted for hundreds of years. Finally, after a massive war that killed many masters but also solved the misunderstandings that occurred between both sides, a treaty was created, and an agreement was made between both sides.

Both would not bother with the other and the land was divided into two continents respectfully, with each side promising never to mess with the other side.

Back then, two of the most well-known masters from each side became friends and died for the war in order to end it, so with respect to history, both sides are not dumb enough to want to start another war that would risk thousands of deaths. Thus, nowadays major problems stem from demons, ghosts, or the emergence of dark energy. If anything occurred between two sects of different sides, no other sects are to interfere, letting those involved deal with their own personal problems.

Wu LiJing looked towards the seating of the Dark Ruby Sect, filled with their disciples who were dressed in red and black robes. She noticed that Kang WangYong was already sitting next to Sect Master Gao, with both of their robes being a darker red than the others.

Then her gaze went to the disciples of the Blue Crane Sect, who were sitting next to the Dark Ruby Sect disciples. In contrast, they were dressed in pale blue and blue robes, with the sect master being dressed in a fancier lighter-blue design, resembling a bright clear sky. It seems none of his direct disciples have arrived yet.

Her gaze moved more towards the left, where disciples of the Divine Emerald Sect sat. She showed a small smile. It seems Sect Master Yao really did not come. Her seat was empty with the rest of her disciples, dressed in extravagant light-green robes with embroidery of various floral designs on them. Compared to other sects who brought about fifteen to twenty people with them, the Divine Emerald Sect only had about ten people sitting.

Her gaze met with one of the direct disciples. Wu LiJing did a small bow and the other smiled and returned the bow. The Divine Emerald Sect is currently placed in fourth place and their disciples are known to be quiet and compassionate, valuing knowledge and medicine. Sect Master Yao is currently at the high-stage of the Fifth Tier, with three other Fifth Tier masters in the mid-stages and four Fourth Tier masters in their sect.

In comparison, the Moon Sect is currently in sixth place, known to be elegant, calm, and serene, valuing practice and honesty. Sect Master Wang is also at the high-stage of the Fifth Tier, with their sect having the same amount of Fifth Tier masters as the Divine Emerald Sect, and has three Fourth Tier masters.

Wu LiJing's gaze went back to the middle of the arena, with a huge open space containing three big stages. Mostly everyone has arrived, including the four major clans that were seated just below the major sects.

A person appeared beside each stage and beat the three drums that were standing to announce the start of the competition and quiet down the chatters.

Sect Master Gao stood up from his seat and flew to the middle stage with poise.

"Welcome, everyone!" His calm voice vibrated throughout the arena. "I hope you have enjoyed your time here so far as we wait for the competition to start. There are still many refreshments that are being freshly made so please help yourselves; our servants will serve you well. The names of participants have already been admitted into our list, and randomly picked for each battle. Like always, the winner of their battle will move on to the next round until the ranks are decided. There will also be a second competition between those who have lost their first battle, so do not fear even if you've lost your first battle, due to something like having to fight against my dear disciple, Kang WangYong." The crowd laughed at his joke and a few others simply ignored it, such as the Sect Master of the Moon Sect.

Gao JianWei smiled and continued, "May our disciples showcase their various skills and powers, bring prestige to our sects, and show what the future has to hold for us. Let the Sect Competition Commence!"

After a huge applause, the judges of each stage called the names of those who are participating first.

"Xue Yi, disciple of the Shallow Waters Sect! High-stage of the Second Tier!"

"Zhang Zian, disciple of the Strong Tigers Sect! Peak-stage of the Second Tier!"

Everyone looked in excitement as six disciples were called onto stage, saluted, and bowed to each other before getting into a stance or taking out their weapons.

All sects could only admit up to four disciples to participate in the Sect Competition or it would take forever if there was no limit. There were about thirty to forty sects total, and almost all of them were participating. Hence, this competition lasted for two days since there were first-string winners and second-string winners.

Wu LiJing stared at the stages with calm eyes, observing the different moves from various sects. So far, no big names have been called, and mostly everyone has been from smaller sects.

Lai RongYi yawned and leaned back on his seat. It was starting to get boring for him and he wondered if he could just leave. But he glanced at his serious looking master and decided against it.

Below them, a few of the female disciples of the smaller sects were discussing one of their idols, the second direct disciple of the Blue Crane Sect.

"I was helped by the Jade Gentleman of the Blue Crane Sect during one of my missions and he was just as dreamy and kind as the rumors said," one of them sighed.

"That's true but look at those deep eyes from the Dark Hero," another one sighed with sparkling eyes, admiring the man dressed in dark red from afar. "He's more of my type." Oh, how would it feel to be wrapped up in those strong shoulders of his - with those dark eyes staring into your own!

Slapping her friend awake from her delusion, the fan of the Jade Gentleman asked, "How has the Jade Gentleman not arrived yet? Is he not participating? I heard that the competition between the Dark Hero of the Dark Ruby Sect and Jade Gentleman of the Blue Crane Sect were put up against each other in the previous competition and their fight was amazing even if they were still only in the Second Tier."

Another joined in, "I witnessed it ten years ago. The swordsmanship of the Dark Hero was so magnificent, even multiple sword-masters praised his skills. The Jade Gentleman, on the other hand, showed that he wasn't only flexible at using the sword, but his true weapon is of the guqin. Though he was losing against the Dark Hero in terms of swordsmanship, once he pulled out the guqin, it was truly a magical sight to see: musical spells against sword skills. All professed to have seen two prodigies being born on that stage."

"Right, their talent in their generation is inspirational. I was hoping to see them fight this year since both have reached the Third Tier already."

Suddenly, one of them brought up, "Oh, isn't that the second direct disciple of the Moon Sect, the Ice Goddess? I heard her engagement with the direct disciple of the Bright Venus Sect was annulled."

"Right, it's a complete mystery as to why it happened when they were a well-known couple who seemed to have affection for each other."

"I have heard of great things about the Ice Goddess after what happened in the major event of the Story Illusion Demon a few years ago."

"Right, that was how she got her name. Ten years ago, she wasn't a direct disciple of the Moon Sect yet and didn't participate in the competition. Everyone here is probably extremely interested in her skills since she suddenly became famous."

While everyone was observing important figures or chatting amongst themselves about the fights occurring, two figures finally arrived, with one gentleman dressed in white and carrying a fan to cover half of his face as he fanned it lightly and his guard walking behind him by one-step.