I ignored the system notification and the crowd's murmurs as the iron gate opened. Kael and I were led deeper into the sect.
The inner sanctum was breathtaking, even more than the outer walls. Floating islands, hovering pagodas, and shimmering waterfalls defied gravity all around us. The air was so thick with Qi that it made me feel light-headed. As usual, my sarcasm kicked in, and I mentally mocked the over-the-top architecture. "Well, somebody's got an ego."
Before I could adjust to my new surroundings, Kael led me—well, flew me—up to the largest floating island.
There, we approached the biggest residence. Two disciples stood at the gate, both young, maybe in their early twenties, dressed in navy blue robes embroidered with intricate silver patterns. Their postures were rigid and serious, like royal guards on high alert. One held a long spear resting casually on his shoulder, while the other had a sword strapped to his waist, the hilt gleaming in the sunlight. Their eyes were sharp, scanning us like wolves hunting prey.
"Let me guess," I whispered to Kael. "They're not rolling out the red carpet?"
Kael smirked, barely glancing at them as we walked past. "You'll see."
The disciples stiffened as we approached. Their eyes flickered over Kael with recognition and a hint of respect. But when they saw me, their gazes widened, clearly taking in my foreign features and, of course, the bright blue eyes that made me stand out like a sore thumb.
"Sir Kael," the one with the spear said, bowing deeply. His voice was dripping with deference. The other disciple quickly followed suit, though his eyes lingered on me for a little too long.
Kael barely nodded. "Is the Sect Master inside?"
"Yes, sir. He's expecting you."
We walked through the grand gate into the inner courtyard, which was lined with ornate stone statues of mythical beasts. In the center, a large fountain gushed crystal-clear water, adding an oddly peaceful note to the otherwise imposing environment. Disciples moved in small groups, practicing sword forms or deep in conversation. But as soon as Kael and I entered, a hush fell over the courtyard.
"Why is everyone staring at you like you're some kind of celebrity?" I whispered, noticing how every pair of eyes followed us as if we were walking circus attractions.
Kael smiled, but it wasn't his usual playful grin. It was something closer to nostalgia. "Let's just say my master's reputation precedes him."
"Great," I muttered. "More mystery."
We approached a massive hall, its tall wooden doors looking like they could withstand a siege. Two more disciples opened them, and we stepped inside. A dozen elders sat on elevated platforms, each in deep purple robes that signified their status.
At the head of the room sat a man with silver hair flowing down his back like a waterfall. His mere presence silenced the hall. His hawk-like eyes settled on Kael first, then shifted to me with a curious, penetrating gaze that made me feel like I was under a microscope.
"Back already, Kael?" The Sect Master's voice was deep and filled with authority. "I thought you'd be gone for at least another few months."
Kael gave a small bow, his usual cocky demeanor softened just a little. "Master, you know how much I miss our sect. Plus, I've brought a friend."
The Sect Master raised an eyebrow. "A friend? You've never brought one of those before."
I grinned, trying to ease the tension. "More like a traveling comedy show, really."
Kael muttered under his breath, "Be quiet, mortal."
The Sect Master's gaze shifted between us, eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke again. "He has colored eyes… interesting. He looks like he has some sort of background. You two, follow me. The enrollment test is in progress, and we might as well assess your friend's talent while we're there."
We were led to a platform where new disciples were being tested for their cultivation talent. A large, glowing stone sat at the center, pulsing with energy, while the elders observed, judging each hopeful.
The Sect Master turned to one of the elders beside him. "Let's begin."
One by one, young men and women stepped forward, placing their hands on the stone. Some barely made it flicker, indicating Grade 1 talent. A few managed to make it glow brighter, signaling Grade 2 talents. The Sect Master sighed occasionally, clearly unimpressed.
"Another batch of mediocre talent," he muttered. "Perhaps the heavens are punishing us."
Kael leaned over, whispering, "He says that every time."
I snorted, struggling to hold in my laughter. "He's really invested in his job, huh?"
Finally, a young man reached Grade 3 talent, and the stone glowed a bright green. There were murmurs of approval, and the Sect Master gave a slight nod. "Finally, A good seed," he said, though his tone finally had enthusiasm.
Kael nudged me. "Everybody is already finished, now it's your turn, Ready to show the world what Grade 0 looks like?"
I sighed, stepping forward. "Not like I have a choice, as I'll ever be to embarrass myself in front of a room full of judgmental cultivators."
I decided to just do it fast as I already knew my talent, The moment I placed my hand on the stone, the room fell into complete silence. I could feel dozens of eyes on me, most of them waiting for me to fail spectacularly.
I closed my eyes briefly and made my wish that I urgently thought of, which will also improve itself.. "I wish for grade 4 talent, but it automatically upgrades to grade 5 in 10 years."
Your wish has been granted..
At first, nothing happened. Then the stone began to glow, slowly at first, but growing brighter and brighter. Gasps filled the hall as the light continued to intensify, surpassing the previous attempts. The stone settled on a vivid blue color, signaling Grade 4 talent.
"Grade 4…" someone whispered.
For the first time, the Sect Master leaned forward, his hawk-like eyes narrowing with disbelief and interest. "Grade 4… That is very, very impressive."
Whispers erupted through the hall, and several disciples stared at me like I had just turned into a celestial being. One group of female disciples seemed particularly interested, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
Kael smirked, whispering, "Woah, Not bad Michael."
The Sect Master's gaze shifted back to Kael. "Who is this talented young man?"
Kael didn't hesitate. "This is Michael, a prince from the Azure Empire of the Western Continent, much like how I'm a prince from the central continent."
A ripple of shock passed through the hall as the disciples whispered furiously.
The Sect Master looked at me with umild amusement. "A prince, indeed? With such rare talent and those blue eyes, it makes sense."
Internally, I was screaming. A prince? Seriously? I shot a look at Kael, but he just shrugged, flashing his trademark grin.
The Sect Master stood, his gaze still locked on me. "Grade 4 talent is rare in this world. With it, you could reach the pinnacle of the mortal realm. But potential means nothing without the will to push your limits."
I nodded, trying to look serious. But inside, my thoughts were racing. No pressure. Just the 'pinnacle of the mortal world' to reach. Totally reasonable.
Kael patted my shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you survive long enough to meet those expectations."
The Sect Master shot him a dry look. "Just don't kill him in the process."
As we moved away from the platform, disciples whispered about me like I was some kind of celebrity. One girl even stepped forward, her eyes gleaming.
"So… you're really a prince?" she asked, smiling brightly.
I glanced at Kael, who shrugged. "Apparently," I muttered. Thanks for that, Kael.
As we walked toward the inn provided by the sect, I groaned internally. This is going to be a nightmare.
Kael laughed, clapping me on the back. "Get used to it. You're under the spotlight now."
"Great," I muttered. "Exactly what I needed."
As we passed through the serene grounds of the sect, I stared at the distant mountains, wondering how my life had spiraled so quickly. From barely surviving in the forest to pretending to be royalty, my life had turned into one giant question mark.
"So," I said, breaking the silence, "When's my first CULTIVATION session?"
Kael grinned mischievously. "Think you'll survive?"
I stared at him. "Survive? Sure. I'm just hoping I don't make a fool of myself."
He chuckled, clapping me on the back. "Don't worry. You'll do fine. Just… don't die."
"Gee, thanks for the encouragement," I muttered, as we made our way to the inn.