Wandao 015
The morning mist gradually dispersed, mountain mists sliding down from distant peaks like silk ribbons. Wan Xiaochuan stepped onto the ancient path leading to the outer mountain of the Star Veil Sect. This was the third day after the trial's conclusion. The forest still bore traces of beast blood and lightning scars, not yet fully erased, yet this did not hinder the disciples, who carried both battle fatigue and excitement, from stepping into another realm—the realm of cultivation sects.
Wan Xiaochuan wore a simple blue cloth robe, with a storage pouch braided from cowhide tied at his waist. Inside it rested his Spirit Locust pouch, several low-grade spirit stones, and his Wind-Thunder Sword. His posture was taller and more upright than before, his gaze steady and calm. Though his face still held traces of youthful innocence, there was an added air of adolescent heroism. His steps showed no hurry; each footfall pressed firmly on the blue stone path, as if in sync with the rhythm of heaven and earth.
Halfway up the mountain, a misty expanse suddenly opened—the mountain gate of the Star Veil Sect.
The gate was built of black rock, flanked by azure stone lion beasts about a hundred feet tall, their eyes carved with runes faintly glowing with a pale golden light. Above the gate hung a plaque inscribed with the three characters "Star Veil Sect," written in a flowing, dragon-like script, emitting an invisible pressure.
Outside the gate sat a middle-aged cultivator on a stone block. His gray robe was plain, marked only by a purple star insignia embroidered on his left shoulder. His eyes burned like torches, scanning the crowd as if discerning the depth of their spirit veins.
Wan Xiaochuan and Lin Qixian exchanged a glance, then cupped their hands in respect.
"Two youths from the Niu Pu trial? State your names."
"Disciple Wan Xiaochuan, trial qualified."
"Lin Qixian, my study of alchemy is shallow, I wish to enter for refinement."
The middle-aged cultivator nodded slightly, pulling a pale blue jade token from his bosom and tossing it to Wan Xiaochuan.
"This is your disciple token. You are temporarily assigned to the outer mountain's Cloud Veil Peak. Remember, though the Star Veil Sect is not among the Four Great Immortal Sects, do not be arrogant or impatient. To ascend immortality, one must first cultivate the heart."
Wan Xiaochuan took the token; it was icy cold to the touch, yet he felt a subtle surge of spiritual energy. He inhaled deeply — at this moment, a mortal body finally stepped through the immortal gate.
Lin Qixian was directed towards the "Hundred Herb Valley" at the foot of Alchemy Chamber Mountain, a place dedicated to disciples of alchemy and spirit plants, fitting perfectly with his ambitions.
The two parted ways, each walking along separate paths. As Wan Xiaochuan entered Cloud Veil Peak, the mountains breathed out mist and the rosy clouds stretched across the sky. Several young disciples practiced sword formations in the valley below, one loudly giving commands—it was the current top disciple of Cloud Veil Peak, Xiang Chengdao.
Xiang Chengdao was just over twenty, with sword-shaped eyebrows and bright eyes. Tall and elegant, he wore a white robe embroidered with purple patterns, and his waist hung the "Cloud Shadow Sword." His expression was stern as he directed the disciples' sword formations.
"This formation is the 'Cloud Ring Four Phases.' It requires the wind and thunder spirits to rotate in harmony. Should anyone move out of step, the thunder energy will consume them!"
Wan Xiaochuan paused to observe the formation. The sword energy flowed in circles; any mistake caused electric sparks to flash, causing the onlookers' qi and blood to surge.
Xiang Chengdao noticed Wan Xiaochuan approaching and raised his eyebrows slightly.
"You must be Wan Xiaochuan, the one with the dual Wind-Thunder spirit roots?"
"That is correct," Wan Xiaochuan replied with a respectful bow.
"I see your sword energy is already formed. Show me a demonstration."
Without a word, Wan Xiaochuan drew the Wind-Thunder Sword. The technique "Breeze Shadows · Thunder's First Roar" sprang forth. Before the sword strike landed, the surrounding spiritual energy quivered; a gust of wind swept through the leaves, and hidden lightning flickered like a serpent.
A flash of surprise passed in Xiang Chengdao's eyes before he nodded approvingly.
"Not bad. The Wind-Thunder sword soul indeed possesses spirit. Alas, this is no place for real combat. When the sect holds its next contest, fight me then."
Wan Xiaochuan smiled in agreement.
He understood that the path of cultivation had just begun, and within the sect's walls, intrigue and competition were merciless. Only by proving his heart through the sword could he advance step by step forward.