TIANXUN SECT: THE IMPERIAL SECT
Unlike ordinary cultivation sects that are led by a Sect Leader, their spouses, or noble disciples titled as Young Masters or Princesses, the Tianxu Sect (天墟宗) stands at the pinnacle of power. Its structure mirrors that of a true empire—governed by an Emperor (天君), Empress (天后), and Crown Prince (太子).
The sect is currently ruled by Zhao Taichen (赵太宸), the reigning Heavenly Monarch and father of the esteemed Crown Prince, Zhao Longxuan (赵龙玄).
——
Lin Xuanji (mo Tianzun)—was making final preparations for his journey. The ceremonial carriage from the palace was due to arrive at any moment.
Beside him stood Aunt Ruyan and his younger sister Yun Mèimei, both bidding him farewell with reddened eyes. The Twin Guardians, his personal protectors, were to accompany him into the palace.
Suddenly, a voice echoed from beyond the courtyard gate:
"We have come to escort Concubine Lin Xuanji."
With a deep breath, Lin Xuanji stepped into the ornately adorned carriage. As it began to move, he drew aside the silk curtain and waved gracefully to Aunt Ruyan and Yun Mèimei. Looking up at the terrace, he spotted Canglong Shuiyun and Yun Huayin waving from above. Xuanji offered a faint, serene smile in return.
He let the curtain fall and reclined against the carriage cushions, exhaling quietly.
"System," he whispered so that the escort guards would not hear,
"Do I need to complete the main quest immediately, or are there secondary quests before that?"
A translucent screen materialized before him.
[System Notification]
Welcome back, Player.
Yes, you are correct! There will be additional quests before the main one.
The main quest has no time limit, but you must develop a strategy and complete the prior objectives.
"Hmph… So what's the second quest, then?" he asked, brow furrowing.
[System Response]
You will know upon your arrival at the Tianxu Sect.
With a light scoff, Xuanji rolled his eyes and closed them, allowing himself a moment of rest as the carriage rolled steadily toward his new fate.
———
"Wake up, Young Master!" came the voices of the Twin Guardians. Xuanji groaned and sat up slowly, stretching with a soft yawn.
"All right, all right… I'm up!" he muttered.
Once fully roused, he stepped down from the carriage. A collective gasp swept across the palace courtyard.
Dressed in an elegant sea-blue and jade-green hanfu, with a translucent silk veil obscuring the lower half of his face, Lin Xuanji radiated ethereal beauty. His long black hair danced in the breeze, and his piercing cerulean eyes shone like cold gemstones—eyes that seemed to look into one's soul.
He walked gracefully through the gates of the Heavenly Palace, the Twin Guardians trailing behind him. Palace attendants, maidservants, imperial guards, and inner officials (内侍) all bowed with utmost respect.
Many dared not meet his gaze directly. Those who did were momentarily stunned by the sharp glint of his eyes.
A senior nèishì (内侍) rushed toward him and bowed deeply.
"Concubine Lin, this humble servant shall escort you to your quarters."
Xuanji gave a slight nod and began to follow the palace servant.
As they passed a lotus pond, his eyes caught sight of a tall man with long snow-white hair, standing like a sculpture beside the water. His features were cold and regal, his eyes an icy silver, unreadable and calm.
The man seemed to sense the gaze. His eyes lifted and met Xuanji's.
Their eyes locked.
A flicker of tension passed in the air.
Xuanji quickly looked away just as the inner attendant urged him forward again. When he glanced back toward the pond—the white-haired man was gone.
"…Strange," he murmured. But he said nothing more and continued on.