The climb up the Celestial Mountain was as much a spiritual experience as a physical one. Every thousand steps uncovered fresh marvels: ancient sword-shaped stones protruding from cliff faces, uncommon spiritual plants shining in fissures, and the sporadic sight of disciples honing sword tactics on faraway platforms chiseled into the hillside.
Observing everything with great curiosity, Zhen Lu walked steadily saving his energy. Legendary in his former existence, this mountain was the home of one of the most renowned sword sects in the cultivating world. Experiencing it first hand as a new follower now evoked a strange mix of nostalgia and hope.
Isn't it remarkable? Senior Sister Mo Yu said, observing his focused look. Evaluating rather than teaching, she had kept a professional distance during their three-day trip. Seventeen separate spiritual veins on the Celestial Mountain produce ideal circumstances for sword development.
Zhen said, "I've heard the mountain itself was formed by the founding ancestor of the sect." Is that correct?
Mo Yu's lips curled a little. Ying Chen, the Sword Immortal, did actually change the mountain with one method: the Heaven-Sundering Sword Art. The spiritual paths we are climbing follow the precise direction of his sword qi.
Hao Lu fought to keep his composure ahead of them. Though the spiritual elixir had raised his cultivation base, his foundation still shaky, which made the pressure of the mountain more and more hard to bear. Elder Wei strolled beside him, sometimes offering advice should Hao's pace stumble.
By noon, they arrived at Welcoming Sword Plaza—a huge stone platform stretching from the mountaintop, flanked by nine giant stone swords that looked to pierce the clouds above. Moving purposefully around the square, hundreds of disciples in different colorful robes wove a tapestry of activity against the background of magnificent peaks.
Elder Wei said, "The outer court disciples will meet here." Dusk marks the start of the assignment ceremony.
Bowing politely to the elder members, a young man with a friendly grin came up to their group. Elder Wei, Senior Sister Mo Yu, I have been given responsibility to guide the incoming students.
Elder Wei nodded, "Ah, Yunxiao." These are disciples of the Lu family. Take them to the temporary quarters and go over the fundamental protocols.
The young man bowed once more before facing Zhen and Hao. The Celestial Sword Sect welcomes you. Zhao Yunxiao, inner court disciple of the Azure Sky Peak.
Hao quickly moved forward. Direct descendant of the Lu family's main branch, I am Hao Lu. Learning from older disciples such as yourselves excites me.
Yunxiao remarked, looking to Zhen with interest, "And you have to be Zhen Lu." Senior Sister Mo Yu has told me fascinating things about you.
Mo Yu cut in before more could be said. Yunxiao, make sure they are appropriately ready for the event. I will come back at dusk. She left toward the higher heights without looking back.
Yunxiao guided them to a line of basic stone houses set aside for arriving students. You will remain here till designated to your particular peaks. Comprising nine primary peaks, the Celestial Sword Sect each specializes in various facets of cultivation.
Which mountain is thought to be the most prestigious? Hao asked right away.
Yunxiao answered delicately, "That depends on your viewpoint." The Sword Heart Peak trains the sect's best sword cultivators. Azure Sky Peak emphasizes spiritual practices and adaptability. Thunderblade Peak stresses fighting uses. As they walked, he kept detailing the unique qualities of every peak.
Zhen paid close attention, but his senses were concurrently charting the layout and energy flows of the sect. Even more amazing than records had suggested, the Celestial Sword Sect was a flawless combination of natural formation and ancestral design.
Yunxiao noted as he walked behind Zhen while Hao checked his temporary lodgings, "You appear more concerned about the sect's organization than your possible placement.
Every facet of this location has a goal. "Knowing my role inside the whole, therefore, seems as vital as knowing the whole itself."
Yunxiao's simple grin grew. For a new follower, that's an odd viewpoint. Most are only worried with avenues of progress and distribution of resources. He looked at Zhen again with interest. Senior Sister Mo Yu seldom pays attention to outer court applicants. You must have demonstrated something extraordinary.
"Or maybe something troubling," Zhen said, grinning slightly.
Yunxiao chuckled. A good amount of self-awareness! I believe, Zhen Lu, that we will get along nicely. He spoke more quietly. A word of advice: the assignment ceremony is more than just administrative sorting. Yes, the peak masters will be judging suitability with their peak's ethos as well as potential. Be genuine, yet show your strengths.
Later, as dusk drew near, hundreds of new disciples congregated at Welcoming Sword Plaza. Arranged on a raised platform, nine ornate thrones were each occupied by a peak master—venerable cultivators whose very presence generated noticeable pressure across the plaza.
Yunxiao had detailed the procedure: every new pupil would show their cultivation on the central dais and be chosen by one of the peak masters. Those considered unfit for direct peak assignment would be assigned to the Outer Court General Division for more growth.
Elder Wei stood in front of the gathering. You are today on the edge of actual development. Though potential by itself is meaningless without appropriate development, the Celestial Sword Sect has accepted you depending on possibility. Every summit presents a unique route, but all lead to the same end—mastery of the sword and self.
Disciples were summoned one by one. While some were hastily chosen, others were subjected to thorough interrogation or required to show particular skills. Many were sent to the General Division; despite efforts to be composed, their displeasure showed.
Hao Lu from the Southern Territories.
Hao came up boldly, his formal robes flawless, and his face ideally poised between humility and self-assurance. He showed his level of development and executed a difficult sword maneuver with remarkable accuracy.
Following a little discussion, the Thunderblade Peak master lifted his hand. This pupil will be accepted by the Thunderblade Peak. His background fits our direct fight strategy.
Hao accepted the yellow token of Thunderblade Peak and turned to stand alongside his new sect siblings, contentment clear in his stance as he bowed deeply.
Southern Territories' Zhen Lu.
Zhen saw an odd quiet descend over the platform of peak masters as he proceeded forward. Leaning forward a little, the Sword Heart Peak master, a white-haired lady whose age was undetectable, fixed her eyes sharp.
Following Yunxiao's counsel, Zhen showed his actual cultivation level without fraud or embellishment. He then executed a simple sword maneuver with little modifications showing profound knowledge rather than showy might.
The apex masters traded looks. The master of the Thunderblade scowled. Your approach is weak for fighting use.
The Azure Sky master retorted, "But shows remarkable efficiency." It's rather finely spiritual control.
A sharp voice sliced through the whispers before more conversation could take place. I will accept this disciple.
Senior Sister Mo Yu walked toward the central platform and the throng split. Sword Heart Peak Master allowing, I want to directly supervise this disciple's training.
A collective gasp ran across the crowd. Direct selection by a senior disciple, particularly one of Mo Yu's stature, was practically unheard of.
Sword Heart Peak Master looked at Zhen for a long time before nodding once. Senior Disciple Mo Yu has achieved the privilege to choose hopeful students. Should she find worth in this one, I will respect her decision.
Elder Wei looked briefly uneasy. This is... strange. The procedure for assigning new disciples—
"Can be changed if the situation calls for it," the Sword Heart Master cut in, repeating Mo Yu's prior comments. Hand him the token.
Mo Yu herself gave Zhen a white jade token bearing the Sword Heart Peak emblem—a straightforward sword rising from a stylized heart. At daybreak tomorrow, report to Sword Heart Peak's eastern compound. That is when your actual training starts.
Zhen saw Hao's face darkening with almost suppressed rage as he took the token. Yunxiao, from the sidelines, offered him a shocked but positive nod.
Though the ceremony went on, the quiet talks all around the throng concentrated on the exceptional choice they had just seen. Personally chosen by the Sword Fairy, a newbie from a small family would stoke rumors for months.
Later that evening, while Zhen meditated in his temporary accommodations, a knock at his door exposed Yunxiao carrying a little wooden container.
I thought you might value some reference materials before tomorrow, so he said as he put down the box holding many old scrolls. New students find Sword Heart Peak well known for its difficulty.
Zhen said, really grateful, "Thank you." It's not your kindness.
Yunxiao shrugged his shoulders. I have always believed in my gut feeling regarding others. Something suggests to me that the future of the sect will be important for you. He smiled. Apart from that, anyone who can wow Senior Sister Mo Yu merits some help. For more than ten years, she has turned down personal disciples.
Are you aware of the cause? Zhen inquired, deliberately maintaining a casual tone.
Yunxiao said, his voice dropping even in the room's solitude, "There are rumors." Before entering the sect, they claim she had a mentor in the outside world—a great swordsman who taught her the fundamentals of her style. Apparently, ever since she's been looking for someone with comparable sword essence.
The data confirmed Zhen's concerns. In his past life, he had certainly accepted a great sword genius as his disciple—could this be the same individual, their positions now turned around by destiny?
Zhen accessed the system interface after Yunxiao left:
Location: Welcoming Sword Plaza, Celestial Sword Sect
Current Task: Define stance inside Sword Heart Peak
Bonus Goal: "The Sword Fairy's Recognition" - Finish Reward: +500 Chaos Points, Sword Insight Improvement
New Task Available: "Heart of the Sword" - Within one month, master the first level of Sword Heart Peak's core method.
Zhen shut the interface, looking pensive. Though maybe priceless, the road ahead would be difficult. Mo Yu's attention implied she felt their link, but probably not its kind. This connection could be both protective and difficult.
Zhen stood at his window, looking at the faraway top where he would start his new training the next day as dusk descended over the Celestial Mountain. Sword Heart Peak's white stone reflected the moonlight, shining with an almost magical brightness against the night sky.
Fate's wheels kept turning, bringing him closer to the strength he would require for the forthcoming fights.