As Lin Tian joined the other chosen disciples on the Spirit Boat, an exhilarating sense of anticipation washed over him. The Spirit Boat glided smoothly above the landscape, its runic engravings pulsating with a soft glow of spirit energy that propelled it at unimaginable speed.
Gazing out, he saw lush forests and rivers shrinking into the distance, while towering mountains slowly drifted past, cloaked in mist. The journey through the skies felt otherworldly, a glimpse into the life of true cultivators.
After some time, an elder rose from the center of the boat, his long robes flowing like water as he moved. His presence commanded silence, and the crowd's excitement stilled in respectful awe.
"Welcome to the path of the Celestial Blade Pavilion," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Elder Jian, an inner sect elder. You will come to know what it means to belong to one of the few first-rate sects of the Grand Continent."
Lin Tian listened intently as Elder Jian continued, "Crystal River City is but one of countless cities, each filled with aspiring warriors like yourselves. To be chosen is no small feat, for our pavilion spans hundreds of thousands of disciples from cities across the continent.
Yet, of these, only a few rise to the very top. The vast majority remain outer sect disciples, for the trials to reach the inner sect and beyond are rigorous, demanding not only talent but relentless dedication."
A hushed murmur spread among the disciples. The sheer scale of the sect and the number of fellow disciples made the journey ahead seem both exhilarating and daunting.
"As outer sect disciples," Elder Jian continued, "you will earn your place through tasks and contribution points, earning rewards that will support your advancement. This path is challenging but rewarding. Beyond the outer sect lies the inner sect, where disciples who reach high ranks in the Qi Refining Realm train. And above even them, the core disciples—select few who stand at the pinnacle of Spirit Condensation—who receive the sect's best resources, guidance, and protection."
Elder Jian's gaze swept over the group, his eyes sharp. "However, only the exceptional rise to become core disciples. You will start from the very bottom, yet your potential will determine how high you climb."
As the Spirit Boat began its descent, the disciples leaned forward eagerly, and Lin Tian's breath caught at the first sight of the Celestial Blade Pavilion. Towering mountain peaks pierced through swirling clouds, each peak crowned with magnificent buildings and stone towers.
Waterfalls cascaded from cliff faces, their silver streams catching the light, creating a shimmering veil over the sect's lands. Beautifully landscaped gardens, dense with spiritual herbs and ancient trees, surrounded the buildings, while spirit beasts patrolled the grounds, their majestic forms a testament to the pavilion's strength.
Nestled among the mountain peaks, the main hall stood at the highest point—a grand, imposing structure with jade-green tiles and white stone walls adorned with carvings of celestial beasts. The entire scene was alive with energy, as if the mountains themselves had been imbued with spirit Qi, lending a mystical aura that left Lin Tian awestruck.
As the Spirit Boat landed, Elder Jian gestured for the disciples to disembark and guided them to the pavilion gates, where a group of outer sect disciples awaited, each wearing robes marked with the pavilion's emblem. Elder Jian turned back to the new recruits, his expression both proud and stern.
"Before you begin," he said, "know that the Celestial Blade Pavilion has a rich history. It was founded by cultivators from the Central Continent, a place far beyond your experience and imagination. There, cultivators reach heights that the outer cities can barely comprehend. Our sect is affiliated with one of those ancient forces, and that alliance grants us protection, resources, and knowledge of techniques known only to the elite."
The recruits exchanged glances, a new sense of gravity settling over them. To be part of a sect with ties to the Central Continent was an honor few could dream of, and even fewer could achieve.
"From here," Elder Jian continued, "you will go to register with the outer sect deacon. Each of you will be assigned quarters, but remember: outer sect disciples must complete tasks each month to earn contribution points. These points are your lifeline—they allow you to access training resources, skills, and even protective treasures if you prove worthy."
Elder Jian allowed his words to sink in, a faint smile curving his lips as he took in their nervous yet determined faces. "From the inner sect onward, requirements ease, as you will receive monthly salary and only need to perform tasks annually. But the road is arduous. Few make it beyond the outer sect."
The disciples were led past the gates, entering the pavilion grounds. Lin Tian looked around, marveling at the sheer size of the place and the awe-inspiring structures around him. Paths wound through the mountains, connecting the training fields, living quarters, and specialized buildings where different martial arts and cultivation techniques were practiced. Disciples of varying ranks and cultivation levels moved about with purpose, their robes of different colors marking their statuses within the pavilion.
The group arrived at the outer sect registration hall, where the deacon, a stern-looking man, awaited them with scrolls and a ledger. One by one, the new disciples stepped forward to register, receiving tokens and room assignments.
Lin Tian's heart raced with anticipation as he received his own token, engraved with his new rank and a small symbol indicating his affiliation with the Celestial Blade Pavilion. This token, he knew, was both an identifier and a measure of his status within the sect.
As he walked toward his assigned quarters, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The grandeur of the pavilion, the rigorous structure, and the endless potential of his new life in the sect filled him with determination.