Shaurya sat alone in a quiet corner, a gloomy shadow hanging over his face. His thoughts echoed in the silence, spiraling inward—until a familiar voice broke through.
"Leader Shaurya, are you alright?" the City Lord asked, concern evident in his tone.
Shaurya looked up, startled. He quickly composed himself, stood up, brushed the dust from his robe, and walked toward the City Lord with a casual smile.
"Yeah, yeah, City Lord. I'm completely fine," he said lightly. "Just thinking about some sect matters."
The City Lord nodded, though his expression remained serious.
"Well, Leader Shaurya, I have something to ask you."
Shaurya raised an eyebrow.
"Yes? What is it? Feel free to ask."
After a brief pause, the City Lord spoke with a hint of nervousness.
"I wish to recommend someone to your sect."
Shaurya blinked.
"Recommend… who?"
Looking slightly embarrassed, the City Lord replied,
"My daughter."
The words fell like a thunderbolt.
Shaurya froze.
Nearby, Wang Tian and Luo Chen—who had been standing idly—widened their eyes in disbelief. Not far away, Muo Qian and Su Quan exchanged glances.
"Looks like something important is happening," Muo Qian said quietly.
Su Quan nodded.
"Yes… should we go take a look?"
Muo Qian gave a short nod and walked toward the group, with Su Quan following closely behind.
Meanwhile, the City Lord continued,
"I want my daughter to join your sect. I hope you'll accept this request."
Shaurya's face turned blank and unreadable.
The City Lord misunderstood the silence.
Looks like Leader Shaurya doesn't like the idea… he thought anxiously.
But before that thought could deepen—
Shaurya suddenly broke into a wide grin and rushed forward, wrapping the City Lord in a tight hug.
"City Lord! City Lord!" Shaurya exclaimed. "I don't even have the words to express this joy! You have no idea—you've just solved a huge problem for me!"
Everyone froze.
Muo Qian.
Su Quan.
Wang Tian.
Luo Chen.
Even the City Lord himself stood stiff in shock.
Realizing his sudden outburst, Shaurya cleared his throat and stepped back awkwardly, coughing lightly.
"Ah—sorry, City Lord," he said sheepishly. "I got a bit too excited."
The City Lord blinked.
"I… don't quite understand, Leader Shaurya. Why are you so happy about this?"
Shaurya thought for a moment, then explained honestly,
"Well, City Lord, I'm trying to complete a personal mission. I needed to recruit one hundred disciples—my first hundred. I already gained Su Quan… and now your daughter makes it exactly one hundred!"
Without wasting a second, Shaurya pulled out a disciple recruitment form from his robe and handed it over.
"Please have your daughter fill this out," he said eagerly. "Quickly!"
The City Lord chuckled.
"There's no need to wait. She's already here."
He turned slightly.
"Daughter, come out."
From behind a curtain, a young girl stepped forward.
She appeared to be around eighteen years old, dressed in a flowing red robe. Her snowy white hair shimmered beneath the sunlight, and her silver eyes sparkled like twin moons. Her skin gleamed like polished diamond, drawing everyone's attention as she walked forward with natural grace.
She bowed gently.
"Xu Ran greets Master."
Shaurya handed her the form, which she filled out without hesitation.
---
System Notification:
Congratulations, Host! Mission Completed — Recruit 100/100 Disciples
---
Shaurya clenched his fists to stop himself from jumping in joy. Inside, he was practically exploding with excitement.
---
System Update:
Sect Level Up — Level 1 → Level 2
New Feature Unlocked: Lottery of Luck
Rewards:
1. 10× Spin Wheel
2. Flying Spiritual Ship
3. Major Cultivation Level Up
4. Sect Guardian Formation (Effective up to Golden Vein Stage)
5. +100 Dharma Points
---
Shaurya's heart raced.
These rewards are insane… I finally did it!
He took a deep breath and calmed himself.
Now only one thing remains—the competition. But I trust my disciples. They'll win.
The City Lord smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Leader Shaurya, for accepting my daughter."
Shaurya replied calmly, dignity evident in his tone.
"I'm always happy to accept disciples—regardless of their cultivation level or family background. What I value most… is character."
The City Lord was visibly impressed. His respect for Shaurya deepened further.
After parting ways, Shaurya handed Xu Ran her sect uniform along with several cultivation techniques.
Qi Refiner Level 2 already, he noted inwardly. As expected of the City Lord's daughter.
---
As night fell, Shaurya sat outside, gazing up at the star-filled sky.
Tomorrow is the competition… he thought. A perfect chance to spread the Sanatan Flame Sect's name. We must win.
---
Next Morning
Shaurya stood proudly before his five disciples:
Wang Tian.
Muo Qian.
Luo Chen.
Su Quan.
Xu Ran.
"Let's go," he declared firmly, "and win this competition."
"Yes, Sect Master!" all five shouted in unison.
---
The venue was enormous—easily twice the size of two cricket stadiums combined. Spiritual energy buzzed thickly in the air. Pavilions adorned with glowing emblems and fluttering flags surrounded the arena.
Back at the Sanatan Flame Sect, Elder Wu stood before the gathered disciples.
"The competition is about to begin," he announced.
With a swipe of his spiritual ring, a massive projection appeared in the air, displaying a live broadcast of the stadium.
The disciples leaned forward eagerly.
Then, on the screen—
Shaurya appeared.
He walked in confidently, dressed in a pristine white robe, stylish black sunglasses resting on his face. Behind him followed his five disciples, each walking with discipline and pride.
Excitement erupted.
"They've arrived! It's Master Shaurya!"
Xiao Rui pointed excitedly.
"Look! There are two new faces with Master!"
Another disciple whispered,
"They must be new recruits."
Elder Wu chuckled.
"Sect Master told me he would recruit disciples if given the chance. Looks like he did exactly that."
Meanwhile, Shaurya maintained his cool swagger on the outside—but inside, his nerves were screaming.
So many people… This stadium is massive…
This is my first time stepping onto a stage like this…
Still, he didn't let it show.
He walked forward confidently.
Suddenly, a booming voice echoed throughout the stadium.
"Ladies and gentlemen—cultivators and non-cultivators alike—prepare yourselves! The grand Fifty Cities Disciple Competition… BEGINS!"
To Be Continued…