The Sacred Candle Sect is said to have been established only within the past 5,000 years—a very recent development in the lifespan of immortals. In the context of such long-lived beings, a sect with this age would be seen as a mere newborn, akin to an infant in human terms.
There are two main ways for a powerful sect, protected by a cultivator in the peak of void refining Realm, to come into existence. These are known as the "top-down" and "ground-up" approaches.
In a top-down formation, a sect in a higher realm or world allocates resources to establish a branch in a smaller world. This is the less common method for powerful sects to expand. However, there are significant limitations to this approach. Smaller worlds often possess natural barriers that restrict the entry of those who have reached the Celestial Ascension Realm or higher. These barriers also detect and repel individuals carrying the aura of higher worlds, making it impossible for a sect from a higher realm to simply conquer or occupy a smaller world without expending enormous resources. Moreover, if such an attempt were made, the forces within higher worlds would likely retaliate to protect their influence over the lower realms. Almost every ruling dynasty or empire in a lower world has strong ties to a higher world; for instance, the Celestial Mountain Empire, a vast and multi-world dynasty, has ancestors residing in realms far beyond the Celestial Ascension level. These ancient ancestors, entrenched in higher realms, would not passively watch another sect invade their domain or harm their affiliates.
Thus, the order in these realms remains well-maintained and strictly hierarchical. Every piece of land and every valuable resource has a defined owner. Should any force act out of turn or fail to respect established powers, it would face immediate suppression from multiple directions.
The second pathway for a sect's formation is a ground-up approach. Here, local forces within a smaller world gradually evolve, without any assistance from higher worlds, and eventually produce a protector in the Peak of Void refining Realm. In fact, the majority of sects in smaller worlds arise this way. Once a ground-up sect cultivates an ancestor at the Celestial Ascension level, it may seek alliances with similar forces in higher worlds. However, fundamentally, most sects in small worlds remain independent for a significant time, while the large dynasties tend to follow the top-down approach.
This disparity exists because dynasties, the dominant forces of the higher worlds, rarely permit sects to expand unchecked. Dynasties may war with each other and foster long-standing rivalries, but they are united in opposing the unchecked spread of sect power, recognizing it as a threat to their own influence.
The Sacred Candle Sect is one of the rare sects established through the top-down approach in this world. A cultivator at the void refining level was sent from the higher realm, leading to the founding of the Sacred Candle Sect's branch. Although the restrictions on individuals bearing higher-world auras are strict, it is not entirely impossible to bypass them. When local forces are cooperative, such as in this case, an arrangement can be made. Evidently, the sect has negotiated agreements with the leaders of the five major dynasties in the region, allowing it to bring in a peak Void Refining Realm cultivator to oversee its operations.
Currently, the Sacred Candle Sect is considered one of the five major sects in this world, though its recent arrival has made it the least influential of the five. Despite its nascent influence, it boasts a considerable number of disciples who hold deep reverence for the sacred candle that defines their sect's identity.
...
Yan Xiaohui, the head disciple of the Sacred Candle Sect, knelt respectfully before the sacred golden candle—a massive artifact, as large as a small mountain, with a small but fierce flame at its summit. Though the flame appeared small, it emitted a powerful, radiant light that illuminated the entire inner court of the sect. This light was unique; it could pass through walls and barriers as if they were mere illusions, unfettered by material obstructions.
Walls would block ordinary light, but the light from the Sacred Candle was no ordinary illumination. It moved freely through solid structures, untouched by conventional limits.
"Head disciple reporting to headquarters," Yan Xiaohui said, bowing deeply. "We are prepared, but I hold concerns regarding our chances of success. I strongly recommend delaying the current plans to ensure a more favorable outcome."
The sacred light atop the candle flickered. Yan Xiaohui noticed the flicker and bowed her head in acknowledgment. "I understand," she murmured softly. She turned and left the chamber without hesitation.
...
The Sacred Candle Temple is a formidable power, recognized as a rank 13 force. Their singular purpose is to spread belief in the sanctity of candles, devoid of any other ideology. From a logical perspective, their mission may seem absurd, yet the sheer strength and resources they wield make it undeniable.
The Temple has infiltrated numerous worlds, conquering and converting entire realms into followers of the sacred candle. Of course, not every endeavor has been successful; while they have seen many victories, they have also faced significant setbacks. Typically, the Sacred Candle Temple limits the resources it dedicates to each world, but this approach is flexible. If the potential rewards are deemed significant enough, the Temple will spare no expense to ensure success.
The "World of Cultivation" is among the most prized targets the Sacred Candle Temple has ever attempted to conquer. This rank 13 world is composed of over 5,000 universal laws. Despite being referred to as a "world," the World of Cultivation is a vast, multi-layered collection of realms—sub-worlds, upper realms, lower domains—more akin to a miniature universe than a single world. Recognizing the immense strategic value of this target, the Temple invested a tremendous amount of resources in establishing the Sacred Candle Sect here, hoping to gradually accumulate local power and influence, with the ultimate aim of overtaking the entire world.
Yan Xiaohui, the sect's head disciple, is not a native of the World of Cultivation. She was sent from the main Sacred Temple after overcoming countless challenges to arrive here. Since then, she has journeyed across numerous sub-worlds, upper realms, and lower domains within the World of Cultivation, establishing connections and laying groundwork in preparation for the day their plans come to fruition.
...
"Master, we have a guest!" a servant approached Yan Xiaohui, bowing respectfully.
"A guest?" Yan Xiaohui raised an eyebrow in surprise. Under normal circumstances, guests would be handled by the elders.
"The Crown Prince of the Celestial Mountain Empire is here, and he has specifically requested your presence," the servant explained.
Yan Xiaohui's expression shifted as she processed this unexpected news. She knew she could not ignore a figure of such importance. Dynasties like the Celestial Mountain Empire were supported by powerful forces in the upper realms; overlooking such a guest could have dire consequences.
"Wait a moment," she said, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Did you say the Celestial Mountain Empire? As far as I know, their emperor hasn't produced an heir. Are you certain this person is who he claims to be?"
"Yes, Master. I have confirmed the authenticity of his badge. He is indeed the Crown Prince of the Celestial Mountain Empire," the servant replied with confidence.
"Interesting," Yan Xiaohui mused, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes. "Lead the way."
...
The servant guided her through the winding corridors of the sect's grand hall. After a short walk, they arrived at the meeting chamber where the Crown Prince awaited.
As Yan Xiaohui stepped into the room, she halted abruptly. The man standing before her emanated a distinct, almost hauntingly familiar aura.
"Rachel! He's connected to her!" Yan Xiaohui's face fell visibly, her expression shifting from surprise to palpable fear. Her complexion paled as she processed the implications. The Sacred Candle Temple had spent immense resources targeting this world, meticulously laying the groundwork to seize control. But if Rachel had connections here, all their careful preparations might be for nothing.
As a powerful rank 14 entity, Rachel's influence was vast, and her strength unfathomable. One breath from her could obliterate an entire universe, let alone a mere rank 13 civilization like the Sacred Candle Temple. The Temple, despite its fearsome reputation, would never dare provoke Rachel—not even inadvertently. Her power was in a different league altogether.
Realizing that the man before her was connected to Rachel, Yan Xiaohui abandoned her initial plan to maintain only a facade of respect. Now, there was no room for mere pretense. Even the Sacred Candle Temple's holiest relic, the revered Eternal Candle at their headquarters, would bow and dim its flame before Rachel, or even one of her representatives. In light of this, Yan Xiaohui knew she had to act carefully, erasing any hint of pride or superiority.
Lowering her gaze, she approached him with measured steps, her posture one of deep respect. "Your Excellency, Crown Prince, welcome to our humble sanctuary," she greeted him, her tone deferential, carefully concealing any indication that she recognized his connection to Rachel. As an agent of the Sacred Candle Temple, Yan Xiaohui had been extensively trained to recognize Rachel's aura, though such perception was rare. However, she feared revealing her knowledge might insult or anger him, particularly if he sought to keep this connection concealed.
Leo regarded her with genuine admiration. "Your reputation as one of the beauties of the world is well-deserved!" he commented. "Today, I've come to visit your sect. Show me around," he ordered casually.
If he had been a mere crown prince of the Celestial Mountain Empire, Yan Xiaohui might have taken offense at his commanding tone. But knowing he bore a connection to Rachel, she felt no irritation—only respect.
"Of course, Your Excellency. It would be my honor. Let us begin by visiting our Sacred Golden Candle," she replied warmly, hiding her nerves.
The Sacred Golden Candle was the heart of each branch of the Sacred Candle Temple, a deeply revered relic that connected all branches of the sect across different worlds. Each Sacred Candle could transmit messages and even channel energy between temples, forging a powerful network across countless realms. Typically, these candles were strictly off-limits to outsiders, their access heavily guarded. However, in Yan Xiaohui's mind, Leo was no ordinary visitor. As someone with a connection to Rachel, he was granted an implicit pass to see anything in the sect.