Li Hua and Li Wei smiled at each other, both excited and slightly nervous about this new chapter in their lives.
With final glances at each other, they went their separate ways, following their respective guides into different parts of the vast sect grounds.
As they walked, Li Hua took in the sect's architecture with quiet appreciation. Stone pathways wound between trees, their branches heavy with spirit essence that made the leaves shimmer in the morning light. Occasionally, they passed other female disciples, some accompanied by their spirit beasts, others carrying scrolls or cultivation materials.
Senior Ming maintained a steady stream of questions as they walked—where had Li Hua trained before? How long had she been cultivating? How did they get past the entrance exams? Li Hua kept her responses polite but brief.
