Chapter 11

As they soared through the sky on the flying sword, Xiao Yao and Baobao eagerly took in the rapidly shifting scenery. Everything below passed by in a blur, the vast landscape unfolding beneath them like a moving painting.

The original body had memories of flight, but experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. The sensation of weightlessness, the rushing wind against his skin—it all left Xiao Yao in quiet awe.

After several hours of silent travel, neither of them knew how much distance they had covered before an enormous gate loomed into view.

Boldly engraved upon it in grand, imposing strokes were the words "Shenhao Sect", exuding the majesty and dominance befitting a true first-rate sect.

Beneath the gate, streams of disciples moved in and out, their robes fluttering in the wind. Some were deep in discussion, while others hurried about, busy with their own affairs. The entire scene pulsed with life.

Beyond the entrance, a vast expanse stretched endlessly, veiled in a thick fog that obscured everything within. Even with his sharp vision, Xiao Yao couldn't see past it—it was as if an entire hidden world lay beyond the mist.

Sensing his curiosity, Feng Qiuqiu spoke with a hint of pride,

"The fog ahead is part of our sect's defensive formation—a powerful barrier capable of trapping and even killing those below the Enlightening Stage. If the Sect Master and all elders fully focus on sustaining it, the formation can even contend with an Enlightening Stage expert for several rounds."

She paused, then added , "Additionally, it also functions as a concealment array, keeping our sect hidden from prying eyes."

As she finished speaking, the sword swiftly reached the gate. And next, Feng Qiuqiu jumped down, followed closely by Xiao Yao and Baobao.

The moment she landed, two gatekeepers quickly stepped forward, bowing slightly.

"Welcome back, Senior Sister Feng!" they greeted in unison.

Their gazes flickered briefly to Xiao Yao—a young boy only at the Qi Refining First Stage—and then to the strange, plump bird beside him, who, surprisingly, radiated the aura of a Late Qi Refining beast.

Noticing their scrutiny, Feng Qiuqiu calmly introduced, "This is Xiao Yao, who can now be considered a new member of our sect. And that beside him is his pet, Baobao."

Passing by, Xiao Yao bowed politely to the gatekeepers before hurrying after her, with Baobao waddling along at his side.

As they stepped through the gate, the thick fog around them gradually receded, revealing an awe-inspiring sight—a landscape so vast it seemed boundless.

Countless hills stretched across the horizon, each brimming with spiritual energy. Among them, seven stood out—towering and distinct, exuding an undeniable presence. But amongst seven of these peaks, one stood even more imposing, with a massive golden bell resting atop it, its significance unquestionable.

From ahead, Feng Qiuqiu's voice rang out, "Those are the Seven Major Peaks of our sect."

Her gaze then shifted to one of them—a towering peak with a massive golden bell hanging from its summit. "That one, the Main Sect Peak, is where our Sect Master resides."

Turning away, she gestured toward the countless smaller hills scattered across the landscape. "The rest are minor peaks—108 in total."

Xiao Yao and Baobao took in the grand sight with wide eyes, but before they could dwell on it, Feng Qiuqiu said, "No need to focus on them now—we need to head to the Resource Hall first."

"There, your spiritual roots will be assessed, and you'll be assigned a peak accordingly. After that, you'll officially become an outer disciple of that peak."

She paused briefly, then added with her usual tone, "However, if your spiritual roots are too poor... well, you'll most likely end up as a handyman disciple, doing chores instead."

Her tone was casual, but the implication was clear—without talent, a disciple's path in the sect would be nothing more than manual labor.

With a wave of her hand, they lifted into the air once more, swiftly flying toward one of the smaller peaks. Unlike the grand seven, this one was bustling with activity—disciples swarmed in and out, carrying scrolls, materials, and weapons.

As they approached, Feng Qiuqiu introduced, "This is the peak managed by our Resources Department."

"It handles the distribution of cultivation resources to disciples, elders, and sect members. The amount one receives depends on their contributions, completed missions, or the monthly benefits allotted to their rank."

As they landed, murmurs spread through the crowd. Whispers and curious glances followed them, and from the hushed discussions, Xiao Yao quickly realized something—

Feng Qiuqiu wasn't just any ordinary disciple.

Her presence commanded attention.

Ignoring the murmurs, she led them deeper into the peak, where tall buildings stood in perfect order. Eventually, she guided them toward the busiest one, where disciples continuously entered and exited.

Above its entrance, a large sign read:

"Outer Disciples."

As Xiao Yao stepped inside, a middle-aged man in black robes—his hands and neck adorned with rings and chains—hurried toward them, his face plastered with an eager, flattering smile.

"Miss Feng! What an honor to have you here!" he greeted enthusiastically.

Feng Qiuqiu returned his overly eager smile with one of her small, polite smile. "Deacon Chen, I have come here as I need your help with something", she said pointing towards xiao yao,"this is a Xiao Yao , a new disciple I brought back under Master Xi's orders."

"I came here so you could assess his spiritual roots and assign him to a suitable peak."

Hearing this, Deacon Chen's gaze shifted to Xiao Yao, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

"And, he was brought here because of the sect's token," Feng Qiuqiu added, anticipating his unspoken question.

The moment she said this, the curiosity in Deacon Chen's eyes faded, but his overly eager attitude remained unchanged. With the same flattering smile, he nodded and said, "Ah, I see! If he was brought back under Master Xi's orders, then leave it to me. I'll handle everything properly."

Feng Qiuqiu gave a slight nod. "Thank you then, Deacon Chen."

Then, turning to Xiao Yao, she spoke one last time.

""Junior Brother Xiao, you can complete your joining procedure and obtain all the necessary items from Deacon Chen. Since I was the one who brought you into the sect, if you ever run into trouble, you may seek me out—but only if you haven't done anything foolish or caused any harm. I won't be able to help if you bring trouble upon yourself," she added with a faint smile before turning to leave.

With that, she turned and departed swiftly, disappearing from sight.