As the first rays of dawn pierced the horizon, the Clark Sect disciples, along with the royal heirs and servants, quickly assembled on the Blossomback Elk. The skinny old man, who had revealed a depth of understanding beyond his years, assumed his position at the helm, ready to guide the majestic creature through the clouds.
The Elk ascended gracefully into the sky, its massive form cutting through the cloudy weather with ease. As they soared higher, the old man increased the speed, the urgency clear in his movements. He was determined to reach the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves by evening.
The disciples, initially taken aback by the sudden acceleration, quickly adjusted themselves. They held onto whatever they could - the Elk's flowering mane, the edges of their seats, each other. The wind whipped around them, a constant reminder of their swift journey through the skies.
"Hold on tight! We're not on a leisurely flight," shouted one of the sect elders over the roar of the wind, his voice laced with a mix of exhilaration and caution.
The time went swiftly as the guardian Sun began descending...
As they neared their destination, the atmosphere around them underwent a dramatic transformation. The air became thick with Qi, its density palpable, infusing them with a sense of vitality and power. Below them, a lush pine forest spread out like a green carpet, its trees growing more abundant as they approached the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves.
From above, the disciples could see the fallen skeleton-like structure of the Azure Dragon. The sight was breathtaking – the massive bones forming a natural architectural marvel in a beautiful valley, flanked by mountains covered in dense pine trees. The only access to the caves was through the air, making their approach on the Blossomback Elk the perfect entry.
As they descended, they noticed several groups of young cultivators from different sects already gathered around the caves. A shimmering energy field enveloped the cave entrance, barring access to outsiders. Confusion spread among the Clark Sect disciples.
"Why are there so many disciples from other sects here?" asked a puzzled disciple, scanning the crowd.
Elder Ring, frowning, responded, "This is unexpected. The sect head didn't mention we'd be sharing the training grounds with these many sects."
As they landed, the energy field at the cave's entrance became more apparent. Its translucent barrier stood as a silent guardian, its purpose clear - only a limited number of disciples could train within the Dragon's sanctum.
One of the elder from a neighbouring sect called out, "Only 153 can enter the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves! It's a trial to even get in!"
The Clark Sect elders exchanged worried glances. This new revelation added an unforeseen layer of competition to their training.
"We must strategize," Madam Frost stated firmly, her gaze scanning the gathered disciples. "If entry is limited, then we need to ensure our disciples are among those who gain access."
Eric, standing at the back with his masked face, observed the scene quietly. The challenge before them was clear – not only did they need to navigate the trials within the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves, but they also had to secure their entry in the face of unexpected competition.
As discussions and speculations continued among the disciples, the old man guiding the Elk remained silent, his eyes reflecting a depth of knowledge untold.
The situation at the Azure Dragon Echoing Caves had taken an unexpected turn, and tension was palpable among the disciples of the Clark Sect. Madam Frost, with a steely determination in her eyes, approached the Dany Sect elders who were overseeing the entry to the caves.
She presented them with the letter of invitation from the Dany Sect, expecting some clarification or solution.
"This is an invitation from your sect for training in the Azure Dragon Whispering Caves," she stated firmly.
The Dany Sect elders, a group of haughty and dismissive men, chuckled at her presentation. "Yes, it's an invitation, but not a guarantee of entry," one elder smirked. "Every sect here received one."
Frustration etched on her face, Madam Frost pressed on. "Then how do you propose to accommodate all these disciples from various sects?"
Another elder, reveling in the authority he wielded, responded with a sneer, "Tomorrow morning, we will conduct a bidding. Only the top four sects offering the highest bids will gain entry. The rest will have to leave. Understand, lady?"
Madam Frost's face flushed with anger, but she held her composure. The Dany Sect's influence and power were well-known; they controlled over a hundred Rank 3 sects like the Clark Clan. Open confrontation was not an option.
Returning to her disciples, Madam Frost relayed the disheartening news. The disciples, including Crown Prince Ethan and the princesses, listened in dismay. The reality of their predicament was setting in - they were at the mercy of the Dany Sect's whims.
"This is preposterous," Ethan muttered, his fists clenching in helpless rage. "They're exploiting our need for training."
As they debated over how much to bid, a shadow loomed overhead. A massive turtle-like creature descended gracefully, bearing the banner of their arch-rivals – the Vinci Sect. Madam Frost's expression darkened further at the sight.
The Dany Sect elders, observing from a distance, broke into laughter, clearly amused by the intensifying rivalry on display.
Sen Vinci, the elder of the Vinci Sect, disembarked from the creature with a confident stride. His presence was commanding, and his eyes held a shrewd gleam. He approached the Dany Sect elders, greeted by handshakes and warm smiles, a stark contrast to the cold reception Madam Frost had received.
"Ah, Sen Vinci, always a pleasure to see the Vinci Sect rising to the occasion," one of the Dany elders remarked with a sly grin.
Sen Vinci chuckled, his voice smooth and assured. "We wouldn't miss an opportunity like this. The Azure Dragon Echoing Caves are too valuable a resource for any sect to overlook."
The Dany elder nodded. "Indeed. I trust the Vinci Sect is prepared to make a generous offer?"
"Oh, absolutely," Sen Vinci replied, his eyes glinting with confidence. "We understand the value of what's at stake here. The Vinci Sect always does."
From a distance, the Clark Sect disciples and Madam Frost watched the exchange, a mix of resentment and worry brewing among them. The stakes were high, and the competition for access to the caves had become a game of wealth and influence.
As night fell over the gathering of sects, strategies were discussed in hushed tones. The Clark Sect, along with the others, had to decide on their bid, knowing that the outcome would significantly impact their future in the cultivation world.
_
Note: More chapters on the way... Stay Tuned.
Your's lovingly,
PETERPAN