We see Cang Yan and Di Min climbing the long stone stairs of the mountain. After a short while, they reach the outer disciple residential area, where rows of wooden houses line the path.
Just as they pause to look around, a disciple approaches.
"Who are you two? What are you doing here?"
Cang Yan replies calmly, "My name is Cang Yan, and this is Di Min. We are new disciples invited by Grand Elder Man Luo. I am his direct disciple."
The disciple's eyes widen in surprise. "Oh! So you're Junior Brother Cang Yan and Junior Brother Di Min. This area is for outer disciples. Junior Brother Cang Yan, you'll need to continue to the mountain top — that's where the core disciple residences are. The middle of the mountain is for inner disciples."
Cang Yan nods. "And what about Brother Di Min?"
The disciple answers, "Brother Di Min just joined and isn't an elder's disciple, so he'll stay here as an outer disciple."
Cang Yan nods again. "Alright, Brother Di Min. You choose your residence — I'll head to the top."
He turns and continues climbing.
Ten minutes later, Cang Yan arrives before a massive gate. Above it, large characters read: 'Inner Disciple Area.'
He enters, seeing elegant courtyards and small gardens, but he doesn't stop and keeps climbing.
After fifteen more minutes, he reaches a gigantic golden gate. On it are the characters: 'True and Core Disciple Area.'
Cang Yan walks inside and finds twelve magnificent residences surrounded by waterfalls and spiritual mist.
Two disciples approach.
"Junior Brother, who are you?" one asks.
"I am Cang Yan, new disciple of Grand Elder Man Luo," he replies.
The two look at each other, surprised. Grand Elder Man Luo's disciple? He must be a rare genius... and he looks barely eight years old!
The first smiles. "Junior Brother Cang Yan, I'm Su Mu, and this is Mo Li. Most residences are already taken — seven or eight at most. You can choose from the unclaimed ones."
"Thank you, Senior Brothers," Cang Yan replies politely and walks toward an empty residence.
He enters a beautiful courtyard with three rooms and a hall. After a quick look around, he sits cross-legged on his bed and takes out a cultivation manual. On the cover are the words 'Mojin Technique.'
Cang Yan studies it silently. So this is a Xiao-level top-grade cultivation technique... Cultivation techniques are divided into Xuan, Xiao, Tian, and Di levels — each with low, middle, high, and top grades.
He closes his eyes and begins his long cultivation journey.
---
Ten Years Later...
Within the Mojin Sect, the wind carriesWithin the Mojin Sect, the morning mist drifted gently between the peaks.
In the core disciple residential area, spiritual energy flowed like waves, filling the air with brilliance.
Inside one of the luxurious houses—Cang Yan's residence—a young man sat cross-legged on his bed.
His black hair shimmered faintly with red highlights, and his crimson eyes glowed like burning stars. His calm expression carried the noble aura of one who had stepped beyond the mortal world.
He looked like an immortal descended to earth.
For a long time, he remained still, surrounded by faint golden light.
Then—slowly—he opened his eyes.
> "Hah…"
A faint smile curved on his lips, and a powerful yet restrained aura rippled through the room, shaking the surrounding spiritual energInside his residence atop the Core Peak, the entire mountain trembled faintly under the immense aura radiating from within.
Golden light burst through the windows, and waves of spiritual energy surged like a storm before gradually calming.
At the center of it all sat Cang Yan, cross-legged and surrounded by swirling golden qi. His black hair fluttered without wind, and his crimson eyes glowed with divine radiance.
Slowly, he exhaled.
> "I've finally… reached the Martial Lord Realm."
The air rippled. The surrounding spiritual energy bowed to him as though acknowledging its master.
Cang Yan lifted one finger and gently pressed it into the air.
> Boom—!
A blinding flash erupted from his fingertip.
Far in the distance, one of the minor peaks of the Mojin Sect exploded into dust and crumbled into the clouds.
He lowered his hand calmly, eyes reflecting quiet satisfaction.
> "So this is the strength beyond the Sect Leader's level… The power to destroy a mountain with a single finger."
Just then—
> Knock, knock!
A voice came from outside the door.
> "Brother Cang Yan, Grand Elder Man Luo has ordered that you come to his hall immediately!"
Cang Yan stood, his aura instantly retracting into calm stillness.
> "Understood. I'll go at once."
He opened the door, stepping into the open courtyard. Standing outside was a young man in the sect's core disciple robes—his fellow brother disciple, Nam.
Cang Yan gave a faint smile.
> "Brother Nam, what level has your cultivation reached now?"
Nam straightened respectfully.
> "Brother Cang Yan, I broke through two months ago. I'm currently at Martial Grandmaster, Third Stage."
Cang Yan nodded approvingly.
> "Not bad. Continue cultivating diligently—there's no limit to one's potential if the heart remains steady."
Nam bowed deeply.
> "Yes, Brother Cang Yan!"
With that, Cang Yan turned, his robe fluttering as a golden light formed beneath his feet. In the next instant, his body rose into the air, streaking across the sky toward the Grand Elder's Hall—each step resonating like thunder.