Gathering

In an ornately adorned room deep within the heart of the celestial ship, a congregation of twenty-one individuals sat around a table that shimmered with mystical energy. Their attire was a mirror image of the black robes that Li Shuang's teacher wore, ornately embroidered with golden dragons. Each was striking in their own way - some exuding an aura of youthful exuberance while others bore the stoic gaze of wisdom earned over decades.

Their ages varied widely - the oldest seemingly having lived through eight decades of tumultuous events, their eyes reflecting an ocean of experiences. The youngest, although only appearing to be in their thirties, carried an air of maturity and resolve beyond their years.

The twenty-one individuals were arranged in a semi-circle, the central figure sitting upon an elevated chair, the black robe he wore adorned with golden dragons that didn't merely extend to his clothing but even slithered on his body like living tattoos. An aura of command, respect, and majesty permeated from him - he was the Sect Master.

As the ship continued its journey, smoothly cutting through the skies at immense speeds, the elders indulged in debates covering a wide array of topics. Politics among the orthodox sects, resource management, the interpretation of recent reports, all the mundane yet crucial affairs were discussed.

After having settled the majority of the matters, the Sect Master's voice echoed throughout the room, bringing everyone's attention back to him, "Who do you think holds the most potential amongst our participants?" The question hung in the air, inviting an exchange of opinions.

An elder in his fifties was the first to respond, "Sect Master, as far as I have seen, Liu Ye and Li Shuang seem to be our brightest stars for this tournament." The room echoed with murmurs of approval, although a few elders remained silent, their expressions inscrutable.

Mei Xien, Li Shuang's master, sat among the crowd. Hearing the elders praise her disciple brought a smile of satisfaction to her face, a sense of maternal pride warming her heart.

The conversation continued, a complex dance of opinions, until one elder broke the rhythmic discourse, "What about Elder Wu's disciple?" The room fell silent, looks of contemplation replacing the usual energy. "He is certainly talented and witty, but..." The words hung in the air, incomplete yet understood.

Their shared belief held that those who practiced incomplete cultivation arts would face a challenging path ahead - limited growth, potential mutations, and dangerous risks in exchange for temporary power. To most of the elders present, this trade-off seemed uneven, a gamble they'd not willingly take.

The Sect Master observed their reactions, understanding the general consensus. However, an unexpected chuckle broke the heavy silence. "You underestimate that boy," an aged elder proclaimed, stroking his thick beard. The gathered heads turned toward him, their expressions ranging from surprise to curiosity. The elder continued, "I've seen him up close. He might just be the dark horse we never saw coming."

The elders exchanged glances, their beliefs challenged. Given the elder's high standing and respect within the sect, they dared not refute his words outright. The Sect Master acknowledged the claim with a slight nod, "I see, we shall see if your words hold true during the competition, Elder."

As the debates continued, a shift in the celestial ship's movements indicated a change. It started to slow down, a subtle decrease in velocity that signaled their imminent arrival. The ship descended gracefully from the lofty heights of the skies, and the land began to take shape beneath them.

An exotic island emerged into view, stretching out across several kilometers. The Azure Archipelago was a sight to behold, a testament to nature's whimsical creativity. Its terrain was an eclectic mix of rugged cliffs, towering hills, and verdant forests. Unusual flora adorned its expanse, creating a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Unseen creatures sang a unique symphony, filling the air with a captivating melody. The waters surrounding the islands were as clear as polished crystal, reflecting the azure of the sky, from which it earned its name. Multicolored mushrooms, each the size of a small hut, added splashes of vivid hues to the landscape. Crystal clear rivers snaked across the terrain, their cerulean waters shimmering under the soft light of the descending sun.

Exotic creatures soared through the sky, their wings glistening with iridescent scales. Others roamed the land, their strange shapes and forms adding an element of surrealism to the alien landscape. The vibrant ecosystem was alive with a symphony of sounds - the calls of unfamiliar creatures, the rustle of the oversized leaves, the gurgling of the flowing rivers. This was a land untouched by the ordinary, a haven for the extraordinary.

As the celestial ship started its descent towards this alien landscape, a sense of anticipation filled the elders. The upcoming tournament held promises of epic battles, potential surprises, and above all, a chance for the sect to shine in the grandeur of its talents. With their discussions concluded, their focus was now on what lay ahead. The next few days promised to be exhilarating.