The jade token hanging at Shi Yao's waist suddenly flared to life, its soft, ethereal jade-green glow casting dancing, eerie shadows on the modest wooden walls of his room. The token vibrated gently against his side as a sharp, commanding voice, amplified by some unseen mechanism within the jade, echoed throughout the small space.
"Every disciple of the Celestial Wind Sect must immediately make their way to the main hall within the next five minutes. Failure to comply with this order will result in immediate and irreversible expulsion from the sect."
The abrupt announcement hit Shi Yao with the force of a physical blow, the words resonating with an undeniable authority. His heart pounded in his chest like a frantic drum as he scrambled out of bed, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, banishing any lingering sleepiness.
Without a moment's hesitation, he burst out of his courtyard, his boots hitting the cold stone steps with a rapid-fire rhythm as he leaped down from one elevated tier of courtyards to the next, his movements driven by pure urgency.
There is absolutely no way I am getting myself expelled from the sect on my very first day, he thought fiercely, every muscle in his body tense with determination.
I have to make it to that main hall. There's no other option.
As he sprinted through the outer sect housing area, a sudden flash of insight struck him, a deeper understanding of his current cultivation stage. He recalled that in the Qi Refining stage, his Qi was limited, stored internally and primarily used to toughen and enhance his physical body. But now, having broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, things were fundamentally different.
He realized with a sudden clarity that Qi could now be directed outwards, consciously harnessed to significantly enhance his physical abilities and potentially even manipulate the surrounding environment in subtle ways.
Seizing this newfound understanding, Shi Yao gathered the readily available Qi within his dantian, consciously channeling it down into his legs.
A sharp, invigorating warmth blossomed in his leg muscles, a feeling of raw power coursing through his limbs like lightning. With an explosive burst of speed that seemed to momentarily blur the world around him, he shot forward, a golden-black streak against the muted stone and greenery, rapidly passing numerous courtyards and startled disciples with astonishing velocity, leaving a trail of surprised gasps in his wake.
"Whoa! Did you just see that? He completely vanished in the blink of an eye!" a young disciple gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief as he watched the afterimage linger in the air.
"No kidding! Who in the world was that? Some kind of hidden prodigy we haven't heard about yet?" another whispered in awe, his head swiveling to try and catch another glimpse of the fleeting figure.
"Is he even human? That kind of speed… it's practically impossible!" murmured a third disciple, shaking his head in utter astonishment as he tried to process what he had just witnessed.
Excited whispers and murmurs rippled through the quickly gathering crowd of disciples as they too began to hurry towards the main hall, their initial sleepy confusion now thoroughly replaced by a burning curiosity piqued by the mysterious figure's sudden and incredible dash.
Moments later, his lungs burning slightly but his adrenaline still pumping, Shi Yao arrived in the vast, cavernous main hall. The massive space, usually bustling with activity, was surprisingly empty only six imposing elders sat on grand, intricately carved thrones at the far end of the hall, their expressions serious and somewhat grave.
Across the expansive room, leaning wearily against a massive marble pillar, stood Hao Tian, his breaths coming in heavy but steady inhalations and exhalations.
Shi Yao's own chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to catch his breath. "That guy actually beat me here," he admitted softly to himself, a grudging admiration in his tone. "Those body refiners really do possess some incredibly powerful legs."
The silence in the hall stretched taut as more and more disciples poured in through the massive doors, the once-empty space now buzzing with a mixture of eager anticipation and nervous energy. Whispers and hushed murmurs floated through the air like invisible electric currents, filled with speculation and conjecture.
"I wonder why such a sudden summons?" a young disciple whispered, breaking the tense silence with a curious voice.
"Who knows? But when the elders call an assembly this urgently, it must surely be something serious," another replied, his eyes darting nervously towards the imposing figures at the far end of the hall.
Shi Yao scanned the growing crowd, noting the diverse range of expressions around him a mix of excitement for the unknown, nervous apprehension about potential repercussions, and quiet speculation about the nature of the urgent summons. For some of the newly arrived disciples, this was likely just the very beginning of their arduous cultivation journey; for others, more seasoned in the ways of the sect, it might very well be a significant test of their resolve and obedience.
Suddenly, the low murmur of the crowd snapped into complete silence as the eldest among the six seated elders slowly rose from his grand throne. His long, flowing white hair cascaded down his back like silk, and his piercing brown eyes, sharp and intelligent, carefully scanned the assembled disciples from beneath thick, distinguished eyebrows. "Quiet down, all of you!"
he commanded, his voice steady and authoritative, carrying effortlessly to every corner of the vast hall. "We have gathered you here with such urgency this morning to clarify and reinforce the fundamental rules that will govern your lives as disciples within our Celestial Wind Sect." He paused for a moment, allowing his words to settle and the expectant silence to deepen before continuing.
"First and foremost: The primary currency within the Celestial Wind Sect is Contribution Points, which are earned through the successful completion of tasks assigned by the sect elders. For your understanding and reference, one Contribution Point is equivalent in value to 20,000 thousand gold coins in the outside world. Remember this well this system will ultimately define your path and your progress during your time here."
A few eyebrows shot up in surprise at the significant value, and a fresh wave of excited whispers rippled through the assembled disciples.
"Second: Disputes and disagreements between disciples may, if absolutely necessary, be resolved within the confines of the Life and Death Arena. However, before entering this arena for such a purpose, both parties involved must willingly sign a legally binding document officially releasing the Celestial Wind Sect from any and all responsibility for any injuries, permanent disabilities, or even deaths that may unfortunately occur within its boundaries."
This particular rule elicited a stronger reaction from the crowd low murmurs of unease from some, while others exchanged intrigued and even slightly bloodthirsty glances.
"Third: When a summons is issued by a sect elder, be it for instruction, assistance, or any other legitimate purpose, refusal to comply is strictly forbidden. Those disciples who dare to disobey a direct order from an elder will be expelled from the Celestial Wind Sect without exception, their cultivation progress and future prospects in the cultivation world utterly ruined."
A noticeable wave of discontent swept through the crowd at this particularly harsh decree, with grumbles of potential injustice audible in some quarters, but for the majority, there was a quiet, almost resigned acceptance of the elder's stern pronouncement.
Shi Yao listened intently, his sharp mind racing as he processed the information. Only three core rules? he thought with a slight surprise. I honestly expected a sect as famous and prestigious as the Celestial Wind Sect to have a far more extensive list of regulations. But perhaps fewer rules actually mean fewer restrictions… maybe that could actually turn out to be a good thing for my current situation.
The eldest elder raised his hand once more, the simple gesture immediately silencing the remaining murmurs and drawing everyone's undivided attention. "One final and rather important announcement," he stated, his voice now carrying a hint of something significant. All eyes fixed intently on the imposing elder, every breath held in anticipation. "The Outer Sect of the Celestial Wind Sect is officially divided into six distinct cultivation peaks: the Medicine Refining Peak, the Artifact Refining Peak, the Alchemy Peak, the Spirit Cultivation Peak, the Body Refining Peak, and…" The elder paused for a brief, almost imperceptible moment, his gaze sweeping across the assembled disciples before continuing, "...the sixth peak."
As the disciples began to shift and form tentative lines before the various elders who represented the first five peaks, one thing became immediately and undeniably clear: absolutely no one was stepping forward to join the ranks of the disciples under the banner of the mysterious sixth peak. Shi Yao's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. No competition whatsoever. It seems no one here is quite brave enough, or perhaps simply interested enough, to join this enigmatic sixth peak.
Perfect. This could actually work out incredibly well for me. His mind raced with the possibilities this unexpected development presented. This practically ensures that I can train with the Heaven Devouring Pulse Art relatively freely, without the constant scrutiny and potential interference of prying eyes or unwanted attention. This might just be the golden opportunity I've been desperately hoping for.
Steeling his resolve and making a snap decision, Shi Yao strode purposefully towards the elder who sat alone on a slightly smaller but still impressive throne, clearly the master of the sixth peak. The elder was a striking figure handsome, with long, snow-white hair pulled back neatly into a high ponytail, and piercing, intelligent blue eyes that seemed to possess the unnerving ability to see straight through him, past his carefully constructed facade. "I am here to formally request permission to join the sixth peak," Shi Yao announced firmly, his voice carrying a clear note of determination despite his outward calm.
The elder's piercing blue eyes widened slightly in genuine surprise. "You… you actually wish to join my peak, young man?" "Yes, Elder," Shi Yao replied, meeting the elder's intense gaze with a steady and confident look of his own. "I am ready." A rare and genuine smile, one that softened the sharp lines of his handsome face, finally touched the elder's lips. "At long last," he murmured, a hint of relief in his voice. "After many long years without a single disciple showing any interest, someone finally dares to join the ranks of the sixth peak.
Come forward, young man." Reaching into a small, ornate velvet pouch at his side, the elder produced a single, exquisitely crafted pill that shimmered faintly with an internal luminescence. "Take this Foundation Stage pill," the elder instructed kindly, handing it to Shi Yao. "It will undoubtedly aid you greatly in your continued cultivation and will mark the true beginning of your path as a disciple of the sixth peak." Shi Yao caught the offered pill reverently, his eyes fixed on its soft, ethereal glow.
He then met the elder's gaze, a silent expression of profound gratitude and unwavering determination shining brightly in his eyes. "Thank you, honored Elder. I promise you, I won't let you down." "No thanks are necessary, young one," the elder said kindly, his smile widening slightly. "As your peak master from this moment forward, it is my sacred duty to nurture and support your growth and development in every possible way." Before Shi Yao could even begin to formulate a proper response, the very air around him seemed to shift and distort.
The grand and familiar hall of the Celestial Wind Sect dissolved around him like morning mist under the rising sun, replaced by the rugged, imposing face of a towering, seemingly endless mountain. He found himself standing on a narrow, rocky path at its base, the cool mountain wind rustling gently through the dense trees that lined the lower slopes.
Far above him, the peak elder, now a distant figure, had already begun to steadily climb the treacherous path, his white-clad form becoming smaller and smaller against the vast expanse of the sky. Shi Yao's breath caught sharply in his throat. "What in the world just happened?" he murmured in utter disbelief. "We were just in the main hall… How did I possibly get all the way out here?" His mind raced, desperately trying to make sense of the sudden and bewildering transition.
Was this some kind of unexpected test? Or had the peak elder somehow transported him instantaneously to the very heart of the sixth peak's hidden domain? Looking upwards at the seemingly insurmountable mountain that stretched before him, Shi Yao felt a potent mixture of awe at its majestic scale and a growing sense of trepidation at the unknown challenges that undoubtedly lay ahead.
This is only the very beginning, he thought, his resolve hardening. The path that lies before me will undoubtedly be arduous perhaps unlike anything I've ever faced before in either of my lives. His fingers tightened into determined fists, a fierce and unwavering determination burning brightly within his chest.
But I will climb this mountain, no matter the obstacles, no matter what it ultimately takes. As the peak elder continued his steady ascent, his figure now a mere speck against the vastness of the sky, Shi Yao took a resolute step forward, ready to follow his new master and begin his true journey on the path of cultivation. The adventure had truly begun.