Inside the Blazing Sky Sword Sect
After the entrance exam participants registered for the sect, only four young geniuses remained: Wu Ming, Zhao Ling, Xiao Mei, and Qi Yuan.
Each of them possessed unique strengths, techniques, and special skills. Among them, Xiao Mei was currently the strongest, having reached the eighth level of the Qi Foundation stage.
The four were then welcomed into the Blazing Sky Sword Sect. As they stepped inside, they were mesmerized by the grandeur of the sect. It was far more magnificent than it appeared from the outside when they first arrived at the entrance. Indeed, the rumors were true—the Blazing Sky Sword Sect held many mysteries.
The grand buildings, including martial arts halls, were decorated with enormous swords embedded in their structures. This was the true sight of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect, witnessed firsthand by the four young talents.
Just then, an elderly man descended from the sky, standing atop a flying sword. "You four, follow me," he instructed.
The four obeyed and followed him toward the main hall, where they would receive their rewards and be introduced to the sect's masters and disciples.
"Oh, by the way, you can call me Elder Hao. You'll find me at the Martial Arts Hall after you've chosen your training area in the main hall," said Elder Hao as he led them.
He then pointed to an enormous sword-shaped building towering into the sky. "That is the Main Hall. I'll explain more once we arrive," he said, guiding them further.
"In there, you may choose a master. Each specializes in a different field—elemental training, sword techniques, alchemy, or soul arts," Elder Hao explained as they neared the hall.
Upon reaching the entrance, the massive doors opened on their own.
"It's huge!" Wu Ming exclaimed in excitement as he stepped inside with Qi Yuan, Zhao Ling, and Xiao Mei.
Inside the hall, ten disciples and several sect masters awaited them. A tall man with long black hair, dressed in golden-white robes, welcomed them.
"Congratulations on passing the entrance exam! Hahaha! Now, introduce yourselves, young ones," the man said cheerfully.
The four immediately recognized his voice—it was the same one they had heard during the exam, explaining the rules.
"T-that's your voice, Uncle! I recognize it!" Qi Yuan shouted, startled.
"You fool! Do you think he's your uncle? Call him Sect Leader, you brat!" Elder Hao scolded, lightly knocking Qi Yuan on the head.
"Ouch! Why did you hit me, Elder Hao?" Qi Yuan grumbled, his antics amusing the others. The entire hall burst into laughter at his reaction.
The Sect Leader chuckled. "Aish, aish, don't worry about it. I never introduced myself properly, so I understand the confusion. Now, let's proceed."
He then called out three names. "Xiao Mei, Zhao Ling, and Qi Yuan. Come forward and claim your rewards for ranking in the top three of both exam stages."
With a bright smile, he handed each of them a brown gift box.
"And now, we officially welcome you all as disciples of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect! You may now choose a master to guide you," he announced.
He then introduced the four available masters:
Pei Tian – An alchemist who could teach them the art of pill-making.
Mo Tian He – A master swordsman who specialized in sword techniques.
Shu Yin – A soul arts cultivator with incredible spiritual techniques.
Huixie – A warrior who combined physical strength with elemental mastery.
"Choose wisely, for you must select a path that suits your body and spirit," the Sect Leader advised.
Qi Yuan, however, raised his hand with an unexpected question. "Sect Leader, can I learn from all the masters?"
The hall fell silent as everyone turned to stare at him in shock.
"You brat, do you think you're that talented?" one of Pei Tian's disciples sneered, glaring at Qi Yuan.
Qi Yuan met his gaze with sharp eyes. "Silence. I aim to become the strongest in the spiritual world, not just master one specialty. Do you understand?"
The disciple clenched his fists, unwilling to back down. "Then prove your strength now!" he challenged.
Tap!
Whoosh!
Before the fight could escalate, a single clap echoed through the hall, sending a terrifying wave of energy through the air. Everyone immediately fell silent.
The source of this overwhelming pressure? The Sect Leader himself.
"Hahaha! You've just met, and you're already fighting? Relax!" he said with a grin.
"As for your question, Qi Yuan—there are no restrictions on learning from multiple masters. However, are you prepared for the intense training ahead? The choice is yours," he said, watching Qi Yuan closely.
Zhao Ling, Wu Ming, and Xiao Mei each chose their masters:
Zhao Ling went to Mo Tian He.
Wu Ming joined Pei Tian.
Xiao Mei selected Shu Yin.
Qi Yuan, however, remained undecided.
Seeing this, the Sect Leader spoke. "Qi Yuan, why don't you start with Huixie? I know your potential, and he is the best fit for you. He is also one of the strongest masters in the sect. But remember—within one or two years, you must show significant growth. If not, you will not be allowed to represent our sect in the continental competition. Do you accept this challenge?"
Qi Yuan clenched his fists, his determination burning. "I will remember your words, Sect Leader! I'll prove myself and reach greater heights. I'll start my training under Master Huixie and seek guidance from all the masters in the future!"
The hall erupted in murmurs as Qi Yuan's bold declaration resonated throughout the sect.
With that, the meeting concluded, and the disciples dispersed to begin their cultivation.
"Now, you may all leave. I'll take my leave first. Oh, by the way, my name is Shen You. Haha!" the Sect Leader announced before soaring into the sky on his sword.
The young man, appearing to be only in his twenties, was none other than Shen You, the number one Sect Leader in Huo Zhou Continent. He was also one of the youngest sect leaders in history and ranked among the strongest cultivators in the land.
The elders and masters of the Blazing Sky Sword Sect held him in the highest regard.
"Yes, Sect Leader! Dismissed!" the disciples echoed, watching him vanish into the horizon.
Whoosh!
With that, Qi Yuan, Xiao Mei, Zhao Ling, and Wu Ming parted ways, each following their chosen mentor.
The sect was divided into various training grounds:
Pei Tian's Pill Furnace Hall was located in the northern part of the sect. Its signature feature was a massive cauldron-shaped building that emitted the fragrant scent of medicinal herbs.
Wu Ming, one of the new disciples, joined this hall, where he met two other female disciples, Ling Xu and Ziyun, increasing Pei Tian's student count.
To Be Continued...