Morning, and Bai Tian awoke to find himself alone in the room. Silence. Only the morning sunlight crept in through the window cracks.He exhaled and rose, beginning to prepare himself. Today was the entrance exam for the Rainbow Cloud Sect—one of the strongest sects in the eastern region.
Stepping out of his room, he walked across the Mu family courtyard. Dew still clung to the leaves, and the morning air carried a rare freshness.
At the edge of the courtyard, he saw Mu Xingyue standing gracefully, clad in a white robe embroidered with silver threads. Behind her, a few attendants were preparing a traditional carriage.
Bai Tian approached."Shall we depart now?" he asked.Mu Xingyue glanced briefly. "Hm." The short reply came with a cold gaze, as if she didn't want to waste words.
They climbed into the carriage. A few servants followed in the rear, while Bai Tian and Mu Xingyue sat facing each other.
The atmosphere inside was quiet. The only sounds were the morning breeze and the gentle creak of the wooden wheels over the cobblestones. Bai Tian gazed out the window, watching the trees and mist slowly drifting by.
After a while, boredom crept in. His eyes occasionally flicked toward Mu Xingyue, who sat upright in meditation, eyes closed, breathing steadily.
Suddenly, without opening her eyes, Mu Xingyue spoke softly:"If you have questions, just ask."
Bai Tian was startled."I… just wondered," he said with an awkward smile, "why are you participating? Haven't you already been accepted into another sect?"
Mu Xingyue opened her eyes, staring sharply."Does it matter to you?"
"Of course. If you already have a place, why bother taking this exam?"
Mu Xingyue didn't answer immediately. She closed her eyes again and spoke softly but firmly:"Some things… you don't need to know right now. Focus on your exam. Don't return empty-handed."
Bai Tian clicked his tongue lightly but said nothing. "Alright, Auntie…", he murmured softly.
Mu Xingyue slightly opened one eye. "I heard that."
Bai Tian quickly turned his face away, pretending to admire the scenery.
The journey continued until the carriage wheels slowed. They arrived at the Rainbow Cloud Sect Valley, the center of Rainbow City.
The sky here was filled with seven colors that shimmered like a curtain of light. The rainbow hues reflected on water and cliff walls, creating a breathtaking view. People from all corners gathered—both candidates and spectators eager to witness this prestigious selection.
Bai Tian gazed at the colorful sky. "So beautiful…"
Mu Xingyue stepped out of the carriage, her hair blown by the morning wind. "Beautiful doesn't mean weak," she said coldly. "Behind this rainbow, there is unseen blood and sweat."
Bai Tian fell silent, realizing today was more than just an exam—it was the beginning of a long journey into the harsh world of cultivation.
The carriage stopped at a large stone courtyard at the valley's base. Ahead, a wide road ascended to the Rainbow Gate, the grand entrance to the selection arena.
Bai Tian stepped down first, looking around. Hundreds of people were gathered—young men, women, even some middle-aged men seemingly making one last attempt. The chatter mingled with the shouts of vendors selling food and lucky charms.
"So many people," Bai Tian murmured, unable to hide his awe.
Mu Xingyue descended gracefully. Instantly, several people turned to look, captivated by her presence. Yet her cold gaze made them quickly look away.
"Don't be mesmerized by the crowd. The more people, the fiercer the competition," she said.
As they prepared to move forward, a bright-faced young man approached. He wore simple blue attire and carried a sword on his back.
"Hello, are you taking the exam too? I'm Lu Wen, from Northern Lake City."
Bai Tian smiled. "I'm Bai Tian."
Lu Wen nodded, then glanced at Mu Xingyue. "And… this?"
Bai Tian opened his mouth to introduce her, but Mu Xingyue cut in coldly, "No need to know."
Lu Wen scratched his head, smiling awkwardly. "Alright… then, I hope we meet again inside." He walked away.
Soon, loud laughter echoed from the right. A group of youths in black clothing passed by. One tall, muscular man stared at Bai Tian from head to toe.
"You look weak," he said with a mocking smile. "I thought you'd be out in the first round."
Bai Tian raised an eyebrow. "And if I last until the end?"
The man stepped closer, patting his shoulder firmly. "Then I'll call you… 'senior'." Laughter erupted among his group, and they walked away.
Mu Xingyue sighed softly. "People like that rarely last long. Don't waste your energy on them."
"Who says I want to waste energy? I want to see his face when he loses," Bai Tian replied with a faint smile.
They walked toward the gate. Atop a stone platform stood several sect elders wearing rainbow-colored robes. One, an old man with white hair and sharp eyes, stepped forward and spoke loudly:
"Welcome, candidates of the Rainbow Cloud Sect. Today, you will undergo three trials—physical endurance, spiritual strength, and intelligence. Only those who pass all three will have the honor of joining us."
The crowd fell silent. The air seemed thick with tension. Bai Tian felt his heartbeat quicken slightly. Mu Xingyue remained calm, eyes fixed ahead.
Bai Tian glanced at her. "Hey, are you sure you'll be fine?"
Mu Xingyue turned briefly and spoke in a flat tone. "Return unharmed."
Bai Tian remained silent, choosing not to ask further.
Among the crowd, some people carried their captured prey—bears, black tigers, demon cats, and various other demonic beasts.
Ahead, a towering mountain rose. Its peak shrouded in thick clouds, concealing its true form. Occasionally, the distant roar and growls of beasts echoed. A winding path snaked around the slopes, curving beautifully like a brushstroke in a painting, evoking a sense of otherworldliness.
At the farthest peak stood a magnificent hall. Though hidden behind clouds, a radiant light emanated, demanding reverence. Beside it stretched a silver crescent-shaped bridge, connecting the peak to another mountain top.
With such stunning scenery, it's no wonder this sect is among the foremost. The Rainbow Cloud Sect has stood for thousands of years, a major power in the cultivation world, with many branch sects under its banner. Yet, over time, its power has waned, leaving only a third of its former glory.
Still, for ordinary humans living nearby, the Rainbow Cloud Sect remains an elusive, mysterious presence.
"Miss Mu, is this the candidate recommended by Uncle Xiofeng?"
A middle-aged man in black robes, exuding a lasting aura, descended from the mountain peak. The youth before him bowed respectfully.
"Third brother, yes. They are three youths recommended by Uncle Xio."
The middle-aged man's gaze swept over them, pausing briefly on Bai Tian. His lips curved faintly.
"I suspected you'd soon surpass the limit. Very well, I'll handle this trial. You, continue your cultivation."
The youth nodded. His body shot toward the peak, disappearing from view in an instant.
Bai Tian, one of the three candidates, gazed at the magnificent scenery, eyes sparkling. Suddenly, he felt someone tug at the hem of his clothes. He turned and smiled with enthusiasm.
"So… this is where cultivators reside! Hmph! No matter what happens, I must be selected!"
As he said this, he reached for something hidden beneath his clothes—a bulging object, seemingly holding a secret that must not be revealed.