The grand gates of the Azure Sky Sect loomed ahead, their towering presence radiating spiritual energy that formed an invisible barrier over the sect. Disciples moving about the entrance paused in shock as a brilliant golden light descended upon the main pathway.
From within the teleportation array, Ling Tianxiao stepped forward, his very presence warping the air around him. Dressed in elegant white robes embroidered with golden dragon patterns, his tall and refined figure exuded an innate nobility that made even the proudest sect members lower their gazes instinctively.
Behind him, Qing Yue walked with effortless grace, her silver robes flowing like celestial clouds. Though her expression remained indifferent, those with sharp perception noticed the subtle warmth in her gaze whenever she looked at Tianxiao.
But what stunned the gathered disciples even more was the presence of the Sect Master himself standing at the gate—something unheard of.
The Sect Master, Guo Tianren, a revered powerhouse of the Lower Realm, stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His dignified face bore a rare solemnity, and beside him stood several Grand Elders, all radiating strong auras.
And standing slightly ahead of them all was the Saintess of the Sect, an ethereal beauty clad in flowing violet robes, her cold yet breathtaking face framed by strands of silver-blue hair.
Liuxian Xue, the Azure Sky Saintess.
Her ice-blue eyes, which normally held only detachment, flickered with curiosity as they studied Tianxiao.
A guest of this stature… just who was he?
---
A Grand Welcome
Sect Master Guo Tianren stepped forward first, his deep voice echoing through the area.
"Young Master Ling, on behalf of the Azure Sky Sect, I welcome you."
His gaze sharpened slightly as he observed Tianxiao's aura. A Nascent Soul cultivator? No, this presence…
Guo Tianren was a seasoned expert. He could tell at a glance that the young man before him was no ordinary cultivator. Though his realm appeared suppressed at the Nascent Soul Stage, the sheer depth of his presence made even a peak Soul Formation expert like himself feel a trace of caution.
"This humble sect is honored by your visit," the Sect Master continued. "I have arranged accommodations befitting your status. Should you require anything during your stay, do not hesitate to ask."
Tianxiao's lips curved into a faint smile. "Sect Master Guo is too polite. I am but a traveler observing the wonders of the Lower Realm. There is no need for such formalities."
The Grand Elders exchanged glances. Such confidence.
He spoke as if their Azure Sky Sect was merely a casual stop on his journey.
The murmuring disciples in the background couldn't believe what they were witnessing.
"The Sect Master is personally greeting him?!"
"Even the Saintess is here… just who is this person?"
"I heard rumors that he's from the Immortal Realm… could it be true?"
Among the crowd, a single figure stood with gritted teeth, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
The Inner Sect Disciple, Ye Tian.
A prodigy of the younger generation, known as one of the strongest disciples within the sect.
He had spent years cultivating under the tutelage of elders, striving to one day stand at the peak of the Lower Realm. Yet today, all the attention, all the honor he had worked so hard for, was being casually handed to an outsider.
His expression darkened as his gaze locked onto Ling Tianxiao's relaxed figure.
---
The Saintess' Duty
Stepping forward, Liuxian Xue finally spoke, her voice cool yet melodious.
"As per the Sect Master's arrangement, I have been tasked with guiding Young Master Ling during his stay."
Her cold beauty was matched only by her reputation—a Saintess of unparalleled talent, a goddess in the eyes of the sect's disciples. Yet here she was, assigned to accompany an unknown guest.
Tianxiao turned his gaze toward her, golden eyes meeting her ice-blue ones.
A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. A Saintess as my guide? How interesting.
"Then I will be in your care, Lady Liuxian," he said smoothly.
A faint frown appeared on Liuxian Xue's face. Something about this man made her feel a strange sense of danger—not of physical harm, but something far more unpredictable.
"Follow me," she said, turning gracefully.
Tianxiao followed at a leisurely pace, his hands behind his back.
As he walked, his Chaos Forbidden Yin-Yang Body subtly activated, causing the surrounding spiritual energy to ripple.
Liuxian Xue, walking ahead of him, suddenly felt a strange warmth spreading through her veins, her usually calm heart skipping a beat.
She never experienced such a sensation before.
Her steps faltered for a brief moment before she swiftly composed herself.
What is this feeling…?
She did not realize that this was only the beginning.
---
Watching From the Shadows
As the two disappeared into the sect, the elders exchanged silent glances.
One of the Grand Elders murmured, "Sect Master… this Young Master Ling… he is not simple."
Sect Master Guo Tianren narrowed his eyes slightly. "Not only is he not simple, but he is beyond our comprehension."
He had met countless geniuses, prodigies who could shake the heavens.
But Ling Tianxiao…
Even with his cultivation sealed, he felt like an untouchable existence.
The Grand Elder hesitated. "Should we warn the younger generation not to provoke him?"
Guo Tianren exhaled deeply. "Warn them if you wish, but some lessons must be learned the hard way."
He cast a glance toward a certain inner disciple still standing at the entrance—Ye Tian, the so-called genius of the sect.
A storm was brewing.
And Ling Tianxiao stood at the very center of it.
The Azure Sky Sect was vast, stretching across towering mountain ranges covered in mist, with ancient pavilions standing in harmony with nature. Spiritual energy flowed through the air like unseen rivers, nourishing both land and cultivators alike.
At the heart of the sect, Liuxian Xue, the Saintess of the Azure Sky Sect, led Ling Tianxiao through the grand halls, her expression calm but her heart uncharacteristically unsettled.
Why does his presence feel so… unnatural?
The aura around him was restrained, yet every step he took caused the surrounding spiritual energy to react. The air rippled, the very Dao itself seeming to acknowledge him.
---
As they passed through the sect's main courtyard, many disciples couldn't help but steal glances at the pair.
"Is that truly the Saintess guiding him personally?"
"She has never treated anyone with such courtesy before…"
"I heard he comes from an ancient clan… but could he actually be from the Immortal Realm?"
The murmurs continued, but Tianxiao paid them no mind. His golden eyes remained fixed ahead, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.
Let them talk.
However, Liuxian Xue was experiencing something far more troublesome.
Ever since she started walking beside him, she had felt an unnatural warmth spread through her body.
Her normally frigid spiritual energy, which kept her immune to worldly influences, was subtly changing—almost as if something deep within her was awakening.
It wasn't just warmth—it was a feeling of attraction, a strange pull toward the man beside her.
Her flawless face remained impassive, but inwardly, she frowned.
What is happening to me?
---
After a few moments, they arrived at the sect's most luxurious guest residence, a palace-like courtyard reserved for only the most honored visitors.
Liuxian Xue turned to him, her voice as cold as ever.
"This will be your residence during your stay. If you require anything, you may send word to the servants."
Tianxiao chuckled. "You speak as if I am some troublesome guest."
She furrowed her brows slightly. "I am merely fulfilling my duty, Young Master Ling."
Why does he always sound amused?
He took a step closer.
Liuxian Xue, who had never been fazed by any man before, instinctively took half a step back.
The moment she did, her own heart skipped a beat.
Why did I react like that?
Tianxiao's smirk deepened. "Very well, Saintess. I will not trouble you—for now."
Before she could reply, he turned and entered the guest palace, leaving her standing there, strangely frustrated.
---
Meanwhile, in a secluded training ground within the sect, Ye Tian, the so-called prodigy of the younger generation, was furiously cultivating.
His heart burned with resentment.
He had spent years climbing through the ranks, earning respect, proving his talent.
Yet today, all of it felt insignificant before that golden-eyed noble.
He clenched his fists as memories of the morning's scene played in his head—the Sect Master personally greeting that man, the Saintess standing beside him.
Ye Tian had long admired Liuxian Xue, not only for her beauty but for her status as an untouchable goddess of the sect.
She had never looked at any man.
Yet today, she had walked beside that outsider.
"Damn it…" he muttered, spiritual energy crackling around him.
Who the hell does he think he is?
A dark thought entered his mind.
I will show him that the Lower Realm is not a place where he can act as he pleases.
---
Inside his luxurious residence, Tianxiao finally sat down and closed his eyes.
Tianxiao's eyes flickered. His Yin-Yang Body was still developing, but he could already sense its effects.
The moment he had slept with Qing Yue, his Immaculate Body had been formed, purging all impurities.
And now, just by standing near Liuxian Xue, his physique was subtly influencing her.
He smirked.
So that explains her strange reaction.
He could feel the faint stirrings of Dao resonance between them, a sign that his presence alone was triggering something dormant within her.